Nouns-Dueling FlipCharts

1. Prompt students to think of nouns.
2. Each student writes in a different color.
3. Specify a time limit.
4. Teams line up.
5. When teacher instructs students to begin, students take turns writing down nouns.
6. Teams continue until time is up.

There are a couple of things that I include before they begin. First, I give them think time to make their own short list. This helps all students, especially the struggling students, get their thoughts organized before they begin. Next, I instruct students that they cannot write down something that has already been written down. Last, my students love a competition! My students know that at the end of the time limit we discuss their lists, and the team with the most items is the "winner".

Lines of Symmetry-Four Corners

1. Give students the choice of drawing an object with exactly one, two, three, or four lines of symmetry.
2. Give students think time to write down how many lines of symmetry they want to use, and write it on a sticky note.
3. Have students draw their figure including the lines of symmetry.
4. Direct students to the designated areas.
5. Once they are in their area with their sticky notes, they pair up with someone in the corner and share their thoughts. (If needed, students may make a group of three, but no more)

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.

Commas - Fact or Fiction

Using Fact or Fiction, students write three compound sentences. In one sentence, they put the comma in an incorrect spot. In the other two sentences students put the comma in the correct place. Want to use it for a grade? Collect their papers, and you will be able to check that they can create a compound sentence correctly.

Polygon Card Set

Using Pick a Card, Ask-n-Switch, and even Show-It. The cards can be used for a review of polygons.

Polygon Cards

Math Facts - Fan and Pick

Pick a Card with math facts is a great alternative. We all have a set of flashcards in our classroom. They are already to use and takes no extra work from you. Pull them out for a quick review of the facts.

Number Forms - Four Corners

Using Four Corners
1. Provide students with 4 choices:  Standard form, short word form, word form, and expanded form.  They choose which one they want to represent and think of a number to give as an example.
2. Give students think time to choose the form they want to represent, and write it on a sticky note.
3. Have students give 1 or 2 examples of the number form they chose.
4. Direct students to the designated number form areas.
5. Once they are in their area with their sticky notes, they pair up with someone in the corner and share their thoughts.  (If needed, students may make a group of three, but no more)