Category Archives: Pre-Algebra
In The Moment
The SAMR Model is a fundamental framework often used to help educators consider how and why to integrate technology. Teachers are encouraged to aim “above the line” to provide students with potentially transformative experiences, rather than simply enhancing tasks with technology. … Continue reading
Kahoot! Answer Streak Bonus = Good News For Math Class
Today I used several “Kahoots!” to review for a quiz students will be taking tomorrow. Math 8 kiddos have been translating, writing, solving, and graphing inequalities in one variable. While students adore Kahoot! and many would prefer to play every day, … Continue reading
Desmos by Day, Nearpod by Night
I’ve been having a lot of fun using Nearpod “student-paced” lessons as homework assignments. Generally, I assign a NPP HW to pre-assess. The Nearpod Report on the teacher side of things reveals all sorts of interesting student thinking. Reports permit … Continue reading
Becoming an “Expert”
I have one of those wax warmers in my classroom, and a drawer full of scented wax cubes. We have a new scent every week, and my room “smelling so good” is one of the quirky things my students like … Continue reading
Righteous Anger and Activity Builder: Before-and-After
These days, it’s only natural for teachers to do a web search for an upcoming teaching topic to see if someone out there has already invented that wheel. Many times, that web search results in a wonderful or almost-there resource … Continue reading
Classroom & Twitter Hodge-Podge
What’s happening? Here are some things I’ve been working on and learning from the #MTBoS and other Twitter Tweeps. Maybe you can use some of these resources, or perhaps they’ll spark a new idea. 1. Concept of “Playlists” for Differentiation … Continue reading
Ringing in the New Year – Growth and Grit
For the past week-and-a-half, our district has been preparing for the arrival of a new crew of students, and we’re excited! In-service trainings have focused on themes of innovation, grit, growth mindset and having a “GVC” (Guaranteed Viable Curriculum). You … Continue reading
Desmos Activity “Labs” – Create Your Own Card Sort
Recently, I lived virtually and vicariously through all of the wonderful #MTBoS #TMC16 and #descon16 attendees. I have so. much. stuff. to sort through, between blog posts, Tweets, Periscopes, Google Docs, and more! One feature that prompted immediate action for … Continue reading
iPadpalooza Reflections #iplza16
iPadpalooza: the annual, local conference learning festival that feels like a destination conference learning festival! Though iPadpalooza Austin takes place in Eanes ISD where I teach, having so many out-of-town guests partake and present made #iplza16 feel out of this world… or perhaps … Continue reading
Student-Created Visual Patterns and Book Creator
After introducing Visual Patterns to my Math 8 students, I began to see their creative side through various “Draw” work samples from our Nearpod patterns lessons. They did an excellent job generalizing linear patterns! Though their experiences with nonlinear functions have … Continue reading