jenga math

While killing some time on Pinterest the other day I found an interesting pin on using Jenga in the math classroom.  Craziness in Fifth had a nice post on the topic and GREAT pictures, but I still didn't quite understand exactly how I could use Jenga in my 7th grade math classroom.  So, today I hopped onto Google and started searching exactly what this could look like in my classroom.  That is when I found this little gem!  Lori McCoy posted this wonderful video of EXACTLY how she uses Jenga in the classroom.  I LOVE IT!  I am totally obsessed with the idea of using this in the classroom next year!!! Check out her video below!

So I had this idea...  I was shopping Hollar for the FIRST time last night hoping to find some inexpensive Jenga sets.  Instead, I found pick-up-sticks.  I thought that since they are colored and have similar game rules they might just work!  So, for $2 or $3 a set bought 2 pick-up stick sets to combine with my two Jenga sets to use in my math classroom next year.  I can not wait to introduce these games to my students!

here's to a new placement

Due to a wide variety of things outside of my control, I will be leaving my nontraditional STEM classroom and stepping back into the world of general mathematics.  Starting in the 2017-2018 school year I will be teaching 90 minute periods of Math 7 and Accelerated Math 7.  I am looking forward to developing a new routine/schedule for my day.  Previously I taught 44 minute class periods for both math and then STEM.  Having 90 minutes to complete warm-ups, notes, independent practice, games & activities, and exit tickets is a DREAM!  I am in love with the sample block schedules from MathGiraffe. I plan on taking quite a bit of time this summer to organize my units in such a way to follow her suggested schedules.  (As well as review and adjust my games and activities, create new foldables, and review trinomials.)

I will try to keep you posted on my new adventure into 7th grade mathematics.