Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Learning a Second Language | Students with LD - NCLD

Learning a Second Language | Students with LD - NCLD

Of particular interest to me as I think of Math as a second language.  Many of the suggestions for making this successful are quite similar to the kinds of things we try to do for our student in their Math classes.

Top Ten Free and Cheap Apps for Math!

I've been wanting to get this out for some time.  Finally here it is ...

In addition to a google search for "math apps for iPad" ... these are my "top 10 free and inexpensive apps for math".

In no particular order ...

1. Math Tappers - there are actually 7 different apps that are associated with this suite of visual / interactive fact and skill practice games

2. Addition Blocks - a fairly addictive game of basic addition facts

3. Factor Samurai - slash the prime numbers only!

4. Montessori - some cost a little more than other games, but these are all good - my 2 favs are sequencing and place value

5. Zoom - not the TV show you remember for our childhood - this is about sequencing and scale

6. Everyday Math - also a suite of 5 games (number sequencing, addition, multiplication, divisibility, and fractions)

7. Singapore Math - another suite of apps - some by grade level focused on bar modeling for word problems - best one is RocketSolver - don't bother with the grade 6!

8. ShutoutHD - this is the iPad version of "Shut the Box"

9. Monkey Math - standard favorite - just what it sounds like - early skills for young ones

10. Glow Burst - pop bubbles in sequence, but theres a little more to it ...

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Parents get look at new math courses

Here's an article about the increased use of some "Singapore - Inspired" Curricula.

Parents get look at new math courses
In anticipation of Common Core State Standards, Fairfield City schools in Ohio are piloting math programs and spending more time on the material at all grade levels. In kindergarten through fifth grade, the math programs being used now include Investigations, Go Math and Math in Focus, while students in grades six through eight are learning with Math in Focus, Big Ideas and Digits, the majority of which is online. "Instead of one unit, teachers are looking at half the year looking at fractions. That's what they mean by going deeper. It's learning something, learning it to mastery, and then building on that," said Debi Freimuth, an instructional specialist for the district.

Online lessons aid teachers, students in classrooms

Online lessons aid teachers, students in classrooms
Massachusetts math teachers in at least two schools are supplementing classroom teaching with video lessons from Khan Academy. School officials say the videos do not replace the teacher, but instead show students how to work through a concept while the teacher circulates around the classroom monitoring students' individual progress. "They're able to get a quicker assessment of where kids are. It also frees them up. Instead of standing at the front of the room lecturing, this way allows students and teachers to interact on a daily basis," said Brett Marcotte, who coordinates the programs at St. Mary's and Quincy Catholic Academy.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Great new game - As Seen on TV!

Thanks to parents of a lower and middle school student (each), for sending along this recent education piece on 11Alive.  Here's the story:


I've loaded it and played it.  Its everything they say on air.  AND there is a version that can be played live on-line - without having to download it, or have an iAnything.  There is a link at right --> "Addition Blocks".

Check it out when you get a chance! But, be warned, you may find it a little addictive.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

"America's students can benefit from Singapore math"

Another article forwarded along via NCTM.  This one is an opinion piece from a CNN education reporter (and former teacher).  It is a really good description of what Singapore Math is, and why it is helpful.

If you are really interested in reading on ... I'd also suggest scrolling down the page to the 3rd comment for a reminder that it is a good curriculum, but not necessarily a fix-all.

My view: America's students can benefit from Singapore math