Throwback Thursday- Geometry Galore

Here is a throwback from 9/24/2011.  I love the "Sir Cumference" math series and plan on using them with my fifth graders.  There are a few new books that I need to add to my collection.  My students LOVE using the elastic to create geometric shapes.  Great way to get the kids up and moving.  My principal walked in last year while I did that lesson and she wrote it up for my evaluation. (love when that happens)

Original Post:

My first math unit in Every Day Math is Geometry.  I was pretty relieved because I taught it in late spring with my third graders and it is a unit that they love.  There are only a few new vocabulary words introduced at this level .  I read  a few of my favorite geometry books and planned activities to reinforce our standards:

We used compasses for the first time.  It went better than I thought.  No one tried to poke anyone and there were no accidents.  We practiced drawing concentric circles.   It also reinforced our multiplication facts.

Another activity that we did was break into several groups and use our bodies with elastic to create polygons and to demonstrate geometric terms.  I read the lesson on-line and it said to use Chinese jump-ropes that I could not find anywhere.  (you know you are old when the kids don't know what they are)  I ended up buying 3 packages of sewing elastic (3/8") and tying each one into a big circle.  Here are the kids demonstrating intersecting lines.

Another activity that I plan on doing next week is using toothpicks and glue to create geometric vocabulary pictures.  I also found this idea from Pinterest.

Back to Do List for Sticky Notes

I created a To Do List for sticky notes after seeing one on Pinterest.  It can be photocopied and used as is, printed on oaktag and laminated for sticky notes or used with a vis-a-vis.  I have used my for the past few days and I love it.  I plan to rewrite stickies at the end of the week.

Link for Freebie

The sheet on Pinterest

This was my scene on Sunday during the thunderstorms…Had to stock up on ink, card stock and laminating.  It goes so fast!!!!!  You know you have a serious problem when you are dual laminating.

Place Value Power!!!

My first unit in math will be place value.  After teaching third and fourth grade, I believe that my new class should have a great understanding of it…. BUT we all know what happens every summer!

Here are some things that I have found that will be included in my lesson plans.

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Visit Math Coach Corner for ideas and freebie

This is included in the set below.  I print these on oak tag.

Notebooking Pkg. TPT $

Place Value Games

Scientific Saturday- Getting Organized using Livebinders

This post is more related to technology but I am in the process of gathering materials for a new grade level and need help organizing resources on the Internet.  I like the idea of having my computer favorites at home and school.  I decided to give Livebinders a try.  It is a site to bookmark and organize all your links.  It has the option of keeping your binders private or sharing them.  You can put public binders(other owners) on your bookshelf to refer to for the future.  There are tutorials available but it is pretty easy to figure out.  There is a "Livebider It" tool for your tool bar so it makes it even easier to add sites to your binders.  This site is free. 

 

I am in the process of creating a binder for science.  

I am setting up a tab for:

standards

printables

general experiments

matter

water cycle

weather

earth, soil and erosion

rocks and minerals

plants and animal classification 

adaptations

simple machines

energy

solar system

?????

I know what I am going to be doing this week-end!!!

Five for Friday

Doodlebugs

I love how this paper is sectioned off.

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Here is a healthy option for a sweet treat

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 A random way to call on kids

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Game for word parts

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 Our harvest is in…another way to cook spaghetti squash

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Throwback Thursday: Hopes and Dreams Time Capsule

Here is my blogging TBT.  It is a post from September 18, 2011.  I still do this activity with my students every year…they love opening the can the last week of school.

Second Grade Shenanigans

As part of my Responsive Classroom I always have my students write their Hopes and Dreams/Goals on clouds and hang them up on a wall in the classroom at the beginning of the year.  I wanted to change things up and loved this sheet from Dotsnspots.  Thanks for sharing!!!!

I reduced the size of the Hopes and Dreams sheet so it would fit into can when rolled up.  I had the children share them during morning meeting.  We rolled them up and tied them with a ribbon.  We then closed up the Hopes and Dreams Time Capsule and will share our sheets on the last day!

The paint can was from Home Depot.  I tied lots of ribbons on the handles.  Here is the cover sheet and top of the can.  Click on picture below to print out:

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There is an end of the year reflection sheet that I  use before we open the can.  The kids like to compare their favorites and see what has changed and what has stayed the same.  

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Mathematical Monday: New Multiplication Tags(Freebie) and Made It Monday

Even though I am teaching fifth grade, I am starting fact fluency the first week of school.  I am sure that many of my new kids will be rusty from the summer and I also have some inclusion students who can use more practice.  I believe that the children will be fresh and motivated to get started…or I hope!!!

I wrote a blog post a few years back and made VIP passes.  I wanted to create something new for this year.  Please check it out, the download is on the post.  

I will include fact practice and games during my guided math blocks and Moby Max on the computer.  (you need a subscription)The children can also do Moby Max at home.  We use timed tests in our district which I will administer 2x a week.  

This year I am going to use the tickets below in the same fashion, but I also added a division card…not sure if I'm going to use lanyards, I might just have them keep them in a library pocket in their math notebooks.  At the end of the year, we will have a VIP party.  

Ticket Freebie

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My made it Monday was on my computer.  I spent the day day labeling, sorting, copying all my files.  I spent most of the time organizing my clipart and papers.  Now I can find things so much easier.  I keep a file of things that need to get put on my zip drive before I file them.  I like the key chain USB and I always have my files with me at home and school.

Another project that was accomplished are banners for my Math and Science boards.  Check out the free pennant on TPT made by Amber Polk.  I love the bright colors in patterns.  Can't wait to hang them up!

Click for Free Link