Saturday, August 24, 2013

Practice lesson

Here is a practice flipping lesson. Please watch this lesson and complete the assignment.
All you need to do is click on the link below and watch the video. Remember you can always pause the video or replay it, if you miss something important.

If you have any questions, please ask.

 Practice flipping lesson - click here

Happy Flipping!!!
Mrs. Danner 

Flipping in our Classroom

Welcome to Third Grade!
We have so many exciting things that will be happening in third grade this year.

One of the BIG things that will be new for all of us is called FLIPPING. Mrs. Danner can do a lot of really cool things but I do not do gymnastic flips very well or at all. Sorry if that was what you were hoping this was all about!

What is flipping?
Flipping is an alternative instructional style where the lesson is completed at home and then the applying of the new skill is completed at school. It is called flipping because what used to be classwork (the lecture) is done at home via teacher created videos and what used to be homework (assigned problems) is now done in class. Basically we are flipping the classroom experience around!

How will flipping be used in third grade?
In third grade we plan to begin using the flipping method in math class. If we like it we may add it to other content areas.
My vision for our math class this year will be new for me as well as the third graders. There may be changes as we go, please be flexible.

What will students have to complete for homework?
Each night the students will be assigned a lesson (approximately a 5 minute video) to watch that I have created and posted to this blog. If you found this, then you are ready for homework! I would love to have this be an activity done with parents, but once every one is comfortable with the process it certainly can be done independently.
At the end of the video there will be a few (about 5-10) practice problems to complete that correspond with the lesson. This is the homework that will be due the following school day. It is essential that the students complete this each night and bring the homework back to school the next day.
Homework each evening will include a short video and 5 to 10 practice problems.

What will students do in the classroom?
Removing the lesson from the classroom will allow us to do more learning and have more fun in the classroom!
We will have math stations in the classroom where students will be working on various assignments independently or with small groups.
Teacher station - at the teacher station we will correct the students' assignments from the previous night. Any questions or topics that need additional help or review will be addressed with teacher guidance here.
Independent work station - students will work independently on the topics covered in the lesson the night before. They will practice the new material, extend their knowledge, and review previous material.
Fact station - students will work on mastering their multiplication and division facts at this station through a variety of games and assignments.
Game/activity station - students will practice and enhance their math skills at this station by playing games, completing foldables, creating projects, etc. This station is meant to be a fun interactive station to keep students excited about all of the new math they are learning and to use it in a hands-on way. However, if students are having trouble completing their homework or independent station this will be a time that they can use to complete this work.
These stations will be completed on a daily rotation and will be adjusted to meet our needs as growing learners.

Why flipping?
In the past model the teacher spends the classroom time in front of the room teaching the new material and then students would bring their work home to complete at home with or without parent support. This model had many drawbacks in third grade. What if a student wasn't paying attention during the lesson? What if other students' behavior was distracting to your child? What if your child was sick or in a pull-out session? Then your child missed the new material. This made completing the homework very difficult and frustrating for the student and usually the parents as well.
With flipping the new material is presented in a video that students can view at home. Students and families can watch the video with minimal distractions even if they are absent. If there is something that is unclear or needs to be repeated, then it can be replayed again and again as many times as needed. The practice problems will help your child (and parents if you choose to be involved) assess the understanding of the material. If the questions are hard, then review parts of the video (If it ever comes to a point of frustration, then stop and bring the questions to school the next day). Once the child feels comfortable with the material, they come to school to practice their new skill or apply it in a new way. The teacher will be available to help them with questions and to facilitate their learning. 
It is my belief that flipping will make for a happy household (less homework frustrations) and a happy classroom (more learning)!

What do we need to have at home to take part in flipping?
All you need is access to the internet and a device that can play video clips with sound - Ipads, computers, smart phones should all work.

Again, we are learning so if technical issues arise please let me know.

Can we go back and review old lessons?
Absolutely! All of the lessons will be archived on this blog. Please go back and review old lessons and material as needed.

Will there still be math tests?
Yes. We will still be taking math tests in class. On the day prior to a math test there will not be a video to watch. It may be wise to go back and review the previous lessons that will be tested in class the next day. I may add review activities or links on these days. Again it is a learning process and there is so much potential for our classroom!

What if we still have questions?
I understand that this is a learning experience and something new for us. I will be learning right along with you. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have. Also, please share with me and ideas you have to make it better. I want this to be successful! Please share any comments or questions you have regarding flipping in third grade at any point in the school year!