Saturday, December 19, 2009

Not About Math - Phonics and Letters

Methods change over the years. There was 'phonics' then 'whole language'.

Our 7-year old recently came home talking about phonograms (my spell check doesn't even recognize that word). "A the four letter A, E the two letter E, A the two letter A," were the phrases that were being chanted around the house and I didn't have a clue what she was talking about. But then, isn't the internet great!

In case any of you are feeling oldish and out of the loop, here is an excellent site that gives a thorough explanation of phonograms and also, how to write the alphabet (the modern way).

Phonogram Page

The Mathematics of Metaphore: x = y

I have routinely and successfully used metaphor in teaching mathematics especially when describing how the brain works. Every once in a while I find a student who resists: "Why are you talking about learning to keep your balance on a bicycle? I thought we were talking about studying for the chapter 5 test?"

I found the following video, newly added to the TED.com repertoire. James Geary is amusing as he describes the importance of metaphor in human thought.




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