From the Editor’s Pencil
Recently, the school where I teach hosted a math ft.carnival. We opted to call it a carnival rather than a fair to allay any perception that competition would be attached to the event. In the days leading up to the carnival, there was unprecedented excitement about learning math, and students anticipated sharing math with peers, parents, friends and neighbours.
The problems we chose were obtained from the Galileo website (www.galileo.org) and were customized for the children involved. The children were to become experts with their problems and, at the math carnival, were to provide assistance if it was necessary. In my Grade 2/3 class, the children were also expected to write a story to go with their problem, illustrate the story and prepare a tri-fold backdrop for their booth.
The learning and engagement during the preparation time were phenomenal. We worked at math for whole days at a time, and children groaned when the bell went at the end of the day because they had “just one more thing to do.” At one point, one of my Grade 2 students said, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, Mrs. MacQ, but I’d rather do this than go to gym!” Another child told me that she used to be scared of math but now she understands that it is fun. What a wonderful lesson!
As teachers, we need to be mindful of how our enthusiasm for something challenging, interesting and fun can have an amazing effect on our students. You know you’ve got them hooked when you have to force them out of the room at recess!
Anne MacQuarrie
President’s Message
Len Bonifacio
From the Editor’s Laptop
Anne MacQuarrie
Alberta Learning Update Fall 2004
Learner Assessment Branch
Curriculum Branch
Learning Technologies Branch
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NCTM Sponsors Online Math Magazine
Math Leaders’ Fall Symposium 2004
Ivars Peterson
Math Leaders’ Fall Symposium 2004: From Myth to Math
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2004/05 NCTM Conference
Seeking New Student Affiliates
MCATA Executive 2004/05
Chocolate Mathematics
Alberta High School Mathematics Competition
