Browsed by
Tag: karyn hodgens

Really, Texas? No calculators?

Really, Texas? No calculators?

I just read that the Texas State Board of Education is getting rid of calcuators in the elementary grades. It’s a good thing, too, because I’ve no doubt that every kindergarten through fifth grade teacher hands their students calculators so that these teachers can get out of doing what they love doing…teaching. Honestly. Although not approved yet, it’s only a matter of time. Because, as we all know, politicians know best. And, yes board members, you are politicians. I remember…

Read More Read More

The Artistic Side of Math – Tessellations

The Artistic Side of Math – Tessellations

I love M.C. Escher! I have a whole book on his work and love to share it with my students when we’re studying angle measurement. That’s because we’re going to tie math and art together through modifying polygons similar to how M.C. Escher did it in some of his paintings. It’s all about tessellating shapes and angles. Using pattern blocks, I show students how shapes tessellate. See photo below. Then, I have students determine the angle measurement of each of…

Read More Read More

Math Around Us: Parallel Lines

Math Around Us: Parallel Lines

One of the best ways to teach students geometry vocabulary is to simply look around our environment. For example, if you want students to understand parallel lines, pair them up and hand them an individual white board and take a stroll around the school. Have them write down all the parallel lines they see. Here are two examples of parallel lines in our environment. Check out all the parallel lines in the door, the windows, the bookshelf, even the light…

Read More Read More

Adopt a Class or School – Change a Life Campaign

Adopt a Class or School – Change a Life Campaign

We’re working with Sammy Rabbit on his “Adopt a Class or School – Change a Life” campaign. If you’d like to participate, email me. Details are below. “Adopt a Class Change a Life” Campaign Special Teach Children SMART Money Habits! Book + Music + Activity Strategic Multi media, Multi intelligence approach teaches smart money habits; builds reading and listening skills! Special (limited time only) 3 Items for price of 1 Get a FREE Story Book: It’s a Habit, Sammy Rabbit!…

Read More Read More