A Few of My Favorite (Math) Things

     I've made a decision to pull out the "fun stuff" more this year.  With the focus on Common Core standards and the time spent creating them, I've rather forsaken them in the past few years.  No more!  Kids only get one chance in 5th grade and I want them to have at least pleasant memories while at the same time practicing the skills they need.
     To score as one of my favorite math things, an activity has to be rock-solid in addressing curriculum skills.  I particularly love games and activities that improve number sense.  Winning activities also need to be continually"fresh"; that is, every time students play, it should take them in a new direction.
     One of my favorite activities is the game Contig.  I did a blog post about it last year, but my kids and I love the game so much, I decided I wanted them to be able to play it at home.  I put together a class/home version this summer.  You can get it here.
     Another favorite is the Everyday Math game "Factor Captor".  It really challenges kids to use the factor/divisibility relationship. There's a beginning and an advanced game and you can find it online. 

Kids an do an awful lot of math playing games!

 
      I'll let you know what other favorites make their way back into the classroom this year.  What are some of your favorite things?