DMiC end of Term 2 Reflection

We have reached the end of the Term 2 and a few of the learners in my group have definitely come long way in terms of their behaviourial and cognitive engagement. Some children are getting better at being able to focus and concentrate for longer periods. I am continuing to work on setting up norms and culture in the classroom for example: "We are here to learn, I want you to try harder, playing with the counters is for another time, you have a job to do here, are you helping/supporting your partner?

We are continuing to solve a problem by:

-talking to each other.

-explain to the group "What the story is telling us?"

-having a conversation with our partner and discussing the method we are going to use to solve the problem.

- listening when someone is sharing.
- repeating and show an understanding what others have said.

- being able to notice that we have different answers, having the confidence to explain/talk about the method/strategy they used to solve the problem.

-being able to agree/disagree and having the confidenece to explain their thinking.

What I have noticed: 

-Some children that have a good knowledge of numbers are starting to make the connections and see the patterns and are therefore able to use this knowledge to solve the problems, for example: if 2+2=4 then 20+20 makes 40.

-Doubles plus one more, for example if :6 and 6 makes 12 then 6 and 7 makes 13-we are just adding one more.

The capable learners are able to understand/comprehend the word problem (I am getting more, I am taking away, I am sharing)  

A few children in the group can count in 2's up to 30, count in 10's to 100 and are using this knowledge to solve problems. 

Challenges:

Children that lack number knowledge are struggling to keep up with the their partner. When given a challenging problem with large numbers they struggle and then they get restless. They end up annoying the others who are working. They play with counters and often miss out on the good learning opportunities that come out of the session. Don suggested that they find/use resources in the classroom to support the with their counting, for example: number line and hundreds chart. I  followed up on this yet once again I find that the engaged learners use it well because they can read, locate and find the numbers they need and the less capable learners need support.

What next:

I need to work on developing a good number knowledge and in order to do this I  probably need to work at the level/ability of these learners- have flexible groupings.  I need to motivate the unable learners and  build their self confidence by creating opportunities where they experience success.
I need to continue working on follow up activities that consolidates the learning after they leave the teachers table.
Work on the language/comprehension when reading the problem. May have to visualise the problem, use counters, more hands on tasks.

Some follow up tasks that children completed on their iPad.