Friday, October 14, 2016

TMC Update

With the way life it right now, I'm fairly certain that I'll miss the TMC three month check in on Sunday if I don't post about it right now.

It's never good when you have to ask, "hmm, what was my #1TMCthing"? Thankfully I was able to go back through my (mostly un-updated) blog to find my list.

  • Structure to be able to make kids argue in math much more effectively 
Happening! We have argued about everything from estimations to WODB to Would You Rather? My girls have been great about using the structure Chris talked about where they stand while everyone else sits and say, "My claim is... and my warrant is..." I'm thrilled with how much I'm able to hear from them. It brings up great discussions about both novel ideas and misconceptions. 
  • Desmos 3D printing project 
An end of the year project in the spring
  • #alg1chat
I have failed at this. A quick search looks like it's being used scarcely. Is there interest in pumping up an actual Algebra 1 chat??
  • Connecting elementary and high school divisions
I'm lucky enough to be able to actually go downstairs and talk to the teachers in our elementary school. I have a great relationship with the middle school teacher but have not yet been able to connect with the elementary school teachers. There's so much that comes up that I want to ask, "Tell me how you show this..." but I just haven't yet :(
  • Honesty, openness, unafraid to fail
This has been a struggle. My class is working differently this year than last year (which should probably not be a surprise), but it's been hard for me. I'm not sure how to work through some of the challenges, and sometimes the fear that the "problem" is me has kept me from asking for help. I need to work on this.
  • My classroom will be open. 
Not two weeks after I made this commitment, my principal asked if I would be okay with people coming in to observe. YES! So far very few people have come to math. I'd like to have more because I feel like I really need feedback.