Elementary math chat is a weekly math chat where participants come to discuss best practices, examine student work, explore routines for reasoning and research that guides and supports pedagogy centered on problem and student based learning.
Welcome to #ElemMathChat! Tell who you are, where you are from, and what you do. Share a single word that best describes your elementary math experience.
I'm Donna, and I'm excited to be moderating #ElemMathChat tonight! I'm the elementary math coordinator at an independent school in Houston, TX. The word I'd use to describe my elementary math experience is "unremarkable."
I'm Jeté from SC. I'm a preservice teacher at Converse College. Majoring in in D/HH ed with an add-on in ECE. I'd love to teach 1st & below. I'd describe my elementary math experiences as "not really memorable" #elemmathchat
Welcome to #ElemMathChat! Tell who you are, where you are from, and what you do. Share a single word that best describes your elementary math experience.
Hi everyone, I'm Brooke, 2nd grade teacher at @WilsonElem in Cincinnati, Ohio. My elementary math experience was boooring. That's my word, sorry, not sorry. #elemmathchat
Happy to join in! Elementary Math in Houston, TX currently in Austin for #TASM. My term to explain my elementary math experience was struggle. #ElemMathChat
When I was in Elem school, it was where I began to see that I was "good" at math. Several years ago when I became the Math Specialist in our district, it was where I started really thinking about Ss and math, and how learning happens. #ElemMathChat
Absolutely! I wish I could have been a student in today's math class. I could compute like nobody's business, but I couldn't explain my process. Even in precalc in high school I could express myself. #elemmathchat
A1: practice gives Ss the opportunity to make mistakes and work on the skills they've been learning before it's time for assessment. It's a great time for feedback #elemmathchat
A1) I think the role of practice in learning math is just about helping students to become familiar with the steps to solving a particular problem. #elemmathchat
A1 This quotation often comes up when discussing practice: "”We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit.” Will Durant #ElemMathChat
A1 I don't like to think of it as practice problems, but rather exploring to see if our strategy or algorithm is reproducible. I think it is so students can build comfort and confidence, and so I can see where they are and where they need to go. #elemmathchat
A1 Practice helps identify strengths and challenges, misconceptions and misunderstandings. It can also help build confidence and understanding. #ElemMathChat
A1: I’d say that it’s through practice that Ss build flexibility. By choosing different strategies for different problems, they see the interconnectedness of mathematics #ElemMathChat
Hi! Sara from Hilliard here!
A1 Practice - I feel like the Definition changes with the context. It can build efficiency, maybe even confidence or just to explore concepts, trying to see if the strategy works every time. #elemmathchat
A1) Practice is what students do everyday to build the understanding of mathematics. Number Talks come to mind as students practice thinking flexibly about numbers. #elemmathchat
A1 Practice helps identify strengths and challenges, misconceptions and misunderstandings. It can also help build confidence and understanding. #ElemMathChat
Interventionist k-5. Wisconsin. Practice grows confidence and experience. If it is challenging and fun it also increases interest in math. Builds that number sense so info transfers to new situations #ElemMathChat
A1. Practice can be so many things: playing a game, discovering new number patterns, making connections, solving a problem, and working independently. Practice does NOT only mean a https://t.co/2eJTGgZNmS#elemmathchat
A1. Thinking this through. Role - to allow the student to become more efficient with the strategy they’ve chosen to use. Builds number sense & reasoning. #ElemMathChat
A1: I think practice is important for students to maintain what they have already learned and practice skill they still have to master. I tell my student let’s practice how we are going to perform.#ElemMathChat
A1 Practice in my math class looks like all of the SMPs being utilized in routines, investigations for the purpose of using what we know to learn and explore what we don't. #ElemMathChat
A1 practice in math reinforces skills and @ gives students opportunities to work through misunderstanding and take their learning to the next level. #ElemMathChat
I went to 8 different elementary schools in 2 different states. Much of my education was disjointed, but I did not even realize it until I started learning math and how to teach math in college. #ElemMathChat
A1: I play college volleyball and without practice, I would be unable to perform any of my skills! That goes the same for math, we have to practice to get better #elemmathchat
A1 Practice in my math class looks like all of the SMPs being utilized in routines, investigations for the purpose of using what we know to learn and explore what we don't. #ElemMathChat
A2: No, practice depends on the situation. Being intentional about the process, the problem solving, the skills being used, the facilitation of conversations is all a part of the process. We create the need for practice by our planning. #ElemMathChat
A2: It's not all equal. To be meaningful & effective 1) you need feedback (if you aren't practicing the *right* things, you aren't really learning what you need) 2) it needs to have some kind of connection so you can gain understanding #elemmathchat
A2 Not all practice is created equally! The dialogue that occurs after the practice is a huge part of the practice itself! Self monitoring and being able to change your thinking is part of learning how numbers work. Allowing those 'a-ha' moments to be sprinkled in. #elemmathchat
A2: practice can sometimes feel repetitive and useless but I think it works best when you can let the students explore the problems by solving them different ways!! #elemmathchat
A2 Lots of research about the benefits of spacing out practice.
"...evidence indicates that spacing can enhance meaningful learning that generalizes to new
situations..."
"https://t.co/ZOjTCBagsl#ElemMathChat
A2 There are effective ways for students to practice mathematics but also there are ineffective practices such as worksheets or timed tests. #elemmathchat
Q2 effective practice is fun, challenging, gives immediate feedback and involves conversation with real people about what you’re thinking when you answer a question. #ElemMathChat
A2 Meaningful practice considers how students learn and provides opportunities for them to grow their understanding using a variety of representations in different contexts. It should allow and encourage connection-making. #ElemMathChat
A2: I used to think all practice was created equal, but I must say I disagree. There are many factors: ability of student, approach, teacher knowledge, alignment, validility, repitition ability, routine basis, etc. #ElemMathChat
A2: Sports provides an interesting connection. If practice doesn’t prepare for when plays break down and defense tries to disrupt you, then it’s incomplete. It has to be more than basic repetition of a skill #elemmathchat
A2 Practice is meaningful when a student sees it as meaningful, has enough experience with the topic to get started, has the agency to persist, and can then apply what was practiced. #elemmathchat
Practice is only meaningful if you then analyze what the student is doing and then address the strengths and weaknesses to help them get better. #ElemMathChat
A2 not all practice is created equal. Practice should challenge students thinking - allow them to apply what they know while recognizing what they don’t know. Develop conceptual understanding and new strategies. #ElemMathChat
A2 Practice is meaningful when a student sees it as meaningful, has enough experience with the topic to get started, has the agency to persist, and can then apply what was practiced. #elemmathchat
A2. Practice should be based on students understanding of the concept being taught. I remember a piece of research that says it takes 30-50 times to undo one mistake. That’s huge! #ElemMathChat
A2 No all math practice isn’t created =. It depends on what the instruction looked like & what the learning goals are for the practice. If it’s just to get a grade and it’s full of repeated problems then that is different than purposeful application of the learning. #ElemMathChat
My teachers always told us to "show our work", but now I understand that it wasn't only for them to see how we're thinking, but as a Ss, you can see it too & sometimes make your own corrections #elemmathchat
A3 (again): one con of using worksheets is that not all students are the same so worksheets are much harder to differentiate for each individual student #elemmathchat
A3 I think some teachers see worksheets as easier, but are they in the long run? Make a math game once and use it over and over vs copying tons of worksheets. #ElemMathChat
A2. Practice should be based on students understanding of the concept being taught. I remember a piece of research that says it takes 30-50 times to undo one mistake. That’s huge! #ElemMathChat
A3) They get to write out their work on a worksheet but a con would be it's not very engaging or interactive. Worksheets are good for homework, but not class work. #elemmathchat
A3 I prefer the use of “recording sheets” vs worksheets. I feel one allows me to see the thinking rather than just the “answer/solution” to a problem. #ElemMathChat
A2 I think context and connections are what make practice in math class meaningful. What is the buy in? When I practice my shell collecting hobby, I have a goal, I am vested, I am interested I have a plan & a back up plan!. The same beach everyday would get boring! #ElemMathChat
A2: All practice is not created equal. The task most be meaningful to the students https://t.co/lRXBeJ6WnC should give you a better understanding of strategies they are using and their math thinking.#ElemMathChat
A3: some skills require students to practice with paper/pencil-K Ss are learning how to write numbers. The con w/using them for other skills is that I can't always see their thinking #elemmathchat
A3: It depends on what is happening. If a certain math skill is required for a problem solving lesson, then a short worksheet can be beneficial to review a skill. If the intent is different, it may not be helpful. #ElemMathChat
A3 Cons of worksheets: boring, lack concrete learning experiences, limited opportunities for mathematical conversations, difficult to differentiate, often require only low-level thinking #ElemMathChat
All practice strengthens pathways in the brain. Repeating behaviours that are desirable leads to positive results. Repeating errors solidifies those faulty pathways too. The challenge is targeting practice to build the pathways that help rather than hinder growth.#elemmathchat
I see those as different. Recording sheets are usually to record the results of a game or activity. Worksheets have problems to be answered. #ElemMathChat
A3: Pros- Ability to differentiate, partnerships, fun, purposeful, aligned, motivational. Cons- No accountability, T does not align to SE, boring, no purpose, repetitive, worksheet based, and time. #ElemMathChat
A3 Can we define what a worksheet is please? I get negative connotations and think of Worksheet Don't Grow Dendrites. We have paper and scenarios and tables, and graphs when we practice our math. Does that make it a work sheet? #ElemMathChat
So, it's more along the lines of catching mistakes Ss are making and making them aware before practice of this has occurred? I can definitely see that. One of the reasons sending HW on new material is not helpful. #ElemMathChat
A3: Pros-allows students to show their work so mistakes can easily be caught and corrected. Cons- Mostly drill and practice and doesn't always include application of higher level thinking skills. #elemmathchat
I do agree that there is a difference between a recording sheet and a traditional worksheet. There is also a difference between a task and a worksheet. #elemmathchat
A3: Con of worksheets -
How do we really know whose work it is? I see too much copying with worksheets
How do the kiddos know they know or know they don't know?
I see student worksheets will all the wrong answers right down the page #elemmathchat
A3: a good game provides repetition in a far more engaging way, usually with other benefits too. I never walked away from a worksheet lesson thinking that I had nailed it #elemmathchat
I think with balance they can be used, I don’t think you need 20 questions of the same type to determine if a student has mastered a standard.If they missed 5 then they willl miss 20. #ElemMathChat
Worksheets, traditional sit, be quiet and do these 20 problems worksheets are all a con for me. The idea that math has to be based on real life to motivate kids is also not true. Kids have vibrant minds & can solve problems in so many ways if we give them a chance #ElemMathChat
There are always going to be times we want to use a worksheet to be able to see how a student approaches a problem but I think it all depends on the worksheet. I recently did decimal operations and word problems as a worksheet. I made it a crossword #ElemMathChat
A pro to worksheets would be documentation of ss work (which can be accomplished other ways). Cons: lack of differentiation/multimodality, it becomes about completion of work rather than engaging in the math - slowing down to notice ones thinking and processes. #ElemMathChat
A3: I ask my self what is the purpose of the worksheet? Teaching kinder, I feel nothing can replace hands-on work and constructing understanding using concrete objects. I do believe there are activities where they are necessary, but not the norm in my classroom. #ElemMathChat
Yes! This is why I think having meaningful practice and giving feedback is necessary. We don't want to have Ss practicing math the wrong way because then it's difficult to correct. #elemmathchat
In reply to
@msjete_deafed, @MathCoachCorner, @lisafoot
Worksheets, traditional sit, be quiet and do these 20 problems worksheets are all a con for me. The idea that math has to be based on real life to motivate kids is also not true. Kids have vibrant minds & can solve problems in so many ways if we give them a chance #ElemMathChat
Seems like there's confusion about worksheets. Certainly we want students to use paper and pencil to show their thinking and solve problems. But worksheets typically are pretty closed and limited. #ElemMathChat
A3 if a worksheet is just a bunch of naked number math problems that have a single answer that only requires computation, I find no value in that at all. #ElemMathChat
I can’t remember the book that this came out of, but it focused on play. I loved what it had to say about worksheets! https://t.co/TOLeJ4IhnC#ElemMathChat
A3) pros- repetitive practice, an easy way to assess accuracy cons- not the best way to engage in new content and make meaning, Math can be abstract #ElemMathChat
Q4 Games are an excellent, engaging way to practice math skills. The students do so much more math than any worksheet. My students would take them home and play! #ElemMathChat
Q4: I love math games!! I think that being able to play games in class helps students have fun with math and further their understandings #elemmathchat
A4 When you use math games, often there is an element of strategy to go along with the practice. Also, the numbers can often be randomly generated, increasing interest and extend playability. #ElemMathChat
A4) They don't always work or are the best learning tool. They can be a good supplementary learning tool but not a good primary tool. It also causes competition. A little is fine but not too much #elemmathchat
I use whiteboards a lot. Students like them and I can quickly and easily see what misunderstandings they may have. Also keeps them engaged #ElemMathChat
But sometimes I would still rather see my Ss with real tools in hand instead of pictorial and abstract type practice that I sometimes see w/ technology #elemmathchat
A4–games are great when there is a clear purpose and there is an element of strategy. Explaining their thinking aloud is also important and something that must be taught and expected. Love the opportunity to practice teamwork and kindness, too #ElemMathChat
A4 Advantages: student engagement and a willingness to participate in practice. Drawbacks: noise level...maybe? Not having enough games to go around? #ElemMathChat
A4 When meaningful games are used in math students practice their skills without realizing they are practicing their skills. A lot of intervention resources are game based #ElemMathChat
A4: as long as you have a plan for management and to capture student thinking, games will always accomplish what worksheets can, but with so much more. A student strategizing in a game will demonstrate far more than a student completing a worksheet #ElemMathChat
A4: cons- with games there's often a shorter time limit for answering the questions. Or in group games they are still thinking while others have already solved the problem. For Ss that need more time, this could be discouraging #elemmathchat
A4 Jennifer Bay-Williams has published a couple of articles (NCTM) on fluency games. One that comes to mind is Three Steps to Mastering Multiplication Facts. #ElemMathChat
Games can be useful in that they are applying their skills to play. The downside is that they may not be able to connect those skills outside of the game #ElemMathChat
A4. Games increase motivation because they are fun!
Students try hard at games. Math conversations are a natural benefit of playing games. #elemmathchat
Games are fun, engaging & involve talk. Lots of comp games are just digital worksheets. They are not meaningful nor do they have the advantages of playing a game in real life. Assessing learning during games = you did to sit and listen to kids. That takes time. #ElemMathChat
A4: the drawbacks I see in my kinders is that even if they love a game and look forward to it, attention spans present a problem in staying on task while I observe and take notes on others #ElemMathChat
A4: All the studies say that student learn better when they play games. It take less repetition then students just practicing. Sometimes the student forget that they are practicing skill and not about winning and losing #ElemMathChat
A4: pros- gets Ss engaged and excited to practice. Who doesn't like games? another con- I think it may be harder for Ts to determine the Ss that are really struggling, esp in a group setting. Struggling Ss could "hide" behind their peers #elemmathchat
A4: games are great. There are so many learning opportunities (and teachable moments) from social interactions to strategy of play, to the math itself. Games (with a purpose) create a vibrant classroom where Ss apply critical thinking and math reasoning. #ElemMathChat
A4. Games can be a disaster without routines & expectations in place. Ss need to practice what it looks like and sounds like to take a game out, how to win, how to lose, how to use inside voices, how to take turns, how to clean-up.
I even did this with my 8th grade #elemmathchat
And depending on class size, assessing during a game can be almost impossible. It would definitely take a skilled Ts to find that balance #elemmathchat
A4 Games provide WAAAAAAAAY more opportunities for computations, if it is a great game, problem solving is involved, Ss buy in. Con you MUST allow time for learning the game and the "goof off time" needed for the novelty to wear off, but worth it! #ElemMathChat
A5: technology is becoming a bigger part of our teachings so we have to be able to incoorporate it into our lessons by using math apps, games and even props to help them understand more! Like the app @Shape3D#elemmathchat
A4) Advantage is that games are engaging and students get to have conversations regarding the concept. Drawback could be no accountability. #elemmathchat
A5) Flipgrid, Seesaw, Scratch, slides where students create something to show what they know. A program that reinforces and teaches. I’m not a fan of technology which are essentially digital worksheets #ElemMathChat
A5 I see a lot of teachers using @Seesaw in ways I never thought possible. Kids are teaching kids, modeling, generating their own documentation, and working together like never before, and that’s just one piece of tech! #elemmathchat
Q5 technology can be used if it is a tool and not a toy. Platforms matter, the context matters, the connection still matters. Just because it is easier to access does not mean we need to scrutinize any less than for other activities we choose for practice #ElemMathChat
There are some amazing interactive games out there that help kids develop number sense and use virtual manipulatives. You can keep a lot of different digital manipulative based games electronically that you could never afford or store. #ElemMathChat
A5: making sure the technology can provide immediate feedback. Scaffolding too so that Ss can continually work on necessary skills. But there should always be room for growth #elemmathchat
Technology is great in that it can meet Ss where they are. And it also provides information for Ts, admin, etc to ensure goals are being met #elemmathchat
A1: Practice allows Ss to make sense of things on their terms, to take risks in a safe space. Therefore building confidence and understanding of the concept. #ElemMathChat
A5: I would hope the tech allows for experiences that go beyond what we can do without it. Tech is engaging, true, but so much of what I see is just a digital version of something that worked just fine without tech #ElemMathChat
Prime climb and tiny polka dots @MathforLove
Mobi is new to me love it for practicing facts, the kids do too. Count your chickens is our new K/1 favorite. #ElemMathChat
A6. Ohio just finished a Twitterchat with @SteveWyborney. We were practicing our estimation skills. I love his Splat! & Cube Conversations. #ElemMathChat
I adored the game Timez Attack growing up: my mom had me play it to learn math and though I fought her at first, I ended up playing it for fun! #elemmathchat
A2: I don’t think practice is equal. In order to be meaningful practice should be targeted to the Ss needs. Differentiated. It should help a student grow, not hinder their progress. #ElemMathChat
I am looking for a chat leader on 4/4/19 @MrsNewell22 and I were going to lead live from #NCTMAnnual but #Shadowcon19 will be happening at that time and we can't miss it! Any takers? #ElemMathChat
