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As a new teacher, with only a few years under my belt, I realize after I read this article that I still rely heavily on my teacher manual, the digital aspect of my lessons, and the worksheets and notes that come with each lesson. I really want to do more hands-on activities with the students because I believe that students learn better when they are able to do things hands-on. I learn better that way too. I recently did a measurement lesson where students got out rulers and yardsticks and measured things around the classroom. They enjoyed the activity and excelled in that unit and on the unit test! Doing the hands-on activity really helped them fall in love with the unit.

Stephanie Mack

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Even though I currently teach fourth grade, I still aspire to learn about essential instructional practices of earlier grades. I'm also a first year teacher. The text talked about meeting students where they are by providing appropriate contexts and learning activities. I find this is an area I can improve in. I have students at varying math levels (as most teachers do), so I find it hard to support them all during math instruction. Though we do also have online math time that caters to where they are at individually. One part of text that I connected with was the mention of tasks at higher levels of cognitive demand being used to support learning of math instead of just spitting out answers. This made me think of story problems and multi step problems. My students often have a hard time recognizing that there's multiple steps and interpreting some story problems.

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I love the inclusive perspective these essentials take--Establish norm for learning environment, supply supportive learning environment etc. I love all those and think it works for any content too. I want to learn more about the specifics each essential will reveal and look forward to the strategies too.

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I struggle myself with Math. I'm hoping this will help me be more comfortable teaching Math in the Resource Room. They already struggle, so my hopes is this will ease their anxiety as well .

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As I begin this class and reflect on my feelings about teaching math to first graders, I realize that I tend to become very focused on teaching the one thing I feel most confident teaching, which would be reading. I also am aware that whenever I focus on another subject, my excitement and interest in teaching that subject grows again. What I love about teaching math to first graders is that they do naturally find math fun and they love to see the patterns in numbers. I do see as children get older, math becomes more of a challenge and when they struggle to understand the concepts being taught, they develop a negative attitude towards math. My hope is that I can foster that natural love for math in my students and that they will continue to see themselves as mathematicians throughout their lives.

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I am looking forward to learning more about the essentials in early math and sharing thoughts and ideas with others. Math time was always a little anxiety producing for me in school. I see this in some of the children I work with now. I definitely agree with the importance of incorporating math into other subject areas as well as encouraging more of a play based approach to teaching math concepts. I appreciate the idea of giving children opportunities to explore and experiment with math materials and manipulatives on their own and at less structured times.

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It it is so crucial to help little children fall in love with math concepts at an early age. It is the teacher's job to make it clear and understandable to help the child not feel overwhelmed but confident. I'm excited to dig deeper into the essentials to learn more strategies for doing so.

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I am very excited to get into these instructional practices. I am looking forward to learning about these practices and applying them in my classroom. I hope to be able to help my struggling students connect to math and improve their math esteem.

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I appreciate the systematic focus given to Essentials in early mathematical practices. I can see how this might give an organizational checklist for teachers as they set up classrooms, instruction, centers, and I really love the thought given to playful engagement and dedication to the environment first, then formative assessment, then instruction, and family engagement. I also appreciate the connections from our past mathematical PD that embeds all of the great foundational practices. I am looking forward to getting as familiar and comfortable with these as I am with the literacy essentials.

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I'm very interested in these 8 practices. Many teachers struggle with teaching math, and why some things are taught. Looking forward to learning more!

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"We believe that use of these practices will
set our state on a path to make a measurable positive difference in mathematics achievement in Michigan, as well as contribute to the development of high-quality STEM experiences". Math is an essential tool in the STEM experience. Without being equipped with the proper math tools it would be extremely difficult to have a meaningful STEM experience.

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I'm looking forward to diving into the Essential Practices for math after so much has come from the literacy Essential Practices. I like how the document stated that these Practices can be used within a variety of approaches to mathematics instruction as I teach in a Montessori classroom. I'm looking forward to seeing how these Practices are already naturally incorporated into our curriculum and how I can incorporate any that are not.

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I am so excited as an educator to see our state value the teaching of math, especially early math. It makes sense to study what works, and make them essential practices. In addition to strengthening our ability to understand and put into practice these values, I also like that this document will help us to evolve as mathematicians.

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I am excited about the focus on math in early childhood classrooms, since so much time and energy is already focused on reading (which is great and important, but math is too!). The part that stood out to me is "We hope this document will serve as a guidepost to shift educators away from such debates and toward a focus on working together and with families to enhance the ways in which we support, recognize, and use children's mathematical thinking and the varied ways in which children express their thoughts." There are many debates around teaching math and which way is best, and this document isn't adding to either side of any argument, but rather serving as a guidepost on which we can all begin building the best foundation for our students.

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I am very much looking forward learning more ways to make kids more comfortable with math and having a real sense of self efficacy as a mathematician:)

I also did a double take when I read about letting kids lay down while learning math. Looks like this old dog may need to learn some new tricks.

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I am really looking forward to learning more about the math essentials. We have focused so much on the literacy essentials recently and have had little PD relating to math. I'm anxious to dive into them and see what can be adapted to improve our current practices.

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I read another post that mentioned how students were coming to her saying they were, "bad at math." I experienced and felt this myself until college and one amazing college algebra teacher to change my mindset towards math and how I saw myself as a math student. All is takes is one positive role model showing them this is NOT true. When our students trust us and we are tell and show them they ARE mathematicians then they will truly believe it.

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As I read Purpose, I am looking forward to learning more how the eight Essential Practices are interconnected.  As a kindergarten teacher I never know if my students will come to me with a vast knowledge and comfort level with math, or whether they even know what a number is. I have to start them where they are and use a variety of resources. I struggle with only using one specific math program to meet the needs of all of my students, (I currently have 3 math programs in my classroom), which leads me to be extremely interested in learning more about the overall approaches to math instruction this course will offer.
Sandy Gendich

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I'm not trying to copy Heather below me but I completely agree with her!  I feel like math often takes a back burner to reading and it is nice to see the same depth of research and content presented in this!

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I am curious to see how this all connects to our new curriculum within our district.  I was part of the team that researched and helped to purchase the new curriculum and I look forward to seeing if they are a part of it, and how to incorporate them where needed if not.

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I am excited to learn about math essentials. I like that it seems to be more student led and driven. I would love to see them retain more math knowledge. I want students to keep the confidence they seem to have in the lower elementary grades.

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I absolutely loved the literacy essentials and am SO excited to focus now on the math essentials. I was the student growing up that said "I am not a math person." That is a statement I never want to hear from my students. I want my students to have positive experiences using their own curiosity to build upon what they know. I want them to feel free and safe to experiment and explore through hands on materials and play. My goal is for all my students to develop a relationship with math where they can and will say, "I AM a math person!' Thank you for offering this training. I am excited to explore these practices!

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I am excited to learn more about these essentials.  When I worked in a GSRP preschool classroom we focused much of our time on meeting kids at their level and using play as opportunity to extend their math knowledge.  Now that I am teaching 1st Grade I am looking for ways to keep kids learning through play in my instruction.  I think this document will help me do that!

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As I was reading I kept thinking FINALLY!! I am excited that we finally will have a framework statewide. I also love the idea of starting with what kids know and their curiosity. If they can use their "way of thinking as building blocks" they will retain the information forever!

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While I was reading this it brought to mind another book that I am currently reading titled "Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics". I have only gotten through the first few chapters, but it seems like the essentials and this book will go hand in hand. They both talk about things like room set up, making math more accessible, teaching kids to think instead of always focusing on the end result, and helping children to see themselves as being successful in math.

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I am excited to learn about the math essentials! I like that it uses children's thinking and sense making as a building block for future learning.

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I liked reading about the framework to provide comprehensive math instruction. Too many times we (I) go with what works - but staying open to new ideas and methods will help me and my students. I hope to gain insight into effectively using the 8 essential practices. Thank you for providing this training!

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I like that the focus of this document is on really understanding children’s mathematical thinking and meeting children where they are and providing meaningful math experiences. I am hoping this document will help me with teaching those early foundational math skills to my Kindergarteners.

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Something I found interesting was "many educators have not been given adequate opportunities to learn about the intricacies complexities of early math." I found myself learning from my first graders this year about their thought process and I wish I had more time to examine and learn along with them.

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I am wanting to make sure I am aware of the ways in which children make sense of mathematics. I teach 3rd grade so I hope this gives me more insight.

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I'm excited to learn more about equitable participation because everyone is scared to answer questions in math. My students love to do number talks.

Jill McNitt

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I'm excited to dig into the math essentials! I like that the purpose included the idea of helping children see mathematics as a part of their everyday worlds.

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Teaching math goes beyond the walls of the school building. Having a collaborative approach with outside resources and parents in teaching math can deepen the understanding and development of math in children. One of the best feelings for me as a teacher is hearing the students during math say, "Oh, now I get it!" When there is a lightbulb moment, it fuels my passion for teaching. I can see it drives the students to continue to make more connections in regards to math.

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I am excited to learn about some instructional practices in Math. I seem to focus a lot on the literacy essentials which have been helpful, but looking forward to new concepts and skills in Math to make it more fun and engaging for the students.

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This year has been challenging for all of us. We had to put our normal curriculum aside to use a virtual curriculum (Canvas). And I was NOT at all impressed with it. I am also new to 2nd/3rd grade, and have been so focused on the Reading Essentials, that I felt it was important to make sure that I am improving in my math instruction as well.

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I have loved learning about the PreK literacy essentials and I feel that they have really helped me to adapt and improve my teaching those concepts and skills. I had just been looking to see if there were any classes on Math essentials, when I found out about this document. I am excited to learn new ways to teach math skills to my littles!

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I think so many teachers of young learners know that there are important steps that are being overlooked when using many of the math series that we are currently using with our young children. I so believe the importance of meeting a child where they are at and helping them along their path of learning. I am excited to explore these instructional practices to help make math exciting and fun for my students.

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I loved reading the 5 values and many of them really hit home.  I liked the example of the typical "idea" of a scientist or mathematician being a man in a white lab coat holding the different tools.  It is so important for all children, regardless of background, gender, or ethnicity to BELIEVE they are mathematicians and have confidence.

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I am excited to take from this course some ideas of how to empower students to see and learn math from a young age. I've know immersion is important, but this seems to be a very usable framework to start with the curiosity of young children and build a foundation of interest from the early ages. I wonder how this will transform student outcomes at higher levels - as they move through schools. The habits and play of number sense-making is going to be neat to watch! Also, I wonder how I can empower parents and other learning partners to build opportunities for joy from math.

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After working so much the last couple of years with the Literacy Essentials, I am excited to put some time and focus on instructional practices in math! I am  looking forward to gaining more knowledge on how to improve the way that I teach math to kindergarten students. I feel that this is an area of weakness for me and I am very interested to learn more!

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All of the years I have been teaching, it seems our focus was on reading. That is vital but I have always felt that we needed to put equal time and energy into mathematics. I am so excited that we may be heading in that direction.

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I'm wondering how connected these Math Essentials are in regards to the Standards of Math Practices. I love that we have this opportunity to dive deeper into the new mathematical practices of inquiry and exploration. I can't wait to learn more about the Math Essentials.

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Working in the Essentials reminds us to be focused on a strength based approach. Knowing where students are to begin with will help us, through research, strategies, and interconnectedness throughout our curriculum to have mathematics become a habit of mind for learning and to make sense of the world using perseverance and a growth mindset.

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This reminds me so much of my training with the literacy essentials. I'm glad we're able to take some time to focus on math. In the past, we've taught the students that math is black and white - there's a right answer and a wrong answer or there's a right way to solve a problem and a wrong way to solve a problem. That's why we hear parents say so often "that's not the way I was taught it OR I was never good at math." I'm excited to see what essential 8 (working with families/stakeholders) is going to be about!
Kristin Tebo

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I am so glad that math is also getting noticed and essential practices are developed.  I totally agree with the statement that teachers are just thrown into teaching math.  There has not been a lot of time for teachers to dig in and learn the complexities of early math instruction.  I hope with this document, more emphasis will be given to math, like what was given to literacy.
I loved how the document really emphasized starting early math with the children's own curiosity and building upon that. I also loved that educators should meet the child where they are and build essential foundational skills from the children's starting point, not necessarily the math programs starting point. I also loved how the document explained that we should use the children's everyday setting to incorporate as much math as we can. There are so many natural opportunities in the day. I think it is great to start using the natural opportunities. I also loved the point of making math fun! The children are naturals at play. I think they could learn so much more if we make math fun and learn important foundational and higher-level skills through playing! Finally feels like we are moving in the direction of what is best for little learners!

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One of my professional goals this year is to learn how to be more engaging in math and how to make math fun. In reading page three of the document, I liked how one of the points was giving children options of how they interact with math tools.

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As someone who never really loved math I am excited to learn these practices. The design of the learning environment and engaging families really interests me.
Kristen Payton

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After reading the purpose it reminded me that we need to put emphasis on math like we do the literacy essentials. I like how it highlighted the importance of early instruction and exploration to build a good math foundation. I am excited to see a shift of focus on mathematics and look forward to learning more to help me in my teaching.

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I was also reminded of the Literacy Essentials document as I started reading.  It made me realize that although I have received a lot of literacy training, there has not been much emphasis on math.  I'm very excited to begin delving into mathematics to improve my teaching in this area and to make math more fun and enjoyable!
Kristen Smith

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Reading the beginning of the is document reminded me of the beginning of the Literacy Essentials document. It highlighted the importance of early instruction and exploration to build a good foundation for later math work.
I look forward to learning and reflecting on how I can adjust my mathematical teaching to help my students succeed.

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I took this class to see how math is taught in early elementary.  Most of my experience is with upper elementary and college level.  By 3rd grade many of my students tell me they are bad at math.  My college algebra students say the same thing. This document gives me hope that there can be a turn around.  I love the idea of meeting the child where they are; that is what I try to do, but if it could be done in early elementary maybe the child wouldn't be so negative about math.
Ann Douglas

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It is so nice to see a systemic focus on mathematics in the early grades.  Without a concerted effort over the last eight years, I feel like the CCSS transition is spinning its wheels-inching forward as we change the face of mathematics education.

I am excited to see this since it is a critical piece to making a math a subject that children (and teachers) understand, but more so, ENJOY!!

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These practices will shift systems so that every child develops strong early math understanding, skills, & dispositions. I love the idea of bringing JOY to math!