The Science of Math

Happy end of the week everyone! I am going to warn you on this one.  This blog is going to jump around a bit.  Only because I got some really good news!!!  AND...I couldn't wait to share it.  So let's just agree that this will be a TO BE CONTINUED post.  (As I find out more, I will let you know!)

I had the opportunity to attend an in person PD from DPI on math this past Thursday.  It was so good to be back in a group setting and to be able to share with other educators.  

While there, we focused on the Understand, Diagnose, and Take Action model for unfinished learning. I know that we have spent a good bit of this year digging into data to then take action.  

I am looking forward to unpacking some of our math standards in the future with a focus on identifying the prerequisites needed to access grade level content.  

With the pandemic and the loss of instructional time our students have had, we all know it is super important to make sure that we look at unfinished learning but also keep in mind that all unfinished learning doesn't need to be treated the same.  Sometimes it just means giving students more time or need to put forth more effort.  

This post from Achieve the Core is fantastic and it really digs into the idea of unfinished learning.  Be sure to check it out! 

Okay now to the TO BE CONTINUED part...

Jemma got wind of this in her afternoon part of the training. (I only went to the morning.). So, I will be digging more into this for use next week.  

The Science of MATH!!!!!!  

Just like our components of The Science of Reading there are components of Math. 

Click to download! 

This video digs in! 

Stay tuned for more information about how we can use this information to support our math students! 

Number Talk Review

Hi Park View! Thank you for the amazing work you are doing in your classrooms.  It was so darn fun walking around with our Board of Ed and seeing the delight in their eyes as they entered our classrooms.  We loved being able to share all the awesome things that go on at PVES every day!  

This week on the blog, I wanted to revisit number talks.  I know Wendy, our math coach, has been working with a group of our teachers to build some new number talks for us.  We also have some new teachers that were not here when this what an initiative.  

As a refresher, we know that consistent Number Talks give students the confidence to manipulate numbers/math in a way that makes sense to them. That is why we have them present in every math slide show.  

You have to check out this article about number talks from Sherry D. Parrish!  I love that in the article it is stated that the heart of a number talk is conversation! 

If you are looking to get more conversations started during your number talks check out these discussion starters from Anna Brantley! 

I love these simple ideas for on the fly number talks! 

Here are some tips from Alisan's presentation:

She shared an AWESOME website that had tons of quick-ready to use number talks. It is called, Which One Doesn't Below.  Check it out below!

Don't forget this GREAT Resource that was shared in PLC! 

I also found these FREE printable posters to add to your number talks from Primary Bliss!  I love the "I would like to defend my answer"poster-HELLO PEAK!

The Routty Math Teacher also has a great FREE file on getting started with number talks.  

A NUMBER Talk in K:

A NUMBER TALK in 1st Grade:

A NUMBER TALK in 2nd Grade:

A NUMBER TALK in 3rd Grade: 

This video really stresses the importance of number talks.  It digs into how number talks level the playing field for students who think differently about math. Allowing students to have the opportunity to use trial and error is essential in building confidence in math.

So in just 15 minutes a day, you can start improving your students' feelings about math and increase their number sense while also providing a safe place to share and learn. 

Happy Planning!

Amping up Novel Studies

Hi All!  So excited to hear that our Data Wall in PLC on Tuesday went so well!  Thank you to our amazing Title team for pulling it all together for us.  

I was going through our Istation Rate of Improvement and I noticed our Level 4s and 5s are needing a bit of a push.  I started thinking about novel studies.  I know many of you are using them during your enrichment time and I wanted to provide you with some ideas on how we can amp up the engagement and get our kiddos digging deeper into the books. 

I know that comprehension and vocabulary are super important during a novel but I challenge you to make those activities more rigorous. Move beyond just written response to questions.  

Debates are one of my favorite learning strategies! Using this strategy keeps students actively engaged and taps into critical thinking skills, oral communication skills and empathy! 

LOVE this video to help introduce this concept to students! 

Can you imagine having your students debate over a character's decision in a chapter?  Or a solution to a problem that happens in the story?

Even introducing the NOVEL can be engaging!  This post has some fun ways to take it beyond reading the title! 

I love to provide students with a reading notebook and sticky notes to record their thinking on.  Setting a purpose for reading is super important and taking time to discuss their responses will allow them to hear everyone's point of view! 

Digging into vocabulary is super important too!  Work to go beyond looking up definitions.  This vocabulary sort is a great way to get your students thinking!

AND this post is filled with ideas to help make the most out of your novel study from the beginning to the end! 

Some of my favorites are:

• Conversation with Main Character
• Plot Sort
• Sets and Props
• A Good Yarn!

Providing a culminating activity is a great idea to bring it all together at the end.  Give them time to practice those speaking and listening skills too by allowing them to present their work!

This can be as simple as a chapter snapshot where students are provided a sheet of blank paper.  They are asked to record what happened in a chapter using only pictures! I love using these in a Gallery Walk and allowing students to jot down what is happening in the pictures. 

Here are some FREE resources to get you started!

 

 

Spring Break

Friends...I have a huge smile on my face as I type this!  We made it!  SPRING Break!  I hope you all have some wonderful things planned with family and Friends.  I will be heading to FL.  Stay tuned to my FB for pictures!!!!  I can't wait! 

I know you all already know what you need to relax but sometimes it is fun to find some new ideas!  Just thought I would share some below.  And NONE of the things below are about school! 

I picked a few from this blogpost above to try out!

Wild Flowers is one of them!  I have a flower bed that is empty and filling it with wild flowers sounds like a simple way to fill it!  

Check out this blog for 10 Easy to grow wild flowers! 

Warm Weather Recipes: I also LOVE to get to cooking when I am at home.  So before I leave for my trip I am going to be whipping up some of my favorites!

Dill Chicken Salad:

Greek Orzo Salad:

If you are looking for an inspirational read I LOVED this book called True Grit and Grace! I have it on Audiable.  If you haven't signed up before, I can send it to you for free! 

If you are a fan of yoga like I am...spring is the perfect time to get outside with your practice!  I have been taking classes at our local YMCA but when I can't get to a class...I grab one on YouTube! 

Heading out to a farmer's market is always a fun way to spend a day!  Here is a list of 10 of the Best Farmer's Markets in Mooresville! 

Or head to Wing Haven in Charlotte and try your hand at some Bird House Building! 

Most importantly, relax!  This has been a year and we all need to take some time to enjoy and slow down!  Whatever you decide to do over break I hope you have the very best time!  4th Q is going to go FAST!