Equations

Today, during a double block of sixth grade math, I tackled equations. First, there was a DO NOW that comprised of simplifying 4 expressions using the distributive property. The students had to show me the solution 3 different ways. I had them draw and model algebra tiles, the rectangular area model, and the regular way (with the arrows). 

Secondly, I briefly went over and reviewed the Properties of Mathematics with them. We went over how these apply to algebra.

And finally, we dove into Equations. This involved using the algebra tiles one more time. I went over the Golden Rule of Algebra about 5 times throughout the day. I explained a few problems, we all did the problems together, then they worked in small groups to practice the new skill. I then pulled them all back together and demonstrated how to use INVERSE OPERATIONS  to solve a few more problems. The students returned to their groupwork to finish the rest.

I really enjoy and like working during a math block. It seems that during a regular period, once the class gets rolling and picking up steam, it is time to stop. Even if they are only a couple of times a week, it is better than nothing.   

Algebra tiles

I continued another day with the algebra tiles. The class modeled the distributive property, combining like terms, and factoring. We also addressed and review using the area model of ditributive property and the slide method for factoring.

Tomorrow, during a block, we will review all the math properties again and start on equations (while most of us still have the algebra tiles).

The Ideal Classroom

For the class that I take at Westfield State University, I am supposed to draw elements that I will employ to create my ideal classroom. At least five of them. So I'm gonna brainstorm some here...

1. Paired seating arraingement

2. Neat classroom

3. Sense of humor

4. Live plants

5. Projector mounted to the ceiling

6. Computer/tablet station

7. Color

8. Student work on display

9. Original Hand-made signage

10. Interesting Math Books

11. Multi-cultural items

Algebra tiles

I used algebra tiles today to illustrate what is going on in the distributive property. I used the meal deal method to introduce the concept a few lessons ago but not very many kids retained the concept on the last quiz I gave. So today, I spiraled back and used the tiles. It was a nice way to ease back into school from our February break. 

The students cut out their own tiles and placed them into envolopes. I modeled what to do by drawing pictures on the board as my projector set-up was not hooked up from the break. Tonight, I am going to use some blank magnet sheets and create some alegebra tiles that will stick to the whiteboard. I gave all the students their own whiteboards to use and circulated around to all the groups to make sure everybody was okay. The common mistakes were there, like when a student does too much...when the equivalent expression should end at 3x+6 but they go on to combine unlike terms and make it 9x. Having the visual models helped recognize the mistake.

Keyboard Update

I took the other keyboard back to Best Buy. It worked great but I realized that I settled for something that wasn't exactly what I wanted. 

Here is the new keyboard...Logitech K811. It is amazing. It has illuminated keys and can be charged with USB. The keys feel better and has a real keyboard feel. The other one felt a little cheap. This makes typing on mobile devices so much better. I like the select functions (hold shift + (command or option) + arrow key. And the manueverability with the arrow keys to move the cursor around. And, I can switch from iPad to iPhone with a push of a button.

Social issues intertwined with math

When I get back to school after this amazingly freezing week off of school (AKA February Break in Massachusetts), I am going to introduce Equations to my sixth graders. I am going to pull in some really heavy social issues regarding equality and inequality in society. 

I'm thinking about gender equality and race equality. Maybe talk about Black History Month a little bit and the Civil Rights of the 1960's. I think that in these kids' search for identity, they need to be exposed to stuff like that. Has anyone tried to do anything like this and was it successful?

It's going to eventually tie into math somehow.

Profile Views

My profile view says that I have -22 hits. Yes, people, that is correct, negative 22. There's some math for you.

High Fat, Low Carb

I have a 40 minute commute into work every morning. I try to leave my house by 6:15am. During this 40 minute commute of mine, I listen to audiobooks or podcasts on my iPhone. I am able to download 7 audiobooks at a time from my library, so I usually do. 

A few months ago I listened to Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis and just last month I listened to Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter. 

Interesting stuff, for sure. There were a lot of studies and scientific terms tossed around but the long and short of it is that your brain is made of fat and you should eat fat because it is healthy for your head. Carbohydrates are responsible for the obesity epidemic and we should eliminate bread, wheat and gluten products from our diet.

So in December, I have virtually eliminated gluten from my diet. I haven't eaten bread in 3 months! In fact, there was a recent article in USA today about how cholesterol is not really bad for you. Anyways, check out those books if you are bored. Take notice of the new science these days. Its pretty interesting.

Technology in the classroom

So here the deal. I'm a Math teacher at a middle school in Massachusetts. I teach 6th grade math and one section of science. 

I have a lot of technology in my classroom. I have a school issued iPad 2 which is the only piece of equipment that they have given me. My older brother has lent me his AppleTV which I have set up in my classroom. It is connected to my projector which allows me to mirror everything that I have on my iPad screen.

I use an app called Noteability a lot. I use this when I am demonstrating examples. I also project video clips and online news articles. And it is all wireless, which is even more special. I can take my iPad anywhere in the room and sit next to a student who is getting a little noisy or venture on over to another student who wants to solve the problem on the tablet. 

I use a Bamboo stylus, 2nd Generation to write with.

I have been recently using an app called ZipGrade. It allows you to use your iPhone or tablet as a scantron machine. I normally just walk around with my iPhone and scan quizzes as the kids finish. They get an instant score and I get immediate feedback on how the class performed in general with the statistics tab. 

Update on my LEGACY

Since I have revisted this blog, I feel that I should update the 4 people who read about my rejected car last year.

Long story short is that the dealer had to get involved and they wanted my car for a week and it was going to cost me $1700. So I said no way and turned to the trusty internet. I ended up taking apart my car and sending the SRS module off to a complany that resets them. I put it back into my car and the check engine light went off! And it only costed me $80. HAHAHA, take that car dealership.

blog, blog, blog

I just got this nifty keyboard for my iPad so I'm making a go at doing the blog thing again. It is the Logitech k480 bluetooth keyboard. You can switch it pretty easily between 3 bluetooth enabled devices. I wanted the k811 which has backlit keys and USB charging port but it was not at the Best Buy I was at.  However, I like the way the keys feel under my fingers and I am able to type on a real keyboard with my iPad(the point of the purchase.)

I've been obsessed with all the blogging by middle school math teachers lately. I'll have to compile a list and post them up here once I've figured out which one's I like.

There was one where this teacher posted her rules for her classroom and I thought,"Neat, I'm gonna write that down."

So, I did and the second that I hit save, it thought,"This will not work in my class."

Although the internet is rad, I'll still have to weed through and find stuff that I think will work for my middle school which technically is in an urban school. I don't actually consider it an urban school but I guess it is. Well, its in the biggest city and school district in the county.

So my quest has begun to start posting and photographing and blogging and sharing and all that good stuff.