Teaching Ideas

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Fast Finisher

Submitted by Ona (06-11-2012)

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Here's a great fast finisher activity I tweaked, inspired by SBS's game show Letters and Numbers:

When the accomplished students finish their math work and you are waiting for others to finish without disruption, you can play the following calculator game, (we call it "Bullseye"). It is fun and helps reinforce number facts and operations.

GOAL:
In essence students must reach a target number using set number of operations on a calculator. For example, students have exactly 5 calculator operations (+, -, x, /) to reach the number 551.

DIFFERENTIATION:
This activity can be differentiated in a number of ways, to cater to varying grade levels and abilities.
-TARGET NUMBER: You can either use an online random number generator or come up with a target number yourself. Alter it according to students' knowledge of place value.
-NUMBER OF OPERATIONS: Have lower ability/younger students use fewer operations (i.e. only 3 operations as opposed to 5) Raise the set number as abilities solidify.
-GIVE SET NUMBERS TO REACH TARGET: Lay out a set number of numbers that must be used to reach target. These can either be randomly generated or thought up. Student closest to target wins.
(for example: using numbers 10, 5, 2, 3 and 25 reach the set target number of 551)

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What others are saying...

Jane (21-07-2012)

Ona. This tip is brilliant. As a relief teacher these sorts of ideas can add so much to the smooth running of the day. Thank You.


Vivienne (18-07-2012)

This is a really good idea. And one that can be built on. I am looking forward to using this next week. Thanks

Vivienne
Australia


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