It seems like every conversation I overhear students having starts with, "Would you rather..."! I remember having these same conversations with my friends when I was in school!! So, why not use conversations that students are already having, and apply them to critical thinking, opinion writing, and collaborative discussions!! [Disclaimer: The pictures throughout this post feature printables from my Would You Rather resource. However, you can also come up with your own Would You Rather ... [Read More]
Comparing Fractions to One-Half
Comparing Fractions to One-Half When teaching students to compare fractions, I usually start with visuals, like fraction bars or number lines. However, one of my favorite strategies for comparing fractions is to have students compare fractions to one-half. Once students are able to compare fractions to one-half, they then have one more tool in their belts when comparing fractions with unlike denominators. First, I like to use number lines, like in the activity below. Students label the number ... [Read More]
Using Math Exit Slips to Guide Instruction
I have been using some form of Exit Slips for as long as I have been teaching, long before I even knew the term "Exit Slips". I used to cut pieces of notebook paper into thirds and pass them out to my students. Then, I would write two to three math problems on the board, and ask students to work them out on their slip. During recess or lunch, I would go through these slips to see how well the lesson went, what mistakes students were making, and to determine which students were getting it, and ... [Read More]
Getting Started with Interactive Math Notebooks
I have been using interactive math notebooks in my classroom for as long as I can remember. Math notebooks are a great place for students to take notes, record definitions and sample problems, and practice new skills. They are perfect to use for direct instruction and guided practice, in small groups or as a whole class. But what I love most about them is that my students are able to use them as a reference tool throughout the school year. What to Include in Interactive ... [Read More]
Reflect and Plan: Routines and Procedures for the School Year
One of my favorite things about teaching is that every year is a fresh start. Whether you are new to teaching, or someone who has been teaching for many years, we all can admit that we have plenty of room to grow. After 13 years of teaching, I am still making changes each year in how I run my classroom. Summer is the perfect time to reflect on the previous school year and to plan and make changes for the next. Every year I spend a lot of time in those first weeks of school establishing ... [Read More]
Martin’s BIG Words for BIG Kids!!
Picture books aren't just for little kids!! As an upper grade teacher, I love to incorporate picture books into our literacy block, especially as a way to encourage my students to think, discuss, and reflect. To celebrate the extraordinary life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I love using the book Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport. Martin's words were so powerful and this book weaves them in with a short biography of his life. Along with the beautiful illustrations by Bryan Collier, ... [Read More]
Reinventing Reading Response Journals
As teachers we are constantly REINVENTING THE WHEEL!! Although it can be time consuming, one thing I love about my job, is that I get the opportunity to learn, grow, create, and RECREATE year after year!! I have been using Reading Response Journals in my classroom for over 10 years, and each year I make slight changes in the process, style, and implementation. The Reading Response Journals that I am about to share are a culmination of ideas from the past 10 years!! THE WHY AND HOW OF READING ... [Read More]
Everything You Need to Teach Fractions
Teaching fractions can be challenging, especially when students have different learning styles and levels of understanding. This comprehensive Fractions Unit is designed to provide a variety of strategies and activities to help every student succeed. Whether you’re introducing new concepts, reinforcing skills, or reviewing for mastery, this resource has you covered. text What’s Included: This resource is packed with over 100 pages of engaging materials to teach, practice, and ... [Read More]
Boggle Board w/ Printable!!!
I have been working on some new ideas for my students to do during their Daily Five "Word Work" rotation. A couple days ago I posted about my Word of the Week Graphic Organizer. Another idea I had was inspired by a couple different sources. I first saw the idea for a Boggle bulletin board on Pinterest. Click here to see the pic. Then I saw a post on Clutter-Free Classroom that further inspired me. Here is a picture of the Boggle Bulletin Board that I put up today: {I'll have more pics from ... [Read More]
