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Suzanne
Posts:
1
From:
California
Registered:
9/13/06
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Re: Too Little, Too Late? WSJ on the NCTM
Posted:
Sep 13, 2006 1:38 AM
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> Of course, I do not really know, but if this is
> is what the teacher, Ms. Halloran, was doing ---
> adapting Cuisinaire rods to Singapore math---she
> deserves a pat on the back: she was both teaching
> real math and getting some value out of those stupid
> rods. Good for her, and good for her students.
>
> Haim
I agree with Haim. Most elementary classrooms have at least one set of Cuisenaire rods and, more than likely, do nothing productive with them. However, Ms. Halloran's use of the rods is very commendable. Young students like (and need) to see things in color and in three dimensions. A simple black and white drawing of a rectanglular block often isn't enough to engage the young ones. Ms. Halloran brought the modeling concept to life and that alone can be an important step.
I came across a website today that offers something similar to what Ms. Halloran is doing in her classroom. The site allows students to manipulate blocks and cubes onscreen to create Singapore type models. The site is:
http://www.ThinkingBlocks.com Based on comments from the NCTM president, teachers may want to look into this site.
I can't say I understand Wayne's response to this news. Based on discussions I've read in the past, I should think he would be very happy with this turn of events. I know it was a long time coming but at least the future looks brighter.
Suzanne
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