tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387380874569385702024-03-14T05:23:01.433-07:005th Grade Chalk TalkMrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-83674098530733095262012-10-21T21:32:00.002-07:002012-10-21T21:32:49.786-07:00Boost Student Achievement on Standardized TestingBoost Student Achievement on Standardized Testing<br />
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This is an idea you may want to file away until you need it, but it is a way to promote a positive mood during standardized testing. <br />
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: middle;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">State testing is a big deal for teachers and for
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All year long teachers prepare
students with knowledge, understanding, and the ability to apply their learning
to real world tasks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As teachers, we
discuss with our students how we are not only preparing them for real life, but
also for the state assessments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many students, testing week is stressful
and dreadful, and do you do your best when you are stressed and full of
dread?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I do not</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Champagne & Limousines"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Champagne & Limousines"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Therefore, I developed a plan to involve parents and other important
people in this high-stakes testing week with the students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While parents and other parental figures cannot
be present with the students during testing, I thought I would create a way to
help the students know that they are being supported, “cheered on,” and loved
by those who matter most in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: middle;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Prior
to testing week, I email a note to parents requesting them to write a letter of
support to their own child for testing week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I suggest an encouraging note that of support for the child during the testing
week, and they can also include notes from other family members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
the parent sends in the letter of support for their child, it is done so in a
sealed envelope addressed to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
a surprise for the students, and they will not see their letters until the
first morning before testing begins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
always, I have some parents that are unable to participate for various
reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These special students usually
get two or three notes from adults in the building that play an important role
with that child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might include the
counselor, the librarian, or an administrator, but no one is left out. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: middle;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On
the first morning of testing, the students are given their notes to read
silently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are encouraged to keep
these notes in a safe place to read throughout the week before the tests begin
each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found that this
approach to parental involvement in the testing process can greatly impact a
student’s mood during the test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Additionally, parents enjoy that they can support their own child even
when they can’t be present to provide that support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: middle;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Below is the link to the note I send to parents along with a cute sheet of stationary. I hope you enjoy this FREE idea! </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: middle;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Improve-Student-Achievement-by-Involving-Parents">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Improve-Student-Achievement-by-Involving-Parents</a> </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: middle;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></strong> </div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: middle;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Blessings, </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: middle;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Mrs. J</span></span></strong></div>
Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-13591293943891228422012-09-10T20:30:00.000-07:002012-09-10T20:34:27.645-07:00iPads and Mathematics...Task CardsHi Everyone,<br />
Over the past year I have had several teachers ask me, "How can I use one iPad effectively in the classroom?" and "How can I use the iPads for more than just games?"<br />
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Since those questions seem to come up quite frequently, I have begun searching ways to use the iPads for more than just a glorified math practice sheet. How can the students use reference apps to apply mathematical knowledge to real world situations?<br />
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In my search for better app usage, I have come across four that are ideal for teaching and practicing place value concepts. This document includes 9 different tasks that students can explore in order to see how numbers exist the world around us. They will look at a population counter, baseball statistics, measurements on a map, and statistics from National Parks in the US.<br />
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The task cards in this packet focus on the following Common Core Standards:<br />
<b>4th Grade: </b><br />
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<ul>
<li>[4-NBT2] Read and write multi-digit whole numbers using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form. Compare two multi-digit numbers based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons. </li>
<li>[4-NBT3] Use place value understanding to round multi-digit whole numbers to any place. </li>
<li>[4-NBT4] Fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm. </li>
</ul>
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<b>5th Grade: </b><br />
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<ul>
<li>[5-NBT3 a & b] Read, write, and compare decimals to thousandths. a.) Read and write decimals to thousandths using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form, e.g., 347.392 = 3 x 100 + 4 x 10 + 7 x 1 + 3 x (1/10) + 9 x (1/100) + 2 x (1/1000). b.) Compare two decimals to thousandths based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons. </li>
<li>[5-NBT4] Use place value understanding to round decimals to any place. </li>
<li>[5-NBT7] <b>Add, subtract</b>,<strike> multiply, and divide</strike> decimals to hundredths, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method, and explain the reasoning used. </li>
</ul>
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Here is the link to the document ($3.00) and to the free preview. The free preview gives you access to one task card, the app list, and the general instructions. <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/iPads-and-Math">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/iPads-and-Math </a><br />
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Blessings!
Mrs. JMrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-52720963286263607812012-09-03T20:02:00.004-07:002012-09-03T20:05:45.003-07:00Intervention Strategies for Teaching AdditionNew Product Posted...<br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Intervention-Strategies-for-Teaching-Addition">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Intervention-Strategies-for-Teaching-Addition</a>
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<img alt="Intervention Strategies for Teaching Addition" src="http://datax.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Intervention-Strategies-for-Teaching-Addition-1346727586/medium-319106-1.jpg" /> <img alt="Intervention Strategies for Teaching Addition" src="http://datax.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Intervention-Strategies-for-Teaching-Addition-1346727586/medium-319106-2.jpg" /> <img alt="Intervention Strategies for Teaching Addition" src="http://datax.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Intervention-Strategies-for-Teaching-Addition-1346727586/medium-319106-3.jpg" /> <img alt="Intervention Strategies for Teaching Addition" src="http://datax.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Intervention-Strategies-for-Teaching-Addition-1346727586/medium-319106-4.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">This is a 36 page packet that includes a teaching guide and comprehensive students materials to address the following issues students have with addition: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">“My students are still using their fingers to add simple numbers with sums of 10 or less. Some even count from 1 when adding.” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">“My students use their fingers to add onto multiples of 10. They don’t understand problems like 10 + 5 = 15 or 30 + 8 = 38.”</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">These are activities that can be used one-on-one, with a small group, or with an entire class.</span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Blessings, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Mrs. J</span>Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-69325652863415981672012-08-09T15:17:00.001-07:002012-08-09T15:25:00.106-07:00Calendar Patterns to Teach Math Concepts<br />
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This post is about calendar patterns to teach Math concepts. As part of the grant I am working with, the teachers are doing daily routines with the students to help build a better understanding of numbers. One of the strategies we are using is Calendar Patterns, where each pieces of the daily calendar is part of a larger pattern. The students love trying to figure out the patterns each day, and seeing if their predictions are accurate. You can let the students predict orally, or using a white board. Since some of the graphics in the patterns are too complex to draw, the students can use descriptive words to explain their prediction. Every calendar pattern is created with 31 days, so even though it may be listed as the "October Pattern" you could use it with another month if you so choose. While I checked these patterns a HUNDRED time, they are difficult to create. If you see a mistake, please let me know and I will correct/repost ASAP. The first one is free :) <br />
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I hope you enjoy these!! <br />
Blessings,<br />
Mrs. J<br />
FREE...August or September (Back to School) Pattern: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-for-Teaching-Math-Back-to-School">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-for-Teaching-Math-Back-to-School</a><br />
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October/Halloween: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-to-Teach-Math-OctoberHalloween">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-to-Teach-Math-OctoberHalloween</a><br />
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October/Monsters: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-to-Teach-Math-OctoberMonsters">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-to-Teach-Math-OctoberMonsters</a><br />
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November Pattern: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-for-Teaching-Math-NovemberFall">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-for-Teaching-Math-NovemberFall</a><br />
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December Pattern: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-for-Teaching-Math-Santa-Theme">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-for-Teaching-Math-Santa-Theme</a><br />
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January Pattern: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-for-Teaching-Math-JanuaryWinter">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-for-Teaching-Math-JanuaryWinter</a><br />
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February Pattern: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-to-Teach-Math-February-Theme">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-to-Teach-Math-February-Theme</a><br />
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March Pattern: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-to-Teach-Math-MarchSt-Patricks-Theme">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-to-Teach-Math-MarchSt-Patricks-Theme</a><br />
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April Pattern: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-to-Teach-Math-AprilJungle-Theme">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Patterns-to-Teach-Math-AprilJungle-Theme</a>Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-53543907563958575242012-06-25T23:12:00.001-07:002012-06-25T23:12:36.310-07:00More About QR CodesA few months ago I blogged about using QR codes and posted the following circles activity: <br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parts-of-a-Circle-Activity-Using-Smart-PhonesiPadIPods">Parts of a Circle</a><br />
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Over the past few months I have seen activities developed by more and more teachers using these great little squares :) I recently presented on this topic <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_JzIk0LJAnNTzJaNjd0NTdUNE0/edit">(Presentation PowerPoint Link)</a> and wanted to share with you some great activities and projects out there waiting for you to utilize in your classroom. Many of them are referenced in the PowerPoint file located above, but I will list a few more below. <br />
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In addition to the activities, the Power Point also gives information on how to create your own codes and activities. Please let me know if you have any questions. <br />
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Also, if you have any QR Code activities you would like to share, please feel free to link us to them in the comments on this page :)<br />
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Blessings, <br />
Mrs. J<br />
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Free QR Code Activities on TpT:<br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/search?keyword=QR&seltype=0&seltype=4&pr=1">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/search?keyword=QR&seltype=0&seltype=4&pr=1</a><br />
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QR Code Pinterest Board (not mine):<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/jnase1/qr-codes-lessons-and-activities/">http://pinterest.com/jnase1/qr-codes-lessons-and-activities/</a><br />
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50 Ways to Use QR Codes: <br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AclS3lrlFkCIZGhuMnZjdjVfNzY1aHNkdzV4Y3I">https://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AclS3lrlFkCIZGhuMnZjdjVfNzY1aHNkdzV4Y3I</a>Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-70470314184269499282012-06-18T20:26:00.002-07:002012-06-18T20:26:49.675-07:00iLearn Math with iPadsWell, it has been a while since I last posted. So....I thought I would share with all of you some of the things I have presented on this summer. I will try to post them all this week. <br />
Tonight, I am posting handouts for a short one-hour presentation I will make tomorrow on using iPads to help students learn math. These apps go beyond playing games to learn basic facts or practice computation. These will provide students with a real life connection to math. <br />
The first page is a list of the apps, some paid and some free. The next few pages are a sample of activities you could use with some of the apps. I didn't include activities for all of the apps, but I think you can easily see how they could be incorporated into a lesson. The apps are for geometry, measurement, and data/probability. <br />
Here is the TpT Link: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/iLearn-Math-with-iPads">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/iLearn-Math-with-iPads</a><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Mrs. JMrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-42641778735719733642012-04-12T18:05:00.000-07:002012-04-12T18:05:11.034-07:00I am blogging two nights in a row...miracles can happen :)<br />
I wanted to post two writing activities I created and years ago. I posted one a few months back called "Our Teacher is Missing," and it was a big hit. The other two are very similar in nature. All three are meant to help students form three paragraph narratives using a creative writing prompt. Each activity provides a prompt sheet, as well as a graphic organizer for brainstorming and planning. It also gives the students a creative project to complete when the writing is finished. I created these when I taught 5th grade language arts to leave with sub plans after I had taught narrative writing. They are great activities for that purpose, but they are also great for providing writing practice in general. They can also be used in lower grades as well. I hope you enjoy all three of them :)<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Mrs. J <br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Our-Teacher-is-Missing-Writing-Activity">Our Teacher is Missing</a> FREE<br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Famous-Visitor">The Famous Visitor</a> $1.00<br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Mysterious-Door-A-Narrative-Writing-Project">The Mysterious Door</a> $1.00<br />
<br />Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-79939229900064400382012-04-11T20:31:00.001-07:002012-04-11T20:31:57.793-07:00Divisibility RulesDivisibility Rules FREE :)<br />
It has been a while since I have posted, but for some reason I have more viewers now than ever before viewing my old posts. So...I don't want to disappoint :) <br />
Here is a inquiry lesson plan, PowerPoint, and set of activity sheets to use when teaching divisibility rules. <br />
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PowerPoint: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Rules-of-Divisibility-Divisibility-Rules-PPT">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Rules-of-Divisibility-Divisibility-Rules-PPT</a><br />
Lesson Plan and Activity Sheets: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Divisibility-Rules-Lesson-Plan-with-PPT">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Divisibility-Rules-Lesson-Plan-with-PPT</a><br />
Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-49177385098705846722012-01-06T18:47:00.000-08:002012-01-06T18:47:03.455-08:00Teaching Least Common Multiples...<br />
Here is a lesson I put together for teaching students how to find the Least Common Multiple of numbers.. <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Least-Common-Multiples-Lesson-Plan-and-Activities">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Least-Common-Multiples-Lesson-Plan-and-Activities</a><br />
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Blessing,<br />
Mrs. JMrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-47391670735469248062012-01-05T20:51:00.000-08:002012-01-05T20:51:05.109-08:00Parts of a Circle ActivityToday I came across a blog about using QR Codes..you know those little squares you have seen in different places that look something like this...<br />
<img alt="qr-code to message playback, save/scan this image or copy link above" height="200" src="http://my.qrvoice.net/xsinnP" width="200" /><br />
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Go get your smart phone, iPad, or iPod and scan this with a bar code scanner. You will hear a voice telling you "Math is so cool!" You can create these to say anything you want them to say (under 150 characters) or you can make one to go to a website or send a text message. It is really a neat tool! All you need is a bar code app, which is free if you don't already have one. By the way, those are also really handy when you go shopping to make sure you are getting the best deal...so get a bar code app!! I like the ScanLife app the best for this purpose, because is scans so quickly. <br />
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By the way, the blog I am referring to is... <a href="http://makingitasamiddleschoolteacher.blogspot.com/2011/12/qr-codes-for-classroom.html">http://makingitasamiddleschoolteacher.blogspot.com/2011/12/qr-codes-for-classroom.html</a><br />
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This blog made my head start spinning about how can I use this in the classroom, so I developed an independent math lesson for students to do using these QR codes. The idea behind this math lesson is to introduce an easy skill that doesn't need much guidance then place the activity in a small group station as a rotation for Guided Math time. It took me about 15 minutes to create using the QR code websites. <br />
So take a look at the Parts of a Circle Activity. I hope you enjoy!! <br />
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QR Code Websites: <br />
Voice: <a href="http://qrvoice.net/?id=xsinnP">http://qrvoice.net/?id=xsinnP</a><br />
Text or Website: <a href="http://qrcode.kaywa.com/">http://qrcode.kaywa.com/</a><br />
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Parts of a Circle Activity on TpT: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parts-of-a-Circle-Activity-Using-Smart-PhonesiPadIPods">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parts-of-a-Circle-Activity-Using-Smart-PhonesiPadIPods</a><br />
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Please leave feedback on how this worked for you or questions :) <br />
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Blessings! <br />
Mrs. J<br />
<br />Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-69685949501016748072011-12-08T19:12:00.001-08:002012-01-04T20:17:52.684-08:00Finally...A New PostSo... I know I haven't been faithful with my blogging, but I have a good excuse :) Ok, so no excuse is a good excuse. Let's call it a reason instead. I changed jobs during the month of October, and I am just now starting to get settled into my new position. I am now a Math Coach for 5 schools in our system serving grades 4-9, and I had no idea just how exhausting it was going to be! However, I am learning so much and will have even more to share with your about my experiences. <br />
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Tonight's post is all about using iPads/iPods in the classroom. My position is funded through a grant that also put iPad and iPod labs in the schools for teacher and student use. Therefore I have been doing a tremendous amount of research on using these in the classroom. I spent some time in an 8th grade math class and we (the teacher and I) conducted small groups during the period. The iPods served as a great easy was to engage students in quality mathematics, without a ton of prep time from the teacher. Many of our teachers are planning to use the labs for this purpose. During our small group rotations, I taught the students a partner game, the teacher taught a lesson, and the third group played an app related to the topic of study. I was very pleased at how well the students at this age level were engaged in learning. While many of the elementary classrooms I visit conduct small groups on a daily basis, small groups was new to this middle school classroom. I look forward to more opportunities to experience this type of student engagement in the middle and high schools! <br />
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If you have access to iPads/iPods for student learning, the resources below are very valuable: <br />
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<li><a href="http://www.uen.org/apps4edu/">Apps4Edu</a>: This first site is a search engine for quality education apps and someone has done all of the work for you. All you have to do is choose your criteria. </li>
<li><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/schrockipad/">iPads in the Classroom</a>: This site has compiled iPad resources that others have put on the web into one place. </li>
<li><a href="http://love4thgrade.blogspot.com/2011/11/ipads-in-classroom-app-recommendations.html"> Jasztalville Blog</a>: This is a great blog on apps for the classroom. </li>
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I would love to hear how others are using these iPods/iPads in the classroom!! </div>Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-19518395769095144002011-10-03T20:08:00.000-07:002011-10-03T20:08:28.760-07:00Newspaper MathHere is a fun activity for students to complete while practicing math skills. The students must find 5 decimal numbers in the newspaper then use the numbers to complete a series of math questions about decimal place value. I hope you enjoy the activity! My kids loved it so much that we are doing it again :) <br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Newspaper-Math-with-Decimal-Numbers">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Newspaper-Math-with-Decimal-Numbers</a>Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-72770179210464239032011-09-04T20:28:00.000-07:002011-09-04T20:28:30.867-07:00I am a slacker...but only in blogging :) The first weeks of school absolutely drain me, and to make matters worse I am always "volunteering" myself for extra activities. I am sure none of you can relate to the inability to say "no" to extra work. This summer I spent three days in the lovely city of Montgomery taking part in a workshop on developing math curriculum guides for advanced students based on the new Common Core Standards. Part of my requirements to be paid for this workshop, and yes I did say paid...was to create activities for gifted or advanced students, and those activities were due this past week! So I have been working extra hours to get these finished. These activities are for your kids who already know everything you are about to teach on a specific topic. Or it may be a child who just masters the concepts much quicker than most of your other kids. As a part of differentiating your instruction, it is important that these students do not get MORE work, they just get different work. So my post tonight is to share with you a set of Fraction Thinker Keys that I developed to help those students who are ready for a challenge in fractions. The ideas behind this activity is that the child should be able to work on this independently, with minimal guidance from you. It is meant to deepen their understanding of fractions. This is the first set of thinker keys I have created, so I do not profess it to be FANTASTIC, but I do think they are pretty fun and I hope your kids will too! <br />
If you are new to thinker keys (like me) here is a great informational piece by the thinker key creator: <a href="http://www.tonyryan.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/Thinkers_Keys_Version1.pdf">http://www.tonyryan.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/Thinkers_Keys_Version1.pdf</a><br />
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My Fraction Thinker Keys...free on TpT: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fraction-Thinker-Keys">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fraction-Thinker-Keys</a><br />
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Blessing!!<br />
Mrs. JMrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-31769538511321957602011-08-28T20:11:00.000-07:002011-08-28T20:11:41.983-07:00After School Engineering ClubThis year I am starting an after school engineering club that will meet each week. Over the past few weeks I have researched a variety of curriculum to use for our club meetings. I really like the Engineering is Elementary and the Time to Invent curriculum. The Engineering is Elementary curriculum is quite expensive, but explores a variety of engineering fields. The Time to Invent curriculum is free, but you do have <span style="background-color: yellow;">to</span> purchase supplies. Have any of you ever conducted an engineering club? If so, I would love some feedback on how you ran your program. For the rest of you who might also be interested in this after school club, here is the free teacher's guide to the Time to Invent program: <a href="http://timetoinvent.org/activities/">http://timetoinvent.org/activities/</a> I hope to hear from some of you!! Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-77883713673585195342011-08-24T20:01:00.000-07:002011-08-24T20:01:01.342-07:00Latitude and Longitude Game: Message in a BottleI didn't make this game, but I love playing it with my kids. It is <em>Message in a Bottle</em> and is great for practicing Longitude and Latitude. I hope you enjoy it! Mrs. J<br />
<a href="http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/reproducibles/profbooks/MessageinBottle.pdf">http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/reproducibles/profbooks/MessageinBottle.pdf</a><br />
Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-74107404710433908612011-08-22T19:05:00.000-07:002011-08-22T19:05:40.158-07:00Branches of GovernmentI survived the first week of school!! It was an exhausting, but fun week. I love my class this year, and can't wait to see how much their minds grow!! This post is a link to graphic organizers I made several years ago to go along with Ben's Guide to Government. They correlate with the 3-5 grade Branches of Government information found at: <a href="http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/government/branches.html">http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/government/branches.html</a><br />
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The graphic organizers are FREE on TpT. <br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Branches-of-Government-Graphic-Organizer-for-Research">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Branches-of-Government-Graphic-Organizer-for-Research</a><br />
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I hope you enjoy these!! Mrs. JMrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-32262758534476228512011-08-17T19:53:00.000-07:002011-08-17T19:53:41.264-07:00Classroom Designs<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I wanted to post these when I first started my blog, but I never got around to it. These are photos of my Hollywood themed classroom for this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://jalbum.net/a/1026970/" target="_blank"><img alt="Classroom 2011-2012" border="0" height="133px" src="http://jalbum.net/en/static/icons/album/id/2134615/q/76/type/FEATURED/" width="200px" /></a><a href="http://jalbum.net/a/1026970/" target="_blank">Classroom 2011-2012</a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I am also posting pictures of last years Sports themed classroom...I am not sure why I changed it, but it was WAY too much work! The Hollywood theme will stay for a while! </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://jalbum.net/a/1026971/" target="_blank"><img alt="Classroom 2010-2011" border="0" height="133px" src="http://jalbum.net/en/static/icons/album/id/2134617/q/78/type/FEATURED/" width="200px" /></a><a href="http://jalbum.net/a/1026971/" target="_blank">Classroom 2010-2011</a><br />
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Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-51825623031028352752011-08-14T19:37:00.000-07:002011-08-14T19:37:58.674-07:00Our Teacher is Missing Writing ActivitiyToday I posted one of my favorite substitute plans that I leave throughout the year. This writing prompt printable is great to leave when you have a substitute. I leave it on a day that I don't tell my students I will be absent because the prompt is all about "Our Teacher is Missing." This printable includes the prompt and a graphic organizer for prewriting. I always enjoy reading the students' papers about "What happened to our teacher..." <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Our-Teacher-is-Missing-Writing-Activity">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Our-Teacher-is-Missing-Writing-Activity</a><br />
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Tomorrow I start back to school, so you may not here from me for a couple of days. The first week back is always tough, but fun!! Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-68926583719107466162011-08-13T20:37:00.000-07:002011-08-13T20:37:19.930-07:00Transition Words PosterMy newest post to TpT is a Transition Words poster you can use for writing. My students keep a copy of this in their writing folders, and I also hang this on my wall with some other writing posters. It groups together commonly used transitions for students to refer to when writing. <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Transition-Words-Poster">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Transition-Words-Poster</a><br />
Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-7833600364442408992011-08-10T19:55:00.000-07:002011-08-10T19:55:58.603-07:00Place Value PowerThese tiered activity sheets allow students ample practice with place value concepts. If laminated or put in a page protector, students can use these over and over with dry erase markers. The teacher will give the students digits (0-9) to place in the boxes at the top of the page. Then the students will complete a variety of place value questions about the number created with the digits. These sheets go from basic (3 digit #) to advanced (decimal). <br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Place-Value-Power">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Place-Value-Power</a><br />
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Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-50265962747198388852011-08-08T19:41:00.000-07:002011-08-08T19:41:55.640-07:00100 or Bust...I love this game!!This is one of my favorite math games to play with kids. When I went to New Zealand a couple years ago I played this game at a Family Math Night of a school I visited. I didn't get a copy of it while I was there, so I created my own game board when I returned home...then I made 1000 or Bust as an extension. It is a fun game and the kids love it!! The best part of this game is the end when the students start comparing totals, you will have students who have the same totals, but they took completely different approaches to the game. I hope you enjoy playing this game with your kids as much as I do! <br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Game-100-or-Bust1000-or-Bust">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Game-100-or-Bust1000-or-Bust</a><br />
Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-32687989273057925222011-08-06T22:34:00.000-07:002011-08-06T22:34:42.064-07:00Literature Genre PostersI just posted my first "For Sale" item on the Teachers Pay Teachers website. It is a set of 15 full color genre posters if you want to take a look: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Literature-Genre-Posters">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Literature-Genre-Posters</a>.<br />
I hope you enjoy, and check back next week for more FREE stuff :) Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-34641835565674164442011-08-05T22:35:00.000-07:002011-08-05T22:35:56.447-07:00Teaching Expanded NumbersThis FREE manipulative is for teaching expanded numbers. This is an ideal resource to use when introducing the concept, and to reinforce understanding with students who are struggling conceptually. You can download this resource for free at: <br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teaching-Expanded-Numbers-A-Hands-on-Manipulative">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teaching-Expanded-Numbers-A-Hands-on-Manipulative</a> </li>
</ul>In addition to the hand-on manipulatives, here are a few other websites that you can use to further this teaching strategy for students in need of intervention: <br />
<ul><li><a href="http://ictgames.com/arrowcards.html">http://ictgames.com/arrowcards.html</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ictgames.com/arrowCards_revised_v4.html">http://www.ictgames.com/arrowCards_revised_v4.html</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/countmein/children_arrow_card.html">http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/countmein/children_arrow_card.html</a></li>
<li>Here is a more specific lesson plan: <a href="http://mail.clevelandcountyschools.org/~ccselem/FOV1-00036ACA/FOV1-00036ACD/Using%20Arrow%20Cards.pdf?Plugin=Loft">http://mail.clevelandcountyschools.org/~ccselem/FOV1-00036ACA/FOV1-00036ACD/Using%20Arrow%20Cards.pdf?Plugin=Loft</a></li>
</ul>Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-32097362369520555542011-08-04T20:47:00.000-07:002011-08-04T20:48:38.940-07:00Classroom Learning StationsThese are Language Arts Stations and some incorporate Social Studies topics. You can find it FREE at <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Learning-Stations">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Learning-Stations</a><br /><br />Blessings. Mrs. JMrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238738087456938570.post-76483382051458526922011-08-04T18:37:00.000-07:002011-08-04T20:21:18.868-07:00Flower Power<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6ipaIsyvWDOTBfYO-a6iE5FlefKBtrh6O6NIvtwdV9jeUCOxMaC4BVkETbdsKnxDfNq0_w4_DaL6xO3jc6q66o50pRzuwKGwF85ZDAbEv6Tir5fgaT-OC_NY50yy1ID6rGmcPwsZ-kQa/s1600/flower+power.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637182176720995106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6ipaIsyvWDOTBfYO-a6iE5FlefKBtrh6O6NIvtwdV9jeUCOxMaC4BVkETbdsKnxDfNq0_w4_DaL6xO3jc6q66o50pRzuwKGwF85ZDAbEv6Tir5fgaT-OC_NY50yy1ID6rGmcPwsZ-kQa/s200/flower+power.jpg" /></a> This FREE activity can be found at: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Flower-Power-Problem-Solving-Multiplying-Decimals-and-Graphing">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Flower-Power-Problem-Solving-Multiplying-Decimals-and-Graphing</a><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigANGp4TVbKEM4kCkmS6alEV6V6pclDcsa6dCTRf6nv5Phyphenhyphen1O5UKj-JnT_9BDgr29oRMD2HZPD-9jURws-RoXFkSoKMQFJDN8vtVnhygiMmeEwhYeWvrLeRvzU6qM7Vlfd9GVLNjjq_B9K/s1600/flower+power+2.jpg"></a>The students will create a flower using pattern blocks. Each blocks has an assigned monetary value. The students will graph the number of pattern blocks used in the design, then calculate the cost of the flower, 1/2 a dozen flowers, and a dozen flowers. </div><br />Blessings. Mrs. J<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Mrs. Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00262786534908052207noreply@blogger.com0