Common Core Math Standards for ELLs

Common Core math requires explaining solutions and relationships, constructing arguments, and critiquing the reasoning of others. While challenging for many students, these expectations are much more difficult for ELLs.  It is very important to include math language development for ELL success. It is the teacher's job to look for the "mathematical sense" in the ELL student's expression and then build on that.  The author suggests the use of visuals - diagrams or illustrations - along with math vocabulary really helps.  ELLs make language visible and that helps all kinds of students.




Common-Core Math Standards Put New Focus on English-Learners.  Anthony Rebora. 11.12.14. Education Week.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/11/12/12cc-ell.h34.html?intc=EW-CCMP_11.22-EML

Math in the Real World - Middle Grades

What an amazing website! Designed for the Middle Grades.   Everything a teacher needs to apply math in a variety of real world applications:  Each of the following "Worlds" has articles, lesson plans, Web links, and other supports. 

• The Biological World
• The Physical World
• The Social World
• The Political World
• The Financial World
• The Creative and Artistic World
• The Constructed World

Tell us what you have found and how it helped your students in the Comments below.


Real World Math - Articles, lesson plans, and activities for the middle grades. NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
http://www.nctm.org/publications/worlds/default.aspx?id=34590

When Parents Read With Their Children, Not all is Good!

We've always thought that when parents read with their children, this helps to promote literacy growth.  Well, guess again!  This article lists 6 ways parents inadvertently hinder their child's reading growth.  Read this article to find out why.


6 Ways Parents Stunt Child Literacy Growth.  Jennifer Davis Bowman.  11.14.14.  ASCD Edge
http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/6-ways-parents-stunt-child-literacy-growth

Keeping Early Enthusiasm Alive All Through the Grades

We've all experienced the reluctance for students beginning in 4th grade for coming to school.  Yet how different that was for those kids starting school in Kindergarten!  This article outlines 10 things schools can to do make things exciting again.  Not all ideas may pertain in your situation, but I'll bet a few do.  Let's try!


10 Ways to Create Engaging Schools. 11.5.14.  Laura Devaney. eSchool News
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2014/11/05/10-engaging-empowering-652/2/

Effect of Internet Filtering in Schools -

Teachers often complain that websites have been blocked in school so that students cannot access them.  Censorship varies according to school/district criteria.  Obviously we don't want our students exposed to pornography, but other overzealous filtering can have an effect that divides the 'haves' from the 'have-nots.' Such filtering takes away the opportunity to teach students the critical thinking skills they'll need to discern the good from the bad.  Excellent!  Worth your time to read.


What's the Impact of Overzealous Internet Filtering in Schools? Kathy Baron.  6.26.14. Mind/Shift
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/06/whats-the-impact-of-overzealous-internet-filtering-in-schools/

Where Do the Good Jobs Come From?

This article is a must read for high school teachers who help prepare their students for post high school education.  Will it be a 4 year college degree, and associate degree, or a worker certificate in a community college?  What do federal government loans and Pell grants cover?  Surprising changes in the real world haven't computed with the old time perception of post high school college transitioning to great jobs.


Study finds higher-education is a 'minefield'.  Eric Schulzke, 11.4.14. Deseret News National Edition
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865614700/Vocational-training-programs-reveal-design-flaw-for-entry-into-labor-market.html?pg=2

Some Skills Taught Better Through Gaming

Gaming offers the excitement of competition and a clear promise of rewards for accomplishments. It can also help prepare students to win in the real world.  What skills are we talking about?  Dian Schaffhauser explains 5 gaming skills in detail.  Each skill has at least one game example you can try to see if it would work in your situation.

1. Connecting Physical Experiences with Learning
2. Rising to the Competition
3. Working as a Team
4. Grasping Systems Thinking
5. Compromise and Ileration

Perhaps other skills come to mind when your students play digital games.  Share them with us in Comments below.


5 Skills That Games Teach Better Than Textbooks. Dian Schaffhauser. 11.5.14. THE Journal - Transforming Education Through Technology
http://thejournal.com/Articles/2014/11/05/5-Skills-That-Games-Teach-Better-Than-Textbooks.aspx?Page=2