Everyday Math Problem

One of our student is an emerging reader and needs assistance with reading instruction from time to time. He is rather strong in the area of Math, but the reading in the book can sometimes slow down his progress. My intention is to guide him through the reading and the math problem, getting him inching closer to the solution.In the end he reaffirms that he knows exactly what to do to complete the problem

Pyramid or Prism?

In his book Everday Math a student looks at a drawing of a pyramid and has to match the word to the picture.My intention is to reinforce his knowledge and understanding of what a pyramid looks like. I think most of the confusion initially was in identifying with the actual words and distinguishing between the two: “prism and pyramid.” Where I think I have missed an opportunity is in his further inquiry into what a prism is. But, I can certainly revisit maybe some of this ambiguity surrounding a prism in the near future. And the irony is…come to think of it we have one right on our “science” table, which I recall him once looking through. If only I thought to have described it and had him search for it.

Student to Student Tutorial

I love it when students are eager to help each other out! I try not to interfere much with this student to student tutorial, unless they become too easily derailed from concentrating on the actual work. This particular duo likes to be hands on, literally, so you may notice I’m a bit skeptical at first. But the student assures me he’s driven, and I decide to let them have at it. When students are seriously willing to coach each other along through book related work or activities, then it is time to step a side as a teacher. I have observed some powerful lessons in learning occur in the classroom through this dynamic relationship between peers. The challenge is reminding and encouraging the student doing the “helping” not to reveal the answer, but to only guide them there.