Discussion 3a

o Math ~ Amanda LaTurner Marlo, I am glad you visited other sections of the site. I get so focused on the lessons and ideas for teachers that I miss some excellent insights. I will definitely go back and look into the other parts. I agree that the more we can include parents, the better the results for everyone. As students move from elementary to middle to high school, family involvement can fall off dramatically. As teachers we need to get even more creative with ways to stay in touch. I have gotten good success with a nightly emails to parents about the day's activities, content covered, homework assigned, and upcoming events (like tests). Our Family Nights have had mixed attendance depending on what else in happening in the community. I am anxious to visit the student section. It would be very interesting to assign the poll and look at the results, I think I would probably get some very positive student responses to including more art into my academics. I have found that I am providing more opportunities for students to show mastery using a variety of media, beyond pencil and paper. The more I close my eyes and jump instead of fear that the curriculum will suffer, the more I am pleasantly surprised at the mastery shown. I can see an increase it the depth of explanations when I let go of the reins a bit. So far I am more comfortable letting go during reviews than content presentation.