I found this thought in Buschman's book about helping children becoming problem solvers in math. (If you'd like to improve the mathematical problem solving in your classroom, this is the perfect book to pick up.) Obviously the quote applies to any area of the curriculum, but I find myself echoing how Buschman has found it to be true in math.
I have discovered teachable moments abound when I ask mathematicians to solve problems in ways that make sense to them and then carefully listen to their explanations. On more than one occasion I've had a look at a child's strategy and thought it looked like gibberish. Instead of dismissing it, with a deep breath and a smile said, "Now, tell me about your strategy." Come to find out, it was a brilliant strategy and one worth letting the child teach to everyone else. Those moments do not necessarily occur in a situation where the teacher controls the use of problem solving strategies. There is very little chance for conversation and explanation when children don't have the freedom to invent their own ways of understanding math.
I believe Buschman is right when he says that when we let go, we give children magic moments. Admittedly, taking the risk of letting go can induce all sorts of fears. Will there be any learning? Will I be able to teach all that's in the curriculum? What if no one organically invents the strategies that I believe are most useful? And so on. I can attest to the fact that letting go does not mean that chaos ensues. Instead, magic moments occur. They learn to be problem solvers. They learn to take risks. They learn how to communicate about their thinking. They understand math. They become mathematicians. It really is magical.
This is so true! We all need to listen to kids more closely, give them time to explain their thinking, and validate their ideas. I can tell by reading your posts that you are a master at this. You have created a classroom environment that values children and their thinking. You also do this on your blog. I've noticed that you always reply to everyone that leaves a comment on your blog. You value others' comments and show us this by responding to our comments. Thank you for caring:)
ReplyDeleteConnie Anderson:)
Welcome To First Grade Room 5
Connie, those are some very kind words. I still feel like I have so much growing to do when it comes to these things. (Thank you for reading and caring with your comments. I appreciate them.)
DeleteGreat thoughts, Tammy! I have found it I can just make myself take the time to have a conversation with the students on what they wrote down, it often does make sense and is actually good thinking even though it may not look like it. Thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, I can imagine that you're very good at this with your little readers and writers. They are fortunate to learn from someone who values their deep thinking.
DeleteI am heading over to Amazon right now to add him to my cart! I love your inspiration Tammy! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJulie, you won't regret it. It's an excellent read!
DeleteLove your ideas in this post! It is so important for teachers to listen to kids when they ask them to share strategies.
ReplyDeleteTara
The Math Maniac
Tara, I've sure found that to be true. Just giving them the chance to try out their own strategies in the first place has been amazing.
DeleteI love your inspiration! I love magical moments, too! This week I had a student be amazed when she realized that a subtraction problem backwards was the same as an addition problem. I've been trying to teach that concept daily, but something finally clicked and it wasn't due to any brilliant idea of mine. It was the brilliance that she already possessed!
ReplyDeleteJenny
Jenny, I love to it when they have the opportunities to find and show their brilliance!
DeleteI get so much out of the quotes you find and in reading your connection to the piece. I am planning to do some of this more open ended stuff in math this week. I am really trying to focus on letting my kids explore their thinking more often. I want them to show me how they know how to count by 2s or 5s or whatever. I think it may help differentiate for my kids who aren't getting it.
ReplyDeleteKimberley
First in Maine
Kimberley, I too want to continually allow them to explore and explain their thinking. I'd love to hear more about how that's working in your room.
DeleteIt is so fun to hear the strategies they come up with and often I think the other kids understand better than I do! ;-)
ReplyDeleteSounds like another book I need to get my hands on...
Crystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, I enjoy hearing their strategies too and they love teaching them to the other kids! Yes, get this book. :)
DeleteLetting go in the classroom is sometimes very hard for me. I don't think of myself as a control freak or anything, but I could definitely work on that:)
ReplyDeleteCan you tell I'm catching up on my blog reading tonight?
DeleteBarb, I'm not great at letting go in certain areas. Math has been a little easier for some reason. Yes, I can tell you're catching up. I've loved all your comments! :)
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