I learned math in a very traditional fashion, so I can efficiently calculate but I don't understand how math works. How can I understand the misconceptions or needs of my students if I don't know the math or the structure of specific concepts? In the past year I have attempted to understand math deeply, beginning with number sense. I am still on that journey. Here are the resources that have supported me thus far...
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| Marian Small Resources |
I can't imagine teaching math without Marian Small. Her big ideas and principles guide my understanding of how math works. Her principles will be my map for each concept so that my students can articulate what they are learning and why it's important.
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| Cathy Fosnot |
I have also learned a lot about how math works from Cathy Fosnot and her Young Mathematicians at Works series. I use her landscapes of learning to understand the structures of the operations. Many informative Fosnot videos can be seen here:
http://learnteachlead.ca/?s=cathy+fosnot&post_type=all
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| Alex Lawson |
Dr. Alex Lawson has also been guiding my thinking. I want to dig more deeply into this resource in my quest to understand number sense. I love Dr. Lawson's video titled The Power of the Number Line which can be viewed here:
http://www.curriculum.org/k-12/en/videos/the-power-of-the-number-line
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| Jo Boaler |
Jo Boaler is my latest obsession. I'm in a summer book club with this resource, follow her on Twitter, and recently enrolled in her online course for teachers of mathematics. This past year I have focused on visual mathematics and Jo has been my go-to for information. Her web site is awesome. Check it out!
https://www.youcubed.org
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| Spatial Reasoning |
I am interested in knowing more about spatial reasoning and how to incorporate it into all aspects of the classroom. This book will help me to get started within my math program. It's very informative, with lots of engaging activities. Stay tuned...
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| Number Talks |
A math program would not be complete without Number Talks. This resource is everything you need to support students with mental math skills. Students learn how to calculate efficiently, how to compose and decompose numbers, and develop a real sense of number with this instructional strategy.
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| Consolidation |
These resources have helped me to develop skills for consolidating math tasks. Facilitating a math conversation is hard work! I've learned the importance of purposefully selecting the student work to be shared, in order for a particular learning goal to emerge; how to question and guide conversations; and how to make connections for students so that they will learn through problem solving.
