What is Today's Number?
In this routine, the teacher selects a "Number of the Day" and presents it to the students. The students then are asked to create a variety of representation of the number. These could include using concrete items such as ten frames, base ten blocks, counters, etc. It could also include pictorial representations and/or symbolic representations (e.g., 2 + 2 = 4 ... if "Today's Number" were 4).
What is the learning?
Depending on the number selected by the teacher and how the students approach the number, students can be working on key concepts embedded in number sense such as counting, decomposing numbers, number operations and place value.
How do I implement Today's Number?
Initially you may wish to begin this routine as a whole class. You might model using chart paper various ways to represent the number of the day, taking suggestions from students. Once the students become familiar with what is expected, students could work together with a partner, or in small groups. Some teachers have students record the daily number in their math journals, or students could use white boards and dry-erase markers to record their representations. For students who are not yet ready for this stage, concrete materials should be provided. It is very important that after the students have had time to explore creating multiple representations of the number, that the teacher gather the students back as a class.
During this sharing time, the teacher will ask for volunteers to share their representations. Together the class can build a chart for the number. This will allow you, the teacher to track progress over time, as well as provide inspiration for students who can build upon ideas shared by peers.
During this sharing time, the teacher will ask for volunteers to share their representations. Together the class can build a chart for the number. This will allow you, the teacher to track progress over time, as well as provide inspiration for students who can build upon ideas shared by peers.
Supporting websites/videos/blogs:
Here is a great blogpost about how Today's Number unfollowed in one classroom. It is written by Simon Gregg, a Primary teacher in an IB school in France.