The first day of school was a blast today! I have another great group of children! When I think of everything I desire to accomplish this year with them, it boggles the mind! Nonetheless, I want to share with you the secret to successful math that I shared with them.
Math is about pattern recognition. In fact, I would submit that math is simply the analysis of patterns and how they work together. Algebra, which is what we will study this year, takes the student outside the most basic and concrete patterns which they have been studying up to this point, and expands their study to identify patterns in the abstract realms. The other thing I like about math is that there is usually only ONE right answer, which, if you follow the rules, you can always find. So, my philosophy regarding math, and the secret to math success, is fairly simple:
"If you remember the rules, see the patterns, and take the steps, you can NEVER get a math problem wrong..."
It will be interesting to once again see the kids coming to this realization for themselves this year! Great start today! See you tomorrow!
Hey Mr. Armstrong, you really made my first day of school fabulous because before I got to your class, I was extremely nervous. But in your class I felt nice, comfortable, and cozy. Thanks again, I really appreciate all that you do. P.S. This is Chrysta Pierce AKA Mz. Winnie Da Pooh!
ReplyDeleteHi Chrysta, I'm glad you enjoyed your first day. I hope you will have many more enjoyable days, and most of all, that you will learn math so well that 9th Grade and high school will be a breeze! Welcome aboard!
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