Back to the real world

I can't believe how fast 9 days can go by--no computer, no alarm clocks--what a life!! I will have to be honest and say, as much as I hated setting my alarm, it is nice to back into the swing of things. I can't believe how long it's been since I've blogged. I actually forgot my password--good thing Erin and I have a connecting room, she reminded me! It seems like forever since I've been to class, since our last meeting, I've had parent - teacher conferences, and been to New York City (it was a very fast and busy trip). I think I'm behind on a blog--for the class on the 16th. I vaguely remember we were to comment on the activity we did outside. OK, memory isn't as good as it use to be, but the one thing I do remember, was thinking it was nice to go outside and actually apply some of the skills we have done, to something in the real world.

Geometry

Erin and I have been working on our master's project. We have created an interactive Geometry bulletin board outside our rooms. It was exciting to see our students gather around it and actually reading and interacting with each other and the concepts on the board. I'm not going to say anything else, other than it was a success and we are working on things we can actually use in the classroom and not just stick in a folder and file away.

ISTEP

Well, it finally came--the last day to take ISTEP! Since Monday, the day I had a student "meltdown" (literally tears dropping on her desk--quietly of course--the worst kind to see), my class had done nothing but read and write. So, of course this last day, when they are given 67 minutes to read 2 passages and answer questions on each, I had several complete this portion of the test in 10 minutes. I personally can't blame them. As an adult I would have a problem testing 4 days in a row for at least an hour a day, let alone expecting 8 and 9 year olds to do the same with quality work. It just seems, that there could be a better way---I don't mind the concept, but it seems this time the tests are geared to (trick) rather than assess.

Spring Break

OK, I orginally said I was not going any place over spring break. There is a chance I may be gone a few days--I will know more in a couple of weeks.

Masters Project

After Monday's class, I will have to say, I am so looking forward to working on my masters project. I just assumed it had to be on LOGO or Sketchpad, and to be honest, I was not looking forward to it. Mainly, because it would not have been utilized in my classroom, so it had no real meaning for me. Erin and I have been discussing the project in great length and are both excited about the chance to "revamp" our geometry unit. We both work very well together and have a great time coming up with new ideas and ways to work with our students using hands on approaches. This will be so beneficial to us both this year and in the coming years.

Spring Break

My Spring Break is the week of March 23rd. Not doing a single thing, except (hopefully) sleep in. I will be at class.

Slavit Article

I read the Slavit article last night. I definitely agree with the author that students need a learning environment in which they can explore, not one based just on lectures. As in previous articles, hands on allows the students to investigate and actually increases their understanding. They can 'personally' become involved in geometry. The major draw-back, personally for me was the vocabulary--interms of SSS, ASA, SAS etc. I was so focused on trying to understand that part of the article, I'm sure I lost some things.

I loved the spaghetti activity. It is something I can do with my third graders. Alot of what we do in class, I can't always adapt, but I know I can this one.

I've been thinking about my project. I like working with LOGO and would like to create a design and perhaps try to figure out how to incorporate music and color.

This week in my third grade class, I introduced:

Monday: line, line segment, ray, angle, parallel lines, intersecting lines, right angle, and perpendicular lines.

Tuesday:Triangles--equilateral, isosceles, right, scalene

Wednesday: plane figures(triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon) and regular and irregular polygons.

OK, I know the math series is simply a tool---but how many teachers do not supplement, explore through manipulatives or spend more than 1 day on a lesson? Such important concepts that the students will need throughout their education, and they are "lumped" together and given one page in the math text.

Mary

An added note to my previous blog about vocabulary. The reading has helped.

I would love to be able to use Logo in my classroom. As I personally use it, it has helped me to visualize the angles and lines. I think it would be a great way for students to learn and explore angles and lines. With all the cut backs and money issues, there will always be problems getting the programs for our computers. Kids today, are so computer savvy, I think they would take off and go.

Last night was not as overwhelming as the first night--so, perhaps there is hope. I would like to make a small comment about the vocabulary. I haven't had geometry in forever and since I teach 3rd grade, the vocabulary I teach my kids, is limited. When in class, sometimes for me the vocabulary alone is a deterrent. Hopefully this will get better, but so far it has been sort of a stumbling block. To be honest, when I listen to the questions and discussions going on--I definitely feel in over my head

First Posting

OK, I think I did it!! I am not very computer savvy, so this is a major accomplishment for me. I would like to say, I am still feeling a little overwhelmed about class last night. Since, I am not very comfortable navigating on a computer, that aspect alone is intimidating. I know it will be fine, but just please be patient with me.