We are all learners
Teacher Content Workshop
What do you notice? Math models to show proportional reasoning. Models are integral part of math instruction and learning. They can be used to represent thinking and as a tool for thinking.
The Role of Games in Math Instruction
Games are integral in developing number sense, reasoning, and communication and provide natural student engagement.
Authentic Tasks
How would you estimate the Perimeter of the pool?
What unit would you use? Why?
Why might the estimate be different than the actual measurement?
One on One Conferring with Student
It is best to question, listen, and watch what students are doing so you can meet them where they are in their own understanding.
Hands on Problem Solving Investigation
How many popsicle sticks do you need to build an (n x n ) square grid?
Problem Solving Strategies
- Notice: What do you see?
- Draw a picture, model, or diagram:
- Is there a pattern? Why might it be happening?
- Organize your work (list, chart, table, sequence, label):
- Work backwards:
- Educated guess, check, and revise:
- Solve a simpler problem:
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Project Based Learning - Interdisciplinary ecosystem Study
Our Journey to "Terabithia"
My 4th to 5th grade looped class built a garden and brick path with my father, Green Guerillas, and The Museum of Natural History's help at PS 111. The School had a vacant lot filled with concrete, glass, and drug paraphernalia. My amazing class had two year long integrated multidisciplinary study of ecosystems and gardening in which we turned the dirty lot into a functional school garden and community space.
We named the garden Terabithia after our favorite read a loud by Katherine Paterson because it represented a magical place. My Dad was there through it all ... helping me pick viable brick from a recycling pile on Roosevelt Island, being at school at 5 AM to greet delivery of the huge dump truck load of top soil, helping design the space, and teaching me and the students how to lay the brick. My mom was there by his side talking to the parents and handing out drinks and donuts to the kids.
The kids adored my parents and took to calling them Papa and Ma, many running to hug them whenever they arrived. There is so much to learn from our senior citizens. Our elders are an underutilized resource. The benefits from inter generational relationships are priceless for all improving the sense being connected and belonging. We should look to the Netherlands to see how they are pairing seniors and students.
The garden was used by any class who wanted use it to study, read, write, draw, or relax. In return, they would have to maintain the garden for the week! This project brought the community, the school, the parents, and the teachers together with a common purpose and goal. By far, the Project Based Learning - Garden/Ecosystem Study was the best experience of my teaching career. It served as the foundation of what I believe it means to teach and learn.
We are all learners and teachers and any age!