WOW what a way to begin the year.  For some it may have been confronting, for others it may have reaffirmed what is currently happening and for those new to the teaching game what an beginning.  Ann Baker joined us for a day of questions, sharing of ideas and strategies.  She was honest, brutal at times but most of all Ann shared her passion of mathematics with us all.

We began the day with an example of Ann’s mental routines.  The focus was being able to observe how the children answered the questions and the different strategies they were using.

How could I do this?? Needed to rethink how I was presenting my mental tasks and allow myself the opportunity to observe as well as ask questions.

As a teacher of older students I needed to know that this would work and not be seen as ‘kids’ stuff.  Phew…..Ann shared a strategy of ‘Guess my number’. Ensuring the children are not asking low level questions there were criteria they needed to follow.  Sounded perfect.  Another task to add to my list to try when we started school. There were so many ways to ‘crank it up’ it ensured that success was had by those children who struggle as well as providing opportunity to extend others. A question asked was about those children who ‘copy’ or lack confidence in their ability to try new ideas.  Ann’s reply…..What you do with a friend today you will be able to do yourself tomorrow. Allowing children to learn with a friend often provided them with the scaffolding they needed to move onto doing things alone. A great way of thinking.

Keep to the same routine for approximately 2 weeks.  Love the idea but I was a little concerned about the reality.  We all know what chaotic places classrooms can be at times.  I didn’t want to have a negative impact on my students but ws not sure how I would do this.  More conversations to have with my team and co teacher………Almost brain overload.  I was also itching to get in our classroom and have a go. (the story of that to follow….not pretty!!!)

Having used the mental routine to activate prior knowledge it was the time to move onto problemetised questions or indeed a strategy lesson (just in time learning needed to be successful in future lessons). Maths should have realism.  There needs to be a purpose to learn or try new things. Where am I going to get the ideas or situation to make thing ‘real’ for my kids?

We then looked a the Secret Code – a wonderful way of empowering students to explain their mathematical thinking as well as giving many alternatives to ways they have been previously taught. Can’t wait to try this.

One final reflection…..If you can’t solve an addition problem in 6 different ways you can’t add.Another challenging thought but one I could certainly live with and share with my students.