Part Part Whole Fun {Freebie Alert!}

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We've spent the past two weeks using the part-part-whole model. For those of you who use enVisions, that would be Topic 1.

This topic teaches lots of vocabulary (part, join, whole, separate, and so forth).  We also get to talk about what I call "secret magical math words." Those words that tell us when we need to add or subtract to find an answer (i.e. "How many in all?"  "How many fewer?" etc).  Finally, we get to use a fun voice when we refer to "The Big Guy in the Sky" (the whole). 

In my quest to make all things fun and hands on, I created some materials for my students to review for our test today.  First, I made some colorful workmats.  I gave each student a handful of counters and some mini post it notes.  I told them a math story and they were tasked with making a model of the story on their mat.  I just made the stories up on the spot. They used the counters to represent the parts and the post it to write the whole (using a crayon). 

They loved this, and for some, it proved to be trickier than they thought (they had to listen, and we're still working on that skill!!).

After we practiced building our models, I paired the students up and gave them a baggie of part-part-whole puzzles.   The puzzle sets included some part-part-whole models as well as some number sentences.  Their job was to work together to match each number sentence to its model.  

Please excuse the dried grass all over the floor.  It's an epidemic on campus right now.


They did really well with this and enjoyed it!  I had them record their number sentences when they finished matching up their cards.  No only does it hold them accountable, but it also helps the linguistic learners out there.  Some of us need to write things down for reinforcement; trust me, I know firsthand.

Even if you don't use the enVision Math series, this model might be useful to you.  And, I don't know, maybe other series out there use it too.  It can be a useful aid with addition and subtraction (putting together, taking apart, and comparing-CCSS 2.OA.1).

If you are familiar with this model and you're looking for some hands on goodness, then look no further!  Here's a freebie for you!  Simply click {HERE} to get your free copy via Google Docs.  If you're visiting my blog, please consider following so you'll never miss out on any of my freebies.

I'd love to hear what you think!
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