"Fishy" Expectations

There is actually nothing fishy about it.

We take our "Fish!" philosophy in math class very seriously.

This year in math class to help us be successful,

We will be following four basic ideas...

1)  We will focus on our attitudes...aiming to bring in a positive attitude as we learn all the new 8th grade concepts!

2)  We will interject fun into our learning experiences.  Variety, humor, review games, hands-on discoveries, and technology just to name a few will be how we have fun with math.

3)  Serving others by helping them through rough patches, encouraging them to keep going, and handing out positive comments will not only make learning much easier but will help keep our attitudes positive.

4)  Being in the here and now...in other words...being in the moment.  It's tough.  Even for us adults to stay present in each and every situation.  However, by attending to all the details going on in class means less missed instruction time.

Move Your Thinking

Our goal this year is to move our thinking.

Whether its a little bit or a large chasm,

Everyday I am challenging my students to move their thinking.

To learn something new.

To change a misconception they've held on to over the years.

To understand a different method.

To explain a procedure or solution with precision and justification.

Learning is lifelong.

So lets Move Our Thinking this year!

Right Around the Corner!

Our new school year is literally right around the corner!

Tomorrow, I will get to meet all of our new 8th graders

And then the following day... the rest of you!

Are you excited?

I know I am!

This year we will focus on moving our thinking.
After all, if you think about it,
That's the only way we learn...when our thinking gets moved.
We may come into class thinking one way (or not thinking at all!)
And our goal is when we leave, our thoughts will be altered.
Either to accommodate new learning.
Or to change a misconception we had about how to do something,
Or maybe a new method to solve a problem...that might be easier than the first time we worked it.
The move may be small...
Or it could be gigantic.
That is what will make this year so great.
To measure our successes each step of the way!

Bring your positive attitude and a smile
(and a 3-ring notebook, dividers, notebook paper, a calculator and a pencil)

And we'll see ya soon!