Integer Fluency

In life, there is always a positive and a negative to everything. But I'm not here to give you a life lesson on that. Wait, that just may be a positive! Anywhoooo! I just wanted to share some of the activities I've used in my classroom to help students practice integer fluency.

Bottle Cap Math

This type of activity can be used to practice many different types of math skills. Practice for integer fluency is one way I use it in my classroom

Step 1: Save enough bottle caps

Step 2: Wash them thoroughly. I placed mine in a lingerie bag and washed them in the dishwasher. Just be sure to lay the bag flat and spread out the bottle caps so that the soap and water can hit all of them.

Step 3: Write out integer  problems and answers on those circle color coding dots. I write problems on one color and answers on another.

Step 4: Adhere problems at the top of the bottle cap and answers on the inside.

Step 5: Find a container to keep them in and tape the directions to the container. One of those powder drink mix containers work great!

Step 6: Let the children “play” and listen to the wonderful conversations and peer tutoring that will occur.         

 

I allow one calculator per team to allow for immediate checking. I also have them write down their problems and answers on a sheet of paper.

Any types of plastic bottle caps can be used! You can use milk jug caps, sports drink caps which are bigger, soda caps and more!  However, I do use all of the same size and color caps for each activity, that way if one falls on the floor students know immediately which set it belongs to.

Here is a free download of the directions I adhere onto the container for this activity. 

Integer Fluency Circles

This is a fun way to practice adding, subtracting or multiplying integers! I have a class set laminated and have students write on them with dry erase markers. You can also use page protectors to do this if a laminating machine is not available.  Nothing like a little friendly classroom competition! Students LOVE to compete. Just give them the operation (adding, subtracting or multiplying) and the number that goes in the center of the circle and it's game time! This set includes different types to choose from, including a blank circle to create your own!

You can read more about these HERE.

Fact or Fib - Addition of Integers
This is a great way to get your students talking about integers! This animated  PowerPoint includes modeling of integers with two color counters and zero pairs to show students how to solve problems involving addition of integers. There are also some examples given at the beginning of the presentation as a review.

1st: Show review slides
2nd: Show first Fact or Fib problem
3rd: Give students think time (no blurting!) and then have them show their answer "Fact or Fib".  The signal I use in my class is "Ready? Set. Show!", they then hold card up to their chest so that only I can see their answer.  If I get 50-50 response, I have them talk to their shoulder partner about what the answer should be.
4th: Click to show the answer and two color counters, zero pairs and the correct answer will appear. Students can discuss further if necessary.
5th: Continue doing to same with the rest of the problems on the PowerPoint.

   

   

Many great opportunities will occur where students can explain to each other or discuss why the answer was a fact or fib.

What is a Fact or Fib? Click HERE to read about it.
Click HERE to see a video preview.
Click HERE to find it at my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.

Integer Spinner Game - Integer Fluency
This is a quick and easy prep activity that is great to use as a math station or math center. Just print, add a paper clip (a.k.a. poor man's spinner) to use as a spinner and play! A student work page is included to hold students accountable for their practice and learning.

Click HERE to see more on this activity.

Exponents with Integers - Matching Card Set

This activity will also make a great math station. It's more hands on in that students have to solve the problem on one card and match it with the answer that is on another card. It keeps them active. A student work page and an answer key is included as well.  

Click HERE to see this activity at my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.

I hope you like the different approaches I use in my classroom to help my students with integer fluency or maybe even inspired you to try different approaches.  Don't get me wrong. Worksheets are okay, however using varying activities will keep students more engaged in learning. 

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a positive day that involves absolutely no negatives whatsoever! 😉