I talk a LOT about teaching using the concrete-->representational-->abstract sequence of instruction. Since I'm often involved in remediation, I see the results of kiddos who are rushed to the abstract stage too quickly, so that is a big focus of mine. I think the best way to illustrate what's meant by CRA is with an example. First grade has been working on addition with 3 addends, and this is an activity I developed for them. First, students use teddy bear counters (concrete). Next, they use ten-frames (representational). Finally, they use number cubes with the digits (abstract), not dice with pips.
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I love the CRA stages you talk about in the activities you create! It's so helpful!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Amy
I'd never heard specifically of CRA, but for years I followed the Math Their Way strategy of teaching math and that's exactly what Math Their Way is all about too. Thanks for the freebies!
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
Great idea! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDana
Fun in First Grade
You're welcome, Dana! Thanks for leaving a comment. :)
DeleteGreat idea! So much better than what I have seen in the textbooks.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I think I dream about CRA...ha ha. :)
DeleteThank you! I use a lot of your ideas for math. You need to come to Columbus, Ohio to give a workshop! :)
ReplyDeleteAw, that's sweet, Beth. I'm hoping to get out and about more! :)
DeleteFor the teddy bear counter activity, do you write in the amount of each bear they should get or do they choose them? I noticed it has 4 color choices. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Lorena! :)
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