Multiplication Number Talk

My 3rd graders were starting to do 2x1 multiplication, so I decided before we even had a lesson I wanted to see what they would do with the problem.  So, I gave them 18x6 to see what would happen.  As you can see below, there were several answers with some errors.  However, I could see that they understood multiplication.

We did our lesson on different strategies in class, and as soon as class was almost over I had a student ask if they could do another Number Talk because they thought they would do much better.  So, I planned this...

We did this Number Talk two days later and this is how it turned out.

I could really tell that they had a better understanding of the numbers and were using some more efficient strategies.  The student that was justifying 166 used the standard algorithm, but changed their thinking as they saw it written on the board.

Right now, I am continuing with some 2x1 problems, but I hope to move them into some 2x2 because they are struggling with those problems in class.  I hope it will help them better understand 2x2 multiplication as we move forward.

Canva

Our school is participating in a TechBit Challenge. One of our challenges was to do the first design challenge in Canva.  I did that, then ended up making a collage about our class.  I am glad this was one of the challenges because I tend to always use PicMonkey, but this is also a great tool for design.

Estimation 180

In my math classes I am trying to build Number Sense by focusing on using Number Talks and Estimation 180.  I am just getting started with Number Talks, but we have done Estimation 180 quite a few times in class already.  Right now I have started from Day 1 on Estimation 180 and have worked our way through the days, so the students can use their prior knowledge to make their estimates.  In the future, I will probably try to be more strategic about the days that I pick.  However, I kind of like the fact that it doesn't necessarily go exactly with the lesson each day.  I feel like it gives us a chance to review or discuss other concepts in math that we may not be focusing on that day.  

For each day, we discuss estimates that are "Too High" and "Two Low," then we talk about their actual estimates and how they got to the estimates.  When we first started estimating, we had a discussion about "taking risks" with their responses.  I am happy to say my students really have been doing this, since initially I thought my students may not take risks with their estimates.

  I really enjoy having these low pressure conversations with my students.  It really lets me understand the way they think in math, and they really like doing it.  I have already noticed them trying to use other strategies another student may have used the day before.  I love that they are all sharing and trying new things.  This site has really brought a new dimension to my classroom!

Student's Feelings About Math

I took the challenge to survey my students about their feelings towards math.  My results were not too surprising, but I feel like my results are a little skewed since I surveyed my 3rd-5th gifted and talented math class.  Apparently, they don't think math is so bad, which makes my heart happy!!  Now we just have to get other students on board.  I feel that if we continue to talk about math as a learning and growing experience, and not about being right wrong or wrong, these feelings could change.

New Year in 5th Grade Math

Last year was my first year teaching TAG math, so I definitely needed to brush up on my middle school math.  That being said, I did not feel like I got off to the best start last year with teaching my 5th graders, but soon after that it was much better.  Our first unit is Rational Number Concepts.  This year I feel like I did a much better job setting this foundation for my 5th graders.  We started by discussing the different types of numbers and creating an organizer in their notebook, so they were able to see the different classifications and how a number could belong to more than one group.

To deepen the definitions, we did "Always, Sometimes, Never" by rolling dice to fill in the blanks with Rational, Natural, Whole, and Integers, and Irrational Numbers.  

Ex:  A(n) Integer is a(n) Natural Number.  

The discussion that came out of this activity really allowed me to see who truly understood the definitions of each group.

We then sorted several types of Real Numbers into an big organizer on the floor.  Again, it was great to see the teamwork and discussions as they discovered where the numbers belonged.

I feel like my students truly understand the different types of numbers, and I am already feeling much better about 5th grade math this year!!

New Car Smell

Ever since I was little I have dreamed about having a classroom to decorate.  It is one of my favorite things about the beginning of school.  Of course, I am not a little kid anymore and realize there is more thought that needs to go into creating a good learning environment for students than just some posters on the wall.  Here are some things I took into consideration as I set up my classroom this year:

Growth Mindset - I have decided to have a big focus on Growth Mindset this year.  In my class I have a bulletin board that teaches my students how to change their words and thoughts to help create a growth mindset.  I am sure as the year progresses we will refer to this bulletin board often as a reminder.  Also, I have created a space to highlight those "Mindset Moments."  Throughout the year, my students or I will write down moments where we noticed a growth mindset.  I hope that the board is overflowing by December!

Varied Work Spaces - I think it is so important to have a variety of work spaces for students from cushioned chairs to open floor space and even some clear counter space for students to stand at.

Depth & Complexity - This year one of my goals is to incorporate the Depth & Complexity icons into my lessons even more than last year.  So, I have made sure to have a space where they are visible to me and the class in hopes of adding these into class discussions.

Motivation Wall - I may have a slight overload of motivational posters, but I just can't pick a few.  I decided to create a gallery wall behind my desk to help motivate my students and I.

Math Vocabulary - Although my vocabulary cards are not in these pictures, I have made a space at the front of my classroom for math vocabulary.  I have cards with definitions and pictures on them that I post at the beginning of each unit.  We talk through the vocabulary and play games with them throughout each unit.

These are just a few things I took into consideration at the start of this new school year.  I am sure there will be many things added as the school year progresses.  I hope everyone has a wonderful school year!

Twitter Chatter

I had to cheat a little on this mission!  The Twitter Chat I wanted to join is on Fridays at 6:00pm, so it has been a little hard to catch with a three year old in the house.  However, I found where they archived the old chats, and they are all organized by topic.  This is such a great resource.  Of course I haven't had a chance to read through them all, but was able to read the chat about twice exceptional students.  It is great that you can are able to hear so many points of a view on a topic.  I love that each chat is on a specific topic within the gifted and talented arena.  I really hope I can join one of these chats in the future and be an active participant.  Twitter Chats are also useful because it gives you an idea of other people you may want to follow.  I have already added so many people to my list and look forward to reading their tweets.

Math Mistakes

I have finally gotten a chance to look through some of the great resources shared here from Brian Bushart.  I really like the idea of Math Mistakes; however some of the problems may be a little hard for my students. I have tried this concept in my class.  We have analyzed math problems done incorrectly or used student's work to figure out what is incorrect about a wrong answer.  I think this really helps students think critically, and also makes them less likely to make the same mistake in the future.  Plus, they always love to point out mistakes!  I  need to make an effort to continue having students think in this way.

Twitter

I have had a Twitter account forever, and occasionally I will look at it and have tweeted when we have technology challenges at school.  However, since we have started Math Rocks, I have really tried to make it a habit to checkout my feed.  Now I just need to work on tweeting more!  On Thursday I joined the elementary math chat.  It was a good experience (once I got to the right hashtag)!  This time I felt like I was trying to keep up with reading everything, but now that I have it figured out I hope to participate more next time.  It was great to hear from others that teach and get some new ideas and thoughts about teaching math  I hope to be able to join these chats in the future.

Math Goals for 2015-2016

As the new school year is approaching, I have many goals for myself.  After attending 2 days at Math Rocks, I have had time to reflect on some important math goals for this year.  I am really excited to be part of Math Rocks, and I know it will help me achieve some of these goals.  

I have always wondered how I could enrich my students learning with Number Sense.  It seems like such a daunting concept to teach.  We learned some great ways to incorporate number sense into our daily routine.  So, my goal is to incorporate these activities into our day.  While I realize the importance of Number Sense, my concern is finding time to fit it in.  I am sure I can figure something out!

Another goal is incorporating Intentional Talk.  This has been a big focus on our campus, and I have learned some great strategies on how to use this.  While I have tried this in my class, I feel that I have not been super successful.  I felt that with smaller groups it was hard to do, but I am  sure there are ways that I can make a better effort to model and encourage Intentional Talk in class.

My last goal is to make sure my students are exploring math.  Some of my favorite lessons are ones where the students are learning math through some sort of exploration.  Many times I do not have to directly teach the lesson and they learn as they are working.  I feel like exploring math engages students and gives them more confidence in their learning.  I am hoping that as I share and grow with our Math Rocks team I will get more ideas and more comfortable on how to create lessons like this.

I am so excited about this year and looking forward to growing with Math Rocks!

A Little About Me

Hi, I am Danielle Oehler.  I teach TAG (talented and gifted) students in Round Rock, TX.  You can find me on Twitter @dj_oehler and explore my class website here.  I did not start my career as a teacher.  I had always wanted to be a teacher, but both of my parents worked in education.  I wanted to try something else.  After college I went into advertising and worked in advertising agencies for about 5 years.  Quickly, I realized this was not enough for me and decided to get into teaching.  It was one of the best decisions I have made.  I love stretching children's minds and helping them realize they can do things that they didn't think they could.  My favorite thing to hear when teaching math is, "This is so fun!" ( it does happen sometimes).