Frustration 101
By nature, I am a rule follower. I believe that rules are important and I try to follow each one, even if I disagree with the rule.
When a teacher participates in a pilot program, they agree to follow the publisher's program exactly and then give feedback. Sounds easy enough, right?! Well, I am participating in a science pilot. I am giving it my all to follow the "rules of the publisher." I am reading at night and finding programs, however---things are not going my way!
There are things beyond my control and causes issues when presenting and locating materials. I have that when the wifi is slow- I am unable to locate materials. Most of the materials are online and digital. This creates issues when this happens. Most materials are online---ugh!
I love using technology and anticipate issues, which I try to solve myself. The issue is when it is out of my control. I want my students to love science as much as I do. The frustration comes when I am having issues daily. I just want to give up and try something new- but this is not what I agreed to do!
Can you see the issue--it is a vicious cycle! Hopefully, today, I will be able to go home and regroup and not feel that I always have to have a plan D, E or F.
Audra Steele's Blog
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Monday, January 23, 2017
Better today than yesterday, Better tomorrow than today!
It has been a while since my last post. I didn't give up, but was having difficulty with the wifi at school. Only one class at a time, in our wing, could be on the internet at a time! I found myself having to make backup plans daily! I was frustrated!
I had to take a step back and ask myself, was I using technology better than I was yesterday or even last year?
One motto that has made an impact on my life is: Better today than yesterday, Better tomorrow than today! I was taught this by Lloyd M. Rasmussen. He taught me to reflect on my life and to make changes to be better. I was taught this in 1991 and it has stuck with me! I am grateful for my time with President Rasmussen.
So, I sat down and began reflecting on my teaching. It is January, so a lot of people make resolutions. This year, I decided not to make resolutions, but reflections...what? I decided that I would look at my life as a teacher and evaluate. Am I a better teacher today than I was last year?
Last year, I made the jump from sixth grade at an elementary school to a sixth grade at a middle school. Holy cow, what a change! I felt like a new teacher. At times, I was scared out of my mind! A colleague suggested that I do what I know, use it, and be me! I did and I am so much happier. I didn't worry about what other teachers were doing or how they were doing their lessons, I decided to be me. I began using technology in my classroom again. In fact, I used the website to create homework. By doing this, I was able to save time, by not having to correct homework. I was able to identify students that were struggling and reach out to them and I was able to do this in a middle school setting. Imagine that!
Last April, I was fortunate to go the the NCTM with a small group from our district. My life changed! You know it did, because this is when I began blogging. Reflecting on this conference, I was able to ask myself if I felt that I was a better teacher because of the new information.
Better yet, what improvements have I made as a result of this conference? Well, I am using a program called 3 Act Math by Dan Meyer. Thursdays are the day that my classes work on this program. At first, it was fun and students were having discussions using academic vocabulary. I would have students write down the question, notes, and work with a partner to "find" the answer. Due to wifi issues, we were unable to work on 3 Act Math. During the first week back to class, many students began asking me when we were going to work on 3 Act Math. It made me smile!!!
Today, we started on our journey with 3 Act Math. We worked on a project called "Dandy Candies." The room was filled with mathematical thinking and discussing. Partners were finding answers, finding different ways of solving the problem! The class was able to come up with the correct answer (Thank goodness!). Groups were able to share "their" way of solving the problem using academic language. I actually pulled out my cell phone and began taking a few pictures of groups working together. I was able to answer Lloyd M. Rasmussen's question: Was I better today than yesterday? Absolutely yes! I have hit a few road blocks, and have felt like giving up, but I didn't! My students are better for it and so am I!
I am grateful for the opportunity to work with great leaders at my school, my district, and other math leaders around this wonderful nation! I am better. I am learning and using technology as a tool to increase student learning. It is a process. I am a better teacher than I was yesterday, and will strive to be better tomorrow!
#DanMeyer
#3Actrocks
#LloydRasmussen
I had to take a step back and ask myself, was I using technology better than I was yesterday or even last year?
One motto that has made an impact on my life is: Better today than yesterday, Better tomorrow than today! I was taught this by Lloyd M. Rasmussen. He taught me to reflect on my life and to make changes to be better. I was taught this in 1991 and it has stuck with me! I am grateful for my time with President Rasmussen.
So, I sat down and began reflecting on my teaching. It is January, so a lot of people make resolutions. This year, I decided not to make resolutions, but reflections...what? I decided that I would look at my life as a teacher and evaluate. Am I a better teacher today than I was last year?
Last year, I made the jump from sixth grade at an elementary school to a sixth grade at a middle school. Holy cow, what a change! I felt like a new teacher. At times, I was scared out of my mind! A colleague suggested that I do what I know, use it, and be me! I did and I am so much happier. I didn't worry about what other teachers were doing or how they were doing their lessons, I decided to be me. I began using technology in my classroom again. In fact, I used the website to create homework. By doing this, I was able to save time, by not having to correct homework. I was able to identify students that were struggling and reach out to them and I was able to do this in a middle school setting. Imagine that!
Last April, I was fortunate to go the the NCTM with a small group from our district. My life changed! You know it did, because this is when I began blogging. Reflecting on this conference, I was able to ask myself if I felt that I was a better teacher because of the new information.
Better yet, what improvements have I made as a result of this conference? Well, I am using a program called 3 Act Math by Dan Meyer. Thursdays are the day that my classes work on this program. At first, it was fun and students were having discussions using academic vocabulary. I would have students write down the question, notes, and work with a partner to "find" the answer. Due to wifi issues, we were unable to work on 3 Act Math. During the first week back to class, many students began asking me when we were going to work on 3 Act Math. It made me smile!!!
Today, we started on our journey with 3 Act Math. We worked on a project called "Dandy Candies." The room was filled with mathematical thinking and discussing. Partners were finding answers, finding different ways of solving the problem! The class was able to come up with the correct answer (Thank goodness!). Groups were able to share "their" way of solving the problem using academic language. I actually pulled out my cell phone and began taking a few pictures of groups working together. I was able to answer Lloyd M. Rasmussen's question: Was I better today than yesterday? Absolutely yes! I have hit a few road blocks, and have felt like giving up, but I didn't! My students are better for it and so am I!
I am grateful for the opportunity to work with great leaders at my school, my district, and other math leaders around this wonderful nation! I am better. I am learning and using technology as a tool to increase student learning. It is a process. I am a better teacher than I was yesterday, and will strive to be better tomorrow!
#DanMeyer
#3Actrocks
#LloydRasmussen
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
New Year...New Beginning
The new school year is already in full swing. To be honest, I hate the first few weeks of school. I have to be patient and slow down the pace to make sure that students know how to navigate the classroom, assignments, and supplies. I know that in the long run, this will save time, but I love my classes so much that I just want to get into the "groove of things."
This year, I began working on the programs : Which One Doesn't Belong and 3 Act Math. I begin my math classes on Thursday with 3 Act Math. We watch the prompt, work with "elbow partners," work on a solution to the problem/task given. This year, I added a write up in the student's math notebook. We discuss what we did, then I have the students write about how they solved the problems with the strategy used for the assignment. On Fridays, the classes begin with the prompt from Which One Doesn't Belong. Students think about their answer, move to the location that corresponds with their answer. Discuss with a partner/group about our justification for our answer. We "share out" our reasoning/justifications for our answer. Then we go back and we write about it in our notebook. We label the activity, draw a picture of the prompt. Then give our answer with the justification. My goal is to help students become proficient with explaining or justifying their answer. I have found this to be a slow process, taking up time. At the same time, I have found it to be beneficial. Students that seem to just "go with the flow" now have to do the assignment. I have found the students use of academic language to increase. Students' understanding of terms like estimation and justification has improved just in the few short weeks that I have started. Good beginning! Just need to be patient!!!
I hope that as you are reading this, you are thinking to yourself how you can begin to improve on activities or assignments that you have given in the past. I always remind myself to not reinvent the wheel, but improve on things that I already have in place. Be willing to take a risk with current assignments. Never settle!!! Keep being a life long learner!
Here is to a great beginning!
This year, I began working on the programs : Which One Doesn't Belong and 3 Act Math. I begin my math classes on Thursday with 3 Act Math. We watch the prompt, work with "elbow partners," work on a solution to the problem/task given. This year, I added a write up in the student's math notebook. We discuss what we did, then I have the students write about how they solved the problems with the strategy used for the assignment. On Fridays, the classes begin with the prompt from Which One Doesn't Belong. Students think about their answer, move to the location that corresponds with their answer. Discuss with a partner/group about our justification for our answer. We "share out" our reasoning/justifications for our answer. Then we go back and we write about it in our notebook. We label the activity, draw a picture of the prompt. Then give our answer with the justification. My goal is to help students become proficient with explaining or justifying their answer. I have found this to be a slow process, taking up time. At the same time, I have found it to be beneficial. Students that seem to just "go with the flow" now have to do the assignment. I have found the students use of academic language to increase. Students' understanding of terms like estimation and justification has improved just in the few short weeks that I have started. Good beginning! Just need to be patient!!!
I hope that as you are reading this, you are thinking to yourself how you can begin to improve on activities or assignments that you have given in the past. I always remind myself to not reinvent the wheel, but improve on things that I already have in place. Be willing to take a risk with current assignments. Never settle!!! Keep being a life long learner!
Here is to a great beginning!
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
#takerisks
#takerisks
My last blog, I was exhausted and was worried that the end of the year would drag on. Would I have long days everyday for the remainder of the year? I did not want to end on a low note!
I was encouraged by a colleague to take a risk, do something new, don't give up. Now is the time to try new things. I thought about this last night and decided that I would not give up. I might have had a long day, but I wasn't defeated!
I came into my classroom this morning, determined to have a great day. I put the biggest smile on and walked into my classroom. Students were excited. It is Wednesday, the day that we work on 3 Act Math. My students love this program. Several students were predicting on what the activity would be about....Big Gulps, cars, cookies, chocolate.
We had a great start to a day. We reviewed graphing and I gave them the assignment in class. I wanted to try something new...Desmos, but wasn't sure what to expect. I was nervous! Would I be able to help students be successful? Would the Wi-fi work? Would the kids enjoy the activity?
I stopped the class and told them about an activity that I wanted to try. I needed their help. This would be the first time to do this program. I couldn't do the assignment without them. Several students had heard about the assignment. They knew that the Gate Math class had gone to the computer lab with a someone from the District. They were concerned, because our class was not the Gate class. Could they do it? There was a discussion..
. "We're not Gate!
My last blog, I was exhausted and was worried that the end of the year would drag on. Would I have long days everyday for the remainder of the year? I did not want to end on a low note!
I was encouraged by a colleague to take a risk, do something new, don't give up. Now is the time to try new things. I thought about this last night and decided that I would not give up. I might have had a long day, but I wasn't defeated!
I came into my classroom this morning, determined to have a great day. I put the biggest smile on and walked into my classroom. Students were excited. It is Wednesday, the day that we work on 3 Act Math. My students love this program. Several students were predicting on what the activity would be about....Big Gulps, cars, cookies, chocolate.
We had a great start to a day. We reviewed graphing and I gave them the assignment in class. I wanted to try something new...Desmos, but wasn't sure what to expect. I was nervous! Would I be able to help students be successful? Would the Wi-fi work? Would the kids enjoy the activity?
I stopped the class and told them about an activity that I wanted to try. I needed their help. This would be the first time to do this program. I couldn't do the assignment without them. Several students had heard about the assignment. They knew that the Gate Math class had gone to the computer lab with a someone from the District. They were concerned, because our class was not the Gate class. Could they do it? There was a discussion..
. "We're not Gate!
"You think we can do this?"
Me:"Yes, I know you can do this!"
"Is this something you learned at your Math camp?"
me:Yes...okay!
After a few minutes...
"You are right, we are just as smart as the Gate class."
Growth mindset...just because I was willing to try! At the end of class, I had to remind students that the bell had rung and they needed to go to their next period.
It was nice to have the need "to kick students out of my class." It was nice to see students persevere.
These are the days that I need to remember...not every day is going to be a great day, but each day I need to try to find something that was great! Glad I took a risk #takrisks
Monday, May 23, 2016
I can do it!
I can do it!
This is what I tell myself the last month of school. It seems that there are more things to do and less time to do it. I am tired, my students are tired, and we all can't wait for summer!
I love my classes, but there is a change in the air, and it makes it difficult to concentrate! For example, today we were going over an assignment that students were going to complete. I was doing the first example with the class. I asked a question...silence! I waited and asked the question again...silence! Hello...anyone there? Hello? I waited. I wanted the students to know that I wasn't going to give them the answer. Finally, someone answered! Yay!
I think everyone is excited for summer! A break...well deserved by all. There are so many awards, activities at the end of the year, that it makes everyone very busy and tired.
Textbooks are being collected, but my time with my students is not over. I decided to move the activities that I normally would do at the beginning of the chapter and move them after I have collected the textbooks. It is working,
Can you tell...I am tired, but not defeated!
I can do this! Really...
This is what I tell myself the last month of school. It seems that there are more things to do and less time to do it. I am tired, my students are tired, and we all can't wait for summer!
I love my classes, but there is a change in the air, and it makes it difficult to concentrate! For example, today we were going over an assignment that students were going to complete. I was doing the first example with the class. I asked a question...silence! I waited and asked the question again...silence! Hello...anyone there? Hello? I waited. I wanted the students to know that I wasn't going to give them the answer. Finally, someone answered! Yay!
I think everyone is excited for summer! A break...well deserved by all. There are so many awards, activities at the end of the year, that it makes everyone very busy and tired.
Textbooks are being collected, but my time with my students is not over. I decided to move the activities that I normally would do at the beginning of the chapter and move them after I have collected the textbooks. It is working,
Can you tell...I am tired, but not defeated!
I can do this! Really...
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Smiling from ear to ear!
As I am writing this blog, I am smiling from ear to ear! I look back at this past year and think...am I the same person? Is that me?
I have always been a goal oriented person. I set goals each year, two goals, and work hard to accomplish them. These goals are not grade level, but personal...professional!
The way I am teaching today, is very different then the way I was teaching at the beginning of the year. I have far exceeded my goals of:
Using technology at least once a week: I am using technology daily!
Making my math lessons more engaging: My students are cheering when I put up 3 act math, or Which One Doesn't Belong (WODB).
In fact, a class that I only have for the subject of Science is asking for me to use these programs/lessons with them. They even justified the activities by telling me that these lessons would help them find patterns and increase their ability to reason. Scientists need to be able to reason and find patterns in their findings. I agreed. It made me smile. They didn't want to be left out. They hear the cheers and laughter coming from my room and they want to be apart of it.
I love it! I caught the passion for math from John C. Baxter. He is a Teacher on Special Assignment for Math (TOSA). He loves math and you only need to be around him a few moments to see that. I now have that passion! I am smiling more. Kids entering my room are smiling! Math, do I dare say it, is fun...not easy, but worth while. Kids are willing to persevere!
A few nights ago, I had the opportunity to share how I give assignments using the computer component of the series adopted from the district. I brought ten students to demonstrate to the School Board and district personnel. The excitement was in the air! It didn't matter that we waited two hours to share, the kids were excited. I was nervous! I didn't want my nerves to mess up or take away from the presentation. I wanted the School Board to see the love of math that my students and I had!
You should have seen it, the kids were confident!! I had to be too. When I stood up there with my team (students), my fear went away. I was sharing something that we had found to be successful. Was the presentation perfect? No, but the School Board and other participants were left with a feeling of passion and excitement from the presentation! My students entrusted me to take them on a journey, not knowing if we would find success or anything worth while. We did! In fact, we found confidence in our ability to use the technology, vocabulary to express ourselves, and higher test scores even while the material was increasingly difficult.
I am grateful for this year! It is not over!!! In this year, I found my passion, love of learning, and confidence to do something completely different and out of my comfort zone. I have found that it is okay to make mistakes. There are people around me to guide me on my journey. I am grateful for my students. They have helped me create an environment where it is okay to make mistakes...we learn from them. Their is a respect and trust between us! I never want that to end! I am sad that the school year is ending and I want see them as much! I know that I am a memory. I know that when they think of me...it will be about the journey, Board Presentation, and love of Diet Coke and chocolate!
Now...if only I could become perfect at Twitter, especially the #s. I think Cori O shoud present a class, just on hashtags..
.I love this journey!
I have always been a goal oriented person. I set goals each year, two goals, and work hard to accomplish them. These goals are not grade level, but personal...professional!
The way I am teaching today, is very different then the way I was teaching at the beginning of the year. I have far exceeded my goals of:
Using technology at least once a week: I am using technology daily!
Making my math lessons more engaging: My students are cheering when I put up 3 act math, or Which One Doesn't Belong (WODB).
In fact, a class that I only have for the subject of Science is asking for me to use these programs/lessons with them. They even justified the activities by telling me that these lessons would help them find patterns and increase their ability to reason. Scientists need to be able to reason and find patterns in their findings. I agreed. It made me smile. They didn't want to be left out. They hear the cheers and laughter coming from my room and they want to be apart of it.
I love it! I caught the passion for math from John C. Baxter. He is a Teacher on Special Assignment for Math (TOSA). He loves math and you only need to be around him a few moments to see that. I now have that passion! I am smiling more. Kids entering my room are smiling! Math, do I dare say it, is fun...not easy, but worth while. Kids are willing to persevere!
A few nights ago, I had the opportunity to share how I give assignments using the computer component of the series adopted from the district. I brought ten students to demonstrate to the School Board and district personnel. The excitement was in the air! It didn't matter that we waited two hours to share, the kids were excited. I was nervous! I didn't want my nerves to mess up or take away from the presentation. I wanted the School Board to see the love of math that my students and I had!
You should have seen it, the kids were confident!! I had to be too. When I stood up there with my team (students), my fear went away. I was sharing something that we had found to be successful. Was the presentation perfect? No, but the School Board and other participants were left with a feeling of passion and excitement from the presentation! My students entrusted me to take them on a journey, not knowing if we would find success or anything worth while. We did! In fact, we found confidence in our ability to use the technology, vocabulary to express ourselves, and higher test scores even while the material was increasingly difficult.
I am grateful for this year! It is not over!!! In this year, I found my passion, love of learning, and confidence to do something completely different and out of my comfort zone. I have found that it is okay to make mistakes. There are people around me to guide me on my journey. I am grateful for my students. They have helped me create an environment where it is okay to make mistakes...we learn from them. Their is a respect and trust between us! I never want that to end! I am sad that the school year is ending and I want see them as much! I know that I am a memory. I know that when they think of me...it will be about the journey, Board Presentation, and love of Diet Coke and chocolate!
Now...if only I could become perfect at Twitter, especially the #s. I think Cori O shoud present a class, just on hashtags..
.I love this journey!
Friday, April 29, 2016
It is okay to make mistakes!
It is okay to make mistakes! I have to remind myself that this is true and acceptable! Perfection is desired, but not needed.Talking is acceptable!
This week, I stepped out of my comfort zone. I tried new things. I braced myself for the feeling of uneasiness. I started with the program Which One Doesn't Belong (I hear the song from Sesame Street playing when I do this activity). I asked them to choose the shape that doesn't belong and be ready to justify their answer. At first, it was silent! I must admit, I enjoyed the moment of silence. Then I had students pair up, the in a pod (group of 4). There was discussion and disagreements. I loved it. We then discussed as a group. I chose a leader to help with the discussion. I was allowed to observe and facilitate! I was in awe!!!
I also started with an activity from 3 Acts. The activity was about Girl Scout Cookies. I had students in pods. I had the groups choose a spokesperson. The discussions, the estimations, the different thinking that was going on was amazing. My room was not silent, but students were on task.
I must admit that there was still feeling of uneasiness, but a smile did appear after each activity! Guess what, I am okay. I wasn't perfect with demonstrating the programs, but this is okay!
Feeling successful and excited for week 2!
#3 Acts Math and #WODB
This week, I stepped out of my comfort zone. I tried new things. I braced myself for the feeling of uneasiness. I started with the program Which One Doesn't Belong (I hear the song from Sesame Street playing when I do this activity). I asked them to choose the shape that doesn't belong and be ready to justify their answer. At first, it was silent! I must admit, I enjoyed the moment of silence. Then I had students pair up, the in a pod (group of 4). There was discussion and disagreements. I loved it. We then discussed as a group. I chose a leader to help with the discussion. I was allowed to observe and facilitate! I was in awe!!!
I also started with an activity from 3 Acts. The activity was about Girl Scout Cookies. I had students in pods. I had the groups choose a spokesperson. The discussions, the estimations, the different thinking that was going on was amazing. My room was not silent, but students were on task.
I must admit that there was still feeling of uneasiness, but a smile did appear after each activity! Guess what, I am okay. I wasn't perfect with demonstrating the programs, but this is okay!
Feeling successful and excited for week 2!
#3 Acts Math and #WODB
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