Blog 20

Blog #20!

Observation: Math manipulatives really help when teaching math

Reflection: During my practicum, it didn’t take me long to realize that most children are able to thoroughly understand a math concept best when they are given manipulatives. From my understanding, for some time now, the main point of the use of manipulatives has been promoting the use of hands-on math.

Reflection on Reflection: I believe that the use of manipulatives is so important because it allows students to think about math in a very concrete way. It is no longer an abstract thought on a piece of paper, but something tangible (which children love!). This way of teaching is very beneficial because it allows the students to understand the concept the teacher is speaking about. For some reason this method works. I have seen it happen. When students were unable to grasp a concept with simple pencil and paper, my teacher introduced different manipulatives. Instantly the students had a better understanding of it, and I could see them trying to figure it out themselves. When they were able to piece a problem together with manipulatives, it helps them come to a solution quicker and more independently.  The children who use this curriculum do not get stuck in the concrete. I think this is a great way to teach math in a classroom and every teacher should definitely try to incorporate it whenever they are able to!

Blog 19

Math blog #19

Observation: Teaching math is EASY???

Reflection: Before entering the classroom, I was very fearful of the possibility of having to teach math. I always assumed that it would be too difficult for me to teach because of how long it has been since I have taken a math course. I thought that I would only confuse students by trying to explain concepts to them that were foreign to me, and that they would ask questions that I would not be able to answer.

Reflection on reflection: What I found was the total opposite of it. I found it was slightly more difficult for me to teach my main subject area of English to them than it was to explain math. Due to the fact that I have studied English for quite some time, it almost seems to come naturally to me. It was difficult to have to break down concepts and the reasons why we use commas in certain places and when certain words change from only adding a “y” to “ies”.  

When it came to teaching math, it was a lot easier, because I was learning somewhat at the same pace of the children. I had to explain to myself why we did some things, and it made it easier to explain to them the same way. They seemed to understand exactly what I was saying, too! …Which was a relief. This first experience of teaching math was a positive one and gave me confidence to teach math in the future. My advice to any other teacher fearful of teaching math to students would be to inform them at the beginning, and continually remind them that you are not an expert. Tell them that you will try to your very best to learn the material and teach it to them to the best of your abilities. I think that if you show them that you are always learning too, that they will mimic your efforts and try to do the same.  

Blog 18

Blog #18!

Observation:  Reading and understand Stem & Leaf Plots

Reflection:  This is a new technique to me, and it is shown in the course package for the math class at the Faculty of Education. When speaking about stem and leaf plots with my associate teacher, I had a difficult time recalling what they were used for. After reviewing it, I realized it allows the students to see all the information in one graphic display.  To me, it seems as though it is a well thought out way to organize data in a condensed and clear manner. This might help many students be able to understand how to calculate things such as the mean or median averages.

Reflection on reflection:  An example of how one might benefit from organizing information in a stem and leaf plot would be like the one that was shown in the course package. They listed different food items along with their nutritional content (example fat).  This is useful as it is something we see everywhere we look in our society, as health and nutrition is becoming such a large part of our lives. It's an easy way for students to compare different items. It also uses various fast food items showing kids the nutritional elements each item is composed of is not only teaching them how to organize data as well as teaches them health and nutrition, therefore this lesson could be cross-curricular. Being in practicum I realized how great and beneficial it is to the teacher if a topic can be used in more than one subject, and this would be a great way to do so!

Blog 17

Blog #17

Observation: Math Field Trips 

Reflection: Field trips are a great way for teachers to be able to show students how the subject they are teaching them in the classroom can be useful and relevant to them outside the classroom. From my experience, if students are able to make a connection with something they are learning to their own lives and real-world situations, they are more inclined to think it is important to pay attention. Math is a subject that can often be seen as an intangible subject and I think that bringing students on field trips to explain math would be a great idea!

 Reflection on reflection: A field trip for math doesn’t necessarily need to be done away from the school. However, if the students are leaving the classroom and understanding how they can use math away from their desks, they will feel more engaged and probably find it more relevant. An example of this could be something as simple as explaining the number 5. Sure, it can be written down and thought about, but seeing five apples lined up on a teacher’s desk gives perspective to the topic. A more advanced topic could be something like geometry. The teacher could ask the students to travel around the school in groups or pairs and find items that resemble shapes they are learning about. They will be asked to draw the item or take pictures of them, and then explain to the class what they found and how it is connected and related to geometry. I think this would be really engaging for the class and it is something they could really have fun with, while still learning!