I really enjoy teaching 6th grade math. This year will be even better because each class will get about 90 minutes a day to explore, craft, and discover making math visible. The central theme will be focused on bringing the inside out, on making our knowledge visible so that we can see if we have a good grasp of that knowledge. This will also allow us to explore different ways to apply that knowledge, and see how far we can push our understanding. We will tackle some tough concepts, including the equal sign, integers, and variables.
We will delve into mobiles to develop a deeper understanding of the role of the equal sign. For integers, we will explore using symmetry and the number line to develop a stronger number sense. What is x? In our curriculum, we spend a great deal of time looking at the use of variables. It always is a struggle for many students as they try to deal with the "unknown." We will be looking at some real world examples of the reason we need variables, such as in business management and computer coding.
As part of this process, and as a way to capture these moments of growth, we will be establishing a web presence for our students by creating an online portfolio. They will create and curate their portfolio complete with their artifacts that show their growth and understanding. Publishing and making understanding public gives students the idea that what they are learning and what they have to say has value. It creates this intrinsic motivation that can't be duplicated in a workbook.
All of this together will create a purposeful group of students who will be leaders and experts in their own strengths, and will provide them with a clear picture of weaknesses that they can improve upon. By combining science concepts, technology, engineering, and math, students will literally see their understanding, and they will be able to build and grow collaboratively throughout the year. Consistent feedback and formative assessment will be a focus so that students will develop the growth mindset necessary to keep curiosity alive. It will be an exciting year and the possibilities are limitless!
We will delve into mobiles to develop a deeper understanding of the role of the equal sign. For integers, we will explore using symmetry and the number line to develop a stronger number sense. What is x? In our curriculum, we spend a great deal of time looking at the use of variables. It always is a struggle for many students as they try to deal with the "unknown." We will be looking at some real world examples of the reason we need variables, such as in business management and computer coding.
As part of this process, and as a way to capture these moments of growth, we will be establishing a web presence for our students by creating an online portfolio. They will create and curate their portfolio complete with their artifacts that show their growth and understanding. Publishing and making understanding public gives students the idea that what they are learning and what they have to say has value. It creates this intrinsic motivation that can't be duplicated in a workbook.
All of this together will create a purposeful group of students who will be leaders and experts in their own strengths, and will provide them with a clear picture of weaknesses that they can improve upon. By combining science concepts, technology, engineering, and math, students will literally see their understanding, and they will be able to build and grow collaboratively throughout the year. Consistent feedback and formative assessment will be a focus so that students will develop the growth mindset necessary to keep curiosity alive. It will be an exciting year and the possibilities are limitless!