tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363356760450940988.post2604151742845767704..comments2023-05-22T10:24:47.725-04:00Comments on Re-Learning To Teach: Day 67: GAMES!!!Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363356760450940988.post-8081496632753247822013-12-14T23:25:47.610-05:002013-12-14T23:25:47.610-05:00This post reminds me that I need to plan a game se...This post reminds me that I need to plan a game session in my classroom sometime soon. Similar to you, I find that the student engagement level varies depending on the type of game that's being played. The goal is to have 100% engagement but that doesn't always happen. I enjoy being able to observe the conversations that occur during the games. Interactions and "math talk" between peers can definitely give insight to some of their mathematical thinking. I've actually documented some of the group conversations and have used them during p/t conferences. I’m also looking at incorporating some type of journal activity after the game sessions. Thanks for the post.Matthttp://educationalaspirations.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363356760450940988.post-43540487851456730692013-12-09T22:07:47.505-05:002013-12-09T22:07:47.505-05:00My 4-year old started crying in the middle of #MSM...My 4-year old started crying in the middle of #MSMathChat so I totally get it.<br /><br />I haven't had a curriculum in the 5 years I've been in my current district. I'm told it exists but... Sadly, we go by the book. I wish I could trow it all out and just play games with them every day...Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363356760450940988.post-85828322702479544592013-12-09T20:42:28.900-05:002013-12-09T20:42:28.900-05:00Justin, I didn't finish your post yet, 2-yr ol...Justin, I didn't finish your post yet, 2-yr old jumped in my lap, but I will soon. I agree, I find myself more intrigued with improving students problem-solving, perseverance, exhausting all options, etc. than I am with the mathematics. I threw out my "curriculum map" last year and haven't picked it up since. I am making my way through concepts and skills, but still need more. I like what I've read so far. <br />Derek Mr. Oldfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01923170113683454576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363356760450940988.post-15211015730344041052013-12-07T09:13:51.873-05:002013-12-07T09:13:51.873-05:00I know that several students have put me at the to...I know that several students have put me at the top of the list of favorite teachers for the sole reason that I'm a huge fan of Doctor Who! I'll take what I can get.<br /><br />I think part of my apprehension is still external. I am still worried that someone will come observe me, see the few kids that I'm not engaging, decide I'm an awful teacher and fire me.<br /><br />Consciously, I KNOW this is an irrational fear. My principal is VERY supportive of what I do and my classroom produces fewer discipline problems than almost any other in the school, but that fear is still there.<br /><br />My internal worry is that all of this experimentation that I'm doing will leave my students far behind where they should be in terms of content. I, too, was raised in the "old school" style of education and it's what I'm comfortable teaching. It makes sense to me that if I deliver information to students and they do the practice assignments, they will learn the material.<br /><br />Again, consciously, I know there is MUCH more to it than that and I will get better results by moving away from lecture style, but it is way outside of my comfort zone.<br /><br />Thank you so much for your kind words. I write these posts for me, but it's always nice when other people read them, agreed with them, like them and share them.<br /><br />Thank you!Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363356760450940988.post-307537836413708252013-12-07T08:11:39.232-05:002013-12-07T08:11:39.232-05:00I've been wanting to write a reply to your rec...I've been wanting to write a reply to your recent posts. I have so much I could say to you, Justin! First and foremost, the fact that you remain reflective and engaged in your teaching in spite of obstacles is amazing. I applaud you! After 34 years in education, I've watched teachers give up, burn out, wait for retirement, and also excel in their craft. I've seen education go through many swings of the pendulum. When I did my student teaching, the newest philosophy was the "open classroom" - I was scared to death! I came from the education of "sit in rows, raise your hand, and do what you're told." That's how I viewed what I would be doing. I was now being told, "We're going to put 6 classrooms in a big open area with moveable partitions. Let's go explore with the kids." YIKES! I remember crying one day because I had to reprimand a student. I spent weeks trying to be their "friends" and didn't want to yell at kids. My supervising teacher asked me why I was crying and told me, "You'll get over it." LOL Education has morphed and continues to do so. <br /><br />As a lifelong learner, one of the most important things I can model for my students is openness, flexibility, and curiousity. I love learning new ways of reaching my students. The hardest thing for me is knowing I can't reach everyone. Not everyone likes chocolate (I sure don't understand why...) and no amount of different recipes, varieties, and cajoling is going to make them change their mind......unless they do. Same thing for our students. You'll find your groove for teaching that satisfies you and suits your style. Why, just yesterday, a kid told me I was his favorite teacher because.....of all things....my brilliant lessons? my creative engagement ideas? my flexible grading system?....no...because I watch The Walking Dead!! LOL<br /><br />Keep swimming, Nemo! You are awesome! You are associated with a fabulous community of teachers/learners through MTBos - the BEST I've ever encountered.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15172293340439936993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363356760450940988.post-90912687661443033862013-12-06T19:31:01.503-05:002013-12-06T19:31:01.503-05:00Other than memory and Clue Jr., I have played ever...Other than memory and Clue Jr., I have played everything on that table with high school kids. Giving them the choice of what to play seems to be the key to getting them into it.Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309915942161862912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363356760450940988.post-20361646739718153952013-12-06T19:18:53.111-05:002013-12-06T19:18:53.111-05:00I love game day! I used to do it every marking pe...I love game day! I used to do it every marking period at my old school (where there was NO curriculum to speak of) and would love to incorporate it in some of my classes now. I need more games, though - which of your games do you think would still be challenging for high school students (15-17)?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com