Updates!

Gummy Worms in Math

This week we have been exploring non-standard units of measurement. You may have seen the little green and yellow rulers we made on Twitter. Today we will  engage the students in their by doing an measurement activity with gummy worms.  It's hard for second graders to work with candy and not be able to taste any of it.  Due to a variety of dietary restrictions students have, I plan on sending home one gummy worm for each student in a Ziplock bag so they can show you what they did in class and then EAT IT at home (if you choose to let them). 
Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns about this.  Thanks!

Changes to "Fast Facts"

At a recent workshop I attended with Math guru Jo Boaler, I was inspired to change some of my math practices. Instead of focusing on SPEED of math facts, I am focusing on FLUENCY and strategy. Therefore, the "Fast Facts" rotation of guided math is now changed to "Fact Fluency" and there will be options besides Xtramath (Addition War, Flash Cards, and more to come). The kids were excited about this change. Check out my tweets from last Friday if you'd like to see more about what I learned at the workshop. Better yet, look up Jo Boaler's work  on youcubed.org and you can read about the Math Mindset Revolution.