The skills learned in math are building blocks that lead to future mastery of content. My experiences in the classroom have revolved around the lack of number sense with my learners. Even those brightest (aka gifted and talented) find themselves challenged. In my Honors Geometry classroom, I do not allow the use of calculators on assessments. I have given up trying to keep them off their device when calculating a solution.

My answer to this is to focus on giving opportunities for spiral review. I have implemented the use of Microsoft Teams amongst my learners. I have developed a gamified approach to this to incentivize it. I will not require them to complete the activities, but I will offer prizes in the form of homework passes and bonus points they can apply toward assessment grades. I am still in the planning stage for the prizes and how I will randomly select the students.

Even as I review materials presented in their lessons, I intend to use this method to offer a review of elementary math skills (i.e. operations with fractions and decimals) that we all need a refresh on from time to time. I picture this as a way to influence a growth mindset and give confidence to those who may doubt their mathematical abilities.

Ultimately, the “prize” will be clarification and mastery of some of the topics that learners remain puzzled by. As I develop this strategy, I will look to implement it in my Algebra I classes. This might be just the approach I need for the spring semester when the countdown is on for their mandatory state test. I see my learners and the potential that they themselves have yet to realize. In a perfect world, I will guide them all to that potential. I am not naive as I once was as a new educator. Even the success of one learner should be celebrated!