Even though we didn't have many school days in February, there was a good amount of "math love" happening at QAE. Here are a few of the month's highlights:
CONGRATULATIONS to both Ms. Smith's and Ms. Belcher's classes. They were the Primary and Intermediate Champs of the latest QAE Math Exploration - focusing on "Which One Doesn't Belong?". These 2 classrooms had the most entries (with explanations). Well done everyone! Stay tuned for the next Exploration happening in March ...
I love nothing more than seeing math being represented outside of the classroom, or having students come seek me out to ask math questions. The other day a 3rd grade student came to ask if he could borrow the book "Which One Doesn't Belong?". (Did you know that I have a library that is open for students, teachers, and parents?) I also had a 5th grader ask me if I could help her and a group of friends find new ways to challenge themselves in Math. We had a great conversation and I was quite impressed by her quest. Then there was the day that I went to check my mailbox in the Brick Building and I saw this glorious sight outside of Ms. Teske's first grade classroom:
CONGRATULATIONS to both Ms. Smith's and Ms. Belcher's classes. They were the Primary and Intermediate Champs of the latest QAE Math Exploration - focusing on "Which One Doesn't Belong?". These 2 classrooms had the most entries (with explanations). Well done everyone! Stay tuned for the next Exploration happening in March ...
I love nothing more than seeing math being represented outside of the classroom, or having students come seek me out to ask math questions. The other day a 3rd grade student came to ask if he could borrow the book "Which One Doesn't Belong?". (Did you know that I have a library that is open for students, teachers, and parents?) I also had a 5th grader ask me if I could help her and a group of friends find new ways to challenge themselves in Math. We had a great conversation and I was quite impressed by her quest. Then there was the day that I went to check my mailbox in the Brick Building and I saw this glorious sight outside of Ms. Teske's first grade classroom:
How many different ways can you show the number 52? Quite a few actually ... Way to go Ms. Teske's class - very impressive!
This year QAE is implementing a school-wide math assessment in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. This assessment is based on benchmark Common Core State Standards that students in each grade level are expected to be meeting during the beginning, middle and end of the year. The data collected from these assessments provides helpful and informative reports on individuals, classrooms, grade levels, as well as the school as a whole. This information is used to identify students who may need additional instruction, to drive instruction in the classrooms, and to measure how we are doing school-wide. The most recent (Winter Benchmark) assessment was given before break and I spent time assisting teachers and students with this endeavor. I found myself telling students more than once that they are much more challenged in math than I was in school. I wasn't expected to know what I was doing, I just needed to answer the questions. These days we want our students to not only answer correctly, but to also explain how they solved the problem. The term "math model" is one frequently used during math lessons. Students are expected to show their work through drawing, sketches, words, "math models". It is so much fun to see all the different ways that kids show their work, AND to see how hard our teachers are working to help students with this task. This Kindergarten example totally put a smile on my face:
This year QAE is implementing a school-wide math assessment in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. This assessment is based on benchmark Common Core State Standards that students in each grade level are expected to be meeting during the beginning, middle and end of the year. The data collected from these assessments provides helpful and informative reports on individuals, classrooms, grade levels, as well as the school as a whole. This information is used to identify students who may need additional instruction, to drive instruction in the classrooms, and to measure how we are doing school-wide. The most recent (Winter Benchmark) assessment was given before break and I spent time assisting teachers and students with this endeavor. I found myself telling students more than once that they are much more challenged in math than I was in school. I wasn't expected to know what I was doing, I just needed to answer the questions. These days we want our students to not only answer correctly, but to also explain how they solved the problem. The term "math model" is one frequently used during math lessons. Students are expected to show their work through drawing, sketches, words, "math models". It is so much fun to see all the different ways that kids show their work, AND to see how hard our teachers are working to help students with this task. This Kindergarten example totally put a smile on my face:
The week before Mid-Winter break, I busted out the heart stickers and had my first graders "show their work" while solving word problems. They needed to answer the question, make a math model, and write a matching equation. This type of activity allows me to watch and listen, allowing me to see what they've learned and how they apply it. It also provides the students and opportunity to use the skills that they've been taught and to connect it to success. I really love my job!!
Like I said, February has been a great month at QAE - with plenty of Math Love! And what better way to end it than with the announcement of the Mathical Book Prize winners for 2018!
The Mathical Book Prize is awarded by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI), in partnership with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and in coordination with the Children’s Book Council (CBC). What a group effort!
In addition to the top 3 winners, there are also many wonderful runner-up titles. Please take the time to check out their website with a full list of titles going back to 2015:
Mythical Books for Kids from Tots to Teens
I have many of the past books available in my Lending Library and I'm anxious to purchase some of the new titles. And, thanks to last year's Scholastic Book Fair proceeds, and the PTSA, I have recently added a number of new titles to my library as well.
Please, Please, Please stop by to check out my Lending Library and hopefully take a few books home with you!
I hope you had a wonderful Mid-Winter Break and welcome back!
The Mathical Book Prize is awarded by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI), in partnership with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and in coordination with the Children’s Book Council (CBC). What a group effort!
In addition to the top 3 winners, there are also many wonderful runner-up titles. Please take the time to check out their website with a full list of titles going back to 2015:
Mythical Books for Kids from Tots to Teens
I have many of the past books available in my Lending Library and I'm anxious to purchase some of the new titles. And, thanks to last year's Scholastic Book Fair proceeds, and the PTSA, I have recently added a number of new titles to my library as well.
Please, Please, Please stop by to check out my Lending Library and hopefully take a few books home with you!
I hope you had a wonderful Mid-Winter Break and welcome back!