Maths

The biggest lesson I took away from last term after self reflecting and being evaluated by my Principal was my questioning in Maths. My question wait time was too short and this disadvantaged my students, I was jumping in too quickly and giving them the answers or letting them know which students were correct and which weren't- this meant that students weren't being extended or challenged. 

After reading into some literature focused on teaching Mathematics, it was clear that to improve my teaching in the area of maths I need to focus on the following:

Questioning- Allowing a longer wait time, some students may need up to 30seconds.

Discussion- Allowing students to explain and discuss with each other how they got particular answers (Even if they are incorrect allowing them to discuss and explain with other children how they got that answer will allow for meaningful learning and they may correct themselves/ other children will explain the correct answers. 

No hands- any student may be called on. Making students raise their hands when they know the answer tends to led to the same students answering all the questions. 

Create a supportive environment. An environment where students are comfortable guessing and having a go. 

Black, P., Harrison, C., Lee, C., Marshall, B., & Wiliam, D. (2004). Working inside the black box: Assessment for learning in the classroom. Phi Delta Kappan, 86 (1), 9-21.

Daily Five

During this summer break I have been reading about the Daily Five. I have been impressed by the benefits and the meaningfulness of its use during reading time. Last term I struggled to figure out what to do with 'the others' during guided reading, a lot of the time the tasks I chose were to keep them busy and occupied as opposed to enhancing their learning. Using the Daily Five this year will hopefully allow more meaningful rotations.

Reading to Self
Reading to Someone
Listening to Reading
Work on Writing
Word Work

Although they are similar to rotations I was using before I feel like implementing them correctly and teaching the students the purpose with allow for more genuine learning to take place. I won't be following the Daily Five exactly it will be adapted to suit my class. I believe that conferencing with children and choosing goals with them will help them connect with their learning. I am going to conference with every child on a friday so they have a goal for the following week.