JOSHUA 1:8,9

Gracie gave this verse to me when she was praying for me.

Good verse to keep me going.

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

God is Sovereign and his plans never fails!

This was the message at service today. Guess it ministered to me today. Must be focused on His word and not things around us.

So .. are you been noticing?

I am having noticing that there is being a certain group of people among my students who are liking this habit of writing in the continuous tense.
It is making reading their work quite a laborious task.
That is the reason why I am taking this break to be blogging in my errr ... blog.
There is this same grouping of people who are not giving APA referencing much respecting at all, and they are punctuating all over the place!
I was thinking to myself, why their writing is being so queer, until I was making this sudden discovery, which I am now congratulating myself for. Errr ... APA referencing aside, they are not respecting English too much either, but many of them are having degrees from certain universities, and they are telling me that they had been writing many theses, how can I be telling them that their English is not being so good now?
I am having great difficulty communicating this to them also, 'cos they are looking at me questioningly, and I cannot be finding an answer for them. Maybe tonight I will be dreaming about them.
So all of you out there, who are reading this, are you having any bright ideas how I can be dealing with this?
Actually I was thinking of laughing ... I am thinking that this is being the only best way I can be thinking of .... WAAAHAHHAAHAHHAHHAHAHAHHA!!!!

LONG TIME NO BLOG!

Hello, ALL! It's been a loooong while ... loads have happened! Started work at ICEC (International Centre for Early Childhood Education) on 15 June 2005. Faced many challenges there. Well, it's been almost a year!

Maybe, I am looking for new challenges now ... don't really know.

My ambition is to be a MILLIONAIRE. Yes, I wanna write that down and try my best to make it there.

DOTTY WOWS THE CLASS!

Did counting today and number sense.

Class was attentive and interested.

But they were all totally unprepared for what was to come after the break i.e. THE APPEARANCE OF DOTTY!

Some of them were totally shocked as they could not recognise me ... when they finally did, they could not stop smiling and some started to cheekily interact with me.
It was FUN and most of them LOVED it~
As well as the M&M book and the counting activity which included EATING, of course!
Thumbs up for this segment of the teaching!

Reflections of the day from the class :

Students Journal/Feedback
DPTF09/Day 3/Session 4/070405

Reflections for today:

1. Dear Dot
Thank you for removing some of my fears about teaching Maths.
Today’s exposure certainly made Maths appear much more interesting.
God Bless You.

2. Today’s lesson is very interesting. The different kinds of books for children, how to tackle children, how to get the message across to children. All that was taught, I believe will in handy during real-time teaching!

3. It is indeed very interesting and useful today. I have seen and understood many things I read in the Early Childhood Books today, by your style of approach providing real experiences, resources where to look for certain things & help, how you did it, what are the ideas and also the tips given by you. I am having a sense of satisfaction and love in this module.
Thank You Ms Dorrianne. We need your blessings for our future success in the field of early childhood.

4. Today’s lesson is very interesting. I never realized books can be implemented in Maths lesson, as well as dramatic play.
Dorrianne, you are good and I wish I was ever a child in your class. The lessons you conducted must be very interesting and memorable.
I’ve learnt a lot since the start of your lessons.
Very enjoyable. Looking forward to each of your lessons.

5. i) Maths number sequence
ii) Choice of cheap but efficient materials (e.g. paper plates)
iii) Full of surprises (Dotty)
iv) Books not only for reading, discover math skill in them.

6. Today’s class was very interesting, though it is regarding “Math” but introduce maths concept, counting, sorting to children was very interesting. Quite a number of things I’ve learnt from the lecturer. It was really a fantastic experience.

7. Teach in a creative way. Teacher can dress up herself to act out different characters, or using props and puppets to tell story. This will bring you closer to your children.

8. There are many new things I have learnt today, which this small page only allows me to mention a few of them. So I will write down two new things. Firstly, I have learnt how to integrate math with other subjects i.e. English with storybook. Our lecture has shown us how it was done with the story of the “The Five Chinese Brothers”.

Secondly, we can have drama to create the fun in teaching number.

Thirdly, I have learnt how to be creative in teaching Math.
Ms Dorrianne. Thank you.

9. It was great learning about ordinal numbers.
The concept of the DOT PLATES is very good. I’m sure children will love them.
And Dotty was the highlight of the day! Had lots of fun!

10. I was given many tips and ideas in teaching Maths. Tips like how to start a lesson by
playing a hangman game, reading storybooks that teaches Math with children’s participation like the M&M.
I really, really enjoyed Dotty in the class.

11. Today I learnt that numbers can be taught in various ways. It can be turned into a game for engaging children in an interesting way. Dramatic play is one of the ways maths concept can be introduced and enjoyed Ms Dot’s way of introducing numbers and colours to teach children in an interesting manner. I was very surprised and I also learnt that stories can be introduced too in a fun way to making learning of numbers in a fun way too. Thank you, Dorrianne, for your ideas.

12. I enjoyed this session tremendously. Toys like the ‘stack-ups”
à never occurred to me that I can act
Introduce math concepts not merely limited to numbers 1-10, but also
Sizes (seriation) big to small or vice versa
Colour concepts
Other mathematical vocab like in between/middle/
Odd nos and even numbers, etc
Least/bottom

N Dotty definitely the highlight of the session!!!!!

Dot-plates
- using this method à introducing number concepts à when you use two different colours à addition (number story/bond) is introduced

13. Glad to learn so many fun ways to introduce maths concepts to children. At least, I started to realize how to teach maths to children in fun ways, hope I can apply this method for my children to begin to like maths.

14. Today we learnt about the sequence of counting.
More good books introduced to us, and the surprise ;-
appearance of Miss Dotty and free M&M chocolates.
Very interesting way in teaching children not only for math but for other subjects too.
Thanks for the chocolate and FUN.

15. It is just so amazing that Math can be taught in so many wonderful ways. I have an enriching lesson today!
Thanks, Ms Dot.
.
16. I was so amazed and I admire the lecturer’s effort to dress up and act just to teach the lesson in a fun way. I wish that I could do the same someday. Teachers like her really deserves recognition.

17. Never know can teach Maths in a fun way. Even more via drama and using language
books. The drama created by my lecturer on the concept of numbers M&M sweets was one skit I would remember till death. It is a stimulant to me to create such ways to teach the young ones so that they too will remember me for ever.

18. Today was a very exciting day. I did not feel sleepy at all. From the start to the end
of the lesson, it has been an eye opener about the various activities I can do with the children with relation to Maths. The highlight of the day would be when you came in as Dotty, the M&M’s book & also the candy. I hope to find the book when I go looking for it the next time … J

19. Today’s lesson opened me into a world of creative Maths which involve
manipulatives, games and books. I always thought that Maths has to be learnt or taught in a very structured way. I like the way Ms Dorrianne transformed herself into Dotty. That’s something for a change. I feel inspired and can’t wait to teach children Maths in this way later.

20. I enjoy the presence of Dotty in the class tremendously. Fun is incorporated in the
teaching. Great ideas for creativity were suggested.
The books distributed generously for the class to read is a wonderful exposure to books integrating Maths with language.

21. I enjoyed the class very much today. Lecturer has taught us how to plan a lesson
plan. It is a very good idea for me so that next time I will know what to do in a Math lesson. Ms Dotty is very cute too. It also gives me an idea how to attract children attention next time in a class. I really enjoyed today’s class.

22. I’m very impressed by Dotty. She gave us new ideas about the way we can present
Maths to children in fun ways.
The games and manipulatives were very interesting too. They are very useful for our practicum and work in future.
I realized that books can be used to teach Maths too other than language.

23. Thanks for bringing Ms Dotty to class!
She really brightens up my day! My day!
Appreciate that you really show us the stuff that we can do with the children.
Helps a lot! I understood much better with all the visuals and activities!

24. The lesson today is interesting especially the M&M’s story. I believe that the children will like it. Today’s lesson also gave me an idea to dress up & pretend to be a character so that I can make the children have more interest.

25. I had no idea that math could be so fun for children, “Dotty” was an excellent idea! And for story books, you’ve opened my eyes to see in a different way, using it for Math. I enjoyed the lesson. Thank You!

26. I enjoy the drama act by Dot. This help to give me ideas that we can act as different characters to teach the lessons. I believe that the children will enjoy and learn more effectively. Especially when we provide concrete materials and food for children to learn for counting. I enjoy it very much.

27. I learn about making math game on the paper plate.
Dotty is an interesting character to attract the students.
Books can be fun to teach mathematics.
It was an enjoyable day. Thank you!

28. I had a shock. Can’t believe you Ms Dot would come into that attire. Well-done! I was very amazed. Keep it to yourself … I love clowning about too. But not to this seriously-looking adults. I’m going to do that with KIDS!

29. Lesson today was extremely interesting and useful for our teaching career.
We learnt about various ways of teaching ordinal numbers and counting.
They were all appropriate and could be used when we are teaching children.
We also learnt how to capture children’s interest in learning by dressing up.

30. I really enjoyed today’s lesson. The M&M’s counting Book. Really captured my attention. Maybe because I love chocolates!! N I also like Dotty. Dotty was a surprise to me. But that also gave me ideas on how to use characters in teaching. The dot plates was kind of boring, but I can improvise it to make it more interesting.

MATH 2: Problem Solving Games/Sorting

It is obvious from the comments that the games were enjoyed TREMENDOUSLY. The students could also see the value and appreciate the challenge presented in each game and the invaluable thinking strategies they could gain as a result of playing those games.

MOST POPULAR GAME OF THE DAY : TANTRIX

Check out www.tantrix.com to view the website for this game.

The students were so engaged in this game, that many refused to 'give up' their set to let others try. So strong was the challenging value of this game. Also equally interesting was I saw how one seemingly 'anti-social' student who appeared rather disinterested throughout come alive through games and tantrix.

Many did not enjoy sorting, especially those manipulatives which had single attribute. Found it boring and unstimulating. GOOD! This is a case in point I want to bring up when next see them. Materials need to be challenging in order to engage the students under their charge. If tasks are too easy, students get bored and start playing with the manipulatives instead. A real case illustration. Instead of sorting the coloured dominoes (with no spots kind, but more for knocking down plastic types), the students were playing with them.

Some of those who had the FRANTIC FISH puzzle which were given to them for 'sorting' ended up playing with it for its intended purposed puzzle.

Some expressed phobia to lizards. Another good case in point, be sensitive to the kids about what they need to sort.

Here's the feedback from the class today:

Students Journal/Feedback
DPTF09/Day 2/Session 2 & 3/050405

Write i) ONE thing that you have really enjoyed today.
ii) ONE thing that you really hated today.
iii) ONE thing that you are looking forward to next.


1. i) I enjoy the activities on the various games e.g. tantrix, IQ game
ii) The domino game on sorting is a bit boring.
iii) Looking forward for more games to be played.

2. Like: I like the games that were brought in. They are very interesting.
Dislike: Sorting, as it is too simple and not challenging.
Something to look forward to: More interesting games

3. Like: the game Tantrix
Didn’t like: the domino pieces
Look forward: to learn more about how to teach Math concepts to children

4. I like to play the Walls and Circles, Line of 4 & River Crossing Puzzles
I hate to sort the reptiles
I look forward to learn how to write interesting activity for the lesson plan

5. Likes
Games – exciting

Dislikes
Sorting – boring

Look forward
More hands-on activity

6. i) I like the new exposure of the educational games, manipulatives.
ii) I don’t like the doing of or rather planning the maths activity for the assignment!
iii) Looking forward – How to teach time-table and division maths. How to get
creative ideas in planning Maths activities.

7. I liked the games introduced. It was engaging and challenging. It was new to me. I learnt a lot of new things today and found new ways of approach to teaching maths.
Looking forward to more hands on and new ideas that I can use to teach my young children in my class in future. Thank you.

8. I think the theory on the counting of the children are really attractive to me. It helps me solve a lot of doubts in my mind.

The games and the hands-on teaching materials were full of fun. But I just wondered if I could get available in the childcare centres.

9. I enjoyed doing many different ways of sorting according to colours, number of items, sizes and colours and also patterning.

I would love if there’s more hands on activities. Techniques and ways on how to assist children to learn maths better.

10. One thing I like …
Simple and fun activity

One thing I don’t like …
Problem

One thing I look forward to …
More activity for preschoolers that involves creativity (maths)

11. Likes :- The chance to explore various manipulatives that I’ve never seen before. Learn the approach in teaching math to children.

Dislike :- none

Looking forward :- Deeper understanding of the Math concepts, so that I could teach
the children well.
.
12. I like playing the games e.g. Tantrix, etc
I also like sorting stars.
I don’t really like the lecture, a bit dry.
I hope to learn how to teach children maths concept/make them understand and see that Maths is neither boring nor difficult.
N I really like the way you teach … Hehehe.

13. I really enjoyed the game playing. What I did not really like is the sorting. I enjoyed it but not the sorting of the lizards. I would really like to learn more maths concept.

14. One thing that I really like today us trying out the different games for children. I never thought these games were fun.

I look forward to learn how to make lessons more interesting for the pre-school children. I believe there are many more ways to engage these children.

15. Something I liked à the games we played
Something I didn’t like à sorting done using the lizards (I’ve got a phobia for them!)
Something I’m looking forward to à how to integrate Math into other subject areas

16 Enjoyed
Playing games like Tantrix/IQ game
Fascinated with the discovery(s) on the revelation in the process of children’s thinking
in solving Math problems.

Looking Forward
To more formative/tips on the different (interesting/more creative) techniques of -teaching Math using manipulative resources.
à While having fun, children learn in more enjoyable ways
à they communicate, problem solve, social skills and language development

17. I enjoyed playing the games.
I did not hate anything.
I look forward to learning more about Math and how to teach the concepts to children in a fun way.

18. Like: Tantrix à challenging!
à happy can do it!
à Yeh!

Dislike : Sorting!
à I prefer to play with it! J

Something to look forward: More interesting and challenging games/activities!

19. One thing I like about today’s lesson is the game segment. Most of the games were challenging, fun and engaging.
I look forward to more fun activities being introduced.

20. I truly enjoyed sorting and arranging the ‘fish’ puzzle.
I hope to learn more interesting games that I can play with kids.
I look forward to understand more on what types of games that children will enjoy and learn maths at the same time.

21. I enjoy the Frantic Fish!
But dislike sorting.
I am looking forward to find out more of such games.

22. Today’s lessons are interesting, especially the hands-on manipulating of different games or toys. The ‘tantrix’ game is what I like most and second comes ‘Frantic Fish’.
If I am a child, I’ll enjoy these two games/activities very much.
There’s nothing which I dislike in Maths, except don’t ask me to memorise formulas and tables.

23. River Crossing is interesting.
Chips are not fun to play with.
Look forward to how to plan lessons for pre-schoolers …

24. LOVE: I love mind-challenging games. It stimulates my minds and requires critical thinking.
HATE: I don’t really enjoy ‘sorting’ as some of the object’s attributes may be quite limited.
LOOKING FORWARD: More of mathematical concept of teaching young children to move away from the worksheet based.

25. Enjoyed the games that were given to play.
Do not like to finish class late.
Look forward for more problems solving manipulatives.

26. The sorting materials are bright, colourful, very attractive to use. e.g. the wooden rounds and cubes, tortoises, crystal rounds.

Look forward to maths games.

Anything I don’t like? Can’t think of anything I don’t like about the colourful materials.

27. Like sorting to be exciting, where the player has many variations to do.
Do not like when sorting is very limited.
Looking forward for more exciting mathematical activities.

28. If I am a principal of a childcare, I would like to get all those games for my children.
I would like to learn more on teaching young children on maths.

29. Likes: Tantrix game & Quarto game because they were engaging, challenging, they foster teamwork, they teach the value of being careful in all steps we do, they promotes “can do” attitude, and they make children reflect on their own thinking.

Dislikes: none

Looking forward: I wish I can have all those game materials/gadgets.

30. What I like?
I enjoyed the manipulative games introduced during the lesson. And I feel that more of such opportunities should be given to the children.
What I don’t like?
The reasoning activity was rathe unenjoyable for me perhaps I was too exhausted to think further.
What I’m looking forward?
I’m looking forward for other different ways/activities to conduct for the children, to be used in lessons.

31. I enjoyed playing the tantrix game.
I loved playing games.
Brought back my childhood memories.
I’m looking forward to ‘play’ the tantrix game again.

MATH

These are the feedback from the students' journal after my first math 'lecture' today. I put inverted commas, 'cos it wasn't a TYPICAL lecture, as you can gauge from the students' responses.

Am pleased about the outcome. More work to do!

Students Journal/Feedback
DPTF09/Day 1/Session 1/040405

Write ONE thing that you have learned that is new to you.
(You may write more if you wish. J)

1. Mathematics is learnt through creativity. There is no fix way of getting an answer. Teacher should not be particular of how the child get its way of knowing the answer of a problem sum but giving them the free hand to explore in creativity. l

2. The one thing that I learned today, is that:
Math can be solved creatively!

3. Math requires creativity!
And I had it! Hooray!

4. I believe that Math is just not numbers alone and getting the right answers. It is a process of thinking creatively and getting the right answer is not the motive. It’s how we derive at the product. The word HOW here is very important. An understanding of the concept is essential in order for a child to have an interest in Maths. Therefor the process of doing it is important. We must allow the child to question and think and that is something new that I learnt. Their way of thinking and questioning is important to be documented so that we will be creative teachers.

5. One of the things that I’ve learned in this session is that mathematics can be explored in many exciting ways. It promotes not only logical thinking but also creativity.

6. One thing that I have learned from this lesson that is new to me, is that Mathematics involved creativity. For as long as I live, I believe that Mathematics only requires logical thinking. But the ‘square example’ prove me wrong.

7. I learnt that the way the lecturer teaches the class is an great idea. I like the ways she teaches. Let the students discuss among themselves and let them engage with the math problem. This would let them really go into thinking and make them work out the answer.

8. I always believe that Maths need logic to solve, but now I know that creativity helps, and will better understand, and better solve the problem in an easier method! Now I will remember to use my brain more, twist and turn to find better, easier, creative ways for Maths. Cheers to Maths!

9. I have learned on how to teach pre-school children mathematics in the creative way, without making them bored. I believe this is new tome as I have been teaching (tutoring) primary school kids using assessment books. So, creativity is important! –

i) To allow ample communication, exchange of ideas and sharing of
solutions before the giving the student the answer prematurely.

ii) This method is good for motivating the child and engaging them.
Helps children to think and not just wait for the answer from the teacher.

iii) Develops independence as the child learns to use his or her own method of
thinking to solve problems.

iv) Develops positive self-esteem when the child could solve the problem on his own.

v) Learning becomes two-way communication between the teacher and student, as well as between students and students.



11. I certainly look at Maths a different way. That’s the reason I am in this course – to teach new things that I have never know. The traditional way of understanding Math concept is different from what is taught in today’s education system. The problem solving brings students to another level of thinking process.

One thing new to me:
I always think that one need to be good at calculating to be good at Math. I am good in both of them so I have always assume both are relating factors. However, from today’s lesson, I realized that this is not true. One can be good at math yet not as good at calculating.

12. The new thing I learnt today is that mathematics must make sense and Maths classes or sessions should be interactive. Mathematics involves the process of thinking and that leads to different approaches.

13. There is a very quick ways to solve problems. On the diagram which is squares and circles, I was awed by how easily we can actually derive to solving it. Creativity helps in Math solving is very new to me.

14. “Maths” is about helping the brain think of problem solving methods, explore ways of learning, trial and error, new ways to learn/solve. It’s logic and creativity together.

New to me:

2 ) 242
171
_____
2)242
---
---



15. I learned that manipulatives itself does not teach Math. It has to be used constructively with the guidance of teachers or other adults. Leaving children with manipulatives will not help them at all. Instead they may end up abusing its functions. Constructive use can indeed improve their math skills.

16. I heard that it was P4 Q. But still it seems that it’s not easy going for us adults to come with the correct answer.

17. I love the methodology used for assessing the disposition in regards to maths concept.

Being a lady of words, it is quite difficult to teach Maths in a fun and creative way. From young, our Gurus (parents. Teachers, peers) taught maths using the rod method. Just learn the concept by hard and apply.

However, the way you gave the 2 squares and a circle to calculate the number of units was very good. So lets getting the knowledge the children understand, document their progress, this way the teacher is able to assess the child’s developmental level, and how to push the child forward.

Love to know of more of other creative skills that I could and be used for preschoolers from your coming lessons.

Thanks.



18. I’ve learned that there’re many ways to solve Math and I must be creative when doing Math.

19. I’ve learned that if students were challenged to think about solving a problem and encouraged to participate, he/she will be motivated to learn especially if scaffolding and hints are provided throughout the whole process.

20. The new thing I learnt from today’s lesson that Maths emphasize the importance of process. So far I thought that it is only about product.

21. It’s a totally different ways and methods of learning Maths. I totally enjoyed her lesson as it reminded me of my school days. I love Maths. As for this class, Dot made it more interactive, creative and enjoyable lesson by having examples from a Primary 4 question. Although we had a tough time solving it, it’s the process of getting the answer, having discussions among my classmates and with the whole class were very interesting.

22. Math is not about getting the right answer, but

à is all about understanding an idea/concept and thinking (creatively)

à Aptitude for math is not inborn.

This first session is like a revelation about what Math is all about à It exercises my brain!


23. One thing that I have learned that is new to me is how solving Math problem can be done in a creative way or look beyond the box.
I used to think that learning Maths has to be done in a structured manner. If only logic and no creativity is involved, Maths can be a very dull subject. What I want to say is learning Maths should be fun and not something to be dread.


24. I’ve always thought boys are better in math than girls. Was a little shocked when it is a myth as shown in research.


25 Before the lesson started, I was wondering what would Dorrian teach us. How do teacher teach maths to pre-school children? How do we make young children to understand the math? Young children are only begin to learn numbers from 1 to 100 and a little arithmetic on addition and subtraction. I am keen to know how to teach Maths to them.

It is interesting to start the math lesson with drawing a face, reflecting the children’s feeling. From the exercise we did in the class, I realized math is not only numbers and concepts, it covers patterns, orders, logic and creativity. To teach math to children, we shall encourage them to think and not to provide answers.


25. Everybody, anybody can be good at Math with both nature and nurture development.
The process of thinking, analyzing and obtaining the right answer involve one’s thought and using multiple intelligence. (Gardner’s multiple intelligence)
Young children learn math through sensory and concrete experience. Thus using manipulatives to teach mathematics can be more efficient with teacher as a guidance and facilitator.
As an early childhood educator, I have learn getting the right answer to question is not important. The most important aspect is the process of what one’s have to go through in his thinking, analyzing, looking from different perspective and finally get the answer that solutions to the problem.


26. I have not touch on any Mathematics textbooks since left school. The question on the board was tough for the children to solve. Even I, myself has not prepared to solve the question. When the lecturer enlighten us to move the square, then I start to know how to solve the problem. Now, then I have learnt a new technique to do the question. After all, it is not that tough to solve the question. – Sharon Low

27. One thing that I had learned that is new is to teach the children in an innovative way.

For example :
At the block corner, children couldn’t figure out to fix the puzzle. You can ask open questions to stimulate his thinking such us, Can you turn the piece the other way? Or can you put it upside down?


28. One thing new that I have learned in this lesson is that I have never questioned about the logic to the maths problem solving methods and that all these years I have only learned the methods in solving. I never thought also that maths could involve creativity and that there are many ways that you can solve a problem especially when you are dealing with preschool children.

29. One thing new that I have learned is the way how we tried to solve a question. I find that in this manner, we will be able to share and think about other people’s point of view and answer. Furthermore, it helps us to think logically and creatively in solving problems. I have done problem-based learning while I was in my tertiary studies. But I never thought that it could be so challenging and stimulating. And what matters most to me is the process of solving the problems but not getting the correct and exact answer.

30. To solve math questions, it’s more of knowing the process rather than getting the right answer. The different approach of teaching maths.
I hate maths … but I think though this module I will fall in love with maths.


31. Math is all about creativity, concept and process.