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ACTIVITIES TO STRENGTHEN CLASSROOM TEACHING

1.	Teaching multiplication in class : Some students who are good in math logics, just need an opportunity to play with numbers and solve word problems.
a)	To teach multiplication using cutouts of circles. Give each one a set of circlese and sheets of paper. Explain that multiplication is simply doing repeated addition and that they will use addition to learn multiplication. Explain by writing 6 x 4 = 24. Then ask them to come with as many ways of multiplying numbers to get a total of 24. Ask them to place the circles instead of writing the numbers.
b)	Ask the students to create multiplication word problems. Ask them to create imaginary names and characters for each number. For e.g. : 9 can be naughty nine and 2 can be fat two. Naughty nine had two fat cakes for his birthday and he shared it with 18 friends.
c)	Music : Multiplication through song and music too. Those with musical ability will be able to grasp faster. A teacher can create her own songs
d)	Art : Students can be asked to draw a picture and showing the multiplication E.g.: A drawing for 4 x 2 could be of a bear holding 4 jars of honey and two baby bears holding eight flowers in their hands.

Another example is also mentioned explaining how one topic could be covered, bringing out all the 8 areas of intelligences as explained previously.

2.	Activity : Teaching the children about Mammals in Danger

a)	You could begin by going to the library or bring books to the class and talk about the topic.
b)	Divide the class in groups and then ask each group to prepare a poster on the information they have gathered.
c)	Ask them to come up with reasons as to how these mammals could be protected.
d)	Ask them to prepare a model to depict the habitat of these animals.
e)	Ask the group to prepare a write up on the topic.
f)	Make a project corner in the class.

This definitely looks to be a much interesting way of learning about the "Mammals in Danger".

When planning a lesson, if the teacher could consider the following questions, it will help in making learning an interesting process.
How do I include the following and to what extend in my lessons :

1.	Numbers, analytical thinking,grouping.
2.	Graphics and colours.
3.	Group work, sharing views and debates.
4.	Reading, writing and verbal expressions as a group and individually.
5.	Music and movement.
6.	Physical games, role play and art craft.

Creating Groups : It is important for the teacher to know sometimes students need to work even in groups, thus different groupings can help in getting everyone to interact better with each other.

1.	Forming groups of students with high, low and average academic ability.
2.	Forming groups of students with different strengths or abilities in a group e.g. verbal, musical, logical etc.
3.	Forming a group that consists of boys and girls in equal numbers.
4.	Forming a group of students strengths and weaknesses in a particular area. Children with a similar level of performance can be put together.

These groupings help us in understanding the peer relationships among the groups, peer preferences, tolerance and acceptance among each other when working together.

When assessing the performance of the gifted children in class, the teacher could use :
1.    An assessment bringing out the strengths, she could describe them.
2.    Mention the performance during a project or assignment.
3.    Observations and class tests.