Haven't posted in a while...Keeping up with a blog is a lot of work!! So proud of those teachers who really keep up with it!
Well to catch you all up...We have now completed an angle project in 7th grade math. This project was called "What's your angle?" and required the students to take original pictures of various angles in nature. Students had 13 terms and had to find them all in the natural world. They had the option of making a book, PowerPoint, or display. I had some AMAZING projects. One student had a PowerPoint quiz, another student had a great display with grass, rocks, and various pictures. Really impressive stuff. Students struggled in the beginning but many said once they got started they started seeing geometry everywhere. Great project and kids have already asked me with excitement when our next project will be coming up.
If you are teaching common core in middle grades, I wonder what types of issues you are having. For instance, I have found the 7th grade geometry and probability standards a bit crazy! Compound probability in the 7th grade?!?! Really?!?! If anyone has any ideas on teaching this, please le tme know!!! Just crazy in my book!
Algebra 1 is on the fast track we are working on systems of equations now and I am wanting to be finished with quadratics by the end of April, I don't know if that will happen but I am sure working on it.
I am so excited for this summer!! I have a great plan. I am going to spend the summer creating units for next year 7th and 8th grade. This year has been a lot of getting to know the new standards and I teach by the standards on a daily basis. This summer I am going to create units based around those standards and have everything ready to go for next year. Kind of making my own textbook if you will. I am not a fan of using textbooks, I feel very restricted when I do. I like to color outside the lines!
I will purchase a binder for 7th and 8th grade for each unit we cover (Number sense, expressions and equations, geometry, probability, statistics). In each find I will have a tab for each standard and resources that fit that standard. I have made all my own assessment this year and am planning on organizing them this summer. I do a weekly learning check so I figure that if I make a set of learning check questions for each I can statement and put in my binder it should be very easy to pull those and put them together for a weekly learning check. So excited to get this project started. 6th grade and Algebra 1 have textbooks to go by so I do not need to spend time working on units for those classes. As my units unfold i will share my resources.
That is all for this Sunday, now to find nets for next week lessons!!!
Have a great week all!
Teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math isn't always easy, but it certainly is exciting! Read my blog to see all the interactive, hands on, and project based lessons I use to teach math.
Just found your blog through TPT. I taught middle school math for years, but I now teach remedial math on the college level. I am in total agreement with your statement about textbooks. My philosphy is "A textbook does not a teacher make." I, too, develop many of my own materials. Again, I am so glad to have found your blog. I love your idea about angles, and am filing it away for future use. Thanks so much for sharing.
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