Math Night

Learning Math should be fun.  For so many kids it has always been about being fast and getting the right answer.  I recently read an article about a Math Night, where skills and concepts are practiced in a fun, game-like environment.  What a great way to create a sense of community by bringing families together.  Add to that the increase in math fluency and creating a positive disposition toward math and it really is a homerun.  I would be up for trying this with any schools in our district that are interested.  Let me know if you want to try it out.  : )

How Many Ways?

Even in kindergarten we see evidence of the Standards for Mathematical practice at work.  In a recent site visit, I was excited to see students explaining and modeling their thinking about numbers in a variety of ways.  

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Common-Core-Number-Strategy-Posters-Math-Word-Wall-732378

Informal Assessment

Valuable data doesn't always come from tests.  The information you gather as you observe student work and discussions is just as important, if not more.  What we see and hear in in the classroom helps us determine who understands, who doesn't, where the gaps are, and how to change our instructional practices to help all students progress in learning.  We tend to keep that all in our minds on a daily basis, but then discount it when it comes to grading.  If we can keep written accounts of what we see, it will likely help in planning and grading (and, it won't add to our overtaxed memories!).  Watch this short clip from the Teaching Channel that shows one teacher's method of informal assessment.

https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/informal-assessment-strategies

Seating Arrangements

In the classroom, I wanted to make sure that students had easy access to the tools they need.  So much time is wasted passing things out and collecting materials.  If you have them keep everything in their desks, we know what their desks end up looking like!  I love The Teaching Channel for all kinds of resources.  I found this short video on desk arrangements and organization that has some helpful tips. 
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/seating-arrangements?fd=1