To begin with, the story of the fictional science teacher has become me, or shall I say, I have become it. I do have passion for my subject. I want students to catch my fever and love for Algebra. However, I have resorted, through time constraints of my own and of my school, to teaching straight from the text. No pre-read, no KWL, no nuthin'...I've already become Scrooge, and the ghost of "Math Teachers Past" is haunting me.
The comment on page 2 impacted me a bit. "...teenagers should not be 'getting ready' to be life-long learners--but should be acting like them right now." I did neither a good job of preparing them, nor of whetting their appetites to learn this past year...and I feel guilty. (However, I am also a mother, so guilt is the standard M.O. for the M.O.M.)
Page 14 states, "...They read too many textbooks, and not enough "real" books and articles..."
Okay, I'm hooked! Give me lists of books I can have my students read, comprehend, apply, etc. and enjoy in the process...oh, did I mention I am a Math teacher? I love to read. I love the thought of having my students being a part of the "Literacy Parade". But from there, I'm lost. Will this book show me, the math teacher, some examples or some reading lists to choose from. I hope so.
This book is keeping my attention, so far. The authors have a level of conversation with the reader as they share their information with me. Good form!!!
1 comment:
I can completely relate to your teaching experiences (and the guilt) - but I think that it is something unique to our field that we can continually reinvent our practice and learn how to move kids in different ways. You have such energy - that makes me think that your students moved further than you likely see right now...
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