Math Talks and Whiteboards with Summer Miller

05/19/24 • 29 min

20 Minutes of Teaching Brilliance (On the Road with Trust-Based Observations)

This podcast features a deep dive into the innovative teaching methods implemented by second-grade teacher Summer Miller in Yakima, Washington.

Summer shares her journey into teaching, her transition from kindergarten to second grade, and how trust and student engagement are at the core of her teaching philosophy.

The conversation highlights the use of whiteboards for math problems, allowing every student to actively participate and solve equations.

Through a method called 'number talks,' Summer emphasizes the importance of giving students time to think and process information, fostering a classroom environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. She also discusses strategies for scaffolding, formative assessment, and the crucial role of questioning in developing student understanding.

Summer's approach showcases the importance of creating a safe, respectful space for learning, where students can gain confidence and thrive academically.

00:24 Meet Summer Miller: A Second Grade Teacher's Journey

01:45 Innovative Teaching with Whiteboards in Math Class

04:18 The Power of Number Talks in Math Education

08:59 Creating a Safe Space for Learning and Mistakes

14:10 Scaffolding and Engagement: Teaching as an Act

18:11 Formative Assessment and Individualized Learning

20:55 The Evolution of Questioning Techniques

This podcast features a deep dive into the innovative teaching methods implemented by second-grade teacher Summer Miller in Yakima, Washington.

Summer shares her journey into teaching, her transition from kindergarten to second grade, and how trust and student engagement are at the core of her teaching philosophy.

The conversation highlights the use of whiteboards for math problems, allowing every student to actively participate and solve equations.

Summer's approach showcases the importance of creating a safe, respectful space for learning, where students can gain confidence and thrive academically.

00:24 Meet Summer Miller: A Second Grade Teacher's Journey

01:45 Innovative Teaching with Whiteboards in Math Class

04:18 The Power of Number Talks in Math Education

08:59 Creating a Safe Space for Learning and Mistakes

14:10 Scaffolding and Engagement: Teaching as an Act

18:11 Formative Assessment and Individualized Learning

20:55 The Evolution of Questioning Techniques

Previous Episode

Creating Impactful Learning Environments with Liz Smith

This episode features Liz Smith, a fifth-grade teacher at Robertson Elementary School, and focuses on trust-based observations and strategies for effective teaching.

Liz, with a decade of experience, emphasizes the importance of caring for students, understanding their individual needs, and the critical nature of work-life balance in teaching.

The conversation covers the significance of formative assessments, progress tracking, and relationship-building in the classroom.
Liz shares insights into making learning interactive, leveraging self and peer assessments, and integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) into daily activities.

Special attention is given to the implementation of grading systems, the creation of a supportive learning environment, and the role of reflective practices in both teacher and student growth.

00:37 Meet Liz Smith: A Fifth Grade Teacher's Journey

01:10 The Impact of Growing Up in a Teaching Family

01:19 The Essence of Caring in Teaching

02:29 Balancing Work and Life as a Teacher

09:25 Formative Assessment and Student Engagement

17:11 Building Relationships and Classroom Management

20:18 Self-Assessment and Tracking Student Progress

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They discuss Morgan's journey into teaching, the challenges and joys of the profession, and the importance of building relationships and trust in the classroom.

Morgan shares her creative and engaging classroom strategies, emphasizing the balance between structure and novelty, and provides insights into improving teacher observation techniques.