Indiana Mathematics Initiative

[Donna Elliott]

As part of our PL221 plan, we are compiling a binder of helpful hints for math computation, our lowest, results on the ISTEP. I was wondering if anyone had any new ideas for recording student data while playing games other than on the given recording sheets?

Have any new recording sheets been made? Have any of you found new ways to monitor rooms during game time? Or have any of you found new, creative ways to use the games? We would welcome any and all suggestions and ideas that you would be willing to let us borrow

Thanks so much in advance.
Donna

[Julie Rosner Sigmund]

Donna,
First, I am by no means presenting any of this as new - what pressure! Just kidding...I know that I have created some more game recording sheets if there are particular games that you need, email me & let me know jsigmund@pike.k12.in.us.
As far as gathering data in the classroom, many teachers in my district are identifying a few skill areas to observe or a few kids to observe and are using a type of assessment grid. The grid includes student names and the skill being assessed & the teacher makes notes. Many teachers have found this useful, so they can better manage the assessment instead of trying to get to each student every game day.
Also, I know many teachers that will play a quick round or two with the class playing together against the teacher. I would often have the students use dry erase boards to show their part in the game. Then I could check on a group quickly to see how they were doing with a particular skill.
Finally, I would recommend looking at the applied skills section of ISTEP online. For the problem solving section, items that are included under computation include much more than just completing the four operations. When looking at this, many teachers have realized they can add on things like explain or discuss how to find answers when using things like math boxes & these things will help their students on the computation portion of ISTEP.
Hope this helps!
Julie

[Suzan Feuer]

Having game assessment sheets has been a great benefit for me. It allows me to assess my students in other ways besides a written test. To create these sheets I have made charts or recreated game boards to allow the students space to record problems and keep score. If the students are playing games against the computer, while playing they might have a chart to fill out to show me that they can solve the problems that they are given. If you would like to see copies of what I have made (fifth grade level) please feel free to email me at Srfeuer@pike.k12in.us

[Lori Thursby]

Julie, thanks for the tip of using the slates as I play a round against the class. I usually have a student play against me to teach the class how to play a specific game. Sometimes, there are a few students not paying attention as we model, this will really help keep everyone involved as the class learns a new game.

[Jennifer Senkmajer]

I have occasionally had students write a constructed response following a game, explaining their strategy for improving their score, explaining a process, or explaining why their response (in a given round of the game) was a good response. It is not a "quick" assessment, but it does help them improve their skills for communicating in math.

Jennifer

[Marcia Rutell]

Donna, compiling a binder of game assessment sheets is a great idea. As a third grade teacher, how may I secure the game sheets for my grade level? Thanks!

[Crystal Harris]

Julie Pearson, Hammond, was kind enough to share some of her game recording sheets with the Vigo teachers during one of our leadership meetings in Indianapolis. She is a fourth grade teacher. They are an excellent resource!

[Melinda Athey]

I have enlarged and copied some of the Frac Tac Toe gameboards. The students write the appropriate fraction or decimal directly on the square. They turn this in and I can see whether or not the concept is understood. They are really quick to check.

First to 100 sheets of cards can be enlarged and copied also. The students write their variable (x = number rolled). They write a number model and the answer.

Hope this helps!

[John LaMaster]

The Game Recording Sheets from Julie Pearson are now uploaded on the IMI Resources Web Site at
http://www.indiana.edu/~iucme/resources/#gamerecordingsheets
Take a look. The Site has had a face lift so you can hopefully find materials more easily.
_________________
John LaMaster
IMI Web Technology Coordinator

[Kim Dobis]

I am a 2nd grade teacher. Has anyone developed any Game Assessment Sheets or Game Recording Sheets for 2nd grade games that they would be willing to share?

Thanks in advance

Kim Dobis