So I started this blog (with its oh-so-catchy name) back at the beginning of the school year only to neglect it due to the lack of time on my part. Between an 18-month old, a college student (long story), and a new school/grade level/subject, I've let it fall by the wayside.
I'd love to hear some great ideas for teaching math, and for connecting it to the real-world, though, so here's my attempt to keep it up!

My current struggle is teaching students who absolutely hate my subject. 75% of my students are "intensive" students, which means I see them every day and they scored a level 1 or 2 (below grade level) on the state test. This is (for most of them) their 2nd or 3rd time around in intensive math, and they've pretty much given up on ever understanding math.
Every once in awhile I stumble on a way to connect it for them, but those days are few and far between.
My one saving grace this year? Starting the MathCounts team back up. I have a team of about 10 students who meet twice a week (we started late in the year & I didn't want them to be completely embarrased at competition!) to solve problems and have fun with math. Even though I can't do all the problems the MathCounts program throws at us, I enjoy hanging out with students who like (gasp, shock!) math and enjoy solving problems and finding out new ways and types of problems to solve.

Sooo, here's my question: What is it YOU do to keep your sanity in teaching?