A Terrific New Word for Learning!

BIG IDEA: Iteration is the act of repeating a process with the aim of approaching a desired goal, target or result. Each repetition of the process is also called an "iteration," and the results of one iteration are used as the starting point for the next iteration.

Think about that: what a great to summarize teaching and learning. Wouldn't this be a better way to shift student mindsets about the concept of failure? It certainly underlines the notion that "a mistake is an opportunity to learn." Plus, if you consider fractals, it's a rather beautiful thought too:

 What role might iteration play in your classroom this year? 

The Day they Discovered Pi...

It's Pi Day again tomorrow! (In fact, since this is the 3rd month of 2014 doesn't that make this PI MONTH?!)

Sometimes nothing engages students more than a cheesy song about math, right? Especially BECAUSE they know they can create something MUCH, MUCH better! And that's exactly what should happen to push that learning into long term memory:

"They rhythmic repetitions and content-packed nature of music make it a very effective mnemonic device for learning new material...[or summarizing learned material]. Remember that the students' creation of the [song], not it's presentation to the class, is where the greatest learning occurs." Rick Wormeli

For Pi Day and other resources check out Edutopia. Happy Pi Month!

Math: Three Different Ways

Exploring all techniques, exploring all answers, these Grade 3 math students are problem-solving without anxiety in an inclusive learning environment. Cool.

Got Cuisenaire rods?

Hey Math teachers. Happy Pi Day. In the spirit of celebrating numbers, what does the number 1 actually mean? We've been learning about the incredible versitility of using Cuisenaire Rods. Check out this video and let us know what you think.



P.S. There's one math mistake in the video. Did you spot it?

~HFCRD37 Coaching Team