At home math: #2

I was busy in a webinar on a Friday so the computer was teaching my children for me. My son came to get my phone, the returned a minute later asking me what the clock in the picture said. “HURRY! I’m going to lose the battle!” I was focused on my webinar so it took me a few seconds to figure out what was going on.

My class uses the iPads to play “Dreambox” a couple of times each week. That feels like enough screen time to me. I haven’t bothered to use other tech-based games and activities even though I know there are some really good ones out there. Fast forward to March 2020 and everyone was prepared to carry on with their online math games. I can make assignments and track their progress. I can even see where a group of them, or individuals, are struggling and provide videos walking them through what to do. It’s great!

Fast forward to April 2020 and I could see that my own children were no longer subject to the same screen time restrictions normally in place. Thinking that perhaps this was true for my students and that all of us could enjoy some other math activities, I signed up for Prodigy and added my son to my class (my daughter’s class is already signed up on their own.)

Here is what I like about Prodigy:

Kids can find their friends in the game. It’s fun even though they can’t actually chat or anything.

I can give assignments. This week everyone is working on telling time. The questions will still be a mixed bag, but there will be a focus on time.

There are virtual manipulatives available for students to use to help solve problems.

I usually don’t use Prodigy because it’s more game than math, but that’s exactly what appeals to me now. My son will happily play for the duration of my meetings or webinars.

When we return to school I’m not sure Prodigy will be in rotation in room 16. I think I’m going to be even more conscientious about overdoing the screen time, and I really am committed to Dreambox.