An Exhausting HALF of a Year!

In some ways I can't believe that the school year is nearly half way over and then in other, I can't believe how long a half of a year can feel like.  I remember teachers complaining when we were tied to the district adopted curriculum and they felt like they were being restricted.  Now, with Common Core I feel like I am in a boat with a tiny paddle.  Partially, I believe the change is impacted for me because I switched grade levels.  However, when my daughter witnessed a teacher friend of mine lose it and break down crying, she looked at me and said "See Mom, everyone must feel like you do!". She was right and while I don't want to see someone cry, it made me feel less crazy.  So, I have tried to pinpoint certain sources for my overwhelming feelings and these are the two I have chosen to work on:  resources and grading projects.

There are many resources out there for Common Core.  I have found some quality sites and I should be satisfied.  The problem is that I continue to search for something better constantly...looking for that magic bullet site that will be the answer to everything Common Core.  As a result, I waste time looking and then I get frustrated because I don't have enough time to plan.  So, have decided to refer to a handful of sites with LearnZillion being my main source.  If the greatest site in the world pops up, I am sure I will hear of it.

Math teachers have really been spoiled because we have never had lengthy writings to grade and our projects were minimal.  Furthermore, math usually has right and wrong answers that are less subjective.  But now, I am not grading only their answers but how they answered the question and their rationale behind the method.  This seems to take tons of time.  Combine that with knowing the kids and I struggle with interpreting their responses because I know that this student is worried about losing his home, etc.  So, I need to rely more on rubrics that are given out prior to the project and have the students help me with grading.  This can also be a reciprocal teaching experience.

Hopefully, these two changes will have a significant impact on the second half of the school year and allow me to focus on the opportunities Common Core brings to education.

My latest find for teaching!

I stumbled upon a site called Common Core Conversations and have spent some time combing through the sites to find adequate support for my math class.  The best resource thus far has been the site LearnZillion.  Not only does the site offer videos for students to view for support at home but teachers may download the power point slides for the classroom.  I find the series of videos adequate but somewhat fast making them difficult for students to comprehend.  However, the slides are fantastic. What is even more beneficial for me is the specific breakdown of each standard.  There is little room for confusion as to what needs to be taught after viewing the slides.  I appreciate this source because it ensures my teaching is covering the entire standard.  Like Khan Academy, teachers may assign videos for viewing via a code or sign up their entire class for instruction and track their progress.  This year has been by far the most demanding without having a text as a crutch but I believe more sources like LearnZillion are the future of "teaching resources."  I remember when it was frowned upon to use a resource other than district adopted materials. Ironic how things are changing and it is frowned upon to rely on a text.

Building Relationships

I have been teaching for some time and I have always been complimented for the rapport I develop with my students. One of the best compliments I have ever been paid was from my former boss. He stated that my classroom environment was like no other. It was nurturing, respectful, and safe. Students have always been able to be themselves and have never been embarrassed by answering incorrectly or harassed for being the "smart kid."  I can't really say that this was my intention-it just happened naturally.  At first I thought it was the kids but year after year I am able to connect with my students.

Like all teachers, however, I reflect over the summer and have regrets. I always make a list of things to change or work on. Each year, I regret the few students I was not able to connect with for whatever reason. You know how some students try to avoid communication and are happy to blend in with the walls.  These are the students who never cause trouble but are distant and quiet.  While the high maintenance students are getting most of my attention, the wallflowers are happy because I am not forcing them to engage.

This year, I have decided that this was the war I was waging! No, but seriously, I want to know all of them and have some kind of interaction daily aside from "answer number 15 please."

These are a few of the tactics I have tried to far to connect with those with less connectivity:
1.  Greet each student by name at the door and ask about their day.
2. Look for opportunities to sit at a surrounding desk and engage in a non-academic conversation.
3.  Try to engage with these students outside the classroom.
4. Look to include some of the students' interests into the learning activities.
5.  Find multiple ways to compliment the students for their efforts.
6. Give them a special task that is deemed desirable.
7. Make a positive phone call home.
8.  Invite them to lunch in my room with their friends.
This list is not exhaustive but I welcome any further suggestions.

This year, I have managed to make so many more connections and my students are responding to me positively. More importantly, they are starting to work not just for me but for themselves and I believe that is because they feel of value.  While the overall benefit is best for the students it is so rewarding for me.  I have so many special kids and while some of their stories are sad and explain their behaviors, I am learning that my relationship with them is all the more significant.  I feel like I have grown this year the most.

AudioBoo

http://audioboo.fm/boos/533099-new-application

My Classroom is a Hive!

Oh how we talk!  When I was in school, the classroom was quiet.  In fact, the first sign of good teaching was a silent classroom where only the teacher talked. If a question was asked, and you had the answer, raising your hand was the way to go. The only person anyone wanted to share anything with was the teacher.  But, oh have times changed!  Thankfully!

My classroom can be compared to a hive.  All that buzz is the sound of bees working hard.  My room has that productive buzz.  Are there side conversations? Yes, but the same or less than in traditional classrooms.

When students enter the room, they are greeting each other and me. We say the pledge of allegiance and discuss the announcements. The warm up is often similar to the math activity I have discussed frequently called Math Bowling. My teams are working hard together to come up with the equations in a little friendly competition.  Imagine- excitement about mathematics! We learn our new material while choral reading significant notes, discussing content with team members, reading sentence frames aloud while substituting vocabulary and other relevant information.  We think, pair share, and write until the information makes sense enough so we can verbally explain it as well as write it! We celebrate the use of tier 2 vocabulary by hitting the "Easy Button".  The information is shared amongst students and they are no longer looking to the teacher to demonstrate their understanding but rather each other.  Hands do not fly in the air because why tell the teacher the answer when everyone knows she already knows this stuff.  Instead, they are eager to share with their team.  When a student does not understand, they look to their teammates for clarification.  If I should try to intervene, I often hear something like "I will show him Mrs. Taylor."  Wow, my job is now about finding clever ways to present material and then just monitoring the buzz.  But, I am not the queen bee! The students are all the leaders of the hive.  We also talk about what we have learned each day and we talk on Edmodo about our learning and for further clarification.  Rarely, are the posts directed to me for help but for the class.  I love my kids actively learning...I love the buzz!

One step Equations

Many parents are uncomfortable with helping their child do middle school math but the Math Dude at  Math Dude make learning fun. My 6th graders are learning how to isolate the variable via one step equations and this video is very helpful!  There are many cool videos for a variety of Algebra Concepts.

Orders of Operations

This week I began each class with a warm up called Math Bowling and my students shouted "yes!" when they saw it on my promethium board. ( I acquired this game from the Avid summer institute math strand where I also learned a ton of other fun activities.)  this game is based on orders of operations but the kids just think it is a competitive game.  The object is to knock down all the pins...I used 1 through 6 but you could really do as many as you want.  I have large foam dice that we throw or roll to get our numbers.  For example, yesterday we rolled 0, 2, 4, & 5. My students are situated in teams of 4.  Each team then works together to use those four numbers and the operators they know as well as their knowledge of the order of operations to make the numbers add up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6.  For example,  2+4+(5*0)=6.  The best part is they work so well together to try and be the first team to knock down all the pins.  I award the first 3 teams points but we all enjoy the game and it starts off math class on the right foot!

Make them estimate logically!

One of the many "take homes" I picked up from my AVID summer institute conference was the need to really get kids thinking and making logical decisions. Each day, we participates in Estimation Station. I have incorporated this into my classroom and my kids ask about it everyday and look forward to Fridays because of Estimation Station. They even do this little chant! First, I find something the kids like for a treat to put inside a random, clean container. I have used skittles, m&m's, Oreos, Mike & Ike's, etc for treats. For containers, I have used disposable, cheap containers from the dollar store. Containers that are unusual get the kids intrigued and excited. For example, I used an unused picnic-ketchup container this past Friday.

 The treat and container are only the hook. I ask my students to estimate the number of items, the weight in ounces, the length if connected end to end, and the ratio of red skittles to the entire number of skittles within the container. These are just a few of the estimations I have used but so many more could be utilized. I realize that kids do not have the schema to make an accurate estimation for some stations. As a result, I provide samples to give them some background knowledge. We discuss the weight of a stapler, a baby, a shoe, a desk, etc. Conversion is also incorporated into this activity that students deem "just for fun."

 Students put their names and estimations on sticky notes and put them on my doors. Then, I require them to write about the process and their rationale. Frantically, they write about this exciting activity. They know that when they are finished we will be identifying our winner. The time comes and I try to play it up as much as possible. The kids all cheer for the winner and it is a great way to end the class on a Friday. Monday morning, we begin by scrutinizing our writings. Where they over or under in their estimation? How could they have been more accurate? These are just a few of my questions. However, students are eager to be perfect their estimating skills. Finally, students offer future Estimation Stations which is great because they continue to buy-in to the activity, feel a part of the process, and offer some pretty amazing suggestions.

 I learned so much at the AVID summer institute but this small little activity really fit into my classroom routine and made it not-so routine!

Writing in Math

I believe that using writing in mathematics not only strengthens a student's writing skills but reinforces their learning because it is sort of a reteaching method. I currently utilize writing in my classroom during warm-ups, quick writes, projects, exit tickets, and various forms of assessments. With the availability of tablets, I plan to have students begin class each day in the same manner with a prompt that includes a small writing component. Through Edmodo, students will see the prompt from me and will respond to the entire class. Just as we did today, students will from time to time be asked to examine another student's writing, highlight the academic vocabulary words in green and the tier 2 vocabulary words in yellow, and prepare a positive-only response. Obviously, I want to create a safe learning environment and encourage students to participate. Similarly, throughout the lesson we will be able to initiate quick writes whenever the opportunity arises and close the lesson with an exit ticket that is assigned and only viewable by myself. This will allow me to check for understanding and grade the formative assessment in a private manner. Students will be able to maintain all their writings, projects, and other assignments in their "backpack" which is like an endless flash drive and since Edmodo's grade book maintains copies of all their assignments, work will never be misplaced. As I prepare to become a paperless classroom, I catch myself stopping in the midst of activities and asking myself how I would change things given tablets in the hands of my students. I have post-its with ideas stuck around my classroom from ideas that are generated. I feel like I could write a book with all my post-its put in chronological order:)

Journey to Paperless

Well, when I found out last year that I was one of four teachers given the privilege of piloting a class set of tablets I was thrilled.  I did not anticipate however that I would have tablets and be without WIFI.  Trying to be positive and a role model for the glass is half full, I have focused on preparing my students for working with such technology.  Today, I found out that WIFI is back on track and will be ready in about a month.  That is ok because my kids will be ready in about a month.  I realize that this technology will bring about challenges but I embrace those due to the many opportunities.  My students are eager to use my school website to download notes, assignments, videos, and handouts.  They are also able to utilize Quizlet from my site so they may practice academic vocabulary.  We will begin utilizing Learning Upgrade this Friday to strengthen math skills on a personalized student path.  My students love this software but complain about the "nerdy" music.  Yet, I am plagued with hearing them hum those silly tones while they complete their work.  So, while we are in the emerging stages of paperless - we are working with what we have.  Here is a video I showed for order of operations...I regret ever hearing this tune!

Tech in my classroom

I am going to be documenting my journey towards becoming a paperless classroom. I have access to tablets for my students however, I am working on the procedures of my classroom and getting my students prepared for integrating tablets into our learning.  I want them to be aware of my expectations for their behavior and understand all procedures for use of the device before even touching the tablets.  With 6th graders, I am learning that this may take some time.  For now, we are only utilizing the following pieces of technology: promethium board with flip charts which are similar to power point presentations, online access to gradebook, Remind 101, class website for assignment information, and coming this week...responders.  The only new to me technology is the use of Remind101.  I am using this to update parents via messaging of important information. However, only half of my parents are able to use Remind 101 for one reason or another.  This means I still have to rely on email.  I have created a spreadsheet in Google Docs with students information.  So, emailing is much easier.

This week I will utilize the responders so students will be able to do exit tickets and quizzes. I will not be doing a lot of multiple choice this year so I don't know how often the responders will be utilized.  I will be blogging soon about my incremental use of additional technology.

Real World Math via Menu Math

Every school year, I begin my Algebra class by introducing the concepts of symbols, math sentences, and math stories by using Menu Math from Brad Fulton and Bill Lombard.  Menu Math helps kids understand math symbols such as X and Y.  In addition, this lesson teaches students to think of Algebra in real world contexts.  Using a menu to help students understand how to create and interpret math sentences via "orders" just like at a drive-thru.

My students are easily able to understand that "h + c" represents hamburger plus fries and determine the sum.  We constantly build upon their understanding to include solving problems like: 

Working within teams, I have students develop a business and create a "menu".  Each student creates math sentences from the orders placed by students throughout the room.  These are included on the poster.  The posters (menus) always blow me away because they are so creative and artistic.  As an assessment, I provide math sentences and make students write about how they can use menu math to develop a story for the sentence, create symbols, and solve.  Furthermore, students may be given a scenario and write about the symbols they would utilize as well as demonstrate what the mathematical sentence would look like.  Using writing in math class is often new to students but an excellent way to interpret their level of understanding.Menu Math Link 

Parent Guide: How to Help Your Child be Successful in School

From a teacher and parent perspective

I always hope for a large turnout for Back to School Night because I value this opportunity to let

parents know how instrumental they are in their student's success.  Students see education, for better or worse, as a high priority when  parents attend such school events. Obviously, this is not the only cue but it starts the year off right and is a relatively painless experience.  Back to School Night allows me to provide valuable contact and academic information. I also try to give parents some keys to helping student(s) be successful in middle school.  I do not pretend to be an authority on the matter but I have had 2 of my own children go through middle school successfully (but not somewhat painstakingly) and I have had over 100 students every school year for quite some time.  So, I am just giving them my interpretation of the essentials.

Attendance is crucial.  If I could only do one thing for my child and nothing more, I would make sure they are present as much as possible. There are not only statistics that correlate absences with dropout rates but quite simply - it is difficult to teach students who are not at school.  Every day missed effects at least two days due to mathematics being a sequential course and content builds upon prior concepts.  Attendance should be given highest priority!

Check student grades weekly.  If I could only do two things to support my student in school, I would ensure good attendance and I would check their grades once a week. Again, students pick up parental cues regarding education.  Checking student grades once a week and discussing the positives (and celebrating) and negatives gives students direction for the following week.  In addition, if a student reflects weekly on their grades there is a conscious effort to fix problems before it's too late.  Parents, in most districts, can access grades online.  In my school, parents simply fill out a short form in the front office to set up a username and password. It takes less than 5 minutes. Checking grades is a simple process each week and there are links for emailing teachers when necessary.  County and local libraries offer access to computers to check grades.  When necessary and upon request, teachers will print progress reports weekly.  However, parents must ensure they receive the report from their child.

Communicate with teachers and counselors.  Another parent intervention that is essential is communication. Most teachers want parental involvement and prefer parents ask questions, get support, and/or check-in routinely. Students sometimes discourage communication for various reasons. I utilize Back to School Night to confirm my availability and willingness to communicate with parents. In fact, this venue enable me to address my preference for communicating via email or through Edmodo.  Since I am never at my desk, I rarely see the blinking light indicating I have a voicemail and I cannot make a phone call as quickly as I can respond to an email.  I warn parents that even my own children attempt to talk me out of contacting their teachers.  This should not deter but encourage communication!


Homework checks before bed!  Finally, parents can support students by checking their homework.  This is not always easy for all subjects but still encouraged.  Many parents confide in me, as an Algebra teacher, about their inability to help their children complete Algebra homework.  Teachers do not expect parents to be experts. In fact, I do not expect parents to know Algebra at all.  However, they can help their student and me by simply verifying completeness, organization, and neatness.  Also, prompting their student to ask for help when they are experiencing confusion.  A little goes a long way with homework checks by parents.  Again, students interpret homework checks as a cue that education is a priority when parents take time out of their busy schedules to talk with them about school and progress checks.

Coming from a household where both parents work full time and there are three kids who all play sports, I understand busy schedules and the sometimes overwhelming feeling that accompanies.  So, hopefully this will help prioritize parent efforts and get the year off to a successful start!

Touchcast App

Wow, did I stumble upon something amazing? Indeed. Touchcast is a video platform that combines teaching, storytelling, reporting, tv, and the web all together. After downloading and registering for free, you are ready to be creative. There are several templates to get you started or you may opt to start out with a blank template. I especially like the How To template but also find the Newsbroadcaster template pretty cool!

Along the bottom of the screen are several icons to help you add material. The camera icon lets you actually read from a teleprompt, adjust the microphone, and recording speed. The effects lets you adjust the color of the recording and the use of a green screen. There is a whiteboard for writing, drawing, and creating which is a necessity for teaching. But, the greatest part of Touchcast is the video applications, known as Vapps.

As you can see, there are so many possibilities using the Vapps in Touchcast. Using the start/stop recording button allows students and teachers to add various aspects to their videos behind the scenes. But, incorporating a poll or newsfeed into the presentation just makes this video platform feel informative and creative. I can't wait to have my students create their own videos to demonstrate content they have learned. It is going to be an exciting year and I think Touchcast will be playing a huge part. Here are a couple Touchcasts to review:

Overcoming Gender Stereotyping in Education

I just read this article What stops girls from learning math? and it gave me chills. I can remember being 1 of only 3 girls in my high school calculus class, always feeling like the boys were all that mattered, and never even considering a major in math. Don't get me wrong, my math teacher was a nice guy. But, when I earned the highest grade he complemented me by stating that he could not believe the highest score did not belong to John (guy in my class). I do remember having female math teachers however, so I knew girls could be good at math. But, what I don't remember is ever being asked what I wanted to do or having someone say "Hey, you're really good at math. You should consider these careers." I never talked to a counselor at all. As a teacher, I obviously try to be a good role model for my students. However, even that is not enough. I have to work hard to encourage all my students to persevere in mathematics. I get frustrated when parents tell their children they were bad at math- as if it is hereditary. The fact is, my parents were not good at math and never took Algebra. I had to work hard on my own. If I had struggled, I would have had no one to help me. That would have been an excuse I suppose. But now, there are classes to help "at-risk" students, mentor tutors, after school tutors, and help via the Internet. Finally, I believe that most teachers are better trained to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of most students.

So, while the opportunities are growing for all students, I really hope that the perspectives are changing fast enough to reflect the need for women in math and science fields. We must give young ladies the opportunity to know how math and science are used in today's jobs so they do not just envision a lab coat and thick glasses. We need role models in math and science careers to come speak at schools. Educators need to be careful to avoid gender stereotyping and recognize that was is good for the goose is equally as good for the gander!

NewsMix for Educators and more

News mix is an App that affords the ability to create a personalized magazine based on selected interests. The best part is the ability to create multiple magazines! I have created a magazine for professional development, personal interests, and one geared towards my students. This alone will enable them to do research, develop interests, and work on literacy skills within a magazine available on their tablet. NewsMix is available through iTunes.

SnapGuide

SnapGuide is a tool that can be used by many to "show what they know." I just learned how to make a mixed fruit basket with a watermelon for the basket. Kids can make how-to guides to demonstrate learning of content. This can be shared through a variety of social sites like Twitter and email. Go to SnapGuide and create a free account. Explore the variety of instruction available and see why SnapGuide makes everyone a teacher!

101 Math Questions

101 Math Questions is a great tool for "hooking" students and getting them conversing about math. The pictures are sure to remain in their memory which will all contribute to building schema. I have used the snipping tool to demonstrate one picture that would be great to display for a quick write and maybe introduce balancing equations. What are some other ideas that could come from this picture?

Get the Math.org

Watch Get The Math - Music Video on PBS. See more from THIRTEEN Kids.

Tricks for Memorizing Multiplication Facts

My students have enjoyed learning their multiplication facts (even 8th graders) when they are allowed to find patterns or tricks on their own. However, if you want the tricks without making that discovery....here are a few. Please feel free to comment and give me some of your tricks as well. Obviously, 0, 1, and 10 are super easy and do not need a trick. But, the rest can be made easier and racing against someone or even yourself for time is an excellent way to ensure these facts are forever in your mind. In fact, I have taught at-risk students how to memorize the tricks and fill out the table in less than 2 minutes. Who does not have 2 minutes on a big test to write out the facts so you don't have to worry about making an error? That is perfectly legal on the STAR test for you to write out the table on your scratch paper. Let's continue with my little tricks... 2's just double the number being multiplied 3's add the 1's and 2's columns 4's just double the 2's columns 5's just add the 2's and 3's columns or the 1's and 4's columns 6's just double the 3's columns 7's add the 3's and 4's columns 8's double the 4's column 9's use the 9's finger trick or notice the tens column goes up from 0 while the ones column goes down from 9 11's are easy until you get to double digits but separate the other number and put their sum in the middle (11 x 15 is done like this 1_5 the sum of 1 and 5 is 6 so put that in the middle to get 165) 12's are the 6's doubled * 56 = 7 x 8 which is a fact that a lot of people forget but if you look at it this way you will never forget 5,6,7,8 because they are in order. See what other tricks you can find and try to beat 2 minutes!

Educreations Interactive Whiteboard

It is a sickness, I guess, but I have not been out of school for more than 3 days and I and already looking at tools to get started going paperless next school year. I have a couple whiteboard apps but Educreations Interactive Whiteboard has caught my attention with the ability to record and embedd. I have tried it out and if you would like to see and hear me stumble through a demo (haha) then check it out!  The app is free which is great with my IT department and the budget:)

Instagram for Educators

I do not personally know many adults who utilize Instagram.  Most of my family and friends are on Facebook.  However, it seems that most of my students are on Instagram more frequently than Facebook and when I ask them about Facebook they just say stuff like "Oh, that's old."  I like Instagram as well because you can just post and view pictures of family and friends as well as "like" pictures quickly.  Since my students love Instagram so much, I decided to utilize this site as a method for communicating with my students and building rapport.  It is extremely easy to take a snapshot on my phone of the homework assignment (off the computer, whiteboard, smartboard, etc.) and post it on Instagram.  My students are easily able to access it or bypass it if they are not interested.  I have also posted graphic organizers and pictures from class.  My students like seeing pictures of my family as well.  I feel like this is just one other resource for teachers to reach out and enhance the classroom environment.  Snap away!

AVID support that helps students the most!

AVID support that helped students the most!

RIMS AVID Podcast

This podcast is an interview of an AVID senior named Chad from West Valley High School in Hemet, CA.  Chad has overcome many serious obstacles on the road to college including death and the imprisonment of family members, so I ask him how he did it and how AVID helped him get college fully paid for.  I also ask how he selected the university that he'll be attending next year (UC Riverside) and what advice he has for others.  Oh, and did I mention that Chad is the Valedictorian at West Valley?!?

Must see video for all!

Foster Gratitude

I swear, I think this woman has met my children. It is a quick video to just start some conversations about how to get kids to be more appreciative of all they have.

Face It- Math Can Be Fun!

There are 3 books that I use on days when I need to break things up or I just feel like coloring!  The books are FACEing Math by Kristin Dewitt at www.FACEingmath.com.  I love using these books because you can reinforce skills students have learned in such a fun way.  For example, in Lesson 1, students must solve the problem X+5=7.  If they get the answer X=2, then they draw this cute polka dot clown hat on their faceless head template.  If they get X=12, then they draw a top hat with stripes.  The ability to check for understanding is ridiculously easy for the teacher.  Students show their work, solve the problems, and get to color their "face" based on their answers.  Not only do my students love this, but they do nice work and they look forward to the activities.  Furthermore, one of my classes begged to design their own worksheets for their peers to use.  This reinforced their learning because they had to be able to determine how a student might make a mistake and the resulting answer.

I am fortunate to work with a wonderful teacher who was a student of Mrs. Dewitt and that is how I stumbled upon this genius innovation.

Keep creating:)

What Advice Would Graduating Seniors Give 8th Graders

Courtesy http://bit.ly/11lXVkG

RIMS AVID Podcast 

This podcast features an interview of a panel of eight graduating AVID seniors.  These seniors are from Lakeside High School in Lake Elsinore, California.  They come from a variety of backgrounds, have been in AVID for different lengths of time, and are headed to many different universities. 

Daniel (UC Riverside), Tyler (CSU Long Beach), Ricardo (CSU Fullerton), Delilah (UCLA), Jocelyn (UCLA), Perla (UCSD), Ed (CSU Chico), T.J. (CSU San Marcos)

Part 1- Introductions and Question 1: "What were your aspirations before AVID?  Did you know much about college?"

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10328230/IntroductionsAndQuestion1.mp3

Part 2- "What is it about AVID that has made the biggest difference for you?"

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10328230/Question2.mp3

Part 3- "How are your plans to attend college influencing your family and friends?"

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10328230/Question3.mp3

Part 4- "What has been your biggest hurdle in your quest to attend college?"

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10328230/Question4.mp3

Part 5- "If there was an 8th grader standing here with us who had not figured out what the future holds, what advice would you give?"

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10328230/Question5.mp3

So many reasons to celebrate!

I am thrilled because my blog has finally received its 4000+ view. I started this for my students as a homework help site. However, I find that Edmodo and my requires school site are sufficient. So recently, as a result of my peers seeking information on technology and classroom support materials, I changed my focus. The result...I received about 15 times the views. This tells me that the way I can be most useful in cyberspace with my blog is to keep information directed at peer information and utilize my Edmodo and school site for my students. If anyone has thoughts on this, I would love suggestions.  For now, thank you for all 4000 views!!!

Near pod!

Article featured in Eudemic

Creative Equations

Today we are using a lesson from Digitallesson.com called Creative Equations.  The focus is on the use of operators and the order of operations.  Students will have to pick 4 numbers and we will work to create an equation that equates 1, 2, 3, on up to 100.  For example, if I chose 2, 0, 1, 3 for my numbers and it has to equal 1.  Then my equation would be (3-2) + 1x0 = 1

Cyber Responsibility

With all the cases of teens being held accountable for committing crimes in cyberspace, we need to take charge and educate our kids about appropriate internet usage.  I used to hear that and think I understood but obviously we do not because there are alarming numbers of these cases popping up on the news.  Teens need to understand that they cannot send nude photos to their friends or forward a message containing nudity because that is distributing child pornography. Recently, in a city close to ours a young girl sent her friend an inappropriate photo. Her friend sent the message to several other students. Consequently, all students involved had charges filed against them including the young lady who took her own photo.  I doubt that she ever anticipated or thought about such consequences or intended such humiliation. Teens do not think about the magnitude of the Internet.  In addition, being on the internet means you have an online reputation that follows you. Privacy really does not exist if you put yourself out there. Hearing students talk about their own experiences with photos being passed around over the Internet makes me conclude that it occurs more often than we realize. Furthermore, as a parent I am increasingly aware of how easy it is for predators to get information and contact our kids. Trust me, they don't have to try to hard because our kids put way too much information out there and do not anticipate malicious intent on the part of those they encounter while surfing the net.

Take home message, education is our best offense. "For program leaders and for parents, teaching responsible online behavior is a gradual process involving supervision and communication. Leading the way can be challenging, because youth are so quick to pick up new skills online, and may not be open with their elders about their online activities" (Cyfernet). We need to begin this process now and keep our circle of communication open.  For a plethora (as my father-in-law often says) of valuable information visit the following to sites: http://m.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/internet-safety-tips-high-school-kids and http://m.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/internet-safety-tips-high-school-kids

EDcanvas with Edmodo

Edcanvas is an amazing app offered through Edmodo that I just shared with my students today.  We are doing a project and this is providing them with a presentation format that is easy to create.  The students are able to upload or import videos, images, websites, and documents right into the template.  They can choose from a variety of templates and a couple color themes.  Rearranging the frames is very easy - just drag and drop.  Finally, when they are finished they can just play it and the program runs through each frame.  I also appreciate the option of writing a description right on the frame and being able to write comments on the side  for further detail.  I can't believe how intuitive this app is and that it is free!  They really enjoyed working with Edcanvas today.  Edmodo is just taking off with these apps.  I am very excited to see where they go next.  Here are 2 videos that demonstrate how useful and easy Edcanvas is to utilize.

I created a monster!

I remember thinking that I would never teach to a test, that I would always look for multiple ways to asses my students, and that I believed students master content at different times so always let them retake assessments as long as eventually they understand. However, my colleagues and I must have forgotten some of those pledges to ourselves (I could not have done this alone right?).  The reason I state this is because since the Star test ended my students do not see the need to continue learning. They have blatantly said, "But the Star test is over. So what is the point?" Love 8th graders...they don't hold back.

Teachers are even transitioning into vacation mode sooner. I don't mean playing movies-they are working.  But, they are tired and struggling with the question, "Are the kids misbehaving or am I so tired that it just seems that way?"  It is the chicken and the egg thing. I honestly think the answer is-both. We work hard all year and the emphasis on this test is a top down stressor. We feel it and the kids do too.

I am going to try in the future to avoid placing such high importance on this test so my students will see the value of education not just the value of learning something to pass a test.  I remember my own daughter used to love reading. She was an amazing reader. But, when she had to take a test at the end of every book, she began to despise reading. She loved the enjoyment if reading. When it became associated with points and leveling, she withdrew and would do only the minimum. She did not like them telling her she could not read what she wanted to sometimes and she hated that they constantly raised her limit.  I do not want my kids to think of school in that manner and unfortunately most do already. So, I don't have the secret formula yet but I am going to make a conscious effort to work on teaching my kids to love learning and to learn just to learn.  Any and all suggestions welcome!

Geometry Vocabulary

http://quizlet.com/23092290/geometry-ch-1-flash-cards/

We are venturing into Geometry.  In order to learn the vocabulary that accompanies Geometry, we need to practice daily so we can keep up. Quizlet has the Scatter game  and a couple others to help you learn the vocabulary in a fun manner.

Mathematician Report

To supplement our 1st geometry lesson, we will be researching mathematicians and constructing a cereal box display depicting the information learned during the research. Students will present biographical information, areas of travel and education by their person of interest, as well as extensive detail regarding the mathematicians contributions to the math world. This should be made to be interesting and fun. Finally, students may choose to present their findings via a power point presentation, a Prezi, video, or other creative means of demonstrating their learning. All videos (other presentation modes) should be posted on Edmodo for peer review and critique.  I look forward to learning from your work and presentations.

What now Mrs. T?

The state test had barely left their fingertips when the question began formulating in their precious minds...what are we going to do after CSTs? "Are we just going to watch movies?" NO! "Are we going to just hang out?" NEVER! But, I have to admit that this time of year, I certainly struggle with where to take them this last month of school. Should I go over the content they did not grasp as strongly as others?  Should I cover the end of the book which is not a state standard but could be connected to real life experiences? Or, should we dive into some amazing projects I have always wanted to do with them but never had the time? 

I believe all teachers encounter this dilemma. My little group of collaborating teachers is mindful of the 6th and 7th grade teachers and the projects they do to enrich their classes. We try to design projects that do not repeat the content taught by other teachers. We lyook through many resources and weed through all the projects we find intriguing. Finally, the end result? A series of projects that touch on a collection of standards previously taught but hopefully will heighten student comprehension and challenge students to learn content in a manner that is meaningful and  individualized. In addition, this is a time in which we can try new technology, instructional strategies, and materials we may not have branched out and dared to attempt during the normal pacing guide time frame. This is not to say that we do not try new methods of instruction throughout the year because every year most teachers grow and alter their lessons to increase student achievement. But, I recall learning about Edmodo and keeping it on my to do list until the end of the year when I felt I could really give the educational vehicle the time and efforts to assist student learning. Now, I begin the school year familiarizing my students with Edmodo. 

So, when my students ask "What now?" I am excited to tell them all about the list of content, technologies, and projects of which we will be wrapping up our school year. While they may sigh, roll their middle school eyes, and wish for a month of movies, secretly they are going to be more entertained and pleased to work with and learn from their peers and algebra teacher...or so I will tell myself each and everyday as I drive to school.

Show what you know!

It is finally here...STAR testing. We have been working hard all year long (150ish school days) and learning state standards in preparation for this week. I cannot go into this week without expressing my appreciation and admiration for my students. I have given you concepts to master that rival the most challenging content you will encounter throughout your entire education (to come). Have you complained...yes! Have you questioned the necessity of learning such content...definitely! But, have you continued to try to not only learn it but command the content...absolutely! I am impressed. So, now is the time to "show what you know." Here are some tips for making it through this week:
1. Get enough sleep each night.
2. Eat a good breakfast.
3. Look over formulas just prior to class.
4. Think positively-you really can do this.
5. Recall our test taking strategies.
6.  Since I have asked you to save the most challenging questions for last, keep in mind that you will walk away from this test each day with those questions in mind and that should not be your overall impression of your performance. 
7. Lastly, remember that learning is not about testing. Your education is so important and helps shape you as an individual. Learning is amazing- I consider myself a life long learner. This test is just a snapshot of what you know or recall at that given point in time. 
Ok, so let's do this! 

Release Test Questions for your Review

Review Jeopardy Game

Click on Ryan to play the Jeopardy game!

Cst prep

Hands down the best thing you could be doing to prepare for CSTs is Learning Upgrade. This is available at home, in the library, before and after school in the computer lab, and in my class during brunch and lunch. Not only should you be trying to reach level 60 but reviewing difficult levels. Trust me, students who spend more time on Learning Upgrade test better than those who do not. You do the math:)

Graphing Parabolas and Using the Discriminant

Derive the Quadratic Equations

Simplify rational expressions

Simplifying Rational Expressions Introduction: Simplifying Rational Expressions

Factoring Polynomial Review

Solve linear Systems with these Khan Academy Videos

Non-Linear Systems of Equations 1: Non-Linear Systems of Equations 1
Non-Linear Systems of Equations 2: Non-Linear Systems of Equations 2
Non-Linear Systems of Equations 3: Non-Linear Systems of Equations 3

Solve Linear Systems

Solving Linear Systems by Graphing: Solving Linear Systems by Graphing

Vocabulary is important!

More Vocab practice

vocab practice

Quizlet to learn vocabulary

http://quizlet.com/_conuw    This will give you lots of practice!

Happy Spring Break

Enjoy your vacation and I will see you next week!

What is Rational about Rational Expressions?

Students, please briefly respond to that question in 3-5 sentences.

Solving Quadratic Equations

Graphing Quadratics

9.8 Factoring a Difference of Squares

9.8 Factoring Special Products

9.7 Factoring Trinomials

Write down the problem.

o        If A is negative, factor -1 out of the entire trinomial.

o        Multiply A times C.

o        Do Big X to find the 2 factors.

o        Put an X behind each factor.

o        Use these 2 new monomials to separate the BX. Now you have

4 monomials.

o        Factor the 1st and 2nd monomials. Factor the 3rd and

4th monomials.

o        Look for the common binomial and that becomes one of your

binomial factors. The terms in front of the common binomial are put together to develop the other binomial.

Let's try it.