Target Number-4GT-2

GRADE 4GT MATHEMATICS ROUTINE

TARGET NUMBER

Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMP): #2, #3

This routine provides the opportunity for students to represent numbers through visual representations, descriptions, expressions, and equations, and supports flexible thinking and fluency with computation.  

DIRECTIONS:

1. Consider having physical tools (counters, base ten blocks, ten-frames, etc.) available for students to use.  Also, have whiteboards or journals so students can draw/record their representations. 
2. The teacher announces a ‘target number’ and writes it on the board/chart paper.
3. The students record as many different representations for the number as they can. They then select and identify their favorite representation.
4. Ideas are shared by students and recorded by the teacher. 
5. Ask the following questions about the representations.

• • How are the representations different?
  • How are the representations connected?
  • Is there a representation that surprises you?
  • How would the representations change for (number) if we changed it to (different number)?

 Things to consider:

• Post Target Number posters around the room for students to reference
• Hang the finished poster in a place where students can add more representations using sticky notes 
• Allow for students to make connections between expressions/representations generated
• Record connections shared (optional)
• Display poster for a day or two and have students record connections in their journals to be shared later in the week

VIDEO:

Routine - Today's Number - Intermediate Links to an external site. on Vimeo Links to an external site..

As you watch the video notice that the teacher reminds the students to record as many representations for the number as they can think of. After giving time, the teacher asks the students to pick their favorite way to share with the class. As a student shares, the teacher records the equations as the student says them and asks them to explain their thinking. The teacher records all equations shared and does not correct their ideas. The students are allowed to share when they disagree with answers given and explain what does not make sense. The teacher then facilitates a discussion of how to change the equation to make the target number. 

SLIDES:

Google Slides - Target Number Links to an external site.

These slides include 26 different target numbers. There are 7 slides with a 3-digit target number, 8 slides for decomposing fractions, and 11 slides for decomposing decimals.