Math Manipulatives

So we've been learning about CGI Math over the past few weeks, and how it can be integrated with classroom instruction. CGI basically means cognitively guided instruction. It is pretty cool. Students are guided through problem solving strategies by the teacher leading them through different experiences which foster active thinking, listening and comprehension skills. So today, I provided opportunities for the kids to come up with more than just one way to figure out a math problem. I gave them play dough, white boards, and dry erase markers. Paired with another team member, they had to come up with 2 ways to figure out how many bags of chicken Mrs. so and so would need in order to have 54 pounds of chicken for her barbeque provided each bag is sold in 6 lb increments. Doing the activity this way has really heightened engagement also. I usually would leave manipulatives until the Independent Practice section. This time, bringing it in earlier helped the children tremendously. They were able to peer collaborate, get ideas down, problem solve cooperatively and find strategies that worked and which didn't. These are essential college - ready and real world level skills that will take the to the workplace and beyond. Strategically thinking about how to problem solve, makes the student/s more aware of their thinking processes and they are more in tune with how they can adjust to meet the challenge presented.