It's hard to believe that there have already been three weeks of the school year and we are nearing the end of September already. I loved having the parents come in and get to know a little bit about our classroom and see what algebra, geometry, and college-prep math are all about. It was definitely a different experience for me and another first for me as well.
In prep-geometry this week, we took our first unit test. The students completed all of their work on area/perimeter, surface area, and volume. We will be done measuring all of these measurements for awhile and will be starting another unit tomorrow on probability and statistics. This unit will go a little bit quicker and there won't be as many formulas!
Algebra II is in the middle of the matrix unit right now. Many kids have started to master the concept of adding, subtracting, and multiplying matrices together. I know that this week has definitely been a struggle and it's not the easiest of topics to learn, but I'm so thrilled with the level of effort and patience the students have had over the past couple of days! Keep asking questions and never give up on a problem. I'd also like to say thank you to those students who have taken a proactive approach at finishing their incomplete tests and are ready to re-test. This is a huge help and really says something about the kind of person you are. Remember that the ROPES packets are due September 27 and the incomplete tests are due 2 weeks from tomorrow.
The college-prep students are still working through chapter one and are doing pretty well on the concept checks. Many of the students are showing effort on these tests of knowledge. I will be trying out some newer things in this class. I'd like to try out different teaching techniques and see if we can steer away from the book sometime throughout the semester. I tried using a "poll everywhere" today with the students to give me feedback on the class. I'd like to thank those who participated in the activity. It really gave me a better insight of where we are and where we need to be.
Outside of class, I'm figuring out the a good routine and still trying to get into my normal groove of things. After talking to a few teachers in the department, I've discovered that being able to try new things and teaching ways are okay to do! It's been a good start to the year and I'm looking forward to trying out new things with all of my classes.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Saturday, September 7, 2013
My First Week
This last week was definitely a crazy week. Everyone was excited for the start of school and could tell that many of the students were ready to get back into the swing of things. I know that being "new" to the building was a change for me and I learned a lot from this past week.
I know that the first few days were a little bit boring for the students, but from what some told me, it sounded like teachers throughout the building tried out new opening activities for the the kids. Unfortunately, I was one of those teachers who fell into the "syllabus" day being the first day of class. Since I've never had the chance experience a first day as a teacher, I wasn't sure what to plan with the students the first day so instead of trying something new, I went with what I knew. I know that a few of my colleagues in the math department went about the first week in a completely different way. Starting kids out with introducing them to a math question, giving homework the first day, having them share a lot of information with the class, etc. The next first day I have, will be different!
After talking with a few colleagues, they made me realize things that I should have done this last week in my classes as well. I need to start being more detailed in the things that I'm doing. I need to be giving more clear and concise directions, make sure that I have enough copies for everyone, and giving clear expectations of all students in my classes. I need to start modeling what I expect, how I expect work to be shown, and expect to show all students to show their Falls Pride!
Luckily, this week I was able to reflect with some teachers in the building. They have all given me some very valuable tips and have been nothing but an outstanding support system. The staff at MFHS is definitely a special one and I'm so glad to be a part of it.
I know that the first few days were a little bit boring for the students, but from what some told me, it sounded like teachers throughout the building tried out new opening activities for the the kids. Unfortunately, I was one of those teachers who fell into the "syllabus" day being the first day of class. Since I've never had the chance experience a first day as a teacher, I wasn't sure what to plan with the students the first day so instead of trying something new, I went with what I knew. I know that a few of my colleagues in the math department went about the first week in a completely different way. Starting kids out with introducing them to a math question, giving homework the first day, having them share a lot of information with the class, etc. The next first day I have, will be different!
After talking with a few colleagues, they made me realize things that I should have done this last week in my classes as well. I need to start being more detailed in the things that I'm doing. I need to be giving more clear and concise directions, make sure that I have enough copies for everyone, and giving clear expectations of all students in my classes. I need to start modeling what I expect, how I expect work to be shown, and expect to show all students to show their Falls Pride!
Luckily, this week I was able to reflect with some teachers in the building. They have all given me some very valuable tips and have been nothing but an outstanding support system. The staff at MFHS is definitely a special one and I'm so glad to be a part of it.
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