Today I had the pleasure of visiting a fourth grade classroom watching them create illustrations to help them solve word problems. After students were given time to solve the problem, they were given a chance to talk about their solutions with partners. I heard several fantastic conversations as I walked around the room during "Math Talk."
Student: I like the way you approached that problem. I didn't think about it like that.
Student: Let me make sure I understand.......Why did you solve it that way?
Student: I wasn't able to get the answer. Can you help me find the answer?
Student 1: Why are you drawing the whole calendar?
Student 2: I have to draw it like this, so I can solve the problem. ( I was so proud of this student for being honest and stating what she needed to solve the problem. The other student was so respectful after hearing her reply)
These conversations are wonderful opportunities for students to learn from each other while developing respect for others opinions, learning to be patient and wait for their turn and truly listen to others. Believe it or not, this isn't something that comes naturally for students. Students learn valuable skills that benefit them later as they work in teams accomplishing a task.
As a Literacy Coach, I was a fish out of water since I walked into their Math lesson. But as I watched the variety of ways to solve the problem, it reminded me that a story or a problem can be viewed from different perspectives. It was a neat story that unfolded before me as twenty students approached one problem in so many different ways, yet respecting each other's ideas.
I might be a Fish out of water, but I hope to swim with them during another Math lesson!
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