Math Around us (and in 2nd grade!)

mariabecht
Jan 30, 2018
2 min read

I recently taught a lesson centered on the standard below:

AFS.2.MD.4.10 Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent a data set with up to four categories. Solve simple put-together, take-apart, and compare problems using information presented in a bar graph.

The objective was a follow: Students will be able to accurately make a tally chart to show data and then transfer the data to a picture or bar graph. Students will be able to make a picture or bar graph and analyze the data.

I aimed to have my lesson on graphing connected to the students as Teaching Developmentally Appropriate Mathematics states that “the value of having students actually construct their own graphs is not so much that they learn the techniques, but that they are personally invested”.

In the lesson the students had to use class data from the ways the class goes home to answer the request below:

Hello Mrs.----- and Ms.Becht’s class

I used collaborative learning and mixed ability grouping in this lesson. Managing Diverse Classroom states that collaborative learning can foster positive relationships and have students learn from each other. When students learn and work together, they are being prepared for real life and gaining valuable communication and problem solving skills.

Classrooms That Works states that highly effective classrooms use a wide variety of formats to give instruction. This lesson included both whole group and small groups. I stated the lesson in whole group when I introduced the task and I brought the groups together when I ended the lesson. I had the students make different graphs in groups to give to the director. I provided scaffolding when needed-but want the students to work together and explain their thinking to their peers. An example of student work is below!

I used a checklist to see if the students could answer the following question:

(teacher will ask different questions to the students in their groups)

Which is the way the most students go home?

Which is the way the least students go home?

What is the total amount of students?

The checklist is a quick assessment to see who may need support. I wrote this into my lesson and used the checklist when the students were working. My quick pop in to each group and each child let me know who needs more instruction or enrichment with this unit!