Math Monday!

Have a few spare minutes? Try this for Math Monday!

Math Monday is a brand new link up hosted by Deirdre from A Burst of First!

It's for all things math related and I love it--makes my little math heart happy!!!

Find other ideas using the #mathmonday on {Instagram}.

I like to call this one: The Digit Card Flip. 

Nooo, I'm just kidding. I don't think it really has a name!

:)

Anyways, I want to share with you a simple yet powerful activity for promoting number sense in the elementary classroom! It's one of those activities that you keep in your back pocket, just in case.

You know what I mean?

In the past, my kids kept a big of digit cards (and alphabet cards) in their cubbies, so pulling their cards  out for a few minutes was really easy. We were able to take advantage of those few minutes between specials/subjects/lunch/etc. 

First, distribute a bag of digit cards to all of your kiddos. Free printable {here}.

Order the numbers from least to greatest with the numbers facing up--like on a number line.

Then, call out a random digit, one by one, and the students will flip over that card.

In the example above, the first set of flips may have been 2, 5, 7, 4.

In the second set, the numbers 9, 1, 6, 8, 0 were called.

It seems much too easy at first, 

but what about when all of the cards are turned upside down?!

Your kiddos will have to realllllly think through position and ordering.

Honestly, I was challenged!

The only materials required are digit cards (1-9, 1-10, 1-20, etc.) and your voice.

OR

If you really want to shake it up, use a random number CD!

I love this CD from Ron Brown of Intellitunes (Kelley at Teacher Idea Factory's dad!) and Kim Sutton.

Using the random number CD is great for two main reasons:

1. When someone else is calling out the numbers, you (the classroom teacher) are free to walk around and informally assess your student's ability and understanding. 

Assessment drives instruction, so this is a huge plus.

2. They hear your voice all day, so it's fun for kiddos to hear someone else! Right?!

I love love love Kim Sutton. I had the opportunity to hear her present on open number lines at CAMT this summer, and she is HILARIOUS! The idea for this activity came from her book:

Click the picture to check it out on her website.

So, what do you think? Will you be able to use this?

Do you have any clever name ideas? 

(I can't remember if Kim calls it something specific!)

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Also, be sure to check back later in the week because this month is (was) my bloggy birthday!!!

I have something special up my sleeve...

:)