Jigsaw Groups

Kindergarten Mathematics

Closure: Jigsaw Groups

Standards for Mathematical Practices:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

mathematical mindset.jpeg

In this closure activity, students work to become experts on a particular strategy.  (For example in a primary class, one group is the expert on base ten blocks for addition, one group is the expert on break apart/partial sums, one group is the expert on adjusting, and one group is the expert on open number line.  In the intermediate classroom, one group is the expert on base ten blocks for multiplication, one group is the expert for area model, one group is the expert for doubling and halving, and one group is the expert for partial products).  Students start in their expert group to become the expert on their given strategy.  Each member needs to be able to explain their expert strategy.  Then groups are divided up and regrouped so that there is one expert from each expert group in each new group.  Each expert then explains their strategy to their group.  The teacher should facilitate a brief discussion afterwards.

 

Suggestions for Kindergarten:

  • Addition or subtraction expert groups: ten frames, rekenreks, open number lines, pictorial representation

 

Possible Questions for Discussion:

  1. How are the strategies similar?  Different? 
  2. What is the relationship between _____ (pick a strategy) and ______ (pick a strategy)?  (For example rekenrek and ten frame)
  3. Will your group's strategy still work if _________?  
  4. What else would you like to know about another group's strategy?
  5. What is something you know won't work with your strategy?

 

Creative Commons Logo This course content is offered under a CC Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike Links to an external site. license. Content in this course can be considered under this license unless otherwise noted.