Jigsaw Groups

Grade 5 G/T Mathematics
Closure - Jigsaw Groups

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

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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.

Questions you could ask:

  1. How are the strategies similar?  Different? 
  2. What is the relationship between _____ (pick a strategy) and ______ (pick a strategy)?  (For example break apart and open number line)
  3. Will your group's strategy still work if _________?  (For example, in the primary example you might start with a problem that involves no regrouping, and then ask this question and give a problem that involves regrouping.  In the intermediate classroom you might start with a 3 x 1 problem and then give a problem that is 3 x 2)
  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?

 

  

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