Be a Math Expert! {Beginning of the Year Activities}

This packet was designed to help you create a classroom environment where young mathematicians can explore, take risks, and have fun. These activities work wonderfully with the Daily Three program and with Math Workshops/Guided Math.

In this Math Expert packet, you will find: 

• Math Tips for Home Brochure: One common question we get asked from parents is, “What can I be doing at home to help my child with math?” Often times, parents become frustrated with homework because they grew up learning only ONE way to solve a math problem. This brochure offers parents a “snapshot” of the different math strategies taught, a list of good questions to ask their child while completing homework, and a few links to apps/websites. I made this brochure in color and in black/white. I hope this brochure helps to alleviate some of the questions and confusion from parents! 

• Be a Math Expert Story: Moe is a math expert. In the story, Moe shares what it means to be a math expert and offers many helpful math tips. Read the story to your class. Stop and brainstorm what they think it means to be a math expert. Be sure to spend a good chunk of time explaining/discussing each “tip” that Moe shares. You could even blow up the tips at poster size. 

Here is the list of the tips shared in the story:

Try before asking for help.
Be precise! Check your work twice.
Use different strategies to help you solve problems.
Use numbers, words, and pictures to show that you understand how to solve the problem.
Explain your thinking to others and allow others to explain their thinking to you.
Guidelines for Using Math Tools
Be a good partner and team player.
Come prepared and ready to share in small group.

• Math Expert or Not?: Complete this activity as a whole group. Place the “Math Expert” title on one side of your pocket chart/white board and the “Not Yet” title on the other side. Read aloud each scenario to your class. Then, have them turn and talk about whether or not they think each kid is ready to be a math expert or not. Spend ample time discussing why or why not. Have your students act out each scenario too! Hang these cards up all year long. Have a student who needs a few reminders? Direct him/her to this chart! 

Math Posters: You can pick and choose which posters you would like to display in your classroom. You can enlarge these posters so everyone in the room can easily see them. Follow the steps on the next page to enlarge them.

Here are the posters that are included:

• Guided Math Expectations
• Math Talk Discussion Starters
• Math Tool Rules
• Math Tub Expectations
• Solving Word Problems

• Math Expert Booklet: Make a copy of the booklet for each student. Each of the sheets in this math expert book reinforce the importance of making good choices and following classroom expectations. There is a little contract at the end of the booklet for students to sign. 

Here is a list of the pages included in the booklet:

• To me, being a math expert means...
• What a Math Expert Looks Like, Sounds, Like, Feels Like
• This is me being a math expert!
• Math Expert or Not Quite Cut and Paste Sheet
• How to Use Math Tools sheet
• Math Tool Rules Cut and Paste Sheet (what to do/not do)
• Not Quite/Make It Right - Students will read each "not quite" scenario and will have to draw or write how to make it "right."
• What is My Job and My Teacher's Job? 
• Math Expert Contract