Positive Mathematical Mindsets in the Early Learning Kindergarten Classroom, My Journey By Gail Degagne
Topic: How do we as educators promote positive Mindsets and by extension, positive Mathematical Mindsets in an Inquiry Based, Student Driven, Early Learning Kindergarten Program?
"Teachers can no longer be the content, but rather a vehicle by which to access said content", Gail Degagne
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When reflecting on what inquiry means to me, immediately the words, “student centered” come to mind. Inquiry based learning is truly reflective of our students and their interests, strengths and needs. At the heart of this is understanding/knowing our children. Really listening to them, listening during their play, during their daily interactions, observing, documenting… Once we truly know where are students are and where we want them to go, we can then use their strengths and interests to move them along a continuum of learning by providing learning opportunities that are responsive to their interests and needs. We as teachers can no longer be the content but rather a vehicle to access the content. Content can be found anywhere but the real question is, do the students have the knowledge and skills to access and understand this content then make use of it in meaningful and relevant ways.
Positive Mathematical Mindsets As Reflected in Our Student Driven, Inquiry-Play Based Learning Early Learning Kindergarten Program
How our ELK Program Supports Positive Mathematical Mindsets
Implementation
Measurement of Success
"Four weighs more than two..."
Background Research
Ross Greene
Carol Dweck
Jo Boaler
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Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
The Power of Mistakes and Struggle
Rich Mathematical Tasks
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Rich Mathematical Tasks incorporate the 5 C's,curiosity, connection making, challenge, creativity andcollaboration. When designing activities ensure they areopen, inquiry based, ask the problem before teachingmethod, have a visual component, have a low floor andhigh ceiling, and add the requirement to convince andreason.
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Current Research ...How?
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It is very clear the importance Mindset has on alllearning and especially the learning in the area ofmathematics. The value that is placed on makingmistakes and experiencing struggle. It raises thequestions:How do we create a mathematical environment in thekindergarten classroom which embraces mistakes, allowsfor struggle and maintains a Growth Mindset? How dowe create an environment that is rich with opportunitiesfor exploring mathematics and where children can developtheir mathematical understandings? How do we makemath both attainable and enjoyable for all our students?How do we value student thinking and utilize thisthinking to drive our instruction?
Early Learning Kindergarten Curriculum
Fosnot
New Perspectives
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Pearson
Marian Small
Parrish
Number Talk
Clements
Learning Trajectories
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Continued Reflection
How can I relate to educators how to more effectively use Math Talks/Number Talks/ Dot Talks to inspire the children to use the same language in their inquiries?
How can I relate to educators to use the environment to promote mathematical inquiries?
How can I relate to educators how to continue to create/foster positive mathematical mindsets in the ELK Classroom?
How can I relate to educators how to incorporate Fosnot's Landscape of Learning and teaching methods into daily provocations and student driven inquiries?
How can I relate to educators how to utilize routine mathematical activities to support/enrich student inquiries?
