Welcome Back!!!

The start of a new school year is always exciting!  I am especially excited to return to the classroom after an extended maternity leave.  As the majority of my teaching time is allocated to Mathematics 6, 7 & 8, most posts will relate to math.  I truly enjoy this subject area and am always seeking out new and creative ways to help students understand the concepts.  My current practice includes using videos, picture books, manipulatives and SMARTBoard games/activities.  Check in with this blog often.  You will not only have the opportunity to simply know what your child is learning but you will also have access to many of the online resources that are being used in the classroom.  My hope is that any parent or student will access this blog anytime homework help is needed.

This year, I have also started incorporating interactive notebooks into math.  I will post pictures of the various activities in the notebooks.  Generally speaking, students create a product that features a particular math skill or concept.  The process allows students to have an 'experience' with the learning material which, in turn, creates a memory and helps to solidify the content that is to be learned.  These notebooks will become invaluable to students as they will be able to refer to them often for homework help as well.

Learning stations will also become a regular feature in the classroom as well.  Stations will allow me to check students' knowledge of basic facts, incorporate mental math and problem solving strategies, cover as much curriculum as possible and individualize and adapt for each student's learning needs.

My goal is to help make every students' experience in my classroom positive.  Success for students is most easily achieved through teamwork and communication between school/teacher, home/parent and student.  I personally believe that students are happier when they experience success and, in turn, parents and teachers are happier as well.  Please don't hesitate to contact me either at the school (306) 792-2080 or through email lsteiner@mail.gssd.ca. 

Below is the chart used for the 'Dollar Words' challenge that was given yesterday in class.  Students were challenged to create a word that equaled EXACTLY $1.00 or $100.  The values of the letters are on the chart below.  Take 10 or 15 minutes and try it.  It's not as easy as one would think.  Good luck!