Of course they won't feel talked down to. They will love having quilting as manipulatives. I mean, who wouldn't?!

shoot, I was at a training session a few years ago that included Legos as part of a demonstration. We loved it.

I think it is a great idea, Emily. I always prefer something tangible while learning a new concept.

We forget how much high school kids are still KIDS. They love working in groups, and in math, they really appreciate anything that isn't chalkboard/paper work.

Go for it.

We forget how much high school kids are still KIDS. They love working in groups, and in math, they really appreciate anything that isn't chalkboard/paper work.

My friends who are high school teachers have found this to be the case too, and also that high school kids still really like to get stickers on their exams/papers, even if they don't always admit to it.

What Erin said.

I'm really not here. I'm just doing a drive-by to distribute -ma and say I'll be darker than usual ("all my shootings be drive-by" - MC Stephen Hawking). I am now not allowed on the computer at all while the DH is home, so my computer time is restricted to middle of the night when he's asleep, or the 2 hours on M, W, F when Mal is asleep.

Nighttime now, and I'm trying to make arrangements to get to the West Coast in May. They ain't gonna make themselves.

ION, I had dinner last night with a rather infamous former FSO, the guy who resigned in protest over the US invasion of Iraq. I think the dinner party represented 3 of the 4 Democrats in the Foreign Service.

shoot, I was at a training session a few years ago that included Legos as part of a demonstration. We loved it.

Thing is, adults are usually over the "don't treat me like a little kid!" stage. Not sure about teenagers. But, yeah, you're right. I'm going for it. Because, it's geometry! It's easier if they can really see what's going on. Think I may show them the straws-and-paper-clips parallelogram thing, too.

My kids love working in groups, but they don't actually do the work. So I'm using that sparingly.

I have acquired construction paper and markers! Successfully overcame my burst of jealousy of kindergarten teachers by reasoning that yes, they get all the cool colorful stuff, but they don't get to teach algebra. Also, I have chocolate. You may not see me for a couple days.

Come, mon chocolat doux...

I am now not allowed on the computer at all while the DH is home

??? "Not allowed"? In, like, a Jerry-Springer-my-husband-doesn't-allow-me-to-have-friends way?

ION, as much as I have big appreciation of Lloyd Dobbler, there have always been things about the movie that I dislike intensely, which make me more disinclined to watch it and prevent me from having a pure and fierce fangirl love. (1) I totally get that the fact that Diane and her dad have a really unhealthy relationship is necessary to the movie, it's a big part of what drives the plot. That said, it squicks me fiercely, AND I have a knee-jerk hatred reaction to any story involving parental manipulation of their kids. (2) Ione Skye is NOT attractive. In any way. She always looks like she's about to barf.

emily - I think you need to combine the Algebra with chocolate.