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!