We've got answers to some of your top questions.
We recently offered LONG + LIVE + MATHers the opportunity to share their questions with us so our cognitive scientists and master math practitioners can help find solutions. In this new series, we'll provide answers to those questions.
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Here are some tips that can help you get your students engaged right when they walk in the door.
Hook them into the lesson with an interactive activity. This activity must look and feel different from the typical direct instruction they might be used to. For example, you can give them a task using hands-on manipulatives and a real world application.
Here are a few ideas:
1. Open a lesson on symmetry by having students draw and cut out their names on a folded piece of paper.
2. Give students an activity using an algebra hands-on equation kit.
Make sure that the content is appropriate to your students' skill levels so they are successful with the task. Giving them a win early on will motivate them to continue. They'll think, "This is different. I can do this."
Find out what motivates them individually. You can start the year with a student survey to find out what motivates your students. Ask questions like, "What makes you happy?" and give them choices like positive reinforcement, compliments, stars, stickers, candy, extra free time on a computer game, etc. Once you have that information, you can incorporate it into your lesson. Have students work for the reward they've indicated is meaningful to them. Knowing your kids' individual needs and wants is key.
Do you have a question for us or a tip to share with fellow LONG + LIVE + MATHers? Let us know at #longlivemath.
Dr. Christi Sampson is currently the Elementary Math Specialist for Metro Nashville’s Schools of Innovation where she is passionately working to support the professional growth of teachers so that students served in the communities with the highest needs can access math at their current grade level. Prior to taking her position with MNPS, Christi worked at Carnegie Learning as a Manager of School Partners. While she misses working full time with Carnegie Learning, she is enjoying spending more time at home with her 3 grandchildren. With more than 30 years in education as either a middle school math teacher, a self-contained special education teacher, an instructional coach, a math coordinator with the TN Dept of Education, or a consultant, Christi has a proven track record of improving outcomes for students ,as well as improving the instructional practices of the teachers she encounters.
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Meagan has 10 years of classroom experience, having started her teaching career at the Texas School for the Deaf before moving to J. L. Long Middle School in Dallas ISD. In 2013, she began working as an Elementary Resource Math Teacher in Frisco, Texas, then transitioned to a Math Instructional Coach and Middle School Math Teacher at Scoggins Middle School.
Explore more related to this authorMake sure that the content is appropriate to your students' skill levels so they are successful with the task. Giving them a win early on will motivate them to continue. They'll think, 'This is different. I can do this.'
Christi Sampson, Manager of School Partnerships, Carnegie Learning
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