ON TARGET

Rounding to the nearest hundred

To begin this whole-class game, draw across the length of the board a number line with two endpoints and a midpoint. Write one of two consecutive hundreds by each endpoint and then label the midpoint with the number that falls halfway between the two. Select a volunteer to choose one of the hundreds as the target number, write his choice on a piece of scrap paper, and then turn over the paper. Next, have each remaining student, in turn, write a number on the board that falls on the number line, initialing by his number. After each student has recorded a number, direct the volunteer to reveal the target number. Guide every student whose number rounds to the target number to form a line at the board; then erase the numbers on the board. Write three new numbers at the points and repeat the process with only the students in line writing on the board. Play continues in this manner until one student remains. Then he leads the next game.

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THE TREAT SHACK

Plane and solid figures

Have partners brainstorm a list of snacks found at an amusement park or movie theater concession stand. Next, direct the pair to divide a sheet of paper into three columns and label them with the headings shown. Then, in the corresponding columns, have the duo write the name of a snack item, draw and label the plane figure(s) that symbolizes the snack item, and write the name(s) of the solid figure that resembles the snack. Encourage the students to record other snack foods on the chart in a similar manner.

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COOL COMBINATIONS

Problem Solving: Possible outcomes

To prepare, cut three circles (ice cream scoops) in each of four different colors and tape the scoops to the board. Guide students to choose a different flavor for each color to represent. Next, draw eight to ten ice cream cones on the board. Have a student select two different-colored scoops and stack the scoops on top of a cone. Then have the student write on the board the flavor combination represented. Continue in this manner until all possible ice cream scoop color combinations are formed and a list of flavor combinations is written.

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TEAMWORK

Solving multiple-step problems

Students team up for extra problem-solving practice in this small-group activity. To begin, provide each student group with a multiple-step word problem and several different-colored highlighters. Direct the group members to read the problem and determine the different steps involved. Then have the students highlight each step with a different color. Lead the students to work together to solve the problem; then provide time for groups to explain their thinking with the rest of the class.

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GETTING ORGANIZED

Acting it out, making a table to solve

Draw on the board a 5 x 5 table, like the one shown, and label four of the columns with different ordinal numbers. Also place on the floor four pieces of paper, each labeled with a different ordinal number. To complete the activity, invite four students to stand at the front of the room; write each child's name on the table. Replace the underlined names in the clues shown with the names of the students selected and then read each clue aloud. After each clue is read, have the student or students involved stand at the corresponding paper and then use what is known or confirmed to complete a row on the table. Continue in this manner until each child is in the correct position and the table is complete.