#scctm

“This is a good one.” One of the other reasons Richie liked Bev is because she had a heart- at least, as much of a heart as you can have and do what they do. “You’ll probably be able to take some time off, after. Big payout.”

“Lay it on me.”

 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: November 6-7, 2014

I am feeling very much like Camille when she goes to the beach with her mother in Camille's Team. It's sunny and warm here and I enjoyed a nice long walk in the sand at the end of a busy day yesterday. I am attending the South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (SCCTM) annual meeting, where I gave a keynote address yesterday. My topic, "Reading and Math Together: An Equation for Success!", fit in perfectly with the overall conference theme, "Math: Good to the Core." I demonstrated ways in which using stories to teach math reinforces the goals of the Mathematical Practices of the Common Core State Standards and other state and national guidelines.

Inspired by the fact that we have just come through a busy election season, I read my book The Grizzly Gazette to the audience of over 300 educators. The story is about a camp election and includes polls and election strategies as three candidates run for the position of Camp Mascot. In the process, readers learn about percentage and the representation of data. The story ends with a rousing cheer, performed admirably by the entire audience.

Today, I am giving a talk at the closing luncheon event. As it's just a short presentation, I have decided to read a book from my I See I Learn series, Good Job, Ajay! The story has to do with building confidence. When people ask what this has to do with math, my response is, "Everything!" Research shows that social/emotional skills such as confidence building, cooperation and self-regulation are the most reliable predictors of school—and math—success.

The conference is going very well and I am honored to be here.

"Good Job, South Carolina!"...and a big thank you to Joan Stevenson of Turn Kids On! for the book signings!