Week 7 Math Reflection

©Breakey, D. 2015. Candy Patterns.

This week in math class we listened to presentations on patterning and algebra. The presentations were done in order of progression based on grades in school so each presentation built on the one before. I really enjoyed the fact that they progressed logically because it helped demonstrate how you can build on prior knowledge and previous lessons. It is also important, when using the Ontario curriculum, to understand the different expectations in each grade. The example today showed how in grade 4 curriculum students are learning to represent and communicate mathematical thinking by using models, numbers, pictures and so on. Whereas in grade 8 students are expected to build on their prior knowledge and now be able to use algebra to represent linear growing patterns using concrete materials. They should also be able to model linear relationships graphically and algebraically and be able to solve and verify algebraic equations using a variety of strategies. 

It is interesting, especially in class like math, to see how fundamental skills and understanding is extremely important. It is very difficult to progress through the curriculum and onto more complicated processes if a student does not successfully complete and understand the building blocks. Falling behind in math is something I believe is a reality for many students and should be a serious concern. If students fall behind and begin to feel lost it can be very difficult to catch up and learn new mathematical concepts because so much depends on what a student has previously learned.

I remember feeling like this at school. When I got lost in a lesson I found it difficult to ask for help. When I was unable to get assistance I would continue to fall farther and farther behind. It wasn't until I had a teacher take me through some of the fundamentals and ensure I had those core understandings that I was able to move forward successfully. 

In class today the activities chosen by my peers were extremely effective. The first introduction to patterning was done with candy as shown in the picture above. Immediately, this had the class's attention and we used a manipulative we could eat! Students were engaged and eager to complete the activity as there was a reward at the end. The second activity used a theme in their pictures. In the case of our activity, we were given a handout with Halloween themed patterns and asked to complete the sequence. Students often get excited about holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter so using themes can be a great way to get them excited about an activity or assignment.

The final presentation used really good manipulatives. My classmate created a mystery box which would have one number in one end and then push out another number from the other end. We had to solve for what operation the box was using to produce the number. He also used a scale shown below and overall he was able to keep our attention by using a variety of interesting examples. I'll definitely use some of these strategies and themes when it comes to my own classroom in the hopes of getting my students excited and ready to learn!

©Breakey, D. 2015. Patterning Handout. 

©Breakey, D. 2015. Presentation Scale.