Another week already! This week's class began on a puzzling note. Upon arriving to my workstation, I noticed my group members eagerly rearranging different shapes. "I love puzzles!" was my first thought. I watched as they frantically moved, flipped and connected the pieces. When it comes to small puzzles, I find it very difficult to work with a partner because of the lack of pieces. Nonetheless, if there was more time allotted for this puzzle, we surely would have taken turns and I believe that I would have been able to find at least 1 of the possible solutions:
As class continued, we began to discuss what makes a successful teacher of elementary mathematics. Our assigned reading for this class included a chapter on mathematics for young learners. I found this chapter very interesting because it took me back to when I was very young and was just beginning my math journey. I like how this chapter included multiple diagrams and activities as it explained how young students develop number sense and I found myself reminiscing a lot as I read through the pages.
The chapter problem: "Describe four ways that 6 and 8 are alike and three ways that they are different." In order to solve this problem, my first instinct was to construct a table so that the data could be displayed neatly:
The chapter problem: "Describe four ways that 6 and 8 are alike and three ways that they are different." In order to solve this problem, my first instinct was to construct a table so that the data could be displayed neatly:
After constructing a table, I thought maybe a Venn diagram would maybe be a little more aesthetically pleasing:
I like to think of my multiple ways of organizing this data similar to the concept of teaching math using multiple approaches. Sometimes different methods can be just as effective and it is important to explore various ways of coming to the same answer. A question like this could be useful to demonstrate to children how to compare and contrast different types of numbers, for example even vs odd numbers.
The next component of class 2 was to select an article on early number sense. I selected the article entitled, "Ten is the Magic Number" and have composed a document outlining the math concept discussed, its importance, and a description of one of the activities mentioned in the article.
The next component of class 2 was to select an article on early number sense. I selected the article entitled, "Ten is the Magic Number" and have composed a document outlining the math concept discussed, its importance, and a description of one of the activities mentioned in the article.
Finally, the last order of business. To find out a bit more about me, I have updated the "About" link on my blog (top right corner) Also, there is now a "read more" link on last week's post. Check it out to find out what I have added. Until next time!