Mathematically Inspired
By: Cheryl Henjum
Have you
ever hit a teaching wall? Felt that sense of blah, as you look at your lesson
plan book? Well, I have! It made me feel like an inadequate teacher, who was
more focused on state tests, district assessments and structure that seriously
suffocated my creativity and knack for teaching. I needed some inspiration!!! I
love creating lessons that are engaging, fun, interactive, challenging,
celebratory, and inspiring for all levels of learners.
I quickly
searched for classes that would help bring back the “creative” twist to my
classroom. I found a workshop by Kim Sutton and I thought the name of her
company suited exactly what I was looking for, “Creative Mathematics.” Bingo!!!
Just what I needed!
During
the workshop I was engaged with games and activities that could easily be
adapted to ALL learners. We used dice to create equations, identify place
values of numbers, T-charts helped us find unknown patterns and the music was
super catchy and FUN! I was truly inspired! Well, that was over 10 years ago
when I first saw Kim Sutton. Today, thanks to Kim, I am still inspired, driven
and always awaiting her next new book with eagerness.
Kim has a
way of bringing mathematics to life without threat. She uses music to grab the
attention of the students, engages them with activities and games that are
interactive and FUN…..AND she is practical! As an elementary administrator I am
always looking for ways to increase mathematical competency in each and every
classroom within my building. The activities and games that Kim has created are
easily adaptable to every learning level within the classroom, tracking sheets
allow teachers to grab the data they need to establish and sustain mathematical
competency. I call many of her activities and games “organic.” I guess I came
up with organic after really seeing each student creates their own path,
pattern, equation, etc. Students are then inspired because they truly have a part in the learning
process.
I have
seen drastic improvements in the quality of mathematical lessons delivered in
our classrooms. Students are excited and learning is active. I am now inspired
and have a sense of creativity even in light of all the changes that are
happening within our education system.
Don’t let
your creative senses dry up…..instead visit Kim Sutton the next time she is in
your area. You will feel inspired, motivated and energized
to build mathematical competency within your classroom!
