Decomposition:  I first showed the students what dividing fractions looked like with a hands on approach.  We worked on concrete hands on examples and how you would divide simple fractions.  We found a song by the Jonas Brothers “S.O.S” changed the words to fit the method/steps that we would be using to solve division of problems.    (Shape. Operate. Simplify)

Pattern Recognition:  I used the fraction pieces that the kids created to gain a deeper understanding  what we are doing when we divide fractions.

Abstraction.  Students started to see that division was simply an extension of the skill we had mastered in multiplying fractions with a few nuances.  They understood how reciprocals were a major role in division and how it would show the parts of a fraction. 

Algorithm.  Once I had them understanding what the concept entailed.  I took them through the step by step process.  Step 1:  Change the divisor into its reciprocal.  Step 2 change the divide to a multiply sign.  Step 3:  Multiply the fractions.  Step 4:  Simplify if needed  in other words S.O.S.  From that point on whenever the kids heard the Jonas Brothers’ song “S.O.S” they knew what we were working on or doing!

Decomposition - break down each measurement - gallons to quarts to pints to cups

Pattern Recognition - notice that each measurement goes smallest to biggest and builds as it goes

Abstraction - conversions are used in everyday life

Algorithm Design - break down each step into smaller pieces so that they get the first aspect before moving onto the next

Decomposition- Clearly define and provide each component of the writing task.

Pattern Recognition- Highlight each specific part and practice finding them.

Pattern Generalization and Abstraction- Fill in each section of a writing template and going through the writing process with it.

Algorithm Design- Publish a specific type of writing, working through each step as a class.

Over the years, I have taught many lessons that did not go well. Teachers are unique people in that they can recognize that lessons aren’t going well and can adjust on the fly.  This reinforces the check for understanding during the lesson and the exit tickets at the end. I don’t believe I have taught a lesson over and over that didn’t go well. You adjust to accommodate your class. Every class is different. You need to use data to inform your teaching lessons, therefore, lessons aren’t necessarily going to be the same every year.

I taught Kindergarten for one year, and I was excited about an assignment of writing math problems on large sticky notes. They were to use the dominoes to write addition problems. They were so excited about the new materials it was hard to keep their attention to complete the assignment. They also were not familiar with dominos so some of the students had a hard time understanding my directions. My changes to this activity were to do it again after the students had experienced large sticky notes and dominoes. Use the lesson as more of a review lesson rather than a practice lesson.

Decomposition-Breaking down what questions each one answers.

Pattern Recognition-Find the noun first.

Abstract-Breaking down the purpose of each.

Algorithm-Giving the students a sentence to see if they can locate the adverbs and adjectives.

How to Fix:

-Write a template out for them to simplify - introduction sentence, example 1, example 2, example 3, conclusion sentence.

-Color code the different kinds of sentences.

-Then wean them off until they can do it themselves.

How to add in the Pillars of Computational Thinking:

Decomposition: Breaking it down for them on what a paragraph should have.

Pattern Recognition: Recognizing the pattern of intro., examples, and conclusion.

Abstraction: Color coding the different kinds of sentences.

Algorithm Design: DO IT!

Lesson Objective:

• Demonstrate understanding of reading tablature for the ukulele

• Play a melody using tablature

Computational Thinking

Decomposition: Breaking down the whole music piece into smaller sections  (e.g., intro, verse/s, chorus, and ending)

Pattern Recognition: Looking for similarities or patterns on the pitches/notes and/or rhythm throughout the song

Abstraction: (can be individualized to better address the students need)

• Identifying the notes used in each small part and focusing only on the frets where these notes are played. This will help students to not get overwhelmed with all the frets on the ukulele.

• For students with problems on finger dexterity: Practicing finger placements and open string plucking one hand at a time before playing with both hands together.

Algorithm Design: Develop a Rehearsal Strategy - for practicing individually at home, and for practicing in small groups inside the classroom. Creating a simple step-by-step process in practicing the piece (e.g., starting at a slow tempo or focusing on playing 4-8 measures at a time).

I have realized that my music classes most of the time only emphasize decomposition and pattern recognition, incorporating individualized abstraction and algorithm design can significantly enhance students' learning progress.