Independent and dependent clauses - Google Class OnAir episode

The Video
There were two learning intentions for this lesson.
1) Identify independent and dependent clauses.
2) Identify the subject and the predicate

This lesson was precursor to a lesson on complex sentences. In order to understand complex sentences kids had to have a good understanding on independent and dependent clauses.  The episode starts with the kids spotting the difference between two different clauses. This then leads into a whole class lesson about clauses in particular independent clauses. The video wraps up with footage of the children participating in the subject/predicate activity and also features children working on their presentations. Please visit my Google Class OnAir site for a detailed  lesson plan, reflection and examples of the kids work.

Multiplication inquiry reflection

Term 1 is almost over. It's been a long one but a good one. The post below contains information about my term 1 inquiry that we presented to our professional learning groups in staff meeting last week.

The Question
Evidence from IKANS test and conversations with the kids suggested they were lacking in their knowledge of multiplication basic facts. This got me thinking ‘How can I significantly improve my kids times tables knowledge within a learn, create, share pedagogy?’ Below are some of the strategies I tried and the results.

The Humble Tumble
I introduced a tumble to my maths program. This ensured each child got at least 20 minutes a day       to work on the multiplication basic facts they needed to.

Basic facts station
The basic facts station included multiplication/division wheels where the kids would test themselves or play with a partner. It also included multiplication snap. Each child played a card then it was race to multiply the two numbers together. First person to say the correct answer won that pair of cards.

Multiplication songs
The kids could also watch and learn the multiplication songs we found on youtube. They had access   to the 2 - 12 times tables songs through our class site.

Regular tests
To track progress,  the kids were tested on their knowledge of the first 100 times tables basic facts

The results

This graph shows the amount of shift the kids made in their times table score from the start of February to the end of March

Reflection

Overall the inquiry was successful. The children made gains in their times tables knowledge and were generally engaged and wanting to learn them. I will be carrying on with the basic facts station into term 2 however I will be changing the activities to ensure the kids don’t get tired of them. The children who have a great understanding of times table 1-10 will be encouraged to learn the 12’s, 13’s and the division basic facts.

The basic facts station also promoted self monitoring which was great for the kids. At times it got a little messy when some kids went of task but after a word or three from myself they were back on track.

Times table creations - Class OnAIr episode

This is my latest Manaiakalani Google Class OnAir episode. Recently my class have been focussing on learning the time tables. This task was designed to consolidate their learning of recent weeks. Visit my Google Class OnAir site for the lesson plan, reflection and examples of the children's work.

The Video
The learning intention for this was to create a rap, song or poem and to participate 100% as a member of a group. The start of the video shows the whole class introduction of the task and then moves into a small group session where the children check in with me. At the 4 minutes you see some of the children reflecting on the task. This lesson/task came about after the class had been making a conscious effort to learn the times tables over a number of weeks.

The multiplication complication

To increase my kids times table knowledge I have included a basic facts station into the maths program. The goal was to make this station engaging and 100% child monitored as the children would be working at this station while I was working with a small group.

So far the station is proving to be a success. The children are visibly engaged when they are there and often ask when it is their groups turn at the station. At this point and time the station includes two activities:

 1 - Multiplication/division wheels
This task has the children testing each other on a times table they find challenging. If they get one wrong they have to find out the correct answer and say it 5 times e.g "6 x 8 = 48,  6 x 8 = 48..."
This task can also be done without a partner.

2 - Multiplication card game
Children start with the same amount of cards. At the same time each child turns over a card. The   goal is to be the first of the pair to correctly multiply the two cards together. The winner takes the cards. The person who gets all the cards is the winner. This game is works well particularly for the children who know most of the 1 - 10 times tables as the packs of card they use go up to 13. These children are encouraged to select cards that included 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13. I have 3 children who really struggle with times tables so these students add the numbers on the cards.

To keep the children engaged I will be changing the various activities up during the term. While the children are engaged I have yet to test them to see if this station is having any effect on their achievement. This will be happening soon so watch this space.

Talking Points - Class OnAir episode

The Video
The learning intention for this lesson was to participate in a group discussion by actively listening and speaking. In the video you see the children being introduced to the activity and having their first discussion. In the last minute you see the children being introduced to the reflection activity. The group was intentionally put together with children who wouldn't naturally speak their mind in a group setting. To see a detailed lesson plan, reflection and examples of the kids work please visit my Google Class OnAir site.

The times tables hurdle

Times tables basic facts have always been a common hurdle for kids to get over. Not only do they have to understand the concept but they then have to go about the process of memorising them which can be painful and boring.

This year I have a maths class of 27 year 7/8 children. It is evident from conversations with the children and their IKAN test scores that there is a general lacking in times tables knowledge.  This is holding them back from learning and understanding more advanced mathematical concepts and strategies.

My CoL inquiry focus this year is: How can I significantly improve my kids mathematical knowledge using the Learn Create Share pedagogy? This term I will be inquiring into how I can develop the multiplication knowledge of my kids. My first step will be investigating how to get 'buy in' from the children. As mentioned above the process of learning times tables can be painful and boring, but what if it wasn't? What if it was fun and engaging and kids really wanted to learn them? Who knows what amazing shifts could be made in the children's maths progress this year. I'm looking forward to finding out.


Image courtesy of janjf93 pixabay

Explanation writing - Class OnAir episode

The Video

The learning intention for this lesson was to plan & write a piece of explanation writing using the T.I.I.C (Title - Introduction - Information - Conclusion) structure. In the first part of the video you see a whole class lesson where I am recapping what we had covered in a previous lesson, and I also introduce the explanation writing plan. The second part of the video shows me working with a group of children as we go over their plans to then start the process of writing using the writing template. To View the detailed lesson plan and reflection visit my Google Class ONAir site.