Imagine observing your classroom of learners during a number talk lesson. You see thumbs up and fingers extended. You see partners place a fist to their chest after sharing their thinking with one another. You see children rocking their funny-shaped hands back and forth gently. You see hands raised and eager faces. You even see fists with pinkies sticking up. What does all this mean? Well, it means your students are involved in the lesson. They are thinking! They are participating! Yes, ... continue reading...
4 Reasons to Teach Black History to Young Children
Black History is rich with heroes whose perseverance, courage, persistence and goodness is perfect to share with even our youngest of learners. Without knowledge of history the world, for a young child, is a very small place. Black History provides our students with wonderful models of people who persevered in some of the most difficult situations. And we believe that teaching Black History to first and second graders will open their worlds and their hearts. Our heroes in ... continue reading...
5 Number Talks to Try This Week
Have you considered implementing Number Talk activities into your daily math routine and want a little guidance? If so, you're in the right place. BUT FIRST...WHAT ARE NUMBER TALKS? You may be asking what, exactly, is this brilliant strategy that so many are talking about. The idea of Number Talks was originally conceptualized by Ruth Parker and Kathy Richardson. In a nutshell, Number Talks (also called math talks or math chats) are a quick daily activity where we, as ... continue reading...