Math Mountains

My district began a new math series this past year- and the kiddos are really doing some fantastic things.  The types of problems they are able to solve in 3rd grade is incredible.  I mean really, my kiddos understand how to solve problems with variables.  I even have students who are able to read a story problem such as: 

The dance studio has 3 classes with 10 students in each class.  If all of the students were put into 5 groups, how many students would be in each group? (ok, maybe not the best problem) 

Then, they can take that problem and write an equation to solve it.  Most of their equations without any help end up looking like this:  (3 x 10) / 5 = 6. 

WOW!

Now, don't get me wrong, word problems can still stump them.  But whoever created Math Mountains was brilliant.  All of my learners, including those who really struggle, have success when they use a Math Mountain.  They only have to ask themselves "Do I have a total?" or "Do I only have addends?"  Then, once they answer those questions and fill in the math mountain they know whether or not they need to add, subtract, multiply, or divide.

Obviously they do a little more thinking than that because they need to actually determine what is going on in the problem.  I am just so impressed with this tool!

Here are the anchor charts that are posted in my classroom.  And my favorite part about these is that the kids told me word for word what to write in the middle.

Enjoy!
            

My artwork on the anchor charts reflects my current feelings on the weather. I think I have given up on our weather ever becoming normal again!  While tomorrow we are finally supposed to get up to 60 degrees, it is supposed to snow again Monday and Tuesday.  What's up with that?!?