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Math Backpacks

School-to-home math backpacks are packets of activities students can check out for home use. They can include a variety of games, literature, and activities pertaining to a specific math concept.

PLANNING A BACKPACK
Select a math concept you cover at your grade level and one which you have many resources for. Some topics to consider are:
Numbers (Number words and counting)              Patterns
Addition                                                           Geometry
Subtraction                                                       Shapes
Multiplication                                                   Fractions
Division                                                            Graphing
Capacity                                                           Problem-Solving
Measurement                                                     Area & Perimeter
Time                                                                 Multiple Addends
Money                                                               Data & Probability

BACKPACK CONTENTS
In addition to the games and activities, each backpack should include a brief introduction letter, a list of contents, a book or poem related to the conept, and a journal for parents and students to record their thoughts related to the skill.

RESOURCES
The following are good resources for games, activities, and literature for your packs.

Games:
Games for Math - Peggy Kaye
Investigations   - TERC Publications
Number Corner - The Math Learning Company
Math Their Way - Mary Baratta-Lorton
About Teaching Mathematics: A K-8 Resource - Marilyn Burns
File Folder Games, AIMS activities, & Kid-friendly recipes

Literature and Poems:
http://www.teachingheart.net/sing.html
http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/songspoems.html
http://mathsongs.tripod.com
Math and Literature: Volumes I and II - Marilyn Burns

SUGGESTIONS
A good backpack program enhances the classroom and doesn't hinder the teacher. Consider these things when planning your program.

    1. Have a checkout plan in place. Use a sign-out sheet, a card system, or a parent
          volunteer to maintain the ins and outs of the packs.
     2. Set a specific day of the week for check-out and a specific day for return.
          Students who do not return their pack are not permitted to check-out next week.
     3. Maintain a master list of contents for each pack. This allows you to easily assess
          for missing and damaged items.
     4. Allow students to check out the pack they want. This relieves record keeping
          hassles for you. Maintain a two-week wait period between repeats to allow all a
         chance at favorites.
     5. Consider having parents sign an agreement before sending packs home.
          The agreement should include a replacement plan or fee for missing or damaged
           items.
     6. Although the goal of each pack is to provide hands-on opportunities, keep a folder
          of consummable items with your master list. This way, you can simply pull out a
          new sheet to replace the one used.