Fractions

Factors, multiples, prime, composite, divisibility, factorization, staircases and trees....the vocab for the day.  If math is really a set of concepts, why does it require so much memorization of terms, algorithms and processes? or should it?  How can we get kids to better conceptualize math?

Question of the day?   Is it possible to find the prime factorization of a negative number? if so, what are the prime factors?

Integers

I learned something new today.  Who could have guessed that little blue and red bingo chips could bring math to life the way that Mike did today.  He did an awesome job of taking the rules out of the game and getting deeper into the knowledge of why positives and negatives work the way that they do.  The lessons continually improved throughout the day.  I really appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with both Sandie and Mike on how to make the lesson better and bring out the "5's" and even a "6" on fist to five today.  Go Team!!!!

Welcome to Master Teacher 2012.  We will use this blog as a document of our discussions and thoughts during the 2012-2013 school year.  I look forward to the opportunity to share my thoughts and experience with my colleagues about best practices.

Thoughts from today:  How do we develop a plan and a structure for students to attack word problems when these types of problems immediately elicit fear and anxiety?