Monday, November 16, 2015

Math Menu BPS Classroom Example

Last week, during "Math Nerd on Site", our own BPS teacher, Mr. Nate Steier so kindly let me come in and observe his kids in action doing a Math Menu!  Take a look at the video to find out how he integrated this structure!

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Go Math- How Can I Print a Copy of a Student Textbook Page?


"I need an extra copy of a student textbook page!  Is there a way to print one from Go Math ThinkCentral?"  I thought the answer was no!  However....here is a solution that is a few clicks away!  

Click here and scroll down to #9. (Lots of other great tutorials here also!)  OR, watch 2 minute video below!



Friday, October 16, 2015

Where Do I Find the Problem of the Day to Project?




Where in the world are the digital versions of the Problem of the Day?  (When I use these, I have them solve it in their math journal and then do a quick pari-share for how they solved it and showed their thinking.)  View this video quick video to learn where to find these.  (This video is also on our K-5 Go Math! page! Scroll down to #5)




Tuesday, October 6, 2015

ThinkCentral- Personal Math Trainer Part 1: Assigning "Stuff' that is Graded!



"In ThinkCentral, how do I assign an assignment that students complete and submit answers online?"  
"I have assigned something, but it was a PDF. 
 What good is this? How does this work?"  
This 5 minute video will give you the basics of assigning a Personal Math Trainer (PMT) assignment to your students.  


Also,  Click here for additional information on using Go Math ThinkCentral.  (This link is found under the BPS Curriculum tab on the math website!) There is a variety of videos and information relating to the basics, including reports in Go Math! More to come..... Stay tuned... Happy Day!

Thursday, October 1, 2015

BPS Math Planning Basics Part 1:The 3 P's!


"I just don't know if I am planning math correctly?!!"   
You are not alone if you have these thoughts, as it is always a learning curve when we are provided with a new curriculum tool.

Two key things I  want to leave you with in today's post....more to come later!
  • "Good planning" is all about the Ps!  Pedagogy-Products-Professionalism-- Using effective pedagogy or instructional strategies, teamed with the products we have listed on the planning guide, along with professional decisions (from you...the professional educator) ---- these are 3 areas to really consider.  They are ALL important!
  • Also, read the BPS Curriculum Expectations and your Grade Level Planning Guide (link to 3rd grade example...).  This has also been extremely helpful for teachers.  (Clears up some muddy waters!) 


Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Growth Mindset in Action - In a Math Classroom!

Think about someone you consider successful and respected as an educator....

When I think about this, I always  think about my amazing friend Tanya Griego, currently a first grade teacher (and the Godmother of our Noah!) .....She is always learning, reading, asking colleagues for advice, and always "growing her brain" in some way.  She is my very own "growth mindset" model.

Carol Dweck, Standford University,  has studied "growth mindset" vs. "fixed mindset" and the impact it has on learning and ultimately, our lives!   Her book, Mindset, is being referenced by people in all industries and is one I can't stop thinking about.

View the video below to see how a teacher implements  "growth mindset" in her  2nd grade math classroom! (Thanks Kim Anthony for finding and sharing this great video!)

Friday, September 4, 2015

Go Math Support: Videos, Handouts, and MORE!


I know how important it is to make the most of your limited time!  So....there is now a link specifically relating to Go Math  that can found under the BPS Curriculum tab on our BPS Website. All of the videos and handouts are relatively short and to the point.  More resources will be added as needed.

As promised, we told you that students would be uploaded/updated into ThinkCentral and that you could create a class in your account after Labor Day.  Well, it is now ready to roll if you so desire! Many of you are excited to get your class setup with their own Go Math (ThinkCentral) Accounts so they can access the student eBook and other great resources.

PLEASE keep in mind that you are not expected to add your class and students prior to the training you will be getting at your schools in Mid Sept- Oct.   However, for those of you that want to get students into the system to access their resources, watch the related videos on creating a class, adding students, and having students access their accounts. The videos  and handouts will give you all the info you need!

I have tried to make the videos concise and brief. Please, please, please view the videos before jumping in.  It will save everyone involved in this process a lot of time in the long run! (students, teachers, curriculum team, BPS tech people!)

IMPORTANT NOTE:  We are NOT asking you to assign students assignments and tests online at this point and time.  Assigning tests and activities via the Personal Math Trainer is a bit different from other programs our district has used.  This information and how to's will be provided to your school trainer on Sept. 15th and then they will train you on assigning assignments!





ROME WASN"T BUILT IN A DAY....(What's the Math Training Plan? )


ROME was not built in a day my BPS friends! As we begin to integrate the new Go Math! resource  into our classrooms, please keep this in mind!

PD and support is critical for our teachers! So...what's the training plan for learning about Go Math? Do I need to be assigning tests online already (NO!!)  But what about.... And how do I....

BREATHE... and take a little looksee at the "BPS Math Support PD Plan" so that you can relax a bit! This will give you a good idea of what you will be learning along the way and how you will be supported through the Curriculum Team, district trainers, school-based training, and online opportunities.


Thursday, September 3, 2015

Welcome to the NEW! BPS Math Blog!

Here's to the first official posting on the new BPS Math Blog!  This is an online space where we will be sharing thoughts, ideas, connections, tools, tips...and info regarding whatever needs might arise for us here at BPS and beyond!

As you may already know, your BPS grade level curriculum resources, along with other information, can be found at the K-6 BPS Math site.  The website is "formally organized" into categories and subcategories to easily navigate the information. This Math Blog and the website will compliment and support each another.  The postings on the blog will be a great way for us to communicate with you in a more informal and friendly way!