Math Tool Kits In Use

These are some examples of students using the math tool kits.  As stated in a previous blog, a number is written on the dry erase board and students work in teams to show "that" number.  A variety of methods were used in this lesson.  The students are quite clever using the manipulatives.

This student used coins to show his/her work.

This student color coded paperclips and made it to 128 in different ways including playing cards.

The number 43 was created in a variety of ways by these students.

I try to use a variety of double and triple digit numbers for students.  

The tool kits are a favorite part of each math lesson.  Please feel free to share any methods you are currently using.

Thank you

Sean

Math Tool Kits

Is anybody using tool kits for math? I have been using the kits and the students love the concept!  I stocked my third grade kits with playing cards, plastic coins, sticky-notes, base ten blocks and units, paper clips, dice, tiny erasers and calculators.  I chose these items because the students have access to several counting methods as well as various items to solve a problem.  Each student has a ruler they keep in their desks that they may use at any time. 

Today, I wrote random numbers on my dry erase board and the students had to work with their elbow partner (person next to him/her) to get to “that” number.  They were allowed to use any manipulative as a team.  I was amazed with the creativity. I believe they used every manipulative in the kit at one point or another.   

In addition, my students utilize the kits while solving problems from their daily math review.

What do you have in your math tool kit?  How do you use the kits?  Where do you find the resources?   I got my supplies at discount stores.