We visited with one of Ms. Alonzo’s classes at Hermosa Middle School on March 30 to see how she engages her students in Mathematical Centers. She was using the element “Organizing Students to Interact,” which involves the teacher organizing students in groups to interact thoughtfully, facilitating collaboration.
Grouping students aids them in understanding, practicing, and applying new knowledge.
Students in her class commented that they enjoy centers because it provides variety and most centers are fun. It creates an atmosphere for friendly competition and learning in new ways, some said. Others mentioned that they get to help each other through struggles and leverage other group strengths too.
Ms. Alonzo (top photo) has been with FMS since 2013 when she became a teacher at Piedra Vista High School. She has been at Hermosa Middle School since 2019. Ms. Alonzo became National Board Certified in 2018.