Author Archives: Cathy Yenca

Nearpod Popcorn Picker (Student Responses Too)

I’m not going to lie.  It was disappointing that my students so easily fell for Dan Meyer’s Popcorn Picker problem today.  A *very* small subset of students realized that, just because the sheets of paper had the exact same area, this did … Continue reading

Posted in Pre-Algebra | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

#10GoodThings

It’s been fun getting to (virtually) know more and more math Tweeps in the #MTBoS.  One such bud, Jon Orr, tagged me to compose a #10GoodThings post to reflect on “good things” that are happening with my little corner of the … Continue reading

Posted in Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Nearpod Homework Reports: Worth the 40+ page PDF

I had a field day with data after assigning several Nearpod lessons using the “homework” feature this week. What’s great about the homework feature is that students can take on the lesson and embedded activities and assessments at their own pace. … Continue reading

Posted in Pre-Algebra | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

2015 First Day Back

I spent the first half of my day at a high school math textbook vendor fair.  Having a substitute felt awkward – it was tough to NOT be in my classroom to welcome students back and crack corny jokes about how … Continue reading

Posted in Algebra 1 | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Some Top 4’s – Another “Reflecting on 2014” Post

‘Tis the season for reflection and hopefully a bit of relaxation.  I’ve taken a break from math and ed-tech the past few weeks to spend QT with family (some days I took a break from just about everything… darn you, … Continue reading

Posted in Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book Creator Student Math Authors: Take 2

Last May, my students took Book Creator for a test drive.  As the school year came to a close, student-authored review eBooks seemed like a worthwhile task to try.  Students learned a lot about working cooperatively, using new apps, and presenting mathematics … Continue reading

Posted in Algebra 1 | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Bottling Up the Perfect Balance

I feel like, as a teacher, I have a lot in common with the video gaming industry. We both want to draw kids in to a challenge. That challenge has to be feasible but not too easy. Students have to … Continue reading

Posted in Algebra 1 | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Time-Lapse

The last day of classes before Thanksgiving break, I set up my iPhone in an attempt to record some time-lapse footage in each of my classes.  Since middle-schoolers can smell a camera a mile away, there was nothing secretive about … Continue reading

Posted in Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Kahoot (With Embellishments from Desmos)

Students ask to “Kahoot” practically every day.  They never tire of this incredible (free!) gaming platform.  If you’ve never “Kahooted” before, you can sign up for a free account here. In a nutshell, Kahoot takes multiple choice formative assessments to … Continue reading

Posted in Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Twitter Hodge-Podge

Lately, busy days lead to spits and spurts of reflection and PD rather than lengthy blog posts.  I love this time of year – I feel like my students and I know each other well, and expectations are clear all … Continue reading

Posted in Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments