Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Follow me on Twitter!
If you would like, you may follow me on Twitter. My handle is @llpeluso. I can't promise that you won't see a picture or two of my three awesome kids, but it's mostly all about mathematics education here at Brassfield. Have a super day!
Let's Be Nimble, Let's Be Quick: Student-Centered Learning
I read the white papers on a Dreambox Learning product today and loved so much of what they had to say. I decided it might be a good idea to paraphrase, since the document was some thirty-eight pages in length.
The part that resonated most with me most focused on student-centered learning. I have spent the past ten years of my teaching career trying to get away from the "Sage on the Stage" approach in which students "sit and get" in favor of the "Guide on the Side" method that gives the power to the people (the little people, in the case of an elementary school setting).
The Dreambox team put together a nice, succinct table comparing teacher-centered to student-centered activities, which I have share below. They also said:
The part that resonated most with me most focused on student-centered learning. I have spent the past ten years of my teaching career trying to get away from the "Sage on the Stage" approach in which students "sit and get" in favor of the "Guide on the Side" method that gives the power to the people (the little people, in the case of an elementary school setting).
The Dreambox team put together a nice, succinct table comparing teacher-centered to student-centered activities, which I have share below. They also said:
These skills, enhanced with high-quality, relevant, domain-specific
digital content-form a solid learning foundation to help today's students
become nimble, adaptive thinkers and doers who thrive in a complex future.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Brassfield Parents: You Are AMAZING!
How do I love thee, Brassfield parents? Let me count the ways...
I could write a whole book about how amazing our community of parents is here at Brassfield, but instead I'll just tell you that I received an e-mail today from a parent who had read an article in USA Today that spoke to her and she took the time to share it with me. I am "paying it forward" by sharing it here with you.
With a whole 'lotta mathematical love,
Mrs. PF
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
The New and Improved Multiplications Flashcard
When I was a kid, my parents used to make me practice my math facts with boring old flashcards and I remember considering the idea of running away to live with a kinder, gentler family who would love me whether or not I knew my math facts. (Thanks, Mom and Dad, for always pushing me to be my best! Sorry I wanted to run away.)
I don't want YOUR children to want to run away from home, so I'm going to be proactive and offer you a link to a WONDERFUL resource: array cards. These cards can be used as flashcards, but are much better because they have embedded meaning. Also, they drive home the area model and underscore the genesis of the formula Lenth x Width = Area.
Here's a link to get them for your child: Array Cards
I recommend that you have your child label the factors on the front and the product on the back. Even better, have your child use the commutative property of multiplication and list BOTH possible factor orders.
For example, if there is a 2 x 3 square, have your student write 2 x 3 AND 3 x 2 on the front of the array card. On the back, simply have them write 6.
Create a "known" pile and an "unknown" pile and focus on the latter. It's OK if your child has to count each square at first to determine the product, but try to encourage him or her to count more efficiently as he or she progresses. After all, skip counting/ repeated addition is the foundation for multiplication.
Enjoy!
I don't want YOUR children to want to run away from home, so I'm going to be proactive and offer you a link to a WONDERFUL resource: array cards. These cards can be used as flashcards, but are much better because they have embedded meaning. Also, they drive home the area model and underscore the genesis of the formula Lenth x Width = Area.
Here's a link to get them for your child: Array Cards
I recommend that you have your child label the factors on the front and the product on the back. Even better, have your child use the commutative property of multiplication and list BOTH possible factor orders.
For example, if there is a 2 x 3 square, have your student write 2 x 3 AND 3 x 2 on the front of the array card. On the back, simply have them write 6.
Create a "known" pile and an "unknown" pile and focus on the latter. It's OK if your child has to count each square at first to determine the product, but try to encourage him or her to count more efficiently as he or she progresses. After all, skip counting/ repeated addition is the foundation for multiplication.
Enjoy!
Friday, September 12, 2014
Top Ten Teds
Which is your favorite from among these ten math Ted Talks? Tell us in comments.
Top Ten Ted Talks (Math)
Top Ten Ted Talks (Math)
Parent Toolkit
If you are in the market for a little support in navigating your child's growth and development, both educational and emotional, check out The Parent Toolkit. The good folks at Education Nation created this app with parents in mind. It applies to students in PreK to 12th grade.
I downloaded it quickly and easily and have already begun using it for both Deacon, my 4 yo, and Anthony, who is ten.
Check it out for yourself! Let me know what you think in comments.
http://www.parenttoolkit.com
I downloaded it quickly and easily and have already begun using it for both Deacon, my 4 yo, and Anthony, who is ten.
Check it out for yourself! Let me know what you think in comments.
http://www.parenttoolkit.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Using Minecraft as a Teaching Tool
For my generation, the "it" game was Donkey Kong, followed by Mario Brothers. (Did I just totally date myself?) I could never understand the fascination with gaming. Even as a kid it seemed like a colossal waste of time.
These days, Minecraft is the game du joir, and I couldn't be happier. My oldest son, a 5th grader at Brassfield, is obsessed. I love the fact that he is learning as he plays.
The good folks at Scholastic have recognized the learning potential in Minecraft and have put together a parent resource page with ideas here http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/free-printable/more-printables/minecraft-learning-home-and-school
Check it out!
These days, Minecraft is the game du joir, and I couldn't be happier. My oldest son, a 5th grader at Brassfield, is obsessed. I love the fact that he is learning as he plays.
The good folks at Scholastic have recognized the learning potential in Minecraft and have put together a parent resource page with ideas here http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/free-printable/more-printables/minecraft-learning-home-and-school
Check it out!
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