Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Math in My Classroom: Super Bowl Style!

How often do you have volunteer Dads in your classroom?  
One of my mothers told me a couple of years ago that her 
husband would love to come in but that he didn't really 
know how he could help. That same year I had 18 boys 
and 6 girls.  I spent a lot of time wrangling my boys and
 finding ways to keep them engaged!   It dawned on me that 
I needed to find something that my Dads would enjoy and 
feel comfortable with and at the same time would harness 
all of my boys' energy!  I wanted to share what I came up 
with and has since become a huge hit in my classroom:  
Our yearly Super Bowl math centers party! 


Here's how we do math centers Super Bowl style!  
First, I invite all of my Dads to volunteer 
and everyone wears their favorite team jersey!  We make "official" 
student play books for all of the "players" to keep their activities in.  
It has an MVP writing activity inside where students write about their
favorite player and why he/she chose them to be the MVP. 




I choose the Friday afternoon before the big game, decorate
the classroom room with all sorts of football party decorations
from Dollar Tree and the party store.  
I set up football math centers all around the room and
spruce them up with football themed party items
 like snack trays and party favors.
Students then rotate around in any order they like. 
The only rules are that they must be either in the
process of choosing a center or working at one.  
Each table has a basket of football party favors
and students can choose a prize after they've
completed each activity.


It's been a huge hit! My Dads and my kiddos LOVE it!
  
These are the centers we'll be using:

Students "Take a Time Out" and solve elapsed time
word problems.  Next, they'll head over to the concession stand
and practice adding money!


We also practice subtraction with 2, 3, or 4 digit numbers, 
depending on your kiddos' ability level, and measurement.

These centers are super easy to differentiate because students
either turn over cards or roll a die to create numbers to work with. 
They can turn over or roll to create 2, 3 or 4 digit numbers.


We also practice place value football style! 

All of the centers come with title cards 
(which double as table signs for your party) 
direction cards, printable game pieces and recording sheets. 
 My dads really appreciated those direction cards! 

                                           
 If you'd like to throw a Super Bowl math centers party in your 
classroom, you can find these in my TPT Store or TN Shop.


                      I got so excited when found these little goodies 
at Michael's craft store!  I haven't quite decided what
                                     I'm going to make with them yet, but...


Well? What are you waiting for? Head on over to my store
then invite your Dads for a Super Bowl math party!

12 comments:

  1. Wow Linda! This looks amazing! I especially love that associative property center!
    Maribel
    Learning In Wonderland

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  2. Hi Linda,

    What a great idea! I bet these were especially engaging activities. I'll have to check Michael's out for number line activities.

    Mona
    First Grade Schoolhouse

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mona! I bought most of those back in October, but have still seen them recently. You might check your local party store, too. With the big game coming up it hopefully shouldn't be too hard to find.
      Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks, Sarah! I really appreciate that coming from one of the most fun bloggers and designers around! I love your ideas and adorable clip art!

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  4. Soooo cute! What a fun idea! I love everything that you did. What a great way to get the dads involved too :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Khrys! It's always a really fun day and my Dads really appreciate being specially invited!

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  5. What a creative idea! I'm sure it makes the dads feel a little more comfortable in the classroom :) I just love all your stuff! I've been blogging about some activities from you gingerbread unit...hope that's ok!

    Rebecca
    Ladybugs Lounge

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  6. Hi Rebecca! Thanks so much! Of course it's OK! I'm so glad you can use them in your classroom and hope your kiddos are having fun!

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  7. I just love this idea! I also love the fact that all of the centers are available for purchase in one place. I just added the set to my TPT cart. I'm looking forward to having my own Super Bowl Math Party in a couple of weeks. Thanks again!

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  8. What a creative idea. I have had an overload of boys vs girls in my class every year I have taught. The girls are always out-numbered.

    Jennifer
    Darling Little Learners

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