Blog Archives

Math Trick Presentation

8/28/2013

Hi everyone. I have tried something new and exciting today. I created my very first powerpoint. I have had a difficult time sharing it here. (At first I wanted to upload it and embed it as a powerpoint. Then, I tried to share it as a movie. But... that didn't work. So, I have uploaded it as a PDF and embedded it. So, if you have any suggestions, ideas, or feedback, I would GREATLY APPRECIATE IT!) I hope you enjoy it!
This is a math trick that a wonderful educator shared with me many, many moons ago when I was a child. I have enjoyed math tricks ever since.
I have taught many people this trick over the years. I believe that knowing a math trick, especially one like this, builds your confidence in math. I have seen this help students who don't even like math as a general rule. I find it to be a great teaching tool!

8 Comments

A "Be Great" Teacher and an Inspiring Story

8/21/2013

4 Comments

I first revealed this poster not too long ago. Education is a passion of mine and I like to promote great teaching and the awe of learning whenever I can.
In the midst of all the controversy in education lately, it is inspiring to see that there are still great teachers out there. I came across a video of a great teacher! This teacher inspires his students to learn... and inspires me. I think it is thought-provoking and a testament to some good in the world.
I would like to share it with you here. What makes this teacher a great teacher? How can you tell? What can you do to improve your teaching or the teaching of others? What can be learned from this video?

I hope you took the 12 minutes to watch the video! This is inspiring! It is what great teachers are all about!

4 Comments

Are Our Children Being Brainwashed?

8/14/2013

6 Comments

Okay. The Common Core is in the news again. I came across this link on Facebook and am sharing it with you here today. Please take a moment to check it out. The link is of host, Glenn Beck, talking about Common Core in his show. It also has the poem about "learning better with Common Core" that a listener sent in saying that a group of fifth graders were "forced to recite."
Obviously, I wasn't there. So, I don't know what took place. But.... if it is true, I think it is wrong on so many levels.
First of all, children shouldn't be brought into the discussions of adults. They definitely shouldn't be brought into the politics of adults. And, above all, they shouldn't be forced to recite something that so far hasn't shown to be true. It is like the children are forced to be "cheerleaders" and "advocates" for this program, when they don't even really understand the scope of the program or the politics.
There are many thoughts on Common Core from both parents and educators. I have seen where someone retired because of Common Core. He didn't believe that teachers could teach anymore. See the article in the Huffington Post and the letter of resignation here.
My question is this: If children are made to be cheerleaders for a program that may or may not be working academically....what is that teaching them? What is it teaching the world? Where is the value of individuality? Where is the value of thinking for yourself?
Okay... I have many questions and opinions. What are yours? I would be curious to know. Thank you!

6 Comments

The Plasticware Alphabet Game

8/7/2013

2 Comments

Please feel free to use this poster (as is) to label your game.

Hi everyone! Today, I would like to tell you about an activity that is great for early learners. It can be used as a center activity or a whole group activity.
The plasticware alphabet game is a creative way for early learners to practice recognizing and matching uppercase and lowercase letters. It can also be modified for beginning letter/beginning sound practice as well.
The first step is to buy a set of plastic forks and plastic spoons. It is best to have the largest plasticware possible....within reason. Then, with a permanent marker, print one uppercase letter on each fork until you have one fork with each letter of the alphabet on it. Do the same for the lowercase letters on the spoons.
The original game is to match the lowercase letters on the spoons to the uppercase letters on the forks. In a whole group, you might spill the spoons on the floor. Then, have students choose a fork randomly from a container and find it's partner on the floor. Go around the circle once or twice so that each student can have either one or two turns. In a center, the forks and spoons can be mixed together. The activity would be for one or a small number of students to match the entire alphabet.
If you have a few minutes at the end of a subject or during transition times, you could even choose a spoon out of a container and see how many words students can come up with that starts with the letter on the spoon.

2 Comments

Math Trick Presentation

A "Be Great" Teacher and an Inspiring Story

Are Our Children Being Brainwashed?

The Plasticware Alphabet Game

Jodi Desautels

Archives

Categories