I’ll admit it, and I’ve even said it myself: “Until Little Johnny shows me mastery of this skill….I can’t extend him.” However, I would now like to go back and apologize to Little Johnny and all those students that I didn’t offer extensions to, because I wrongly thought they should show me mastery of a … Continue reading There’s more than one way to skin a cat!
Teaching Techniques
Say Good-bye to Primary!
My oldest son, Rory, is about to start Grade 3! Good-bye primary! Hello elementary! I can’t believe it! Where did the time go??? What does this mean in terms of his math? It means he is now ready to learn the algorithm for addition and subtraction; and I am so grateful to his teachers for … Continue reading Say Good-bye to Primary!
What does learning look like for the early years?
In 2009, the National Research Council Committee reported on the learning of math in early years (pre-kindergarten). They advocate that all children are capable of learning math, but many are not provided the chance to engage in mathematical opportunities. (For more, click here.) They believe children can be and should be learning math at an … Continue reading What does learning look like for the early years?
Hey! What’s the BIG idea?!
When the BC ministry re-wrote their math curriculum, everyone (well maybe only like 90%!) complained and thought what’s the big idea?! But that’s just the point...it is all about big ideas! Mathematics has often been thought of as a skill-based subject (i.e. the old curriculum); it’s not. Mathematics is a set of connected, big ideas … Continue reading Hey! What’s the BIG idea?!
Three Cheers for Talking Points!
My Talk on Talking Points My new favourite technique for getting students to communicate mathematically, in a way that requires them to reason and justify their thinking, is Talking Points! Over the years, I have used different methods as a way to elicit student thinking; however, I love the way talking points encourage each child … Continue reading Three Cheers for Talking Points!
Math Milestones with my little men 