Mad Minute Monday!

Yesterday we participated in Mad Minute Monday.  Each student was given a sheet of multiplication questions that range from 0x0 to 12x12.  They were encouraged to correctly answer as many questions in ONE MINUTE as possible.  To prove that you are a master, you would correctly answer 60 math facts in one minute or less.  The work has been assessed and recorded and our goal is for each student to achieve more correct answers next week than this week.  In order to do this, students must practise their facts nightly.  This is a skill that should have been mastered a long time ago, so we are trying to make up for lost time.  I would like to recognize the student that did achieve the highest score this week:  Steven L.  How long will it take for at least one of the students in our class to score 60?

Directly related to the topic of quality of work, I am seeking all parents' assistance and support with relation to YOUR CHILD'S WORK.  What I am finding is that many students DO NOT pay attention or participate in the lessons and discussions.  After we do group and partner work to learn a skill and they are expected to demonstrate a skill independently, many claim that they do not know what to do.  This is happening in literacy as well, even though we have created anchor charts that are posted in the room, and they have sample work that we have already completed in their duo tang.  I recommend that students review the anchor charts that are posted on our website NIGHTLY and get into the habit of THINKING to figure out a response to a question rather than expecting to memorize answers.  I am attempting to teach our class how to think, not what to think.  That will enable them to be a lifelong learner!  I also encourage students to FULLY answer all portions of math questions, and not just parts of them.