The+Tools+Chapter

=The TOOLS Chapter= I expected Wendy's TOOLS chapter to be about manipulatives, representations, rulers, etc., but I was way off base. It's about tools for thinking, the processes we put in place to encourage a Mind-on approach to negotiating meaning with the content. Wow! I wonder if that's why the book was titled Minds On Mathematics!

=Here are the national tools/standards she discusses in this chapter:=
 * Standards for Mathematical Practice
 * 21st Century Skills
 * Comprehension Strategies

Here are some of OUR tools/standards in TEXAS

 * Math Process Standards
 * English Language Proficiency Standards (promoting language development through activities that support listening, speaking, reading, and writing) ALL our kids need this because Math can be a foreign language to any child!
 * College and Career Readiness Standards

=There is soooo much overlap between many of the standards in these categories - ultimately we want our kids to be thinkers and communicators and problem solvers and self-starters. It's a relief to know that by doing one standard we are actually addressing standards in other categories as well! This is such an important chapter for growing our mathematicians!!!=

==These statements would be a great anchor chart for your wall. I love the kid friendly, I CAN statements! Use them to set up the practices you expect to see during work time OR use them to reflect on the practices that were used during the class period. Use as a journal prompt - "Write about the mathematical practice you are best at and the one that challenges you most. Explain your choices with an example."==

==