Teaching Fractions

Even though this video presents information regarding the instruction of fractions at a 3rd grade level, it is important for understanding a conceptual piece that is often missing in the student's understanding of fractions. That piece is seeing fractions as actual numbers on a number line.



So if students are missing this conceptual piece, perhaps we need to find ways (and the time) to provide that instruction in the classroom.

To read the article this was attached to (Approach to Fractions Seen as Key Shift n Common Standards), click here.

Instructional Videos for Common Core Instruction

Some great videos on Common Core instruction. Not just math! Click here to go to the site.

Thanks to Denise Harvey for sharing!

Additional Technology Enhanced sites

These are from Kelly's e-mail.

http://practice.parcc.testnav.com/#

Be sure to click on the "Sample Items" tab, then choose 6-8 ELa or Math set.

http://sbac.portal.airast.org/practice-test/

Click on "Student Interface Practice and Training Tests," then enter the grade level you desire, then choose which test you want to try.

It is critical that we give our students as much exposure to this format of questions as possible. Consider using computer lab time as well as using your Smartboard to do these types of questions.

Don't forget about the other site (CTB) that can be found here.

Don't Lose this Site! CCRA Preview.

As we all know, things are changing for this years ISTEP assessment. Even the format of the test is changing. In order to prepare your students for these changes, this site has been provided. It will expose your students to all of the new question formats that ISTEP will be using. And that is something you definitely want to do. And more than once!

Here is the link to the site.

As you can see below, this site include BOTH Math and ELa.

 This would be a great Bell Ringer activity if you have a Smart Board. But students need to practice this on a computer in the labs as well.

A few more of the changes that were mentioned at the DOE Meeting...

• Students will still have tools, but no more icons telling them when to use them. They will have to know they are there and decide which tool they need for a given question. (This change was implemented because of SMP 5,  "Use appropriate tools strategically.")
• Fluency items added for Mathematics (takes place in Part 2 window)
• In equations and expressions, students will have to define the variables ON THEIR OWN

Online Communites of Practice

Looking for some great ideas for your content area? Have a question you want to throw out about a standard? These and many other issues can be addressed using the Online Communities of Practice provided by the Indiana DOE. And since it is Indiana, it is specific to our state standards.

Here is the link to the site.

You have to join with Google+ to have access. If you have not already joined Google+ you can use your ACS e-mail account to join.

Formative Assessment - Stop Light method

Hey, the video is only about 50 seconds long, but could change the way you teach. Take a look.

Using Talk Moves

This video is about using Talk Moves to help students stay on task. So often, students check out when someone talks or goes to the board because they will not be held accountable for the information. But what if they were? Simple things, like asking students to restate what was said, to explain their understanding, etc. helps students feel accountable and can increase participation (and therefore retention).

New Whiteboard App - Show Me

Now that Educreations has decided to charge for its services (to the tune of about $100/year), I am switching to Show Me. Show me is similar to Educreations, and is a free app with unlimited storage. Educreations still has a free version, but many of the previously free features (such as unlimited storage) are now only available in the paid version.

Below is a first attempt at using Show Me. As you can see, it looks similar to Educreations.


While Show Me does not have as many features as Educreations, it appears to be a solid app. I like that I can import PDFs or other formats as a background, and can have several pages set up ahead and scroll through them as needed. I also like that I can explore topics and find things that I might be able to use in the classroom.

Here is an example of a video found on their site that teaches about solving 1 and 2 step equations. These can be embedded on a site as below, or you can link to them.


Thanks, Show Me!

Math Resources - Share My Lesson

Order of Operations - Good reviews and comments. Everything from Special Ed to 8th grade teachers.

Quadratic Equations - 8th Grade might want to save for end of the year.

Common Core index

Learning Style Inventory

Click here to go to a site where you can find a Learning Style Inventory.

Whole Brain Videos - Middle School

Here are some Whole Brain videos for a Middle School setting.









Whole Brain Teaching - Chris Biffle's You-Tube page for more videos.

Instructional Guidance from the DOE

This is a very important document from the DOE. It takes each current Indiana College and Career Readiness Standard and lets you know how important that standard is for the coming ISTEP test.

6th Grade: (Page 6)

7th Grade: (Page 7)

8th Grade: (Page 8)

See the entire document here.

Have you seen it yet?

Have you had a chance to visit Kristal McCorkle's classroom yet? It is a wonderful job of creating in inviting learning environment!

Stop telling kids they are smart??? - Article by Sal Khan

Here are some interesting snippets from an article by Sal Khan titles, "The Learning Myth: Why I'll Never Tell My Son He's Smart."The Learning Myth: Why I'll Never Tell My Son He's Smart"
that can be found here.

My 5-year-­old son has just started reading. Every night, we lie on his bed and he reads a short book to me. Inevitably, he’ll hit a word that he has trouble with: last night the word was “gratefully.” He eventually got it after a fairly painful minute. He then said, “Dad, aren’t you glad how I struggled with that word? I think I could feel my brain growing.” I smiled: my son was now verbalizing the tell­-tale signs of a “growth­ mindset.” But this wasn’t by accident. Recently, I put into practice research I had been reading about for the past few years: I decided to praise my son not when he succeeded at things he was already good at, but when he persevered with things that he found difficult. I stressed to him that by struggling, your brain grows. Between the deep body of research on the field of learning mindsets and this personal experience with my son, I am more convinced than ever that mindsets toward learning could matter more than anything else we teach.

Researchers have known for some time that the brain is like a muscle; that the more you use it, the more it grows. They’ve found that neural connections form and deepen most when we make mistakes doing difficult tasks rather than repeatedly having success with easy ones.

For instance, praising someone’s process (“I really like how you struggled with that problem”) versus praising an innate trait or talent (“You’re so clever!”) is one way to reinforce a growth ­mindset with someone. Process­ praise acknowledges the effort; talent­ praise reinforces the notion that one only succeeds (or doesn’t) based on a fixed trait.

I see this as a part of the shift we need to make, teaching for understanding rather than teaching for success. Teaching a depth of knowledge rather than one strategy or method that gives a correct answer but doesn't easily transfer in real-world situations.

Having Trouble Viewing This Site?

As I went to check something on the blog this morning, I noticed that several of the images were not displaying. In order to see them, I had to log on to the new corporate web filter. Just thought I would give you a heads up.

From Glenda Ritz

Welcome back to school message.

Why Science Teachers...

If you don't get it...

NBC Learn - Free resources!

The Indiana Department of Education has made NBC Learn a free resource for Indiana teachers.

To get access to the resources, go to Indiana.NBCLearn.com, then just click on the button to access!

Walk Through Principles

I have already shared the walk-Through calendar. If you have not gotten it, you can find it here.

Today's link will take you to the Marzano site where you can look at what specific things you can be doing to fulfill specific goals within the calendar.

For example: One of the goals for cycle 1A is "Provide clear learning goals and scales." This would align with Marzano Reflective Practice 1. (Not all of them align with the same number) So you can click on the first practice and a sheet will come up with what it should look like. (You have to create an account and be signed in, but the account is free, then scroll down to Appendix B.)

This is what will then come up if you are signed in.

This tells you what specific things you should be doing and also even gives student evidence.

NCTM Problem

Here is a link to a PDF copy of that NCTM problem I send out earlier this week in e-mail.

8th Grade Math - 1A

Here are the standards for 8th Grade - 1A

8.NS.1 Give examples of rational and irrational numbers and explain the difference between them. Understand that every number has a decimal expansion; for rational numbers, show that the decimal expansion terminates or repeats, and convert a decimal expansion that repeats into a rational number.

8.NS.2 Use rational approximations of irrational numbers to compare the size of irrational numbers, plot them approximately on a number line, and estimate the value of expressions involving irrational numbers. (e.g., π2). For example, by truncating the decimal expansion of √2, show that √2 is between 1 and 2, then between 1.4 and 1.5, and explain how to continue on to get better approximations.)

8.NS.3 Given a numeric expression with common rational number bases and integer exponents, apply the properties of exponents to generate equivalent expressions.

8.NS.4: Use square root symbols to represent solutions to equations of the form x^2 = p, where p is a positive rational number.

Have an idea or question? Use the comment button to share.

7th Grade Math - 1A

Here are the standards for 7th Grade - 1A

7.C.5  Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions, including ratios of lengths, areas, and other quantities measured in like or different units.

• Bar models are great for solving rate and ratio problems.

7.C.8  Solve real-world problems with rational numbers by using one or two operations.

7.AF.9  Identify real-world and other mathematical situations that involve proportional relationships. Write equations and draw graphs to represent proportional relationships and recognize that these situations are described by a linear function in the for y = mx,  where the unit rate, m, is the slope of the line.

7.GM.3  Solve real-world and other mathematical problems involving scale drawings of geometric figures, including computing actual lengths and areas from a scale drawing. Create a scale drawing by using proportional relationships.

7.GM.2  Identify and describe similarity relationships of polygons including the angle-angle criterion for similar triangles, and solve problems involving similarity.

Have an idea or question? Use the comment button to share.

6th Grade Math - 1A

Here are the standards for 6th Grade 1A:

6.NS.1: Understand that positive and negative numbers are used to describe quantities having opposite directions or values (e.g., temperature above/below zero, elevation above/below sea level, credits/debits, positive/negative electric charge).  Use positive and negative numbers to represent and compare quantities in real-world contexts, explaining the meaning of 0 in each situation.

• Idea: Number line activity. Prepare numbers on post-its and have the students place the numbers on a number line. Remember, it is the mathematical discussion that takes place that provides learning and understanding. Allow mistakes, and use them to promote discussion.
• Idea: Place numbers on construction paper from -10 to +10. Have students take turns do problems by coming up to the line and physically moving. Example. 3 - 7 = x. Student goes to the number 3 and moves 7 spaces to the left to arrive at an answer of x = -4. Students at seats could have a smaller number line copied and follow along with their fingers. Adding movement activates more of the brain, increasing retention!

6.NS.2: Understand the integer number system.  Recognize opposite signs of numbers as indicating locations on opposite sides of 0 on the number line; recognize that the opposite of the opposite of a number is the number itself (e.g., –(–3) = 3), and that 0 is its own opposite. 

6.NS.8: Interpret, model, and use ratios to show the relative sizes of two quantities.  Describe how a ratio shows the relationship between two quantities.  Use the following notations: a/b, a to b, a:b.

• Idea: Bar models are great for solving ratio and showing the relationship between quantities.

Have an idea or question? Use the comment button to share

Calendar of Walk-Through goals

Here is a copy of the Walk-Through Calendar that was mentioned at our Staff Meeting on Thursday.

As you can see, there are 2-3 goals for each cycle. These are your goals, teacher goals. Many of these line up with the Turn-Around principles. All of them are research based.

Clarifications for 1A

Goal 1: Provide clear learning goals and scales.

• Goals for each cycle should be posted in the classroom for your subject area. These goals should be referred to during instruction.
• Grading scales should be communicated and clear, as well as rubrics for any assignments. Students won't know what to do if it is not clearly communicated.

Goal 3:  Establish and maintain classroom rules and procedures.

• Are your general expectations posted and clearly stated?
• Are necessary procedures posted and clearly stated?
• Is enforcement of expectations consistent?

 Goal 21: Apply consequences for lack of adherence to rules and/or procedures.

• In the beginning of the year, this may be consistent reminders. 
• Is there a progressive (5 step?) plan in place for students who consistently do not adhere to the rules/procedures of the class/school?

 Click here for a PDF of the Walk-Through calendar.

Algebra Tiles

Here is a link to a site showing various uses for Algebra Tiles.

Here is another link.

More tech resources

Click here --> http://www.symbaloo.com/mix/homewebmix1134

Web 2.0: Cool Tools for Schools

Tons of resources categorized by type! Here is a snip of the menu...

Go check it out!

Minute Timer

Link to 6th Grade "Minute to Win It" blog

Teacher or Leader?

Read this somewhere lately, I think it was in a Marzano book, but I am not sure and have been unable to find it. But it has stuck in my mind.

Benchmark Ready

It's that time of year when we begin to reflect on this past year, and think about all of things we'll do differently next year! It will be an adjustment going to 140 minute Language Arts block. Hopefully, with a good plan in place, we can start next year off prepared!

Here's what a 140 minute Benchmark lesson plan template might look like:

Link to lesson plan template:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9XTG-oKj33jX0d3VU5DVldMTGc/edit?usp=sharing

Another way to keep organized is to use a calendar for keeping track of small group meetings:

Courtesy Mrs. Mason, Promise Road Elementary
Link to My Reader's Workshop Plan:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jz74i0ftvb2lk3q/Reader%27s%20Workshop%20Plan.docx

Another change in our curriculum will be the addition of The Article of the Week.This will rotate being taught one week by the Language Arts teachers, one week by the science teachers, and one week by the social studies teachers. 

You can find more information from the creators on the Vale Middle School website.

NCTM Pinterest Board

Did you know that the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) has a Pinterest board for Middle School Math lessons? Neither did I, until today. Here is the link.

Best Practices

Here is a link to a post on Laura Swain's blog I found worth sharing. It has a 2-page document that summarizes this book...

Summaries are great, as we don't always have the time to read everything. And Best Practices will give us the best results! I hope you find this worth your time!

Resources

Denise Harvey found this one...

Click here to go to the site!

And this one was found by Natalie Ramsey...

Click Here to go to Coloring Squared

Thanks for sharing, Ladies!

Formative Assessment PD

Here is

Link to powerpoint.

Link to blank template (Excel sheet for keeping student data)

Link to West Virginia DOE (Examples of Formative Assessment)

Link to Scholastic (Article and examples of Formative Assessment)

Link: A Sampling of Types of Formative Assessment (PDF)

Link: Tools for Formative Assessment (PDF)

Link: Formative (Informal) Assessment Strategies (PDF)

Link to NWEA site (Article and examples)

Resource

Another interesting resource

http://www.peterpappas.com/

Interesting Resource

ditchthattextbook.com

The name says it all.

QR Codes

You can create your own QR (Quick Response) Codes. These codes have many uses, one of which is the ability to quickly link to websites.

Here is the QR Code for this blog...

It was created here.

Article of the Week

Article of the Week is a reading initiative that is already being implemented at Anderson High School, and will be at Highland Middle School for the 2014-2015 school year.

Here is a link to the Powerpoint.

Here is a link to the Vale Middle School "Article of the Week" site. Anchor papers and articles can be found here.