Math Can Be Paperless...

Yes you read that right!

When Google classroom was first rolled out, I was excited.  I had been experimenting with flipping my classroom and it seemed that Google was going to be a more stream-lined way to do this.  But as I began to research it and implement it in small increments in my class, I saw that it was a much more powerful environment than I originally thought.  I began documenting how I could use it to drive the learning in my classroom.

My first barrier, I did not have the technology available to do this everyday (heck I only got the Chrome-cart once a month).  So I made sure that I utilized that time to the fullest.  Students were engaged, discipline was reduced, and students begged for the days we finally got them in our classroom.  I began to plead with the powers-at-be in my school.  I wanted to completely change my classroom environment...and I needed a classroom set of Chromebooks to do this.

I was informed that this year I would be piloting Chromebooks in my classroom this year.  I was ecstatic.  I had been preparing all summer for the chance that this would happen.  I am going to try and turn my classroom into a virtually paperless environment.  When I first proposed this to my administrators they were skeptical.  Like most educators, it is easy to see how a reading, social studies, or even science class can excel in a paperless environment.  When it comes to math, most educators are set in their ways and believe that paper pencil practice is the best strategy for learning.  However, I believe that math is more than just practicing steps.  I am excited to try and mold a new way of looking at a math classroom.

When I suggest to others that I am doing this in my classroom, I always get the, "Well that wouldn't work with my students."  Well I will be honest with you up front.  I am the Intervention teacher on my campus.  Every student in my class was unsuccessful on their STAAR test in 7th grade and only a few have passed at least one test, 3-6.  Not only do I have content barriers, but my students also come with a high number of previous discipline referrals.  So, if my students can do it...any student can do it.

I am excited for my new year...follow along as I navigate this new journey.