Why I Love Common Core Math - Eight Standards For Mathematical Practice, Part 2

Light Bulbs and Laughter - Eight Standards for Mathematical Practice, Part 2
In my last post, I discussed how I use these Math Practice Standards when I begin to teach a new math standard or unit.  You can find that post HERE.  It's a fabulous way to activate prior knowledge and check for understanding.


Now, let's talk about sunglasses.  Third graders love them.  They also love the idea of magic.  So if we put on our magic mathematical glasses to look at something, we see things differently.  We FOCUS on a particular math practice.  How fun is that?

Since I'm all about having fun while we learn, I'm now on the lookout for some colorful, inexpensive sunglasses to use with next year's students.  (If you know a good place to find them, please let me know in the comments!)

So, let's step back in time to the beginning of last year.  I found the 8 Standards for Mathematical Practice at the CCSS website.  I typed them up and put them vertically on the whiteboard that I use to teach math.

And they sat there.  I did nothing with them.  They did not engage me.  They did not engage the students.  In fact, in six months, not one student asked me what they were or what they meant.  And they were right in front of us!!

Around January, I was talking to a math specialist at our County Office of Education (Hi, Kim!), and she made me realize how important they are.  I went back to my classroom, determined to make them work.

But here's the problem: young children don't understand the words!  I then set out to adapt them.  I worked with the K - 3 teachers at my school, asking for input and getting feedback.  After several months and what felt like fifty different tries (but was probably only around twelve), I was ready to visit Kim and her cohort Tracey.  These math specialists gave me more to think about, and helped me dig deep into what the standards really mean for children.  More changes were made.

And that is how these particular Adapted Standards for Mathematical Practice came to be.  I used clip art that matches the standard and the age group, since these are available for Kindergarten, Grades 1-2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6-8. 

These will be in every classroom in my K-8 school on the first day of the new school year.  Beginning in Kindergarten, I hope to encourage every teacher to say these words with their students as they begin their math lesson for the day.  (And in a nod to Whole Brain Teaching, I am working on gestures to go with each, so that students can engage all parts of their brain as they learn them!)

Beyond the posters for the wall or whiteboard, I have also made a one-page list for each grade level, and cards that can be cut out and put on a ring for each student to keep in their desks.  If you would like to see these, please check them out in my Teachers Pay Teachers store Light Bulbs and Laughter.

In conclusion, I have a question for you!  I believe that every math lesson will include a few of these practices.  Maybe there are lessons that include them all.  (Not introductory lessons, but the regular, every day kind.)  I have been told in math training that Number Talks are the only type of lessons that include every one of these.  Do you agree?  Have you ever used every one of these practices when teaching a lesson?

Happy Math Teaching,



22 comments:

  1. Nice graphics to go along with kid language standards. These will be perfect for my problem solving and math talks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. These needs to be in every classroom on the very first day of the new school year also in Kindergarten, it will encourage every teacher to say these words with their students as they begin their math lesson for the day http://www.dumblittleman.com/2016/03/pros-cons-writing-life-plan.html this post is very interested in how we can learn kids language standards. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awesome and interesting article. Great things you've always shared with us. Thanks. Just continue composing this kind of post. outdoor lights

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi, I find reading this article a joy. It is extremely helpful and interesting and very much looking forward to reading more of your work.. how-safe-are-christmas-laser-lights

    ReplyDelete
  5. This will be the proper weblog for hopes to learn about this topic. You are aware of so much its almost tough to argue along with you (not that I really would want…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on the topic thats been discussed for some time. Excellent stuff, just excellent! portable led work light

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like your post. It is good to see you verbalize from the heart and clarity on this important subject can be easily observed... หีเหม็น

    ReplyDelete
  7. You know your projects stand out of the herd. There is something special about them. It seems to me all of them are really brilliant! ceiling mount track lighting

    ReplyDelete
  8. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commentators here! Led Grow Lights

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also  desihomemade

    ReplyDelete
  10. Took me time to understand all of the comments, but I seriously enjoyed the write-up. It proved being really helpful to me and Im positive to all of the commenters right here! Its constantly nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! I am certain you had enjoyable writing this write-up. Kernbohrungen

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Appreciate it! get instagram likes free apk

    ReplyDelete
  12. You will soon get the feeling whether the salesman is there for just your order, or if they are being professional and will turn your order into an investment. Asphalt Paving Colorado Springs CO

    ReplyDelete
  13. Amazing way to engage the students attention toward their studies and in this way they can solve the difficult concepts of the mathematics. Dissertation Writing Service

    ReplyDelete
  14. Parents should be aware of the safety issues that accompany triple bunk beds. A child sleeping on the top bunk may be at least six feet in the air. triple twin bunk bed

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think I discover analyzing this newsletter a pleasure. It is extremely helpful and thrilling and really https://masteressaywriters.co.uk/blogs/why-use-swot-analysis-swot-analysis-of-cocacola lots looking forward to analyzing extra of your writing.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Next, narrow down the type of mattress you want. There are four main types of mattresses: the inner-spring mattress, waterbeds, foam, and air. freightliner mattress

    ReplyDelete
  17. Interesting post. I Have Been wondering about this issue, so thanks for posting. Pretty cool post.It 's really very nice and Useful post.Thanks common core math workbook

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hey, thanks for letting us know about it, these information are really awesome. You can also check out google meet mod apk it will provide you complete apk file and you can easily download and install the apk file.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Woah! That’s quite creative of you to come up with such ideas to build interest of students in their studies. I wish my English teacher would’ve taught me English in interesting ways so that today, I wouldn’t have to take Assignment Writing Service UK for my assignment submissions. Even though; they provide me with exceptional content but now I’ve become dependent upon their services.

    ReplyDelete
  20. The Bihar Har Ghar Bijli campaign launched by the Indian government to provide access to electricity to every household, especially in rural areas. The goal is to improve the quality of life and promote economic growth by providing reliable and affordable electricity. Visit Now:- https://hargharbijli.in/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For reliable and efficient transportation of goods, look no further than Service Zone, one of the leading trailer transport companies in dubai. We offer a wide range of trailer transport services tailored to meet your cargo needs. Whether you require transportation of heavy machinery, construction materials, or oversized goods, our fleet of well-maintained trailers and experienced drivers ensures safe and timely delivery. Trust Service Zone for all your trailer transport requirements. Visit Service Zone to learn more about our trailer transport services.

      Delete
  21. For reliable and efficient transportation of goods, look no further than Service Zone, one of the leading trailer transport companies in dubai. We offer a wide range of trailer transport services tailored to meet your cargo needs. Whether you require transportation of heavy machinery, construction materials, or oversized goods, our fleet of well-maintained trailers and experienced drivers ensures safe and timely delivery. Trust Service Zone for all your trailer transport requirements. Visit Service Zone to learn more about our trailer transport services.

    ReplyDelete