I recently started using card sorts in my eighth grade math classroom. Using card sorts has really had a very positive impact on my students.
Identify patterns
Card sorts require students to look
for overarching patterns, making them great summarizers at the end of a
lesson. I recently had a jigsaw lesson
where students each graphed a different function and then discussed patterns
within the various families of functions.
After students had completed the jigsaw, I set each group up with a card
sort (available here) where students sorted equations into four families:
linear, quadratic, absolute value, and rational. Based on the lesson, they were able to
recognize the characteristics of the equations and then classify the functions.
Jumpstart
Discussion
The card sort was very effective for
jump-starting discussion. Students
consider one card at a time and pick a category. If there was disagreement, they had to defend
their decision with evidence from the characteristics of the equation. In many groups a leader emerged, but I
modeled for students the type of discussion that I wanted to see to ensure all
students were engaged in the activity.
Very impressive results!
Hands-On Learning
Whenever possible, I try to incorporate
hands-on learning activities. There are
countless benefits of engaging students in “doing” activities, as opposed to
“listening” and “seeing” activities. The
process of having to think about each function, make a decision, willingly make
a change if needed, and arrive at an end product is a much more effective
process than having a direct instruction lesson in which I summarize and a
couple of students participate verbally.
How do you use sort cards in your
math class? Do your students enjoy using
them?
Scoop up this Systems of Linear Equations Card Sort...
FREE for my blog readers!
Stop by my TpT store to see all of my other card sort activities!
If you would love a free math resource for your classroom and access to tons of additional creative ideas, subscribe to the Free to Discover blog:
Scoop up this Systems of Linear Equations Card Sort...
FREE for my blog readers!
Stop by my TpT store to see all of my other card sort activities!
If you would love a free math resource for your classroom and access to tons of additional creative ideas, subscribe to the Free to Discover blog:
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