Today, in class, I put out large containers of base ten blocks to each of five groups. The students predicted how many blocks they thought were in each container. This very simple lesson involved estimating and then letting the groups count to find out how many were in each container.
This is an amazing beginning of the year activity that is very simple. It will give you a great idea of a 4th graders knowledge of numeracy. It is fascinating to watch the different ways student organize the blocks.
A special note: No student I have ever had starts counting the ones blocks first. This is one of the reasons I teach mental math strategies. Students naturally find it easier (adults do as well)! 4th graders need more time just plain counting.
Tomorrow, we will be estimating how many blocks it would take to make a million.
I found this great activity that will lead to a whole class lesson.
reading and writing numbers to a million for 4th grade
In my search for cool 4th grade math activities I also found this great resource. Awesome 4th Grade Math Lesson Plans
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