I know this has been done, but recently I used Amy Rosenthal’s book “This Plus That: Life’s Little Equations” with a group of 5th Grade students. I wasn’t sure how they were going to react . . . would it be too silly, after all, 5th grade, spring time, need I say more! Wow, was I pleasantly surprised! They loved it and came up with some really thoughtful equations for their lives. Their equations went from “super fruit salad” to equations about loving school! (Those were my favorites!)
So I thought, hey it’s time I give it a try myself!
Here are just a few . . .
Family + Friends = Support System
Honesty + Positive Attitude = Me
“Girls” + Shopping + Spa + Mani + Pedi’s + Unknown = New York
Listening + Supporting - Judgmental = Good Friend
Computers + Books + Children = My Job
One Brain + 2 Heads = My Sister and Me (a nickname given to us by my nephew)
Sunshine + Smiles + Everything Sweet + Beautiful = My Niece Lyndsey
Zumba + Yoga + Walking + Weight Training = My Workouts (when I’m good)
Writing + Reading + Smiling + Commenting = SOL
Love your equations! I especially like "Listening + Supporting - Judgmental = Good Friend". Thank goodness for good friends. My equation for today is: Sunshine + 70 degrees + flowering trees = SPRING.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cool idea. I think kids would love doing this type of writing. I may have to try this myself. Great refelction. I especially like the last one.
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Great idea for all. I like your last one about SOLS. Commenting is like getting little pieces of candy through the day--make that chocolate. Hey, this might be my slice for today!!! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love this book & have suggested it as a great entry into writing poetry to other teachers. I think I'll print your post to show what some possibilities are plus using the book. I love your one brain + two heads!
ReplyDeleteYour equations certainly add up to tell a story of who you are and what is important to you!
ReplyDeleteI love Amy Rosenthal's books. Have you seen her newest Plant a Kiss? It's cute, but I love This Plus That to create some thinking. Your equations show who you are.
ReplyDeleteThese equations total up nicely - a sum of all your parts!
ReplyDeleteSome great equations! I read this book and did this activity with some students at the end of last year during the ABC countdown on M day for math. It was my reading and writing way to math! It was fun and the kids do love it -- very creative too! I think Christy said it best - it all adds up to tell the story of who you are and what's important! :)
ReplyDeleteFun and inspiring entry! I already started writing my own equations. I also plan to use it with my high school students. Looking forward how complex their equations might turn out to be?
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