Exploring the World through Interactive Simulations

Math, Science, Technology, , ,
PhET Interactive Simulations
· Appropriate for: Building teacher background knowledge, Use in class, For student independent work · Available: Lessons, Hands On Activities · Readiness: Resources can be used as they are · Engagement: 3 = very engaging

For many of us, teaching math and science are relatively new endeavors. We came to adult education as generalists with no particular background in math or science, but now that there are new college and career readiness standards in adult education and a new HSE assessment in New York State, I think we’ve all realized that there is a need for us to teach some basic content in chemistry, biology, earth science and physics. I don’t know about you, but that proposition is pretty intimidating for me.  Continue reading Exploring the World through Interactive Simulations →

Mental Math to Increase Student Computational Fluency and Number Sense

ESOL, HSE, Math, Pre-HSE, , , , ,
Number Talks
· Appropriate for: Use in class, Knowledge of teaching · Available: Problems · Readiness: Resources can be used as they are · Engagement: 3 = very engaging

A Number Talk is a brief activity teachers can do with students to help build their computational fluency, number sense and their mathematical reasoning. They don’t need to be longer than 5-15 minutes and they can be done with students at any level.

Continue reading Mental Math to Increase Student Computational Fluency and Number Sense →

Use Graphic Organizers to Support Student Thinking and Writing

HSE, Pre-HSE, Writing
Education Place Graphic Organizers
· Appropriate for: Use in class · Available: · Readiness: Resources can be used as they are · Engagement: 2 = engaging

Research tells us that writing instruction is much more effective when teachers use tools that will help students organize their thinking and ideas before writing.  This is called the “Planning” stage of the writing process and this website is one of many that houses free graphic organizers for classroom use with students. Continue reading Use Graphic Organizers to Support Student Thinking and Writing →

My Favorite No: A Great Way to Celebrate Student Mistakes in Math

HSE, Math, Pre-HSE, ,
My Favorite No: Learning from Mistakes
· Appropriate for: Use in class, Knowledge of teaching · Available: Videos · Readiness: Resources can be used as they are · Engagement: 3 = very engaging

My Favorite No is a great assessment activity that turns students’ mistakes into collective opportunities for learning. It can be done with any math topic or content. It takes very little time, so teachers can do it often and weave it into the daily routine of their class. I learned about it from a middle school teacher named Leah Alcala through a video created for the Teaching Channel. Continue reading My Favorite No: A Great Way to Celebrate Student Mistakes in Math →

Use Paired Texts to Explore Pros and Cons

HSE, Reading, Social Studies, Writing
ProCon.org
· Appropriate for: Use in class · Available: Texts/Readings · Readiness: Resources can be used as they are · Engagement: 3 = very engaging

The Common Core requires us to switch from writing personal essays built on our opinions and experience to text-based essays that respond to a prompt using evidence from paired texts. Continue reading Use Paired Texts to Explore Pros and Cons →