My Teaching Inquiry Focus - Post 1 - Setting the Goal

 This year I would like my teaching inquiry focus to be on maths. Since I have been in the Year 1 classroom I have not felt I have been effectively teaching a successful mathematics programme. It was interesting to discuss this with Su, our school coach, and work out some goals. It was confirmed to me that it should be my focus after hearing that one of our target groups is the Year 3 students for maths. I feel this reflects that they could have had a better start when I was their teacher. Meg, the Year 3 teacher is also having a maths teaching focus as this target group is in her classroom. So it will be great to collaborate to improve maths teaching in the Junior Syndicate. 

My first move was to commit to teaching maths in the first block. So I timetable maths straight after fitness or assembly. I am keen to use what has worked well for me in the past but also incorporate new teaching pedagogy such as mixed ability grouping, patterns based learning and problem solving effectively.

My goals after coaching: 

 1. See more achievement in maths.

More specifically: Everyone is stage three or higher after one year at school - e.g. counting materials by imaging and with Stage 3 knowledge. Including my target students.

2. Pedagogy around maths problem solving - students have an intrinsic desire to be a mathematician.

More specifically: My planning reflects tried and true methods to acquire number knowledge with a problem solving, pattern based, strand integrated focus as well. The students are excited to do maths because it is fun, challenging and rewarding.

I will achieve these by:

• Integrating unit plans with my trusty SPRING planning (numeracy project based). Begin any strand learning on Fun day Friday and send a seesaw video home to encourage practice at home.
• Use slides via Kowhai class site to stick to the daily plan, visually see Learning Intentions and Success Criteria
• Use EE as a digital modelling book.
• Regularly assess four target students with JAM, PACT, formative assessment recorded into digital modelling book and photos on Seesaw.

Target students: RS, AM, LM, CT

Initial JAM results