Blog Conversations will all be done in this forum. In order to respond to my post you must comment at the bottom of the conversation. In order to reply to other people's comment you will hit "reply" under their comment.
To begin, please share with everyone your name, school district, title, background in education, experience thus far with Common Core Math and what you hope to accomplish by attending this online workshop.
My name is Dana Martin and I teach fifth grade in the Albion Central School District. Background: This coming year will be my nineteenth year teaching in the USA, but only my second year teaching fifth grade. After two and a half years teaching ESL in Japan, I began in the States by teaching high school Japanese in Albion, and have also taught Japanese at the middle and elementary school levels. In addition, I have instructed AIS at almost every grade level K-12 over the years. My experience with CC Math is mixed. I am getting more familiar with the standards and practices for this grade level, but am frustrated that everything seems to be so rushed and test-directed. The deep understanding that we are supposed to strive for is hard to accomplish in such an atmosphere. But that may be because I'm just getting started with it... Through this online workshop, I hope to strengthen my ability to teach mathematics by coming away with some practical insights, feedback, ideas, practices, and so on
ReplyDeleteHi Dana! I look forward to hearing your insight from all of your background knowledge in different areas and how it relates to cc math and fractions!
DeleteHoly cow Dana! Japanese?! That's awesome. I'm still trying to master English:-) I hear and feel your frustration about the pacing of math. It is sad that we do not have time to teach to mastery and that deeper level of understanding is hard to do. But hang in there. I've witnessed some great math conversations in my class when kids thought I wasn't listening. Every summer I try to read a few "teacher" books. Sometimes I'm b o r e d (let's be honest) but I read one that has me really excited. It's called Well Played Building Mathematical Thinking Through Number Games and Puzzles. While some of the games are ones we've all played before what is nice is that the authors have listed the games in a way that makes sense. For example there are 6 games for Base Ten Numeration, 5 games for addition and subtraction, 5 for multiplication and division, 5 for Mixed Operations and 5 for fractions. Another nice feature is that at the end of each chapter the authors have included Online Games and Apps. I can't wait to use it in my room! If you decide to check it out I'd be interested to know your thoughts.
DeleteI have been teaching for 18 years at Lew-Port. I have taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, Middle School Special Ed, and I am currently in my 4th year as a 3rd grade teacher. I love teaching math. I wasn't sure at first if I would like the Common Core and the modules. I was worried that they were moving SO FAST and that the kids were not "getting it". However, as each module progressed, I saw that the light bulbs were going on! This will be my 3rd year teaching with the CC and the modules. I am kind of excited! I love that the kids are learning to "THINK" more about math. I love that they are being challenged to understand WHY math works.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to take this course because 3rd grade is the first year students are exposed formally to fractions. It is a very difficult concept for many and any strategies or fun ideas to enhance my students' learning are always welcome!
Welcome Lori! Cant wait to hear about some of your experiences from using the modules the last 2 years and how 3rd graders are doing with fractions!
DeleteHi Lori, I appreciate your enthusiasm! I am pleased to hear that you are having a positive experience teaching with CC and the modules. I look forward to reading anecdotes from your classroom and learning about what works for you.
DeleteHi, in our district we have not yet committed to teaching by the modules in math as of yet. We do use the modules to help with review as we go through the year. I agree that I will be interested to hear of your experiences in using the modules.
DeleteMy name is Joanne and I have been teaching in the North Tonawanda School District for most of my career. I have taught at Spruce School since 1980. I am a 15:1 special education teacher for ELA and Math in grades five and six. I have served on the sixth grade math committee for the past three years. I don't have much experience with the math modules which is why I wanted to take this class. I hope to learn new strategies for implementation of the modules using fractions and operations while following the Common Core.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you Joanne! Im glad your joining us and will be able to learn new strategies to help both your colleagues and students!
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Becky Gillen. I have taught fifth grade in the North Tonawanda School District for the past Yikes I think 18 years. This is a second career for me and I love, love, love it. While I teach all subjects, math has a special place in my heart. I ditched the math book (BIG step) and started teaching by standard in February of last year. Scariest thing I've ever done ( who does that mid year?) BEST THING I'VE EVER DONE! Not only do I have a great idea of what each standard is, this has enabled me to help students understand what they need to know - standard by standard. I have spent a great deal of time creating what I need to do what I need to do (God bless Teacher Pay Teacher). What I don't know how to do is blog. This is a first for me and I'm both scared and excited. I'm looking forward to learning many things from all of you. Have a super weekend all !
ReplyDeleteHi Becky. That is interesting that you taught math by just using the standards as your base. Did you use the modules at all? Does your school use the modules or a different math program? I love Teachers Pay Teachers as well as Superteacherworksheets.com, too. I am also going to look up the book you blogged about math games. Thanks!
DeleteHi Becky! Love your ambition and so glad you are taking steps to step outside the box!! Any questions you have let me know, we will all get through this together!! Welcome!!
DeleteGood Afternoon, my name is Carrie Noe. I am at the beginning of my teaching career and have taught ESL (as a sub), AIS and Pre-K. Most recently, I spent 5 years teaching 4th grade at Ohio Elementary in the NTCSD. I also have a special fondness for teaching math and enjoyed participating in a building level math committee as well as hosting several primary and intermediate "Math Nights" at Ohio. Most of my experience with CC Math has come from working with the Pearson Envision program and adapting its components to best help my students learn. I also have some experience working with the modules and am interested in learning more about them. It has been my experience that many students struggle to grasp the big picture when it comes to working with fractional parts. As such, I hope to learn from the knowledge and experiences of several of the more experienced teachers in this workshop. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Carrie! I hope you learn some create new insights to help you to continue to broaden your curriculum!
DeleteThank you, Jessi!
DeleteHi all, I am Heidi Topolski and I am a third grade teacher at Lewiston Porter. I have been teaching for 19 years, most of which have been in a special education role. I also worked as an elementary math specialist for a few years. I really like the common core math modules, but I do feel that they are not as teachers friendly as some of the text book series we have experienced in the past. I am eager to gain a deeper understanding of the material from this workshop.
ReplyDeleteHi Heidi! Glad your joining us and cant wait for you to add insight from all your years of experience!!
DeleteHello! I'm Jen Pritchett. I was actually a band director for 8 years before staying home with my children currently. My last position was at Albion. Last year, I obtained my Early Childhood, Childhood, and Middle Childhood Teaching Certificates. I plan on returning to teaching when my children are all in school. I would be very happy to teach music or regular classroom. I was always "jealous" of elementary teachers across the hall with their own classrooms of students. So I have been working hard to keep all of my options open for the future.
ReplyDeleteI recently took a course through SUNY Albany on the new common core math, but am looking forward to learning even more to be prepared in the future.
I do remember Dana Martin teaching down the hallway from me at Albion.
And I remember you teaching nearby me as well, Jen. Good to hear from you and about what you are up to...
DeleteWow Jen! What a great career transition you are making!! Hope we can al help!!
DeleteThanks! No matter what I go back to teaching, I plan to implement what I learn in either teaching area. If I still teach music, I will try to incorporate more classroom knowledge. If I teach in the classroom, I will still use music to enhance teaching.
DeleteGood for you Jen! Diversification is an important element and staying current is essential. With a young family, online classes are an easy way to learn new ideas and lead you into a positive and rewarding direction.
DeleteHi my name is Sunnie Ventry and I'm currently a third grade teacher at cataract elementary school in Niagara Falls. I am interested in learning more about common core math to better assist my students in preparation for their state exams and to better prepare myself to teach them what they need to know. Looking forward to a great class!
ReplyDeleteHi Sunnie!! I hope you can gain some valuable math PD for your 3rd graders and can add insight into what is most important in the 3rd grade math classroom!
DeleteHi, my name is Kathy and I teach math remediation at Newfane El. I have been teaching for 16 years. I started in the 3rd grade classroom and when the opening for math remediation was posted I jumped on it as I have always loved math! I have committed myself to being a lifelong learner and when a class such as this, which is in my field becomes available, I as so excited to participate in it. Thanks for this opportunity.
ReplyDelete