L. 7 Blog Assignment

 Would I treat teens like adults in my classroom? In terms of the disciplinary consequences of their actions, no. I would not just say, "If you don't follow these rules, then you are thrown out." Instead, with each classroom disturbance or disciplinary infraction the consequences I would guide them in thinking about the consequences of their actions, and increase the consequences in severity as the disruptive behavior continues.

Math and Music in the Classroom

I have always thought there should be a place for music in the non-music classroom, and watching the U of O video on music strengthened this belief. While I can't hope for a "Mozart Effect" by playing music,  I may be able to use it to up my students' mood and arousal, which should help them learn. Using music though seems like it would be tricky, though, since different types of music evoke different moods, and there are always personal preferences. But if I use music in limited situations, such as before the beginning of class and during bell work, and involve the students in choosing it, I may have some success with using it.

I'm someone who feels "math disabled" so I wish my parents and teachers had linked numbers to real concepts and situations for me when I was young. In an elementary class,  it should not be too hard to find ways to work in math in everyday activities to help them see how math is everywhere in our world.  I can ask students to find  examples of geometric shapes in the classroom and on their way home. I can ask them to count off by 3's as they line up. Or I can ask them to estimate how many spelling words we will have mastered by the end of the year. Whatever I do, I need to help my students realize that math can be fun, and is very much a part of our lives.