Cooperative Learning with Task Cards #2

I will begin by saying.....I'm severely behind and my blog is suffering!  The sickness bug has hit me hard, two weeks tomorrow hard to be exact.  Fortunately it hasn't been the flu, but it has been enough to say I'm sick of being sick!  Sorry, I just realized I played the excuse card that my students try to use on a daily basis.

Now that I have pleaded my case, I have what I promised to share with you.  Another cooperative learning strategy that can be used with the ever so popular task cards.  This is by far one of my favorites.  There are so many ways that this strategy can be used and task cards is just one of them.

To sum up the strategy, each student begins with a card.  With hands up, students find a partner, quiz each other with the card in their hand, check answers, then switch cards.  The process continues until time is up.  You will find complete directions to the strategy below.

Here are other ways that I have used this strategy with my students.

Impromtu Review

Cutting Practice Test to Pieces

Valentine's Theme Cooperative Learning Strategies

If you are looking for task cards aligned to Common Core Math, you can find my 32 sets HERE in my TpT store. 

Do you have a favorite way to use task cards?

Amazing Things #2

If you missed last week's post about finding the AMAZING things as a teacher, I am encouraging not only myself but you also to look for those tiny things that we do that make our jobs as teachers truly AMAZING!

Also, last week's winner of the pin-it to win it is Shannon E.  Congratulations Shannon, check your e-mail! 

Cooperative Learning with Task Cards #1

With test prep season upon us, I am going to start a series of cooperative learning strategies that can be used with task cards.  Whether you have task cards that are multiple choice or simply question/answer format, the cooperative learning strategies can be used to keep your students actively engaged avoiding the monotony of simply answering questions.

Pick a Card is a strategy that I use quite often.  Directions for the strategy are below.

Today's post is one of six in the series.  I have decided to add in a little extra.  I recently finished an entire set of task cards aligned to the 4th grade Common Core Math.  There are a total of 31 sets, and if purchased individually they would be valued at $69.75.  Although these cards are aligned with 4th grade common core, depending on the need of your students, they can also be used with 3rd and 5th graders.  Throughout the series there will be a total of three opportunities for you to win a complete set of task cards.

Today is the beginning of the giveaways.  

Here is what you need to do in order to enter for a chance to win (to enter you will need a Pinterest account):

1.  Pin THIS post to a board of your choice and copy the link in Rafflecopter below.

2.  Go to my TpT store HERE, and pin at least one set of task cards to a board relevant to you and copy the link in Rafflecopter.  Please add a $ sign to the end of the description so that other Pinners will know it's a paid item. :-)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Within the next six weeks in addition to a weekly tip for using task cards, there will be two more chances to win a complete set of Task Cards for 4th Grade Common Core Math.  The only catch is that you will need to stop by every Wednesday to see if it's giveaway time.  :)

***Winners for this giveaway will be announced on Sunday, January 13***

Amazing Things #1

It’s the first Monday of the New Year, and if you are like me….it’s the first school day of the New Year.  Once again, if you are like me you need a dose of reminding what it’s all about.  As I was doing my annual clear-the-clutter, I came across something that put some warmth in my heart. 

About a year and a half ago, I sat down and made a list of things that I felt made my job AMAZING.  After finding it, I was quickly reminded of exactly where and whom I was with.  It was a snow day, and I was with my 3-year-old, who is now five!!!!  I was inspired by The Book of Awesome, and began writing down things that happened in my day-to-day life as a teacher that made what I do AMAZING.  To my surprise, I realized I had over 100 AMAZING things already written down.  I immediately began adding to my list.  I found that it was easy once I began looking and searching deep inside to find what truly makes my profession worth every moment.

Sometimes we need to look at the little things to keep us going.  At the end of the day when I look back those little things make it all worth it!

This New Year, I challenge you to look for the good in what you do.  There may be days when you feel it is impossible, but if I can find a list almost two years later and continue it like it was yesterday, I know you can too!

It’s a New Year!  Follow me in finding the AMAZING things that make what we do worth more than we can ever imagine was possible whether they be big or small, funny or tearful.  In the great scheme of things they are AMAZING!

It’s my first day back after a two week break, it’s my first Monday of 2013, and it’s the New Year.  Join me EVERY Monday to see what I find to be AMAZING, and I would love for you to share what it is you find to be AMAZING!

Christmas Bingo Freebie

This was a quick, and I mean quick, bingo game that I threw together for my students this morning. The only materials needed in order to play is a piece of paper and something to write with.

Students made their own board by drawing a 3x3 grid on their paper.  In each space, they chose a word from the SMART Board to write down.  They did not have a free space. They used their board multiple times.  Instead of placing markers on the space, they made a different symbol each time to represent each round.  A very easy impromptu game that they loved to play!

I made the file available for download in my store, Teacher Store 365.  In order to use the file you will need SMART Notebook.  The first slide was made using words from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  The second slide contains random words related to Christmas.

Many of you may have the privilege of being on break by now, but for those of you that have the privilege of still being with your students here is an extra activity to get you and your students in the holiday spirit!!

In Remembrance

Impromptu Review

Today I was in need of a quick filler activity.  We are ending a unit in Social Studies and had a little bit of extra time.  Today was one of those days, a typical Monday I should say, that I didn't have something extra hanging around.  So, I decided on a quick impromptu review with the whole class game Ask-n-Switch.

I gave each student an index card, and they wrote a question of their choice that related to our topic.  They were told to treat this as if they were writing a question that would be found on the test.  On the back of the index card they then wrote the answer to their question.

Before we started Ask-n-Switch, they traded cards with a partner to check that the question was relevant,could be understood, and that the answer was correct.  After the quick check, students stood to signal they were ready to go.

The index cards that contained their own questions and answers became our set of review cards.  The preparation took approximately 3-4 minutes.  In order to come up with a question, they had to reflect on their learning which required them to think deeper.  ALSO, we have a set of review cards that we can use again tomorrow!

Looking for an App?

I would like to introduce you to...

Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed with the task of finding an app?  There are thousands and thousands of education related apps with more added every single day.  I love a good app, but I have a hard time finding what I need.  Honestly, I end up finding a lot more than what I set out for and not always related to my initial search. 

I recently, today as a matter of fact, launched Student Apps for Education for a couple of reasons.  First, I want to share with you apps that I come across.  I love my iPad and searching for new apps.  So, why not share my findings?!?!  Second, I want to provide YOU with a go to source for finding grade appropriate apps (PK-8).  The apps will be categorized by grade level.

As I mentioned Student Apps for Education is just getting started, but I guarantee it will be a continued wealth of resources!   

Hope to see you there!!

A Flash Pin It To Win It!!

As most of you know, Teachers Pay Teachers is having an out of this world sale today and tomorrow where you will find products on sale for up to 28% off.  Pretty amazing!  First, I wanted to thank all of those who contribute to TpT whether it be selling or buying.  It's great to see so many teachers around the world collaborating!  Second, I wanted to give back to you, my readers!  To do this I am having a "Flash" Pin It To Win it.  The guidelines are very simple.

Here is what you need to do:

1.  Pin this post to a board of your choice and copy the link in Rafflecopter below.

2.  Go to my TpT freebies HERE, and pin at least one free item of your choice to a board relevant to you and copy the link in Rafflecopter.  Please add FREE to the description so that other Pinners will know it's free :-)

3.  Enter as many times as you want.  (That's optional of course!)

That is it!  Pin it...times two!  This "Flash" Pin It To Win it will end tomorrow November 27th at 12:00 PM CST.  At that time, three winners will be selected.  Each winner will receive a $25 shopping spree in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.  On top of the $25, if you use it tomorrow you will technically be getting more than $25 because everything in my store is already 20% off AND I will even take the extra 10% from your total to compensate for TpT's discount.

On your mark, get set, PIN!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to all those who participated and Pinned!!!  

The lucky winners are:

Debbie R.

Lori P.

Mailee L.

A Winter Freebies Frenzy!

It is hard to believe that we are amongst the holiday season.  It always seems to creep up!  Tomorrow we are back to school after Thanksgiving break and students tend to be a bit restless.  Don't tell the kids, but their teacher has counted the number of school days until winter break.  Shhhh......we only have 19 school days!!

Below you will find a coordinated collection of winter freebies.  I hope that you find them useful, especially during the last few days before break! 

This Math Centers Mini Collection contains two different games both aligned to Common Core.  Each game comes with a recording sheet, directions for play and playing cards. As an upper grades teacher, I have never been a true center user.  So, this is something I would use for early finishers or as an anchor activity after a short lesson.

Match It is similar to memory but with a twist.  Students are up and moving around with this activity.  Each student is given a card and they move around the room checking their classmate's cards to find their match.  Students love this.  While the activity was made with Match It in mind, it can be used as a traditional memory game also.

One of my favorite games, I have...Who has...!!!  This game is not a new one, but I have updated it and added an additional eight cards.

The next three freebies are items that serve different purposes.  Exit slips for a quick check on student's learning.  A winter themed Think Tac Toe that is perfect for early finishers, and Find a Buddy Who that gets your students up, walking around, and talking with a purpose.

Laura Candler from Corkboard Connections is hosting a Holiday Learning Link-Up.  You will find many freebies and holiday learning ideas.  It's the season of giving! 

A Sale and DIY ideas

Hoping you had a fantastic Thanksgiving.  Also hoping you survived the Black Friday event, that is if you were brave enough to take the challenge!  Right now as we all know, sales are everywhere.  I didn't want to be left out of the frenzy, so beginning today through Monday everything in my store is 25% off by using the code SALE.  Even if you aren't interested in purchasing anything, I have a lot of freebies and have recently  added five new ones!

Teacher Store 365

In addition to the 3 day sale, I wanted to share a few DIY crafty ideas.  Even though things are really busy this time of year preparing for the holidays, I do find that I have a bit of extra time to add some craftiness to the mix.  I am one of over 20 contributors for Classroom DIY and there are so many fun and creative ideas for the classroom that can be adapted to the holidays.

When being crafty, I like to create from items that I already have.  Things such as empty cereal boxes, scrap paper, or drink mix containers.  Craftiness is unlimited with used items that you would otherwise throw away or hopefully recycle :)!  Here are a few of my crafty creations that you will find at Classroom DIY.  To find out how they are made, click the image to be taken to the step-by-step directions and materials needed.

DIY Magazine Holders

 

DIY Mini Clipboard

DIY Upcycled Bookmark

DIY Caddy

Happy Veteran's Day with a Pringle Can

First and foremost, I want to thank all the service men and women who have and are continuing to serve our country!

My 90 sixth grade students and I recently had the opportunity to complete a project that I am so excited to share.  A mother of a student of mine is in the National Guard.  She came to me with an idea and asked if I would be willing to help.  The moment she told me what it was, I was in.  I knew my students would love the idea as much as I did!

Over a six week period my students collected over 90 Pringle cans.  At this point you are probably wondering what in the world we would need 90 Pringle cans for and what it has to do with this post.

With the 90+ Pringle cans that we collected, my students decorated them. 

Then, a dedicated mother collected our cans and with help from others filled these cans with cookies to be shipped overseas to the men and women who are serving our country.

I feel that my students learned many things during this project.  Not only did they pull through and collect the cans, they poured their hearts into it and felt as if they were contributing to something extremely important.  They were proud of their work and anxious for the cans full of cookies to reach their destination! 

Preparing for Post Halloween Jitters

It's the day after Halloween and your students walk in the room sleepy from being out too late, pockets full of candy, and wanting to talk about everything they did the night before.  Sound familiar?  I have determined that being proactive with this scenario works best for me.

So, here is what I do.  I make sure that the day after Halloween I carve five minutes out of my daily routine.  I want to allow time for ALL my students to share about their exciting evening.  Yes, I said five minutes and I also said all.  It's really simple.  I give them the activity below, Find a Buddy Who-The Day After Halloween.  They get to mingle, talk with classmates, and burn off some of that post Halloween excitement.  Five minutes first thing in the morning, and we are ready to go.

The freebie ~ Find a Buddy Who-The Day After Halloween can be found in three different locations.  Simply click the button of your choice below.  You will find everything you need, and there isn't much.  A printable and directions.  Hopefully, you will find this activity as useful as I do!

5th Grade Common Core

It's Wednesday, and I'm so very thankful for the hump day.  Today you will find a brand new product and it's also the highlight of my hump day sale.  I have been laboring over the 5th Grade Common Core English Language Arts Assessment Pack for a few weeks now.  My laboring is over and it is ready to go!  Yay!!

Below you will find a summary of what is included in the assessment pack.  If you are familiar with the 4th Grade Common Core English Language Arts Assessment Pack, it follows the same format.

Today only, the assessment pack is 20% off in my TpT store!

Pinterest Weekly Round-Up 6

Last week's favorite pins! 

Original source:  Water Cycle simulation via Pinterest

Original Source:  Social Studies Central via Pinterest

Original source:  National Geographic Young Explorers via Pinterest

Original source:  First 100 Days via Pinterest 

 Original source:  Factors Venn Diagram via Pinterest

Grand Opening!

I am very excited about my latest project.  It has taken me quite some time to put together, but I'm pretty excited with the results.  So, I'm happy to officially introduce to you my very own Teacher Store 365!! 

You will find all of my free and paid items here. There is no minimum purchase required!  Stock up on freebies and browse if you would like. 

Teacher Store 365's Grand Opening is today, October 21. Upon checkout, enter coupon code GRAND20 to receive 20% off your entire order.  

Coupon code for 20% off

A Freebie for Friday

Today's freebie highlights the upcoming election.  There are those students whether they are in lower elementary, high school, or in between that want to voice their opinion on who should be President.  This activity, Find A Buddy Who, simply builds awareness around the election.  The best part of this activity, personal opinions are not needed or encouraged at all.

Download the freebie from one of the following: