Kim Hutmacher's Page

Hi Kim - Give me a little more information about what you are trying to do and I'll see if I can point you to some good resources. We do have our science resource guides - maybe you could start there or do a search of the MSP2 collection. Let me know what you find. Kim

Hi Kim,

I got your message about integrating reading and writing into math. I think there are several ways you can do that outside of just having students read the math problems. One is through the use of picture books. There are a wealth of great picture books that although designed for younger kids have great math stories in them. This book has a ton of great resources in it http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Reading-Aloud-Across-the-Curriculum/Lester-L-Laminack/e/9780325009827/?itm=4&USRI=math+picture+books Also, you might want to look at the Math Curse (somewhat humorous book about why people don't like math) and for more upper level kids the Math Devil.

In terms of writing, one of the things I like to use with students is a RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) Here is an example of one integers RAFT.doc
This allows some writing in math but also allowing the students some leeway in the format as really you aren't teaching a procedure or report.

I've gone away from asking for a lot of writing in portfolio problems but I still have students who like to write a good deal so there are those too.

I think you can ask for more writing too depending a lot on the way students like to learn- you can have them prepare podcasts in which they need to write the script out, you can have them prepare videos in which they again need to write a script, you can have them prepare games to show a concept where they need to write out rules- so I think you can get at writing a lot.

I've got other stuff I do if you want other examples, please don't hesitate to ask.

Eric

Hi Kim,

Welcome!
What sort of interdisciplinary units are you interested in? Are you looking specifically at some sort of science (biomes, weather, human body) or math (fractions, geometry, etc)? Or are you looking just at interdisciplinary units in general?

Kim,

It is exciting to see another pre-service teacher here on MSP2!!

You don't give any hint about where you are in school. There are a number of pre-service teachers from Ohio State who are members.

There are wonderful resources here that should help you as you work towards having your own classroom.

Please join a group or two and let us know how we can help you. We also look forward dto learning from you. Today's pre-service teachers are better prepared than any in the past.

Again, Welcome! - Rebecca

Hi, Kim,

Rebecca Lawson has just started a ESOL group here on MSP2. This might be a helpful place for you to engage in specific conversation about working with second language learners.

M

Welcome, Kim.

Another pre-service teacher joined MSP2 within the past couple of days, (Chad Gruder). There are, in fact, several beginning and pre-service teachers here on MSP2. Where are you in your preparation?

I also recently welcomed a new member to MSP2, Diane Davis, who is interested in helping new teachers! That's just one example of how MSP2 can be a supportive community. This is a site rich with resources--human, digital, content-specific.

There are folks here who have experience and knowledge in all of the areas you've listed in your "need help with" section! As specific questions or issues arise, please post a blog, write the question to a particular group, send a message to Kim, myself, or any of the Teacher Leaders (Karolee, Rebecca, Tom, Todd, Eric).

Also...please share your experience and knowledge. You have much to offer this community, as well!!

Again, welcome.

M