Wowza. As if I needed another reason to want to travel. A friend was telling me about how he liked experiencing New Year's in other locations to take in different traditions and such. I like the idea. Although, I imagine (non-Lunar) New Year's in London to be very similar to that in North America, I can say that this fireworks display is probably much more impressive than anything else that I could have witnessed on this continent.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Yogurt woes
Oh, right. Yogurt in North America tastes like water. And this is coming from a girl who drank skim milk (when I used to drink milk, that is). Oh, Swiss yogurt, you have spoiled me for life.
Numeracy and literacy...together
As I said in a previous post, I tasked my students to write a reflection on their course readings in the form of The Important Book, by Margaret Wise Brown.
The idea of this assignment came about because I regularly bring children's literature into my class. I will always have a table set up for my students to browse, with different books that implicitly (some examples here) or explicitly (some examples here) have connections to math. I will try to use some books in my lessons to that my student can see just how they can be used. And of course, I use them because I believe in them and I see that my students enjoy it when I do use them. Anyway, it had been awhile since I really used a book in my lesson, and I wasn't entirely sure if my students were taking advantage of the books I lugged to class each day for them to browse through. I knew that on this particular day, I'd only have 10 minutes to teach and in this time, I wouldn't be able to get to any mathematical content to the level that I would be satisfied with. But, I did want to remind them of the power of children's literature, the importance of bringing literacy into the math classroom (or vice versa) and I needed to find out what kind of content they had gleaned from the readings from that week.
You can tell I love to teach because I'll just come up with ideas, seemingly out of thin air. I just love teaching so much, that I will start day dreaming about different activities that I would like to try out in my classes.
Anyway, so that was the task and I just had to share a few of them...
***************
The important thing about math is supporting individual differences.
You need to recognize and know your students.
You need to provide them with tangible ways of learning abstract concepts.
Manipulatives, examples, and different learning centres are just one step.
Calculations, problem solving, or memorization can be daunting.
How will you eliminate math fears and anxiety?
It all starts with differentiated instruction and meeting all students’ needs.
You will start to build a community, and a place where everyone can learn.
You need to focus on the small ideas that build the bigger concepts.
Know your students, know their learning styles, and get creative.
No matter what you’re teaching, think of every single individual in your class.
But the important thing about math is supporting individual differences.
***************
The important thing about math anxiety is that we as teachers can diminish it
Math anxiety stems from an emphasis on black and white answers
Math anxiety stems from an emphasis on speed
Math anxiety stems from an emphasis on students' public display of ability
Math anxiety stems from a lack of confidence
Math anxiety stems from a belief: you are either born able to do math or not
Math anxiety stems from a perceived innate inability to do math
But the important thing about math anxiety is that we as teachers can diminish it
***************
The most important thing about math is that it is fun.
Most students tend to find mathematics boring.
But it can be so much more if teachers want it to be.
You can bring math into the food you eat
You can bring math into your daily exercise.
You can bring math into the music you make.
You can make math into a game to play
Math is a subject that can be used all day
And when students leave school and all is said and done
The most important thing about math is that it is fun.
***************
The most important thing about integers is that zero is not the lowest number
Integers are only introduced in intermediate years, before they slumber
Students understand integers, as they are common in our world
Like seeing a credit account, where their finances have swirled
Like playing a round of golf, where one can end above or below par
Like noticing water to be above or below sea level, they may see from their car
You see, it’s the “Zero Principle” that dictates integer rules
It’s where you can add or subtract, multiply and divided as long as you follow key tools
Any number can be added to its opposite to result in a value of zero
By following this, you’ll become a mathematics hero
Integers may be hard at first, but following one rule, you won’t cumber
But the most important thing about integers is that zero is not the lowest number
***************
The most important thing about us is
that we perceive the world in different ways.
Some see expanding brackets through a haze,
and shiver at the mention of a quiz,
while others were at birth a numbers whiz----
at least their parents don't mind all that praise.
But they forget the old familiar phrase:
how key that 99-to-1 thing is.
When you put work into a task, and feel
a sense of great accomplishment well up,
the inspiration to discover more
will grow quite naturally. No need to be
innately "gifted." Some may quibble, but
the most important thing is: your way's yours.
***************
The idea of this assignment came about because I regularly bring children's literature into my class. I will always have a table set up for my students to browse, with different books that implicitly (some examples here) or explicitly (some examples here) have connections to math. I will try to use some books in my lessons to that my student can see just how they can be used. And of course, I use them because I believe in them and I see that my students enjoy it when I do use them. Anyway, it had been awhile since I really used a book in my lesson, and I wasn't entirely sure if my students were taking advantage of the books I lugged to class each day for them to browse through. I knew that on this particular day, I'd only have 10 minutes to teach and in this time, I wouldn't be able to get to any mathematical content to the level that I would be satisfied with. But, I did want to remind them of the power of children's literature, the importance of bringing literacy into the math classroom (or vice versa) and I needed to find out what kind of content they had gleaned from the readings from that week.
You can tell I love to teach because I'll just come up with ideas, seemingly out of thin air. I just love teaching so much, that I will start day dreaming about different activities that I would like to try out in my classes.
Anyway, so that was the task and I just had to share a few of them...
***************
The important thing about math is supporting individual differences.
You need to recognize and know your students.
You need to provide them with tangible ways of learning abstract concepts.
Manipulatives, examples, and different learning centres are just one step.
Calculations, problem solving, or memorization can be daunting.
How will you eliminate math fears and anxiety?
It all starts with differentiated instruction and meeting all students’ needs.
You will start to build a community, and a place where everyone can learn.
You need to focus on the small ideas that build the bigger concepts.
Know your students, know their learning styles, and get creative.
No matter what you’re teaching, think of every single individual in your class.
But the important thing about math is supporting individual differences.
***************
The important thing about math anxiety is that we as teachers can diminish it
Math anxiety stems from an emphasis on black and white answers
Math anxiety stems from an emphasis on speed
Math anxiety stems from an emphasis on students' public display of ability
Math anxiety stems from a lack of confidence
Math anxiety stems from a belief: you are either born able to do math or not
Math anxiety stems from a perceived innate inability to do math
But the important thing about math anxiety is that we as teachers can diminish it
***************
The most important thing about math is that it is fun.
Most students tend to find mathematics boring.
But it can be so much more if teachers want it to be.
You can bring math into the food you eat
You can bring math into your daily exercise.
You can bring math into the music you make.
You can make math into a game to play
Math is a subject that can be used all day
And when students leave school and all is said and done
The most important thing about math is that it is fun.
***************
The most important thing about integers is that zero is not the lowest number
Integers are only introduced in intermediate years, before they slumber
Students understand integers, as they are common in our world
Like seeing a credit account, where their finances have swirled
Like playing a round of golf, where one can end above or below par
Like noticing water to be above or below sea level, they may see from their car
You see, it’s the “Zero Principle” that dictates integer rules
It’s where you can add or subtract, multiply and divided as long as you follow key tools
Any number can be added to its opposite to result in a value of zero
By following this, you’ll become a mathematics hero
Integers may be hard at first, but following one rule, you won’t cumber
But the most important thing about integers is that zero is not the lowest number
***************
The most important thing about us is
that we perceive the world in different ways.
Some see expanding brackets through a haze,
and shiver at the mention of a quiz,
while others were at birth a numbers whiz----
at least their parents don't mind all that praise.
But they forget the old familiar phrase:
how key that 99-to-1 thing is.
When you put work into a task, and feel
a sense of great accomplishment well up,
the inspiration to discover more
will grow quite naturally. No need to be
innately "gifted." Some may quibble, but
the most important thing is: your way's yours.
***************
Monday, January 23, 2012
New year, new template!
I wasn't organized enough to wear new clothes today, but I do have a new template for the blog. I might tweak it a bit, but we'll give it a go. The former template served me well. I like it. But I suppose everything needs an update every so often (ahem, bio on the sidebar...)
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Like a proud parent
Remember when I started this blog and posted about the wonderful things my students did? I haven't done that in awhile, have I?
My role has shifted since that time but I still get a chance to be oh-so-impressed by what my students do.
This past week, I got them to write reflections on their readings a la The Important Book, by Margaret Wise Brown and they are pretty fantastic.
I wonder if this is the kind of feeling that parents get when their children do great things. Except that some of my "children" may be older than I am.
My role has shifted since that time but I still get a chance to be oh-so-impressed by what my students do.
This past week, I got them to write reflections on their readings a la The Important Book, by Margaret Wise Brown and they are pretty fantastic.
I wonder if this is the kind of feeling that parents get when their children do great things. Except that some of my "children" may be older than I am.
I mean, really.
Is it ridiculous that on a day that was stormy and cold, I saw two girls with attired such that one was wearing 5-inch pumps, bare legs, a mini skirt so short and tight that she had to keep pulling it down so that she could climb the stairs without something going terribly wrong and a Canadian Goose bomber-style parka and the other was wearing 5-inch ankle booties, bare legs and skirt/shorts/dress/anything that was so short that I don't even know what she was wearing because I couldn't see it peeking out from under her mid-thigh length wool coat? YES.
Is it truly that I'm terribly judgmental? Also, a resounding YES.
Is it truly that I'm terribly judgmental? Also, a resounding YES.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Learning about socks
I need help in the fashion department.
Socks.
Colour. Style. Pattern. Texture.
I'm clueless.
And ladies fashion magazines don't help. Realistically, I can't wear tights or boots every day, so some days I will be traipsing about in footwear where my socks will be visible. And I don't know how to 'make it work'. And of course, we're just talking the times before/after I'm able to switch into footwear that doesn't need socks at all. There are certain days wear I am not able to make the switch at all. And I do need to invest in some additional non-boot footwear where my socks won't be visible, but don't get me started about how difficult it is for me to find a pair of shoes that I am willing to purchase. Knowing me, I'm over thinking this to the max, but the bottom line is that I need to know what kind of socks to wear when I'm wearing footwear in which my socks are visible.
Gentlemen, you are my inspiration. As much as I like a flowy skirt and getting glammed up in a dress, I also subscribe to androgynous fashion. And as I said, I don't think women really know what they're doing when it comes to my dilemma so I have to turn to the boys for this one. Pitti Uomo just finished up last week and it never lets me down. The pictures that I've seen are amazing. The spotlight is now on Milan, so there's more for me to learn from there.
Honestly, I think my bigger dilemma is that the style that I would love to subscribe to doesn't work for the climate that I live in and the lifestyle that I lead. And that maybe I'm just not gutsy enough to make it happen.
But the fact still remains, I don't know what to do about socks.
Socks.
Colour. Style. Pattern. Texture.
I'm clueless.
And ladies fashion magazines don't help. Realistically, I can't wear tights or boots every day, so some days I will be traipsing about in footwear where my socks will be visible. And I don't know how to 'make it work'. And of course, we're just talking the times before/after I'm able to switch into footwear that doesn't need socks at all. There are certain days wear I am not able to make the switch at all. And I do need to invest in some additional non-boot footwear where my socks won't be visible, but don't get me started about how difficult it is for me to find a pair of shoes that I am willing to purchase. Knowing me, I'm over thinking this to the max, but the bottom line is that I need to know what kind of socks to wear when I'm wearing footwear in which my socks are visible.
Gentlemen, you are my inspiration. As much as I like a flowy skirt and getting glammed up in a dress, I also subscribe to androgynous fashion. And as I said, I don't think women really know what they're doing when it comes to my dilemma so I have to turn to the boys for this one. Pitti Uomo just finished up last week and it never lets me down. The pictures that I've seen are amazing. The spotlight is now on Milan, so there's more for me to learn from there.
Honestly, I think my bigger dilemma is that the style that I would love to subscribe to doesn't work for the climate that I live in and the lifestyle that I lead. And that maybe I'm just not gutsy enough to make it happen.
But the fact still remains, I don't know what to do about socks.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
It's just cruel
It's all about resort wear right now and I'm stuck in the land of Canada Goose coats. I'm surprised that I haven't seen any babies in the stuff yet. I'm not joking - it exists.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Social Feed - Toronto edition
This evening, I participated in the inaugural Toronto event of The Social Feed. Originally started in Vancouver, attendees pay for a ticket to attend a dinner at a local restaurant. I think it's an interesting idea. I didn't know what kind of folks would be interested in such a thing and the fact that it was a 'family style' meal intrigued me as well. And for $28, it was worth the 'risk'.
Well, it was really fun!
I've previously attended a 'buy-a-ticket-for-an-event-with-strangers' thing before, and while it was a neat experience, I found that most of the crowd seemed like they already knew each other and was not quite as willing to branch out. I had enjoyed the premise of the event (which was different than this one), but had felt quite awkward at times. In this instance, there were a couple of us who came with another person, but everyone seemed genuinely interested in getting to know other people at the table.
We were seated at two rectangular tables placed end to end, which didn't actually work out too well for meeting everyone at the event. There wasn't an organized 'mingling' period to the night, so I think we naturally just chatted within the smaller tables. I happened to be seated along the wall in the middle of the long bench seat, so I wasn't able to conveniently move about. Others who were on the facing side of the table seated in free chairs did attempt to swap seats between courses, so my one recommendation to the organizers/hosting restaurant would be to seat the group at tables with easy access to all seats. We did discuss and organized swap of key seats at each of the tables, but it didn't end up happening very effectively. Maybe another group would have been more proactive about it. I too could have been more proactive and not worried as much about inconveniencing my bench-seat neighbours by having them slide over to let me out.
The food was fantastic as well. I had dined at Czehoski's previously, but I don't remember it being as good as our meal was tonight. Here was our menu. Another great thing about this set-up was that it's clearly a win-win for the restaurant and the attendees because larger portions are easy to cook and multiple courses and better for sampling. I would have never been able to get a 12-course tasting menu for $28. And all of the food was great. The dessert...oh, my. So. Good. And the ice cream that went with the Apple Tartin was salted caramel, not vanilla. Yuuuuuuuuum. Often at group meals, you get dud food. This was clearly a well thought out menu, with a motif throughout. It flowed well and was well paced. Passing around plates of food does lend itself well to conversations and 'grazing' also lets folks take breaks to chat and not be rude when reaching across to get that 2nd helping of whatever. The food was seriously good and it got better as the meal progressed. I'm still not a fan of risotto, but the rest of the mains were really good, and well, I've already expressed how delicious the dessert was. Pacing seemed quite good. We got enough breaks between courses to chat and (sort-of) mingle and well, allow us to be able to eat all of those courses. It was a lot of food!
It was an interesting mix of people who attended the event. I liked it. I couldn't (well, I could...but it was still curious) believe how quickly folks pulled out their Smart devices, Tweeted, Instagrammed, Facebooked, swapped contact info, etc. This is where business cards would be useful. I guess that's the point, right? Exchanging info through pieces of paper is obsolete? I refuse to believe it. I suppose that's what social media is all about. Is it contradictory that I would be interested in an event like The Social Feed, but am vaguely disgusted with social media?
Anyway, who knows if I'll actually cross paths with these folks again, but even if it does just turn out to be a discrete event in my life, I would have to say that it was a success.
The second Toronto event takes place next week and is already sold out. There are just a couple seats left for the third event.
I would definitely go to another 'Social Feed'. And you should too.
Well, it was really fun!
I've previously attended a 'buy-a-ticket-for-an-event-with-strangers' thing before, and while it was a neat experience, I found that most of the crowd seemed like they already knew each other and was not quite as willing to branch out. I had enjoyed the premise of the event (which was different than this one), but had felt quite awkward at times. In this instance, there were a couple of us who came with another person, but everyone seemed genuinely interested in getting to know other people at the table.
We were seated at two rectangular tables placed end to end, which didn't actually work out too well for meeting everyone at the event. There wasn't an organized 'mingling' period to the night, so I think we naturally just chatted within the smaller tables. I happened to be seated along the wall in the middle of the long bench seat, so I wasn't able to conveniently move about. Others who were on the facing side of the table seated in free chairs did attempt to swap seats between courses, so my one recommendation to the organizers/hosting restaurant would be to seat the group at tables with easy access to all seats. We did discuss and organized swap of key seats at each of the tables, but it didn't end up happening very effectively. Maybe another group would have been more proactive about it. I too could have been more proactive and not worried as much about inconveniencing my bench-seat neighbours by having them slide over to let me out.
The food was fantastic as well. I had dined at Czehoski's previously, but I don't remember it being as good as our meal was tonight. Here was our menu. Another great thing about this set-up was that it's clearly a win-win for the restaurant and the attendees because larger portions are easy to cook and multiple courses and better for sampling. I would have never been able to get a 12-course tasting menu for $28. And all of the food was great. The dessert...oh, my. So. Good. And the ice cream that went with the Apple Tartin was salted caramel, not vanilla. Yuuuuuuuuum. Often at group meals, you get dud food. This was clearly a well thought out menu, with a motif throughout. It flowed well and was well paced. Passing around plates of food does lend itself well to conversations and 'grazing' also lets folks take breaks to chat and not be rude when reaching across to get that 2nd helping of whatever. The food was seriously good and it got better as the meal progressed. I'm still not a fan of risotto, but the rest of the mains were really good, and well, I've already expressed how delicious the dessert was. Pacing seemed quite good. We got enough breaks between courses to chat and (sort-of) mingle and well, allow us to be able to eat all of those courses. It was a lot of food!
It was an interesting mix of people who attended the event. I liked it. I couldn't (well, I could...but it was still curious) believe how quickly folks pulled out their Smart devices, Tweeted, Instagrammed, Facebooked, swapped contact info, etc. This is where business cards would be useful. I guess that's the point, right? Exchanging info through pieces of paper is obsolete? I refuse to believe it. I suppose that's what social media is all about. Is it contradictory that I would be interested in an event like The Social Feed, but am vaguely disgusted with social media?
Anyway, who knows if I'll actually cross paths with these folks again, but even if it does just turn out to be a discrete event in my life, I would have to say that it was a success.
The second Toronto event takes place next week and is already sold out. There are just a couple seats left for the third event.
I would definitely go to another 'Social Feed'. And you should too.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Hmmm...
Those folks who do the "don't eat after 7pm" thing(/diet). Do they just miss out on a lot of social functions? I don't really understand how it's possible. It just doesn't seem realistic.
The Joy of Books
Book...they're not just good for reading.
Woot - Type Books!
It's based off of a previous video that Sean and Lisa Ohlenkamp made. I'd seen it before and liked it, but I forget from where:
Woot - Type Books!
It's based off of a previous video that Sean and Lisa Ohlenkamp made. I'd seen it before and liked it, but I forget from where:
Monday, January 09, 2012
Thursday, January 05, 2012
The Life of a Bauble
It would have been better timed if I'd posted this a couple weeks ago, but for someone who, when I was younger and still put up a tree each year, kept the tree up well into February (I remember, because it was piano competition season and I would stare at the tree to help me memorize my pieces), I guess it still fits post-holiday.
Gah
It's 4am. I'm still wide awake. I mean, I know people who are soon going to be getting up for work, for goodness sakes. I've tried going to bed, but I just can't turn my brain off. I really need to snap out of this funk.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
HA HA HA HA HA!!!
I stumbled upon this today.
So, in high school, I was part of a jazz dance group. I had no jazz dance background and knew nothing about the genre, but I would just pick up whatever choreography was given to me. The Spangles Dance Company is hilarious because it's so old school jazz. And even funnier is that we did all of those moves in our routines.
So, in high school, I was part of a jazz dance group. I had no jazz dance background and knew nothing about the genre, but I would just pick up whatever choreography was given to me. The Spangles Dance Company is hilarious because it's so old school jazz. And even funnier is that we did all of those moves in our routines.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)