Math Games for Fun and Learning

Our newly adopted math program, incorporates a variety of games to help children practice math facts and commit them to memory. We also continue to use more traditional methods such as flashcards and timed tests. Practicing the facts at home will help students master this important skill. Yes, flashcards, computer drill and practice games and timed tests are still useful, but remember that many games help children increase math skills by requiring them to plan ahead, reason deductively, think logically, make predictions and increase number sense. There are many commercially manufactured games that can increase mathematical reasoning and skills. Here is a list of some math / logic games I recommend for family fun and learning. These are available at toy stores, educational stores, or on-line stores:

Mancala, Othello, checkers, chess, Sorry, Monopoly, Connect Four, Mastermind, Rush Hour, SET (http://www.setgame.com)/, Knock-Out, Fudge, Muggins (http://www.mugginsmath.com)/, Gamewright Company games: Rat-a-Tat-Cat, Play Ball, Alien Hotshots, and more (http://www.gamewright.com/), Dream Green games: 1-2-3-OY (my favorite!) and Tic Tac Chec (http://www.thebestbargains.com/) Of course, any game that requires counting, keeping score, making money transactions, etc. are also valuable opportunities to combine fun and mathematics. Enjoy your family time together playing games and helping children learn.

My Teacher is Mean!

"That teacher is mean!" Over the years, I have heard my own chidren complain about certain teachers and my standard reply is, "You're going to have a lot of different bosses when you start working, so you might as well get used to getting along and dealing with him/her." As much as I might agree with my child (unless there were to be true mental or physical abuse going on) I show empathy and show support for his/her effort to cope with difficult situations. Below is an excerpt from an online article from the Love and Logic website:

"MY TEACHER IS MEAN!"What to do when your child dislikes his or her teacher
By Dr. Charles Fay

"Remember: By teaching children to get along with a demanding teacher, we also are teaching them how to succeed with a demanding boss. Research has shown employees get along with even the most demanding bosses when they:
Get to work just a bit early every day
Show up with a smile and a positive attitude
Listen and follow directions
Work a bit harder than expected
Get along well with other employees and customers
Kids who learn these skills at home and at school succeed with the most difficult teachers, get better grades, and eventually rise to the top of their chosen occupation."

To read the entire article, go to:

http://www.loveandlogic.com/pages/mean_teacher.html

Finding Information

“The next best thing to knowing something is to know where to find it.” I still remember these exact words from one of my own elementary teachers and I find them to be even more relevant today. Her lesson many years ago was to teach us that if we did not know an answer to a question, then the next best thing would be to know where to look for the answer. Back then, when we needed to find information, we relied on our textbook, a reference book, or a parent or another knowledgeable adult to provide us with the answer we needed. I can remember lifting huge Britannica volumes and turning through the pages to find an answer, hoping that the information was current enough to be correct. Knowing where to look for information is still an important tool for elementary students in today’s world. Books are still important resources; however, instead of sorting through huge encyclopedia volumes, they sort through many resources available through technology. At their fingertips is a wealth of information. One of our tasks is to help our students know where to find correct and reliable information and help them use it to make sense of the world in which they live. What a job we have!

Welcome to my blog!

Welcome to my blog! As an elementary school principal with many years of teaching and working with students, I feel very fortunate to have known so many wonderful families over the years. I feel fortunate to have had so many opportunities to learn from them and see them grow. It is with great pride that I see many of my former students as adults in the community, both as teachers, parents, and professionals. The rewards are great and I continue to learn something new each day and hope that I have an opportunity to teach something new each day.