Goals
Planning -Find ways to teach fractions and division using manipulative.
2nd period - I will model the lesson
Debrief | Discuss possible adjustments
3rd period - Tiffany teaches the lesson

Post Summary:

Planning | We had an hour and a half conversation about dividing fractions. First we discussed the math behind dividing fractions. Then we discussed  the theory and applying it to the pragmatics of teaching.One of the main concepts we talked about to limit the different methods of showing fractions divided. As a result we went back and looked at student work to find the strategy they seemed to understand the most which was  illustrating the fractions in an area and dividing the area. We had student start with this strategy and then had them erase the outside lines of the area which left them with a number line. Throughout the lessons we continued to observe and discuss the process.Take Away- The on-going conversation during the lessons were extremely powerful.

Team Teaching - We team taught the new lesson. We were surprised at how quickly the students understood and completed the activity.After the lesson we talked about how we could give the students even less information and see if they could create more ideas on their own.Take Away - Students are confused when showed too many different ways strategies. It was better to stay with 2 and then use the most understood strategy to generalize to another.
Introducing Bases -During the last class, Tiffany wanted to challenge some of her advanced students. I taught the group Base 4. They use DE to find a 100’s chart and then created a 100’s chart in Base 4. The students were able to +, -, and X by the end of the lesson. They made connections between the bases and fractions. Then they taught Tiffany Base 4. The interesting part of the challenge was the student that was considered the most advanced was the last to understand the concept. She even said it was the first time she had been stumped. We celebrated stumping her. Another student worked with her and she was able to understanding after a few minutes.Take Away - Students need opportunities to practice being STUMPED

Some of the teachers were already using DE but were not aware of all the resources besides videos. The discussed creating a Board. I quickly reviewed Board Builder.

2nd

Some of the teachers were already using DE. We focused on Professional Learning component of DE, so they would explore on their own. They said they would like to learn about Board Builder/Studio. I showed them boards that used Pause and Play Strategy and Half a Picture Strategy.

3rd

This team was very experienced in DE, but were primarily using it for videos. We looked at the other elements and focused on Boards already created. 

4th/5th

Some of the teachers had used DE but primarily for videos. We looked at the other elements available. We also discussed SOS strategies and the organization of the strategies into major thinking skills. Several thought they would try the SOS.

1st PLC

I met with 1st grade again and showed them how to create a Board. They were all studying Jobs and Services.