Let's engage high school students while we teach them Common Core Elementary Math

We spent 4 hours Saturday morning learning how to do this to (I mean with) high school students.

I understand they come to high school without the requisite skills.

I understand the state has decided everyone can understand trig.

I just don't think teaching them this method instead of how to use a calculator is an effective use of my time or theirs.

Six word Saturday: more positive outlook

Look at the bright side first.


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I think I am looking at the dark side of the mirror too often.

And I know I have to remind myself of this too often.

"Just make up some problems for me to work"

This is said - usually - after they have been given several worksheets of problems that they have not worked. Suddenly I am supposed to create 5 or so problems out of thin air that are appropriate and easy to work.

Huh?

Then explain to me why they get offended when I say find one of the worksheets you have been given and we will work the problems out.

I am not saying I will not help them. I am saying that, with all of the problems I have already given you, I don't want to have to make up more just because you 1) don't want to open your notebook 2) didn't bring your notebook or 3) don't want to go over to the table to pick up a worksheet.

Six Word Saturday - bulletin boards

Post cellphone statistics on [the] bulletin board.


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I am so tired of cell phones.

It would be one thing if, as they think, students could multi process. But they can't.

I walked up to one student, sat beside him, and was halfway through the write up before his fellow students' comments broke through the haze and he put his phone down.

They don't pay attention, they do not do any work on their own, I am still expected to justify why their grades are so awful and then, reteach, retest, and pass them.

I know of three deaths last month that are probably attributable to cell phones. Enough already!

I found this poster, which I will put on the board. I want to put clippings of accidents as well. OK, no one reads the paper anymore. If any of you find links attributing accidents or deaths to cell phone (or other elctronic devices) usage, please email me the link. ricochet04 at gmail.com.

Thanks.