Thursday, March 10, 2016

Hooray for Arrays

Last week we learned all about arrays in math. Most parents I talked to about the unit had never heard on an array...I mean this is new math people! An array is simply a formation of rows and columns which represents a multiplication sentence. Arrays are really all around us (egg cartons, tile floors, etc).

We made our study of arrays pretty fun, if I do say so myself!
We kicked off the study with a BrainPop Jr. video. Seriously, you turn on a video and they are still and silent, but learning. I then pulled out my old school Milton Bradley flashcards and lots of cheerios and we made arrays!
They were hooked! I put up a fact, they built their array. They learned some basic facts, reinforced a key skill, and got a snack at the end of the lesson!

After our intro lessons, we had a few days of centers all on arrays. These were a huge hit!
First up...Array City!
At Array City, each kiddo picked 5 or 6 "buildings" of construction paper and glued it to black paper. They then picked fact cards and used chalk to draw windows to show the arrays for the facts they selected. They then decorated the night sky and added doors. It's made for a great display in the hall!
Then we also had Hole Punched Arrays.
They had to punch out holes on colored paper to show arrays for specific facts. I thought they'd breeze through this one, but turns out this center also helped us with our fine motor skills...

All in all - very fun ways to learn all about arrays!

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7 thoughts on the matter:

Suza said... {Reply}

very nice work of the childs. Interesting to see.
best regards
susa from germany

Bekah said... {Reply}

1. Not surprisingly, I've never heard of an array. {See aforementioned Bekah-fact that I hate math.}

2. Not surprisingly, you rock as a teacher. {See aforementioned comment on my blog that says that!}

GREAT WORK!!

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said... {Reply}

Your classroom is always bustling with fun activities! I have heard of an array but it's been awhile....Always love your ideas!

Dara @ Not In Jersey said... {Reply}

I love those city arrays!

Kim Cunningham said... {Reply}

Really fun ways to maximize the concept! But you always have fun going on. Very inspiring!

Anita Johnson said... {Reply}

I just learned something!

Christine E-E said... {Reply}

oh... the city arrays are simply amazing! Love them. Do tell your students I love admiring their work from California.
Have to say... I did not know the term "arrays" but new math is beyond the scope of my teaching experience (worked with administrators & agencies for the past 20 years... and I was an itinerant health educator before that!!)