K-5 Mathematics Coach and 5th/6th Grade Math Specialist
George Fisher Middle School, Carmel Central School District, Carmel, NY
How long have you been a teacher?
I currently am a K-5 Mathematics Coach and 5th/6th grade Math Specialist at George Fisher Middle School in the Carmel Central School District (Carmel, NY). I just started my 24th year teaching. I have also taught kindergarten and third grade.
How did you learn about Math & Movement?
I learned about Math & Movement when I attended the New York City Mathematics Project Annual Conference last year and Suzy was the keynote speaker. I applied for both the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education and Community Foundations grants and received $7,500. This allowed me to purchase various mats and attend the Math & Movement Summer Institute where I was trained on how to use the mats with students.
How long have you been using Math & Movement in your classroom?
This is the first year I’m using Math & Movement in my classroom, as well as with other teachers around the district.
What changes have you seen in your students since using Math & Movement?
My students are more engaged, motivated, and confident since we have started using Math & Movement.
What is your favorite floor mat and why?
My favorite floor mats are the Number Grid, Place Value Hop, Factor Fun, Clock Hop, and all the skip counting mats, too!
I love using all these mats, but my favorite is the number grid (Add/Subtract Mat) because it provides a visual model to show arrays, multiplication, the distributive property, area, and perimeter. For example, to show the distributive property, I use different colored post-its to break up the arrays into smaller parts, which makes an abstract concept more accessible to students. So many concepts can be taught with just one mat!!
Studies suggest that growth mindsets counter the fight-or-flight response, helping us to view social problems as challenges. This helps us to adapt, change, and grow—the chief characteristics of resilience. When we promote the belief that people truly have the potential to change, we free up ourselves and others to actually do that. Overall, fostering a growth mindset in a child’s early years are critical.
Do you think you are a kinesthetic learner? Are you an educator who is trying to learn more about your students’ learning styles? Keep reading to learn more about common characteristics of kinesthetic learners.
All of these math activities offer children a chance to get outdoors and have fun while practicing their math skills. Parents, teachers, and camp counselors can use an outdoor summer math activity to keep kids engaged and learning. Overall, be sure to celebrate a child’s success and HAVE FUN! 🙂
The end of the school year is a time that allows for fun end of the year math activities children of all ages love! As you prepare to honor your student’s success’ and send them on their way, make sure to integrate these end of the year activities for fun and engaging lessons.
