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Integrate Writing and Math With Building

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You know how some students, especially in the first weeks of school, just sigh when you give them writing or math jobs because what they really want to do is play with blocks or lego all day? 
Here’s how I got those students excited to do some writing and math (while still letting them build and use their imaginations.) It’s all about integration!
Use the materials that students LOVE to integrate writing and math with this FREE no prep activity

All you need is ANY building materials and the recording sheet. 

You Can Use:

 *blocks 
*lego 
*cubes 
*playdoh 
*pipe cleaners, 
*pattern blocks 
*beads 
*colored pasta 
*colored paper shapes
*anything!

Integrate math and writing with materials that students already love using - lego and blocks

DIFFERENTIATION

To differentiate, there are several levels. Just choose how complex to make your task:
1. Build something.

2. Draw a picture of it.

3. Count and record how many of each color was used.

4. Add up the total number of blocks and compare it to the original. 

(Because not all colors are represented on the sheet, there are further thinking challenges for more advanced students: 
How many blocks were not on the recording sheet? What color are they?)

5. For the writing task, describe what was made in as much detail as possible. Depending on ability, extend the writing task to include more descriptive language and detail; for example, one student wrote a story about a spaceship he made!

6. More advanced students can fill in the colors and numbers FIRST, then work to create something according to that criteria. A partner is responsible for checking that it’s done properly.
 
Integrate math and writing using materials students already love - hands on blocks and lego

While students work, I used my iPad’s camera (connected wirelessly to my projector) as a traveling document camera.  Projecting images of their creations was a great way to share inspiration!
 
I can challenge the students more as the year goes on, and best of all – no prep at all! Great for assessment, too. Because of the integration, you’re covering a lot of core skills at once, and everyone is engaged!
 
If you’d like to try this with your class, you can download the template for free! Just click below!
 

Build Count and Write FREE

Looking for art integration?

Click the pictures to check it out!
Directed Drawing and Writing prompts to fill your independent literacy center all year.

Colorful Math integrates Math, Art, Writing and Science to create stunning bulletin displays. There are 50 differentiated themes to fill your independent math and literacy centers for the whole year.

Free set of Math Pictures download!

If you’re having trouble finding what you need for math, literacy or clip art, you can grab this handy Clickable Catalogue for everything available in my TPT store – a big time saver! Tuck it away for when you need it!

 Click here to download the clickable resource list to keep for later.

Clickable Resource Catalogue WWT

Click to download this clickable resource list for your files!


Comments

  23. Jamie knefely says

    Please be me, Please be me …. I am saying this over and over. I just started on TpT and this could really help me out. Keeping my fingers crossed and sending a little prayer to the giveaway gods!!!!!!

    Jamie
    teachingtidbit.blogspot.com

    Reply

  114. Gema Perez says

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    [email protected]
    [email protected]

    Reply

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  128. Loved By His Grace says

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    Reply

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