Collaborative Math Thinking

So the other day I pulled out a book of daily math problems and this is what I found.

BORING, right? So in the words of Emeril, I decided my smart kids needed me to "Kick it up a notch. BAM!"

Step 1: We discussed the picture as a group. I said, "Give me all your math thinking." They gave ideas that covered counting, comparing more and less, addition, subtraction and more.

Step 2: Students worked with partners to record their math thinking in their journals.

Step 3: I put the kids in mixed-ability groups and assigned jobs such as writer, color and glue person, and moderator.

Of course, this lasted several days...and it covered lots of standards! So proud of my smart kids!