A Steal of a Site

I recently came across a website that I have been very impressed with.  So much, that I wanted to share with you.  The site is called iCivics and is full of free games and resource packed lessons.  Topics covered range from the writing of the Constitution to the 2012 election.  iCivics provides a scope and sequence for each topic.   A curriculum finder is also included which allows you to find what standards are being addressed within each lesson.

If you are looking for resources to support the upcoming election, simply sign-up for a free account and you have the choice of a three or five day election curriculum.  Additional lessons are available to support your own mock election with your students.

My students have played the game Immigration Nation a few times this week and love it.  Since I am implementing Social Studies stations this year, my students rotate in teams of six and use the SmartBoard to play games as a team.  They are excited to play and have worked really well in working out the scenarios that the game provides to them. 

This site is definitely worth checking out!

Dots on the Brain - A Freebie

After yesterday's post, I have dots on black on the brain.  The cooperative learning teacher in me needs  signs to place above by teams to identify them and of course they need to match. So here they are, and they are a freebie to you!

I have a bunch of other ideas brewing so check back often.  This is my new theme, and I'm willing to share!

You can download the team signs HERE or by clicking the image.

Hot Tipz-Changing Teams

I like to change teams once a quarter. I feel like giving them nine weeks together gives them plenty of time to get to know each other and get comfortable. At times, I feel that my team configurations are so well suited for the students that I hate to change them, but even though I would like to keep my class the same, changes are necessary and beneficial for them to build new relationships.

There have been instances that I have had problems with a seating arrangement that I had to change unexpectedly. Before I move my students I always take academics into consideration along with behavior and personality. By the first couple of weeks of school, I have a great feel for how my students are and how they will interact with each other.

During the rare instances that I have had to move a student due to incompatibility, I re-evaluate the entire seating situation and take into consideration the dynamics of the other students.

Also, every quarter I keep track of my seating charts so that my teams are never the same. I even try to make it so that no two students sit at the same team all year, even though sometimes that is not possible.

Hot Tipz- Team Numbers

Whenever possible I always have my teams set up in groups of four. In an ideal classroom that's great, teams of four, but as we all know that doesn't happen all the time. I never have a team of less than three or more than five. If I had the choice of having a team of three or five, I would say I like the team of three better. Why? Sometimes I feel like the fifth person gets left out. I like the team of three for a couple of reasons. One, I feel that buliding a relationship happens better in a smaller group. Also, I would rather have a team member doing double during a structure rather than having others sitting idle. Of course, when all is said and done, what works better for the students is what we all need to consider.