Math Rocks Long Term Professional Development
Each year I determine a focus for the upcoming year for personal development. This year it will be math. Why math and why Math Rocks (a district year long program)? One reason is I wish to increase exploration and discussion in my classroom during math time. Growing up in a traditional classroom, this doesn’t come naturally to me. Although I try to purposefully include these factors within my lessons, I know that learning from experts and peers will be a valuable experience!
Today was our first day. Wow, I’ve gained so much already. We joined Twitter for professional use; I added a separate account to keep my personal interactions separate from work. Should you be interested, feel free to check me out at @acheelove2learn. We received two websites which I look forward to trying in the classroom:
These two tools should provide an excellent way to get the students to think and talk about their thinking.
What am I hoping to gain from this program? I hope to develop new strategies through peer collaboration, stretch my thinking about how numbers work in order to provide deeper learning within my room, and gain new perspectives. This will be an exciting year as I learn so my students can learn. I’m looking forward to learning more how to use number talks that yields strong growth in concept comprehension.
One assignment given is to suggest one way my classroom is distinctively mine. My answer is the continuous celebration of each student as an individual we build in our room. Celebrations are posted on the board for effort, compassion, risk-taking, and persistence. Students give cheers to one another or write notes of specific praise/encouragement as we help one another be our best. I believe my students truly feel this in our classroom. It is a safe, of zone of encouragement. Certainly that is my daily goal, but students seem happy within our room.
Wow, an experienced blogger. Hope I can use you as a resource. Thanks
I believe positive encouragement is the way to go, it empowers our students. Way to go and cool website!
I love your blog! It is so organized and established. I really thought it was neat how you reflected upon the day and even added the links to what was shared today. Great work!
I love your celebrations! Our campus uses a program called Capturing Kid’s Hearts, and we share good things daily in my classroom. I agree that I feel like I have gained so much already as well, and can’t wait to be a part of this cohort this year!