'Array' of Sunshine ☀️

This past week in Math class brought some enlightenment on how to do simple addition and subtraction problems. I decided to title my blog “Array of sunshine” because of the different key concepts that we took away from the class. We learned a number of alternative algorithms for solving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.  One algorithm that I understand quickly and would label as my ‘ah ha’ moment is the objects in an array. Breaking down the equation into a visual aid of a box helped me break down the equation to smaller, simpler equations to solve and get the final answer. I was happy to understand this algorithm because I was having difficulty grasping the other concepts such as compensation subtraction. 

"Objects in an array," alternative algorithms

Learning how to problem solve with alternative algorithms can be instrumental in the classroom for students as it encourages them to be creative and explore other solutions. I would strongly promote this alternative of learning math in the classroom. Over the course of the past few weeks math class has allowed me to think outside the box and explore my creative problem solving side of mathematics. It can also benefit students to learn different ways of solving math problems and to test their knowledge and abilities. One of the more challenging parts of the past week’s class was learning the alternative algorithms and able to understand them before moving onto the next one. As a learner I like to learn something and then be able to absorb the information before learning a new concept. After being able to go home and sit and review the alternative algorithms they become clearer to use and understand. 

Additional key concepts that I found valuable to take away is the need for students to see mathematics as sensible, useful and doable. It is important to relate math and problem solving to the learners interest As an educator it is important to learn what is trending and what students like depending on their ages , for example ‘Pokemon Go’, or Harry Potter. The presentations from my peers this week were well done and enjoyable. Each person created a mini lesson plan that was interesting and grasped our attention given it was catered towards younger learners. The problem solving with batman done by Matt would get the attention of the learners who like a challenge and steps to achieve/discover the outcome of a problem. Daniella’s dice activity was a fun and interactive and can allow for the learner to implement addition and multiplication skills to a tangible activity. Emily’s flash card activity was one of the more challenging activities but simple to understand. Working with others definitely made the activity easier because other students can work on different problems at once and other students need to solve just one problem before moving onto the next. Overall the lessons were all successful and presented well by all the presenters and I personally enjoyed participating in each one of them and could collect these lessons and include in my math resources as a future educator.