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 

 

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!

Variations for the I have... Who has.. Game

I have quite a collection of I have...Who has... cards. When I create a class set, I copy them onto cardstock and laminate for durability.    I decided to begin using my cards with small groups.  Since I needed six sets, I simply copied them on plain paper.   Plain paper is much cheaper and very quick to copy, cut, and put to instant use.

When we first began using them in teams of 3-4, I had them pick any card from the stack.  This was the card that they would start with.   The teams spread the cards out on their table so they could see all the cards at once.  This turned out to be like putting a puzzle together.  There are times when they think they have finished matching the cards but end up with one left.  They then have to go back and see where they went wrong.

After a few times of putting these "puzzles" together, they have started to create their own variations of play.  I have a couple of teams that divide their cards equally among each other and play a mini game of I have...Who has...  I like the idea that they are coming up with their own way to play.  As long as they are using the cards, I'm certainly not picking on how they use them! 

Click the I have...Who has... to see what games I have available.

Marshmallow Challenge

I came across The Marshmallow Challenge.   This will be a great teambuilding activity that can also be tied into Science.  Each team of students are given 20 pieces of uncooked spaghetti, 1 yard of tape, 1 yard of string, and 1 marshmallow.  They have 18 minutes to construct a structure using all the supplies.  The big rule is that the marshmallow has to be on top!

This is one activity that I'm looking forward to trying out in my classroom!

Synchronized Write 'n' Pass

Here is a twist to the traditional Write 'n' Pass.  Instead of limiting engagement to partners, teams are simultaneously engaged with given topics.  There are a few variations to this activity.  You can simply have students write a specific prompt on top of a piece of paper or marker board for which they pass.  You can also use different worksheets.

For example, my class just finished up with Geometry.  I wanted them to review perimeter, area, and characteristics of 3 and 2 dimensional figures.  I gave each student a review sheet (worksheet).  Student one started with the perimeter review, student two with area, student three started with characteristics of 2-D figures, and student four started with 3-D figures.  Students have the choice in the problem that they do, they do not have to go in order as they are on the paper.  This allows for differentiation.  Students are able to complete the ones that they can do, but still have the opportunity to see the other problems that their teammates have completed.

Have you used something similar in your classroom?  What other ways could this be used?  I would love to hear your ideas!

Team Signs - Freebie!!

Whenever possible I always have my teams set up in groups of four. In an ideal classroom that's great, 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.

Here is a new set of signs that I created.  I hang these from the ceiling to identify team numbers.

You can download them HERE from my TpT store for FREE!!

Follow the Leader – Team Building Activity

This Team Builder causes students to have to communicate well with each other. Along with giving directions, they have to use good listening skills. An obstacle course can be used or simply use the layout of the classroom. Students need to be in pairs. The listener closes their eyes while their partner gives directions.