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MS Works - Math - Blocks - PR-II.2.4

Language Arts
Yes

Math
Yes

Description
Students solve math problems using computer blocks generated in the Windows Paint/Paintbrush program.

LessonPlan
Yes

Tech Skills
Using the Tool Box in Windows Paint/Paintbrush

Software
Windows Paint/Paintbrush

EarlyYears
Yes

SubmittedBy
Leslie Gentes

E-mail: lgentes@wsd1.org

Details

I look through math books for sample activities to use and then type them out on paper so that there are several sample problems available. Two sample "block problems" are given in the block.wps file accompanying this lesson. The information is also noted at the bottom of this lesson. I have done this activity with Grade 3 because of their reading and math levels. To download this file, click on this link block.wps.

Students open Windows Paint/Paintbrush and I review how to make blocks using the Rectangle Tool.  Students are given the options of drawing blocks independently or using the Edit/Copy, Edit/Paste function to make all the blocks the same size. Students are instructed to read through all the directions carefully before proceeding and I usually model this strategy when previewing the lesson with them before hand. Students use the Paint Can Tools and the Cutting Tools to change the colors of the blocks and move them to the appropriate place.  When the student feels he has finished a problem they are asked to reread the problem to double check they have satisfied each component and then raise their hand for an adult to mark. 

At the end of class we bring the class together and discuss various strategies used to do the block problems.  Some students will draw all the blocks and keep using the Paint Can to change the colors.  Others will use the Cutting Tools to move the blocks to the correct places.

Lesson Instructions

Using Paint Draw the Blocks

There are seven blocks,

There are six different colors.

The first block is red.

The yellow block is last.

There are two red blocks.

The orange block is next to the blue block.

The green block is in between the orange and the white blocks.

The white block is next to the yellow block.

The third block is blue.

There are six blocks.

There are five colors.

The colors are yellow, red, green, orange, and white.

The first block is white.

The two green blocks are next to each other.

The yellow block is last.

The green block is next to the yellow block.

The red block is in between the orange and the green blocks.

The orange block is second.