Five for Friday: Math, Donors Choose, Storage, and More

  

Today will be interesting.  It's our - student - teacher for the day.  This is the reward our prinicpal came up with to get students to try their best on the PARCC test.  I can't wait to see what she has in store.  Happy Five for Friday!

1

Mathapalooza - I mentioned earlier this week having a Mathapalooza with my students.  It was amazing!  Click here to read about our day and get some freebies as well!

Here's a sneak peek...

                                                                                   

2

The Heat is On - This week was HOT!  My air conditioner at school is broken and we are on the second floor.  Every step up the stairs is miserable.

This was the thermometer in our classroom at the start of the day on Wednesday.  I never think of looking at the end of the day.  It would be too depressing!

                                         

3

Guided Reading Containers - I showed off the seats my dad made for my guided reading table.  I am finally using them for storage.

I figured since they are for guided reading, I should just store anything and everything I may need for groups.  So far, I have a dictionary, dry erase board, and a supplies kit in each one.

My supplies kits contain 2 dry erase makers, a highlighter, eraser for the dry erase board, mechanical pencil, post-it notes, index cards with highlighting tape (reusable this way), Wiki-stix, scissors, and a Popsicle stick with a googly eye on top.  I will put a glue stick in when we get back.  This should make life much easier when having groups!

4

Donors Choose Tip - I just posted a new project!  I am definitely in the mindset for next school year since this is the focus of my project.  Click here to check out my project.

On to the tip.  My project is already funded half-way because of Partner Funding Opportunities. When you get on this page, you click on your state.  They will let you know what opportunities are in your area.  If you word your project based on these, you may qualify for some or all of your funding.
I always check this before adding a new project.  Because of this, many of my projects have been funded!  For the project I created, all I need was to add a certain phrase to my essay.  I didn't change any of the materials I need/want.  You will be amazed how much this helps!

5

Reilly Visited - My old student, Reilly, came back for another visit.  He brought pizza for my students and played games with them on the playground.  The kids loved having him there!  

This summer he is planning on writing another children's book and is looking to me for ideas.  I need help!  Anyone have any great ideas for a children's book?

This is his book he wrote.  Check it out!  

Mathapalooza

Next week, I am planning on having a Read-a-thon with my students.  We have been talking about it all week.  My students have been getting excited but have asked if we will have a day where we could do math all day.  Today was that day - Mathapalooza!

Here are some of the highlights of our day.

Beat the Teacher Timed Tests - Throughout the day I would tell my students it was timed test time. Each time they would cheer, because I would race them on their facts.  Anyone who beat me won an eraser from my new toy - my gumball machine.

I found this at the Dollar Store and filled it with mini erasers.  It's a little tough with to get the erasers out, but I love it!

Brain Breaks - We got up and moved around with some multiplication power points.  Click here to get your own for free.

Outdoors Math Scoot - I had each student write a math question on anything they learned this year. They had to be able to answer it too!  As they finished, I checked their work, gave them a number, and wrote the questions/answers on a master scoot seat.  (I found a free sheet on TPT.)  We then went to the playground and my students wrote their questions and number in chalk. Once they wrote their questions, they got their own scoot sheet and answered all the questions.

My students have already asked if we can do this tomorrow!

TIP - Use giant outdoor chalk instead of classroom chalk.

Partner Math Game Review - I divided my students into partners and gave them math flash cards and generic game board.  They used dice and game pieces to play their games.

Click here to find out more about game boards.

Today was a huge success!  I had one boy repeatedly ask my to pinch him because he wanted to make sure he wasn't dreaming.  Although tempted, I refrained!  Now, I really can't wait for the Read-a-thon!

Five for Friday - Teacher Appreciation, Math, and More

  

Happy Teacher Appreciation!  Thank you for all that you do!  Happy Five for Friday!

1

Teacher Appreciation - To thank the teachers that I know, I made labels to attach to popcorn, gum, and candy.  If you would like your own free download, click here.

                                                                                        

2

Math - I must admit that I love the end of the year, because I am really free to experiment with new ideas.  I'm not beholden to a test.  My big experiment now is math.  I threw out our textbook.  Instead, I have my students spend 15 minutes of fact practice, hold a math meeting, and then work in groups on a topic they choose.  For example, my students get to choose from addition, multiplication, fractions, area/perimeter, and geometry for the area they wanted to focus.  From there, I came up with different activities, homework, and an assessment for that group.  Each day, I pull groups that I want to work closely with.

Tomorrow is our big assessment.  I am hoping to see the results.  My students are excited, because as one boy said, "I love groups, because we learn so much."  I love that they are choosing what they want their focus to be.

Next week, I will introduce a new group but keep some of the old ones.  It's been a lot of trial and error to find what works.  At least I feel like giving my students a choice will help them to be more aware and interested in their learning.

                                         

3

Curriculum Corner - I am always on the lookout for interesting websites.  My new favorite is Curriculum Corner.  I really love it, because everything is free!  There are so many amazing resources to check out.  Click here to visit this site!

4

Fitbit - I have been good all year (so far) and walked my 10,000 steps each day.  To reward myself (and stay motivated), I decided to upgrade my old Fitbit.  Check out my affiliate link if you are interested in getting your own.

I love the look of this one.  I also love how there is a clock feature on it.  

My old Fitbit.  This is a great one to get you started on a more healthy lifestyle.

I can't wait to really break in my new one this summer.  I think I am going to try to up my steps.

5

Fat Ass 5K - Sorry if this has seemed to be such a random hodge-podge of ramblings.  I am getting ready to walk in the Fat Ass 5K (and school today).  It's a charity walk where the focus is not on walking but on food.  I am sure that it will be interesting!

Happy Mother's Day!  Enjoy your weekend!

Reading Games, Play-dough, and Other Activities

                                           

More PARCC Testing, allergy attacks, and a desire to punch a certain someone...thank goodness this week is over.  Happy Five for Friday!

1

Reading Musical Chairs - I am obsessed with books.  This is pretty well known.  I always try to convey my love of reading to my students.  I noticed that lately my students haven't been as into reading as they once were.  I think that a focus on testing can definitely do that.  To combat this, I wanted my students to see a variety of books that they could be reading from our library, so we played reading musical chairs.

Each student picked out a book bin from the library.  (All of my books are in bins based on subject, theme, genre, or author.)  We then played music and the students walked around the room.  When the music stopped, the students had to find a seat.  I then gave them time to read/look at the books.  We did this for a few rounds.  My students found books they never saw before.  It definitely helped increase the book circulation in the library.  I will definitely do this activity throughout the school year.  This way my students get to always see new books.
                                         

My Reading/Language Book Bin

                                                                                        

2

Musical Big Books - We just made our first musical big book this school year.   This one was to the song Happy.  Check my blog next week.  I will have lots of musical freebies for you.

These are some of the pages that are going into our big book.

                                           

3

Peep Play-dough - My co-teacher had the students make play-dough using Peeps.  It was messy, looked gross, but was fun.  To make your own, play one Peep in a Ziploc bag.  Add a teaspoon of of coconut oil.  Squish the combination together.  Add some powdered sugar to reduce some of the greasiness of the coconut oil.  Wait about 15 minutes once all the ingredients have been mixed together.  This should give a play-dough consistency.

Our greasy looking play-dough.

4

Taxes - I got my taxes done, and I did it before the deadline.  Last weekend is still considered early!  I think I deserve a treat!

5

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - This may not be the greatest show.  It's back for season 2 today.  I think I found my mindless weekend plans!

Bonus

Multiplication Math Brain Breaks - In case you missed last week's post, I made a bunch of brain breaks.  Click here to get your own free.  I made a bunch more this week to add to the collection.

Multiplication Freebies, Reading Game, and More!

                                        

I came back from Spring Break just in time to start PARCC Testing.  Isn't it great being back?Happy Five for Friday!

1

PARCC Testing - 4 days of PARCC Testing this week and 3 coming up (plus 7 days of testing another class - it's a long story) - I made up a little survivor kit for myself.  This kit contains Starbucks, Excedrin, Tylenol, a stress relief rollerball I found in my purse (How can I have forgotten I have this?), and tons of chocolate (only a fraction of the chocolate is pictured).  I highly recommend that you make up your own kit!
                                           

Speaking of chocolate, I ate so much this week, I am surprised I did not make myself sick.  I may have gained quite a few pounds.  It was worth it!

                                                                                        

2

Multiplication Brain Breaks - I have started creating multiplication powerpoints.  Run the slide show and let it play for the students.  Feel free to edit them.  I have the answers on them so my students will learn them correctly.  I will eventually make more for every fact as well mix up the facts to challenge students.

Please keep in mind, these are pretty simple.  I have the students say the problems out loud over and over until the next slide.  Click here for your free brain breaks.

                                             

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Teach Like a Pirate - This book was on a list of teacher books to read.  I am almost through with it.  I love it!  There are so many great ideas to help grow your teaching. If you are interested in getting your own copy, please click below. 

                                                                  

Anyone have any great teacher book recommendations?  I am trying to read at least one teacher book a month.  This is the first one I am really enjoying!

4

Reading Freeze Tag - This week, the weather has been miserable.  We couldn't have outdoor recess.  I wanted to get my students moving around.  After testing today, I took them to the gym and taught them a version of freeze tag.  One student is it.  They chase after the other students trying to catch them.  If a student needs a break from running, they may stop where they are and start reading their book out loud.  If they stop reading out loud, they can be tagged.

My students loved this game!  They wanted to play it during recess.  Too bad it was raining again and the gym was in use.  Oh well, we will play it next week.

5

Book Shelves - I wanted sconces around the opening towards my living room.  I couldn't find any I liked, but I had seen floating book shelves.  I had my dad install them for me.  (He's so handy!)  I will eventually find something to put on them.  For now, I will enjoy them.  They definitely add to my book theme that I have going.

Five for Friday April Fool's Day and Other Teacher Resources

          

This week I have been on Spring Break.  I have loved every minute of it!  I accomplished a lot, some school related and some adult related (taxes,catching up on appointments, cleaning, and other fun stuff like that).  Happy Five for Friday!

1

April Fool's Day - I thought of writing something that would be a simple prank, but since being on break, the creative part of me has shut down.  Instead, click here to get your free April Fool's Day Pranks and Activities for the classroom.

                                              

                                                                                        

2

Seat Cushions - I have been using pillows on milk crates for chairs at my guided reading table.  This has worked well for a couple of years.  Lately, I have been really annoyed at how much they have been falling off.  Thanks to a friend giving me fabric and my dad for actually putting them together, I finally have proper seat cushions!

                                             

3

Generic Games - I have made a bunch of generic games in the past.  My goal is to have enough for the entire class.  These games could be used for early finisher work, review for tests, or anything else. Because they are generic, I don't have to have different boards for different subjects.  All I need are questions that can be answered they must answer to move them ahead.  I already have different containers with dice and game pieces to go with the boards.

4

Kaboom - Did you ever play Kaboom?  The students pull a Popsicle stick from a container.  They say the word if it is a sight word game or the amount of money as the game I made is.  If you get the Kaboom stick, you loose.  The sticks work perfectly in a cleaned out Parmesan cheese container.

5

Spring Break - I am going to enjoy the rest of my break and try not to think about school anymore!

Apples

I love fall, in particular apples.  I have been making many different apple treats both at home and school.  On Friday, I talked about our awesome lesson on making applesauce.  If you are interested, pick up the packet below on TPT for only $1.25 to make your own applesauce for your students. This packet includes a recipe, sequencing, math, and more activities.  Happy Fall!

                                         

Feeling Productive

I have been feeling very productive.  I am in "Getting Ready for School" mode.  I have been busy getting books ready for my classroom library, exploring websites, starting to get birthday treats ready (I will post a pic when they are finally done), and making some file folder games.

I signed up for some great websites.  First I signed up for Bloomz.  This is a great one stop website for your classroom.  I need to do more work on my page.  At least I got through the demo class information.  I also signed up for Epic.  This is an awesome app that allows teacher to have free books in the classroom.  I signed up and read some books.  I loved the selections.

The file folder games I made are really generic game boards.  I can use them for my early finishers.  I just need to give them dice and game pieces.  The questions I give could be as simple as answering sight words or math flash cards.

Spring Break PD

Woo-hoo!  It is Spring Break!  I am definitely enjoying my time off.  I would like to shut my mind off of school and focus on my well needed break.  Yet, I am finding that difficult to do.  I follow We Are Teachers on Facebook.  One thing they posted was on fee 1 hour PD sessions.  Now, I do not need any PD.  I just feel the need to constantly find new strategies to try in my classroom.

Click here for the free PD sessions.  I checked out Teaching with Digital Games today.  It was interesting.  I didn't really get any new pieces of information.  However, it did make me reflect on the importance of using games to teach.  Here are some simple games.

Fly Swat - Students 'swat' answers to questions.

Checkers - Students have to answer the question before moving on their space.

Power Towers - Students answer the questions and make towers with the cups.

Odd One Out - Players take chips away in order to be the last one to remove one from the game.

Egg Carton Math - Use those leftover Easter eggs to create simple games with an egg carton.

Beach Ball - Write questions on a beach ball.  Throw the ball around the room.  Students answer the question they touch.

If you need more information about any of these games, please ask.  I can explain them in more detail.

Division and Magic Marbles

We started division this week.  My students were more excited about learning this than multiplication.  I have to say that they were able to follow along with the concept and understand which totally surprised me - they almost never pick up anything that fast.

My students were so funny.  I told them how impressed I was that they were able to complete the division problems easily.  According to one student, it was because of the marbles we used.  I guess they must be magic.  I think I need to change my marble container to say Magic Marbles!  Maybe I created little monsters because in recess some students wanted to use the marbles to create their own division problems.  Oh well, it was exciting for me to see how motivated they were!

12 Powerful Words by Larry Bell

I was lucky enough to attend an amazing presentation by Larry Bell.  He was a phenomenal speaker that focused on a couple of different topics.  One topic was his 12 Powerful Words.  These words are ones, that if taught with fidelity, will help students improve test scores.  These words are common ones that are taught on a regular basis (like compare).  He encourages spending 6 minutes a day going through these words so students become experts.  I found some great videos on YouTube that have students singing the songs and acting them out.  Click here for one video.  If you want to know more about Larry Bell, check out his website here.  Just watch him for a little while.  He is very entertaining!  I wish that I could be more specific about what he presents, but I do not want to infringe on his copyright.

My plan is to teach my students the song.  I want us to play it each day.  Each week, I want to focus on a different word and really make sure that students understand that one.  We will complete different activities related to that word.  For example, one activity is that I want my students to illustrate the word like in the video.  I am very excited to implement this in my classroom.

Positives

I feel like I have been doing a lot of whining lately. I hate sounding that way. Today I want to focus on two really powerful changes that I have made this school year that have made a positive change in my classroom.

1.Morning Meeting/Morning Message - I still start each day with morning work. Right after that, however, I have the students meet on the carpet for a morning meeting. During this time, I go through a message with students that I have already written. We use this message as a teaching tool. For example, last week we learned about the differences between sentences and fragments. I would write a variety of sentences that were either sentences or fragments. We would then make corrections. I also try to include messages about behavior for the students. I feel like I can eek out a bit more instruction that may normally be missed due to time.

2. End of Day Folders - I must admit I have always struggled with an end of day routine. Now I have students pick up their end of day folders when they are getting ready to go home. They now have something concrete to work on once they have their things. In the past I have done Top Secret files with the students. This is the new version of them. I can customize the packets for students based on their need. Since I have a set storage place (a hanging pocket chart with room for each folder), I am able to make sure all folders are returned at the end of the day. The folders will not get lost and a normally hectic time of day is much calmer.

Interactive Notebooks

I want to do interactive notebooks for every subject.  I know that I need to be realistic.  We are getting a new reading and math series.  I think I should focus on one thing.  This year my focus will be on interactive math journals.

I have had my students journal in the past.  It has always been used for writing anything I wanted them to write that day.  There was no long term thought involved.  I like how interactive resources are much more involved and useful.  This year, students are not allowed to take their math books home.  I want them to have a resource that they can use to help them with their homework.

To get started, I covered the spiral edges with duct tape and put in a ribbon for a bookmark.

Place Value Recording Sheet

Today, I decided to work on some school work.  I created a Place Value Recording Sheet that you can download for free on Teachers Pay Teachers.  

With this activity, you need to roll different dice.  I used different colored blocks for each set of dice (ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands).  The students roll the dice and record their results on the sheet.  This can be modified for the different grade levels (only use ones and tens for younger students).  I plan on using this as a whole class activity.  Then, I will put this in a guided math station.  

Beach Balls

Now is the time to stock up on beach balls. I have seen them at the store for one dollar or less. The great part with beach balls is that you can customize them to use with whatever subject you want. For example, I used each section of my beach ball to ask a different reading comprehension question.

My plan is to make a beach ball with informational text questions, different math beach balls, and maybe something for science or social studies.

The way I have used beach balls is that I have students toss the ball and wherever their right  index finger lands, that is the question they answer.

What Stuck With You Today?

Today's project involves creating a poster to use to check the understanding of my students.  I had seen it on Pinterest and only now got around to making it.  All I did was take a poster and use a die cutter to cut out a bunch of different shapes.  Then I numbered each one.  Each child will have a number.  At the end of the day or some other appointed time, I can ask a question and have students write their answers on post-it notes.  These can then be stuck on the poster.  I saw this labeled "What Stuck With You Today?"  I haven't decided if this will be the label I use.

Alternative Use:  Think Math - Create a poster like the one above.  Write an answer that students need to create a question for.  Example: 3 apples.  Students write any type of word problem or you can dictate a type.  They put their questions on a post-it note and put them on the poster.

Free cycling

I have started school, taught my first ever teacher workshop,  and finally got a new air conditioner!  It has been busy so far.

I thought I would share free cycling with you.  Free cycling is a group you can join (I use yahoo groups) in which members post things they are getting rid of or ask anyone if they have a particular item. You can ask for that item and pick them up. I have gotten bags of books, a bean bag chair, and lots of games for my classroom. Everything is free. The purpose of this is keeping things out of landfills. I joined two local towns in their free cycling groups.

Today I am going through the bag of toys I got to determine what new games I can make from them. Last summer I made checkers and Jenga games for math. So far, I have made a Don't Break the Ice division game. I am debating what to use Chutes and Ladders and Candyland for...probably reading.

Eggciting uses for Plastic Eggs - Part 1

If you bought those plastic eggs from Easter, here is an idea for you:

Missing Addends

I made up missing addend problems on each egg.  Students match up the eggs to the correct number on the bottom of their egg cartons.  You can write the answer on the inside of the eggs so the students can check their work.

Alternative Ideas:  You can create fact practice problems for addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. This is simple and quick to make.  I just added a cute label on the outside of the carton and was done.