Being a teacher is a struggle sometimes, but it is also the greatest privilege. Once again, this year, I have the honor and privilege of teaching an incredibly funny and hard working group of 5th graders. I strive to make my classroom safe and nurturing, and welcoming, but also challenging. (Without challenge, their brains won't grow... I tell each group of students this every year.) My goal this year is the same as it is every year, for my students to not only make academic gains, but to also learn the satisfaction of working through a math problem and until they come to the right answer.
Last week I explained to you the "Math Close Reading," resource that I created, because every year many of my students struggle with solving word problems. There is extra information, not enough information, and/ or multi-step problems for them to decipher. (Not to mention the multi-select questions, but that's a whole other post.) It's not an easy task!
The buy-in I have from students when they use this resource is transforming. After all, they close read during reading groups, centers, and homework in order to better understand the text. Now I "allow" them to use the same close reading skill in math. Mind blown! They ask to bring it home with them, and use the sheets in centers too. When I received a note from one of my girls a few years ago, that I realized what an impact this resource had made.
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"11/17/15
Dear Ms. Dobrin,
I have learned alot in your class. Today I had fun in math with You. I hope you are glad for me to be in your class. I am glad to be in your awesome group. At my old school we didn't go to a different class but I have fun in math with you. I might don't get good grades in math but what I know is that I will try my very best to earn what I want. My homework for math is getting easier and easier for me. The close read a math word problem sheet helps me a lot in math. Math is my best favorite subject.
Love,"
S
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How AMAZING is that? I was overjoyed when she gave me that letter. Have you ever tried using the close reading strategy during your math block? I would love to read about what you think. Please leave your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.
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