Pascal's Triangle and Pages on Tape

Works4Me presents weekly practical classroom tips from real experts -- your colleagues!

1. Pascal's Triangle Enhances Number Sense

From Eric O'Brien, a sixth grade teacher at Shore Road Intermediate Center in Bellmore, New York:

"Using hexagonal shapes, I form the first 15 lines of Pascal's triangle on my bulletin board. I fill in the first 5 lines and allow students to think about the formation. When students begin to ask about the triangle, I ask them to make conjectures about the next few lines. This exploration quickly becomes a source of enthusiasm that lasts throughout the year. I ask students a variety of questions, and students begin to find connections among the questions, number theory and the bulletin board they helped to create."
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2. Books on Tape for Slow Readers

From Fran:

"I suggest using books on tape (or CD) for students who are slow readers. Students can follow along in the printed book as they listen. This process gets them past the 'how does this word sound' problem and also gives them the feeling of being read to which all kids like. Every one of the kids to whom I have suggested books on tape have said it has helped them. I have no budget for recorded books, but that doesn't stop me. Two good sources for recorded books are free interlibrary loan and low-cost used books on tape from Amazon.com."
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3. Question of the Week: Summer School

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"When the weather is sunny and warm and their friends are outside enjoying summer break, students enrolled in summer school can have more difficulty staying alert, focused, and ready to learn. What strategies do you use to keep your summer school classes interesting and your students on task and focused on learning?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Kindergarten Roundup

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"This year we are having potential students attend our school for a couple of hours to get an idea of what to expect in the fall. The students will visit performing arts classes and have lunch. It is up to me to come up with what they will do for an hour to an hour and a half in our classrooms. I thought we would do some circle time activities, but what else is appropriate for such a short visit that won't be overwhelming?"
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