To start, it was announced a month or so ago that I would be taking a leave of absence from SPS next year. With my oldest going off to college and my youngest starting High School, it seemed like a good time to focus on family as well as to explore what my next adventure will be. I am very appreciative that the district allows me to have this time and opportunity - and while I am not sure if I'll continue to teach with SPS after next year, I do know that this will be my last year at QAE.
That being said, I can't thank this community enough for the amazing amount of support and encouragement that you have given to me for the last 7 years. I am incredibly lucky to have been surrounded by such talented and inspirational teachers, excited and eager students, and parents who have allowed me to have a job where I have been trusted to create a program that I am very proud of.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU - I am beyond grateful!
Now let's move on to looking ahead at how to keep math alive during the summer.
One of my favorite people to follow on Twitter is Christopher Danielson, @trianglemancsd. He is also the author of 2 of my favorite math books: Which One Doesn't Belong? and How Many? Through his blog Talking Math With your Kids, you can find all sorts of math info as well as the ability to subscribe to his amazing "Summer of Math" program. This year he has 2 offerings: 5 yo +, and 11 yo +
A few months ago I started following The DREME Network (out of Stanford) on Twitter and have really enjoyed everything that they've shared so far. Recently they talked about picture books that you can use to introduce math to your younger ones:
Picture books can be a great way to introduce young children to #earlymath. These five books help children understand numbers & counting. Downloadable reading guides give tips for questions & activities. #parents #preschool #familymath #ECE #literacy https://t.co/CynYW5azyJ pic.twitter.com/jsaerKOtsV
— DREME Network (@DREMEmath) May 6, 2018
Some children are #mathanxious as early as 1st grade. Parents can help! But if #parents fear #math they might need a little help. These tips from @DREMEmath 's team at @UchicagoS make supporting #earlymath at home easy & natural. #mathisfun #mathed #ECE https://t.co/DAtNYHrEZf
— DREME Network (@DREMEmath) May 2, 2018
Math for Love - a local organization
Table Talk Math - there is also a book by the same name that I highly recommend
Games for Young Minds
Bedtime Math - they have a website, blog, books, and tweet
I have not spent a summer in Seattle for over 20 years, so my knowledge of summer camps and programs is obviously limited.
So limited actually that I only know of one - Girls Rock Math (which I hear fills up quickly)
Math for Love may offer something, but I haven't had a chance to look.
If you know of any additional programs, please share - I would love to hear about it!
The above programs, books, blogs and websites are by no means all that is out there. If you feel as though you would like to know more, or need different options, feel free to reach out to me. I'm always ready and willing to talk math! Also, keep in mind that helping support your child's math education, and love of math, can be as simple as reading a book, playing a game, and talking (while mostly guiding and listening).
I wish you all the best as you LOOK AHEAD toward crafting your child's summer math experiences, and I hope that you found something in the above, useful or of interest. As I begin my own journey LOOKING AHEAD, starting in July you will be able to reach me at [email protected] as I won't be checking my SPS address as often.
Thank you again for all of your trust, support, and sharing your amazing kids!
​Ms. Francisco