It's been a busy week...birthday excitement, finishing reading assessments, meetings. In honor of Friday, I am simply going to reflect on 5 great things to say to kids! I'd love to hear some of your favorite things...what makes a difference to your students? 1. "WOW! I am so amazed by your thinking! I never would have thought to do it that way..." 2. "I can see how ... Read the Post
Inventive Strategies in Math
Problem solving is a such a critical part of math instruction in elementary grades. Have you considered how much time you spend letting students work collaboratively and share their math strategies? Check out this easy math lesson idea! A different approach to word problems This is not a new concept for people who are interested in constructivist thinking, but today's "opening ... Read the Post
Explicitly Taught Learning Behaviors and Standards for Mathematical Practice
I know I have written about quite a range of topics since the beginning of this little blog, but recently I have seen a number of blog posts (here included!) about goals/resolutions for the new year. Returning to school in January can be a great time for goal setting--and a great time to revisit some of those "back to school" things we do automatically in the fall. Teaching Students What ... Read the Post
Problem solving does not mean word problems!
So...I was right. Snow Day! So--what do I do in between rounds of shoveling? Make more homemade caramel corn? Wrap presents? Clean a bathroom? So many things to do--and here I sit! The beautiful snow (sure wish you could train it to only fall on the grass!) makes me think of how much fun the kids are going to have at recess tomorrow--then winter ... Read the Post