What a powerful idea Daniel Pink presented. How could I AMP up my professional situation? Looking at my teaching over the past few years I think I need to reevaluate why I became a teacher. I know I did not come to teaching after raising my children because of the money - so take the carrot out of the picture. I did it because I truly wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. Things have gotten in the way and at times I have lost site of why I teach.
I do have to be compliant but that does not mean that I cannot find autonomy in the lessons I teach my students. I can master my craft and be the best teacher possible. My purpose is clear - make a difference in the lives of each student I come in contact with - whether they are my students or in the class next door.
It is not the day to day but the journey that matters. I will strive to embrace the journey and the pitfalls I may encounter along the way.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Front Row Ed
Megan introduced me to FrontRowEd.com a few weeks ago.
Front Row is a math program that allows students to practice math at their individual level. I had been using xtramath.org which is a great tool that tracks student mastery of math facts but FrontRow takes it to a new level.
Currently FrontRow is not available on tablets. My experience is that my students can access it on an iPad, my Mac laptop, school laptop and all desktops.
At the primary level students can practice in any of five domains - Numbers in Base Ten; Geometry, Counting and Cardinality, Algebraic Thinking; Measurement and Data; or Fractions. Students are challenged at their ZPD and data is transferred to the teacher.
Students - The program includes a dashboard with manipulatives and scratch paper. The dashboard also has a help button that will walk the student through the problem. Students can have the problem read to them - a big plus with the lower grades even when students click on the help button they are walked through the problem with audio. Students are receiving individualized practice and instruction.
As a teacher I can print out practice sheets - each sheet is individualized. Teachers can access a standards based report card on each child as well as see the entire class matrix which indicates the standard which needs the most attention. At the end of the week teachers receive an email outlining students who have made the most progress, least progress, and those who have practiced.
Parents can sign up to receive a weekly email letting them know where their child is and the progress made for the week.
I am using it as a math center and as differentiated math homework. The program allows me to continue with my current lessons but allows for each student to work at their own pace. During our computer lab time all students must work in the Numbers in Base Ten domain for 3 segments. In the classroom students rotate during math time and are allowed to work in any of the domains that they wish to improve.
The report cards allow me to conference with each student and help them set a goal for the week.
The only drawback that the program has is that the standards are all Common Core - the easy fix? I have created a conversion chart for me to refer to.
The creators are very receptive to feedback and helpful if there are questions.
The most important use of this tool is that it truly reflects the ability of each child. I can see where mastery has been achieved as well as adjust my teaching to reinforce areas I may have lacked. The numerous data that is given will be a great tool to have when speaking with parents during conferences.
I would have to say that for my second graders this tool would fall in the Modification zone. I have been able to redesign how I teach math in the last few weeks. Introduction of new concepts still lies with me, but I am able to focus on each individual child rather than the middle of the road.
Front Row is a math program that allows students to practice math at their individual level. I had been using xtramath.org which is a great tool that tracks student mastery of math facts but FrontRow takes it to a new level.
Currently FrontRow is not available on tablets. My experience is that my students can access it on an iPad, my Mac laptop, school laptop and all desktops.
At the primary level students can practice in any of five domains - Numbers in Base Ten; Geometry, Counting and Cardinality, Algebraic Thinking; Measurement and Data; or Fractions. Students are challenged at their ZPD and data is transferred to the teacher.
Students - The program includes a dashboard with manipulatives and scratch paper. The dashboard also has a help button that will walk the student through the problem. Students can have the problem read to them - a big plus with the lower grades even when students click on the help button they are walked through the problem with audio. Students are receiving individualized practice and instruction.
As a teacher I can print out practice sheets - each sheet is individualized. Teachers can access a standards based report card on each child as well as see the entire class matrix which indicates the standard which needs the most attention. At the end of the week teachers receive an email outlining students who have made the most progress, least progress, and those who have practiced.
Parents can sign up to receive a weekly email letting them know where their child is and the progress made for the week.
I am using it as a math center and as differentiated math homework. The program allows me to continue with my current lessons but allows for each student to work at their own pace. During our computer lab time all students must work in the Numbers in Base Ten domain for 3 segments. In the classroom students rotate during math time and are allowed to work in any of the domains that they wish to improve.
The report cards allow me to conference with each student and help them set a goal for the week.
The only drawback that the program has is that the standards are all Common Core - the easy fix? I have created a conversion chart for me to refer to.
The creators are very receptive to feedback and helpful if there are questions.
The most important use of this tool is that it truly reflects the ability of each child. I can see where mastery has been achieved as well as adjust my teaching to reinforce areas I may have lacked. The numerous data that is given will be a great tool to have when speaking with parents during conferences.
I would have to say that for my second graders this tool would fall in the Modification zone. I have been able to redesign how I teach math in the last few weeks. Introduction of new concepts still lies with me, but I am able to focus on each individual child rather than the middle of the road.
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