This month in math class we are studying measurement. The amount of vocabulary and information to memorize is staggering for a 9 & 10 year old. Most students do well with the pace at which we revisit and learn new material. However, there are many students who are not developmentally ready to memorize the entire customary conversion table. I use two multiple intelligence strategies to solve this problem. The first is through storytelling and the second is through a hands-on manipulation of the units of measurement.
1.) I created a poster that tells the story of "The Land Of Gallon". The Land of Gallon has Four Queens, each Queen has a Prince and a Princess, each Prince and Princess has two Children each. Students love this story. i see them using it all the time.
2.) Students create "Gallon-Bot Man". Capacity is often a tricky concept for kids to remember. Gallon-Bot Man is a fun way for lids to remember how many cups are in a pint, how many pints are in a quart,etc... We use him as a study guide that is pieced together in sections to learn customary conversion of capacity. Big hit with fifth graders. Also, I tie in a writing assignment as well. They must create a character and story to go along with their figure. It helps to personalize the information and make it easier to remember important information.
3 comments:
This is a great idea. I really like the story. It is a simple yet effective way to help students remember all the conversions. It also gives students a visual.
Chrissie, Love this idea. Completely agree with tying in literature. Kids enjoy the books and really helps them retain information. The materials are at their access to revisit. Sounds like they have a creative, fun way learning measurement!
That is such a cute story. I also have brought in the containers and have had children fill a gallon jug only using a cup. to see how many fit. They love the hands on!
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