KidsTV123

Working as a math coach, I have the privilege to work with many amazing teachers at various grade levels.  In as much as I am here to assist them on their quest to conquer math as effectively as possible, I often walk away learning something as well.  An primary teacher in Ogdensburg, NY shared a resource she uses in her classroom.  It is a Youtube.com channel called KidsTV123.  Here is a great video about shapes:

Here is one about measurement which could be used with older children:

LIKE and Tweet...Math and Movement (An email request from Suzy Koontz)

Please help us increase our Math & Movement Facebook Likes and Twitter Following.

As a thank you for your LIKE and FOLLOW, we would like to offer you the choice of the Math is Our Future Banner or the Math & Movement Training Manual for Elementary Schools e-book.

Please go here to FOLLOW on Twitter

https://twitter.com/MathandMovement

Please go here to LIKE on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/mathandmovement?fref=ts

Please reply to this email and let us know whether you would prefer the Math is Our Future Banner or the Math & Movement Training Manual for Elementary Schools e-book.

Math is Our Future Banner

Do your students complain and ask, “Why do I need to learn math?” The Math is Our Future Banner is the answer! It helps students to understand the value of mathematics when they make the connection that mathematics had a role in creating the car, flying astronauts to the moon and developing computers, cell phones, etc. The Math is Our Future Banner portrays robots doing the traditional teenage chores of washing the car, cleaning the house or raking leaves. Are these chores that students like to do? Study math because math is our future! The Math is Our Future Banner can be used to make posters or laminated cards.

Math & Movement Training Manual for Elementary Schools (eBook)

Do your students have so much energy that it’s hard for them to sit still? Children are naturally active learners, using their bodies along with their minds to practice and acquire new skills. Math and Movement is a supplemental program that harnesses children’s natural desire to move and gives them more opportunities to practice math skills until mastery is achieved.

Math and Movement is a kinesthetic, multi-sensory approach to teaching math that incorporates physical exercise, stretching, and cross-body movements. This manual includes over 250 movements for the six Math and Movement categories: Active Math-Whisper/Loud, Active Math-Skip Counting, Sit-Down Math, Tapping at the Table, Hallway Math, and Math n’ Yoga. Over 85 activities for the Math and Movement floor mats and banners are included and techniques using Math and Movement to recharge your students during a mental break or transition times.

The magic of the Math and Movement program is that children become so engaged they forget they are practicing math! Math and Movement strengthens numeracy and literacy and energizes students and teachers. This program fits into transition times, allows children to exceed state standards, integrates core subjects and offers children the opportunity to love learning math. Math and Movement is appropriate for pre-K-grade 5 or any student lacking math confidence.

We thank you for sharing this email.

Best Regards,

Suzy Koontz

Attend National Math Foundation Summer Institute – Tuition Free

National Math Foundation Summer Institute – Tuition Free

Movement-Based Learning for Today’s Children

The National Math Foundation (NMF) has a unique, creative solution to support teaching children entrenched in a sedentary lifestyle. We invite you to learn about our curriculum, Math & Movement and consider submitting an application for our Summer Institute, July 14^th-19^th in beautiful, Upstate New York.

Math & Movement is a multi-sensory approach to teaching math that incorporates physical exercise, stretching, cross-body movements and visually-pleasing floor mats that allow children to practice using visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning modalities.

(http://mathandmovement.com/)

We Invite You to Apply

The National Math Foundation invites you to submit your application to attend our Summer Institute in beautiful, Upstate NY.

We are looking for passionate educators who understand the value of kinesthetic learning and engaging the child through child-centered learning activities.

NMF Summer Institute Program Details

Location: Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY

Dates: July 14^th-July 19^th, 2013

Cost: $231.64 per person (participants pay only for meals in dining hall and to stay in a dorm room)

Steps to Completing your Application

1. Complete the individual application

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14lncxa3KHo7VuyiiDZiSYh5GBVFYldyqE_kkNAqB3QQ/viewform

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUMMER INSTITUTE

National Math Foundation Summer Institute

Movement-Based Learning for Today’s Children

Today’s children spend after-school hours playing on the computer, i-Pad or cell phone, playing video games, or watching television. Yesterday’s children played outside and used their imagination. Our modern-day, sedentary lifestyle contributes to epidemic levels of childhood obesity rates, low academic achievement in mathematics and poor graduation rates among identifiable sub-groups.

Some changes are necessary to meet the demands of today’s children. The National Math Foundation (NMF) has a unique, creative solution. We invite you to learn about our curriculum, Math & Movement, and consider submitting an application for our Summer Institute.

Math & Movement is a multi-sensory approach to teaching math that incorporates physical exercise, stretching, and cross-body movements. The program uses visually-pleasing floor mats that allow students to practice basic skills while using visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning modalities.

Math & Movement leads students through a series of movement-based learning exercises that result in the mathematical competency and fluency necessary to achieve the requirements of the Common Core State Standards. Students gain math confidence and have fun while learning.

Math & Movement utilizes a kinesthetic, artistic approach designed to build number sense by including movement and counting with varied voice levels. The “math-movements” improve students’ basic math and reading skills, critical thinking and their ability to focus and learn. For additional information, please see the website (http://mathandmovement.com/)

Recent research

Research links exercise with brain development. In the book, Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, the author, John Ratey, says that exercise works like “Miracle-Gro” for the brain.

NMF Summer Institute Program Details

Location: Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY

Dates: July 14^th-July 19^th, 2013

Cost: $231.64 per person (participants pay only for meals in dining hall and to stay in a dorm room)

We Invite You to Apply

The National Math Foundation invites you to submit your application to attend our Summer Institute in beautiful upstate, NY. We are looking for passionate educators who understand the value of kinesthetic learning and engaging the child through child-centered learning activities.

Steps to Completing your Application

The steps to applying are very simple! Complete your individual application.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14lncxa3KHo7VuyiiDZiSYh5GBVFYldyqE_kkNAqB3QQ/viewform

Your Responsibilities

Your responsibility is to attend the NMF Summer Institute (July 14^th-19^th in Oneonta, NY), to complete follow-up professional development (monthly phone calls, online training and optional additional onsite training), to pre-and post-test your students and share the results with the National Math Foundation, and to create a learning environment that encourages your students to engage in 60 minutes of movement-based learning daily (this can include before school, after school, recess and during transition times).

Upon your return from the Summer Institute, we ask that you train the other teachers in your school, share the training with teachers in your community, organize evening Math Nights for your school and schools in your community and continue your involvement in the National Math Foundation initiatives.

Benefits

Have Loads of Fun

You will be a part of an enjoyable, fast-paced week of engaging, fun, kinesthetic, math activities. You will soar to higher levels in mathematical confidence, understanding and enjoyment. You will learn kinesthetic teaching techniques, collaborate with NMF participants on developing activities and actively engage in the math learning.

Have Time for Collaboration

After extensive training in the existing Math & Movement strategies, you will collaborate to identify existing best-practices for kinesthetic learning and to build a repertoire of movement-based learning activities applicable to individual students. Your contribution is crucial. During the institute, you will have opportunities to share best practices and creative ideas which will enrich and strengthen the movement-based learning programs for all the schools.

Integrate New Learning with Practice

The NMF Summer Institute training will integrate professional development with opportunities to teach children. The Summer Institute will work in conjunction with local day camps to provide young learners for our teachers to practice.

Self-Development and Miscellaneous topics

Additional topics include gratitude, positive thinking, integrity, creating a positive school culture, the benefits of exercise, and movement-based learning, health and overall wellness, increasing parental involvement and beginning a school garden.

Learn New Strategies

You will learn high-impact strategies for

• Strengthening your students’ math and reading ability.
• Boosting your students’ understanding of “hard to learn” math concepts including telling time, place value, money, Cartesian coordinates, multiplication, division, factoring, odd/even numbers, algebra and fractions.
• Increasing math-confidence in students.
• Supporting risk-taking in problem solving.
• Helping your students achieve mastery learning in ALL math concepts.
• Utilizing Math & Movement as “energizers” to wake-up the sleepy brain before school, throughout the day, during transitions and after-school.
• Increasing critical thinking and problem solving ability.
• Meeting the Common Core State Standards.
• Increasing the health and well-being of your students.
• Improving misbehavior and classroom management.
• Boosting math retention.
• Increasing focus, concentration and attention-span.
• Reaching the kinesthetic learner.
• Supporting students with special needs.
• Decreasing the cost of RTI, and auxiliary services.
• Maximizing learning readiness in students.
• Increasing parental involvement.
• Teaching your students about gratitude, positive thinking, integrity, and community service.
• Promoting a positive school culture.
• Utilizing the support of NMF corps members as teaching assistants.
• Maximizing the help of parent volunteers.
• Gaining parental support for a school garden

Receive over $20,000 of Math & Movement Materials (as funding permits)

In addition to the training, the National Math Foundation will work to either secure funding to provide your school the Math & Movement movement-based learning materials, write grants for your school or collaborate with organizations to offer unique fundraisers for your school to fundraise to obtain the materials.

APPLY NOW

Individual Application

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14lncxa3KHo7VuyiiDZiSYh5GBVFYldyqE_kkNAqB3QQ/viewform

Join the Movement!!!

Ever wish those students of yours could master those math facts?  Looking for some fluency activities to fulfill required components of the Common Core?  Wishing your children were more active?  Well, now is your chance to help your students shine!  Get them moving with Math and Movement!!  I have had the opportunity to attend workshops for Math and Movement.  Along with those workships, I had the pleasure of meeting the mastermind behind the Math and Movement program, Ms. Suzy Koontz!  Below is just a brief summary taken from Suzy's Math and Movement website.  To learn more, watch video clips or to download some of Suzy's free materials, please go to her website...Math and Movement.

Math & Movement™ is a kinesthetic, multi-sensory approach to teaching math that incorporates physical exercise, stretching, cross-body movements, yoga, and visually-pleasing floor mats designed to encourage students to practice math concepts. The Math & Movement™ program allows students to physically hop, walk, crawl, dance or touch the mats and banners as they learn thus using more learning modalities (visual, auditory, motor and kinesthetic) when practicing.

Math & Movement begins at pre-K and harnesses children's natural love of movement and creative imagination to master basic math concepts. The floor mats and banners cover the concepts of addition, subtraction, telling time, skip-counting, multiplication, division, fractions, factoring, positive/negative numbers, Cartesian coordinates, money, unit circle, place value, decimals, percents, rounding and probability.

The movements in the Math & Movement program help the student master math while simultaneously offering teachers and students an overall sense of well-being. Incorporating these exercises during the day, before testing or during transitions, allows teachers and students to feel energized, focused, calm, and prepared to learn.

Some examples of the Math & Movement movements are the Nine's Twist, Criss Cross for 7's, Sailboat Sway, Jaguar Tummy Rub, Gorilla Leg Lifts, Bunny Hop, The Letter "L" Laughs and Skyscraper.

The movements are divided into six categories:

• Active Math:Whisper/Loud Movements - Designed to give your students physical exercise while simultaneously enhancing math and reading ability.
• Active Math:Skip Counting Movements - Designed to provide additional physical exercise while learning the multiples.
• Sit-Down Math Activities - Designed for quiet time and involve stretching.
• Tapping at the Table Activities - Designed to be used in between other activities, while students sit at their desks.
• Hallway Math Activities - Designed to be used walking in the hallway to and from lunch, PE, art, music, computer or library.
• Math 'n Yoga Activities - Incorporate math practice into popular yoga moves.

The next couple posts will be emails I received from Suzy TODAY, outlining some wonderful opportunities for you!

Enjoy the day...and get MOVING!!

Kate

Common Core Daily 5 Math

Daily 5 for our ELA blocks have become quite a popular structure!  Teachers incorporating the D5 structure are finding success...witnessing vast amounts of growth in the reading abilities and self-confidence of their learners.  This makes me wonder what kind of results we would see if we adapted the same concept for math! 

It really makes sense, if you think about it!  Short, whole group mini-lessons paired with fair amounts of 'small group/individual' work time (at each students' "just right" level) on a daily basis should result in greater growth in student mastery of math concepts.  Just as with the D5 for ELA, meeting with your struggling math students on a daily, more individualized basis, will not only allow you to get to really know your students and their needs.  This structure would also offer your exceptional math students the opportunity to investigate and solve real world problems, develop their higher level thinking skills, checking in, let's say, every other day or so. 

Many of us are quite familiar with the framework surrounding the Daily 5, having read the books, adapting the concept to fit our own classroom needs for ELA.  There are many resources floating out in cyberspace for ELA.  However, Daily 5 Math resources are limited.  I remember when I was a classroom teacher, I was enthusiastic to begin implementing this structure in my math class, but often struggled to narrow down the categories for our work stations.

I came across this example from one first grade teacher which could be adapted to fit any grade level.  She labels her workstations according to Common Core Domains - (1) Numbers & Operations in Base 10, (2) Operations & Algebraic Thinking, (3) Geometry, (4) Measurement & Data.  The fifth work station is called "Reading Math." 

Take a look!!

Click HERE to go to the blog "I'm Just Sayin...".

Give it a try and let me know how it goes!!  

Greg Tang Math

We are ALL looking for fun and engaging ways to support the CCSS in Math!  Greg Tang Math supports the domain Operation and Algebraic Thinking.  Greg Tang is an author, educator and inventor.  He has published several books with a math theme and has created several interactive math games (online and apps).

I love KAKOOMA...click and give it a try.

Don't forget about all the materials and resources Greg Tang's site has to offer.  Although this site only mentions grades K-5, many of the games and materials available would be well-suited for fluency and maintenance of basic skills needed by ALL learners.

Enjoy!

Kate

New Math Modules Released!!

It's what we've all been waiting for...!!  The K-12 Module 1's have been released!

Below you will find links to the latest modules released from the state.  They are available on Engageny.org under the Professional Development & Network Team tab at the top of the Engageny.org page.

You should also notice they are ALL the first modules we will need to start the new school year in September.

I have spent the last two days in Albany training on the use and implementation of the modules.  Our 6-12 people are there today and tomorrow gaining more knowledge on the topic. 

Please know that the writers of the modules were VERY clear that the modules you will find at these links should NOT be copied off for ‘official’ use for the upcoming year, as there is still some slight editing to be done in order for them to be a ‘final’ draft. (It seems most of the editing left to do are minor ‘tweaks’, not major overhauls of what you will see here.)  However, they felt it necessary to release them to us in order to become familiar with the overall structure and individual components to the module lessons. 

Grades K-5 Modules:  http://www.engageny.org/resource/network-team-institute-materials-may-13-16-2013-math-k-5-curriculum-materials

Grades 6-12 Modules:  http://www.engageny.org/resource/network-team-institute-materials-may-13-16-2013-math-6-12-curriculum-materials

 

Please take special note of the Materials List included.  Most of the materials needed for each module lesson are items most schools have already.  Don't be afraid to ask around your school, especially at different grade levels, in order to find the items you need.  Oftentimes, manipulatives are shelved when concepts are moved from grade level to grade level.

Enjoy the day!

Kate

Visit ILLUMINATIONS...a Math Site for PK - 12 Mathematics Ideas

While researching best practices in mathematics just a few minutes ago, I stumbled upon another amazing resource!  Illuminations is a PK-12 math website chock full of amazing activities, lessons, etc. and it is sponsored by the NCTM.  While there is no direct mention of the Common Core, this is still 'good math' for great teachers.

Take, for instance, 2-digit multiplication in grades 3-5.  We are being encouraged to STOP teaching the algorithms first, and, instead, teach with a model.  This is not 'new' math.  It is simply a more concrete way to solve a very abstract number sentence.  In the lesson link below, students:

• decompose 2-digit numbers
• model area representations using the distributive property and partial product arrays
• align paper-and-pencil calculations with the arrays. 

The lessons provide conceptual understanding of what occurs in a 2-digit multiplication problem. Partial product models serve as transitions to understanding the standard multiplication algorithm.  Take a look at the lesson, Multiply and Conquer.  It really does make sense if you give it a chance.

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a public voice of mathematics education, providing vision, leadership, and professional development to support teachers in ensuring mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students. With 100,000 members and 250 affiliates, NCTM is the world’s largest organization dedicated to improving math education in preK‑12.

Illuminations is designed to:

• Provide standards-based resources that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students. 
• Provide materials that illuminate the vision for school mathematics set forth in 
• Principles and Standards for School Mathematics
• Curriculum Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics
• Focus in High School Mathematics: Reasoning and Sense Making.

Illuminations is part of the prestigious Verizon Thinkfinity program.

Have fun checking out this site.  I would welcome comments to this post regarding your thoughts on this site!

Enjoy the day!

Kate

21st Century Education

This video may be in a different city...in a different country (Canada), in fact.  But it is clear to me many of the aspects included in this clip are alive and well right here in our own back yard!  Please take a moment to view this worthwhile video clip. 

Enjoy your weekend!

Kate

Check Out this Resource!!

I can't help myself!  I am too excited to wait any longer...and this resource is too amazing to keep to myself!  Click HERE to view a comprehensive math resource site.  You will find numerous relevant math resources by grade level.

If you are an elementary math teacher, simply click on the green link on the left side of page.  There will be a drop down menu of grade levels...just choose the grade level you are searching for!
(If you are a secondary teacher, do the same to find some great ideas!)

The Granite School District in Utah has created this web page with K-12 Common Core Math in mind.  You will find vocabulary cards, Mathematical Practice posters in 'kid-friendly' format, lesson and activity ideas, etc.  Take some time to peruse this site...you will not regret it!

Below is a sample picture of a K-1 poster for Standard of Mathematical Practice #1.

Enjoy the day...and this new math resource!

Fondly,
Kate

Mean, Median, Mode and Range...

A creative way to remember these confusing concepts:

Have a great week!!

Kate

What is Right

Although I have already posted once today, I am compelled to share one more resource with you.  In light of the 'Testing Season', with the math assessments on the way next week, I believe you will find this link (post entitled What is Right) thought-provoking. 

Cruikshank's View - Foundations of Excellence

Enjoy your weekend!

Kate

A Math Dictionary for Kids (and teachers, too!)

Looking for great anchor charts for math?  Or perhaps an interactive and engaging activity for your students?  Well look no further!  I am excited to share this amazing math resource, shared with me by a fellow colleague in a school I work in (Thanks, Jessica!).

 

A Math Dictionary for Kids , created by Jenny Eather, is an animated, interactive online math dictionary for students which explains over 600 common mathematical terms and math words in simple language.

 

Here you will also find a collection of over 200 printable math charts suitable for interactive whiteboards, classroom displays, math walls, student handouts, homework help, introduction and consolidation of mathematical topics.

 

The maths charts include definitions and examples covering Numbers, and Operations, Fractions, Decimals, Percent and Percentages, Ratios and Rates, Beginning Algebra, Data and Statistics, Probability, Geometry, Measurement, Time and Money.

 

 

 

Making Sense of Expressions...Carousel Style

Here is a video from a fellow math teacher at the high school level using the 'carousel' technique while teaching his class about expressions.  While viewing this video, you may ask yourself:

• How could you use this easy and effective activity with another math concept?
• How does the rotation with Mr. Walker efficiently allow for identifying and addressing learning gaps?
• How and what can students learn from each other as they work through each rotation?
If you want more...click on the title displayed in the video window and it will bring you to the actual Teaching Channel video page.  Notice the Common Core State Standard in red print at the top left corner of the video.  Hover over it and it displays the standard!  And don't miss the accompanying lesson plan and lesson materials supplied at the bottom right side of the web page.

 

This video is located at teachingchannel.org , along with many other interesting videos and lesson plans.  Sign up for free today!!

Enjoy the day!!

Kate

Test Me, Maybe...A Positive Light

The educational institution of which we are a part is suffering from severe growing pains, to put it mildly.  The challenge to prepare students for the upcoming high-stakes testing season is more stressful than ever.  Teachers and administrators are feeling the pressure...but so are our children.  In as much as 'the test' is meant to be an important tool for measuring student knowledge, it is just as important to keep in mind the mental health and well-being of our children as the testing dates approach. 

One key to successfully conquering change of this nature is keeping a positive attitude...especially in our relationships with students.  The process by which the state has 'rolled out' the new CCSS may not seem ideal.  However, as adults, we realize we have no choice (for many reasons) but to adhere to the new rules laid before us.  We must surge forward, with open and positive minds, using the most effective strategies and resources at our disposal in order to guide our students to success.  And we must also strive to keep our students thinking as positively as possible!

What better way to do that than with a song!  The video below is just one way a creative colleague chose to 'lighten' the mood of her third grade class as the test dates approach.

 

 

Change is good...I am a firm believer in that!  But it also comes with its challenges, especially when we have no control over the change at-hand.  Keep the faith!  You are doing great!!  AND...your students need you now more than ever!  Remember that old commercial..."Never let 'em see you sweat!" 

 

 

Enjoy the day!

 

Kate

 

 

Monsterland

Working at home on my computer yesterday, while tending to my sick 7 year-old, afforded me a post idea for today!  Luc was snuggling next to me in our recliner, as he usually does when he is under the weather.  I was navigating the internet in search of online math resources to share and just happened to be playing one that caught this first grader's eye.  I had noticed him watching me, so I kept playing, curious as to his true interest level in what I was doing.  After only a minute or two, he asked if he could try.  I handed over my laptop...and didn't get to use it again for the next twenty minutes.

The game which caught his eye was from one of the math links I posted upon launching this blog only a few days ago.  The name of the game is Monsterland Jr. vs. Sr. (click to play).  This game is a colorful physics puzzler with 32 levels. In each level, you have to pop blocks to safely guide the red square onto the sleepy red rectangle. You won't necessarily need to remove all of the blocks in a level. Removing fewer blocks and completing each level's task quickly will result in a higher score.  As simple as this may sound, higher level reasoning skills are honed in order to move to the next level.

The skills required to successfully accomplish a level include perseverance, prediction, cause/effect, reasoning, problem solving...just to name a few.  Give it a try!  And I'll bet most children (and children at heart) will enjoy this free, online activity!  Have fun!

Welcome!!

Well, if you are from Northern New York, you are probably enjoying your first day back to school from Spring Break!  I hope my first post finds you well - relaxed and rejuvenated for the 'home stretch' of the 2012-13 school year.

In my quest to help colleagues conquer the math CORE (Common Core State Standards, that is), I have realized the need for a place where busy educators can find the most important, up-to-date information regarding the CCSS for Math at their fingertips.  'Math...to the CORE!' is my attempt at a 'one stop shop' for teachers!  Here you will find links to the most recent and relevant information for implementing the New York State Common Core State Standards (NYS CCSS), as well as a plethora of other resources to use in our own quest to deepen your students' math understanding.

It is my goal to keep you current!  Occasionally, I will blog about an amazing resource, article, website, song, etc. which I feel would benefit you and your students. 

Some of the resources I share will not be specific to New York State.  Please keep in mind, when the CCSS were adopted, any state choosing to do so had to adopt the ENTIRE set of standards 'as-is' - with the option to add up to 15% more of their own expectations.   Therefore, NYS CCSS for math may include a little bit more/different information than those standards of another state.  However, the bulk of the information on any state CCSS site will be pertinant to any state who has chosen to adopt the math CCSS.

Should you have any questions regarding the Math CCSS or would like to suggest a math resource for me to add to my links, please do so by contacting me at mathcoachkate@gmail.com.

Enjoy the day!