When I first started attending tech and innovative teaching conferences, I felt completely overwhelmed. It’s common to feel this way when surrounded by so much new information and ideas. Many of us are eager to try everything at once, but then struggle to figure out where to begin and how it will all come together. I have to admit, I often wondered if I could even pull off some of the amazing things I saw. It took me far too long to realize that presenters, including myself now, tend to showcase only the very best. Starting something new is rarely a smooth process; in fact, it’s often quite messy and can even be painful at times. But embracing the challenges is all part of the journey. And that’s what this post is about.
Messy MathReps
When presenting on MathReps, I am very open and honest about the time it took my 5th-grade class to complete the first MathRep – 45 minutes, in case you were wondering. As a teacher, I am acutely aware of the learning curve involved in implementing MathReps. Some students may breeze through independently and accurately within three days, while others may require weeks of support. This variability is the inevitable, albeit messy, aspect of introducing MathReps or any new routine/learning opportunity.
Why do I bring this up? I understand the frustration of the messiness of beginning something new and wanting to revert back to a previous routine or way. The idea of starting something new after the school year has started can be daunting. There are pacing guides, expectations, benchmark assessments, and a million other tasks that weigh on us. We often hear that we should give it time, but all too often it doesn’t feel as if we have the time to give. But some things are worth spending time on.
Why Is MathReps Worth It?
MathReps is undeniably worth the investment due to the proven effectiveness of repetition in skill acquisition. As with any new skill, whether it is teaching, riding a bike, or knitting, initial proficiency is typically lacking. Through consistent practice and the repetition of key actions, one can develop heightened confidence, risk-taking, and greater speed. Similarly, MathReps specifically aims to provide students with ample opportunities for repetitive practice, thereby enabling mathematical skills to become second nature. Once proficiency is achieved, students can then apply their knowledge in varied contexts, such as solving word problems. Without this foundational knowledge, tackling word problems becomes an overwhelming task. For instance, even if a student knows that they need to multiply a two-digit number by a three-digit number, without understanding the process of multiplication, they are left unable to proceed effectively. It is akin to attempting to walk before mastering the skill of crawling. Through consistent practice and the connections facilitated by MathReps, students are empowered to enhance their confidence, adaptability in thinking, and fluency in their mathematical abilities.
Nowa Techie 