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Mr. Spota’s Classroom Edit display name

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Mathematics is the one subject in high school where you still need a pencil. Technology is great for writing essays or doing research, but a pencil is required for calculations. Students need to be able to do the problems, erase, and succeed. This project is for two different types of fancy pencils: bendy pencils and mood "color-changing" pencils. While this may not be a unique request, writing utensils, it is something that my students will appreciate. At the beginning of the school year, during the first exam, I will give them one of the mood color-changing pencils to show them that not only are they valued as an individual and as my student, but that they don't need to stress about math. As the pencil changes color during their exam, they should feel more confident that they are doing a great job and solving the problems correctly. It may seem very elementary school, but even high school students love a present. The bendy pencils will be used as rewards throughout the year, for a student who solves an especially difficult problem or who I deem the most improved or hardest worker. Although it would be great for all students to be internally motivated to do well, sometimes a prize [no matter how small or silly], is just enough of a motivator for students to work hard. By making sure that I acknowledge all of my students at some point throughout the year, they will know that they are a valued part of our math skills course and not just a number.

About my class

Mathematics is the one subject in high school where you still need a pencil. Technology is great for writing essays or doing research, but a pencil is required for calculations. Students need to be able to do the problems, erase, and succeed. This project is for two different types of fancy pencils: bendy pencils and mood "color-changing" pencils. While this may not be a unique request, writing utensils, it is something that my students will appreciate. At the beginning of the school year, during the first exam, I will give them one of the mood color-changing pencils to show them that not only are they valued as an individual and as my student, but that they don't need to stress about math. As the pencil changes color during their exam, they should feel more confident that they are doing a great job and solving the problems correctly. It may seem very elementary school, but even high school students love a present. The bendy pencils will be used as rewards throughout the year, for a student who solves an especially difficult problem or who I deem the most improved or hardest worker. Although it would be great for all students to be internally motivated to do well, sometimes a prize [no matter how small or silly], is just enough of a motivator for students to work hard. By making sure that I acknowledge all of my students at some point throughout the year, they will know that they are a valued part of our math skills course and not just a number.

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About my class

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