Friday Funny

Stop this one at about 0:30 and make a prediction about what is going to happen. Do the same at 1:09. Were you right?

2014 Indiana Academic Standards

The DOE has released the proposed Indiana Academic Standards for 2014-2015.

Click here to take a look at the MATH standards (6th - 8th)

Click here to look at the ELa standards (6th - 12th)

Friday Funny

Another video that has inference implication. What would you say is going on here! This never happened on Batman, did it?

Friday Funny

Yes, I know it is Sunday, but saw this and realized I had not posted a Friday Funny yet. It was on Facebook under the title, "Don't Argue with Idiots." I am sure there is an inference lesson in here somewhere.

Focus of Instruction - 3C

Ancient Egyptian Multiplication

I created this video for the Thinking Math class that I facilitate. To develop an complete understanding of multiplication, one must understand that multiplication is about groups of a specific number. Being able to decompose or recompose numbers is a higher level skill that shows number sense. The Egyptians had this down. This video is helpful for building the idea that multiplication is about equal groups.

Aha Moments #3

From RRCNA #14
"Literacy Coaching K-12 for Cohesion
Enrique Puig
Nancy Chartier
Chad Harnish
Betty Jahnke

"Going back to definitions is an important operation of the mind. We should know that the power of a word does not reside in its sound, but in the ideas of which the word reminds us and, ultimately, in the facts on which the ideas are based."  --G. Polya (1945)

The power of a word does not reside in its sound, but in its meaning. Without meaning, words cannot convey thought. Building and maintaining vocabulary is crucial. It is why our classrooms should be rich in vocabulary. Both spoken and in print. Especially in Math, as we are seeking to build a deep understanding of concept along with procedure, a strong vocabulary will make for a stronger learner.

Aha Moments #2

From RRCNA #14
"Literacy Coaching K-12 for Cohesion"
Enrique Puig
Nancy Charier
Chad Harnish
Betty Jahnke

There is much conversation regarding the adoption of Common Core State Standards. We are told what they are, how to break them down, etc. But in one of the ideas address in this session was "What the Common Core State Standards are not..."

"The most important intentional design limitations are as follows:

1. They do not tell how teachers should teach
2. They do not describe all that can or should be taught
3. They do not define the nature of advanced work for students who meet the standards prior to the end of high school
4. They do not define the intervention methods or materials necessary to support students who are well below or well above grade level expectations
5. They do not define the full range of support appropriate for English learners and for students with special needs
6. They do ont define the whole of career and college readiness."

While there is a lot to learn about the implications of addressing the CCSS, perhaps understanding their limitations needs to be a part of the discussion. In the process of implementation of the CCSS, we cannot neglect other important elements of instruction that are essential to our students' success.

Friday Funny - School Skit from SNL

Ever had a moment like this one? Anything look familiar?

Aha Moments #1

I attended the RRCNA this week. Here are a couple of "AHA" moments from Main Session 1.

Comparison Activity

This is something you could use with your Success Time class, or as a quick, fun activity in your classroom.

Pictures and Words - Comparison Activity

It is in a Power Point format, instructions are on the first slide.