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