Comments for Math Stories

Comment on How I teach 2 step equations. by ivon trejo

ivon trejo — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:13:00 +0000

mrs terri is my math teacher and she is so nice this days we are see equations and it so fun i like mrs terri because she is so nice my name is ivon trejo 11/4/09

Comment on Little People by Amy

Amy — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:46:42 +0000

I really like this idea for integers. We are starting integers next week and I have been looking for something to help my students be less confused about subtraction. Thanks!

Comment on Little People by Ms. J

Ms. J — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:41:29 +0000

This is a great trick! When teaching negative and positive integers, I model using the number line and red and chips first. I want sttudents to try to discover the rules before I teach them. I then teach them using a song. It sung to Row, Row, Your Boat.

It goes:
Same sign add and keep,
Different sign subtract.
Take the sign of the highest absolute value,
Then you'll be exact.

Comment on Crux by jenneane l

jenneane l — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:31:18 +0000

Mr. K - I'm a first time visitor to your site and can tell I will return frequently. Loved the candy fraction idea. How did the students respond? What were your biggest problems? It's great to see your ideas using simple manipulatives (not always technology based) that make sense. Thanks!

Comment on Forwards & Backwards by Mr. K

Mr. K — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:52:10 +0000

I got the core of the idea from our math coach. I incorporated a lot more technology that he originally did. The end result is something that preserves better from year to year, though I think I may want to reshoot the video.

Comment on Forwards & Backwards by Catherine S

Catherine S — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:46:47 +0000

I love this idea. It's so innovative. How did you think of this? And how long did it take you to put the whole lesson together? I am sure that your students loved making the videos and watching the outcome. Great way to engage your students!

Comment on Little People by Mr. K

Mr. K — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:11:44 +0000

I added a footnote with a pdf file. And I want video if you do the moonwalk.

Comment on Little People by H.

H. — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:42:33 +0000

I love this, and am planning to copy the idea. Had my kids walk on a number line two weeks ago, but many did tune out as soon as they weren't walking themselves.

Would you mind sharing the number line document? Generating those takes time...

Comment on Crux by Mr. K

Mr. K — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:50:55 +0000

BTW - the images are from Problem Pictures.

Comment on Crux by Jackie Ballarini

Jackie Ballarini — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:14:49 +0000

Another vote for "you just did". I like the image & the idea. Thanks!

Comment on Crux by Jason Dyer

Jason Dyer — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:54:47 +0000

You just did.

I think what is needed is something like "New Games Journalism" -- a personalized, moment-by-moment anecdotal approach to lesson plans, which gives an account of what happened and why. Of course this is already happening at blogs, but no administrator in the world as far as I know has ever designated such a "lesson plan".

Comment on On your mark… by eyawn

eyawn — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:08:46 +0000

Good luck w/ the school year Mr. K. We're currently on week 3 ourselves. Your classroom sounds amazing. Mounted projector, sliding whiteboards... geez. I'm having trouble just getting an lcd! Wanna trade?

Comment on Crux by Gerben

Gerben — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:06:56 +0000

Nice example.
Your problem reminds me of my days as a software engineer. Lots of engineers make software for themselves, some of them are really great pieces of software. But sharing them with other people means: documenting, version control, user interface improvements. In the end not many people share their software....

Comment on Crux by David P

David P — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:03:39 +0000

This works for me!

Comment on Fingers crossed by Tom Escott

Tom Escott — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:02:54 +0000

Mr. K,

It is so frustrating to start each year with the uncertainty about lack of supplies and equipment. That's why you see teachers crowding the Staples stores before school begins.

Challenges like this, however, often spark creativity. Since the classroom is controlled by the district, those moments of creativity may be limited.

Maybe you could push everything against the walls and sit on the floor. In any case, you should probably have a fall-back plan that is a fun activity.