The Ideas Box

Have you heard about the Ideas Box?  Awesome sauce!

Let me start at the beginning...Just over a month ago, I was asked to check out and share my experience with this box.  (Read all the way through to find out how you can get your own box free!)

So, what is it?  It's a box filled with materials to teach engineering to students in grades 4-6 (although I was able to modify a few things for my third graders).

Here's what comes inside of it!

Did I mention that it's FREE!!!!!!

First of all, just getting any box makes me feel like it's Christmas.  I love opening goodies!  The box contains posters, teacher's guide with reproducibles, and a Dyson Air Multiplier.

Confession - I am not going to lie, I stuck my arm through the middle of the air multiplier just because I could.  (I am not the only one; many other people did too!)

Here's a peak at some of the things we did.

Students drew what they thought an engineer looked like.

Many of my students were unfamiliar with the terms engineer and designer.  (Note to self: make sure to work on science vocabulary with students.)  We started the unit with some pre-lessons to make sure the students understood these concepts.  I thought it was incredible that when my students drew pictures of what they thought an engineer looked like, many drew adult versions of themselves.  How cool is that?

Another activity my students completed was finding pluses, minuses, and interesting parts of different products.  I loved how they were really thinking through their answers.  This helped them develop their critical thinking skills.

Unfortunately, we did not have time to complete everything in the box.  There were so much to do and so little time.  The end of the year goes by way too fast.  (I guess that's a good thing!)  Next year, I need to request this box earlier in the year.

So how can you get your own box?

The Dyson Foundation will ship this box for your classroom completely FREE of charge!  Click here to get more information.  They send you everything in the pic on the top of the page.  All you need to do is return the Dyson Air Multiplier using the box everything came in as well as the postage paid shipping sticker.  

The only problem with this box was that I couldn't keep the Dyson Air Multiplier!  That sucker is seriously cool!  I want one of my own!

Five for Friday: Google Forms, Finishing the School Year, and More

  

I am so glad it is the weekend!  Happy Five for Friday!

1

Google Forms - I am doing some testing of Google Forms for some of my data for next school year. I created a form to record my students' missing work.  I currently have a binder for this.  I figure we could fill it out on the computer or use the Kindle and record answers on it.  Click here to view my copy of the form.  Feel free to download it and modify it for your purposes.

I eventually want to use Google Forms for my reading/math conferences.  I am still in the planning stages for them.

                                                                                    

2

End of School - As school winds down, I am getting excited about my end of school year books. Check out my affiliate links below to get your own copies of some of my favorites.

                                                                

This is the companion text to First Day Jitters.  The story is touching.  I love reading it the last day of school with a sad voice.  I usually get an outpouring of emotions from my students, especially once they here the end!

I am a huge fan of any Natasha Wing books.  They are simple enough for my low readers to enjoy on their own.

This is such an appropriate book as it features a third grade class.  Very cute book!

                                         

3

Plickers - During the past couple of weeks I have heard the word Plickers mentioned but had no clue what they were.  I did a little research and love them!   Once you create a class, you can create questions to give the class.  It records results for you!  I love that this is free to use.  It doesn't require a whole class of computers/iPads/etc.  Check it out!  Click here to try it yourself.

4

10 More Days - We are in the home stretch!  I have so many fun things I am planning for the next 2 weeks.  I actually am looking forward to it!

5

Ideas Box - This week we worked on The Ideas Box.  Stay tuned next week to hear more about it!

Teacher Appreciation

Happy Teacher Appreciation to all of you!!!!  Thank you for all you do!!!!

If you are in a district like mine, you do not hear that enough.  The teachers really are the ones to show each other how much each person is appreciated.  For my third grade team, I made labels for popcorn, Reese's, and Extra gum.  It's just a small token, but I want them to know they are appreciated.

I used Avery 5160 labels to make the final labels and attached them to the candy/popcorn.  Get your free labels by clicking here.  As a bonus, there are other freebies that I have recently offered.  I thought that I would keep them all in a central spot.

By the way, thanks to Sheila Melton for the font.  I love it!

Fluency Through Music

Who doesn't love a good song?  This year my students burst into song just because they can.  I thought I would turn this love of music into some good.  We have started using music to increase fluency.  Here's how...

1.  Print out a copy of song lyrics for your students.
2.  Play the song so students can hear how it sounds.
3.  Read through the lyrics a couple of times without the music.
4.  Add the music and have students follow along.
5.  Repeat as often as you would like.  (Change up the songs so students do not fully memorize them.)

Our Music Playlist

1.  Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson

2.  Roar - Katy Perry

3.  Stand By Me - Ben E. King

4.  Lean on Me - Bill Withers

5.  You've Got a Friend in Me (Michael Buble)

6.  You Gotta Be - Des'ree

7.  Unwritten - Natasha Beingfield

8.  Happy - Pharrell Williams

9.  Don't Worry, Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin

10.  True Colors - Cyndi Lauper

11.  Fight Song - Rachel Platten

12.  Brave - Sarah Bareilles

13.  Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

14.  I Believe I Can Fly - R. Kelly (Clean version)

I am always growing the list.  (If you have a song suggestion, please comment below.)  I have Prime from Amazon.  Many of these songs are free.  I made a class playlist.  We listen to these songs when they are working quietly.  I am trying to include songs that have a great message.

We have done different things with these songs besides just singing them.  I use them to teach theme, poetry (stanzas), etc.  One of my favorite things to do is make a musical big book.  To do this, I put 1-2 lines on a sheet of paper.  Students draw an illustration based on the lyric.  I then compile them into a class book. (The above picture are some of the pages from our musical big book waiting for me to bind together.)  I use my book binding machine to put them together.

                                                              

My students beg to listen and sing the songs.  They get excited when we work on a new song.

I encourage you to try a song with your students.  To help you, click here for your free song downloads including some musical big books.  I will be adding to this, so check back often for updates,  Happy singing!

For more reading games, fluency, comprehension, freebies and more, click here.

Visit me here on TPT for more freebies and other resources.

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.

                                             

3

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!

Five for Friday

                                             

Woo-hoo!  I am finally on Spring Break!  I should be cooking since I am hosting Easter tomorrow and Sunday.  Instead, I am sitting here writing this.  Happy Five for Friday!

1

Parent-Teacher Conferences - We had our second set of conferences yesterday.  I am happy with how it went, although I would have liked more parents.  Only 11 out of 20 showed up.  If you have conferences coming up, click here for a Parent-Teacher Conferences freebie.

                                              

                                                                                        

2

Easter - Since we had a short week due to conferences and Spring Break, I didn't get a chance to do any fun Easter activities.  I have a bunch copied/ready to go when we get back.  Click here for your free Peep Activity.

                                                

3

Leprechaun Traps - This year we made Leprechaun Traps.  The leprechaun was going to visit, but he saw how crazy the class was on St. Patrick's Day and decided not to make an appearance.  Oh well, the traps were a fun STEM activity.

4

St. Patrick's Day Art - We made leprechauns and cut them in half.  They traded them with a classmate to create a whole leprechaun.  We also made leprechauns with a directed drawing activity.  It was a great way to see them follow directions.

5

Easter - Now I really need to go and cook.  If I don't, my guests will probably get a bit cranky! Happy Easter!

Five for Friday - Some of My Favorite Things

Another school week is now at a close.  Where is this school year going?

I decided to dedicate this week's Five for Friday to some of my favorite things this school year. Some of the things are brand new for me while others are things that I have tried but am only following through with this year.  Happy Five for Friday!  

1

Birthday Cups - I always mean to do something for my students on their birthdays.  Good intentions do not always indicate follow through.  This year, I thought ahead and made a birthday cup for my students during the summer.  I am glad that I did, because the first day of school was a birthday for one of my students!        

             

2

Computer Center - We are lucky enough to have a classroom set of computers in our classrooms.  As nice as it may be, it is sometimes a hassle to pull them all out.  I didn't feel that I used them as much as I could.

This year I took one of my center tables and dedicated it solely as a computer table.  We have 5 computers set up.  I have a power strip in the middle complete with chargers always ready to go.  The computer table is used everyday in reading and math during center time.  I use my computers more this year than ever before because of this.

3

Homework Binder - Every time a student does not complete homework, we record it in the homework binder complete with their excuse.  This is a great record for me to use with parents and students.  It's definitely worth the couple minutes each day to fill it out.  My goal is to get them to fill in the sheets themselves.  For now, I fill out the sheets with them in front of me.

   

4

Construction Paper Reminders - In the past, I have used these reminders for my students.  The only problem was I would use them once in a while, and then forget to ever use them again.  This year, the reminders are used all the time.  They really work!

5

Pencils on Chairs - This is just one of my all time favorites.  I get sick and tired of 1 or 2 students that just cannot hold on to a pencil to save their lives.  (Seriously, how can you use a pencil 1 minute and lose it the next?)  For these students, I tie a fat pencil to their chairs.  The fat pencils only need to be sharpened once or twice a week.  I learned the hard way years ago to tie them to the chairs.  It is much easier to take the chair to the pencil sharpener than the desk!

Five for Friday - Donors Choose, Behavior, and More

This week, even though it was the first week back, actually flew by.  I spent most of my time running around like a crazy woman (although I am usually a crazy woman minus the running around)!  It was strange only teaching (all day) today.  My intern started taking over the whole day this week,  My week was divided into pulling small groups, copying, laminating, having meetings galore, completing make-up PARCC testing for the school (how could it have dragged out unto this week), working on a organizing a shared closet of resources, etc.  At least the week went by quickly.   Happy Five for Friday!  

1

Donors Choose - I got my boxes from Donors Choose.  It felt like Christmas opening everything up.  I know that I amused our school secretary with my enthusiasm.  What can I say?  At times I am just a big kid.

5 boxes contained these goodies - all money related!

                                                 

2

Fun Friday - I am not going to lie.  I totally copped out on this week's Fun Friday.  I knew that I had to do something.  I had leftover cookies that I made for our teacher institute (I bake each month for our teacher pd's).  I passed out the leftovers.  Once again, I am grateful for no allergies or food restrictions for our district.  Then we cracked open all of the new games.  They were as excited as I was to try the new things out.

A favorite activity was the new money game that they could play in groups on the Promethean board.

3

Displaying Student Work - I don't want to show a close-up picture of my students' faces.  However, in the picture above, you can faintly see my students' pictures next to a piece of their work,  I cut out their pictures around their bodies to make them pop on the board.  I highly recommend doing something similar since Danielson talks about displaying students' work.  My principal rated me very highly in that category.  It was a big plus in my observation last year.

                                              

4

New Behavior Group - I started pulling a new group of students after lunch each day to go through different behaviors.  Our focus in this group is on a different behavior topic.  For example, we have discussed and done activities for self-control, behavior scenarios, and completing good deeds.  The good deeds activity has stuck with this group the most.  I think I must hear 20 times a day or more how something they did or saw someone do was an example of a good deed.  At least,  they understand this concept.  They are going above and beyond in becoming more helpful to others in the class.  

5

Why do I do this to myself? - As I am writing this, I am listening to music blaring for a teenage birthday.  I find myself working in an office while a group rents a room.  I can't help but think, "Who in their right mind would be here for this?"  Unfortunately, I am not in my right mind.  I get to spend the remainder of my night trying to stay awake (although not difficult when the music is blaring) and dreaming of a day when my salary as a teacher is big enough not to have a part-time job.  I shouldn't complain too much.  At least this one lets me get my own work completed.  Now I should go grade papers...

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.

Dealing With a Million Questions

Some students have been grating on my nerves lately.  These students are the ones that are quick to ask a million questions about work that they have never read.  I am more than happy to help answer questions...as long as the students make some effort to participate.  There are 3 girls in particular that are the worst offenders this year.  Today I pulled them aside and gave them 5 counters.  I told them how smart and capable they are and the chips were there to make them think through whether or not they truly needed help.  I am starting them off with 5 chips for the morning and 5 for the afternoon. Two of the girls took to this idea very quickly.  They never got through the 5 chips.  This in itself was a miracle because one of the girls asked me over 10 questions in the time it took the rest of the class to put the book bags away.  The last girl had a few more problems adjusting.  She was ready to ask all of her questions within 5 minutes of getting them.  With her, each time she tried to ask a question, I asked her if it was worth losing a chip.  This was rarely the case.  She really just wanted the attention.

This strategy is one that I have found very effective in the past.  I have not needed it for  a few years. Hopefully, this will make a difference for these three girls.  If anything, I will at least gain some sanity again.

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.

Donors Choose

For those that have read anything I write, you know I love Donors Choose! Teachers go on it and create a wish list for their classroom. Right before school started,  I had 3 projects funded in less than a week. The items started flowing in! I received school supplies,  reading and math games, as well as science and Stem activities.

Donors Choose Recommendations
1.  Only have 1 project going at a time - This makes it easier for you to manage and request donations.

2.  Seek out matching donations.  Donors Choose has a variety of matching grants listed by state. This is how I got some projects funded so fast.

3.  Ask family,  friends,  and link your project to Facebook.  The generosity of others always overwhelms me!  I have received donations from Facebook friends - people I never would have asked for a donation from - that saw my post and gave a donation. 

4.  Set automatic settings to always post on Facebook.  I like this one because it is one way to thank people.  It also tells you when a donation has been made.

5.  Use promo codes. The first week you post  a project.  This allows all donations to be doubled.   You will get the promo code once your project is posted. 

6.  Make sure to thank people right away. I like to respond immediately.  You will create a more formal thank you when your project is funded.

7.  Be creative in your title and description.  The most original ones get the most outside donors.

8.  Have fun and enjoy. It is work to set things up but the results are worth it!