Guided Math with Angela Bauer interview

 

 

 

 

Guided Math with Angela Bauer Interview by Trisha Roberts, Pediatric Physical Therapist, Early Intervention Specialist, Founder of Pro Educational Toys
(www.proeducationaltoys.com), and Blogger of parenting tips, educational information and toys reviews. (www.proeducationtoys.blogspot.com)

ProEdToys: Tell us about your self, Angela Bauer and your workshop called Guided Math with Angela Bauer.

Angela:  My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana University and my Master’s Degree is in Elementary Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. I have taught for 20 years Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.  For 8 years I was an adjunct professor at Indiana University Education Department. I have owned and operated a daycare/preschool for five years. I previously presented for National Business Institute for 2 math teacher workshops.10 years ago I created a professional development training program for K-8^th grade teachers called Guided Math. Finally I  am a mother of 2 grown children and a military wife.

 

I authored a book entitled, “Guided Math:  First 25 Days.” I believe that play is necessary to learn math concepts and skills.

 

ProEdToys:  What makes you laugh?

Angela:  I love to see 3-year olds laughing out loud.  I am thrilled when my students are playing math games and having fun manipulating math for the first time.  And I LOVE a good Minion joke!!

ProEdToys:  What is your passion?

Angela:  Teaching people to love life and to see the blessings that God has provided is my passion.

ProEdToys:  What makes you cry?

Angela:  I cry when students by 4^th grade feel that they can’t do math.  I want them to realize that, not only can they do math, they can have fun with math and do it well!

ProEdToys:  What was the inspiration behind creating your Guided Math Program?

Angela:  Basically, it was to meet the needs of all of the students in my class.  I do this by setting up four stations in the classroom.  One station is with the teacher for direct instruction and the other three stations are games where children can investigate math concepts through play. The small group that meets at the instructor’s station is a homogenous group of students with similar skills, abilities, and needs.

ProEdToys:  What makes your Guided Math Program unique?

Angela:  My program is totally reproducible.  I mean since I still teach, I know the challenges that teachers need to overcome in order to implement a program like this.  It is not just theory. It is practical application.  We discuss how to plan for your groups.  I show examples of engaged math activities.  We look at examples on my Pinterest Boards of math games and resources on my Guided Math Website. I provide schedules so no one has to re-create anything.  We discuss the process of teaching students the correct behaviors in guided groups so that they can think mathematically and be successful when playing the games. I even give tips on grading so that you don’t feel like you are pulling out your hair!

ProEdToys:  What do you hope teachers/parents will take away from your course?

Angela:  I hope they find a new-found passion for meeting the needs of their kids.  I want them to gain complete understanding that teaching guided math is Do-able!

ProEdToys:  What is one of your favorite activities for teaching math?

Angela:  I love Dice Activities for Math by Didax.  They have an entire series of games for teaching a variety of concepts like multiplication, subtraction, and mathematical thinking.

 

 

ProEducationalToys.com has a great product as well. I like the Geometric Shape puzzle.  This math sensory game would fit well into a PreK-Kindergarten Skills Review Guided Math station to teach the concepts of shapes, colors, and sizes.

ProEdToys:  What is the one accomplishment of which you are most proud?

Angela:  I can honestly say, that when each of my students leaves my classroom, they have grown as a person first and a student second.

ProEdToys:  What is it about your business that makes you most excited?

Angela:  After a 6-hour seminar to have teachers approach me or email me weeks afterward and say, “I can do Guided Math!  My students are learning and loving math now.”

For more information on Guided Math, upcoming Guided Math workshops, or hosting a Guided Math professional development at your district, visit Guided Math with Angela Bauer.

 

Guided Math with Angela Bauer Interview by Trisha Roberts,

Founder of ProEducational Toys