to children that although the arrangements of the blocks may change the number of objects stays constant. However, some children may not yet understand that the arrangements are only changing. In this case, they may have trouble understanding even when asked to explain the groupings. As teachers we need to be observant, yet knowing that developmentally this will come for most children. If they are still struggling it is time to intervene with resource help.
An activity that allows children to work with blocks or another counter makes learning interesting for children. They may view this as play not realizing that they are learning. Teachers can discover if an individual child or other children in the class understand counting. Do they understand why the number of groupings hasn't changed the amount of blocks or other objects within the group?
This activity is important in promoting the Mathematical processes of communication, problem solving, connections, visualization, and reasoning. Hands on activities help children learn, because they are physically able to manipulate an object. What a teacher is looking for is for the child to be able to reason their way through their math problem, and to explain the math. If a child is able to do this he or she understands Math. If children do not understand it becomes important to tweak the lesson or work with them individually until they do understand.
Differentiation was addressed in class. I agree that we can help young children by continuing to ask them lots of questions, and keeping them engaged in the learning process. Too often when children experience difficulties they may feel like giving up, but we must not give up on them. We can help our students by making adjustments. Unless a child has a global delay placing him or her on an IPP will hinder rather help. As teachers our goal should be to help every child meet learning expectations to the best of his or her and our own capabilities.
Communication
Allows children to learn to express their understanding of mathematics. Oral communication can take place with a student or small group, teacher or whole class, peer talk, and self talk.
Written Communication can involve a students personal writing, descriptive writing, process writing, and creation of words or problems.
Symbolic or Graphic Communication is more visual, including mapping concepts.
As children are taught all forms of communication they are better able to retain the concepts they have been learning. Since we all have a different learning style, visual communication maybe more helpful for some students whereas other children learn better through being able to communicate orally.
From my perspective as a student teacher, I believe that written communication is important, because it will allow me to integrate Math into a Language Arts lesson or into other lessons such as Social Studies.
No comments:
Post a Comment