Cool Math Activities

Coolmath is jsut that, cool!  It's a program that allows children to play math games for fun and to increase their learning ability. The games are chosen according to what the children would like to play. The directions are explained in an easy to understand format and to provides enjoyment. Coolmath has games for all ages, starting with addition to moving on to a higher math concepts, such as calculus. The website gives ideas and strategies for playing games and everyday math tips.

There are resources that gives more information about the website. Coolmath has a store where you can purchase items, such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, tote bags, and branded stickers. Coolmath offers numerous games to play. Teachers and parents are given information and material on the website to  help children achieve a greater level of math concepts.  The site provides directions on how to make a rewards chart and resources for math books, lessons, and jigsaw puzzles. Coolmath is amazing.  When I looked at the website, there were many, many math activities to help children acquire superior math skills.

                                 

 

Ms. Karen L. Davis the Creator, President and Chief Executive Officer, admits that she hated math in in the past.  However, she turned her hate into a wonderful passion that she shares with a growing audience. She understands that people do not perform well in math.  Ms. Davis remembers how she felt about math and now she wants to help others acquire an affinity for math, or at least not hate it. I appreciate her efforts. The site also focuses on making math fun.  Ms. Davis wants students to have confidence approaching and learning math. I think the site is great!  You can increase you math learning by visiting: 
http://www.coolmath.com/

Structure

There are structures that should be used to help increase children's knowledge and increase their reading level.  Guided reading helps children of all ages improve their ability to read. I like the fact that guided reading helps children learn how to read using various strategies. Some of the strategies used are context, clues, letter, sound relationships, and word structure. Each strategy is very important for a reader's progressive development.

I like what Saskatoon Public Schools are doing to help readers of all ages. I believe they are doing well with guided reading for students. Their structures are very useful and they are an asset to i the classroom. If you are interested in finding out more about guided reading, view the website listed after this entry.

            

 

I like the concept of  having children being taught in small groups to accomplish the various reading methods. Children are in groups of 4 to 6 and for only 15 to 20 minutes. The way teachers know if the children have comprehended the text is by the teacher asking questions. The teacher will follow up with a mini lesson format if further understanding is needed for the children. I think that is a great approach  because it lets a teacher know, righ away, how the children are progressing.

The school's website gives information to those who are interested in learning the teaching strategies for reading. The website gives tips for adapting guided reading. One of the tips, which incorporates parents, is to form a parent volunteer reading program. There are resources to help teachers learn how to fulfill guided reading objectives in their classroom. I like the website because it offers important ways for teachers to build their student's reading capabilities. Reading is very important and essential for everyone; so, students need good strategies and compassionate teachers.

http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/DE/PD/instr/strats/guided/guided.html Instructional Strategies Online

Classroom Arrangement

Good classroom arrangement is a necessity for the teacher and the students. How important is classroom arrangement? The ability to capture your students' attention involves classroom arrangement to be efficient. Every teacher should take advantage of learning and knowing what can be done to accomplish an efficient classroom arrangement. An efficient classroom arrangement allows the teacher to view or see each student. The environment also encompasses comfort and safety for the students.

Classroom arrangement can be an obstacle; therefore, teachers must use careful planning must be done to determine the benefit of all students. Teachers must strategical think through and plan in order to implement a classroom arrangement that ensures students comfort and success. Please keep the aforementioned in mind when planning your classroom arrangement; these tidbits will help reduce behavioral challenges.

Dr. Fred Jones has good strategies for classroom arrangements. I enjoy his website because he gives information that will help you have establish an effective classroom arrangement. He mentions space, distance, and movement. I like the information he gives for a teacher's desk  to be in the back of the room or, at least, not exactly in the front. He suggests positioning the desk at an angle. An angle will give a teacher a good view of  all students. Also, the distance will be shorter depending on how many rows of chairs are in the room. Being able to walk down the isle and not bump into a student or a chair is good classroom arrangement. It will allow you to move with freedom and comfort. I like the ideas of Dr. Jones and the fact that he is open. He reminds the teacher to change the classroom if you needed; nothing is set in stone.  For more information about Dr. Fred Jones and his classroom arrangement ideas, visit:

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/columnists/images/FredJones_Fig2.gif
 

Classroom Organization Tips from Educational Consultant, Angela Watson

An organized classroom is vital for the teacher and paraprofessional's success. It is also important for the students and parents alike.  Organization is key to your daily routine as a teacher.

Where do students turn in their work? Where do you store graded papers? Who's work is outstanding? What is today's lesson? When is play time?

The Who? What? When? Where? and Why? can be easily answered with an organized classroom. I don't confess to have the BEST ideas.  However, I am great at pulling resources together and sharing them as well.

Check out Ms. Angela Watson. She's an education consultant based in New York.  I love her suggestions for organizing classrooms. Her ideas and resources are over the moon.

http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/

For more information, visit Ms. Watson's website!!!

Teaching with Compassion

Welcome to my blog.  I have been teaching for over 15 years.  I love children and am fulfilled in watching them develop and learn. The greatest lesson in teaching is to approach with compassion. 

Teaching for me is the fundamental part of human love.  One of my first approaches to classroom management is to fill it with love.  I make it a safe place for curious minds, self-discovery and social practice.  Join me along my journey as I discover, exchange and share ideas.