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***

Pinterest Weekly Round-Up 5

Last week's favorite pins! 

I need to explain the first one as it hard to understand by simply looking at the picture.  I am all about teambuilding and this is exactly what this one is.  Partners each have a paper plate and piece of uncooked spaghetti.  Find out more by following the pin :).

Original source:  Pasta Master via Pinterest

Original Source:  Evidence Based Terms via Pinterest

Original source:  The Writing Process via Pinterest

Original source:  World's Greatest Math and Science Rap via Pinterest 

 

Hump Day Sale-Math Centers-CCSS aligned

It's that day! Hump day AND sale day on Cooperative Learning 365. Today I'm featuring my Math Centers Level 1 and Level 2.  Finding Math Centers for upper grades are often times hard to find.  These Math Centers contain everything that you need and are easy as 1-2-3 to set up,  Little to no assembly is required to put the activities into play!

A printable poster for each activity is provided and contains the skill, Common Core State Standard being addressed, materials list, and directions for play.  Not all center activities require a recording sheet, but are provided if necessary.  The range of Common Core State Standards addressed allow for differentiation within your classroom.

There are two versions of the Math Centers, an owl version and also a Halloween version.  Below you will find specific details about each center.

Today only, these centers are 20% off in my TpT store.  Click the images below to be taken directly to the specific version and/or level.  

 

 

Hump Day Sale

I recently finished Fourth Grade Math Magic.  Math Magic is a collection of math printables that introduce new skills, provide review, and extend upon skills within the Mathematics Common Core Standards.  Each week contains 25 questions that are provided in the same format and sequence. 

Fourth Grade Weekly Math Magic covers all 4th grade Common Core Math Standards.  Depending on the needs of your students these weekly printables could be used in 3rd grade as well as 5th.  There are four sets available.  Each set includes nine weeks worth of practice with corresponding answer keys. 

From experience, I highly recommend implementing a spiral review for Math whether you find Math Magic to be your answer or another type of review.  I think the consistency and repetition plays a huge role in each students' success with mathematics.  

 For today October 3, all four sets of Fourth Grade Math Magic are 20% off in my TpT store.  To get the best value you will also find all four sets bundled at a discounted price.

To be taken to a specific set, click the images below. 

Common Core Assessments

New school year, new district, and new grade level.  School is back in full force.  Today was day eight, and I could not have asked for a better start!  Pictures of the new homestead are coming soon!

In addition to beginning the year and my daughter's 5th birthday, I have been working hard to finish the ELA Common Core Assessment Pack for 4th grade.  Math has been completed for about a month now, and I really don't think it was as tedious as Language Arts.  I have put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into compiling this resource.  Well, I may not have literally bled, sweated, or cried but you get the point.  It took a lot of time and brain power, but I'm happy to announce it's finished and ready to be put into action!

Below you will find a preview of what is included.  For Math, each standard has a one-page printable assessment.  The English Language Arts Standards are the same except for the standards within Writing and Speaking/Listening.  These standards are better assessed locally through students' writing and teacher observation.  You will not find a printable assessment for these. 

The English Language Arts contain answer keys for each printable assessment.  Unfortunately, I have not included answer keys for Math quite yet, but they are in the making and will be added very soon.  If you purchase them beforehand, you will be notified through TpT when they become available.

 

When compiling these assessment packs I envisioned using them for common formative assessments.  Please keep in mind that these assessments are simply one type of assessment.  You as the teacher are the best judge of the assessment that should be used in your classroom. 

If you are a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade teacher you can find assessment packs aligned to your grade level by following the links below.  Thanks to The Lesson Plan Diva for starting the 1st grade assessments and allowing me to compile the 4th grade!

The Lesson Plan Diva - 1st Grade Common Core Assessments-Math

The Lesson Plan Diva - 1st Grade Common Core Assessments-ELA

Sunny Days in Second - 2nd Grade Common Core Assessments-Math

Sunny Days in Second - 2nd Grade Common Core Assessments-ELA

3rd Grade Gridiron - 3rd Grade Common Core Assessments-Math

Fix It - A Cooperative Learning Strategy

Introducing.....Fix It.  A cooperative learning strategy  in which students are given a problem and three multiple choice answers. Two of the answers are correct and one incorrect. Students are to find the incorrect answer and then "Fix It" on their response sheet.

To introduce this strategy, I have created a sampler that is aligned to Common Core Standards 3.NBT.2 and 4.NBT.4.  The sampler contains 15 cards, but the full card packs will have 30 question and answer cards. 

I like how this strategy allows students to find the incorrect answer versus the correct.  A twist to the traditional multiple choice.  You can download the free sampler HERE in my TpT store.   I hope you find these useful!

Language Arts Common Core Posters

Finally!!!!  I have finished with 4th Grade Language Arts Common Core posters.  Just like my Math posters, they are in kid friendly language.  Also, on the bottom of each poster you will find the name and standard number. 

You can purchase them at my TpT store.

Common Core Posters

Have you looked at the Common Core Standards and felt a little overwhelmed? I know I have. I have created KID friendly Common Core Math posters for third, fourth, and fifth grade. I plan on copying my grade level posters onto cardstock, laminate them, and post them for students to refer to when starting a new concept.

You can find these posters in my TpT store.

Look for Language Arts Common Core posters to be available soon!