Marcy Cook Try-A-Tile Activity Packets

Objectives:

  • The relevant indicators from Common Core should be provided first before instruction.

Comments:

  • The packet contains instructions, enough cards for four different centers of 10 two-sided cards each (80 total activities), Recording Sheets and 4 Tracking Sheets (one for each center) so students can keep track of which cards they have completed
  • Each activity card represents a puzzle and the ten tiles represent the puzzle pieces
  • The Try-A-Tile solution is complete when all 10 tiles appear on the activity card, and each individual problem on the card is correct
  • Tiles may be moved for unlimited experimentation until the student is satisfied that each problem is correctly solved
  • The cards in the packet are numbered and progress in difficulty

Implementation:

  • Model solving Try-A-Tile cards with students, using a document camera, with the teacher thinking aloud the process he/she is using to solve the puzzle page
  • Place Try-A-Tile cards in a learning center after process has been modeled
  • Present lessons using Try-A-Tile cards to an entire group, small group, pair of students or an individual

Cautions:

  • Use the word “group” or “rename” as opposed to “borrow” or “carry,” which appear on the activity cards
  • Have students focus on digit value rather than digits when solving puzzle

Suggestions:

  • Laminate the Try-A-Tile cards for lasting durability
  • Use one-inch tiles from a ceramic tile store and a permanent marker to make number tiles, 0-9
  • Prepare centers by organizing Try-A-Tile cards in pocket folders with directions for use pasted on the inside and a choice of two or more cards for the student to select from
  • Consider providing self-checking envelopes with answers to activity cards at centers
  • Duplicate Recording Sheets for students to write their answers on once they have solved the activity card
  • Encourage critical thinking skills and oral discourse with students when using activity cards
  • Discuss with students the thinking process they used to solve the problem, the strategies used and the possibility of different solutions
  • Offer further enrichment by having students create their own Try-A-Tile card for the standards currently being addressed

For Professional Development on the use of Try-A-Tiles please contact one of the following:

  • Teacher Specialist for Advanced Academics