Day 1:
A little background first (because I didn't snap photos of everything.) I first started off by teaching prime and composite numbers. We made anchor charts and I taught them how to test out a variety of numbers using divisibility tricks and skip counting. I started with prime and composite so we could review it all week while learning about factors and multiples. Here's where it get's fun!
Day 2:
To introduce factors and multiples I gave each student 12 baby m and m's. Their only instructions were to make an array using all 12 pieces of candy.
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| MnM Array |
Then we listed the dimensions up on the board. We came up with 1x12, 2x6, and 3x4. I explained to them that if they could do this, they already knew what factors were! We then moved to the back rug and made an anchor chart. They copied it down in their math notebooks!
Next thing I had them do was to get with their math workshop partners and choose a card that matches their workshop color. This was an easy way to differentiate between learners. I already have my students separated by red, yellow, and green levels for this unit, so the number cards worked with a number I knew was within their abilities. With their partner they had to list all the factors and multiples of the number and check it off with me.
I had them turn their paper over and repeat this with a new number card afterwards. However, to raise the stakes I told them if they were able to complete it the first time correctly they would each get a big sticker! If it took them more than one try they got a little sticker. This was a great motivator that really had them referring back to their notebooks and the anchor chart. It forced them to think a little more before rushing through the assignment or giving me an "I don't get it" right away.
After this, we did a some whiteboard practice together. We talked about students who received the number card 17 or 5 and why it was hard to find factors (reviewing prime vs. composite numbers.) White board practice really helps me to see who's got it and which students and not quite there. I give them a problem, they solve it on their whiteboards and then hold them up. Either me or my "math mentors" go around and check for understanding. Once I felt like we were getting this whole factors and multiples we moved onto an activity!
The factor game! This game is soooo fun!!! We started by playing as a whole class, and my kids were going nuts! We talked a lot about prime and composite numbers during this game as well. Full instructions can be found here.
Day 3:
Today I decided to take a completely different approach to typical math activities. We started with whiteboard practice of prime, composite, factors, and multiples. Then I took an this art idea
and used it to really review what we have been talking about the last few days. I gave each student a number card (differentiated by level) and a piece of drawing paper. There only guidelines were that they had to have their number on their paper with the following information:
1. multiples of my number
2. factors of my number
3. is my number prime or composite
4. A word definition of multiple, factor, prime and composite
I then let them loose and encouraged them to be as creative as possible! Here are a few examples.
This student did a Harry Potter theme! How creative!!!! I love how Voldemort "chops up the product!"
As they finished, they partnered up and played the factor game from yesterday with a buddy. This way no one was sitting around when they were finished, but they also had plenty of time to be creative! They LOVED this activity and it really helped solidify the concepts to have them explain them in words.
I hope this helps in your teaching of prime, composite, factor, and multiples lessons!
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