I have often used cut and paste puzzles in my classes either as collaborative work or partner work to reinforce math concepts. Usually the puzzles of 16 pieces their squares sometimes I use the 12-piece rectangle depending on my whim or mood. the first time I use a puzzle in the classroom students take a little bit longer to complete them, just as they do with any new idea or ... Read More about Cut and Paste Puzzles Again
Good Teaching Conference Tidbits
If you have not attended a CTA sponsored good teaching conference you really must put it on your to do list for next year.They have 2 separate conferences one in the north usually in San Jose, and one in the south. This year, in the south, the conference was in Garden Grove last year it was in San Diego. Always held in a beautiful hotel, lots of teachers, vendors and exciting things to ... Read More about Good Teaching Conference Tidbits
Palm Springs Math Conference
It's that time of year when thousands of math educators of all types go to Palm Springs to learn from each other at the California Mathematics Council annual math conference. It is normally the first weekend in November, however there have been a few times when it was the last weekend in October. If you have never attended, you need to go for several reasons.1. Palm Springs is ... Read More about Palm Springs Math Conference
Tis the Season to be Scary
My school makes a big deal out of Halloween, and for the most part I have mixed feelings about it. It's not my favorite holiday and the kids are always crazy for days before and when October 31 falls in the middle of the week, they are crazy days afterwards from all the candy. In the past 3 weeks, I have been asked several hundred times what I am going to be for Halloween. I say ... Read More about Tis the Season to be Scary
Teaching to Better Brains
This week I have changed my practice, my mind about teaching and more important changed my mind about my 5th period.I am getting ready for the math conference in Palm Springs on November 6. I am speaking about activities to use in the classroom that get students moving and how important movement in the classroom is to keep the brains active. I have been doing a lot of reading in ... Read More about Teaching to Better Brains
Quick Assessments
I was going to save this for tomorrow and then call it Tech Tuesday, but I have learned not to procrastinate. A few weeks ago I was looking for a way to quickly assess my support class without it being formal, and without grading, and make it non threatening to students. Once upon a time, I had seen students clickers used in the classroom and wanted them desperately. I even went ... Read More about Quick Assessments
