Think. Learn. Play!

October Read Alouds

2011-10-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here are my favorite books for October:

Aaaarrgghh! Spider! by Lydia Monks is a great title to use for Reader's Theater.

Check out Mrs. Parker's link below for more recommendations!

Multiplication Games

2011-07-02T06:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some free online multiplication games:
Ride and Solve
Choose the second level of difficultly for multiplication problems.
Math Madness
Players can choose between easy and hard multiplication practice.
Weight Watch Advanced
Weight Watch requires players to balance equations. The advanced version requires students to use multiplication to solve.

Common Core Resources

2011-06-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

I created this chart for my grade level to use when we work on creating our new pacing guides for Common Core. It's just a table with second grade Common Core math objectives where we can add our resources.

I am linking a blank one for you to use and one that matches games and printables found at www.fuelthebrain.com

Second Grade resource matrix
Common Core Second Grade Resources

Math Work Stations Blog Party Chapters 1 and 2

2011-06-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

Materials used by the teacher first, then placed in the station: Most of the time J (I work with a group and my assistant works with a group and I am guilty of putting new materials there.)
Materials do not change weekly, but rather changed to reflect the students learning objectives: Whoops…I repeat some of the same activities but I do change most of my stations each week.
All students go to stations daily: Yes.
Materials are differentiated: Sometimes.
The teacher observes work or meets with differentiated math groups: Yes.

1. How do you (or will you)differentiate your math stations? {I added this from the bookmark...sorry}

Varyingthe number range. With story problems,for example, I may include problems for one group that do not requireregrouping, another group may have two-digit numbers that do requireregrouping, and another group may have three-digit numbers that requireregrouping.

2. How and where do you keep your math stations? I post a rotation chart at the front of the room andhave five plastic tubs under the chart. Students take their tub to a spot in the room (three groups meet atdifferent tables, one group at the carpet, and one group works at the computers).

3. How do you keep your math materials organized.? This is where I want to work right now! I have tubsfilled with manipulatives that work well for students to grab. But the games are in several differentplaces. I am hoping to get everythingorganized into totes according to topics.

Here is a Combinations of 20 activity for your kids that need a challenge. Students match up the dogs and bowls (number sentences).
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

I will try to figure out how to post all the pages into one document!

You have to download the files to see the number sentences on the bowls.

Teaching Time

2011-03-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some resources to help teach students to tell time in five-minute increments:

Fuel the Brain:

Time Keeper Interactive
http://www.fuelthebrain.com/Interactives/app.php?ID=296
This is a good activity to use on your Smart Board or in the computer lab.

Time Tunnel
http://www.fuelthebrain.com/Game/play.php?ID=285
This is a computer game that could also be used on your Smart Board, computer station, or computer lab.

Flip Flop Match
http://www.fuelthebrain.com/Printable/detail.php?ID=159
This file folder game is available for only 99 cents.

Telling Time Worksheets
http://www.fuelthebrain.com/Printable/detail.php?ID=282
Great homework, practice, or assessment sheets.

Simple Strategy to use for Common Mistake: Counting by Tens and Ones

2011-01-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

My kids sometimes continue counting by tens even when the unit has changed to ones. For example, there are six dimes and seven pennies. My students begin counting correctly, "10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60..." but then instead of adding the additional ONES, they continue counting "70, 80, 90, ...." giving them the incorrect answer. I tried the simplest strategy that has really worked for my kids. They clap when the unit changes! So, now, they pay more attention to when the unit changes so they can loudly clap. I can't believe it works but it has really helped some of my students that were doing this frequently.

Science Center

2011-01-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

I have a hard time fitting science in with everything else! Next week we are working on adjectives in language arts so I thought I would try to integrate properties of solids (matter).

Stock your science center with a variety of objects, magnifying glasses, and these recording sheets. Students closely examine the object and record how the object feels and looks under the texture, size, and color categories.

Classroom Resolutions

2010-12-31T08:44:00.000-08:00

Every year, I end up making changes around this time of year. I tweak routines or classroom layout. I make resolutions about things like using the Word Wall more, being more explicit about my vocabulary instruction, and following through on class projects (like not taking three weeks to get students' finished stories typed).

What are your classroom resolutions for 2011?

Shared Reading Ideas

2010-12-31T07:36:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of Reading Teacher discusses different approaches to use during shared reading:

possible sentences
using context clues
repeated readings
using our bodies

Possible Sentences
Before reading:
-Choose 8-10 Tier 2 Words from the text
-post words on a chart
-ask students to generate possible sentences using two or more of the words
-ask students to predict what the text is going to be about
During reading:
--tally each word when used in context
-remind students to use the context to figure out the word's meaning
After reading:
-refine definitions
-generate new sentences

The author of the article, Ted Kesler, suggests having students snap when they hear the vocabulary words. I started this with my kids before break and it creates major enthusiasm.

My goal in 2011 is to be more explicit with my vocabulary instruction. I am expected to teach a core basal program, Scott Foresman Reading Street. The program lays out vocabulary words for each story so that part is taken care of. The program calls them Amazing Words. But I have found that I have to teach the selection and spelling words' meaning as well. Well, should always teach them. It's difficult to get in everything! If I can cover all the words, that's what I feel like I'm doing-covering, not teaching. I don't have time to get in depth with the words consistently.
When we go back to school next week, I'm going to tweak my basal routine and spend a little more time front-loading the vocabulary. I'm also going to try this routine with my Guided Reading groups.

More on the other shared reading strategies later.

Oceans of First Grade Fun: Five Days After Christmas

2010-12-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

Oceans of First Grade Fun: Five Days After Christmas: " The First Day After ChristmasLast week my blog crossed the 20,000 page view mark. I know it’s not a lot for you seasoned bloggers out ..."

The First Grade Parade: If Take A Mouse To The Movies

2010-12-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

The First Grade Parade: If Take A Mouse To The Movies: "One of my favorite holiday books… And there’s SO much you can do with it! We had a little “If You Take A Mouse To The Movies” day..."

Swamp Frog First Graders: Spill the Counters

2010-12-30T15:54:00.000-08:00

Swamp Frog First Graders: Spill the Counters: "Use six red/yellow counters. Spill the counters. Color the circles to show the red and yellow sides. Write a number sen..."

I'm in Love

2010-12-30T15:46:00.000-08:00

Over Winter Break, I have discovered several blogs that are full of wonderful ideas and printables for K-2 classrooms. One blog leads to another, then another, ...Before you know it, your husband is home from work and you've spent half a day downloading center activities.

Check out some of the blogs listed above for fresh activities.

In math, we are working on number combinations so I thought Spill the Counters would be perfect. Hopefully it will help my kids with change unknown problems (13 + ___ = 20).