WHAT WE DO
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Concrete to Abraction - Use of Montessori Materials
I fell in love with Montessori education primarily because of the math curriculum. I am a very kinestetic learner. You can tell me how to do something, you can show me how to do something, but I connect when you allow me to get my hands on whatever the concept is and grapple through it. I learned math very traditionally with minimal concrete experiences. It was in graduate school when I pursued a certification in teaching through Xavier's Montessori teacher training program that the light bulb came on. Finally all of math I had done in my primary and secondary educational experiences made sense. As students move throught the 9-12 math curriculum, we decrease in the amount of concrete learning experiences and gradually move towards abstraction. I am happy to report that throught the use of common core standards with promotes deep conceptual understanding that I have found ways to provide more concrete learning experiences using various resources and the Montessori math materials in fresh new ways.
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Cooperative Structures
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We use Kagan Cooperative Structures. They are powerful and provide students with research based, inclusive strategies that foster healthy discourse, provide brain breaks, reinforce learning and encourage full participation by all learners.
Integration of Technology
Maria Montessori was a proponent of technology. In her day and time, the creation and incorporation of technology was evident. As we move towards the 21st Century classroom, we look for opportunities to integrate technology into the learning environment . We have been very well supported and equipped by our SMPO to have eBeam Interactive White Boards purchased and installed in all of our 9-12 classrooms this year. This is one of many new initiatives this year. Students are able to benefit from rich graphics, interactive tools and many other features of this technology.
Model Drawing- Problem Solving
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We will be continuing to learn model drawing approach to problem solving. It is comprehensive, logical and appealing to visual and kinesthetic learning styles. Students engage in rich mathematical discourse, demonstrate their understanding and strategies to solve real world problems. We will be focusing on fraction model drawing, ratios and proportional reasoning this quarter!
Project-Based Learning
This is the age of research and collaborataion. Students at this age thrive at solving problems together and independently. Througn the help of our Enrichment Specialist, students will engage in project based learning. More information is forthcoming within the nextfew weeks. It is my desire to roll out at least one math project per quarter. Stay tuned!
Advisory - My Tommor'ED
This quarter we are focusing on the following during our Advisory time:
Setting Academic Goals Using the WOOP model based on the work of Dr. Angela Duckwork
Career & Cluster Research - Marketing
Self-Control & Perseverance
Exploring CPS Junior High Options
