Don't Mess With Math by: Karah Quinones

The Distributive Property...  I was at math cadre (a gathering of a representative of each middle school math teacher in the District where we talk  data, learn new high yield instructional strategies and collaborate to create activities) talking to my instructional coach and chatting about the my data  from the previous year related to TEK 6.7D.  My instructional coach used the word grouping and after that day I have revamped the way I teach the Distributive Property!! Step 1 - I continue to use the Target theme to discuss distributing packages to each "person" in the parentheses.  This is time where  I really cheese out and talk about how horrible it would be if Target only distributed a package to the older gentlemen and took money from the little boy and never distributed a package to him. Step 2 - Here is the big change that I made!  Now, I always have my students verbalize that we have 2 groups of x plus 4.  My students learn to ...

So... it's that time of the year again, No not Christmas, it's time for THE Observation.  I am a seasoned teacher (wait, 7-8 years teaching is seasoned, correct?) with many wonderful reviews/observations/walk-thrus, etc. behind my belt. I am a confident teacher and love all things curriculum, engagement, rigor, technology and building student relationships.  So, why do I freak out when I have an observation.  All of a sudden, my confidence goes out the door and I second guess everything.  Recently I have been noticing on Twitter teachers placing the "Observe Me" sign outside of their door.  I think it's amazing for the instructing teacher and for the teachers observing.  All I can think of is when the Principal walks in, I get the feeling of when you pass a cop car and slam on the breaks even though you are going the speed limit.  I freeze on the inside and put on my best game face I have.  I always ask myself why am I such a nerd about thi...