Simply Unforgettable
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Simply Unforgettable
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Austin, Texas, Round 1
Cindy DePutron Matthews Elementary School Austin Independent School District
1. How many years have you taught?
32
2. What grade level are you currently teaching?
Second
3. What do you teach?
General Ed, Elementary
4. How many students have you enrolled in the Semple Math Challenge?
Entire class
5. Have you executed the program in good faith, as written with no omissions or substitutions thus far in the Challenge?
Yes
6. Please comment on the math performance of each student as they entered the Challenge. Were they on or below grade level?
Out of 19 students about 5-6 are below level, with one of those already in the Special Ed. Program. They have poor
number concept skills and are unable to successfully add and subtract to 10. All rely on counting on their
fingers and using manipulatives to do computation. They also do not understand problem solving without help.
Eight are on grade level and 4-5 are above grade level, depending upon what skill is being assessed.
7. What progress have you seen in their math skills over the last 30 days? Are they on or below grade level?
We are just completing level one (Workbook A). They are doing well spotting and naming numbers and dot cards with almost instant recognition. We have not gotten to book 2 (Workbook B).
Jan Semple (Author): Thank you for taking the time to be thorough. It will pay you dividends later.
8. How do you rate the overall attitude, outlook and self-esteem of each student on a scale of 1 - 5, 1 being the lowest score? Comments are welcome.
I have heard positive comments as the class works. All the children enjoy spotting, naming, writing, and coloring the cards, even the high achievers.
Jan Semple (Author): Every learner likes to succeed. That is one of the main reasons this program works with students across the spectrum. They all succeed!
9. How does the portion of Semple Math you have now seen compare to any "non-Semple" learning materials you have used in the past? (Please do not identify and materials and programs by name.)
Learning the numbers and number sense by formation of dots makes it easier for some kids than counting them one by one. I am interested to see how problem solving is handled in Semple.
Jan Semple (Author): The first lesson that deals with problem solving overtly is Lesson 26 on page 103 of the
Level One Teacher's Manual. However, every lesson and skill preceding Lesson 26 is necessary for Lesson 26.
You have already begun to help the student develop the vocabulary for problem solving. Please carry on.
10. Has any standardized or local testing been used as part of this Challenge? If so, please explain the means of assessment and share your findings with consideration for student privacy.
None has been done at this time.
11. Would you recommend this program to other educators? Why or why not?
I think it has a valid place in the curriculum for those learners who do not respond to the standardized math methods. Learning visually and physically is a great way to learn, especially for those who could be successful with this method.
12. Should we sponsor a second round of the Challenge and for the purpose of sharing our Times Tables Kit?
Second grade does not really go into multiplication very far. I imagine third grade would be very interested. I would love to do the subtraction.
Jan Semple (Author): Subtraction is coming right up in Level Two. Level One concentrates on addition. Most
mainstream classes finish Level One and most of Level Two in one academic year. I would also like to see your
class follow Level One with Level Two.
Folks using the program for the first time often comment that it starts slowly at a very basic level. They are correct, it does. It has to. All those baby steps of spotting, naming, writing, aligning, etc. are in place to make sure the student has the necessary subskills before proceeding. We are checking every "block in the student's foundation" to make sure it is on firm ground. Thank you for executing every lesson in sequence. As you well know a teacher's time is valuable and limited. I appreciate your taking the time to execute the program in good faith. Thank for for your feedback as well. I am looking forward to your next round of commentary in 30 days. |
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