Don shared some really great examples of finding opportunities in unexpected places. Do you seek out opportunities to get your students some out-of-the-ordinary experiences or encourage them to find those opportunities? After reading this chapter do you have some ideas of untapped resources that you and your students can utilize?
Next week we will read the next chapter, "Student Voices," and learn about student experiences firsthand
I enjoyed reading this chapter. Sometimes we have to be "bold" and see what happens. I'm going to explore and see if I can find any opportunities for my students this year. Students can find geometry in the "real world" which they like. I want to start by finding people who use geometry concepts in their jobs to spark some interest and enthusiasm with my students. I can build from there. Will be doing a lot of brainstorming during this next school year.
ReplyDeleteThere are great connections everywhere if you go out and look for them. A few years ago I reconnected with one of my college professors and my students got the opportunity to see "Calculus the Musical" performed at the college. It was a great experience that my students really enjoyed. Keeping the connection going with my former professors could probably lead to more opportunities for my students.
ReplyDeleteRecently, I had a conversation about math with a lady who offers knitting lessons. I have always wanted to learn how to knit. I love to crochet and make many projects, but have never learned how to knit. While I was asking about lessons for myself, the lady asked where I worked. When I told her I taught high school math, instead of the standard reply of "oh my" , she immediately smiled and said " there is a ton of math in knitting and quilting". She told me about how sizing projects and reading patterns involves math. She said I would be surprised by how many young people enjoy learning to knit. It was a great conversation with a lady who was eager to share how her hobby/ passion was connected to my job as a teacher. I'm sure there are many more people like this willing to share, you just have to stick up the conversation!
Sandy.. This is exactly what we need to look for when we step out if our box. Will you have the last come to your class?
DeleteThis has been my favorite chapter so far. The story of the students being prepared and going out of the way to be successful is a great story. I can actually relate to this story because my first degree is in Electronic Media News. When trying to get stories for our local college station was hard to get individuals to talk to you. I love the fact the students dressed the part and was prepared. I always tell my students that the prepared student is already several steps ahead of the unprepared student, no matter the intelligence. I will make sure to add the saying, "dress the part." I can't think of a story that relates to the success of their story. I will keep thinking though.
DeleteThat should be "strike up the conversation" instead of stick up the conversation! Angy, I probably would not be able to find a good part in my curriculum to incorporate the knitting lesson. However, it would be good to offer this as an enrichment activity for after school. Maybe I can start the math knitting club! I know Ms. Stuart has used knitting in some of her classes.
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the stories in this chapter. Because of our location, it would be more difficult for us to have an opportunity similar to Don's Super Bowl experience. However, schools everywhere can connect students and encourage them to support each other like Don's class did with the overweight student.
ReplyDeleteOur school has utilized opportunities in our community for several years. For example, Sunshine/Hi-Y volunteers with local groups. Our New Tech program spends two school days a year doing community service and building relationships within our community. Our FFA group (much like Southwestern's group) has multiple connections with local groups and individuals. Our partnership with the Mid-America Science Park allows students to learn trades such as welding and advanced manufacturing right here in our community.
We recently started a Key Club, which connects our students with members of our local Kiwanis organization and helps them learn about volunteering and community improvement. This past year we also participated in the Maverick Challenge, which helped students learn about entrepreneurship. The experience connected students with mentors who helped the participants think critically about entrepreneurship in their business area of choice.
Our administrative team, teachers, and students are always on the lookout for new community-based opportunities for our students.