Welcome to our blog. We will be reading Accessible Mathematics: 10 Instructional Shifts That Raise Student Achievement by Steven Leinwand. After reading about each instructional shift, post a comment about what implementing this idea would look like in your classroom. Share your experiences about what works well and what is still a challenge for you. It will be great to be able to learn from each other and to offer support in our efforts. Let's go. . . and let's have some fun, too!
Friday, September 06, 2013
ID 511 Accessible Mathematics
Welcome to our blog. We will be reading Accessible Mathematics: 10 Instructional Shifts That Raise Student Achievement by Steven Leinwand. After reading about each instructional shift, post a comment about what implementing this idea would look like in your classroom. Share your experiences about what works well and what is still a challenge for you. It will be great to be able to learn from each other and to offer support in our efforts. Let's go. . . and let's have some fun, too!
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Chapter 1 really hit home for me. I teach preschool and we are constantly trying and striving for hands on experiences. We fill our classroom with manipulatives, blocks and colorful shapes in hopes of "teaching" math. This is definitely a great first step, but as Accessible Mathematics points out, teachers need to incorporate these on a daily and ongoing basis. I also think early childhood teachers can encourage more opportunities to develop number sense using creative ideas(music and movement, chants and rhymes). I want to explore some of these ideas and utilize graphs and charts more effectively in my classroom. I do believe early childhood teachers have a unique opportunity to change the way children think and approach the subject of mathematics.
ReplyDeleteLiza, I think you're on to something. The earlier we start teaching children math in unique ways, I think the more accepting students will be of the subject. I also agree that manipulatives are a must when teaching math, especially in the younger grades. When students see math in a tangible way it really hits home.
DeleteLiza, I believe that creative ideas can absolutely help the development of number sense in young children. Implementing music, chants, and movements keeps the students engaged in the activities and may improve understanding of material. Early childhood teachers have a way to get young students hooked on the information that they are providing them with in the classroom. The students look up to you as an educator and I believe that is why young childhood teachers have such an impact on students future endeavors.
DeleteAfter reading Accessible Mathematics it made me realize how important implementing different strategies into your classroom to help learn math really is. Reading is a more positive experience for younger students than math is. Implementing the shifts that are discussed in chapter one is a great start for teachers to give their students the best chance to excel in mathematics at a young age. I believe that the most important trait that a teacher could have is the ability to carefully plan and reteach previous class material to reinforce curriculum. Homework assignments should be meaningful and beneficial to the student. When going over the homework the following day the focus should be students understanding and not the right and wrong answers. In my future classes I will be sure to use strategies from topics that students strive in while teaching mathematics. It is our responsibility as educators to provide students with the resources to succeed in all aspects of education.
ReplyDeleteAccessible Mathematics indirectly reinforced the importance of differentiating instruction. Each student shows up to the classroom at different levels of reading readiness. This level depends on many extraneous variables like background experience, knowledge, culture, past education, etc. Reading is more encouraging to children because they can easily see their progress and can read about multiple subjects. With that said, linking real life experiences with the work they are doing in the classroom can help enthusiasm towards work and genuine interest in the topic. Additionally, it is expected of modern day educators to have patience and full understanding of each student as a whole person. This refers to their personality, readiness, academic and social expectations.
ReplyDelete