What I believe...

I believe I could easily incorporate some of these WTL strategies in my math class. I especially like the idea of the exit slips and admit slips not only to help students with their writing but to use as a gauge of what they know and don't know (see http://www.wku.edu/3kinds/dmaesguide.html for pros and cons). I also believe that providing a daily writing break might be useful for the same reason. Halfway through class, students could write what they learned on index cards and provide examples. Some of these strategies are similar to one another, such as the exit and admit slips, mapping and clustering, written conversation and write around, with only small variations (see http://www.wku.edu/3kinds/ writdemolearn.html for some specific ideas).

Strategies for the Future

Justin and I finished the book trailer for our book "The Number Devil." I've learned yet another wonderful tool to use in my classroom. Justin and I began this project by playing around with separate movies before agreeing on the final script. The book trailer captures the audience's attention right off the bat. I can't wait to see the movie :)

My topic for the Reader/Writer's Project is "What are some effective and viable building block strategies for teaching math vocabulary that I can use to help my students attain content literacy?" In the past, I taught vocabulary rather passively in math (not in reading), but now I realize the necessity in students taking a more active role in their vocabulary learning process, utilizing background knowledge and connections that work for them so that they can have an arsenal of vocabulary that makes sense to them. I want students to be better equipped before they read the text and before taking part in explicit lessons.

If anyone would like to write to me about their ideas for teaching vocabulary, your comments are welcome.