Math Specialist Update
Weekly Math Happenings
A Little About the Math Specialist
I am Sarah Klocke the new Math Specialist here at Washburn Elementary School. I have met many of you and if I haven't met you yet, I'm looking forward to meeting you. I have felt very welcomed here and feel very fortunate to get to work at such a wonderful place. I come to Washburn with 12 years of teaching experience, primarily in the intermediate grades. I have recently moved to the area after having lived in Minnesota my entire life. I attended The College of St. Scholastica and began my teaching career in southern Minnesota at Byron Elementary School. After having taught there for four years, I moved to Finlayson, MN where I taught for eight years at East Central Elementary. Over the years I have been involved in the school setting in a variety of ways including: coaching, leadership team member, mentor, student council advisor, summer school and after school program coordinator, PLC leader, and a member of various committees.
Outside of school I enjoy being active outdoors. It has been fun having a new place to explore. Hiking, camping, fishing, and paddle boarding are some of my favorite summertime activities. I have seven nieces and nephews and enjoy spending time with them. This summer I was able to go on several camping trips and spent a few long weekends at my parents' cabin. I am looking forward to a great year at Washburn Elementary School!
Paddle Boarding
My nephew Finn thought going on the paddle board was a lot of fun.
Gunflint Lake
Looking at the Canadian shoreline from my parents' cabin on Gunflint Lake.
Fishing
Hanging out in the boat with my nephews, Parker and Scotty.
Setting Up Positive Norms in Math Class
Over the summer I read the book Mathematical Mindsets by Jo Boaler. This book aligns very well with the work that has already been done with Growth Mindset here at Washburn Elementary School. Here are a few things to think about as you are building your classroom community. These messages come from Jo Boaler's book and Youcubed site. Check out the link for more information about setting up these positive norms.
- Everyone can learn math to the highest levels.
- Mistakes are valuable.
- Questions are really important.
- Math is about creativity and making sense.
- Math is about connections and communicating.
- Math class is about learning, not performing.
- Depth is more important than speed.
http://www.youcubed.org/wp-content/uploads/Positive-Classroom-Norms2.pdf
Contact Information
Email: sklocke@washburn.k12.wi.us
Website: www.washburn.k12.wi.us
Location: Washburn Elementary School
Phone: (715) 373-6199
Twitter: @KlockeSarah