Math+PLC+-+Book+Study

We are currently doing a book study over : Accessible Mathematics 10 Instructional Shifts That Raise Student Achievement By: Steven Leinwand

Chapters 1-4 focused on the differences in teaching math in other countries. The thought is that "less is more" with regards to math instruction. Finding depth in a few problems is far more effective than just doing a bunch of rote practice. Effective questioning is a way to enhance math instruction and add depth to thinking. Spiraling is an important component to mastery of skills. They also discussed how to use the effective reading strategies to enhance our math program. Through the use of higher level questions students can inference and draw their own conclusions regarding the problem. Having students picture something in their heads and then share out to be able to "see" their thinking. The use of pictures and drawings will help to solidify concepts and understanding in math.

Chapter 5- Create language-rich classroom routines. Your questions can take math much further… *Convince me… *How do you know… At times you may find that it’s the language they are not understanding, but they do in fact get the math.

Chapter 6: Take every opportunity to support the development of number sense *Use estimation frequently and find opportunities for mental math as much as possible

Chapter 7- Use graphs, data, and charts for data when creating problems *Encourage the students to make connections across two sets of data

Chapter 8- Use the questions How big? How much? How far? frequently to tie in measurement as much as possible. *This helps to make measurement a natural part of the class and all curriculum.

Chapter 9- Teach what you know your kids can master. Make adjustments in the curriculum based not he needs of your kids.

Chapter 10- Make the math REAL!! *Embed the math in realistic problems and real-world contexts.

Chapter 11- Make kids EXPLAIN!! *Why? *How do you know? <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">*Can you explain? <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">*Every student needs to justify their answers ALL the time. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">*Omit “No”, “Wrong”, and other similar terms from your class room vocabulary

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Chapter 12- Time and deliberate planning is necessary to implement change.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Chapter 13- We (teachers, administration & curriculum writers) need to work together for changes to occur <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">*It will take a shift in our mindset to bring about great changes in output