Saturday, February 25, 2012

CHP 9: Mathematics

In my first grade classroom I use lots of direct instruction.  This includes skill and drill of addition and subtraction facts and the use of manipulatives to teach place value, geometrical figures, and money.  I like to play the game, "Around the World" to review math facts.  I introduce the game at the beginning of the year and can informally assess a gain in memorization and quick recall of math facts. 

After reading this chapter I realize that I need to do more modeling of the steps necessary to complete word problems.  First graders have difficulty self regulating and tend to make simple mistakes when completing a single or multiple step problem.  I like the mnemonic strategy "FAST DRAW."  I feel that I can create a similar strategy for my first grade classroom to encourage self regulation in my students.

Self regulation is a strategy that is beneficial in all subject areas.  Students need to self regulate when they are reading, following directions, and completing an experiment.  I will spend more instruction time on teaching my students the process of thinking about a question, identifying the key words/numbers needed to solve the problem, and checking for error.

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