The Classroom Chef: Sharpen Your Lessons, Season Your Classes, Make Math Meaningful

by John Stevens, Matt Vaudrey

"I just don't get math." If you're a math teacher, you probably can't count the number of times you've heard students, parents, and even fellow teachers make a disparaging statement about your subject. As math teachers and instructional coaches, John Stevens and Matt Vaudrey know how discouraging it feels to look out into a classroom full of disinterested and confused students. But they also know how amazing it feels to see comprehension dawn in their students' eyes - when a concept suddenly makes sense and math becomes meaningful. In The Classroom Chef, John and Matt share their secret recipes, ingredients, and tips for serving up lessons that engage students and help them "get" math. You can use these ideas and methods as-is, or better yet, tweak them and create your own enticing educational meals. The message the authors want to convey is that, with imagination and preparation, every teacher can be a Classroom Chef. Far from bland or boring, the lessons and ideas in The Classroom Chef spark curiosity-and occasionally bewilderment and awe (yes, in math class). After all, mullets, ziplines, and sharks aren't standard topics for typical math classes. But maybe they should be.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Mathematics, Nonfiction

222 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

This is John^Stevens, where ^=space. (default profile)

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pirating math teaching!

I looked at Teach like a Pirate and thought "how would I apply this to math?" This book answers my question in every way possible. It makes me sorry that school ended last week and I have to wait TWO MONTHS to try these techniques in my classroom. Take a risk, try something new, and be the teacher you know you can be. This book will help.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has some good ideas, but I really have to do a lot of additional research for elementary grade ideas. They do reference a website for ideas, but that’s not in my budget. On the plus side I have became a more creative teacher with this book.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the ideas in this book. It is clear that the author's really care about teaching and really love it. they have good ideas, and I like thinking about a math class as a meal that you prepare instead of a lesson that you plan.

[Jessica Haskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of inspiration and practical ideas that you can use in your classroom. The chef analogy sometimes felt a bit over played but the content is great and was a fast read.

[Helene Poppleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great, practical ways to liven up my class.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to how — and why — to make math class better.

[Todd Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best teaching books I have ever had the pleasure to get my hands on. You don't need to be a math teacher to get something meaningful from this book. The authors ideas, hints, and experiences can help any teacher striving to make engaging and meaningful lessons. Their honesty also reminds you that failing is part of the process, not just for students but for teachers. This is a book that left me inspired and that I know I will come back to numerous times. I normally loan books like this to friends but I would be afraid that I wouldn't get it back. Best to buy a copy for those that you know it would help.

[Kimberly Hallahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational! Although reading this book further assured me that I do not want to teach in a K-12 classroom, it has infused fresh inspiration for my math tutoring. The two biggest lessons I gained are (1) Take risks and (2) Our biggest failures lead to our biggest growth.

[Lisa Sassaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book FOR middle school math teachers, written BY middle school math teachers. No more info needed. Read it. They've been right there in the same place that we stand every day. Incredibly motivational and practical.

[Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read to give you ideas on how to make the classroom more accessible for students. Two teachers share their stories and ideas in an entertaining way. It also offers some cool math resources to try out. Even non math teachers may find the ideas helpful.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for math teachers and all teachers in general. It helps that I love cooking, so the kitchen analogy was right up my alley!