Getting Started

So this year, I am feeling more confident in my abilities with the Math CCGPS. I have already begun planning for the first week of school.

I have always used math journals, but felt that I needed to change or tweak what I was doing.  I was perusing Pinterest to see if there were any ideas on how to improve my math journals, when I ran across Interactive Math Journals by J. Runde (http://www.rundesroom.com/p/my-store.html). It was a little pricey for me but worth EVERY penny. I use interactive journals in science...why not for math as well. This download gives detailed instructions and great pictures of student journals from her students. I found it inspiring and can't wait to use this format in my fifth grade class. If all goes as planned, when it comes time for State testing the students will have an organized study guide to help prepare. 

I was also fortunate enough to attend a Singapore Math Conference in Atlanta last year. I plan on beginning each day with math stories and model drawing. One great tip that was given at the conference was to type the story problems on labels and pass them out as students walk in. I plan on using this for "Morning Work" as the students come in each day. We will go over the stories together for the first two weeks and then I will "cut them loose" to see what they can do. The most important part of model drawing is allowing the students to share how they found their answers. I was amazed last year while I dabbled with model drawing with the students at the different strategies they would use to find their answers. I was amazed at the discussion that this sparked. I cannot wait to do this with my new class this year. 

I hope that this will find someone. I would love to hear from others about what they are planning. 
Until next time, 
Tara