Amanda's Math Learning Path

Purpose: Piet Mondrian is best known for his abstract geometric paintings. His artwork is a wonderful place to introduce children to how math and art can be very good friends. In fact, art without math can be a bit of a mess. Imagine a building whose architect didn’t measure properly, or Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel without geometry or perspective. There are many ways to approach a math lesson using Mondrian as your inspiration.  Materials: Samples of Mondrian’s artwork and biographical information . Rulers Pencils Graph paper Drawing paper Construction paper Crayons, markers, paint ·         These are general supplies the materials list will vary according to the lesson plan you are following        Below is a sample of what a project might look like.  The example above can be done with graph paper, a ruler and markers. It can also be done with cut co...

Back to Basics: The purpose of this blog As a student who has not taken a math class since 1996 the best place for me to start my path is with the basics. Math has never been a very strong subject for me, it is almost a foreign language to me. Growing up most of my math teachers were frustrated with me, what was simple and clear cut to them was not to me. It did not make any sense. I would try and I would get a headache. Math was a language I did not understand, except when it had a practical real life application. Solve for x means nothing to me.  The purpose of my learning path will be to find the meaning and gain understanding. I have no doubt that if I am teaching in a classroom which requires me to teach math, I will master the math for that class. But, in order to do that I need to learn some fundamental math practices and theories. With that said, I will use this space for this purpose. I will look at math in two different ways: 1. By grade level. What does do you nee...

GRADE 1 The focus of this post is to identify the expectations for 1st graders in math. I would like to have a clear understanding of what they need to learn.  I like having all the information in one place for easy reference. I can now take my time with each area and look at it in depth at anytime. In first grade students are expected to learn : Operations and Algebraic Thinking Number and Operations in Base Ten Measurement and Data Geometry The students should enter 1st grade with an understanding of: Counting and Cardinality Operations and Algebraic Thinking Number and Operations in Base Ten Measurement and Data Geometry (www.corestandards.org/Math/Content/1/OA/) Examples: Operations and Algebraic Thinking for 1st graders Geometry in 1st graders Links: Common Core Math Standards for 1st graders EngageNY Grade 1 math Math Games IXL Math Prodigy Math Game Personal Reflection: It is important for me to see and understand what is required at...