Megan's Math PLP Blog

Central Tendency: Mean, Median, and Mode  Content Standards: CA/NY.6.SP.5.A,B,C&D This week I wanted to refresh my memory about central tendency in data sets. Central tendency is a way of describing a ‘typical’ member of a set of results based on the characteristics of that member. The most common ways of describing central tendency are mean, median, and mode. Khan Academy has a great set of videos that explain these in detail, beginning with this one: Statistics intro: Mean, median, & mode (video) .  Once I was reminded of what they all mean, I wanted to develop “real life” scenarios that would get my students to explore mean, median, and mode. I found this video that gave some example problems and does a good job of explaining why you might use mean or median or mode in a given situation: (Video) Word Problems: When to Use Mean, Median, and Mode   I also wanted to find a way to get students to explore these concepts without simply giving them word problems, but ...

Dyscalculia This week in my special education class we discussed specific learning disabilities. Specific learning disabilities are neurological disorders that make it difficult for students to read, write, speak, or do math, among other things. Dyslexia is the most well-known of these disabilities, but dyscalculia , or difficulty learning or comprehending numbers and arithmetic, is one of the least known learning disabilities even though it is thought to be almost as prevalent as dyslexia .  Students with dyscalculia may have trouble with: -counting -recalling math facts -using concepts like “less than” or “equal to” -using symbols like + and - -telling left from right or following a map -reading a clock or keeping track of time -using money -doing “mental math”   Get a glimpse into the mind of a student with dyscalculia by trying one or more of the exercises included here: Misunderstood Minds . Mathematics     Teachers can support students with dyscalculia by: -pr...

‘Notice and Wonder’ Teaching Strategy   I am intrigued by the idea of teaching math in a constructivist way instead of in the manner of the procedural lessons I grew up with. This week, I continued to pursue investigation-type teaching of mathematical concepts. I found a series of videos by Kristin Gray on the Teaching Channel highlighting the ‘Notice and Wonder’ teaching strategy.  I also found this website which features more of Gray’s work: https://kgmathminds.com/ .   (Unless otherwise noted, the mathematical standards referenced below are both NY and CA standards.) Kindergarten Notice and Wonder: Cuisenaire Rods Video : https://learn-teachingchannel-com.avoserv2.library.fordham.edu/video/kindergarten-notice-wonder-routine/?1632155187624   Summary : In this video, Gray brings up an image of differently colored bars on the smart board. The bars are of a variety of lengths and it appears that one or two sections are missing. She then asks the students what they not...

I want to learn how to teach 2nd grade students how to select the appropriate operation (addition or subtraction) to solve word problems.  NY-2.OA.1a Practices 1&2 When my daughter was in 2nd grade she knew what to do when she was presented with 8+3=__ or 10-4=__ but if she was given a word problem that didn’t explicitly say “add” or “subtract” she would often just guess which operation was appropriate. Her teacher sent home a study guide titled “How do we know if we add or subtract in word problems?” Under the heading “Key Words for Addition” it said Sum, Total, Altogether, Plus, and In all. Under the heading “Key Words for Subtraction” it said Remainder, Difference, Less than, Fewer, How many more?, Minus, and How Many Left? This guide was helpful to an extent but my daughter didn’t always remember to look at it and sometimes couldn’t find it at home (and I had no idea if she had it available for use at school). As her parent, I tried to talk her through the word problems, sh...