The Learning Letter
February 19th, 2016
Accessibility & Mathematics
In our PD session on February 12th, we had such an interesting conversation around the meaning of the word "accessible" and all of the different ways we can interpret that word in education. My friend Andrew has written a wonderful blog post about accessibility and mathematics around students with disabilities. So thoughtful, I love it. I highly recommend giving it a read!
Selecting Books for Your Classroom
Check out the 5 Essentials to remember when choosing the right books for your students.
"Guided reading, comprehension focus groups, strategy groups, and RTI all can be developed to a richer level of success when done with fidelity using the best books teachers can find. Mindful reading means paying attention to the content we provide students so they grow in their thinking."
Math Around Shields...
Rhombus vs Diamond - How can we make the distinction with students?
Counting Collections Extension - What can we ask next?
Counting Collections Obsession - I just can't stop!
Fraction and Decimal Number Lines - Mixing it up for some nerdy fun!
Question Week Link
Here is the link for Question Week!
The Importance of Mathematical Practices
Read Across America, March 2nd
Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens, and books, and you can too! Incorporate these guides and activities to celebrate reading with young people.
The Christmas Island Crabs & More
Erin used this book with Kristin Thompson and Tara Davis' classes for Science. It was a part of our session on the February 12th PD day (the presentation is in Schoology if you want to check it out there). There are a few other books by this same author on that site that would be a beautiful way to have students Notice and Wonder around a text and make connections to science and math!
Suessical The Musical Jr....You Don't Want To Miss It!
Fraction Talks
The "How To" section of this site may not be completely all grade-level appropriate , however I think the pictures themselves could lead to some really great noticing and wondering across all grades!