math0430-050412



4/30/12 - Students already knew a lot about the name, value, and appearance of coins. - The discussion took longer than planned so many students didn't get to finish their cut and paste handout. - I was planning to use it as an assessment but instead I had them take it home to finish.

5/1/12 - The flipbook took a while to make. I think it would have helped if the coin pictures were pre-cut and the sentences were pre-written. - I felt that students back at their seats were actively involved in their tasks. From what I heard, the students were talking about the content rather than socializing about something else. - I don't expect to have a quiet classroom. I have been letting my students loose allowing students to converse as they work. However, here's what I am unsure of. To what extent should I let loose? When is the right timing to step in? My group is the kind that will take full advantage of their freedom so I know I should give boundaries. However, it's hard to find the right timing to step in when I am working with a group up front and don't have my full attention on those back at their seats.

5/2/12 - Students worked well with coin manipulatives. - Graphing coins was challenging because it took a while for some students to trace their coins. - Next time, I think I'll have my students use a crayon (instead of a pencil) to trace their coins. - If that is still an issue, I would have students draw coins instead.

5/3/12 - My mentor teacher and I have decided to co-teach match. - We have come to this decision because this group works better under supervision of numerous adults rather than one. - They were a lot more calm. - I was able to work more effectively with my group because I didn't have to worry about behavioral concerns with students back at their seats. - The lesson flowed much smoothly.

5/4/12 - I loved having one group in the classroom! Students were much more focused without distractions from the rest of the class. - Students also loved playing money related games in the computer lab. - I would like to use this method again in the future.