Lookee Here!

"I Have Who Has Cards" spotted at Plains Trading Company!

Input / Output Machines

Input / Output machines always have a way of sneaking into the high stakes tests like the DSTEP. But, as we all know, that is the least of the reasons we should use them. They provide practice in flexible thinking - and are an effective primer for more difficult challenges like the game of 24.

Our Pre-K through second grade students already have access to a very nice input/output machine in their Building Blocks software. But there isn't much for our older students - the same ones who will likely see some of these questions on their standardized tests.

Fortunately, you can find a whole set of more advanced Input/Output Machine activities over at the Mathwire. This activity makes another fine addition to a workshop or menu.

 I'd like to challenge you to send me your own set of cards! Let's see what you can come up with! Here's one I made with third grade in mind: Guess My Rule Grade 3

No offense, language arts teachers - but a great math teacher can bring it!


Having trouble incorporating Marzano's strategies into your math lessons? How about direct vocabulary instruction around math concepts? With some poking from Peggy Diekhoff, and great advice from the "Supporting Student Literacy" strategies of College Preparatory Mathematics, I've put together a guide for embedding solid reasoning and sense-making skills into your mathematics classroom.

While many of the examples are geared toward a high school curriculum, I think teachers of all grade levels can find something valuable here.

Why My Math Teacher is the Most Effective Language Arts Teacher I've Ever Had!

A Menu Structure with Mrs. Hausmann

1st grade menu from (Chris) on Vimeo.

Mrs. Hausmann's students are working in a menu structure. Menu is a way of organizing your workshop around a select number of learning goals. In this video, I also take the opportunity to formatively assess students on their ability to count small groups.

If you are interested in establishing a menu in your classroom, I've put together this overview to get you started.

It's About More Than Numbers

Who says you can't get the warm fuzzies after a good math workshop?

Don't Worry from (Chris) on Vimeo.