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” […]
math
Posted inFeatured, High School, Opinion, Uncategorized
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 […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
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 […]
Posted inElementary School, Featured, Mathematics, Series, The Student Teacher Diaries
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 […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Uncategorized
The Math Wars: Are We Winning or Losing the Battle?
The math wars began in the 1990’s in California. At that time reforms were being made to mathematics curriculum for high school students which focused on moving from concrete instruction to abstract mathematical thinking. Many of the reform programs were being funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the hope that more students would […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Elementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
Elementary Math: One Approach to Differentiation
When I was an elementary student, many years ago, I was a quick learner. I remember sitting in the classroom and looking for ways to challenge myself. I was often reading/working ahead or helping others around me. I was thrilled when I made it into junior high and was able to take upper level math classes. Here, […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
Accessible Math for Elementary Students AND their Parents
I saw a post on Facebook this week about “Common Core Math.” The idea of the post was if you add 4 apples and 5 oranges you will get an orange haired monkey. Sigh! There is not a perfect curriculum and I don’t believe we will ever know the motivation behind the standards, but they are […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics, Opinion, School Improvement
The Importance of Solidifying Basic Math Facts
Each Friday, I run my class through timed math facts tests. I give my kids five minutes to get through 100 facts. I assess my first through sixth graders on addition and subtraction; my third through sixth grade on all the facts of multiplication and division and my first and second graders on each set […]