Day 199

After 12 wonderful years in the classroom - the last two of which I focused entirely on teaching 6th grade math - I have come closer to realizing my dream as an educator. What's that, you say? I'd consider it the equivalent to winning an NBA championship if 100% of my students got a perfect score on a state exam. Until then, I'm celebrating what my most recent group of 6th graders accomplished. You may have guessed it by the bow tie I'm wearing in their honor. That's right - 100% of them scored proficient or better. In NYS terms that means they all scored a 3 or a 4 - 4 being the highest. What percent scored a 4? Um, 64%. Compare that to what the NY Daily News is reporting - only 60% of students throughout the city just passed their math exams. Am I proud of my students? YES! Do I think my job is done? Absolutely not. I just wish I had more money for bow ties! Maybe it's about time I really did hire an agent. LOL.

Today's bow was donated to the cause by the good folks over at ties.com. Check out their huge selection of ties here.

Day 31

In honor of the 100th day of school here at my school I've decided to rock my Benjamin Bow. I took the liberty of renaming it (forgive me, ties.com). Track the hundo, kids.

So a few days ago I remember promising a small video clip of a segment of one of my classes. Here's a little routine I use to help students remember how to convert between customary units for capacity (1 cup = 8 fluid ounces, etc). Normally I insert this call and response toward the beginning of class when students are generally more enthusiastic and engaged in some back-and-forth with me. For some reason I thought it would be a good idea to interrupt their independent practice yesterday and well, you'll see what happened. =) Lesson learned.