Bondurant-Farrar Community Schools

Artifact
Artifact Title: Math Games
Portfolio Author: Nicole Bruhn
Date: 2-3-16
Iowa Teaching Standard 4 Uses strategies to deliver instruction that meets the multiple learning needs of students.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Aligns classroom instruction with local standards and district curriculum.

Uses research-based instructional strategies that address the full range of cognitive levels.
Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness in adjusting instruction to meet student needs.
Engages students in varied experiences that meet diverse needs and promote social, emotional, and academic
growth.
e. Connects students prior knowledge, life experiences, and interests in the instructional process.
f. Uses available resources, including technologies, in the delivery of instruction.

I chose this artifact to show:

_____ growth in this standard
__X_ strength and competency in this standard
Evidence to support attainment of this standard:
Description of artifact and how the artifact meets the standard:
This artifact shows ways that I meet student needs with differentiated activities. I use math games frequently in the
classroom. I use these games throughout the year during math workshop, to introduce a skill, in addition to a lesson, and
when the students are finished with their daily work. I am able to easily differentiate for my students by slightly
tweaking a game. While the students are playing a game, I am able to pull a group back that may be struggling with a
concept and work through the game with them. I can also add another element to the game to challenge my students that
fully understand the concept and need to be taken to the next level. Math games also allow the students to work with a
partner or in a group which allows them to practice working together.

Reflection on artifact:
The pictures that I have included show the students playing Equivalent Fraction Trails. Initially, I taught this game
toward the end of the first fraction chapter. The students were finding equivalent fractions, simplifying them, and
tallying up their points. As we learned how to add fractions and mixed numbers I added another element, the students
were then adding the fractions they earned. I have been able to work with each of the groups to ensure that they
understand the concept.
My students seem to really enjoy playing math games in the classroom. Often, they see this as a reward which helps
them stay engaged while working on the concept. In the future, I would like to use more games in other content areas
since my students are so interested in them. This would greatly benefit their learning in all subjects.