Math Re-Introduction
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| Autumn Clip Art #14312 http://goo.gl/rKZvv1 |
Toilet Paper Ice Breaker
The first was a toilet paper introduction. As we walked in, we were instructed to grab as much toilet paper as we wanted. Later in the class, it was revealed that we had to share one fact about ourselves per square. I liked it because it gave everyone the opportunity to say what they wanted to about themselves rather than the prescribed questions. Plus, it's a little silly/goofy so it broke the ice even before we shared facts about ourselves.Game about Squares
This game is an addictive one, so be warned! Our professor introduced this game without any instruction. Since we had to figure it out ourselves, it made the whole thing a little more exciting (as I imagine it would for junior/intermediate students), and it was almost like a second ice breaker since it created conversation at the tables. It also allowed us an opportunity to problem solve using experimentation. In a classroom, I would use this in a similar way, and make sure to explain the connection between the game and math: math is formal problem solving, and the great mathematicians didn't come up with their ideas in their sleep - they experimented! There's nothing wrong with trying something and it not working; you can always 'reset' and try again.
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| Game About Squares http://goo.gl/5x0m0e |
My final take-away from the class: attitude is everything. Like what I talked about in my previous post about enthusiasm, the way a teacher approaches a class/subject can make or break a student's success.
Here's to an exciting year ahead!
Hi Megan. I certainly agree with you about the ice breaker we did in class. At first I was really thrown off as to why we were all grabbing sheets of toilet paper. As class started my mind was going through what the possibilities might be, how could the toilet paper be related to math? When we ended up using as a way of introducing ourselves, I was thrown off again. I never really thought that is how we would end up using it. But I agree that it was an interesting way to break the ice and introduce ourselves. Instead of going through each person and hearing "where did you go to school" we got to hear some different information from our peers. I think this type of activity would go over really well with J/I students. They would likely get a little bit silly with the toilet paper aspect, but I think that just makes it a bit more fun. You could probably have the students use the squares afterward too for an additional activity.
ReplyDeleteHey Megan,
ReplyDeleteYou're right, attitude is everything!!!I I keep having to remind myself that. I feel that after this course, my attitude towards math and teaching math will change for sure. Walking out of our first class I was smiling (and I never smiled when I left math). I was in a good mood and I felt confident in learning about these strategies for teaching math. We have to change out students' mentality about math. Negative to a Positive (no pun math intended there). Awesome blog!
I agree with your thought that the Game about Squares felt like a second ice breaker. The Toilet Paper ice breaker allowed all of us to hear a little about each other. The Game of Squares allowed us to collaborate and share our methods and ideas on how to advance to another level. I think having the reset button allows individuals the second opportunity to learn from their previous moves. I'll finish off with, yes, it is very addicting.
ReplyDeleteHi Megan,
ReplyDeleteI love where you said "there's nothing wrong with trying something and it not working". I found many students in my placement struggled with failure; they couldn't handle it so they wouldn't even try things. I think trial and error is hugely important, especially for math because it allows growth for students. Making mistakes can actually teach students more than them just getting the answer right the first time. I think as math teachers it will be hugely important for us to stress this in our classrooms. Thanks for sharing!