Use of Thinking Blocks to Help Solve Math Problems
More and more we are asking students to solve complex math problems. Along the way we do a lot to help them become successful. We incorporate the use of many tools during the math classroom. One of the tools we are using this year in the classroom is called, Thinking Blocks ". This website (there is even a 'free' app for the thinking blocks) poses problems around different types of models. As a warm up before the regular math lesson this week we practiced solving addition and subtraction word problems using the "part whole model with two parts" and the "part whole model with 3 parts". As a group we watch a quick 3 minute tutorial , practice several problems and then break off with a partner. Using chrome books, students access the Thinking Blocks website and begin solving each new problem by first checking for understanding and then manipulating the blocks. Working with a partner also gets the students used to 'talking' about mat...