What are math stories and how did I create one?
At a young age, children are learning and observing the world around them. One way that kids first learn and interact with formal learning is through stories. These stories are ones that we hear, relate to, identify with, remember, and tell to others. Through a story, a child is gaining exposure to language, colors, numbers, and structure. As a child ages, the content, level, and depth of this stories increases. Math stories are essentially stories that contain mathematics and the concepts are learned through a narrative. The content and level of these stories increases as a child ages, too. Also, these stories include specific elements that make them unique and different from other children's literature. A math story is highlighted with: at least one problem-based mathematics task in the form of a dilemma, it contains a developed plot and characters, and it provides tools to solve the problem. Additionally, the content is original and is not derived from other sources. Math stories can vary in their format and content; some are in print form, others are through technology. A math story will also include terminology and vocabulary that aligns with the content, allowing to students to gain exposure to context and gain practice using those terms.
When I was creating my math story, there were many steps, much like those of the writing process. First, I had to select a age range and content area. To do this, I utilized the Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards Aligned System (PDESAS). I then selected the 4th grade level and began my search. It was important that I selected a topic that would allow for the use of math skills, like mental math, counting, seriation, etc. I selected the operation of multiplication, focusing on multi-digit whole numbers and fractions. Next, I began the writing process by brainstorming ideas. Because I wanted students to relate to the story and be able to identify with the characters, I wanted to have a story that was relevant and popular with students. During my process, many students that I had been interacting with were talking about the upcoming releases of Marvel Movies ( Captain America and Avengers: Endgame). I thought what better way to connect to students than with a story involving a theme that they know and love. After selecting my theme, I began the drafting process. This included several drafts and edits, were I was sure to reflect on content, language, and character development. Once I was finished with several drafts and edits, I wanted to be sure that students would like it and understand it, so I had a student read through it and give comments and feedback. Using what this student said to make final adjustments, I moved forward with compiling it into a form that would be accessible and relevant to students. I decided to use Powerpoint to create my final product. This allows for students to read a story in a different form and allow for accessibility to all students.
When I was creating my math story, there were many steps, much like those of the writing process. First, I had to select a age range and content area. To do this, I utilized the Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards Aligned System (PDESAS). I then selected the 4th grade level and began my search. It was important that I selected a topic that would allow for the use of math skills, like mental math, counting, seriation, etc. I selected the operation of multiplication, focusing on multi-digit whole numbers and fractions. Next, I began the writing process by brainstorming ideas. Because I wanted students to relate to the story and be able to identify with the characters, I wanted to have a story that was relevant and popular with students. During my process, many students that I had been interacting with were talking about the upcoming releases of Marvel Movies ( Captain America and Avengers: Endgame). I thought what better way to connect to students than with a story involving a theme that they know and love. After selecting my theme, I began the drafting process. This included several drafts and edits, were I was sure to reflect on content, language, and character development. Once I was finished with several drafts and edits, I wanted to be sure that students would like it and understand it, so I had a student read through it and give comments and feedback. Using what this student said to make final adjustments, I moved forward with compiling it into a form that would be accessible and relevant to students. I decided to use Powerpoint to create my final product. This allows for students to read a story in a different form and allow for accessibility to all students.
How do math stories align with the Danielson Framework and why teachers should use them in the classroom?
Math stories align with the Danielson Framework in many different ways, but one domain that it fits with most would be Domain 1: Planning and Recuperation. As a teacher, we must utilize and create different resources that students can pair with their curriculum to further their mastery. Math stories are just that: additional resources created to further students learning and mastery. Specifically, components 1a, 1b, 1d, and 1e are most highlighted in math stories. A teacher must demonstrate knowledge of content and pedagogy (1a) to be able to write a math story; they must understand how a math story can help students and be able to select content that would be best fit to the story. A teacher must also demonstrate a knowledge of students (1b). A math story must be relevant and relatable to students, so this means that you must understand what your students are excited about, what their personal lives are like, and understand what they need to learn. Teachers must also demonstrate a knowledge of resources (1d). A math story is a resource that teachers must learn about and be aware of to be able to be best prepared for diverse learners. You must also be able to use outside resources to create a math story, whether it is in its format, content, or creation. Lastly, a teacher must design coherent instruction (1e). A math story requires a teacher to create different formats, activities, etc. to include and use in a math story.
Teachers should use math stories in the classroom because they are a research-proven method to help build and develop student understanding. Because students are all diverse and unique, teachers must be able to meet their needs in different forms. A math story is an additional resource that can help students learn math, and it is accessible for many different types of learners. Some students are able to learn best from textbooks and reading information that is not visually based, while others require a different form of text. A math story is visually-oriented and helps those students who do not learn best from a textbook. Math stories also encourages teachers to include different subjects outside of math to engage students. Some students are math confident, but others are maybe are not and like another subject, like science, reading, or history. With a math story, you are now including literature skills because it is in the form of a book, and the plot can include different subjects.
Teachers should use math stories in the classroom because they are a research-proven method to help build and develop student understanding. Because students are all diverse and unique, teachers must be able to meet their needs in different forms. A math story is an additional resource that can help students learn math, and it is accessible for many different types of learners. Some students are able to learn best from textbooks and reading information that is not visually based, while others require a different form of text. A math story is visually-oriented and helps those students who do not learn best from a textbook. Math stories also encourages teachers to include different subjects outside of math to engage students. Some students are math confident, but others are maybe are not and like another subject, like science, reading, or history. With a math story, you are now including literature skills because it is in the form of a book, and the plot can include different subjects.