1510 and 1512 - Stick a fork in it - It's done!

So, here we are at the end of our summer math course. Courses, for me. I believe I have come a long way from that frantic telephone call to my math instructor that first week, saying I need to drop one of the classes, because I wasn't able to do the math.  She said I would be able to, encouraged me to stick with it, and she was right! It took a lot of hard work, and perseverance. I am grateful for her support, and proud that I toughed it out.
I have to say I am not really sure how to feel about my experience in this class. On one hand, I am happy to have had this intensive "refresher" of basic math terms and processes, and on the other, I am appalled by my lack of knowledge of fairly basic math skills. I felt I literally had to relearn everything. How did I get through so much school without really learning the math so it "stuck"? I feel I am a glaring example of exactly what is wrong with how we have been teaching math in our public schools, for so many years.  I am acutely aware that as a new teacher the change will be on my shoulders.
So, goodbye computer and hello swimsuit! I have a date with my family at the lake, and its just going to be us and the sunshine.
Oh, and to that boy who asked my son, "Does she make you do math in the summer?" Maybe we all should be doing a little math in the summer.  I'll suggest to your mom that you give it try.

1510 - Order of Operations

Problem:	Evaluate the following arithmetic expression: 3 + 4 x 2
Solution:	Student 1 Student 2 3 + 4 x 2 3 + 4 x 2 = 7 x 2 = 3 + 8 = 14 = 11

When two students look at a problem differently, they can come up with two different answers.

The 1st student added first and then multiplied, the 2cnd student multiplied first and then added. When we do a math problem, we can only have one right answer. Mathematicians have created a standard order of operations for math problems involving more than one arithmetic operation.

P.E.M.D.A.S.
Parenthesis | Exponents | Multiplication | Division | Addition | Subtraction

1. Perform the operations inside a parenthesis first
2. Then exponents
3. Then multiplication and division, from left to right
4. Then addition and subtraction, from left to right

 Student #2 has the correct answer because she followed the order of operations.

I usually find information that pertains more to the elementary age student, but had to share this video of perhaps the coolest middle school math teacher ever.

1512 - Humor in the classroom

Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.
How much fun do you think the average 1st grader would have walking into Mr. Smith's room every morning? Here are some intros to the Mr. Smith's teachertipster.com videos. Great ideas for teachers,  and presented in a way sure to make you smile.















I think adding little moments of humor throughout your teaching day is an effective way to keep your students engaged and attentive and provides a positive learning environment.



“A good laugh is like manure to a farmer—
it doesn’t do any good until you spread it around.”
– Michael Pritchard






http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm