The ABC's of Mathematics

For my first day back, I didn't want to bog my students down with rules, rules, rules. I tried a different approach. 

First, they came in and Matched their Seat by answering an equation. This just got them thinking Math. Some, it scared because they weren't all easy. 

Then I had a crazy foldable for them to put together for their class syllabus. This was created by Live. Love. Math. You can get it here. 

Next, I gave each card an index card with a letter from the alphabet. I used old stickers I have from my creative memories stuff. I used to scrapbook, now I blog. 

Students had to brain storm and come up with a math term using their letter. They had to write the word, define and illustrate. Since it was the first day, I let me ponder for about 2 minutes before giving them some Math glossaries for help. 

I thought they did pretty well. Like I said, I just wanted them to get into the hang of thinking mathematically when they enter my room. 

And, much to my neighboring teachers dislike, I already have student work on display in the hallway! 

Nanny, nanny, boo-boo! 

The last 5 minutes I discussed my RESPECT rules. 

I can't tell you how many times I heard, "wow, this class flew by". 

Don't get me wrong, I know you have to discuss procedures and expectations with kids right away. I do. I just didn't spend the whole 54 minutes I had with them scaring them about middle school. Trust me, they were already scared! 

I hope you are having a fantastic first week, month, whatever day you are on... back to school! 

First Day Jitters

Ashley over at Fierce In Fourth is having a blog hop that seems so fun and appropriate for us all. I may even read the book to my 6th graders, they'll be nervous about starting middle school.

Here's what you do:

Tell three things you are "jittery" about for this upcoming school year.

Three things I am jittery about:

1. I am head of the Math Department for 6th-8th grade. This is only my second year in middle school and we have FIVE new people in our department and two of those are first year teachers. 

 2. We are beginning PBIS as a campus and I know its awesome, just know it will be a big change for our campus.

3. Implementing math stations and math notebooks for not only my classes, but the entire department. Getting every one to "buy" into this is going to take some work.


So, what makes you jittery?