Resources, Ideas, Inspiration
Get Off to a Great Start in Math Class in 2024!
Here are 8 Ways to Pose Better Questions in Math Class
- Don’t let “information gathering” questions dominate your lesson.
- Ask probing questions that require students to explain, elaborate or clarify their thinking.
- Give students adequate time to respond.
- Encourage reflection and justification.
- Avoid “funneling” the conversation.
- Ask students to make the mathematics visible.
- Try “focusing” on your questions instead.
- Encourage students to ask questions of one another.
More Great Ideas to Use This Year
ByteLearn
This is an AI-powered program that will differentiate math problems for students while at the same time giving step-by-step help. Mistakes are a part of learning! Targeted help enables students to build a strong growth mindset.
Mixed Mode Assessments
Do you assess students using quizzes and tests? We all do, but now would be a great time to introduce video assessments (EdPuzzle), Exit Slips, Polls, Interviews, or creative assessments like math songs and comic books.
Practical Tips Anyone Can Use
Allow students to solve problems the normal way and then double-check their work using mental math tips that you can teach them. "The 9-trick" is an easy way to count by nines by first adding 10 and then subtracting 1. 70 + 80 is really 15 tens. Like shortcuts like this will help make math more fun. Tell them no one knows these tricks!
Talking with Students About their Mathematical Strengths and Weaknesses
Moments of frustration as well as pride are common for children who struggle with math and for the adults who work with them. Some children give up and see themselves as failures; others exhibit behavior complications that relate to their difficulties with math.
To help children learn to clarify and specify their differences, teachers can use a process called demystification. Through open discussion with supportive adults, children understand that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. This process creates a shared sense of optimism that the child and adult are working toward a common goal and that learning problems can be successfully managed. The following suggestions can help as parents, teachers, and other specialists work together to demystify children’s difficulties with math.
Eliminate any stigma.
Discuss strengths and interests.
Discuss areas of weakness.
Emphasize optimism.
Teach explicit meta-cognitive strategies when needed. In other words, help your child think about thinking. For some students, a teacher will need to provide direct instruction to help children think about their approach (including previewing), pursue facts, and self-monitor.
Identify an ally. Help your child locate a mentor – a favorite teacher, a teacher’s aide, or a neighbor.
Protect from humiliation. Help your child strengthen self-esteem and maintain pride by protecting him/her from public humiliation, especially in relation to his learning differences.
K-8 Resources for January 2024
