In the first math class of the year I was reminded why I appreciated the math class so much last year. One of the first activities done in class was
game about squares. While this game did not have us using addition, subtraction, multiplication or division it was a great activity to get our minds going. The game centers on solving the puzzle of squares and circles and helps students enhance their problem solving skills. This activity would be a great icebreaker for students to help them focus on the problem solving aspect of math and to get them interested in math.
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| via: www.gameaboutsquares.com |
Activities as the one previously mentioned as well as the multiple student centered lessons taught in year one is what I tried to bring into my teaching during my first placement. During my placement I tried to consistently teach without the Nelson math textbook that was provided for the school. At first the students were surprised, it was time for math but they didn’t need textbooks instead we would have discussions based on questions and the different techniques that students would use to get an answer. The conversations not only helped the students understand there was more than one way to get the correct answer but also involved many more participants. The students felt comfortable talking about their own ideas and were more open because they did not have to follow certain steps from a textbook. Teaching through activities that the students found interesting was an important aspect during my placement and hopefully I will learn more activities through this year’s math class.
The online portion of class this week required we watch 5 different Youtube videos. These videos all had similar messages and reinforced the role of the teacher within the classroom, especially when teaching math. The videos focused on stereotypes and myths that students and adults have about mathematics. These videos all focused on different ways to disprove the myths and stereotypes and offered insight on what makes students believe them. After watching the videos I realized that it is not only a teacher’s job to create interesting lessons but also to change the discussion around math. We have to help students talk about math in a positive manner. When students begin to speak of math positively they will realize that each and everyone one of them will be able to be successful.
Through the next six quick weeks I hope to learn not only new activities by ideas and tips to help end the stereotypes and myths that surround mathematics.
Hi Christian! I also thoroughly enjoyed playing the 'Game about Squares.' This game is a great engaging outlet for students to focus on a mathematical task and figure out what type of learner he or she may be. In addition, I completely agree with your mention of talking about math in a positive manner. As teachers, it is of great importance to provide an engaging learning environment; whereby students will enjoy mathematical activities and work through their struggles. As the modules indicated, we are all capable of learning math. Therefore, teachers should reinforce this aspect to their students to promote positivity when learning new math concepts.
ReplyDeleteHi Christian,
ReplyDeleteI thought the game about squares was an interesting choice in commencing our year 2 class, and one doesn't even realize they are using math skills to proceed further in the levels. This game can both excite and frustrate students whether they are passing the levels or stuck at a particular level. During my first placement, I taught junior/intermediate Core French, so I cannot relate to your math teaching strategies, but I congratulate you for not using the textbook as a basis of your math teaching. I am sure the students appreciated this student-centred approach. As for the math mindset videos for week one, I agree with your comment that teachers need to help their students talk about math more positively so that students have the confidence to experience difficulties and mistakes while applying their math skills.
Great start to your blog, Christian. I appreciate your sharing of the positives from your math experiences at practicum. Glad you have such a clear philosophy of yourself as a math teacher. You have tied in the math mindset module well. As we go forward you might also tie in the readings, webinars (once they start) and even how you are applying your learning to your unit planning.
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