Archive for January, 2015

Posted on January 30, 2015. Filed under: Uncategorized |

A Different Type of Number Talk

There is a different type of number talk which I recently saw on a video by The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics. In this video second grade students are talking about subtraction. I posted the video a few weeks ago. The framework for the discussion is quite interesting. On the board is a template that looks like this:

I think it is very interesting to get students to choose their own numbers and talk about how they  might solve the problem based on those numbers.  I have done it here with fractions.  So students get to decide: 1) if they are going to do it in their head 2) if they are going to use a model 3) if they are going to use a written method.  This type of thinking can be so powerful!

Try it with your students.

Happy Mathing,

Dr. Nicki

Test Savvy Math! Getting Kids Ready All Year Long…

Posted on January 17, 2015. Filed under: Uncategorized |

I am very excited about this book. This is just what we needed. Everyone is constantly concerned about their upcoming state assessments and how to prepare students for them. This book is part of the answer. Test-Savvy Math gives a long-term strategic solution to an ever present dilemma. Through academically rigorous games and ongoing standards based routines, students get “test savvy” all year long.  Look at the  interview that I conducted with Christine King, the author of Test-Savvy Math. The book can be purchased on Amazon.com and Christine is currently offering a PD special deal to my subscribers. Click here for more details.