Yesterday was the day before MCAS, the last day to review all the math we've learned this year. The temptation was there to just keep pushing in order to review all the words, concepts, knowledge, and skill that could be on the 50 or so problems included on the test. Yet, you can over prepare too.
As students completed problems and checked in with me, I was mindful of the fact that I didn't want the day to feel like "too much math," but instead I wanted it to be much more like the warm-up a swimmer or triathlete does before the big event--the last big push.
Looking at their tired eyes, I reminded the students that there was no homework, and that I hoped they would find time for play, sleep, and a good breakfast before today's test.
So today, they'll take their time on the big test. Our collective goal is that everyone does his/her best by showing off all that he/she knows. That way we'll know what they know, and know what we still need to teach.
For me, today's role is that of proctor--one who supplies the pencils, reads the directions, and makes sure that the test papers are distributed correctly.
Is there such a thing as "too much math?" Well that depends on what you're talking about, but as we choreograph students' learning well, it's essential that we balance the topics and time well so that we meet each learner's needs with our best possible efforts.
