tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037653622441085972024-03-19T05:05:48.226-07:00The Teacher Crafter"Teacher by day...Crafter by night!"The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403765362244108597.post-28216532611197466852019-08-06T14:05:00.000-07:002019-08-06T14:05:07.005-07:00So you want to be a master teacher?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZnU4f0howW4UKd_d2y1Brm0wypbf7NMU_-LZyx6j03TF1JI3WFJZynyYyiCUDbu4GkuGdqmKcGHQtEdM1TK-pzvN6FoHitQ6MBxAnCV8nYv_NQ_c27pJEEk1sN9DSTbieUTJwNgumYo3/s1600/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-blog-pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZnU4f0howW4UKd_d2y1Brm0wypbf7NMU_-LZyx6j03TF1JI3WFJZynyYyiCUDbu4GkuGdqmKcGHQtEdM1TK-pzvN6FoHitQ6MBxAnCV8nYv_NQ_c27pJEEk1sN9DSTbieUTJwNgumYo3/s320/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-blog-pin.png" title="student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
Hooray! </h2>
You've embraced the role of mentoring new teachers and will soon have a student teacher under your wing! Whether you are called "mentor teacher," "master teacher," or "cooperating teacher," you are taking on a meaningful and rewarding role in helping student teachers learn how to thrive and grow in this profession.<br />
<br />
While you may have some ideas on how to be a mentor and support your student teacher on this journey, you may be looking for ideas and tools to help along the way. Your support can be crucial to helping them become the best educator possible, and you will hopefully build a lasting relationship as someone they can turn to for advice or ideas.<br />
<br />
Jumping into a new school, classroom, staff, and more can be overwhelming for a new teacher. Read on for some tips and freebies that can help your student teacher feel welcomed and at ease, and can help you both establish norms that will leave everyone feeling joyful and inspired by this experience.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE04amYiP_a1_tfdQ1EFq1Ce-R2uK3f5p0DbB59s4RGwuR_VNqLW1IebnNw_u9iFXWBdfgsj-wucbuhXHvxts-5l1ABMFhjVXPqOm0qNfxI9L9Iqml65YVGBJyVkxmn9IdyHykN36UBv4d/s1600/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-welcoming-a-student-teacher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE04amYiP_a1_tfdQ1EFq1Ce-R2uK3f5p0DbB59s4RGwuR_VNqLW1IebnNw_u9iFXWBdfgsj-wucbuhXHvxts-5l1ABMFhjVXPqOm0qNfxI9L9Iqml65YVGBJyVkxmn9IdyHykN36UBv4d/s320/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-welcoming-a-student-teacher.JPG" title="student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-welcome-pages" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
1. Relationships are key</h3>
As you prepare to welcome your student teacher, keep in mind the world of difference it can make if you prioritize building a positive relationship from the get go. Just as with our own students, your student teachers will be much more comfortable learning from and working with you if you develop a sense of trust and positive leadership.<br />
<br />
Start by really putting in an effort to get to know your student teacher. This will not only help them feel welcome, but it can help lay out some differences between the two of you that may need to be accounted for in order to feel like a successful team.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Are you a morning person, or do you stay late to plan and prep? Do they have family or work obligations before or after school that may put them on a different time track than you? How will you compromise to ensure you still have adequate time to plan and prepare together? This is also the time to set norms and ensure your expectations and understandings of student teacher/mentor teacher roles are on the same page.</div>
<br />
Beyond getting to know one another’s schedules and interests, be sure to introduce your student teacher around campus to help them feel comfortable with the people and the layout of the school.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9f31jPQxrADMV1c1B1yhL8qggF4760R6r0t3R8xHlpLE6zoHqJ-gDfQbiaMTz7fSSL1Lm1nHBLajxVKKim15x0SpDR9RSTj2kTv5Et7wEDRs8ezCHBhvqdFm_0wMQtD68fDZAS3dA_y_v/s1600/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-observations.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9f31jPQxrADMV1c1B1yhL8qggF4760R6r0t3R8xHlpLE6zoHqJ-gDfQbiaMTz7fSSL1Lm1nHBLajxVKKim15x0SpDR9RSTj2kTv5Et7wEDRs8ezCHBhvqdFm_0wMQtD68fDZAS3dA_y_v/s320/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-observations.JPG" title="student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-observation-sheets" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
2.Reflection is vital to improvement and growth</h3>
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Another key component of a master teacher's role in teacher mentoring programs is to foster reflective practice in teaching. Teach your student teacher to be okay with you asking “why” they made certain choices – this does not mean you are saying their choice was a questionable choice; it’s just encouraging them to reflect on decisions they make in and out of the classroom, and to be thoughtful of how those decisions impact their students.<br />
<br />
Video record lessons to discuss – yes, it may be awkward, but it really is so much more beneficial for the student teacher to SEE themselves doing the actions you say you observed and to see the things around the room they may not have noticed while “in the moment.” This can be a great tool for collaborative conversations and goal setting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6RLmK0s21y0aazSVoP6io-ICBFWeJLU0IcjL1jXzKMH9buNgaBMnXcEKWw4cB2hZZchNXHNKeZruUJsZF0tv-cmj3aRtpO1Emm7sutFcUq1FP4oZAcVHJS74nRk9l1yBS5yxQU8oPIGo/s1600/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-reflections.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1121" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6RLmK0s21y0aazSVoP6io-ICBFWeJLU0IcjL1jXzKMH9buNgaBMnXcEKWw4cB2hZZchNXHNKeZruUJsZF0tv-cmj3aRtpO1Emm7sutFcUq1FP4oZAcVHJS74nRk9l1yBS5yxQU8oPIGo/s320/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-reflections.JPG" title="student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-reflection-sheets" width="224" /></a></div>
<h3>
3. Don’t just <u>evaluate</u> your student teacher; help to <u>teach</u> and <u>train</u> your student teacher</h3>
This is very likely only your student teacher’s first or second opportunity to TRY teaching. As mentor teachers, we are effectively an extension of the credentialing courses – everything their courses teach them in theory, we get to support in practice. That also means providing feedback and – here’s the key part- support to help our student teacher learn and grow. When discussing areas for growth, be sure to also give your student teacher some strategies to try in that area. Then, observe them again to follow up on whether they’ve improved or whether you two need to brainstorm some other strategies.<br />
Just like in our own classrooms, we have to assume the need to model and teach even the most basic strategies and approaches. While some student teachers will come with a knack for certain aspects of teaching, be sure you aren’t assuming they know HOW to lesson plan and HOW to execute specific management tools or strategies. Model and hand-hold a bit at first, then as they grow and are ready, be sure to give them freedom to try lessons in their style. Try to avoid stepping in during their lessons unless absolutely necessary, but make notes of observations to reflect on later.<br />
<br />
<br />
Remember, they will enter your class as a new teacher, and leave your class…<b>still as a new teacher!</b><br />
<br />
It’s OKAY if you didn’t impart #allthewisdom and “build the whole car,” so to speak – you helped them grow and provided a solid foundation for their own journey into teaching. For that, YOU ROCK!!<br />
<br />
Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-5-page-Sample-Master-Teacher-and-Student-Teacher-Toolkit-4766685" target="_blank">here </a>to download a set of <b>freebies </b>to help you start your journey as a master teacher.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Need something more in depth? Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Master-Teacher-Toolkit-Student-Teaching-Binder-Sheets-4764201" target="_blank">here </a>to view my <b>full Mentor Teacher Toolkit</b> for a student teaching binder on Teachers Pay Teachers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcQ_yRwqag2bDCHJU9VigCNE9i48675bBZ6Ul1gcn9cPotLZPyXweLqWHJct1-DOLP5MqmLBh0ixIXIz6jvTSJxDGi6_wSl8x__UNHW4noodau-pU_RR1PPnbP1jqOXR04dskqZwdq2Ag/s1600/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcQ_yRwqag2bDCHJU9VigCNE9i48675bBZ6Ul1gcn9cPotLZPyXweLqWHJct1-DOLP5MqmLBh0ixIXIz6jvTSJxDGi6_wSl8x__UNHW4noodau-pU_RR1PPnbP1jqOXR04dskqZwdq2Ag/s320/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-cover.jpg" title="student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-cover" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyct79phfjU4wgf6nuoWX6r_7aNkkT418qig9DNdWQ5UwtDm2vugYpssE1HTkRQlbkj09h37B2Ar_lhkiApOTqRhzz7owrL4cOxuDKiiHL8Rw6Fo6hxpL8pT3CZpj6Cgie9dQsLCs6tDGw/s1600/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-product-description.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyct79phfjU4wgf6nuoWX6r_7aNkkT418qig9DNdWQ5UwtDm2vugYpssE1HTkRQlbkj09h37B2Ar_lhkiApOTqRhzz7owrL4cOxuDKiiHL8Rw6Fo6hxpL8pT3CZpj6Cgie9dQsLCs6tDGw/s320/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-product-description.png" title="student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-contents" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAfnBMK2oZb9tIJY9INWDlb0YRne8nehdfc_MGOig_9_-_JD2ZppSbPrV6PFmy2jP5tdFszKWQAbdFAKh9Ot0_39D0MFgKrmJoCjh9WxUv1aHLByjfAMXrEQozqH435Gtt_Q_z3vXuMie/s1600/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-preview-bundle-slide.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAfnBMK2oZb9tIJY9INWDlb0YRne8nehdfc_MGOig_9_-_JD2ZppSbPrV6PFmy2jP5tdFszKWQAbdFAKh9Ot0_39D0MFgKrmJoCjh9WxUv1aHLByjfAMXrEQozqH435Gtt_Q_z3vXuMie/s320/student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-toolkit-preview-bundle-slide.png" title="student-teaching-binder-master-teacher-preview-set" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403765362244108597.post-38850990987724033632019-07-09T16:16:00.000-07:002019-07-09T16:16:49.540-07:00Summer is time to recharge and reflect<h3>
Looking back on your school year to recharge and reset before the year ahead</h3>
After pouring so much of ourselves into our classroom and students over the last 180 days, it is SO important that we make the most of our breaks. Using summer to purposefully recharge can help prevent teacher burnout and leave you feeling ready and <b>excited </b>for the year ahead.<br />
<br />
While it's tempting to waste the days away with the latest Netflix binge in my jammies, I know I feel much more relaxed when I can get all the clutter out of my head and really make sure I'm prioritizing the things I don't always have (or make!) time for during the school year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nUMl7w_WsrqsdzgurP1iGY57QEiT_2ny2ac_hU2ktyjNUidVR6eijcdvJZke8UHYQHDP1Je_ZPIs0arpR893QpfiXwtLcGJJCpjWhNkXhIC9oysMnyFQLjmrwBXfi0mU1lHNiZPzcLLZ/s1600/teacher-summer-reflections-prompts-image9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nUMl7w_WsrqsdzgurP1iGY57QEiT_2ny2ac_hU2ktyjNUidVR6eijcdvJZke8UHYQHDP1Je_ZPIs0arpR893QpfiXwtLcGJJCpjWhNkXhIC9oysMnyFQLjmrwBXfi0mU1lHNiZPzcLLZ/s320/teacher-summer-reflections-prompts-image9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc85IYVMSGXHyR_17wMvVeUcZrMo2sb9BJg2Hpa9RMAdMpQoiKlLNK8abV-leYvHWSaa4NG3bmjhIsmaHe6Npnj66ezFCVr6gNPqK7MYga1obgsD5ICI-KsF3I9pZFpV_v5PJboqw2m3B/s1600/teacher-summer-reflections-prompts-image7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc85IYVMSGXHyR_17wMvVeUcZrMo2sb9BJg2Hpa9RMAdMpQoiKlLNK8abV-leYvHWSaa4NG3bmjhIsmaHe6Npnj66ezFCVr6gNPqK7MYga1obgsD5ICI-KsF3I9pZFpV_v5PJboqw2m3B/s320/teacher-summer-reflections-prompts-image7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My brain is constantly swirling with activities I want to do over the summer, filling with ideas I have for next year, ruminating on things I goofed on this past school year, or just trying to make a mental list of all the appointments I need to schedule and get to while I actually have some free time! I can't be the only one swamped with a muddled to-do list flashing through my mind, so I thought I'd share these reflection sheets I created.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV0TdXle8HUM7tn1CEodWYktesoJFRkMmA48Rn9KBeGJaAxZUhBRQ4pLAysYJvEe_w_9YG1vSojGOlnd3hnqwb8emwX6Y51w8zoPniuV_rpOOKdTFJPSME2WW04uTUmwXWTR3s1qSc4KM/s1600/teacher-summer-reflections-prompts-image6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV0TdXle8HUM7tn1CEodWYktesoJFRkMmA48Rn9KBeGJaAxZUhBRQ4pLAysYJvEe_w_9YG1vSojGOlnd3hnqwb8emwX6Y51w8zoPniuV_rpOOKdTFJPSME2WW04uTUmwXWTR3s1qSc4KM/s320/teacher-summer-reflections-prompts-image6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5n3Eol5eTjJsdj-J9P71nBbMWz-uOp0_FdKHWHc3dFeZBhkbSRhIph5_bll8oVaLbDURJEuRgd-zMxbZKaVoZAOrWuL6UrIaMzYWvuIqqdyromX81XeSos2a0N7YopjN971DEJ4PwG3D/s1600/teacher-summer-reflections-prompts-image5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5n3Eol5eTjJsdj-J9P71nBbMWz-uOp0_FdKHWHc3dFeZBhkbSRhIph5_bll8oVaLbDURJEuRgd-zMxbZKaVoZAOrWuL6UrIaMzYWvuIqqdyromX81XeSos2a0N7YopjN971DEJ4PwG3D/s320/teacher-summer-reflections-prompts-image5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm hoping that if I get the main things out on paper, there will be less swirling around my brain which will allow me to fully relax and enjoy the free time I do have this summer. It will also help me prioritize the ideas I want to prepare for next year, so I go back feeling rested and ready in the fall.<br />
<br />
Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Reflection-Prompts-for-Teachers-FREEBIE-4685729" target="_blank">here</a> to head to the freebie, and let me know in the comments how you plan to <b>rest</b>, <b>recharge</b>, <b>reflect</b>, and <b>reset </b>this summer. Cheers!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Reflection-Prompts-for-Teachers-FREEBIE-4685729" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLIFl69h8c2dmPgar_aL4NxZFFMTQ7I7obBAG97kJ_nUov2NMZI7eUxzgTxrtJG1C7zERbVFxeOYiwFdsGaKSBrQFr055dqraZMaw_WftgWZ0rz1daTBldRBAZuFJq7JNxGiLEI1DJxUj/s320/teacher-summer-reflections-prompts-cover.png" title="teacher-summer-reflection-prompts" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403765362244108597.post-1383338739640661062017-07-16T16:54:00.001-07:002017-07-16T16:56:25.036-07:00Welcome TPT Friends!<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Welcome to Awesome Anaheim!</span></h2>
Hello TPT Friends!!! I wish I'd thought of sharing this sooner for all you weekenders who've arrived early for #TPTOC17. Nonetheless, here are a few of my favorite things to do around Anaheim, other than the obvious fave, Disneyland! Hopefully these help if you're looking to fill your evenings after TPT, or are sticking around for a few extra days!<br />
<ul>
<li>Come try unique and yummy treats from craft eateries at the Anaheim Packing House, and wash it all down with some great brews at the Anaheim Brewery. One of my favorites at the Packing House is a sandwich from the Black Sheep Grilled Cheese Bar, followed by a chocolate-dipped fresh berry popsicle at Popbar. There are so many great restaurants and treats, though, that it's tough to decide!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://anaheimpackingdistrict.com/packing-house" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://anaheimpackingdistrict.com/packing-house" target="_blank">Anaheim Packing House</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbMm2xjAQgSwkT8jeD-sMBGb9dBt6GkQBHF1EvvVjMnAX0HicTVZdnaEi1Uo6DVBvq4dkjLQhqP-lwa6AAT7cTqC9FK23glynqRWwlEw4A9jcMKuVfloYHilMo0a4KrdXss49jh1Bp34I/s1600/brew+cropped.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="364" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbMm2xjAQgSwkT8jeD-sMBGb9dBt6GkQBHF1EvvVjMnAX0HicTVZdnaEi1Uo6DVBvq4dkjLQhqP-lwa6AAT7cTqC9FK23glynqRWwlEw4A9jcMKuVfloYHilMo0a4KrdXss49jh1Bp34I/s200/brew+cropped.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"One for a nickel, Two for a dime, Get your beer at Anaheim!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://anaheimpackingdistrict.com/packing-house" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.anaheimbrew.com/" target="_blank">Anaheim Brewery</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Check out some Angels Baseball. They're playing the Nationals on Tuesday and Wednesday, then the Red Sox on the weekend. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOq4lBN9pAn4Ydinc_ZwK5gHJNJNGfSKeWxXSU66pC4eN4X7hiZQhCxMMuBkAiwj2SU1NDgd2MgFIW3WWcJtf4NGux8ENyIZn-nEm1XusjSUK1dHNRkzR60jfIlySQxVazAJ2b-nlKaPCE/s1600/Angels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOq4lBN9pAn4Ydinc_ZwK5gHJNJNGfSKeWxXSU66pC4eN4X7hiZQhCxMMuBkAiwj2SU1NDgd2MgFIW3WWcJtf4NGux8ENyIZn-nEm1XusjSUK1dHNRkzR60jfIlySQxVazAJ2b-nlKaPCE/s200/Angels.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/ticketing/singlegame.jsp?c_id=ana&mlbkw=ds-g-p17752858621&gclid=Cj0KEQjwnazLBRDxrdGMx-Km4oQBEiQAQJ1q689Jqn929lZFJ3FAw3fWWY2zx1r7HEQyxPBnbY5jVcMaAn_O8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Angels Baseball Tickets</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Get your Boot Scoot'n Boogie on at The Ranch Saloon, and try the fried pickles while you're there! They're closed on Monday and Tuesday, but Sunday is Family Night, Wednesday and Thursday are fun with the DJ and line dance lessons, and there's live music on Friday and Saturday.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00NaKiOyduX-TmttoIHZxUCKxrNNXCP4vxqzruOOk1n3DG8ai_WeNHO8TFxHPddyFjUfPnw5UNyxvEIkiMzPYde0iBu2CbftJ-nbjej43nYW1NbafODtbb9og_EZhakDFEEo7t4xRnKcV/s1600/boots+cropped.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="364" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00NaKiOyduX-TmttoIHZxUCKxrNNXCP4vxqzruOOk1n3DG8ai_WeNHO8TFxHPddyFjUfPnw5UNyxvEIkiMzPYde0iBu2CbftJ-nbjej43nYW1NbafODtbb9og_EZhakDFEEo7t4xRnKcV/s200/boots+cropped.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.theranch.com/saloon/" target="_blank">The Ranch Saloon</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Visit the shops and restaurants at Downtown Disney. I've put this last, because if I'm sharing local faves, this (understandably!) is more of a tourist spot. I do love it though, and some other teacher bloggers and I will be at ESPN Zone on Tuesday night after the conference. We'd love for you to come say hi and join us for a drink!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney-district/" target="_blank">Downtown Disney</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope you enjoy visiting our little corner of "The OC," and if you're ever back in town, I'd love to show you around even more! If you try any of the above spots, let me know what you think down in the comments! And if you're a fellow SoCal native, what else would you add to this list?!</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403765362244108597.post-46115321655035810292016-08-19T14:03:00.001-07:002016-08-19T14:03:22.484-07:00Mathematical Mindsets Chapter 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc99iy_bOVQXL7s8YMa8Ti6OIAjkfjvB4eDc6HoRW2rK9XtaSZDCpohmwt6oKM0QiMC79xYgVf0xvUA3Dn9Tl30j0Vne8QKPi9BiqDo5aVFkiEuFq0OEk6u-EoDjnw9hGdGwGPcl4LNKE/s1600/Aug+18+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc99iy_bOVQXL7s8YMa8Ti6OIAjkfjvB4eDc6HoRW2rK9XtaSZDCpohmwt6oKM0QiMC79xYgVf0xvUA3Dn9Tl30j0Vne8QKPi9BiqDo5aVFkiEuFq0OEk6u-EoDjnw9hGdGwGPcl4LNKE/s320/Aug+18+header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
From Tracking to Growth Mindset Grouping</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Welcome to Week 7 of our Mathematical Mindsets book study!
Chapter 7 addresses a very traditional approach to higher level mathematics,
and provides significant research against it. The topic is Ability Grouping. Have
you heard of it? Have you experienced it, either as a student or as a teacher?
I most certainly have, and Dr. Boaler’s research lines up so well with things
that I’ve experienced with ability grouping, and she’s opened my eyes to
effects I hadn’t really thought of before. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Boaler, along with an arsenal of research, argues that
ability grouping is detrimental to a growth mindset. Grouping students at an
early age into low, medium, and high achieving math classes not only hurts the self-esteem
of the students in the “low” group; it also denies them the opportunity to ever
achieve certain high-level math courses, since their “remedial timeline” is already
mapped out and only reaches so far by the end of high school. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ability grouping also creates a fixed mindset in the students
who are in the “high” groups. If they believe they are naturally good at math,
when they eventually come to a point where they struggle, they will be less
likely to persevere. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Teaching ALL students to have a growth mindset towards math
is key. Dr. Boaler shares several strategies and examples of teaching math to
heterogeneous groups in a way that fosters growth in all students and allows
students to take multiple pathways of achievement. Below, I share some that I
am planning to implement this school year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
ONE</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Open-ended math tasks</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When working with students at a variety of levels, open-ended
math tasks are key. These “low floor, high ceiling” tasks, as Dr. Boaler
describes them, allow students to build a solid foundation and take the skill
to as complex a level as they are willing and able to. I needed some more input
on what exactly classifies a quality, open-ended math task, so thankfully Dr.
Boaler pointed out a few places to look!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first is part of the UK’s Nationl STEM Centre, and is a
collection of task cards that are designed for mixed-achievement groups. These
cards are part of a project called Secondary Mathematics Individualised
Learning Experinece, or SMILE! Some of the wording will need to be changed, as
they were made for students in London, but I have already found some great
resources to use during our first unit on Decimals. I definitely need to
remember to change things beforehand, though, or my kids will look at the word
form of 0.7 and go “What the heck is “nought point seven,’ Miss G.?!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I encourage you to visit this website and check out the
extensive library of SMILE cards and other STEM resources. It’s free to sign up
for login access to download the materials.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.stem.org.uk/elibrary/collection/2765" target="_blank">SMILE Cards Library</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another resource that has yet again proved useful is the
YouCubed math website. Below is a link to a perfect example of a “low floor,
high ceiling” task, which allows kids to explore different ways of approaching
the problem, and allows them to go as in-depth as they are able. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><img alt="ice-cream-snoop-thm" height="113" src="https://bhi61nm2cr3mkdgk1dtaov18-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/ice-cream-snoop-thm1-672x381.jpg" width="200" /></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youcubed.org/task/ice-cream-scoop/" target="_blank">Open-ended Ice Cream Scoop Task</a></div>
<h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TWO</div>
</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Multidimensionality<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Ice Cream Scoop problem is also the perfect way to introduce
multidimensional values, which Dr. Boaler shares as another key aspect of
heterogeneous teaching. <b>Allow for, value, celebrate, and assess multiple ways
of thinking about and approaching mathematics! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t focus solely on performing
calculations, but encourage students to “ask good questions, propose ideas,
connect different methods, use many different representations, and reason
through different pathways” (Boaler 121). And remind students regularly that “No
one is good at all of these ways of working, but everyone is good at some of
them.” This mindset will set the tone for group work that shares responsibility
and is respectful of everyone’s thinking. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
THREE</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Roles and Shared Responsibility in Group Work</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Boaler recommends spending a significant amount of time
and effort at the start of the year teaching students how to effectively and
appropriately work in groups. She shares many strategies for this, but the ones
that I am ready to jump right into are:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Work with students to carefully develop group
norms of respect and listening</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Create posters of what students do and don’t
like other group members doing when working together. This provides student
awareness and ownership over norms that we would give anyhow, such as not
letting one person do all the work and tell everyone else the answer, saying
things like “this is easy” when it may be confusing to some, leaving people out
of discussions, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Assign roles for students in groups that allow
them to balance the workload and equitably participate. Roles such as
Facilitator, Recorder/Reporter, Resource Manager, and Team Captain can categorize
specific jobs that must be done and questions that can be asked to stem
discussion.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">When assessing group work, assess only one randomly
selected group member’s verbal or written response. If they cannot clearly
articulate the way their group found the answer, the group must reconvene and
continue discussing until every group member clearly understands the concept.
They can let you know that their ready to be reassessed, and you ask the <i>same </i>student to explain. Check out Tried and True Teaching Tools' <a href="http://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/2016/08/from-tracking-to-growth-mindset-grouping.html#more" target="_blank">awesome Role Cards</a> created from the roles Dr. Boaler shares - Kathie did an AMAZING job on these, and I will definitely be using them! </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so grateful for this book study, and the way in which
this book is opening my approach to teaching mathematics! I hope you will join
our conversation here in our blog hop comments, or in our Facebook group at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1660084684312667/" target="_blank">Mathematical Mindsets Book Study Facebook Group</a>{request to join, we’d love to have you!}<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re interested in some of the research cited in this
chapter, I’ve linked some of Dr. Boaler’s studies below. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.youcubed.org/promoting-relational-equity-high-mathematics-achievement-innovative-mixed-ability-approach/">https://www.youcubed.org/promoting-relational-equity-high-mathematics-achievement-innovative-mixed-ability-approach/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://bhi61nm2cr3mkdgk1dtaov18-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/TIP2006.pdf">https://bhi61nm2cr3mkdgk1dtaov18-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/TIP2006.pdf</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="655918">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=655918" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403765362244108597.post-7142288248586305722016-08-11T22:28:00.002-07:002016-08-12T13:02:12.146-07:00Mathematical Mindsets Chapter 6<br />
<h3>
Mathematics and the Path to Equity</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks for joining us for Week 6 in our Mathematical
Mindsets book study! This chapter was jam packed with strategies, so I want to
jump right in!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The statistics that this chapter opens with are alarming. As
we continue to learn with this book, there is no such thing as a <i>good-at-math
gene</i>, so I figure, “Why focus on the past?” Women and minority groups have
statistically been left in the dust and are underrepresented in higher-level
mathematics, so how do we, as teachers today, prevent this from continuing to
happen?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve decided to focus this post on Dr. Boaler’s <b>Equitable
Strategies</b>, which she shares as “strategies for purposefully making math more
inclusive.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
ONE</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Offer all students high-level content</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We need to make sure all students have the opportunity to
attain higher-level mathematics courses. Dr. Boaler addresses this in greater
detail in chapter 7, so I will hold off on discussing in detail.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
TWO</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Work to change ideas about who can achieve in mathematics</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The mindset beliefs held by teachers open or close the
pathways for students, and that fixed mindset thinking and teaching is a large
part of the reason inequities continue in math and science, for women and
students of color </i>(Boaler, p. 102).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Give students the message that you know they can succeed in
math. And don’t just <i>say </i>it, actually <i>know </i>in your heart that every single one
of your students has the potential to succeed! <o:p></o:p></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<br />THREE</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Encourage all students to think deeply about mathematics</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESN8ezsT1vks4qtRjC3HJOQzqKDC7iOrqqy7e1q1eW3L_8GXLH5JpOkYMrra_NYkFhcRCORDMNDRV8ZcnEJDVLo5dPLzqnQhCS5ksOOW8kV_sm2l65x3xnchI1GGODrrVQWQxPZ-uGJdK/s1600/Fraction+Center+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESN8ezsT1vks4qtRjC3HJOQzqKDC7iOrqqy7e1q1eW3L_8GXLH5JpOkYMrra_NYkFhcRCORDMNDRV8ZcnEJDVLo5dPLzqnQhCS5ksOOW8kV_sm2l65x3xnchI1GGODrrVQWQxPZ-uGJdK/s320/Fraction+Center+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Girls have a greater tendency than boys to want to
understand deeply <i>why </i>methods work, <i>where </i>they come from, and <i>how </i>they relate
to other concepts and domains (Boaler 2002b; Zohar & Sela, 2003). When we
focus solely on the procedural aspects of mathematics, we are denying the
opportunity for deeper, meaningful understanding. The following aspects of
successful math teaching can guide us in solving this problem:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Hands-on Experiences</u> – Providing direct interaction with the
workings of a concept can greatly increase a students’ conceptual
understanding, as well as their ability to form connections to other concepts
and disciplines. I began implementing Math Centers in my upper grade classroom
last year, and directly saw the benefit of hands-on experiences. Here is are examples of a Fractions center, where students created posters with a variety of
models for the concept of dividing a whole number by a fraction:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIPtPb9OIp3USfuPdwwGKYapRXoeS0XSf_265uYu4D6dD6b-4-WJKmC2PQw6gSgcNofy8Dz0_kIquaTmln3FTawBfHQbwxW-68nljv1QB89kumiX0IFjqtvtmTEiZXDHqxRnYoVe4QA5w/s1600/Fraction+Center+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIPtPb9OIp3USfuPdwwGKYapRXoeS0XSf_265uYu4D6dD6b-4-WJKmC2PQw6gSgcNofy8Dz0_kIquaTmln3FTawBfHQbwxW-68nljv1QB89kumiX0IFjqtvtmTEiZXDHqxRnYoVe4QA5w/s320/Fraction+Center+3.JPG" width="261" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdZxeaUpFrH8EkBQKXKhDEr7OqyFs-I-_Juu5swSWhbnGIkOETh2c6BmjDThrjPHSIDf9JrzONLyjfir0l6TriEdk2RBxWDgGtP7AtU6S7Eq4HhmyEImLvbPDdkHuZjfMKqj-x_Q-_IaZ/s1600/Fraction+Center+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdZxeaUpFrH8EkBQKXKhDEr7OqyFs-I-_Juu5swSWhbnGIkOETh2c6BmjDThrjPHSIDf9JrzONLyjfir0l6TriEdk2RBxWDgGtP7AtU6S7Eq4HhmyEImLvbPDdkHuZjfMKqj-x_Q-_IaZ/s320/Fraction+Center+2.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Project-based curriculum</u> – This year, we finished out our
year with Digital Divide and Conquer’s Final Frontier outer space PBL unit,
which phenomenally connected many of our math concepts in a project-based,
engaging format. Matt has created TONS of great PBL resources, and I highly
encourage you to check out his shop:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Digital-Divide-And-Conquer/Category/-PBL-Math-238081" target="_blank">Click here to check out Digital Divide and Conquer's Math PBL Units on TPT!</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Curriculum with real-life applications</u> – I try to tie
mathematics into our engineering challenges and find other ways to make real-life
connections, but this is definitely an area I need to focus my growth on! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Opportunities to work together</u> – A study of Berkeley
students in high-level math classes highlighted the importance of working
together in mathematics. High-achieving Chinese-American students were observed
completing assignments in a collaborative manner, supporting each other’s
struggles and working through challenges together. The African-American
students were observed completing assignments in isolation, and were quick to
give up when struggles arose, because they felt they were just not good at the
math. This led to alarmingly high failure rates, but was completely turned
around after researchers provided seminars on collaboratively approaching
mathematics. The African-American population actually surpassed the Chinese-American
population within 2 years of the seminar’s implementation, proving the
importance of collaboration and a positive mindset!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I plan on encouraging more collaboration in my math block by
continuing centers and really incorporating math talks using the MP’s as often
as possible. Angela Watson has a fantastic set of cards with number talk
question stems to help us build math discussions, which I’ve linked here: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Question-Stems-for-Common-Core-Math-Practices-1172122" target="_blank">Angela Watson's CCSS Mathematical Practices Question Stems</a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<br />FOUR</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Eliminate (or at least change the nature of) homework!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know the topic of homework can lead to heated discussion, because it is
so customary to U.S. schooling. There is so much research out there, however,
that homework has no impact <b>or </b>a negative impact on student learning. If
something is not helping out students’ learning, we should reconsider it and
make some changes. If something has been proven to have a negative impact, we
should throw it out the window like it’s on fire! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want to make the jump into eliminating math homework,
here are some resources Dr. Boaler lists as evidence in support of this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Alfie Kohn – The Case Against Homework</li>
<li>Sal Khan – The One World School House</li>
<li>Various resources from Challenges Success, 2012</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re not quite ready to ditch homework altogether, or
if your school requires that you assign homework, then Dr. Boaler recommends at
least changing the nature of that homework: “Instead of giving questions
students need to answer in a performance orientation, give reflection questions
that encourage students to think back on the mathematics of the lesson and
focus on the big ideas” (page 108). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve adapted Dr. Boaler’s example of this
into the sheet below, which you can download as a freebie to get you started on
this homework shift!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_-PXzepnmqGbWR6bkxCX29JUGM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">The Teacher Crafter: Mathematical Reflections Homework Sheet</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whew! I know this was a long post, but the strategies felt
so valuable to me that I felt compelled to inspire other teachers to use them.
Which of the above are you willing to give a try? Comment below, and hop through
the link up to see other bloggers big takeaways!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="654482">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=654482" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403765362244108597.post-91749429936815947772016-08-04T14:51:00.003-07:002016-08-04T14:53:18.387-07:00Mathematical Mindsets Chapter 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RO7Wak3CT2cvhYTNvWq4oOfXb03TJO4UFnODdqqvoxU_rSKQG9x_ZTV2s0Sk2FWlSF16Q5JjVQAv8kd4CGc7zMWGx2FQfJfT0hz1711cF8TtjoPkMZ_Zxy3d4S1kY33zfYYYzRyGngIy/s1600/Aug+4+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RO7Wak3CT2cvhYTNvWq4oOfXb03TJO4UFnODdqqvoxU_rSKQG9x_ZTV2s0Sk2FWlSF16Q5JjVQAv8kd4CGc7zMWGx2FQfJfT0hz1711cF8TtjoPkMZ_Zxy3d4S1kY33zfYYYzRyGngIy/s320/Aug+4+header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Mathematical
Mindsets Chapter 5</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Wowzers…I
feel like the last few weeks have been a time warp of wedding planning and
summer school, and I have been so bad about keeping my posts a priority, but I
must say, all the wedding planning is exciting!! I have a growth mindset that I
can improve my blogging though, and I’m determined to stay on track with this
book study.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">I
thoroughly enjoyed Chapters 3 and 4, and I hope you check out some of the other
bloggers thoughts on key takeaways. Chapter 3 shared the importance of teaching
the beauty and creativity in mathematics, and Chapter 4 shared some fantastic
games and activities for building number sense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Creating Rich Mathematical Tasks</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">My
biggest takeaway from Chapter 5 was that it is in our hands to ensure we are
providing our students with rich, engaging mathematical tasks. Dr. Boaler
shared 6 cases of mathematics instruction that hooked the learners by piquing
their interest and presenting a challenge that they were determined to solve,
almost as though the math problems were brain teasers! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoqI4-62RQF5vmd3aIVWanhZ_uM0u-iygcclNW3-yrRaIUQIZI2RjXIhsPa6hgDOsS2H9uW8vtMQ6p0QNIvyRgmTCT1Eq8HBbxaryaQce0HlUAWCguV2Ta68JDexHp-7-aiUCXrgKPIL_/s1600/Chapter+5+quote.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoqI4-62RQF5vmd3aIVWanhZ_uM0u-iygcclNW3-yrRaIUQIZI2RjXIhsPa6hgDOsS2H9uW8vtMQ6p0QNIvyRgmTCT1Eq8HBbxaryaQce0HlUAWCguV2Ta68JDexHp-7-aiUCXrgKPIL_/s320/Chapter+5+quote.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">My favorite
of these was the number talk on 18 x 5 that Dr. Boaler conducted at a staff
meeting for a modern, tech-savvy online course startup company, Udacity. As
people shared their methods for finding the product, Dr. Boaler drew out the
visuals of their thinking on the whiteboard table. She shares that the buzz of
excitement in that room, and in any of our math classes when experiencing a
task like this, is that “most people…have never realized numbers can be so open
and number problems can be solved in so many ways.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">So how
do we incorporate this magic and wonder into our elementary and secondary classrooms?!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">3 Tips
to implement:</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">ONE</span></h4>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Ask
the question before teaching the method. (pg. 81)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Dr.
Boaler acknowledges that most of us are provided a curriculum from which to
teach. She spends so much time in this chapter, however, giving examples of how
we can modify the WAY in which we introduce the concepts so that kids have a
brain teaser/math challenge approach to spark curiosity. Dr. Boaler suggests
giving the students a challenging problem that incorporates the concept in a real,
meaningful way, without first telling the students the process to solve it.
Give them time to try things, brainstorm, and discuss first. Doing so will make
the introductions of formulas and algebraic properties so much more meaningful
for the kids once we do introduce them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">TWO</span></h4>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Open
math tasks to encourage multiple methods, pathways, and representations. (pg.
77)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Find
ways to open up math problems to multiple avenues of success, such as the 18 x
5 number talk. I can’t wait to revisit my math curriculum and see where I can
do this, and I am definitely thinking of starting the year with number sense
activities like this. I think these are PERFECT ways to introduce and begin
using the CCSS Math Practices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">THREE</span></h4>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Add
visual components.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Visualizing
our thinking as well as the thinking of others, and discussing the models, is
so valuable to our understanding of complex mathematics concepts. The more we
can provide this for our kids, the better!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Thanks
for sticking with me! I hope you can apply some of these strategies to your
teaching to help make math more exciting and meaningful for our kids! Don’t forget
to check out the other thoughts in the link up below, and please comment and
share how you might incorporate these strategies! I’d be particularly interested
in any 5<sup>th</sup> grade/upper elementary insights!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="652693">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=652693" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403765362244108597.post-65570813280150057312016-07-14T13:07:00.001-07:002016-07-14T13:34:54.161-07:00Mathematical Mindsets Chapter Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlACTYm4q1GAnX6sk-S3lFIDv9l-3GZ7MRLfGzPkdqXgyegWtUxhCwdWZ-fdFTWt5lEoFku9uiejLGvvcRM_Yef8SJ5G7tNAy-DfzL_95FeeVcuWQDOtpQb-FTKUL0UaHgzavhP2nm3-g9/s1600/July+14+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlACTYm4q1GAnX6sk-S3lFIDv9l-3GZ7MRLfGzPkdqXgyegWtUxhCwdWZ-fdFTWt5lEoFku9uiejLGvvcRM_Yef8SJ5G7tNAy-DfzL_95FeeVcuWQDOtpQb-FTKUL0UaHgzavhP2nm3-g9/s320/July+14+header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Power of Mistakes and Struggle</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Welcome to Week Two of our Mathematical Mindsets book study!
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The title of this chapter immediately had me hooked, because
who hasn’t made mistakes in math class, right?! I remember being embarrassed by
my mistakes in elementary school, and I was afraid to share my answers for fear
of having done the problem wrong. As a teacher, I work hard to make sure I
instill confidence in my students, letting them know it’s okay to make
mistakes. This chapter has definitely armed me with some research to back that
idea. Even better, it shows that mistakes are actually GREAT for learning!!!
What could be better than that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Boaler shares current brain research that speaks volumes
to the power of mistakes. Every time we (or our students) make a mistake,
whether we realize we’ve made one or not, our brain sparks and grows. Our brain
actually grows MORE when we make a mistake than when we get an immediate
correct answer. Revisiting our mindset ideas from last week, brain studies show
that this electrical spark and growth is even greater in people who have a growth
mindset about their mistakes, versus those with a fixed mindset. So, growth
mindset = growth in our brains!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
What was my big takeaway from Chapter Two?</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stop making math about correct answers!! As mentioned above,
I encourage mistakes as part of the learning process and try to make my
students feel comfortable about their mistakes. I am totally guilty, however,
of drawing the smiley-face 100% on math tests and praising those high scores.
This chapter made me revisit my philosophy on math test scores. It’s inspired
me to cheer for the mistakes rather than the correct answers, and constantly
remind students that it is our mistakes that grow our brains! One quote that
continues to jump out at me is on page 13:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQNHUOW-XaoTyAwAx5AIxPdihL7vhMia2rYIXSrq9mnSes-aPsODL126V1cuxG5eFZUMOaLDlPlW-GhBaAnl4OJ2FaesNRDXpPFMdU5KqTJuo5Q78wJ20Ujb9UBGNXbBgRTv_ewa7uq-h/s1600/MM+Ch+2+Quote+final.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQNHUOW-XaoTyAwAx5AIxPdihL7vhMia2rYIXSrq9mnSes-aPsODL126V1cuxG5eFZUMOaLDlPlW-GhBaAnl4OJ2FaesNRDXpPFMdU5KqTJuo5Q78wJ20Ujb9UBGNXbBgRTv_ewa7uq-h/s320/MM+Ch+2+Quote+final.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
My goal is to review my math curriculum (which is very much a “correct
answer, all or nothing” type of program) and plan for ways to shift into a
mistake-centered math class. I feel like the CCSS Mathematical Practices and
positive class discussions around mistakes can definitely help with this, and I’m
excited to see how it transforms the mathematical mindsets in my classroom!<o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
<br />3 tips to implement:</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
--ONE--</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Design and teach an activity that reframes mistakes and
their value. Explicitly teach kids that mistakes are what grow our brains. Dr.
Boaler shares a few on pages 15 -17, and Pinterest is filled with a plethora of
Growth Mindset teaching ideas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
--TWO--</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Use the “favorite mistakes” teaching strategy from page 17.
Highlight your “favorite mistakes” from student work as a discussion point for
the class. Make this such a common practice that students aren’t embarrassed to
have their mistakes highlighted, but are proud that their brain is growing!
Keep in mind that the mistakes should be conceptual, not numerical, so that the
process is discussed, not the calculations. <o:p></o:p></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b>--THREE--</b></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Give challenging work that provokes deeper thought
processes, invites mistakes, and allows for discussion. Don’t give “easy to
answer, easy to get right” questions. Challenges grow our brains, so bring ‘em
on!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so hooked already, and am already brimming with excitement
to change up my math class this year! I can’t wait to keep reading and
discussing with you all. Let’s keep the discussion going in the comments below,
and hop on through the blog links to read other great insights from chapter
two.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See you next Thursday for Chapter 3!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="648319">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=648319" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
</div>
The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403765362244108597.post-16189484441546269202016-07-07T19:48:00.001-07:002016-07-07T19:56:00.132-07:00Mathematical Mindsets Chapter 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl7mYDgFxPnMxl8dGWDpuT7FEhcq8SERXja9XVNv8Inkpdv43JEMyyKIVCzAm0OfCd-QBvwailBvsK0t9PoSKvsK81Vz7RiWzwKs0U3eyb42GSHIRaIMVsAXzUQecWO-N6NplW5ir0s8h/s1600/July+7+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl7mYDgFxPnMxl8dGWDpuT7FEhcq8SERXja9XVNv8Inkpdv43JEMyyKIVCzAm0OfCd-QBvwailBvsK0t9PoSKvsK81Vz7RiWzwKs0U3eyb42GSHIRaIMVsAXzUQecWO-N6NplW5ir0s8h/s320/July+7+header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Thursday teacher friends! I am so excited to be
linking up with some other fabulous educators to dig into <u>Mathematical
Mindsets</u> by Jo Boaler. You’d think now that I’m done with my masters, I’d run
in the opposite direction of teaching texts, but I love being a lifelong
learner and finding ways to continue improving my teaching. It’s also
liberating to read freely with no deadlines or papers!! <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you’ll continue to join us by reading along and
sharing your thoughts in the comment section below. We'll be reading a chapter a week (very doable for summer learning!) if you’d like to follow along with us!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
Chapter One - The Brain and Mathematics Learning</h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chapter one focused on the ways in which our brain can GROW,
and how we can use this knowledge to re-frame our teaching, especially when
teaching mathematics. There’s a common misconception that some students will
just <i>never </i>be able to "get" higher level math concepts. I myself struggled to
believe I was good at math, and never went past Algebra 2 in high school. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Boaler shares some great insights on how incorporating
the idea of growth mindsets to how we (and our students) approach math can make
a HUGE difference in achievement. Recent research shows that our brains can
actually change and grow, even over short periods of time!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how do we, as teachers, structure our math sessions to
help our students’ brains GROW and their math confidence to follow? Dr. Boaler points out that “if brains can
change in 3 weeks, imagine what can happen in a year of math class if students
are given the right math materials and they receive positive messages about
their potential and ability.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<br />What was my big takeaway from Chapter One?</h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GROWTH PRAISE! I’m sure by now many of you have heard of
Growth Mindset or seen some of the awesome resources on Pinterest and TPT
related to teaching students the impact of mindset. Here is Carol Dweck’s TED
Talk in case you haven’t seen it…it’s inspiring! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://embed-ssl.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve.html" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A big idea with mindset is how we need to phrase our praise.
“Fixed praise” is when we tell students they are “so smart.” This poses a
challenge, because they felt good for being smart on a particular assignment or
activity, but if they struggle on the next one they may rethink their “smarts.”
Even worse, students may not try more challenging activities for fear of
failing and no longer being seen as “smart.” This is why the idea of “growth
praise” such as “That is an amazing piece of work” or “You have really thought
deeply about this!” struck a chord with me. I will definitely be watching how I
phrase my praise!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
3 tips to implement:</h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">--ONE--</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Growth Praise! I can’t stress it enough.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">--TWO--</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">No negative math comments, even if they are
meant in kindness (“It’s okay, I know this is hard” or “I was bad at math in
school too”) I am for sure guilty of this!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">--THREE--</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Keep encouraging a growth mindset in math, and
keep working hard to model my own mathematical growth mindset!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you enjoyed reading and want to keep joining us to learn more tips for encouraging a shift in mathematical mindsets! Don’t forget to comment below to share your thoughts if you’re
following along, and check out these other wonderful insights about<u> Mathematical
Mindsets</u>. See you next Thursday!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="644312">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=644312" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403765362244108597.post-57540221959570574922015-12-28T14:04:00.000-08:002015-12-28T14:08:31.876-08:00Welcome to Electric City!<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdXZprdZU5_XFJXXJzK-Qnx-BRPbZyHrqvnYHuATjnBKihSABiqxm8m4LmwqYe-JKk2fyuSIB2w1TjYtEGPR4REuTQgmWLASvbyJVCK9HW_MbWcr85-Q-DbohHZJ3I5z7MZC2fnSoiz9D/s1600/IMG_3113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdXZprdZU5_XFJXXJzK-Qnx-BRPbZyHrqvnYHuATjnBKihSABiqxm8m4LmwqYe-JKk2fyuSIB2w1TjYtEGPR4REuTQgmWLASvbyJVCK9HW_MbWcr85-Q-DbohHZJ3I5z7MZC2fnSoiz9D/s320/IMG_3113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNtg67IVjnPQcwl9ipKnYpuyrPL1U8h0nfvweda7iOX7vSdUfY88LKf9eFYXxQMZnKib2vJSyFxPrFrjZHYlZOF6-7W___R7O507inxDVt7weeL4__5zi9WtqMGsUHgwvzPNu5hs6j2oR/s1600/IMG_3173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNtg67IVjnPQcwl9ipKnYpuyrPL1U8h0nfvweda7iOX7vSdUfY88LKf9eFYXxQMZnKib2vJSyFxPrFrjZHYlZOF6-7W___R7O507inxDVt7weeL4__5zi9WtqMGsUHgwvzPNu5hs6j2oR/s320/IMG_3173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Hi
there! Welcome to my shiny, new, amazingly designed blog, courtesy of the
extremely talented Alexis at Laugh Eat Learn Designs. I am so excited for this
new adventure! A blog debut calls for sharing one of my all-time favorite
projects to do with my kiddos, so here goes!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ie5j9-zxm2rYMwo82vRETRMvlghDt5eaJZE2cHJMfXmf3w1vs6W-3Oh4ipTsJvzMq4Hq2If8hzMrvGv9PwXJfxBblac6elkl7WxStCqj5ZTb-22kWifKOxHiusEjadsfMMr7b9Q7K-gy/s1600/IMG_3107+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ie5j9-zxm2rYMwo82vRETRMvlghDt5eaJZE2cHJMfXmf3w1vs6W-3Oh4ipTsJvzMq4Hq2If8hzMrvGv9PwXJfxBblac6elkl7WxStCqj5ZTb-22kWifKOxHiusEjadsfMMr7b9Q7K-gy/s320/IMG_3107+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9QS2T86zUDW0FrXSw96LAW7pWZL5BBrWebu3dar1GvPBtTZsjauGUTDBNvi7YeME-ZPksN0JjPbTDXuj7f8jmAYMGm_ww2-diriFmFd2I-ijEvUjIS9F_3cMVoLZPQ-CLjXNITv-9eJF/s1600/IMG_3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9QS2T86zUDW0FrXSw96LAW7pWZL5BBrWebu3dar1GvPBtTZsjauGUTDBNvi7YeME-ZPksN0JjPbTDXuj7f8jmAYMGm_ww2-diriFmFd2I-ijEvUjIS9F_3cMVoLZPQ-CLjXNITv-9eJF/s320/IMG_3171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I
first learned about this project, Electric City, from a wonderful hands-on
science gal named Maureen at the Orange County Dept. of Education. When I was
teaching science, I would do this with the fourth grade classes, and after 2
years of 7 or 8 classes, I worked out some kinks and now have a pretty
fine-tuned system! This was previously a culminating project tied to our 4<sup>th</sup>
grade “Magnets and Electricity” unit, but it transfers so well to the new NGSS
engineering standards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa_C1OYq_84KIFe_wzsmir4I54GM8CdgMICovjNkMziFgZWGWdyhNKpUcMtVDwta_cck6az1-r6A5g8J_LgXEnEYQw58D0Z-q6XASG6r62fPxt4fldAnhP8s4kU7V3vnBWSsnMSYkQk7G/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa_C1OYq_84KIFe_wzsmir4I54GM8CdgMICovjNkMziFgZWGWdyhNKpUcMtVDwta_cck6az1-r6A5g8J_LgXEnEYQw58D0Z-q6XASG6r62fPxt4fldAnhP8s4kU7V3vnBWSsnMSYkQk7G/s320/IMG_2996.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I
begin by teaching or reviewing the concepts of electricity and circuits –
conductors, insulators, schematic design, open and closed circuits, etc. The
interactive notebook set from The Science Penguin is perfect for this!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Once
the students have a solid background of circuits, we jump right in and put our
knowledge together to create our awesome city! With my science classes, I was
able to complete this project in 3 one-hour class periods. With my 5<sup>th</sup>
grade homeroom, we stretched it out a bit and did shorter periods throughout
one week. I was also SO grateful for parent helpers this year – cutting windows
and stripping Christmas lights is a daunting, callous-inducing task!! Totally
worth it, though!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe802z3pZWtEa-2mKK0ftctsK8hTC5LsyG5oCAWhPnlKUqUuA8EAFGDK_m2GZ1lKKBPaOJ7edJfUkyRR6wRBRK2rJL4-P88Y3ASTE65CxlU-xpFLngyJ7TyLyZUcI2WS4p8TPVdV2tudyP/s1600/IMG_3051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe802z3pZWtEa-2mKK0ftctsK8hTC5LsyG5oCAWhPnlKUqUuA8EAFGDK_m2GZ1lKKBPaOJ7edJfUkyRR6wRBRK2rJL4-P88Y3ASTE65CxlU-xpFLngyJ7TyLyZUcI2WS4p8TPVdV2tudyP/s320/IMG_3051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Our
first step is to bring in empty cereal or large cracker boxes, and turn them
inside out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsDWS7U0pVr8n6sKkqlxr9uhoptj_ibk8YqLTxIVRJQoHe9xJ-_FWswxfDzXX5EGiW5EgxERukepK6fWBddbEajFgToyIkgZvOih8CHkxHRcMEh68LNChv-2AjgNSnLq4ElnqR5GceTON/s1600/IMG_3053+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsDWS7U0pVr8n6sKkqlxr9uhoptj_ibk8YqLTxIVRJQoHe9xJ-_FWswxfDzXX5EGiW5EgxERukepK6fWBddbEajFgToyIkgZvOih8CHkxHRcMEh68LNChv-2AjgNSnLq4ElnqR5GceTON/s320/IMG_3053+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiZZ7OZfK0c3u3cX_tXlTdPi4Qq8p-tj0lY3ljraXjNA1e-jmDuE9yL_L4Nua4cERuSslk6ZUw9cKQyfscJO2Xc-jjcFiL_v_UhecBhi-v1HCAOSPG1QsqJ1mMcEG7jKDnYusj6ClnZzv/s1600/IMG_3058+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiZZ7OZfK0c3u3cX_tXlTdPi4Qq8p-tj0lY3ljraXjNA1e-jmDuE9yL_L4Nua4cERuSslk6ZUw9cKQyfscJO2Xc-jjcFiL_v_UhecBhi-v1HCAOSPG1QsqJ1mMcEG7jKDnYusj6ClnZzv/s320/IMG_3058+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">The
students then choose a large panel on the blank side to design their home or
storefront. They are so creative!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I
let the students know they can choose 3 – 4 spots for us to cut out as windows,
and they mark each one with an “X”. With an X-acto knife or box cutter, parent
volunteers and I cut out the windows and cut open the doors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuV8bRrFwWx6TksX7B9HYuxbHd4vQCxHWlReGoMumkn1ULYARW1Q2UjJJwKA8Hvo_D3jlYsJHyPQ0wLZnURu6a9G5JkkA_0VxtB3WAewRNlGNqXTWe5Gxczl6BkEl_lI537iC8ojb_fVCF/s1600/IMG_3147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuV8bRrFwWx6TksX7B9HYuxbHd4vQCxHWlReGoMumkn1ULYARW1Q2UjJJwKA8Hvo_D3jlYsJHyPQ0wLZnURu6a9G5JkkA_0VxtB3WAewRNlGNqXTWe5Gxczl6BkEl_lI537iC8ojb_fVCF/s320/IMG_3147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Once
our boxes are designed and cut, we review circuits. I then hand out the 3-bulb strand
of Christmas lights (pre-stripped by a wonderful parent volunteer!) as well as
a 9V battery and a snap cap (available at Radio Shack or in bulk from various
online retailers). *Note: I have found that the Dollar Tree 9V batteries pictured above work
best for me! I bought them because I could get a class set for under $20, but
asked for parent donations of batteries one year. The big brand names were too
powerful for our little homes, and were getting really hot! I would recommend
just being extra careful with the powerful batteries!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv0VSN34ppMxtwzuU32dDNVte827gK_XhwUns95mfe1FfBsnJZFNj3NwEuDTTc51-Q7KqEET4evdEVBMUaSbBxyPNMKZ01pvfu-PSt0XnBjJEKix6xcVo64HJIbPe6B0n1VlfAt_bVF94/s1600/IMG_3100+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv0VSN34ppMxtwzuU32dDNVte827gK_XhwUns95mfe1FfBsnJZFNj3NwEuDTTc51-Q7KqEET4evdEVBMUaSbBxyPNMKZ01pvfu-PSt0XnBjJEKix6xcVo64HJIbPe6B0n1VlfAt_bVF94/s320/IMG_3100+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Once
the students have their supplies, I ask them to use their electrical
engineering skills to design a working circuit. As this is a basic series
circuit, most get it within a minute or two. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I
then pose the predicament: How might this simple circuit be problematic once
our box is all sealed up? We discuss and come to the conclusion that we need a
switch, since this presently has to be turned off by disconnecting wires.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I
pass out a small piece of an index card, 2 brass brads, and a paperclip and ask
them to go through the Engineering Design Process to see if they can use the
provided materials and incorporate a switch into their circuit. They swing the
paperclip (attached to only one brad) to touch or release the 2<sup>nd</sup>
brad, closing and opening the circuit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlgd4FvuEsE6bdP0g-0GWhWUATnpYd4IGv1KUzwv1m00KVbMCKTkW16h9k_GY0JN0uyJXvNdURPaPdKo1XWbaiZs72ipXUYeTppnu_ODoLf17D-RZePJrA20a2HcbVOs7Csgw4BxXjW9H/s1600/sample+with+switch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlgd4FvuEsE6bdP0g-0GWhWUATnpYd4IGv1KUzwv1m00KVbMCKTkW16h9k_GY0JN0uyJXvNdURPaPdKo1XWbaiZs72ipXUYeTppnu_ODoLf17D-RZePJrA20a2HcbVOs7Csgw4BxXjW9H/s320/sample+with+switch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpeJbHc-oVmUrNsBO-VaffqAOY1ybaGdsGvcZsvTSJ3xtoV4NaHuZq_Wi6DueeX7m3oxWg_gGG9aIYgnef2vJBV2gWHwtTXMNeeb7C9XUjesX_tWOvGB4SBRNMnTCsxDRVN0oFqqtTjdg/s1600/football+stadium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpeJbHc-oVmUrNsBO-VaffqAOY1ybaGdsGvcZsvTSJ3xtoV4NaHuZq_Wi6DueeX7m3oxWg_gGG9aIYgnef2vJBV2gWHwtTXMNeeb7C9XUjesX_tWOvGB4SBRNMnTCsxDRVN0oFqqtTjdg/s320/football+stadium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiLj0wWlZXmglYL7sSulCuLFLf5XlzogmQUmKV_5Zm8TmGHpaeJTOyzVj9FWRHYl4-dBRJSsLJjtU12wGKT_wyrutIuPfzMX2020aXJDJ6siV9zLmNjCsN7Cb8KlCLg0bmbWWz8W1KTfD/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiLj0wWlZXmglYL7sSulCuLFLf5XlzogmQUmKV_5Zm8TmGHpaeJTOyzVj9FWRHYl4-dBRJSsLJjtU12wGKT_wyrutIuPfzMX2020aXJDJ6siV9zLmNjCsN7Cb8KlCLg0bmbWWz8W1KTfD/s320/IMG_3102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">We
then transfer all of this knowledge into our Electric City project, and affix
their circuits into their boxes using masking tape. If a length of their
circuit does not reach their switch, we add in the extra pieces of wire that
came loose from the light strands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxjDRM4oDC3RxnO8PP0w7lMNybzhWj5OLON-KZlCgnDPch4w3h7iAf13LBVnrafcriciqU3cKbjUxBVJ7_qVnUY7VttFvn6IBfLvIMVaFOeQqlEmm9pcs38CtakEsv9W8Q8D-WMBKNohM/s1600/diagram+on+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxjDRM4oDC3RxnO8PP0w7lMNybzhWj5OLON-KZlCgnDPch4w3h7iAf13LBVnrafcriciqU3cKbjUxBVJ7_qVnUY7VttFvn6IBfLvIMVaFOeQqlEmm9pcs38CtakEsv9W8Q8D-WMBKNohM/s320/diagram+on+board.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEO51uo-UXnuma2JErGNKbQ4wSkg5pJlh6DOVck3plzyNd4OxOqfw1iwcneZb26pV-zAkQu_Ggvwb1Vot6FieliEMJzNM1A1rUyVmJXmiwvX1braaK5dyzyELQQTbPQiGLBlIui4ommvKb/s1600/IMG_3148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEO51uo-UXnuma2JErGNKbQ4wSkg5pJlh6DOVck3plzyNd4OxOqfw1iwcneZb26pV-zAkQu_Ggvwb1Vot6FieliEMJzNM1A1rUyVmJXmiwvX1braaK5dyzyELQQTbPQiGLBlIui4ommvKb/s320/IMG_3148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAP9n936pVsTleVzqfh-v6TY0w38MHyPdeOG49ATrjefLZ9wr0Hc_w1Xi-0fuMzwbiOfHS5qXD0SeccjNOi2GgNU_DanPG2uA3WQrFCOLGW5CeSkWVFyrQm7VQWO1JquqPyaa7d1sakpKG/s1600/IMG_3101+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAP9n936pVsTleVzqfh-v6TY0w38MHyPdeOG49ATrjefLZ9wr0Hc_w1Xi-0fuMzwbiOfHS5qXD0SeccjNOi2GgNU_DanPG2uA3WQrFCOLGW5CeSkWVFyrQm7VQWO1JquqPyaa7d1sakpKG/s320/IMG_3101+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I
also post an “expert list” on the whiteboard, and as students successfully complete
their boxes, they add their names to the list. This helps the traffic jam
usually coming to me, since they must ask each other for help first, and frees
me up to monitor the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Ta-Da!
Here is our finished city. Isn’t it gorgeous?! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSqgpcEwZ69EfU5zPc-_resotHrE9LpizuOzyszqLCyFoxqbYLttfeNE1oB3m9pNdZSfIzZSTzp-ALDPUgscROu_ARUcFTDp5hU04Hi-_aMVdqSgmeDZx58Rcq56W1ixTMkBEsjVY7hi5/s1600/IMG_3133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSqgpcEwZ69EfU5zPc-_resotHrE9LpizuOzyszqLCyFoxqbYLttfeNE1oB3m9pNdZSfIzZSTzp-ALDPUgscROu_ARUcFTDp5hU04Hi-_aMVdqSgmeDZx58Rcq56W1ixTMkBEsjVY7hi5/s400/IMG_3133.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmKiriaoFL5pSEUmncJV7ZaWoXwoxmQKIte2iBNclFaQ4jb8bs3nkfd0XVrgN1aA0GtbcegcD79kTjdhSl3a3O4qxCX6dwrG1pln04exaMhRNoMADteheNDnIf6GmeiZanjWSyXGETsFK/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmKiriaoFL5pSEUmncJV7ZaWoXwoxmQKIte2iBNclFaQ4jb8bs3nkfd0XVrgN1aA0GtbcegcD79kTjdhSl3a3O4qxCX6dwrG1pln04exaMhRNoMADteheNDnIf6GmeiZanjWSyXGETsFK/s320/IMG_3108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpMiLSCI9IRJAQp1hDJ_FeV-way9w4aRs55MhiT5jzPws0RxgwS592gs3bblWRYzwjrszqjUnoCDOz2iHTcemDIpaLPFLsq9CICo5iKKCgz_R-rLv5Y4wisIqMGpvXQXUyfgtky4Z2mMl/s1600/IMG_3138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpMiLSCI9IRJAQp1hDJ_FeV-way9w4aRs55MhiT5jzPws0RxgwS592gs3bblWRYzwjrszqjUnoCDOz2iHTcemDIpaLPFLsq9CICo5iKKCgz_R-rLv5Y4wisIqMGpvXQXUyfgtky4Z2mMl/s320/IMG_3138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m
happy to answer any questions about this project, and I hope it inspires some
STEAM in your room!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403765362244108597.post-73195604362315383872015-08-28T11:05:00.002-07:002015-12-08T10:51:59.650-08:00Engineering for Kids - Parachute Design<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Alrighty guys, I have to admit I am hesitant to post this because my blog
is brand new and still isn’t looking exactly how I’d like it! I absolutely cannot
wait for my blog design by the amazingly talented Alexis at Laugh Eat Learn
designs, but something is telling me to just start sharing my ideas in the
meantime. So here goes…my very first
“curriculum-related” blog post! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
I spent a few weeks these past two summers designing curriculum for our
Summer Engineering Academy. I am a coach for the kindergarten classes, which
means I design the lessons based on our district-adopted “Engineering is
Elementary” (EIE) program and help the teachers implement them in our three
week long summer school class. While EIE is an AMAZING program with such
well-designed, easy-to-follow units, they definitely needed to be modified for
kindergarten. While I’m still fine tuning our Submersibles unit, I am pretty
proud of how the Parachutes unit turned out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
I used More Than A Worksheet’s “Jack and the Parachute” from the Fairy
Tale STEM packet as inspiration while still integrating the content,
vocabulary, and Engineering Design Process outlined in the EIE curriculum. The
kids have had a blast and have really been applying their parachute vocabulary
as they work through the steps of the Engineering Design Process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_gas64cSzLqRBOCRAzlEX2lEx9ioZX32NLu9vy7AvTpl-PT3RkqSjJ7r1BEOq7w7KbL-KebdS_XakWu_dMT4v9mXQfyiQOKOZODqo24jaQ5vYB-JPCLMRbMq0p2SnN6CZHVCCgzQQRvH/s1600/jack+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_gas64cSzLqRBOCRAzlEX2lEx9ioZX32NLu9vy7AvTpl-PT3RkqSjJ7r1BEOq7w7KbL-KebdS_XakWu_dMT4v9mXQfyiQOKOZODqo24jaQ5vYB-JPCLMRbMq0p2SnN6CZHVCCgzQQRvH/s320/jack+cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Below are some images and descriptions of how this Parachute mini-unit
was structured, and I hope it provides some inspiration for you to jump on the
Engineering train, even with the little guys! Oh and if you haven’t already
checked out More Than A Worksheet on Teachers Pay Teachers, go now! She’s got
some seriously awesome, themed STEM activities that are always a hit with my
students.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
So the premise of the Jack and the Parachute unit is that Jack needs a way
to get safely to the ground after the beanstalk has been lined with barbed wire
by the Giant. After frontloading some parachute vocabulary, the students
determine that a parachute can be a useful solution. The EIE unit is a lot more
complex, but ultimately has the students designing and testing parachutes with
different variables to determine the safest (slowest) design. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgmrnoZkWyvNTd9ESCUenDvKG9nVm0P2aHGSEOph4WxHCDVwScdb1TYB3jzsYgQydlLe2jjG1W0YFLmsiQiHdnVL1zUnxVOreM8myR9ITHo960UFh_6xjMOi5qzSadcZw73H0AVFlh0qD/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgmrnoZkWyvNTd9ESCUenDvKG9nVm0P2aHGSEOph4WxHCDVwScdb1TYB3jzsYgQydlLe2jjG1W0YFLmsiQiHdnVL1zUnxVOreM8myR9ITHo960UFh_6xjMOi5qzSadcZw73H0AVFlh0qD/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZALkAIEjjG2rhDQAR-I9BHIfJHCGbEkSa1fsdKFvyd-7j2kynCWz5rPvU8wEf8FNDYSCPqtn7yr7C5mB8RSl1D8abBN0lckGv6adbXBUtc-fzSHdFfmF7WN6bstq3eYVRYVNzEgCHw7p/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZALkAIEjjG2rhDQAR-I9BHIfJHCGbEkSa1fsdKFvyd-7j2kynCWz5rPvU8wEf8FNDYSCPqtn7yr7C5mB8RSl1D8abBN0lckGv6adbXBUtc-fzSHdFfmF7WN6bstq3eYVRYVNzEgCHw7p/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+647.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
I made this simple anchor chart which the students copied to introduce
the parachute vocabulary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
We then talked about varying canopy size, and followed the Engineering
Design Process to create and test parachutes with various sized coffee filters.
The suspension lines were all the same, as were the loads (one small bulldog
clip…binder clips have grooves that let the lines slip out). I also made these
fill-in worksheets for students to track progress for each variable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hzgPOkutuUglv5uFFRjrIQesgCuKehYwuWHw1pi834D3-SCxenxGa-i7qbl26B7C0vzLttW14lcurVGhwxjSQyVie81R4dok7vXYR1jEMY2ErR0OzIjJKGAYcePSniaxjSwKDiZD6Hjr/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hzgPOkutuUglv5uFFRjrIQesgCuKehYwuWHw1pi834D3-SCxenxGa-i7qbl26B7C0vzLttW14lcurVGhwxjSQyVie81R4dok7vXYR1jEMY2ErR0OzIjJKGAYcePSniaxjSwKDiZD6Hjr/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+672.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ1avsX6c17eB7d-AaIgdI-boJg-Pxvdvyp6vt5eq_bMcAoFXW7_OKCKl9GDvSDDA3tKoz8VLo_vj15lfozZW71DEzDf-hsVAxJjfwBlOWkwPvu_KFz6KtDg2Sxy3U5SD3qs4byOma6GV/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ1avsX6c17eB7d-AaIgdI-boJg-Pxvdvyp6vt5eq_bMcAoFXW7_OKCKl9GDvSDDA3tKoz8VLo_vj15lfozZW71DEzDf-hsVAxJjfwBlOWkwPvu_KFz6KtDg2Sxy3U5SD3qs4byOma6GV/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my awesome team members, Sara, made this great anchor chart to track student predictions:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4R7nKqmRga1th94wmrATFlQMiLC0p62ENQEp0w9gFi2sKH-qMhosDHyy3683Uoy6d707J6GwnWTQH1eef0lWVGgXfD660DLVsl5yYZIHFiXMXOPaewPAHAZaqNfukl3cAPkO3-Yj8HBf/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4R7nKqmRga1th94wmrATFlQMiLC0p62ENQEp0w9gFi2sKH-qMhosDHyy3683Uoy6d707J6GwnWTQH1eef0lWVGgXfD660DLVsl5yYZIHFiXMXOPaewPAHAZaqNfukl3cAPkO3-Yj8HBf/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+792.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
The next variable was canopy material, followed by suspension line
length. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zIaTAm3tAP0ITl0oGB7sd79LAyaI-uquS1DWPQfVxf28jVSsbWHdBmMQlvT-qcT-dNrpV0visZavScwTKqTyHjzhm9O4S73-31C31jtsR6eEtX2o3bimEWHpAH85WQqTXcDrgRBN6YN4/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zIaTAm3tAP0ITl0oGB7sd79LAyaI-uquS1DWPQfVxf28jVSsbWHdBmMQlvT-qcT-dNrpV0visZavScwTKqTyHjzhm9O4S73-31C31jtsR6eEtX2o3bimEWHpAH85WQqTXcDrgRBN6YN4/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+765.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y-6PtGxYMkE2h_ORgVsJrM3h0cjlorLi8yuuxyPIndxXTlhX4WCzsQPOMnlZnhR2X7x8Z06JIKwx5LAFMJCt11vHs9Sk-DZYH5mRa5bQuIQTQYuPnWzmQJsyNXOmPFOu3l4cHZMJaCPg/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y-6PtGxYMkE2h_ORgVsJrM3h0cjlorLi8yuuxyPIndxXTlhX4WCzsQPOMnlZnhR2X7x8Z06JIKwx5LAFMJCt11vHs9Sk-DZYH5mRa5bQuIQTQYuPnWzmQJsyNXOmPFOu3l4cHZMJaCPg/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEDWZH1ZOoG_ZSiOBw7TveVzMpsd9VIdyPuzPfMf57ShnOEqwcF6rS9GZOu5Wq60cE6jEah-K1jSbu226nOD5PmxltwIqswU8zfyOiCDvnVtELRaBQZJUFvrd8rgPZx2zKCzvvHpd7LNk/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEDWZH1ZOoG_ZSiOBw7TveVzMpsd9VIdyPuzPfMf57ShnOEqwcF6rS9GZOu5Wq60cE6jEah-K1jSbu226nOD5PmxltwIqswU8zfyOiCDvnVtELRaBQZJUFvrd8rgPZx2zKCzvvHpd7LNk/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIKuhn9dk4osRbEe46PxOo8M85Wct4pTCepFoGZZz1EbU8_eI2zCH0ypIyWysZzdZmnEhJ_drVMMoB7S3vvCq5YoD3R5dTlhaS07T9i8KHT1OG6ADFn2ShUJo9tL26lsbTrAHlv9D24bg/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIKuhn9dk4osRbEe46PxOo8M85Wct4pTCepFoGZZz1EbU8_eI2zCH0ypIyWysZzdZmnEhJ_drVMMoB7S3vvCq5YoD3R5dTlhaS07T9i8KHT1OG6ADFn2ShUJo9tL26lsbTrAHlv9D24bg/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
We timed 3 parachute trials for each variable, and graphed the
averages. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uwJC6BqoNDKOzJkMxiPBuC8AS1_7gYyWseY9wtfY9JgMBAe7ciMpfF8-TEn7WD12_QPFyrwPJGRBvkRjci9xCMUE2ZPjPutdcDHQXXQw3BS1Voc56TUtd_ip4knvjUvgREZ-83q6OEnj/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uwJC6BqoNDKOzJkMxiPBuC8AS1_7gYyWseY9wtfY9JgMBAe7ciMpfF8-TEn7WD12_QPFyrwPJGRBvkRjci9xCMUE2ZPjPutdcDHQXXQw3BS1Voc56TUtd_ip4knvjUvgREZ-83q6OEnj/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+745.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrcN3O-YBlEpFwgp9HSD1pMNApgJza82A-M2-bLE6jOFEVtJ0diT88JvyiXlNvSSv4L8eLn4muIoN9XeBPPrNCQBq-26mFxHoEnTDofTkhTZXw0qxYK79_rGUr27DT8n60K7BmWmMiG0F/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrcN3O-YBlEpFwgp9HSD1pMNApgJza82A-M2-bLE6jOFEVtJ0diT88JvyiXlNvSSv4L8eLn4muIoN9XeBPPrNCQBq-26mFxHoEnTDofTkhTZXw0qxYK79_rGUr27DT8n60K7BmWmMiG0F/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+713.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloofMy5KCt2tYjSak54kf7aQnWKI6pcuz3V6kZ2-pMb0FjUPRsPro1FN_t4BfRs9Ewb3jrDcvTdnq6fRI63bdz4CykShKyUKtbTf9L-aVs3NuJacPWq7l7477aNBa-5YGiH8S_DBqLYLj/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloofMy5KCt2tYjSak54kf7aQnWKI6pcuz3V6kZ2-pMb0FjUPRsPro1FN_t4BfRs9Ewb3jrDcvTdnq6fRI63bdz4CykShKyUKtbTf9L-aVs3NuJacPWq7l7477aNBa-5YGiH8S_DBqLYLj/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+717.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
After discussing, students used this recording sheet I made to note
the three variables that would slow Jack down the most, helping him to safely
escape the giant! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QsCdSzdAf46sTrY9PF3sfBa67MSjC7ATZffgHcz9WXX9wqhXt5Ko4FVkxCxdqZD108S-QjtVi4PPgnHRZjy7GRgiKRATQIR50jW4vRfo_VKGPT_ZaOxooaaaqiDLDDSdcUuQsrJagrT_/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QsCdSzdAf46sTrY9PF3sfBa67MSjC7ATZffgHcz9WXX9wqhXt5Ko4FVkxCxdqZD108S-QjtVi4PPgnHRZjy7GRgiKRATQIR50jW4vRfo_VKGPT_ZaOxooaaaqiDLDDSdcUuQsrJagrT_/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+746.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
The mini-unit culminates with the students designing a
parachute based on the data (and, let’s be real, their own preferences!), which
they get to take home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYrrXs4R5rjALWtszVHDQlPhfe7Di9OVHT5z_DIyp3F0EPPnnU2926Qk51F3lqmMovayysS7xClnYDuRZoVnc5z4Tp5fGP5BMsH2bmc5mRa9AuV716_pgEypwoBTWZ99fnaSeK_2h8gMs/s1600/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYrrXs4R5rjALWtszVHDQlPhfe7Di9OVHT5z_DIyp3F0EPPnnU2926Qk51F3lqmMovayysS7xClnYDuRZoVnc5z4Tp5fGP5BMsH2bmc5mRa9AuV716_pgEypwoBTWZ99fnaSeK_2h8gMs/s320/iPhone+6+Aug+2015+700.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
I love seeing the vocabulary growth and engineering interest that stems
(hehe, pun intended!) from activities like these. Please feel free to ask any
questions regarding this unit. I’m happy to help more students gain exposure to
elementary engineering!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Resources: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Engineering is Elementary – <a href="http://www.eie.org/">www.eie.org</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
“More Than A Worksheet” on Teachers Pay Teachers <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/More-Than-A-Worksheet">https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/More-Than-A-Worksheet</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403765362244108597.post-12766718869802468942015-07-23T18:20:00.002-07:002015-12-08T10:53:42.912-08:00Welcome!Hi there! My name is Lorraine and I am a 5th grade teacher in California. I absolutely love teaching, making hand-painted signs and lots of other crafts, and I may be *slightly* obsessed with Harry Potter and Disney! I am super excited for this new blogging adventure. Stay tuned as I build this page and share my ideas!The Teacher Crafterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05418758571061451723noreply@blogger.com0