Posting to Facebook to record events of our trip has its limitations. I have so many thoughts and reflections, more than would fit in a Facebook post. And I risk boring family and friends with events that may only be important to me. We have been in Japan for one week traveling to Tokyo, KyotoContinue reading “Travel Journal – Mansion in the Mountains”
Author Archives: Marge Kobewka
Summer Reading
As I sit reading and writing on a summer afternoon it’s hard to imagine a prettier spot to reflect on Donalyn Miller‘s two books: The Book Whisperer, and Reading in the Wild. Her clear message is that we go beyond teaching children how to read and comprehend; we are to create life long readers.Continue reading “Summer Reading”
Saturday Morning Reflections from Twitter
My colleagues often hear that one of my best sources for professional learning is Twitter. Well it’s true. Here are some Saturday morning reflections. When I read this I had an ‘ah ha’ moment about where we have come from and where we are going in education and online learning. Here is a quote fromContinue reading “Saturday Morning Reflections from Twitter”
That Moment
Jo Boaler’s course titled: How to Learn Math, inspired me as a math teacher and learner. This course challenged me to think of ways to include Number Talks as part of my online course for grade three students. One way I have done this, is by developing Three Act Math lessons* in the form of videos to promoteContinue reading “That Moment”
One Common Thread
What a week this has been! So much to think about. On Monday Martin Brokenleg engaged us all as he spoke about the Circle of Courage: The spirit of Belonging: I am loved, The spirit of Mastery: I can succeed, The Spirit of Independence: I have the power to make decisions, and the Spirit of Generosity: IContinue reading “One Common Thread”
Thoughts on Student Assessment
Will this assessment help me to identify student’s needs as learners? Will it help me to guide next steps? These questions swirl around my brain. See that determined orange tabby climbing higher to to new levels? That’s what I want for my students. Recently this phrase, caught my attention, actionable feedback. Feedback kids know theyContinue reading “Thoughts on Student Assessment”
December 2014, Travels to India.
The bridge was a parade of life in Haridwar, Hindu pilgrims, who came to wash in the holy water of the Ganges, priests, holy men, families, and school children. School boys flew kites from the bridge in the cool breezes. They skillfully competed to send the other’s kites into the fast flowing Ganges. Their laughterContinue reading “December 2014, Travels to India.”
Mathematical Curiosity
Curiosity – Can you think of a time when you or your kids were mathematically curious? When it comes to math it seems that we focus on knowledge not on curiosity. Jo Boaler’s course interviewed several speakers who have a passion for math, people who have what she calls an ‘inquiry relationship’ with math. ComputerContinue reading “Mathematical Curiosity”
Teacher Language Matters
As I listened to examples of number talks in the math classroom, this stands out, teacher language matters. “I think I heard you say.” “How did you know you should have…..” “Where do you think your mistake came from?” “So you are saying…” “How did you figure that out?” “Do we see it another way?”Continue reading “Teacher Language Matters”
My Mother and ‘The Number Talk’
My brother nodded in agreement and chuckled, “Yes our mother was great with numbers.” She had the ability to use numbers fluently, a skill we we both easily acknowledged. How well I remember standing next to my mother in a grocery store or bank as she quickly and easily calculated totals. I would line upContinue reading “My Mother and ‘The Number Talk’”