Add Bar Models to Your Direct Instruction!

I liked the engagement that the students had, though it would not keep them there for long. But this is a great math tool that can help with states that have certain requirements they need to meet and can drive points home in a way that students understand them.

Thinking Blocks is not a bells and whistles app but I value the step by step approach and visuals it provides for students as they complete different types of word problems. For many of my students who struggle with word problems it's because they don't know where to start. This app forces them to solve a problem 1 step at a time. It forces them to label a block picture then add bars and finally the corresponding numbers. Only after each of these steps has been completed correctly can students give their answer. I also like the feedback that appears after each step. It supports the math I am already doing with my students. I would like to see a further breakdown of numbers--1-20, 1-50, 1-100, 1-500.

Thinking Blocks is truly required for Common Core and PARCC assessments. It also works great with Singapore Math. Today's math requires students to make visual graphics of math operations and problem solving. Both PARCC assessments and Singapore Math use bar modeling extensively. Thinking Blocks guides students through demo videos and actual step-by-step problem solving. This app is not a gaming app, so it is not action packed for students, however, I am so glad that I found it.