This week in math I have been teaching my fifth grade students how to measure angles. We started by using equaliaterial triangles to grasp the basics of angle measurement. Today, we moved on to using a protractor.
I was really intimidated to teach the students geometry this week. I was worried that I wouldn't have the answers to their questions or that I would teach them something a wrong way. I think I was just so stressed out because math is not my strongest subject.
Another issue was the amount of time it is taking to actually teach the material to the students. It seems that since they are having trouble understanding it, we are taking a lot longer than expected. We are a whole day behind! I'm actually not too worried about us being behind because I know that the students need the extra practice. I feel like we are going over things at a steady pace that isn't too fast for the students.
One thing that is causing a problem is that the students seem to have no idea how to use a protractor. The Everyday Math Teacher's Reference Manual says that they should already be familiar with this measuring tool, and have used it in fourth grade. So, I'm not sure why students are so unfamiliar with this. Fourth grade was not that long ago. I am glad that measuring with a protractor is one of the problems because I definately have mastered using a protractor! Hopefully with the extra practice activities and the help of my host teacher they will be able to fully understand and master the concepts of measuring angles.
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Glad to hear that you're thinking about the value of adjusting the pace of the lesson. You might want to talk with their fourth grade teachers to find out why they're having such trouble--might have been something and it might help you figure out how to better help them now.
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