Math "play"-time

I would just like to make an apology for complaining all last night and into this morning about the amount of time that I spent making substitute plans and setting up my class for my absence.  (At least they are done for the future--I'll just have to fill in the blank!)  Well, half apologize at least . . .

Today we had a math inservice today with math consultant Tom Schersten.  It.Was.Awesome.  (And made the hours spent preparing sub plans worth it.)  Most of my college math classes were hands-on and inquiry-based, but today I was able to listen to a professional talk about all these things, but, more importantly, we got to see him put his theory into practice when we (the Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade classroom teachers) were able to observe Tom doing an hour and a half demonstration lesson with a 2nd grade class.  Over the years, I have taken classes that have allowed me to play with manipulatives and see how they teach math, but seeing children use them made things make all the more sense.  And the teachers got to "play" all afternoon as we tested out dozens of games that Tom has created to help kids with counting, adding, and subtracting.  Kudos to Tom!

The other half of my apology that I'm not taking back quite yet is the fact that I walked into my classroom at the end of the day (after my kiddos were already on their way home) and it looked like World War III had broken out in my previously clean and organized room.  Yes, chairs were stacked, and yes, tables had been wiped down, but there were so many things just hanging out on tables, counter tops, and shelves that were unoccupied and clutter-free at 8:45 this morning.  I walked into my room, saw said chaos, turned off the electronics that needed to be shut down, and told the mess I would come back to it in the morning--we'll see how it goes when I get to school tomorrow!  (And who knows what went on with the children.  I guess we'll find that out tomorrow morning, too!)

Long day today, even without my kiddos, but we've made it over the hump of the week--congrats, my friends!

Love from Room 106,
Allie