There are many mathematical software programs available to schools and students. I have been lucky enough this year to initiate some action research in my classrooms of two different software programs: First in Math and Reflex Math. First in Math (www.firstinmath.com) was developed by Robert Sun, an entrepreneur born in Shanghai and […]
Mathematics
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics, Middle School, School Improvement
Procedures versus Concepts: A Mathematical Dilemma
There have been a lot of articles lately debating procedural teaching and concepts-based teaching in the classroom. As an elementary school teacher, this topic is of particular interest as mathematical reform models are sweeping through our curriculum. Whether you are a Common Core Standards state or, as in Virginia, simply “aligned” with Common Core, mathematical […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics, Uncategorized
The Mathematical Workshop Model: How Data, Differentiation, and Classroom Management Combine in an Elementary Classroom
We have all heard of various writing workshop models. Students working diligently on various stages of the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, proofreading and publishing. But how can we incorporate similar structures in the math classroom? To some, this may not be new. Various levels of the math workshop model do exist and so I am […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics, Parents, Uncategorized
It Starts at Home: What Parents Can Do to Support Their High School Students in Advanced Mathematics (Part III: It's Cultivated at Home)
In Part 1 of this article series, I suggested helping students to develop a new definition of “smartness” in mathematics. In Part 2, I presented some strategies that parents can implement both at home and with the support of their high schooler’s mathematics teacher. Again, these strategies require little to no advanced mathematical background, put they produce […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics, Parents
It Starts at Home:What Parents Can Do to Support Their High School Students in Advanced Mathematics (Part 2: In and Out-of-School Strategies)
In Part 1 of this article series, I suggested helping students to develop a new definition of “smartness” in mathematics. In Part 2, I will present some strategies that parents can implement both at home and with the support of their high schooler’s mathematics teacher. Again, these strategies require little to no advanced mathematical background, […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
It Starts at Home: How Parents Can Support Their High School Students in Advanced Mathematics (Part 1: Rethinking Smartness)
“I’m always amazed that you are so good at math. I was so bad at it.” “You get the math gene from your father.” My mother has been known to say things of this nature to me when we discuss my career endeavors and future aspirations. Little does she know that she prepped me for success […]