A Quick Trip to Gisborne

Sue Jarvis from Havelock North Primary and I were invited to speak about our MST experiences to a group of ALiM 2 teachers in Gisborne yesterday.  We presented a powerpoint of what was involved as well as sharing some resource ideas:

Gisborne MST 2 Power Point

We felt we did a good presentation and worked cohesively as a team.  We were honest about the study commitment  but also the benefits to our teaching and how much we have learnt, personal growth and the pay off back in the classroom.

It was a great 24 hrs full of stimulating professional conversations around the teaching of mathematics with teachers and advisors from all over the East Coast.

Back to the groups:

So far its taking a little while to settle but the children are for the most part engaged.  The year 3s have a huge amount to learn but keeping them focussed has been challenging and short and sharp seems to be the requirement.  My potential problem senior boys are being fantastic and I am feeling good about where we can go with their learning. My main focus is keeping them engaged but covering the basics and having a game as a reward at the end.  I am also now going to be available on Fridays to meet with teachers to offer advice and support - which kind of feels arrogant but I only wish to help so hopefully this will be successful.  It will also mean I can catch up with my cohort 1 students whom I am missing.

Connecting with whanau:

My commitment to connecting with Whanau will hopefully receive a boost tonight with our Maths Evening and general walk through.  I made separate posters as a reminder and hopefully with connect with a few of the parents tonight.  I also have jazzed up the Ministry Parent Evening Powerpoint and this will be the focus of tonight's meeting.  Brendon, Tony and I will collectively present to parents and answer any questions we can.  Idea is to respond to the detrimental media reports regarding children failing due to the way we teach maths now.

We had 15 parents turn up to the parent math info night which was disappointing but we attributed the low number to time of year and perhaps a bit late at night.  One of my MST children's mums came and it was great to connect with her.  She made a positive comment about how her son's attitude to maths had changed for the better.  the rest of the staff were pleased with the contact with parents which was positive and Robyn Holt came in support as well.