Applying what we learn and the importance of taking time

One of the greatest pitfalls of Teaching is the need to cover curriculum in order to say that we did it but the problem is, it doesn't always mean the students understand it.

This chart was used to illustrate the skill of subtracting integers, which is a topic many students struggle with.  It is one of several strategies and approaches that can be used to ensure that the students understand the concept.  Ensuring understanding takes time and I believe all students would benefit from being able to practice, reflect, and try their thinking out in different situations.

I noticed that when the students were doing some review of Order of Operations, many of them struggled at the point where they have to subtract negative numbers.  This is an example of what happens when we do not spend the time needed to ensure that key concepts are understood by our learners.  With some scaffolding and reminders of various strategies, it is possible for our students to learn but this takes time and patience.  The students will be better in the end because they will have understood the concept, hopefully, in a deeper manner with several strategies to draw upon.

Supplementing Math with Ms. Parkin: Integer work (zero pair, adding and subtracting, multiplying and a few links to a couple of games)

It was too bad that we did not have more time to spend with one another today on Math.  Since I do not have a Google Classroom anymore, I will slowly get back into the habit of posting on my blog.

In the case of today's lesson on subtracting integers, I will post the following information:

First, here is a review of negative numbers from an old friend.

Here is a longer video you can look at.  You can "chunk" it and break it into pieces and watch a little bit at a time.  There is a lot of information here about the adding and subtraction of integers.

Thanks to one of my SSTC colleagues -- Stephanie -- for pointing out this video to me.  It goes a little too quick for my liking and doesn't slow down enough to explain what is happening, but it demonstrated the "zero pairs" concept using these toy soldiers.

















After today's lesson, I hope you are clearer about how you can use the number line to help you solve subtracting questions.  You will see, from the chart up in the class (which I will take a photo of), we solved questions using the number line and what we called the "inverse method."  I hope you will continue to practice it.  Below, the concept is demonstrated in a video using integer chips.

Danielle Krueger, a YouTuber has a couple of really great videos using counters to explaining adding and subtracting.  Since we are discussing subtraction, here it is first.  I will place the addition and the multiplication one right after.

Games!  These are only a couple of many games that will help you reinforce some of the skills you are working on in class.

https://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/integers/FS_Integer_subtraction.htm

https://www.mathplayground.com/ASB_OrbitIntegers.html

http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/ArithmeticFour/

This game can be played in partners and uses the idea of the Connect Four game.