 |
| A fun activity with 15 questions, where students decompose the number 100, list factors, and much more! |
Now that I finished that, it is time for bed! I will do another Math Rotations post tomorrow, discussing Computer Time.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
100th Day of School Excitement!
I'm not sure about ya'll, but our 100th day of school is next week! I just finished a fun math activity centered around the number 100. It was crafted with older students in mind and is available in my TPT store. It is on sale for the first 24 hours and costs only $0.50! Pick it up before the price doubles tomorrow at 9:30 PM!
Math Rotations Part 3
One rotation during my math rotations is Teacher Time. This is my favorite time, obviously, because I get to work with a small group of students. This is a time that I really get to see their ability. With my student teacher last semester, this was the rotation that flustered her the most. With my time block, I usually get 15-20 minutes with a group. In a perfect world that is a lot of time! However, in teacher world, it's not. To be honest, some days I don't get to every group. It just depends.
When it is time for Teacher Time, the students grab last night's homework, their dry erase board, a dry erase marker, and a tissue (for erasing). Depending on what we are discussing, my students also have a math tool kit. I will explain those in a later post. I have a stand-up "mini" white board on my back table. I begged my principal for it, and honestly, if there was a fire in our school, I would grab it on the way out! I love it that much!
During this time, we cram a lot in. We go over the previous night's homework to make sure that everyone understood what was going on and it also allows us to discuss those problems that were tricky. Then, we have our minilesson with practice.
For example, today we are wrapping up our fraction/decimal unit. We are discussing the relationship between fractions with denominators of 10 and 100 and their decimal equivalence. My first group was an average group, who missed an entire section on their homework. (Why do children refuse to read directions??) We discussed those problems and did three quick problems to make sure we had it. Then we moved into one example of plotting the decimal on a number line. The students did two quick problems after it. We then reviewed making a common denominator (I love working with only tenths and hundredths!) and then adding. Again, two or three problems with that concept.
So, we don't do a lot of problems and I don't do a lot of teaching. The students in my group guide where we go and problem solve, explain, and help each other. I facilitate more than teach. It's AH-MAZING!!
What else do you want to know about Teacher Time? It's hard to think of everything you would want to know! I will try to post some picture tomorrow after school.
When it is time for Teacher Time, the students grab last night's homework, their dry erase board, a dry erase marker, and a tissue (for erasing). Depending on what we are discussing, my students also have a math tool kit. I will explain those in a later post. I have a stand-up "mini" white board on my back table. I begged my principal for it, and honestly, if there was a fire in our school, I would grab it on the way out! I love it that much!
During this time, we cram a lot in. We go over the previous night's homework to make sure that everyone understood what was going on and it also allows us to discuss those problems that were tricky. Then, we have our minilesson with practice.
For example, today we are wrapping up our fraction/decimal unit. We are discussing the relationship between fractions with denominators of 10 and 100 and their decimal equivalence. My first group was an average group, who missed an entire section on their homework. (Why do children refuse to read directions??) We discussed those problems and did three quick problems to make sure we had it. Then we moved into one example of plotting the decimal on a number line. The students did two quick problems after it. We then reviewed making a common denominator (I love working with only tenths and hundredths!) and then adding. Again, two or three problems with that concept.
So, we don't do a lot of problems and I don't do a lot of teaching. The students in my group guide where we go and problem solve, explain, and help each other. I facilitate more than teach. It's AH-MAZING!!
What else do you want to know about Teacher Time? It's hard to think of everything you would want to know! I will try to post some picture tomorrow after school.
Math Rotations Part 2
Math rotations are wonderful, if you know your kids and their abilities. To jump start math rotations, I spent a good amount of time in data. At my school, we take the MAP test and a benchmark test three times a year. I get a good amount of data from these two assessments; however, most of my data comes from daily performance. I use standardized assessments to help guide a new unit, until I can see their ability level.
At the beginning, I broke my students up by our benchmark test we administer the first week of school. This assessment is a loooooooonnnngggg test that covers all standards taught in fourth grade. I look those over, give quick assessments (mainly on addition and subtraction), and form my groups. What's nice about math rotations is my groups are flexible. They are very irregularly the same group of kids. Every day, I break them up in a new way either based on homework (which I quick check), by the previous days performance, or by the previous week's assessment. We give a weekly assessment on our focus learning target. I always divide by ability, but that normally doesn't group the "low" or "high" kids separately, which is nice to see the different kids interacting.
Personally, three groups works best for me. That gives me approximately 15-20 minutes per group. Honestly, unless I set a timer, each rotation isn't the same amount of time. Sometimes, I don't even meet with each group every day. It's okay though! My kids are making leaps and bounds with this model! Some teachers keep in depth notebooks with all of these anecdotal notes about their kids performance. I thank the Lord that I have a good memory, because I don't like to spend time writing things down instead of helping students! So, I go with what I know and work from there.
Again, I love math rotations. I love the individualized time with the students. I love how much better my kids are at math as well. They love math rotations and are so engaged in authentic learning.
Stop by later to learn about my favorite rotation: Teacher Time or small group!
At the beginning, I broke my students up by our benchmark test we administer the first week of school. This assessment is a loooooooonnnngggg test that covers all standards taught in fourth grade. I look those over, give quick assessments (mainly on addition and subtraction), and form my groups. What's nice about math rotations is my groups are flexible. They are very irregularly the same group of kids. Every day, I break them up in a new way either based on homework (which I quick check), by the previous days performance, or by the previous week's assessment. We give a weekly assessment on our focus learning target. I always divide by ability, but that normally doesn't group the "low" or "high" kids separately, which is nice to see the different kids interacting.
Personally, three groups works best for me. That gives me approximately 15-20 minutes per group. Honestly, unless I set a timer, each rotation isn't the same amount of time. Sometimes, I don't even meet with each group every day. It's okay though! My kids are making leaps and bounds with this model! Some teachers keep in depth notebooks with all of these anecdotal notes about their kids performance. I thank the Lord that I have a good memory, because I don't like to spend time writing things down instead of helping students! So, I go with what I know and work from there.
Again, I love math rotations. I love the individualized time with the students. I love how much better my kids are at math as well. They love math rotations and are so engaged in authentic learning.
Stop by later to learn about my favorite rotation: Teacher Time or small group!
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Math Rotations Part 1
This series is going to be about how I use math rotations in my math instruction. I have approximately an hour and 15 minutes for math. I start my block out with Calendar Math. A lot of teachers do not enjoy Calendar Math, especially in the upper grades, but I am a big fan! I love how it spirals and introduces so many new concepts. I feel like the 15 minutes spent on Calendar Math is 15 minutes well worth it!
The other hour of my math block is math rotations. I no longer teach whole group math. One day, during guided reading, I was working with a lower group of readers then switched to a much more advanced group. I thought about how my students were similar in math-some get it quickly and others take more time. Hench, math rotations! Why teach to a fourth graders level if everyone isn't at that level. Honestly, when it comes down to it, not many of my kids are "average fourth graders".
So, math rotations are born! I tried them for the first time two and a half years ago with no professional texts out there to help [at least that I could find]. So, I thought it out, crossed my fingers, closed my eyes, and jumped! Honestly, I will NEVER go back. Math rotations have SAVED my students!
I do 3-4 rotations, depending on what my students need. The length of my rotations depends on what the students needs. The focus of their minilesson is based on what the students need. Everything in math rotations is based on the students. What a concept, right? Usually, the rotations include time with me, computer time, and math games. If I add the fourth rotation, it is workbook practice. I will post a separate explanation of each rotation this week, so stayed tuned!
HappyMonday Tuesday, friends!
Happy
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Donors Choose
It's that time of the year again - the best time to get Donors Choose projects funded!
Donors Choose is a wonderful non-profit organization that is every teacher's best friend. If you haven't heard of it before, I highly recommend looking it up NOW! I have had 33 projects funded since I began teaching 3 1/2 years ago. Our school has brought in over $100,000 in supplies as well.
Here's the low-down on Donors Choose:
1. You set up an account for your classroom. You have to have permission slips signed by parents to allow the release of their child's picture on the website. I usually have them ready at Meet the Teacher and have parents sign them as they are filling out their sheets of information.
2. Set up your first project. Donors Choose does a point system. Each project costs at least 1 point, but as long as it is funded and you complete a thank-you package, you can get up to 3 points for each completed project. The thank-you package includes a letter from the teacher, pictures, and 6 letters from kids for each donor that requests them.
3. When starting up a project, think about what you don't want to have to buy for yourself. I have done plenty of projects on books and exponentially grew my library as a new teacher. I have also received colored paper, bean bags, regular school supplies, an iPad, science supplies, a field trip, seat sacks, ear buds, and most recently, a karaoke machine and bookcase. My first project was small-for two book sets. Since then, I have written many projects. Some get funded and some don't. Realistically though, this is the best time to post projects. I would definitely recommend a project that's $100-300, with shipping, taxes, Donors Choose donation, etc. They are more likely to get funded.
4. State your plea. Make sure you make a case as to why you need to supplies. Create a clever title, and submit your project. Donors Choose will then read/approve your project.
5. There is a match code for the first week your project is online, so share with friends and family and say a prayer! I always share my projects on Facebook and personally send a message to family. The match code for the first week will double any donation when the code is used during checkout. I have had several projects funded this way. It's amazing!
Share your DC tips and tricks below. Also, ask any questions you have! I am by far not an expert, but I have had a lot of success with this amazing organization.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
2014's Top 5 Favorite Lessons
Sticking with my promise, I will be recapping my top 5 favorite lessons of 2014. This is my first year in fourth grade, so I am excited to share my new experiences. Sorry for lack of pictures, as I left my iPad at school for break (to decrease the amount of work done over break...yeah right!). I will go back and add more in when I get back from break!
#5: Kid Blog
I am trying to integrate more technology into my lessons. My student teacher this year incorporated Kid Blog into our writing block. There were several lessons I enjoyed with this website. First, I enjoy that my kiddos are becoming better typers. As all of you can imagine, ten year olds who aren't familiar with keyboards are quite interesting to listen to when typing...pick, pick, pick...My favorite lesson was when the kids wrote small moments. The stories they created and typed out in 25 minutes were quite creative. A lot of my kids focused on riding a ride at the fair, since it was in town. I love how they focused on the hype of the ride and all of their details. Definitely a proud teacher moment.
#4: Planet Research
One of our science standards deals with astronomy. My students wanted to write a research report on the planets to learn more about each planet. [The pack I used for this is linked above if you are interested!] So, each student got a planet to research. Their papers turned out amazingly! We discussed how to organize information in an informational piece of writing using subheadings. I have never been more impressed with their writing. It was so wonderful and definitely bulletin board worthy!
#3: French and Indian War
Now, this lesson wasn't the lesson that made my day. What came out of this lesson allowed to make the top 5 cut. We discussed the French and Indian War right before Thanksgiving break. In third grade, we discuss SC history and don't focus on this particular war. I was at the end of the lesson and told my class that the British won the war and were in debt now. Then, one of my more timid students who tends not to perform the best on assessments raised her hand and said, "So now the King is going to tax the colonists to pay for the war and that will lead to the Revolutionary War, right?" Talk about the greatest teaching moment! It is so exciting when students can put those pieces together on their own! :)
#2: Saving Sam
I linked the original post that I saw for this activity, but it was a team building activity that my class did the first week back. I think team building is very important that first week back. I looped with my kids and still spent a lot of time recreating that classroom community and refocusing on working together. This activity is hilarious to do with kids! I can only imagine how younger kids would do with this. In the end, each group saved Sam. One kid bit Sam's head off, but he made it in the life preserver. The conversations during this activity were priceless. They really focused on working together and it was so exciting! Go team!
And now, for my #1 favorite lesson from 2014: Solar Ovens
To wrap up our light unit in science this year, we made solar ovens. I allowed this activity to be an inquiry activity and allow groups to design their oven that would allow them to cook a s'more. I laid out a bunch of supplies, including different colored paper, tin foil, parchment paper, clear wrap, transparencies, tape, glue, etc. The kids then had to cover their solar ovens using whatever they wanted. Now, these kids were scientists! One group even put parchment paper over the black paper in their box to keep their s'mores from burning! This lesson led to critical thinking as well as team work. It was so fun and yummy!
I am looking forward to sharing my adventures with you for 2015. I'll be adding a sneak peak of my first week back tomorrow!
~Kelly
#5: Kid Blog
I am trying to integrate more technology into my lessons. My student teacher this year incorporated Kid Blog into our writing block. There were several lessons I enjoyed with this website. First, I enjoy that my kiddos are becoming better typers. As all of you can imagine, ten year olds who aren't familiar with keyboards are quite interesting to listen to when typing...pick, pick, pick...My favorite lesson was when the kids wrote small moments. The stories they created and typed out in 25 minutes were quite creative. A lot of my kids focused on riding a ride at the fair, since it was in town. I love how they focused on the hype of the ride and all of their details. Definitely a proud teacher moment.
#4: Planet Research
One of our science standards deals with astronomy. My students wanted to write a research report on the planets to learn more about each planet. [The pack I used for this is linked above if you are interested!] So, each student got a planet to research. Their papers turned out amazingly! We discussed how to organize information in an informational piece of writing using subheadings. I have never been more impressed with their writing. It was so wonderful and definitely bulletin board worthy!
#3: French and Indian War
Now, this lesson wasn't the lesson that made my day. What came out of this lesson allowed to make the top 5 cut. We discussed the French and Indian War right before Thanksgiving break. In third grade, we discuss SC history and don't focus on this particular war. I was at the end of the lesson and told my class that the British won the war and were in debt now. Then, one of my more timid students who tends not to perform the best on assessments raised her hand and said, "So now the King is going to tax the colonists to pay for the war and that will lead to the Revolutionary War, right?" Talk about the greatest teaching moment! It is so exciting when students can put those pieces together on their own! :)
#2: Saving Sam
I linked the original post that I saw for this activity, but it was a team building activity that my class did the first week back. I think team building is very important that first week back. I looped with my kids and still spent a lot of time recreating that classroom community and refocusing on working together. This activity is hilarious to do with kids! I can only imagine how younger kids would do with this. In the end, each group saved Sam. One kid bit Sam's head off, but he made it in the life preserver. The conversations during this activity were priceless. They really focused on working together and it was so exciting! Go team!
And now, for my #1 favorite lesson from 2014: Solar Ovens
To wrap up our light unit in science this year, we made solar ovens. I allowed this activity to be an inquiry activity and allow groups to design their oven that would allow them to cook a s'more. I laid out a bunch of supplies, including different colored paper, tin foil, parchment paper, clear wrap, transparencies, tape, glue, etc. The kids then had to cover their solar ovens using whatever they wanted. Now, these kids were scientists! One group even put parchment paper over the black paper in their box to keep their s'mores from burning! This lesson led to critical thinking as well as team work. It was so fun and yummy!
I am looking forward to sharing my adventures with you for 2015. I'll be adding a sneak peak of my first week back tomorrow!
~Kelly
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! I have realized that 2014 was extremely busy and I wasn't as successful as a blogger as I would have hoped. That's the great thing about a new year...it means a new beginning. This year, as a resolution, I will be posting far more frequently than my one post in 2014.
So, to kickoff this new year, I am throwing a sale in my TPT store. I can't figure out how to make the widget work, so I linked it! If you have any advice to make the widget work, please leave it below! I've been trying for a while now.
This year will be the year of actually blogging. I promise!
~Kelly
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