Activating Math Schema
In addition to working with grade K-5 teams on numeracy collaborative inquiries this year, I have been fortunate enough to also participate in literacy collaborative inquiries when they happen on the same days. I have very little literacy background, so I'm learning tonnes! I find it very exciting to see and hear how our students are learning, particularly in ways I've never stopped to consider. Earlier this year, I met with a group of grade K-3 teachers as they explored students' ability to predict what might happen in a story. Starting in Kindergarten, the teachers introduced a book to the students by showing them the cover, and then worked with students to access three factors in order to make predictions: they look at the picture on the cover, they consider the title, and they activate their schema . Aside... Schema (SKEE-mah): relevant background knowledge, experience, or prior knowledge within a context. I was blown away to learn that students as young as 4...