Yippee Math!!

So why does Math have such a bad reputation?  We use it daily, it's necessary and can be challenging.  I hated it when parents would excuse their child's lack of effort and interest- to their own lack years earlier.  So sometimes, it takes a while - keep trying!  What better life lesson!

Recently two ventures are bringing Math to the forefront of parents' attention.  And teachers can use this information too.  First is Bedtime Math. (http://bedtimemath.org/)  Designed by a parent in New Jersey, it's a set of math problems for young children to solve before bed.  The topic is the same for each level (presently pre-K-over 2nd grade) but the problems increase in difficulty.  This makes it easy for parents to start with the easiest - stop if it gets difficult, or keep progressing.  Plans are under way to make higher levels.  It's fun, easy and parents could print them out or make a file on their ipad to use while waiting in a restaurant, in the care etc.

The other new Math project is MoMath or the Museum of Mathematics in Madison Square Park in NYC.  (http://momath.org)  A museum of fun, hands-on activities which explore the applications of math for little ones!  It is on my list for a trip to Manhattan.  If kids see how math is used, maybe it will entice them to delve into its offerings!

After all, the USA is 24th, 24th!!! in math standings in the world.  Come on!  What's up with that.  Other countries are expecting more from their students and getting it.  Stop cutting our children off - oh that's hard, that's difficult, I never understood that.  Let them grow mathematically!!  They can do it!

What we know in our hearts, as teachers, is that if we connect with the students they learn more.  We know that if the students feel safe and secure, they are willing to try more.  The foundation that teachers work at establishing those first weeks of school sets the tone for the whole year.  Well, okay, we do have to re-establish it occasionally, like in January after a two week break.  Years ago when I asked students to reflect back on their elementary time before leaving for middle school, I was surprised that a number of them chose as a favorite teacher, a strict disciplinarian.  It became clear, that she made them feel protected.  If others acted out, she would take care of it.  How do you make your students feel safe?

School is ready to begin for another year.  I remember buying new pens, new socks and looking forward to new students!  You may never know the impression you leave on your students.  If you're fortunate enough to teach for many years in the same area,  you may run into past students.  And possibly, if you're lucky, you may hear about the mark you left.  Many years ago I was food shopping and heard "Mrs. Richards!"  "Hi, okay - tell me your name" (as the students have grown up and might have facial hair now!)  "Remember that book we read in your class?"  I always had a book going, so that yearly there were several that I read aloud to the class at the end of the day, when art was cancelled due to no sub or just when we needed a quiet time.  As he shared the title with me, he also said how it was the best book he had ever read!!  I read it aloud - but his memory was that he read it.  How wonderful!  Who would have known that something I viewed as an integral part of teaching, but also a filler, could have such an impact.  I count myself fortunate to have run into the man.  A few years later, I taught his daughter too!

The Time Paradox

  What have you done to help students who are stuck in time?  Those students who say 'I can't do it,'  'I don't remember,'  'Who cares?'  Having just read Zimbardo & Boyd's The Time Paradox offered a few ideas of how to jump start those students who are stuck in the present and help them envision the future.
  1.  Supply them with a toolbox of coping strategies such as breaking tasks into smaller portions, trying, asking for help, recognizing improvement
  2.  Cultivating optimism - share examples of people who have overcome obstacles, post inspiring quotes, provide mentally stimulating exercises, visualize, simulations, affirmations
  3.  Setting goals - in increments, what do you want to achieve?, visualization
  4.  Releasing those endorphins through movement and exercise.
  Try a few of these ideas on students who are stuck.  Give them a vision for the summer break.  Here's the link to a RSA summary of the book.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3oIiH7BLmg

Creativity

What do you do to inspire creativity with your students?  America has a reputation for inventiveness, patents and individuality.  Is it still possible with all the testing pressure that is narrowing the time teachers and students have?  Share you ideas!

"Your Brain on Fiction"

Since I have been promoting more non-fiction exposure for students, particularly in K-8, it was fun to read this article about the role fiction plays in our growth.  Remember all those easy books we read out loud to our children and students!  Some they knew by heart and we did too!  The article cites studies that show the relationship between identifying with fictional characters and the development of empathy, specifically 'theory of mind.'  Seems like a balanced literary diet is called for!

Responsive teaching

Remember that the teacher learns the most - so make the students teach.  Model how they can sit - side by side, facing opposite direction.  One reads and explains and then the other.  Paired students can do this and you can too! Students will love having their turn with you.  This works very effectively with content areas such as Social Studies and Science.