TerryJ2
Well-Known Member
I just hit "send." Fingers crossed that I wasn't too condescending and that I didn't open a can of worms for nothing.
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Sent: Wed, Jun 4, 2014 1:16 pm
Subject: Movie in math
6/4/2014
Dear Mr. S, Mrs. L, Mrs. B, Mrs. J and Mr. A:
My son, difficult child, is in Mrs. L's math class. He struggles with math and will be attending summer school. Many of the teachers (in all subjects) have told the students that if they pass the SOLS, they may be excused from taking the final exam. Some of the classes are still conducted as regular classes, and some are winding down for the summer.
Today I received a call from difficult child, who told me that I can pick him up early because he is watching "Ice Age" in math today.
I don't see the connection.
If he is behind on any assignments he should be using this time to catch up.
For future reference (including this week and next, as well as next year), below is a brief list of movies that contain information about math. If you have difficulties with licensing permission, rental, or fees, I would be more than happy to help you out in the future. The students can still be entertained while they at least obtain some information that is mathematically related. I know that difficult child watched a movie about a gambling scam (possibly "21") for a class and he actually learned a lot from it.
This is in no way a strike against Mrs. L. It is commonplace.
Please be mindful that your main goal is education, not entertainment. I realize that I don't know the whole story, and that it's possible the kids were able to choose their own movie as a "reward" for good behavior or good grades, but administrators or teachers should present a pre-approved list of movies and then let the kids choose. The kids will still feel like they're included and entertained. It's a win-win situation.
Sincerely,
Terry J
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_about_mathematicians
***
Sent: Wed, Jun 4, 2014 1:16 pm
Subject: Movie in math
6/4/2014
Dear Mr. S, Mrs. L, Mrs. B, Mrs. J and Mr. A:
My son, difficult child, is in Mrs. L's math class. He struggles with math and will be attending summer school. Many of the teachers (in all subjects) have told the students that if they pass the SOLS, they may be excused from taking the final exam. Some of the classes are still conducted as regular classes, and some are winding down for the summer.
Today I received a call from difficult child, who told me that I can pick him up early because he is watching "Ice Age" in math today.
I don't see the connection.
If he is behind on any assignments he should be using this time to catch up.
For future reference (including this week and next, as well as next year), below is a brief list of movies that contain information about math. If you have difficulties with licensing permission, rental, or fees, I would be more than happy to help you out in the future. The students can still be entertained while they at least obtain some information that is mathematically related. I know that difficult child watched a movie about a gambling scam (possibly "21") for a class and he actually learned a lot from it.
This is in no way a strike against Mrs. L. It is commonplace.
Please be mindful that your main goal is education, not entertainment. I realize that I don't know the whole story, and that it's possible the kids were able to choose their own movie as a "reward" for good behavior or good grades, but administrators or teachers should present a pre-approved list of movies and then let the kids choose. The kids will still feel like they're included and entertained. It's a win-win situation.
Sincerely,
Terry J
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_about_mathematicians