Becoming a Teacher

May 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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To become any type of teacher, there are different levels that can be achieved, and you can work with a variety of people. You can become an elementary teacher, high school teacher, private tutor, or a college professor. There is plenty you can do if you want to become a teacher.

First, decide what type of teacher you want to be and what age group you want to work with. This will help you decide the level of education you will need to achieve your goals to become a teacher.

If you want to become a teacher you are going to have to go to college. Keep your grades up during high school so you can get into the college of your choice. You will have to go through a teaching program, but every school is different and has different requirement; you will generally spend four or five years in school.

After you finish your teaching program you will have to receive a teaching license in the state you wish to teach in. Some colleges grant licenses upon graduation. If you’re not sure how teaching licenses work in your state, contact the education department in your state.

After receiving your bachelor’s degree and possibly getting some experience in the field of teaching, you can continue your schooling in order to receive a Ph.D. so you can teach at the college level. This is only for those that wish to teach at a higher level, but it wouldn’t hurt to continue going to school. In fact, most teachers go on to receive their master’s degree, as some schools require this.

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Math Stations for First Graders Part 1

March 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Many first grade teachers have started to use the station concept of teaching. Stations allow students to be broken up into smaller groups and get more one on one time with their teacher as they learn various math concepts. Math is a very popular subject to have various stations in as it allows the teacher to reinforce certain concepts and make sure that each student understands the concept.

Here is a look at some types of math stations that teachers can create for their class. These activities are ideal for children in the first grade.

Money Cans. Money cans are a great way to see if children understand the concept of math. The children will be presented with various containers that contain play coins. You will show them the cans and have them count out the coins. You can record their answers or help them figure out how to add the coins up. This will allow you to see who is grasping the concept of money, who needs more work and what parts might need to be reinforced in the classroom.

Weight Stations. One of the basic math concepts children learn during the first grade is the concept of more, less or equal. Have various cards made up of different situations and have the children work out whether it will be more, less or equal. After they have guessed have them take the objects in the picture and try out the concept first hand. This will allow them to learn research, testing and reinforce the various math concepts that you are trying to teach.

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Teaching Math to Young Children

January 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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When you have children, you teach them things from the day they are born – whether you realize it or not. As babies and young children, you teach them how to communicate with you, first by crying or grunting, then by speaking. You teach them to feed themselves, to walk and more. But it isn’t until children are a bit older that people begin to consciously think about teaching them the kind of knowledge that they will use in school as they age. Things like their colors, how to spell their name, and yes, even math.

Even tiny babies have the ability to learn patterns – a basic math concept. When a child is 6 months old or so, he or she may learn repetition or pattern by stacking a few blocks, knocking them over, and stacking them up again. Babies who are a little older are ready to learn about space. You have surely seen children place a small toy repeatedly in and out of a box. That child is learning how elements in our space relate to one another. He or she is learning math.

As children become toddlers, they begin to derive more joy from having their parents and caregivers read to them. There are many simple books available that focus on specific numbers and on counting. This is wonderful way to not only bond with your child, but to introduce more age-appropriate math concepts.

At this age, another great activity to boost your child’s math skills is counting. Develop the habit of counting things with your child. When at the grocery store, count the items you place in your cart. When getting dressed, count the number of snaps or buttons on your child’s clothing. You can even try counting toys, steps, and more.

There is an endless number of ways you can teach your child basic math skills. Make it a habit, and watch your child’s knowledge blossom.

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Parents Teaching Math At An Early Age

September 17, 2010 by Leave a Comment
A leader teach is able to help this student wi...
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Math is a subject that is feared among many but it is important that it is taught early to prevent such negative perceptions. An effective teacher can make any subject matter interesting and math is no exception. Preparing kids properly opens opportunities later in life.

Take Braeden Young, an adolescent in New York City. Braeden was given opportunities to learn math at age three. Now 13 years old, Braeden is in a private school for the gifted in mathematics. He noted that when his parents taught him math before reaching schools he gained confidence that has continued till today. While his memory is limited from that young age he was still able to remember his parents working with him on basic fractions and subtraction.

Studies show that when math is taught early (before preschool) that the child is well ahead of their peers. This advantage can continue well into the 12th grade. This opens doors to careers in engineering, chemistry, biology, economics, and other math-heavy subjects. Also, this confidence that the child gains spills over into other subjects; namely, science, computer programming, economics, statistics, music, and more. Children who learn math early are more likely to develop stronger reasoning and logic skills, as well as critical thinking skills.

Even if you are a parent with an aversion to math, there are plenty of inexpensive teaching tools to teach children on basic math principles. Youtube contains videos on teaching math problems. Toys made by companies such as Baby Einstein can be found online or in stores like Babies R Us. Or using simple counting and subtraction methods using candies can provide a good incentive for kids to learn. Also, talk to other parents who have had young children and find tips for what they did to teach their children. Learning from your peers is a very practical approach and great to find effective (or ineffective) ways to teach your children.

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