Weekly chat for excited 1st grade teachers who love to learn and share ideas. Participants are interested in a variety of topics including literacy, math, technology, play, inquiry, and being the best educators they can be!
Good snowy evening #1stchat friends! School is already cancelled for tomorrow. I am Tammi-first grade teacher from Iowa-the land where winter never ends!
We cancelled at 2 this afternoon. Roads are invisible, plows have been pulled, and there are about 8 feet drifts blocking the roads. They are saying it could take 2 days to dig out. #1stchat
We cancelled at 2 this afternoon. Roads are invisible, plows have been pulled, and there are about 8 feet drifts blocking the roads. They are saying it could take 2 days to dig out. #1stchat
And it is I who isn't ready for the heat to roll in. I was in Chicago last week and winter felt good. But I didn't have to live or work in it. #1stchat I complain a lot about the heat though.
Q1 Let's celebrate! What's going well in math instructions? HOWEVER... I see many college/university students here tonight! (I LOVE it!) What kind of questions do you have regarding math instructions? #1stchat
A1: This is our 2nd year implementing Bridges Math and I see great gains with all Ss, I love the workshop model that allows for lots of differentiation and choice! #1stchat
A1: I have changed my math instruction this year to a guided math format with curriculum materials from Reagan Tunstall. I am enjoying teaching math more, and I love the more hands on approach for my students. #1stchat
Q1 Let's celebrate! What's going well in math instructions? HOWEVER... I see many college/university students here tonight! (I LOVE it!) What kind of questions do you have regarding math instructions? #1stchat
A1: This is our 2nd year implementing Bridges Math and I see great gains with all Ss, I love the workshop model that allows for lots of differentiation and choice! #1stchat
A1: I teach at a PYP school. A celebration in my classroom is that this year my students math inquiries are much deeper. Also I am being really intentional to foster student agency within them. #1stchat
Is teaching the standard algorithm to solve a problem still the first approach at teaching kids multiplication/division? I know now a days there are atleast four different ways and our math teacher pushed for us to learn the box method and such. #1stchat
A1: Using strategies! We use the Envisions 2.0 program and I hear so many poor things about it, but I love it! My Ss are excelling in math and problem solving! *Fractions excluded..they kicked our trash :)
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A1: my students are getting better at communicating their math thinking and strategies - they're even using some "franglais" when explaining which is a bonus! #1stchat
we had Math Expressions before and I really love the format of this, half whole group, half WorkPlace options. Really like it! Plus we have an additional 20 minutes for a Number Corner with our morning meeting so a good 1hr 20 min for math a day #1stchat
A1- I have actually been researching how origami can be used to help children better understand math concepts. Has anyone experimented with origami as a teaching method? #1stchat
Good question, Olivia! I would say meet the students where they are so that they are not frustrated or too bored. Know your students' needs & provide different ways to approach math. (hands on, visual, manipulative, etc) #1stchat
My Ss love to share what they are doing on @seesaw and they also like using Dreambox for practice. #1stchat Lots of great The Math Learning Center apps that are very open ended and allow for problem solving.
My Ss use iPads. They use apps such as @poppletny or Number Pieces to solve problems. They also take a picture & record their problem solving strategy #1stchat
I feel math is being taught a lot more mentally than electronically or paper/pencil. It helps Ss really grasp the concepts instead of just memorizing all the time. #1stchat
I think that the hands on activities which really grabs young student's attention is a very important part of math class to maintain as a teacher for that age #gen2108#1stchat
I think a balance is needed. Young learners need tactile and kinesthetic. Technology is a tool, and a tool only. Pencil and paper is not always a bad thing. #1stchat
Multiplication & division are a little beyond first grade level, however, I know my son who is in 4th grade learned a various ways. I believe a key is deeper understanding. Students have to find what works/makes sense for them. #1stchat
Is teaching the standard algorithm to solve a problem still the first approach at teaching kids multiplication/division? I know now a days there are atleast four different ways and our math teacher pushed for us to learn the box method and such. #1stchat
Don't be afraid to learn and grow along with your students. Let them know math is an area you struggle with because many of them will struggle as well. Math is a struggle for lots of people and showing your students that will make them more willing to keep trying. #1stchat
A1: I think that the hands on activities which really grabs young student's attention is a very important part of math class to maintain as a teacher for that age #gen2108#1stchat
I believe that doing math works better with pencil and paper it makes it a lot easier to write things out and visually see it all. I find it hard to electronically write out certain problems with all the symbols and such #1stchat
Math in my room could not be done without using @Seesaw . It really helps my class to be able to explain their thinking about math in authentic ways. #1stchat
A1: I am a college student wondering how to engage young students in math topics. Math often times involves common sense and memorization, allowing for little class discussion or debates. How do you encourage students to participate in math? #1stchat
Math is best learned with hands on activities but using technology can be a great way for children to capture that hands on learning and add their voice explaining what they are doing/learning/understanding. #1stchat
Math workshop has helped me manage my Ss of various abilities. I teach on grade level lesson & dismiss Ss to workshop learning time. While Ss engaged in stations, I work with students needing remediation (or extension) at my T table and/or check in to assess Ss' skills. #1stchat
A1: I'm really excited about an idea that I want to do w my SS that will incorporate math, reading, and word work. We are going to design a Vowel Town but they will need to use 2D and 3D shapes when they are building. #1stchat
I use the curriculum every day. My small group is not where I want it to be. It is most definitely a work in progress. On Fridays, instead of small group, we do CGI problem solving. #1stchat
Hi Nicole! A teacher of mine introduced this approach and incorporated it while teaching an algebra class. I thought it was very interesting and would keep the kids engaged! #1stchat
Give them success. Find a strategy a tool that helps them understand it. Let them do inquiry and discover. Build their number sense. Ss won't hate math if we address it well. #1stchat
A1- I have actually been researching how origami can be used to help children better understand math concepts. Has anyone experimented with origami as a teaching method? #1stchat
We do a lot with math talk. Giving a problem, allowing think time and turn and talks, then having multiple students share how they came to an answer, really gets everyone engaged. I pick sticks so all Ss are ready with an answer. #1stchat
Hi Remy! One of the ways I have made class fun in the class room was working with hands on materials. For example I used money, specifically coins, to engage students and ensure they all participate #1stchat
I think it is important for Ts to show their excitement w the subject, bring in fun games/activities to engage Ss, using that small group time to work w Ss at their just right level will help them feel successful also. #1stchat
class management is always to hardest thing to master and every class brings different needs. Decide your expectations, &practice & practice, at the beginning I stopped everytime we broke the rules and we met on the carpet, talked and tried again. #1stchat
1:1 with hands on manipulatives if possible. And as silly as it sounds, writing on the desk, or a whiteboard on the wall. Something that is different from how they are normally trying to solve the problem/work out the concept. #1stchat
A2: Support them....lead them find a strategy. Maybe a concrete tool. Teach a strategy to try. Support just enough. Teaching growth mindset is good too so they can see it is okay to make mistakes. #1stchat
Get to know the students. What is causing frustration? Is he/she tired? Cannot focus or do they not understand the directions? There are many factors in "not getting math." #1stchat
A2: I feel encouragement is the key to this. I also think that it would be important to take the student to the side without embarassing them and helping them through their frustration. This lets the student know you are on their side and trying to help them #1stchat#gen2108
do you mean whiteboards for SS? I teach kinder and when I'm writing on the promethean board my SS have their whiteboards out to do our activities #1stchat
We do a lot with math talk. Giving a problem, allowing think time and turn and talks, then having multiple students share how they came to an answer, really gets everyone engaged. I pick sticks so all Ss are ready with an answer. #1stchat
A2: Hi Annie! I think one thing that can really help with this is working through the problem with the student and coming up with strategies that may work best for that particular student. #1stchat
That breaks my heart to hear that young learners already hate math. There are so many engaging ways to teach math. Lots of hands on games, ways to build numbers stories to create etc.. Early years math shouldn't be worksheet based. #1stchat
These number talks are empowering to students. Trust me, you are doing great things for intermediate students. Take the time to do this, it makes math easier for them later. #1stchat
We do a lot with math talk. Giving a problem, allowing think time and turn and talks, then having multiple students share how they came to an answer, really gets everyone engaged. I pick sticks so all Ss are ready with an answer. #1stchat
I believe that with the common core standards that the algorithm isn’t taught when the operation is introduced. It takes several years before that happens. #1stchat
I am currently taking a college course where the professor often incorporates origami in his lesson plans. Sometimes, he instructs us to make simple designs, such as a smiley face, and then loosely relates it to the lesson. It is a fun way to engage and give a break! #1stchat
@jessicarose325@lekadegroot We actually just started last week so I don't know too much yet, but we are just experimenting with different ways it could help children learn fractions/ geometry/ any other math concepts. #1stchat
Maybe look where the frustration is coming from and find a different, less challenging way to support them? Find something with their entry point. Activities should have a low floor for entry for all, and a high ceiling to meet all your learners needs. #1stchat
Both! They do incredible things in workshop stations - & naturally serve as student leaders in stations as less confident Ss will ask them for help while I'm working with another group... but they definitely flourish with some extra direct instructions from me at T table.#1stchat
A2: Multiplication War, Clumsy Thief, Multifactor, any kind of Bingo, Zoom, Dice...the list is long. We play math games A LOT!
My kiddos also love Prodigy, Reflex Math and Imagine Math online.
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A2) I really enjoy playing the game War with students in my placement. It's sometimes hard to describe how to play it with them/ have them understand but once they get it, they really enjoy it. #1stchat
Lessons that feel like games are so effective! I can definitely look back on times when I was in elementary school and did not even know I was learning #1stchat#gen2108
A2: In a classroom I was observing last year, the teacher never played games with the students when teaching math. I'm excited to see other perspectives to better engage them! #1stchat
A2 cont... During small group, my students will ask for my flash cards to play Around the World by themselves. Not necessarily my favorite, but they love it. #1stchat
I think that card games like War and Go Fish with Math can be fun for students. Anything can feel like a game to a child if you make it fun #gen2108#1stchat
SO many ways to practice with math concepts with dice. Also allows everyone to have an entry point and can be modified with different sided dices, different number of dice etc.. As the wonderful @tweetsomemoore says, we should design lessons for all of our learners. #1stchat
How fun! We do a multiplication easter egg hunt that is always a hoot...and there is always an egg or two I find when cleaning up at the end of the year!
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A2: love come on 6, its a partner game to practice concepts. 1st partner is writing numbers or whatever & other partner rolls the dice, when they get a 6 they take the pencil and do their work, and it goes on until someone finishes. Great way to practice writing to 100 #1stchat
If you're thinking about how to plan lessons that engage ALL of your learners check out these videos by @tweetsomemoore . She'll get you thinking about what you're doing now and how you can improve. https://t.co/yvaWj2ws47#1stchat
A2: A fun and simple game to play is Bingo, but with math! The teacher reads aloud a math question, and then students must find the right answer on their board! #1stchat
A2: Another fun game is "Around the World." Teachers quiz students on math facts, and if they get it correct, they can move on to the next square. The goal is to make it all the way around the circle! #1stchat
A3: As a child (and now) I loved singing songs! Rhythm and rhyme is such a helpful way of remembering things, having fun, and expressing yourself! Does anyone have a favorite math song they use with their students? #1stchat
A3: During our snow days, I have been sending Jack Hartman videos to my students via @ClassDojo on our class story. We are working on counting to 120-great videos to practice for their assessment even when we aren't in school. #1stchat
A3: The previous 3rd grade teacher at our school taught multiplication using songs, I wish I could say I do the same.
However, I do sing all the time in the classroom and make up my own silly songs.
Oh, we do sing the rounding song!
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I find kids enjoy songs more but don't really like sing alongs. They tend to dance to songs more. If I'm being honest, if I need a song for kids: I usually got to the School House of Rock #1stchat
I think musi is actually a very important part in teaching students at that age. I remember learning different songs when I was a kid. Also, if a song is catchy enough, students will definitely learn it better #1stchat#gen2108
A3) I still remember some songs I sang in classes when I was younger! I would love to hear some songs that everyone uses in the classroom #1stchat#gen2108
My kiddos love songs! I'd like to use more songs in math, I just find that it can be a little challenging to find them in French... Alain le Lait is a go-to though. #1stchat
A4: I know my struggle right now is implementing small group the way I intend it to be. I need to take the time to reread and make it a focus again. #1stchat
A4: I think that basic memorization can be difficult for students at that age. Which fits right into our chat, since music, hands on activities, etc. can really benefit younger students and help them with memorizing the various materials #1stchat#gen2108
At this time of year, most students become very independent on mathematical thinking. I tend to spend a lot of time with students who are still developing understanding. #1stchat
A4: My kids are struggling with some problem solving. They all want the answer to be found with a basic addition or subtraction fact. Sometimes the challenge problems I give them need a picture or a conversation and they struggle to make that leap. #1stchat
A4 recalling/memorizing basic facts. I also would really like to work with students in small groups, I'm just having a hard time getting that started. #1stchat
A4 Some students struggle with algebraic thinking. Last week one student's light bulb turned on after many days of practice. He was so excited!! Well, so was I:) #1stchat
A4) A problem area for me was younger was word problems. I think a great way to help students would be drawing out problems or making them more hands-on. #1stchat#gen2108
A4: I'm having a hard time getting my ESL students to understand problem solving. The language barrier can be quite difficult to overcome. I have them working with my teaching assistant, but their growth is not as much as I would like it to be. #1stchat
