 a short side note, we had an interesting conversation as we tried to categorize a list of assessments as either formative or summative. For example, we usually think of a test as summative, but as elementary teachers don’t we still use that information to drive instruction? If I give a unit test on addition and subtraction strategies and Johnny makes a 56, won’t I still use that information to continue remediating Johnny? I sure hope so!!
Back on topic…they showed us a video from the Teaching Channel that is well worth the 6 minutes it will take you to watch it. You will need to have a free account with the Teaching Channel to view the video. As you start to watch the video, please do not be deterred by the fact that the teacher is an 8th-grade algebra teacher. I think you will immediately see how you could apply this in an elementary setting.
The daily routine this teacher uses is called My Favorite No. As a warm-up, her students complete one or two review problems on an index card, she collects the cards and sorts them into “yes” and “no” piles (correct and incorrect answers), and then the class analyzes her “favorite no”. I’ve been doing a lot of research on the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice lately, and this routine just screams Practice #3, Construct Viable Arguments and Critique the Reasoning of Others.
One more quick comment before you grab a cold soda and enjoy the video. Notice that the teacher knows the most common mistake that students typically make on the type of problem she has given them on this day, and she has addressed that mistake in her instruction to the point that her students no longer make it. That is critical, but it’s the kind of knowledge that can take time and experience to acquire. Want to fast-track that process (I hear lots of people yelling YES!!!)? The book Math Misconceptions is a fantastic resource for better understanding the most common mistakes that PreK-5 students make on every conceivable type of problem.
This gave me an aha moment, in one part. I have used student work before to demonstrate either something correct or something incorrect, but I always just put the student work up on the overhead. I liked how this teacher rewrote the incorrect work, that way none of the other students could figure out who made the error by looking at the individual handwriting. Why didn’t I think of that before?? Keeps that one student from being publicly embarrassed.
Yes! We all noticed that during the training I was in as well. Everything about how this teacher handles the routine is so respectful and positive.
Love this idea. I will share it with a group of 2nd grade teachers from around our district. We have the best information! Thanks for sharing.
Perfect, Terri!! So glad to hear that you’re sharing it with others.
I would like to see a video of this in action. I get it, but not sure how to execute it.
The video is embedded in the blog post, right above my signature. Are you not seeing that when you view the post?
There is no link to the video above you name???
Sorry, Tracy! It was embedded in the blog post, but must have gone away during the migration from Blogger to WordPress. It’s back now!
Saw it now. Thank you. Trying to break it down to a grade two level.
FANTASTIC video and idea! I think this would be a great strategy to see students’ understanding and fully supports the math practices. Being a second grade teacher I would have my students talk with each other about their thinking to keep the engagement up even more. I am looking forward to sharing this when school starts again!
I used it with my class to help establish expectations for student work during math stations. They were really struggling with the direction of using unifix cubes to so equal amounts on a balance and then moving from CRA accurately. I finally did it as “My favorite no” and it made such a difference. I challenged them to be the teacher and notice what math was correct and what needed to be different. They discussed with partners and shared with the class. LOVE IT!
Thanks for sharing this video. It gives me another great way to engae my students during the Warmup. I also liked that the teacher wrote the problem out.
My pleasure, Daphne! I really like how she adapted a routine that requires expensive technology to a really low-tech one. Teachers are so resourceful!
This is great! It has a wonderful tie-in with Jo Boaler’s EdX math class so many are doing right now. We talk about the value of a flexible mindset and how GOOD it is to make mistakes and learn from them. Mistakes make your brain “grow” by forming new connections. This warm up show the students beyond a shadow of a doubt how valuable and teachable a mistake is. Wonderful!
Sorry, Angie! Please don’t let your husband be mad at me. Ha ha. It was just such a perfect fit with this post/activity.
Thanks so much for sharing. I was just in some math training today with Sandy Atkins (Creating Aha’s) and we were addressing this practice. I can see how this is a great way to help kids with the critiquing of others’ thinking, which I haven’t been truly effective with facilitating in the past. I now have a new technique to try.
Don’t you love starting the year with fresh ideas?
I love this – It is similar to a blog post I read about entrance slips instead of exit slips. Since I have Ipads I was thinking about using Answer pad to do this a few times a week. Thanks for the share!
Right, Roseanne! It could be a Ticket In. I think what’s so powerful about this process, though, is the conversations the kids have in analyzing the mistakes.
I agree! Not just about who got the correct answer but why the wrong answers are wrong and everyone can participate without feeling picked on.
I love this site. I use their videos all the time. This teacher is so thoughtful, considerate and reflective. An inspiration to us all.
Exactly, Jill! The teacher is very impressive. Did you catch how she told the kids to “put your pencil in your pencil slot (spot?)”. Great classroom management skills!
I LOVE IT!! I have already shared it with my colleagues!!
I love this! This takes a bell-ringer to a whole new level and really makes it powerful. Thanks for sharing.
I totally agree! Excellent activity.
This can be done with so many grade levels. Thank you for sharing.
I love this. Especially because it’s something I already do, not every day, but frequently. Of course, I don’t call it “My Favorite No”, but everything else is pretty much the same. I also use these for determining appropriate groups and partners for math for that day.
It’s always nice to have your ideas and practices validated, isn’t it?
Thanks for sharing the video. Now to figure out a way to do something similar with K’s. Often writing down their answers (which keeps the anonymity)is a big challenge for K’s. We do partner shares, etc., but still everyone knows who said what. While I work hard from day one to create a classroom climate where it’s safe to risk and make mistakes, I really like that in the video, no one knew what student did the work.
Maybe it’s something for later in the year with K’s, but I’ll bet that now that you have it in mind, you’ll keep thinking about it until you figure something out! Ha ha.
Just like all the comments before me, thanks so much for sharing. What a great idea, and so positive and non-threatening! I’ll be using this year in my 6th grade class. I also have ipads, I might try to use a google form for the problem..this part I need to work on. Love all the ideas you share!
So excited that this post has everyone thinking of ways to make it work in their room, Deb!
I love this idea! I can see using this at least once a week to change up my DO NOW routine.
I guess the Do Now is your daily warm-up routine? Glad to hear that this will fit so well with it, Cindy!
I love this site, too! This warm up is a great idea, and I plan on implementing it this year. Do you think it would work as an exit ticket and discussion on the following day?
Sure, Mary Kate! That would give you a little more time to look at the responses and plan for which one you want to use.
Thank you for this! We are going into full CCSS implementation this year, so I’m absorbing ideas from all around the blogosphere. This is fantastic.
Full implementation…how exciting! I’m sure you’re finding lots of great ideas!
Inspiring! Will suggest this for a PLC, early in the year if possible.
Thanks Donna. Every time I read your blog I get so EXCITED!
I get excited when I find great stuff to share! Ha ha.
Wow! This is definitely striking a chord with everyone. THANKS so much for sharing. I too had several ahhhh ha moments during this!
Yep, it’s pretty powerful!
What a rich activity in so many ways. I will be sharing this with my staff to encourage use of the math practices. It could easily be adapted to any grade level. Thanks for the share!
Thanks for sharing this great video and also introducing me to the Teaching Channel