Mathematical Proficiency
Perseverance
I want to spend the next few posts talking about how we develop perseverance in our students. It is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Teach them to stick with it. Teach them to never give up. Cultivate grit. Foster a growth mindset. Plaster it all over your classroom. Show inspirational videos like this! This video is amazing and inspiring and something all our students need to know!
Happy Mathing,
Dr. Nicki
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Subtraction Strategies
Great ideas for teaching subtraction strategies in 2nd and 3rd grade. The actual structure is good for all grades. Notice how she frames the problems on the board, this is a great way to jumpstart mathematical conversations about strategies.
Happy Mathing,
Dr. Nicki
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Writing Multiplication Problems
Here is a great site to get started. Remember that in the CCSS students are suppose to solve and pose word problems! This is in most standards, whether or not your using the CCSS content.
Happy Mathing,
Dr. Nicki
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )4 Must Have Workstations: Problem Solving Part 2
In the word problem station, students should also be writing problems. Remember that reasoning has to do with both contextualizing (numbers to words) and decontextualizing (words to numbers). So, make sure you give the students opportunities to write word problems at least once or twice a week. The research states that it is important to give the students the units along with the numbers.
Must read article: The Answer is 20 Cookies, What’s the question?
See my word problem Pinterest Board for some ideas (anchor charts of Think Math)
Happy Mathing,
Dr. Nicki
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Must have Math Workstations: Math Word Problems (Part 1)
Problem Solving is super important. Students need to have many opportunities to engage with problem solving throughout math workshop. Remember that it is not about the key words but rather the problem types! Here are 5 ideas for the problem solving station.
#1 Do Word Problem Sorts where students have to sort the problems by types
#2 Have students solve problems using templates to scaffold their thinking
#3 Use math mats at all grade levels (students can make up all types of stories from addition/subtraction/multiplication/division/fractions and rations) (also look here under the different calculations for more mats) (and check out my math mats board) (also PROBLEM SOLVING BOOKS – CCSS ALIGNED BY GRADE)
#4 Definitely use CGI Resources (Just google CGI Math)
# 5 Use Math Playground Bar Diagramming Videos and Thinking Blocks Practice
P.S. Be sure to check out my Word Problem Pinterest Board for More ideas
P.S.S. More Great Resources!
Happy Mathing,
Dr. Nicki
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Math Workstations: Component 3 (Standards Based)
Math Workstations should be standards-based. By that I mean that every single one of the stations should be connected with a standard. In the beginning of the year, many of the initial math workstations will be a review of the prior year’s standards. As the year progresses, you will make workstations based on the current grade level. Sometimes, for your expert level students, who may be working above-grade level, you might do a vertical compacting workstation where you put activities from the next set of standards in the learning progression.
Students should be aware of the standards they are working on in the Math Workstation. It should be as clear as day. I recommend that you put the “I can statement” (a student-friendly version of the standard) written right on the portable math workstation or pasted somewhere near that particular workstation. If students know where they are going, they are much more likely to get there!
When you confer with your students, you can talk about where they are on the learning progression, from their point of view and yours:) Christine Mulgrave-King (2010) refers to this a student ownership of their learning (see her work at http://www.ckingeducation.com).
Happy Mathing,
Dr. Nicki
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Math Workstations: Component 1
Math workstations first and foremost are data-driven. Data is collected at many different times throughout the year and in many different forms.
Data Collection Opportunities and Formats:
Beginning of the year Benchmark Data (Beginning of the year data that assesses what children have learned in prior years AND retained).
This is especially important in terms of determining fluency and word problem levels, as well as general knowledge.
Mid-year Benchmark Data (Assesses mid-year learning)
End of the year Benchmark Data (Assess what has been learned during the year)
Pre-Assessment of Upcoming Chapter (Especially important to determine the skills in that particular domain from prior grades…it gives you a starting point and a marker for what you are going to build upon. Also in the pre-assessment you want to check what will be taught in the chapter to see if some students already know it so you can better differentiate the instruction).
Guided Math Notes (What is happening in the guided math group? What have you noticed? What are the areas of strength and the areas of challenge?)
Conference Notes (What are the students personal learning goals? What goals have you set together?)
Chapter Quizzes (In progress monitors)
Entrance/Exit Slips (These give great in the moment information)
Math Thinking Notebook Work (What kind of work is the student doing?)
Math Workstation Artifacts (Recording sheets at math workstations. What does the work show?)
Chapter Assessment (Did the student learn the math taught in the chapter? What is the student’s strengths and challenges?)
You should also have an articulated plan for assessing fluency and word problem levels periodically throughout the year.
Happy Mathing,
Dr. Nicki
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More Math Strategy Resources
Here are two great math strategy posters!
Happy Mathing,
Dr. Nicki
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )1 is not prime! Watch those number rhymes…
1 is an odd number but it is not prime!
Here is a great poster that addresses the misconception!
Happy Mathing,
Dr. Nicki
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Another Great Resource of Ideas about Teaching Multiplication and Division
Happy Mathing,
Dr. Nicki
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