Mathematical Meanderings

Wow, I learned a few things today in math.  I've thought about using math journals both as an interdisciplinary tool and as a way to check for understanding, but must confess that looking through all of them each week, sounds daunting, not to mention potentially out-of-date with where they are now.  Today we talked about using online journaling thru RSS feeds.  That makes them seem more relevant to me.  I can find out the same day they write about their confusion and address is readily.  I appreciated learning that they should never be graded - I hadn't thought about that yet.  I mainly wanted them to help inform my instruction.

We also learned a few more tools to add to the toolbox:
* Fathom - a very dynamic graphing software that can even use data sets from the web!
* Data and Story Lab - on the web for finding interesting data sets.  I liked the idea of inspiring our students to be "data detectives."
* Geometer's Sketchpad - we hope to get a demo of it next week.

We talked more about the "Using Creative Writing and Literature in Mathematics Classes" article today. The idea of using multiple disciplines to get students to show their understanding excites me.  I'd love to give groups a video camera and have them tell their story or even explain how to do the math, so that the writing isn't even a block for them.  It could be illuminating and entertaining!

Let There Be Light

Yes the holidays are upon us again.  This year is very different for me.  In years past I would not have even considered putting any Christmas lights up before Thanksgivinhg.  As is often the case in my life, when I have strong feelings and reactions at one time in my life, I get to experience the "other side" somewhere down the line.  That would be this year. I kid you not; Halloween had scarcely been gone one week, when I began to pine for colorful lights to shine at night brightening our ever-earlier darkness.  The odd thing is that my whole family felt this way - unheard of for each of us!  We made quick work of hanging lights, checking bulbs and setting the timer.  Now as the twilight approaches, lights magically appear chasing away the darkness.  Why might I write this for my literacy blog you may be asking yourself.  Good question. 

I liken illiteracy to darkness.  Each tiny step we take, or help someone else take toward literacy brings light to our lives; the ability to communicate our needs and our gifts with possibilities for ever-more growth.  As my classmates and I grow our writing skills, and our toolboxes for teaching both reading and writing, we carry the potential for bringing light to others - the very light that helps them grow further into their blossoming.  This may be the most significant thing we get to do.  The big idea for me - Let There be Light - and do everything that I can to support it whenever the spirit moves me!