I recently had a huge clean out at home. It was the kind of clean out that makes a terrible mess before you see any real progress. Anyway, I came across a heap of old Playstation 2 games. I threw them on eBay but they weren’t worth the 99 cents I listed them for. Not wanting to trash them completely and always keen to recycle when I can, I put them aside.
A few days later I thought about using the old DVD covers for simple activities that could be used to teach children at home or in the classroom! The display pockets were too irresistible and would be perfect for children to demonstrate their learning.
Teaching Maths using Recycled DVD Covers
By simply handing a child (or group of children) a mathematical problem and solution written down on separate pieces of paper they could go about matching them using the display pockets. Perfect!
Matching
Here is an example of how you can teach children to match number names to how they can represented, I’ve used buttons. If in a classroom, I’d ask the children to slot the paper into the plastic sleeves to demonstrate their understanding.
Exploring mathematical concepts
Here is an example of a fun way to help children with their understanding of multiplication. You may decide to prepare the activity by slotting in the answers to which they match the problem. Great way for them to reverse their thinking of multiplication. You might remember this outdoor maths activity that used this approach.
This approach could easily be used to explore other mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction and division problems.
2D and 3D Shapes
How about this? Children can match 2 dimensional (2D) and 3 dimensional (3D) shapes with their names. Simply create the cards as shown above and have your children slip the shape or word so they match together.
Worded mathematical problems
Here I have used worded mathematical problems. These types of activities require children to develop their reading and problem solving skills. If in a classroom this would be a great way to promote discussion in small groups.
What I like about this –
- It is supportive for the learner (matching problem and solution)
- It can be made to suit all ages and levels of mathematical understanding
- It can be varied in what it teaches children
- Provides children an opportunity to reflect on their answers and change them
- It uses recycled materials
I hope you have enjoyed reading this post and consider having a go yourself with your own children.
Remember, learning should be enjoyable!
Kate xo
My apologise to all the bloggers who contributed to my ‘Share It Saturday’ linky party. I have had some internet problems that didn’t make posting a collection possible. Please be sure to add your posts to this week and I will try my best to create a collection using a fortnight of content.
Oh, what a wonderful idea. I always have the opposite trouble though, We seem to lose our DVD covers. I know it goes against the idea of ‘recycling’ but maybe I could go and buy some blank ones. This would be a great idea for our upcoming plane ride.
Oh I like your plane ride idea!!! Thanks for your comment Jackie. 🙂
I have to say that the CD covers are genius! Great idea!
I am coming over from Saturday share following you on facebook, twitter and google+ .
Kim This Ole Mom
http://www.thisolemom.com
Thank you so much Kim. I look forward to following you too, although I wish I was better at Twitter than I am. 🙂
Such a great idea Kate, love turning recycling into fun educational activities…truly love the way your mind works!
Thank you so much Jodie. I very much appreciate your comment, especially that I think so highly of you. 🙂