Today's MPI was all about measurement now measurement is all around us all the time and possibly the one area of maths that gets forgotten. I am loving how the approach from MPI is presented in a way that clearly shows the connections across all the areas in maths. I am loving sharing with the staff, the importance of seeing maths as an every day thing, and not compartmentalised boxes which I feel it has been seen as in the past. Thees presentations are taking the guess out of how to see all the strands and elements working together and I hope my understanding and workings with it will enhance my teaching and that of the staff too, especially be ticking those boxes two or three at a time!
I can't wait to use the number stings in my class as there are a few children who struggle with maths, but are visual and once they see a pattern are off. I find the maths talk parts very empowering for me as a teacher and my children which has been very rewarding in class. It is amazing how something so simple can be so effective.
I
need to embrace the technology side more. I find in my class that anything on the chrome book means children will muck around and nowhere near as much work gets done, compared to book work. That is possible me not laying the foundation down properly and something I would love advise on. I am old school to and find marking a book as I roam around the class easier than check online stuff after school - is that what other teacher do with online work?
I greatly appreciate having more time to explore so thank you for that. I admire all the teachers here and inspire to be half as good as them ... that is one thing I find with PD, you can be trucking along thinking you have nearly got this and then after a day like today feel like a beginning teacher again! Thank you ladies - another information packed day!
Kia ora Libby,
ReplyDeleteI love reading your reflections - always so honest, thoughtful and full of heart:) You’re definitely not alone in feeling like the Measurement strand is huge and often pushed aside (probably apart from using rulers). I'm really glad you found the way we unpacked it in MPI practical and connected. You're right - maths stands shouldn't live in separate boxes, and it’s awesome to hear how you’re sharing this thinking with your team too.
Great that you’re finding the Maths Talks empowering and are ready to try Number Strings with your class. I really hear you on the planning struggle and agree that going back to what worked and adjusting bit by bit could help rebuild that flow. Just yesterday in a Ministry meeting, they talked about how schools should not throw out what’s been working well, but instead build on it - so your thinking is absolutely in line with their (and our:) message. I truly think your kids are lucky to have a teacher who brings such energy and reflection to her practice!
Hope you’ll manage to get some well-deserved rest and recharge during the non-contact time!
Ngā mihi,
Elena
Kia ora Libby,
ReplyDeleteWhat an insightful blog post. You have made so many connections and it is great to see you actively leading your team. Even in talking with you I can see how enthusiastic you are about Maths and how you notice connections all over the place. I am sure the students in your class also feel your enthusiasm.
You bring up an interesting dilemma that many of us have. How to manage the distractions that come with access to the big wide internet world? Yes, books prove to be easier to manage. There are lots of ways to manage them and you've shared some thinking already. I found marking was easier if I did it while I sat with the group or as they worked on some independent work. We can chat more about this next time we catch up.
Enjoy the next day on MPI.
:) Sharon