Skip to main content

Hello Math World!

My name is Kate.
I am a second year teacher candidate at Brock University and just began my second teaching block in a Grade 8 math classroom teaching four classes on rotary.
As an English major, the news of this placement came as a bit of a shock. I love intermediate and really enjoyed teaching science on rotary in my first block, but felt slightly nervous about teaching math. However, I also knew this assignment provided me with the perfect opportunity to activate the first thing I learned from the math queen herself (Jo Boaler): the importance of maintaining a growth mindset!
This is where the idea for a blog began, I thought it presented a great opportunity to share my challenges and successes in an unfamiliar setting. So, stay tuned to join me over the next 6 weeks as I experience the journey of planning and teaching Grade 8 math!
©Merton Community School District

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Learning Lab

Do you ever have those moments when your mind is moving a mile a minute? When your thoughts are flying so fast your fingers and feet start to follow suit? You tap or you wiggle in your seat to provide them a little more room to move but no matter what you do you cannot stop from fidgeting. Too often people associate these high energy behaviours with some sort of negative attribute. However, it's not one type of student, or one type of kid who experiences this. It is all of us. I remember organizing my pencil case in class or doodling in a journal when I was a young student. And now, 21st century learners have fidget toys and other small movement instrument for releasing a bit of energy in times of need. For many students a squishy toy or a spinner are all that is needed to maintain a bit of focus. For me, a Saje ring has become my quiet companion. Regardless of what it is, we all have something to help keep our minds on track. The unfortunate thing is that although fidget toy...
Post a Comment
Read more

Connecting the Dots

Sometime last year I discovered the Danish concept of 'Hygge'. Unfortunately, there really is no English word that can do it justice, so for now I will describe it as a theory of content and happiness (which in Canada we may refer to as absolute coziness). It is warm reading socks, a cup of tea and the perfect book, next to a crackling fire and snow flakes dancing beyond the window. It is a concept that, like Canadians, helps Danes maintain their sanity through the dark and frozen winters. It is also largely associated with the warmth delivered by candlelight. For the last year the thought or sight of a classic, cylindrical candle would immediately bring me to the beautiful concept of Hygge. However, that immediate connection has changed in the last 6 weeks (well, maybe not changed, but it has gained company). Now, when I see or smell or hear this same candle, I think of math. (side bar: for those of you interested in the concept of Hygge, please read Meik Wiking's ...
Post a Comment
Read more