Bridges Blog Archive for Tip

A recent blog article considered how Bridges uses anchor charts to solidify student thinking. But what's the difference between an anchor chart and any other classroom poster? And how can we maximize their value in a Bridges classroom? Let's consider ten ideas for creating anchor charts:

Visitors to Noelle Clark's third grade classroom were understandably excited to hear a student's mathematical thinking during a game of "Anything But Five," in Unit 2: Session 24. The addends the students spun in the game were 6 + 8 + 9 + 6. The student said, "I know there are fives in all those numbers. I added 5, 5, 5, 5 to make 20. Then I added what was left. 1, 3, 4, 1 to make 9. 20 + 9 = 29."

The second grade Number Corner text asks teachers to prepare a Daily Number Chart using straight pins. In the Number Corner Grade 2 Advice for October, Dennis Adams suggests making a reusable chart:

The following list of links and resources is designed to support Bridges users with planning, prep, and organization as they begin a new school year.

Manipulatives

How do you ensure engagement from all students? On Lesson Cast, you'll find a 2:24 minute video called "Every Student Response Strategies." In it, you'll find pictures and descriptions of several techniques designed to generate responses from every student, including:

First grade Bridges students are preparing to "visit" penguins! If you're a first grade teacher and want a little inspiration, take a peek into some other classrooms...

Blog guest, Alison Fox Mazzola, is a Math Specialist leading her school through the first year of Bridges at St. Matthew's Episcopal Day School in San Mateo, California. Here she reflects on first year implementation in an independent setting. [Photos are from her school.]

Question: How did you first introduce Bridges?