Math Mondays with Tanner

December 11th, 2023

Build Math Minds

"Things to Say Instead of IDK" - Episode 149

How often do you hear "I don't know" during math? There is power in productive struggle and in teaching students what to say when they don't know. Rather than accepting a non-answer, instill a sense of accountability in your students by teaching them how to help themselves TRY to respond or act. Work to build independence with your students rather than just telling them to "try harder" or "think for yourself." Instead of accepting "I don't know," model some alternatives:

"I started working out the problem by ___ but was unsure what to do next."
"I have already tried ___ , and it did not work because ___ ."
"I know ___ but I'm trying to find out ___ ."
"I think I need to do ___ next."

Shoutouts from Walkthroughs

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JW did a great job helping his students sift through word problems and figure out WHY they needed to multiply. Every child had a whiteboard on the carpet, so everyone was able to be engaged and do the work!

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Camryn and I have been resetting norms for partner work that will allow her kids to stay on task so she can provide support during work time. Check out her "reteach group" while others were working.

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Jasmine took a trip to the Math Closet on E Hall to get 10 base ten block rods for every student. This allowed them to truly have a personal, hands-on experience with making a number line to 99.

Colored Pencils and Graph Paper

Did you know that as long as you use colored pencils and graph paper during math throughout the year, your students are allowed to use them on SC Ready? As upper grades get ready to head into the third quarter which is full of fraction work, let me know if you need these materials.

Quarter 2 Standards and Skills

As we prepare to move into the third quarter, I have created a standards and skills at a glance chart to sort out what has been taught and what we will need to carry into the new year. There is no shame in carrying over a second quarter standard into the third quarter. Our motto as coaches is "mastery by May" - and that's what we're aiming for. If you are a second through fifth grade teacher, look at the chart below and let me know if there are any mistakes.

Tanner's Schedule for the Week

As a coach, my schedule is flexible. Please realize that my schedule will change based on what is included below. This gives you a rough idea of when I will be out of the building, in coaching cycles with teachers, or in meetings. If you need anything, reach out and let me know how I can help!