The Limitless Mind
Jo Boaler is a best-selling author, Stanford mathematics professor, brain researcher, and an educator who has the remarkable talent of getting you to think deep to the roots of your teaching pedagogy. I have read some of Boaler's books before- Mathematical Mindsets & Mindset Mathematics 4th Grade- and have really enjoyed them. When I heard that she wrote a new book I knew I needed to get my hands on it. I wanted to get a book study going ...
Read MoreBACON
Need a quick, low prep activity? Bacon, Bacon, Bacon!! Bacon goes with just about everything! Eggs, potatoes, sandwiches, salads, donuts, scallops... pretty much anything. Are you hungry now? This math game has nothing to do with food. This activity is a game to work on mental math... addition of numbers. Kristin has played this game for years, but only recently taught me how to play it. I was planning on showing teachers a few weeks ago at ...
Read MoreWords of Affirmation
Have you ever been having a bad day and someone left you a little note that brought a smile to your face instantly? I am a HUGE note writer. I also have a GREAT appreciation for a handwritten note given to me. I was recently listening to a podcast where the host was talking about love languages. There are 5 love languages. They are: GiftsQuality TimeWords of AffirmationActs of ServicePhysical Touch While some of these are not appropriate as a ...
Read MoreMorning Math Tubs
Morning Math Tubs Take a moment and think about how your students' mornings start in your classroom. If I walked in blindfolded, what would I hear?If I wore ear plugs, what would I see?Are your students excited to come into your classroom?Are your students engaged within the first 5 minutes of the day? Do you have more tardies in your classroom than you'd like?How many of the 8 Mathematical Practices are being hit within the first 30 ...
Read MoreLet's Give Them Something To Talk About
If I'm being honest, when it comes to Math Talks, there's no one right way to do it. I have been doing Math Talks with my classes for almost 10 years now. There's always a direction I'm trying to go with the discussion, but many times the direction changes depending on what the students are saying and asking. Questioning by the teacher is one of the most genuine and personal attributes in teaching. I have focused many of my teaching goals over ...
Read More