Math Applet - Grades K-2

Math Applet - Thinking Blocks K-2

http://www.thinkingblocks.com/

Summary:
Thinking Blocks was developed by teachers as an interactive activity that students could use to work on many different mathematical ideas. Students are able to work on and with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and ratios. Different types of mathematical problems can be practiced, such as part whole and word problems. You are able to compare and contrast the ideas in the practice activity, with one another. When working on a problem, if someone keeps getting stuck or confused, you can watch a video with examples and complete instructions on how to complete the problem. The videos also highlight important information that will help students see exactly what is important in the mathematical problem.

Critique:
Students are able to pick a what exactly they want to work on, a teacher can also provide the student with what they need to work on. The think blocks also allows students to practice at different levels the same activity. I liked how the videos about the problems were shown next to the actual problems, that way a student can still be looking a the problem and watching an example of how it is done at the same exact time. There are also many different mathematical procedures that take place, which makes this applet worth while for teachers and students. There are many different types of mathematical terms and procedures that are taking place through the thinking blocks. As a teacher, you can also create and print out examples that you think up. This can allow teachers to create problems that are created for the intent of actual students, who might need help in a particular mathematical area.