As spring break starts next Friday, I am planning to give the students a very long homework packet that they can begin on Tuesday. It's fairly questionable as to why the upcoming state exams (April 23rd) are taking place so soon after spring break (in the case of ELA, almost immediately). The kids are still in vacation mode and take some time to adjust. Nevertheless, I want to make sure that the students are prepared. There are very few teaching days in April.
Topics will include everything that we've learned from the beginning of the school year as well as plenty of word problems. I will be in Tokyo for the entire duration of the break, so I'm hoping that the kids will spend plenty of time studying and trying their best practicing. We have started to review already beginning with percents.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Video Games in Mathematics VII
Unexpectedly, I am able to login to my iTunes account and purchase the game on the Macs in the cart. Therefore, we now have a new addition to our crew!
They've tested the game, like it, and are enthusiastic about continuing their progress on Monday.
Here are some other videos from Day 3:
Here are some other videos from Day 3:
Video Games in Mathematics VI
The goal of Dragonbox is/was to get students to try to make the connection between the concepts taught in the game, and a typical one-step equation. So, for lesson #2, I had students complete the following:
Here, a student is attempting to bridge the game and equations:
Here, a student is attempting to bridge the game and equations:
Video Games in Mathematics V
To get some students acclimated to the basics of algebra, I have had some of them begin to play the iPad game called "Dragonbox". I've paid for the game and downloaded it onto a few iPads and let the students go.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Bonding
At 12:30PM, the rush begins. There is a mad dash from 6th and even some 7th graders to come to my classroom for lunch to play video games, use the computer, and for some, tutoring (although this has to be forced on them...). The other day, I had an entire classroom worth of students up for lunch. The irony is that this is more manageable than a regular class at times! It's a big improvement from last year, as I am able to manage all of these students successfully without any trouble, at a time where everyone is relaxed and having a good time free of responsibility.
If I have a student that wants to come upstairs, and I have his/her class next period and I am giving a test, the rule is that they are not allowed to play video games or use the computer, but they must study. They have a choice to walk away, or stay. Unfortunately, some have immediately walked away, However, some others have chosen to stay. A student wanted to use the computers, and didn't even know what was going to be on the test!
I don't have much time left, so I hope that these values pass on to these students so that next year, they spend their lunch times studying and keep track of their priorities. As much as I played video games as a youngster, my priorities were always intact.
My toughest class has started to request to come upstairs to my room. I have no idea what happened. They've given me such a difficult time in the past, but the past week and a half has gotten better. I hope that this continues. I almost wanted to shed a tear the other day. It feels like we've finally gotten closer. I forgot the Wii U gamepad last week, so I was stuck with only 3 controllers instead of 4. They were able to share with each other without any quarreling, with only those three! They've come such a long way and I'm proud of them.
If I have a student that wants to come upstairs, and I have his/her class next period and I am giving a test, the rule is that they are not allowed to play video games or use the computer, but they must study. They have a choice to walk away, or stay. Unfortunately, some have immediately walked away, However, some others have chosen to stay. A student wanted to use the computers, and didn't even know what was going to be on the test!
I don't have much time left, so I hope that these values pass on to these students so that next year, they spend their lunch times studying and keep track of their priorities. As much as I played video games as a youngster, my priorities were always intact.
My toughest class has started to request to come upstairs to my room. I have no idea what happened. They've given me such a difficult time in the past, but the past week and a half has gotten better. I hope that this continues. I almost wanted to shed a tear the other day. It feels like we've finally gotten closer. I forgot the Wii U gamepad last week, so I was stuck with only 3 controllers instead of 4. They were able to share with each other without any quarreling, with only those three! They've come such a long way and I'm proud of them.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Video Games in Mathematics III
The third time's a charm. Not only does the following app pertain directly to my topic, it's actually challenging and a bit fun. It's called "Algebra"
Here is a pic and video of me playing the game:
Timed, unlike the previous game. Definitely useful. Perhaps for assessment purposes (getting a certain number correct within a minute) or just practice purposes.
Here is a pic and video of me playing the game:
Timed, unlike the previous game. Definitely useful. Perhaps for assessment purposes (getting a certain number correct within a minute) or just practice purposes.
Video Games in Mathematics II
Couldn't think of anything else with the Wii U so I've been looking at apps on the iPad. One of the apps I came across is terrible so I'm not even going to bother mentioning it here, but the following app "My Equation" isn't so bad:
There's just no followup besides having students pick the correct sign. It's not timed either...There's absolutely no extension, meaning that students will get bored after 5 minutes with the game (just like I have).... On second thought...It is quite bad.. I'll continue to update until I find some solid games.
Video Games in Mathematics......
My thesis is about using video games to teach mathematics in the classroom. My biggest problem and fear: there's such a lack of educational games, let alone those with a specific focus on equations! Am I in over my head this time? It is looking more and more like I'll have to eventually turn to apps instead of conventional video game systems (I.e. Wii U/PS3) etc. Knowing that I'll never give up, I've been fooling around with Art Academy: Sketchpad on the Wii U with the intention of drawing problems or creating a course of artworks (which are just math problems) that they have to solve.
Problems: There's no difference between using this and writing it on the board. And this game doesn't actually teach math. Would you still consider it applicable? There's still a motivational/fun factor there for students who would prefer this as opposed to me just writing it on the board. They can use the Gamepad to write their own questions and have their classmates solve. Humble beginnings I suppose in terms of finding the right games, and I really, really don't have much time....
Problems: There's no difference between using this and writing it on the board. And this game doesn't actually teach math. Would you still consider it applicable? There's still a motivational/fun factor there for students who would prefer this as opposed to me just writing it on the board. They can use the Gamepad to write their own questions and have their classmates solve. Humble beginnings I suppose in terms of finding the right games, and I really, really don't have much time....
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Reflecting on Student Feedback
So the school has been using 10teaching.net in order to help us become better teachers by using feedback from both students and parents. My overall rating below:
Not bad! I let 42 of my students complete the survey (I had two classes that finished it today). Not all of the language is exactly kid-friendly however, but it still means a lot to me that this is what my students think! Made my day!
Not bad! I let 42 of my students complete the survey (I had two classes that finished it today). Not all of the language is exactly kid-friendly however, but it still means a lot to me that this is what my students think! Made my day!
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Parent Teacher Conference 3-12-15
Next week Thursday is the next Parent-Teacher conference. I'm excited! It's been a long time since I've seen parents and we have covered so many different topics since then. The entire unit on negative and positive integers has flew by, as well as half of expressions and equations I.
I need to speak to many parents about the progress of their students, so I'm hoping that the turnout is high. Unfortunately as a teacher, everything that goes wrong is your fault. It feels like no one else is held responsible or accountable for anything but you. This leaves you very mentally and physically drained with the support of no one but perhaps your colleagues (whom are likely overwhelmed with their own struggles).
Considering that before no time, we'll be at the final stretch of the school year, it's crucial now to talk with parents and have everyone try their best before the end of the year. Hoping I get to see more parents than last time! I'm prepared.
I need to speak to many parents about the progress of their students, so I'm hoping that the turnout is high. Unfortunately as a teacher, everything that goes wrong is your fault. It feels like no one else is held responsible or accountable for anything but you. This leaves you very mentally and physically drained with the support of no one but perhaps your colleagues (whom are likely overwhelmed with their own struggles).
Considering that before no time, we'll be at the final stretch of the school year, it's crucial now to talk with parents and have everyone try their best before the end of the year. Hoping I get to see more parents than last time! I'm prepared.
VSC Math Rewards - New Title!
Every few months or so it appears that the students who earn gold tokens get focused on one particular game. Super Mario 3D world in the beginning of the year, Mario Kart 8 a bit later on, and Smash has been going strong for a while now.
Introducing, Mario Party 10. I think the kids will love this game. Finally a multiplayer game that everyone can have fun with and play. Not everyone is into Smash and some students have missed playing Mario Kart. Speaking of that, I am having another tournament for Spring Break for Mario Kart 8. I need to make a new Powerpoint this weekend along with qualifying criteria..
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