Four corners of the room are assigned to a), b), c), and d) (see above). A central spot is designated as a ‘pause’ area. This can be where students are unsure or they may know the answer but are not sure how to explain their thinking. I explain to the students that they are brave if they do not know the answer and stand in the pause area. This reassures students. Later we can revisit the same MoveNprove problem to check students understanding.
I ask the question ‘What is the answer?’ We skip counting in 5’s. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 …... The students are asked to look at the answers and I read the answers out.
a)10, b) 15, c) 30, d) 20
Students are given a slow count to 5. This gives the students’ time to decode, decide on their answer and move to their corner or pause in the middle of the room. As a teacher you can quickly make observations. Students are chosen to defend their answer — “I think it is ……. because”. This allows the rest of the class to agree or disagree and say why.
Mack stood at the c) corner and could defend his answer by saying
I think it is 30 because I can show my fingers on each hand and skip count 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30.
Reegan was unsure so she stayed in the ‘pause’ area. After Mack explained his thinking Reegan could work out the answer. Students were then able to move to the correct corner if they understood how the problem was worked out.
In the senior Year 4 and 5 class we played the MoveNprove game with more difficult questions. Once they had become confident at playing, I asked the students’ to come up with their own MoveNprove questions and answers. I provided them with blank templates. They were enthusiastic to complete their own questions.
4x40=160’. This is more than 95 and 132. 6x40=240 which is more than 235 so the answer must be d)
The MoveNprove rapid retention games are 5-10 minute exercise that get students thinking and moving. For teachers can clearly see where more understanding is needed. For more information Rapid Routines Youtube with Rob Proffitt- White.
Keywords: Rob Proffitt, The Learner First, MoveNprove, rapid retention, Mathematics, decode, decide, defend
My passion is to create a love of learning so my students become ‘lifelong learners’. My focus is the importance of acquiring knowledge so I can keep informed and keep my students up to date with new learning strategies.
I am a local here and enjoy all that Taupō has to offer. I love walking with my husband and dog by the lake or river, having coffee with friends, family gatherings, and gardening. When not in Taupō I enjoy being by the sea at Papamoa.
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