Differentiating

Teachers are constantly differentiating in the classroom for every skill, strategy, or subject area taught. Math is no exception to that rule. With the help of our math interventionist, Kathy Schaw, I have introduced a number of math games that work on number sense and span many levels.
The first game we learned was "Farkle" which is played with 6, six sided dice and depending upon the combinations players are awarded various points each round. The points are cumulus which demands much higher level addition skills than the children have ever been exposed to. With the help of an iPad app called "Number Rack" (this is a relatively new app and great for so many different skills) the children are able to do the necessary calculations. The best part about Farkle is that I am able to change the point value depending upon the skill level of each individual child.
The next game I taught the children was "Spit" or "Speed". Using a deck of playing cards the children organize their cards in front of them similarly to Solitaire with a few remaining cards in their hands. The object of the game is to get rid of your cards by placing them on two shared center piles. When getting rid of a card it has to be either the one before or the one after the existing card and there is an element of speed involved. I am able to differentiate the game for individuals by eliminating face cards. This is a very fast paced game and is enhanced by quick thinking and reactions.
Another game the children are playing is called "10 Frame Frenzy". For this game the children must match up addition facts that equal 10, locating answers on a Bingo type board, and think strategically in order to beat their partner. I am able to differentiate this game by changing the frames to 20 frames and addition facts that equal 20.
As we continue through our geometry unit and discover 3-D shapes in our world we will continue to build number sense through these games during our Work Place stations.

S'mores Celebration

After a failed start our S'mores celebration picked up and was a total success. The children loved roasting their own marshmellows and making their own S'mores. We had spent some time earlier in the day watching a youtube video on how to make a S'more and then created our own "how to" document with step by step procedures. It was really fun to watch them actually carry out the steps . . . some even counted to 30 so their chocolate would melt (not me!!).

Celebrations like this really help to create a positive environment and culture of caring and mutual respect within the classroom. They were all so thankful for the opportunity. So nice to be a part of in a world that frequently spins much too fast.

Dr. Seuss meets the Document Camera

Our new unit of study in readers workshop focuses on character study and what better characters to spend some time with than those created by Theodor Seuss Geisel. In writers workshop we will be working on constructed responses to prompts. Again, Dr. Seuss opens many doors to the imagination.
As the children arrived to school on Tuesday morning they were greeted by the aroma of green eggs and ham! Even the most reluctant eaters gave them a try and many were surprised by how much they enjoyed the breakfast surprise. We all donned Cat in the Hat style crowns and spent a good part of the day reading, watching, and thinking about the 108 year old author and illustrator.

Over the vacation I installed a document camera on to our SMART board and we are discovering many, many uses for this "new to us" technology. Along with our study of Dr. Seuss' books in literacy we are working on our listening skills (particularly with follow through to directions). Well, the document camera has proven to be worth it's weight in gold! We were sharing our first assignment that entailed several components toward meeting the goal (and a couple more to exceed). Everyone was sure they had either met or exceeded the goal. As it turned out only 3 children met and 2 exceeded. Almost everyone else asked if they could have their papers back for a second go. On our second assignment we had only shared 3 papers when many children raised their hands and asked if they could "do a little more" before their work was shared. How much am I loving this . . . let me count the ways!

Tomorrow we use the document camera to investigate reflective angles using pattern blocks and a hinged mirror. Who has more fun than us I ask?!

Happy Valentine's Day

We learned many historical facts and legends about Valentine's Day from one of our Rookie Reader books. We love Rookie Reader books as they are just the right size and hold just the right amount of information for young readers. You can find Rookie Reader books on just about anything or anyone of interest.
We also learned how to address an envelope with our names and mailing addresses. Everyone addressed a very large envelope and decorated it with many colored hearts. Later in the day Valentine's were delivered into the envelopes and loads of delicious treats were enjoyed. Thanks to all the parents who helped out and joined us for this celebration of friendship.