Algebra, Geometry, It's Math, Oh My!

Now, that you've learned all about teacher evaluations, it's time for a new topic, math. If you don't teach math, please bear with me. Afterall, I am the author of Catch My Products, which is The Gifted Department Store, so I change topics frequently. Were you around in the fall for my writing tips month? I have something for just about everyone. If you don't teach math, what topic would you like to see me tackle, next month?

MATH

As a child, I seemed to make better grades in reading class than mathematics; however, my math achievement test scores were always higher than reading. Go figure? Maybe I had harder math teachers who taught me more.

Nonetheless, everything went south in eighth grade when the teachers did not recommend me for algebra. This was not okay with my dad. He called the teachers and pushed me into a class I was not ready for. I believe this mistake had two results. First of all, I was not mature enough for the subject matter and thus not able to grasp it; two, I believe my teacher resented me being in her class and not understanding the concepts. It wasn't my fault that I was pushed into her class and therefore could not understand her teaching.

Math is developmental and is all part of Piaget's Theory of Development. Pour the same amount of water into a tall thin glass and a short wide glass and then ask a toddler which container contains more water. The kid will undeniably assert that the tall glass has more water in it. To try to explain that the amount of water in both containers is the same is like beating your head against the wall. Toddlers are just not ready to understand this concept. That is math. Understanding relates to maturity, even more than intelligence, all of the way up the grades.

I passed Algebra in eighth grade, which forced me into geometry come freshman year and advanced algebra as a sophomore. This set me up for a pattern of failure, or in my case, successes with a lot of hard work and frustration.

When I entered my freshman year of college, I was required to take a math class. I took one look at that textbook and saw the advanced algebra class that gave me a fit in high school. So, I did what any scared student would do. I took the class pass/fail. This was one of my biggest mistakes in college. By the time I had reached college age, I had matured a lot. This math class was the easiest class I ever took, yet I had signed up for it, pass/fail. When it came time for exams, all of my tests were scheduled for the beginning of the week with my math final on Saturday. So, I approached my professor and asked if my /A/ was strong enough to pass me, if I received a zero on the final exam. He said, "Yes," and with his blessing, I skipped town without taking the final.

So why tell you this? It's two fold. If you are a parent, please listen to teacher recommendations for your children and do not force them into classes that they are not ready for. As a teacher, please try to have patience with that child in your class who just doesn't understand math concepts. Although my eighth grade teacher never admitted that she didn't like me, I knew it. 

Please tune in next week for some ideas for teaching math concepts. It's ironic but having once struggled in math classes, I find myself to be a pretty good teacher when it comes to explaining these concepts.

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Monday Music Moves Me - Blogger's Choice

Since I discussed math, how about some musical selections that contain math themes or numbers? First up is Harry Styles and One Direction with "Your Math Skills are Terrible."

Next up is one of my favorite bands from the past, Chicago with "25 Or 6 To 4."

TpT Gift Card Giveaway and Sitewide Sale!

You aren’t going to want to miss out on this!

I have some crazy big news that is going to have you doing a happy dance. Starting now but ending soon . . . You can win a $10 Gift Card to TpT with the click of this link! Starting tomorrow… Every single resource in my store will be 20% off! It gets even better. If you use the promo code FEBSALE, TPT will give you an additional 5% off! That is a total of 25% off of all of my resources, including bundles. This amazing offer will only be available tomorrow and Wednesday! You need to be quick. So how about getting your cart ready now? Click HERE to start picking out amazing resources for your classroom. Not sure where to start? Here are four of my favorite resources: Harry Potter Puzzle Pack: Are you looking for a Harry Potter product that will engage your students while giving them a fun and challenging logic puzzle activity at the same time? If your kids are in love with anything Harry Potter and looking for a fun activity, too, here is the resource for you. Your kids will love it! Making Inferences Passages: Do your students have trouble making inferences from text? This standards based PowerPoint lesson guides students in the art of making inferences. It also includes a funny photo with the chance to make an inference and an exit ticket. Your students will love being asked to make inferences from these written passages. Accountable Talk Bundle: Do you have trouble getting your kids to use accountable talk or to respond to open ended questions during class discussions? If so, this bundle is made for you! With easy to use printable pages that will have your students excited about learning, this resource will make accountable talk super easy. Math Word Problems About Books: Are you looking for math products to compliment your literary studies? Students love to solve word problems related to the novels they read, especially when they are funny. Plus, with today's emphasis on multi-subject lessons, here are several, standards based, math worksheets related to novels. This easy to use, print and go, is a good way to tie in two subjects during a novel study. Find common core standards in this packet of multiple novel-based word problems. Also, find these links to February Resources and Winter Resources! I have a plethora of seasonal products to engage and challenge your kids. I hope this helps you to get your cart ready for the big sale! Let me know if you have questions. Click HERE to head to my store. Happy shopping! Joyce Catch My Products P.S. Remember that the giveaway ends at midnight tomorrow and the sale is only TOMORROW and Wednesday!

Closing the Observation Lesson and Music

Time to Close the Directed Lesson

Have you ever been so nervous during an evaluation that you forget to close the lesson? I have! Here are some tips for ending that teacher observation and thus giving that administrator the signal . . . it's time for you to leave.

• I will usually close a lesson by asking the kids what they have learned. Then I will say, "Let's do one more." With that final problem, teachers can look at the faces on the kids and get a clue at who may be ready for independent practice and who needs more help.

• Finally, give those who are ready, some sort of independent practice and work individually with anyone who seems confused.

• To test the kids' understanding, do something on each child's individual level. This is where things can get tricky! You have so many different kids to teach, yet that administrator expects individuality. Also, you must do this while doing your best not to let the kids know that they aren't all getting the same thing. It helps to have the pages look alike on a quick glance.

• Enrichment: Of course you must have something in play for that early finisher but make sure it relates to the day's teaching. I've been dinged for having the kids go to my enrichment center that has general materials that don't necessarily relate to what I taught on any given day. Dang! Teaching is a lot of work. I remember one lesson on area and perimeter where I taped off a section in the back of the classroom. Early finishers would get out of their seats to count floor squares. That was pretty cool! Although, you must be wary of kids disrupting those who are still working.

• When everyone is done, I like to take them to the bathroom, water fountain, or recess. Ie., the signal for the principal to leave and for you to take a deep breath. Congrats! You're done until next time.

Celebrate that night! 

Would you believe this was a gift from a student?

If you are just checking in, find past posts on the teacher evaluation: 
Teacher Observations, Beginning 
The Observation Continues

If you are looking for great, ready made lesson, check out my store, Catch My Products. I call myself the gifted department store because I have just about everything. I'm even thinking about adding some resources for adult literacy learners, since I will soon be teaching helping an adult improve reading skills.

And now, Monday Music Moves Me

Today's theme is love songs and break up songs. This first musical number by Bachman Turner Overdrive has been on my mind.

Here's a great break up song from way back when by Simon & Garfunkle.