Greatest 'learning' this semester ...

Reflecting on the many things I have learned this semester, I can honestly say that my ability to think mathematically and my confidence to help children learn to think mathematically has progressed in a very positive way. I have learned so much this semester!

One thing which this mathematics course class has helped me achieve is the ability to think outside the box. My entire schooling has been spent with teachers telling me to think one certain way about mathematics. Many times, I would take my math problems home and work through them with my mom- only to be told the next day that I could not use that method to get the answer. Being professionally taught that all my life, doing “my own way” was and is okay is a very satisfying feeling. Learning this, has helped me not only become more confident in my own capability to do mathematics, but also my proficiency to teach my future students.

Thanks Mary, it’s been a great semester !

Classroom Resources

Recently, our class had the opportunity to view, and explore mathematical classroom resources. We looked at the curriculum guides and textbooks found in kindergarten to grade six Newfoundland and Labrador classrooms. This activity was very useful because, other than the curriculum guides, I have not had any exposure to the resources provided to teachers for mathematics.  It was great to see the resources and to beginning thinking about ways I could use them effectively in my future classroom.

Looking at the resources, our group began at grade six and worked our way in descending order to kindergarten. One thing that was very prominent was how interactive the material was from kindergarten to grade three, and then the abrupt switch to very boring, dull textbooks. The children's book in the primary grades seemed like excellent resources. They were colourful, and interactive for children. I think by teaching math concepts through a story which children can relate to is a much more meaningful approach. I believe the books provided in the primary grades are successful in achieving this approach.

Another thing which was very surprising was the large amount of teacher samples that are provided along with the text.I was surprised to see even some 'scripts' on how to teach the math lessons to students. I hadn't expected that there would be so much material available to the teacher.

It was nice to know that there are such a large quantity of resources waiting when we enter our future classrooms. I believe it is important to remember that these resources are simply a guide. The most important thing is knowing your students, and providing them with material which is challenging.

YouCubed- Join the Revolution!

In Thursday’s class we were given the opportunity to explore the educational website “YouCubed”.This website is described as the “new movement to revolutionize math teaching and learning”. The first thing that caught my attention about the website was the promise for the site to be a non-profit resource for both educators and parents. I think this is an excellent embankment for Jo Boaler and her team!

Mathematics most definitely needs a revolution and this website seem to be on the right path. Too many students view math as a boring subject which confines them to their seat- not to mention the ‘one correct answer’ problem. Even though the website is only in its initial stages, it already has great resources to offer teachers and parents. Such as the crazy eights lesson plan. What child wouldn’t want to create a geometric shape with glowsticks!

I think it’s time we all join the revolution!

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Sir Ken Robinson's 2006 TED Talk is a great video to show in a class based on teaching children mathematics. He spoke of how the main goal of our education system is to create university professors. As a future educator it is important to realize that this approach is ineffective, and unrealistic. We do not need a society filled with individuals who are educated beyond appreciation. We need an education system which supports individuality and encourages students to learn in a way that they love.   

 I found his video very thought provoking. One of the things he talked about which really stood out to me was about the little girl who was a dancer, and needed movement. If that situation was today, in the 21^st century, I believe his prediction would be correct- the young child would be silenced with ADHD medication. The amplitude of that individual’s success- a famous choreographer, speaks volumes to how inaccurately our society and our education system handles children “with ADHD”.

 

I recommend this video to any caregiver, or educator!

 

                                             Sir Ken Roberstson - Do Schools Kill Creativity?

 

 

 

 

What is Mathematics?

Mathematics is a very broad discipline. While many people see it as merely numbers and equations, it can be classified as much more than that. Math is an art, a science, a humanity and also a history in some sense. Math is everything we do!  Mathematics may take many forms

Although I have learnt and taught math, I have no simple explanation of what math is. I think math is different to each and every person because it depends on the relationship they have with the subject area. Some people hate math, but why? Is it because they did not receive a sufficient teaching experience. Based on my own personal involvement, it is the students who struggle but do not receive help that flourish into math haters. I believe math can be taught in a much more interesting and stimulating way then it is currently being communicated in our school systems.

 Until just last week, I seen math in a very narrow- minded way, because I considered math the things I learnt in the classroom - fractions, patterns, and equations. However, after researching and pondering “what is math?” I see  math in a new light. Everything you do can be looked at and thought of in a mathematical sense!

 

Math Autobiography

 



As a future teacher, I feel that it is important to reflect on my own experiences in educational settings in order to adequately help my future students learn new concepts and ideas. Reflecting on how you were taught is an effective way to gain understanding of how children feel about situations. 

 My memories surrounding the learning of mathematics however are very few. I recall liking math. I also remember how self-fulfilling it was to breeze through a problem solving question. My only conclusion on my "math amnesia" is that little thought was involved and that math was not a challenge for me. My one and only memory that really stands out to me when I think back to primary and elementary mathematics is playing math games in the computer lab in grade four.

In high school math became more of challenge in a positive way. I really enjoyed mathematics throughout high school except for one year in grade ten. My math teacher was a very well educated individual, however she struggled with the concept of teaching. That year the whole class had difficulty understanding what she was trying to teach. This was a very agonizing experience. That year I absolutely despised math and my mark was significantly lower than any other year. However, in the following years of high school I regained my love for math and also began tutoring other students.

I still enjoy math and I use it every day in various ways, such as grocery shopping, cooking, and baking. I hope to bring my own love for mathematics into the classroom in a fun way, which will encourage children to want to learn more about mathematics.

 

Welcome !

Welcome to Ms. Canning's math blog. The purpose of this blog is to share and explore math activities and learning ideas for students in the primary/elementary grades. I hope the information you find here will be helpful !