The public in general, and parents specifically, have been asking why current teachers are using such different methods to teach math. The comment most often heard goes something like this – “Why can’t teachers just teach math the way we learned math?” There are some very good reasons why the teaching of math has to […]
math
Tips for Parents: Change Your Math
I love math! In high school, however, I remember we were asked to show ALL work. There were things I was just doing in my mind that I had never been asked to break down or explain. This was a difficult task, but it made me push myself to understand the process. No longer was […]
Celebrate Super Pi Day!
Saturday, March 14, 2015 is Super Pi Day, a once in 100 year event. Why Super Pi? Most people think of the mathematical Pi as 3.14 because that is what we use in mathematical calculations. Therefore March 14 is referred to as Pi day. This year there are two times during the day where a […]
The Algebra Walk
The understanding of algebra is one of the keys to succeeding in higher level math courses. For this reason we must find a way to help more students become competent in algebra. I have mentioned in previous articles that I taught algebra to 8th graders in an urban middle school. I repeat it here so […]
Dr. Seuss: It's For Big Kids Too
Theodor Seuss Geisel is known in classrooms, libraries and by elementary age children for his fun and crazy books. There is a special language he developed, perfected and used to engage children in reading. From his first book, “And To Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street” to his ever popular “Cat in the Hat” […]
Standardized Testing Failure
First, a bit of history: Standardized tests began in the early 1900s as a way to determine intelligence. Those IQ tests were used to determine whether high school students should be on an academic track or a commercial track. Later they were be used by the military to determine who would be a good candidate for officer […]
Taking The Trouble Out Of Word Problems
Word problems for younger elementary grades can be challenging if kids don’t know how to break them apart. There is a meme about word problems that reads, ‘If you have 4 pencils and I have 7 apples, how many pancakes will fit on the roof? Purple because aliens don’t wear hats.’ This illustrates the probable […]
Student Teaching Diaries: The First Unit
We are well into week three and things in our classroom and working well. If you missed the start of this journey, check out our previous articles on The Educator’s Room. Being a mentor teacher is a letting go of yourself so someone else can learn. I am finding ways to keep myself busy during […]