The service learning time I spent in Mr. Mase’s seventh grade math class provided me with many opportunities to view teaching strategies that I have learned this semester. In my Math for Elementary Teachers class, we had just covered how to teach integers before I began my service learning with Mr. Mase. My instructor showed us how to add and subtract integers with a magnet car on a number line drawn on the white board. Mr. Mase taught his students by placing a tape number line on the floor and using a stuffed animal lion as the “number lion.” It was wonderful to see Mr. Mase’s students respond to his methods in a positive way. This response from the students solidified the concepts of teaching for me and allowed me to view my own class content in action.

Mr. Mase also had techniques that he used on a daily basis in order to get the students in a math mood. They had warm-ups everyday when they walked in the room. The problems were on the overhead and they knew exactly what they should do as they entered class. As the students did warm-ups, Mr. Mase took care of attendance and organization. I learned how important organization is, especially in a short class period. Mr. Mase shared some of his activities with me that he uses for review and to break the monotony of daily lecture. I like the lesson he used called math musical chairs. The students move from desk to desk and work out the problems that Mr. Mase places on them. Of course there is music and the students really enjoy this type of practice. He also told me that his students enjoy math jeopardy.

The time I spent in Mr. Mase’s class helped me to realize the importance of what I am learning in my own classes. I also have a better understanding of the importance of creative teaching strategies and unique lesson plans. By watching Mr. Mase, I have come away from my service learning experience with tools that I can use in my future teaching career.