A Teacher's Math Journal

2010-12-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

http://blogs.gssd.ca/smuir/

Visit My New Site

2010-12-07T19:12:00.001-08:00

http://blogs.gssd.ca/smuir/

I Have Moved to a New Site!

2010-06-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

Please visit me at my new site.
This new site will allow me to upload more documents to share with you! http://blogs.gssd.ca/smuir/

Kindergarten Invitations for Learning

2010-05-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten Math NK.4

2010-05-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Credit goes to SPARKLEBOX (free printables) for the picture of the pails.
"You and a friend are at the beach collecting rocks.Together you collect 8 rocks in all. How many rocks did each of you collect?"
As you can see in this picture, the students just 'built' their new combination to collect the 8 rocks. The students each recorded their work using pictures and numbers on their two part math mat. Student 'A' has recorded the numeral zero (0) on one side and has then started to represent the 8 rocks on the other side. It is important to note that the student has represented the numberal 0 and not a rock on the one side of the math mat. Student 'B' also recorded in her math mat booklet. They then worked together to find a new or different way to collect all 8 rocks.
How many different ways can you represent 8?

I will be including the assessment and entire lesson very soon!
I am going to learn how put PDF documents onto my blog. I plan on having a seperate page for each grade K-4.I will also have a reflective piece from my first year as a Math Coach.

Kindergarten Outcome NK.4 Represent the partitioning of whole numbers (1 to 10) concretly and pictorially

2010-05-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Credit goes to wordle

Journal Entry Using Voki

2009-11-01T10:01:00.000-08:00

A Student's Journal Entry Using "Voki"

2009-11-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

Have students type or say their journal reflection using Voki.
This is an alternative way to have your student's work published on the web. It is private and also a lot of fun to create your own character!

How Many Ways Can You Make 20?

2009-10-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

Credit: http://www.wordle.net/

Wordle

2009-10-28T09:45:00.001-07:00

Math Coach

Try using Wordle in your mathematic's classroom. How could you use Wordle for your math journals?
How Many Ways Can You Make 20?Express it in Wordle.

My First Few Months as a Math Coach

2009-10-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

It has been a rewarding few months, in my new position as K-4 Math Coach.

I wanted to share with you what I've been doing. There are a few components to my coaching model.

The majority of my time is spent in the classroom with teachers for a 2 week block of time. What that means is, I work with 2-4 teachers at one school (or close proximity) for two weeks. We begin our block together with some planning time. I have spent 1 hour-3 hours with each teacher to set goals for the time we will spend together.This day of planning is at the beginning of the "block". Once our goals are set, I begin by modeling lessons using the outcomes that the classroom teacher has requested. The lessons have embedded assessment and various strategies are modeled.Some teachers want to see"Before-During-After" lessons while others want "PODS" modeled.Each lesson begins with a pre-conference and ends with a post -conference. Often we need to be creative in finding the time for this important conference time. I integrate technology as often as I can. This may include the use of the SMART board, computers, flip video, or digital camera for establishing word wall vocabulary.

After a few days of modeled lessons, it turns into co-teaching and then observational feedback.

I feel that having a "block" of consecutive days with a teacher it is more beneficial that sporadic days here and there.

Another major component to my coaching model is ongoing professional development. Every Wednesday, I lead a Workshop Wednesday. It takes place after school from 4:00-5:30 p.m.

We have a very large school division, so I facilitate the same workshop topic in each of the five quadrents, to minimize teacher travel and to make as easy as possible for teachers to attend.

To this date, I have had two topics: Getting Organized in the Mathematics Classroom (this included planning using the backwards approach) and Planning a Math Parent Night.

Topics come from teacher surveys. I have had a majority of teachers wanting the topic of Assessment. From this interest, I research and try to create a valuable workshop for the teachers.

A few other components to my coaching model are monthly newletters,staff meeting presentations, this blog, lots of mail correspondence, and collecting and sending resources out to teachers.

I have started a library of children's literature that pertain to mathematics, as well, purchasing a large variety of math manipulatives and teacher resources.

I have been documenting my journey by using a teacher self reflection, personal reflection notes and I am trying to gather student data. It is difficult to assess my two week block, so this is something that I will ponder and make changes to during the year. It is my first year as math coach and I do not have another math coach to work with. I do hope that I can connect with other coaches around the province, country or even from other countries.

If you are a K-4 math coach and would like to share ideas of success and road blocks, please contact me:

smuir@mail.gssd.ca

Math Pictures

2009-10-28T08:39:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Math Word Walls

2009-09-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Professional Development

2009-08-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

One of the key elements to becoming an effective math coach, is professional development. I am not talking about reading books, surfing the net, etc. I am talking about attending a workshop, being the participant, rather than the facilitator.
I had that opportunity yesterday, I attended a Power of Ten workshop. The best part was, the presenter was Trevor Calkins. The focus was on meaning to mathematics.
The web address is http://www.poweroften.ca/.
I highly recommend this workshop to teachers. If you are not able to attend a workshop, the Power of Ten resources can be purchased through this website or from Spectrum.

Planning Using a Concept Circle

2009-08-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

This activity, forces you to look at what the outcome is asking the students to know, understand and be able to do. By taking a detailed look at the nouns and verbs, it gives you a 'picture' of what the students will be engage in. This visual of what the students might be doing, allows you to think about important assessment tools, that a teacher can use to document students' understanding. Once you have a good picture of how you might assess student understanding of the outcome, you can plan your lesson activities and learning environment.

I then take this information and place it into my curriculum map (not in such detail though).

This is time well spent. You will walk away with a clear understanding of what and how you will teach the outcomes.

Math Mini Offices

2009-08-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

I really like using math mini offices. They have so many uses.
I have lised a few sites below that I give credit for this great idea.
Thank you!

http://www.squidoo.com/minioffice
http://www.teachingheart.net/minioffice.html
and of course my favorite www.jmeacham.com

Using Photos for Math Word Walls

2009-08-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

Many school divisions require the use of technology integrated into the subject of mathematics. If you are new to the use of technology and do not have a SMART board, there are many ways to use technology in the mathematics classroom.
Start off by using the digital camera. It is great for so many things! I like to use pictures with my math word wall.Take a photo of familar objects in the room and put the vocabulary word next to it. The photos below had the number word and numeral next to it. It is a visual set, as well the numeral and word to match!

Using Photos for Math Word Walls

2009-08-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

My Journey as a K-4 Math Coach Begins...

2009-08-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Math Summer Institute

2009-08-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

This year, it was our second annual Math Summer Institute, "Know Problems".
Two great days packed full of curriculum background, journaling in mathematics, teaching
through problem solving, and the use of concrete and virtual manipulatives.
It was presented and facilitated by myself and four other awesome Math Leaders.
The professional development and time with other teachers was two days well spent.

Math Art

2009-06-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Since it is the last few days of school before summer holiday I have been playing around with mathematical art.

Here is a sample of a fun site called http://www.thisissand.com/.

My question to you would be: How many layers of black do you see?

Can you create your own using 5-10 layers of black?

Creating the Environment

2009-06-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

This environment inspires me. Look for the slide that displays butterflies. It says: Can you find 24 beautiful butterflies? This display and self discovery is pleasing.
Find more photos like this on reggio-inspired

A New Journey Begins...

2009-06-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to announce, I will be the K-4 math coach for my school division.
You may have noticed that I removed my classroom blog. For now, I will only have this one blog. It will continue as a Math Journal but I have taken another path in my journey. This will be a place where I will reflect and share my journey with you. This is a new position for our school division and I am the only math coach at this time. I would like to call out to you if you are a math coach. I need your guidance, as some day I will be able to help other new coaches.
I will also have a monthly newsletter called, Coach's Connections. This will let others know what I am working on, who I am working with and upcoming workshops. I will also have a section for using technology in the Mathematics classroom.
Look for a link in the near future.

Reflection

2009-05-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

I was looking at some classroom videos that I had taken two years ago. Wow! I have to say that I have shown transformation.It was reassuring to myself that I am making a difference, that I am developing in my teaching style.
It has been sometime since I have written a reflective journal.
My self reflection in the area of Mathematics has really been on assessment and questioning.
I feel that I could improve in the area of assessment. It has been one of my goals for this school year. I started a Math portfolio for each of my grade one students. I would improve this in many areas for next year. My assessment has definitely helped drive my instruction as opposed to a program driving my instruction. I feel good about that.
I have also created some pretty good rubrics.I feel that I have improved in these areas.
Another focus this year has been on questioning. Once students are given a problem to solve I find that there are always a few that need help getting started.
Refocusing, clarifying, redirecting or narrowing questions help them to get on track.
Once students are on track I use questioning to gain insight into their thinking and level of understanding. This really helps me with assessment.
I will continue to educate myself and practice in the area of questioning.

Zero The Hero

2009-03-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a few things that I found about the numeral ZERO.
http://www.rif.org/assets/Documents/readingplanet/ReadAloud_Stories/zero_the_hero.html
This is a cute story about how important zero really is.

http://web.mac.com/donna.glynn/Kinderglynn/Zero_the_Hero.html
I love this idea having a Zero the Hero book. Zero the Hero visits this classroom every 10th school days. He leaves a treat for the kids and the students record the number (10, 20, 30, etc.) along with a crafty picture. I am definitely going to do this next year.

Experiencing Math- Measurement

2009-02-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Comparing Area

2009-01-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

In Math we were comparing Area.Students in grade one compare areas of objects by covering. Here, K-1 students were partnered to find out which had a larger area, their chair or table work station.

Comapring Capacity

2009-01-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

The K-1 students worked in centres today to build on their inherit sense of curiosity and wonder.
I have included a look at each centre as well a few photos from the lesson.The lessons outcomes are SS1.1 Demonstrate an understanding of measurement as a process of comparing.SSK.1 Use direct comparison to compare two objects based on a single attribute such as capacity.
Students compared objects and identified attributes used to compare.They determined which of the objects held the least amount, most or the same by filling. They had to explain their reasoning.

I had to take out the photos. Sorry.

2009-01-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I posted anything on, "A Teacher's Math Journal". I have been very busy, as I am sure, you are too! I have been enjoying my K-1 classroom students. I have also been doing a lot of work as a Math Leader, for my school division.
I am not sure where this journal will take me, but I will continue to add posts.
We are in full swing with the K-1-4-7 Mathematics curriculum implementation. Grades 2-5-8 will have to implement this fall, with 3-6-9 the following year. It is an outcome based curriculum.
Outcomes take the place of objectives. Outcomes describe what students will know or be able to do in Math by the end of the year. Indicators are represented by a sample of evidence that a student should be able to demonstrate or produce if they have arrived at that outcome. This is taken from the Saskatchewan Mathematics curriculum.
Indicators define the breadth and depth of the outcome.
http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/adx/aspx/adxgetmedia.aspx?DocID=&MediaID=704&Filename=g1_math_curr_2007.pdf
This link takes you to the new grade one Math curriculum.
http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/adx/aspx/adxgetmedia.aspx?DocID=&MediaID=703&Filename=k_math_curr_2007.pdf
This should take you to the Kindergarten curriculum.

I have noticed that visitors from other countries, find this site by searching for information using the ten-frame. I have decided to begin featured posts on this topic. I am just completng a unit under the Shape and Space Strand- SS1.1
Demonstrate an understanding of measurement as a process of comparing by:

identifying attributes that can be compared
ordering objects
making statements of comparison
filling, covering, or matching

I will try to include some lessons that I have done lately. Look for more on the ten-frame and the power of ten soon.

Introducing Mental Math

2008-11-19T16:49:00.000-08:00

Students are using mental math to "picture" what 5 means to them.They represented their mental picture using wipe boards.They will practice further by representing the number 12 in at least five different ways in their math journal.

Math Photos

2008-11-19T16:30:00.001-08:00

Math Calendar Binders

2008-11-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Calendar
binders are going well.
Grade one students work on their calendar binders,
through teacher led discussion.The calendar pages
are projected on the SMART board. Discussions take
place each month to compare the weather,
days in the month, etc. I have decided to also place
their math journals at the back of their binder.
Each sheet that is in their calendar binder, is part of our SMART board daily calendar routine. The calendar wall is always there for student reference.

Using Flip Videos in Mathematics

2008-10-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

This past summer I was given a Flip video camera to use in my classroom. I am using it a lot in Mathematics. Sometimes my students are given a task, such as, finding patterns in the environment. A group used paper-pencil, another used my digital camera and another used the flip video. Once they found different patterns, we showed and shared by talking and using the smartboard to project the images.

Flip videos also work well as a tool for evaluation. In the video clip below, a student was working independently (most times they work in small groups to work through a problem and at times they work alone). It is difficult, yet important, to have your students explain what they are thinking and doing.It is amazing what you learn as a teacher how a child thinks:)

Number Combinations

2008-10-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

The grade one students are making different number combinations for 13. They have been working with numbers 10-20. They are also using the counting on strategy. This will lead into addition sentences and fact families.

Use a Smartboard for Calendar Time

2008-09-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!
I just got a Smartboard in my classroom.
I have an awesome intern teacher, she is setting up our regular morning routine onto the smartboard.
We began our day listening to a story online. Robert Munch even narrates his books!
I am looking forward to using this technology in Mathematics.

A New School Year

2008-09-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

I have a K-1 classroom this year. I just launched a unit on patterns. Our first lessons have been on sorting. It is amazing what students can come up with, when the task is open-ended, rather than told how to sort.I took photos, and used them for vocabulary words that will be put up on our math word wall.

Math Summer Institute

2008-09-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

This is a neat idea: Take 10 beads and put them in a petri dish. Glue a short rod inside.
Shake dish to make number stories for ten.
You could have any number of beads in the dish.

I was fortunate to be a part of the team that presented at our first math summer institute, "Know Problems". During the summer break I prepared my slide show and materials. It is really self-rewarding when you need to prepare yourself so that, you can teach others.I learned a lot from the process.

I also learned a lot from my peers.

Comprehension In Mathematics

2008-08-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

This past week, I attended a workshop titled, "Coming To Know... Comprehension in Mathematics. It took place, at the University of Saskatchewan.
The presenters were Florence Glanfield and Shaun Murphy.
The two days were filled with understandings and discussions about what it means to comprehend number.
I was fortunate enough to sit with some great teachers, and we shared rich, meaningful conversations.

Be sure to look at my older posts. I have an on-going voice thread journal.

TeacherTube - Abbot_and_Costello_Maths_Problem

2008-08-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

TeacherTube - Abbot_and_Costello_Maths_Problem

TeacherTube - 3 Steps

2008-08-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

TeacherTube - 3 Steps

Great Web Sites!

2008-07-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

Today I stumbled upon a great website that also linked me with another great site!
I encourage you to check out the following:
www.hellofirstgrade.com/
www.kellyskindergarten.com
A big thank you and credit goes out to the authors of these two sites.

Voice Thread Journal

2008-07-24T09:37:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder to always check back to the below voice thread. It will be an ongoing journal.

Math Calendar Binders

2008-07-24T08:28:00.001-07:00

This idea is taken from my favorite web site, @jmeacham.com

Math Journals

2008-07-24T08:08:00.001-07:00

A math journal is a great way to introduce writing into your math class.It helps students stretch their thinking and make sense of problems.When children write in their math journals they examine,express their thoughts and record their reasoning.

This will be the first year that I have made my own math journals. Previous years I have had student workbooks from Pearson that had journaling embedded into the lesson practice.

I am also going to try math calendar binders. I got this idea from one of my favorite web sites @jmeacham.com. In these binders, students record days in school, graph the weather and much more!

Planning My Year

2008-07-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

Now that my classroom is clean, and I have set up the furniture, I am going to work on planning my year. I need to lay everything out. I will be starting with Mathematics. I have my curriculum guide, as well, some of the key resources that I will be using.

I am going back to my camping site today. I will continue my planning on the next rainy day.

Please check out my voice thread below, as I will be continually adding to my picture journal.

Bye for now.

Where Do I Begin?

2008-06-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

I have a new mathematics curriculum. I have familiarized myself with the outcomes and big ideas for grades K-2. Now what do I do?

My first focus is on changing my classroom environment. Gone are the days of students sitting in rows, while the teacher stands in the front of the room talking.
How can I create an environment that feels homey and safe, yet promotes a constructivist approach to teaching and learning?

I first looked at my walls and windows. I was not happy with the bright orange color from 1975. The window curtains were an ugly brown and torn. I really needed to change the shell before I could address the learning spaces and furniture.

I painted my walls and shelves, as well, bought new curtains.It already felt better when I walked into the room!

Now, I could look at learning areas and furniture.

I will include pictures another day.
To be continued...

Day One: Ending the School Year

2008-06-23T12:15:00.001-07:00