2. Ten Ways to Strengthen the Mathematics in Your Classroom I
am a first grade teacher who had the privilege of collaborating
with other first grade teachers to develop and write the new math
curriculum for the University City School District. This journey
included reading the Best Practice books and researching the latest
trends in teaching mathematics. The objective is to understand the
ways that teachers can strengthen the mathematics in their
classroom. I have listed ten strategies that have helped me improve
as a mathematics teacher. Presentation Movement Directions: 10 Ways
to Strengthen the Mathematics in Your Classroom Click on the blue
start button to view the first strategy. This presentation was
designed to move from 1-10 in sequence. After viewing the
information found on the slide click the page to view introduction
for next page or click the arrow and it will return you to the menu
where you can click on the next number /slide. This format will
continue until you have viewed all the slides. When you end on a
web page, just close the web page and you will return to the
presentation. Enjoy your journey, and I hope you find the
information valuable.
3. 1 Create a mathematics environment 2 Plan to connect with
parent about mathematics 3 Research mathematics websites for
students 4 Supply mathematics manipulatives 5 Have students explain
their thinking in mathematics 6 Seek opportunities for professional
growth in mathematics 7 Encourage collaboration around problem
solving in mathematics 8 Integrate mathematics in all subjects 9
Model teacher authentic thinking in mathematics 10 Share your
success in mathematics
4. Create a Mathematics Environment Suggestions: Build a
seasonal mathematic theme bulletin board List careers in
mathematics Post a real-world mathematical problem of the day or
week Monthly Show and Tell in Mathematics Fill your classroom with
examples of mathematics being used in the real world. Estimate how
many jelly beans are in the jar?
5. Connect with parents: provide monthly newsletters about
current mathematical topics and vocabulary. host a parent night to
introduce mathematical curriculum
6. Research Mathematics Websites for Students There are several
research- based mathematical websites for students to use at school
and home. Click on the links to view the websites and their
contents. http://www.discoveryeducation.com Probes and
Interventions http://www.mathmagician.org Math fluency
http://www.ABCYA.com Learning math games http://www.xtramath.com
Learning math games http://www.coolmath4kids.com Learning math
games http://www.IXL.com Learning math games
7. Teacher Should: Take an inventory of materials to make a
student set of manipulatives Organize your manipulatives according
to your mathematic topics Model proper use of the manipulatives
Students Should: Follow expectations for taking care of
manipulatives Explore manipulatives for proper use Turn-and talk
about what they learned from modeling
8. Have Students Explain their Thinking in Mathematics Use
Rigorous Questioning Explain your thinking? Why do you think that?
Why? How? What strategy did you use? Check for Understanding IATs
Use non verbal informal assessment techniques: Empire one student
answers the question; the other students agree or disagree with
non-verbal cues. Thumbs Up- students use thumb in up position for
agreeing, down position for disagreeing, and side- to-side for I
dont know. Dry Erase boards students answer using dry erase
boards.
9. Seek Opportunities for Professional Growth in Mathematics
Suggested Reading: Better Learning Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey A
Framework for the Gradual Release of Responsibility
10. Encourage Collaboration Around Problem Solving in
Mathematics Model how to collaborate around math. Teach students
the dialogue and social rules. View video on using Kagan
Strategies. https://youtu.be/S0s_qxJDuas
11. Integrate Mathematics Across the Curriculum
12. Model Teacher Authentic Thinking in Mathematics Teacher
models thinking for students during problem- solving opportunities.
Sample of teacher solving a problem using authentic thinking
Problem: Amy needs to bring 2 cookies for each of her classmates.
There are 15 students in her class. How many cookies? I will make a
plan to solve this problem. First, I will read the problem again to
make sure I pick out the important details. Next, I will analyze
the problem to see if I add, subtract, multiply, or divide. I will
make a number sentence for 15 X 2 = ? I will do this because Amy
needs to bring 2 cookies for each student and there are 15
students. Then, I will make a picture of students with two cookies
each. Next, I will count the cookies to double check my answer.
Finally, I will write a sentence that tells how many cookies Amy
will bring. Amy will bring 30 cookies for all her classmates.