100th Day of School Measurement Fun!

    Another of my very favorite activities is my "100 Feet" Project! It has had several names/themes over the years: "100 Smelly Feet" and "100 Gumshoe Feet" (coincided with my Mystery unit) projects. I've also worked with my second-graders and different grade levels (Kindergartener paired with a 2nd grader). One thing has remained the same - so much fun in math on 100th Day of School!

    This activity is an awesome "wham-bam" activity! The highlights are non-standard measurement and estimation, but there are also wonderful extensions! They include converting standard measurements (metric and customary) and writing a reflection about the activity. Your mathematicians could also upload their reflection on Seesaw to gain confidence publishing their work in a safe and meaningful way.

Shop my grade-specific resources on TeachersPayTeachers:

"100 Kindergarten Feet" Project

"100 1st Grade Feet" Project

"100 2nd Grade Feet" Project

"100 3rd Grade Feet" Project

🌟 Happy 100th Day of School! 🌟

Tech Integration Tools: Toontastic 3D & ChatterPix Kid (FREEBIE INCLUDED!)

    

       Tech in Education has come A LONG WAY since I first started teaching in 2003. For one, I took a course in college called "Computers in Education"... Yeah - desktops and, for us lucky ones, laptops! No iPads or hints of the incredible evolution coming our way! Thankfully for us "old-timers" EdTech Teacher and many others have breathed new life in how we educate our current generation. Even in the last eight years we've seen vast improvements and ideas for tech integration in our classrooms. But what exactly could tech integration look like? I will highlight just two of the apps I use fairly regularly in my classroom and how my students utilize them. Of course, there are MANY other activities you could use them for! I must also add - don't underestimate their creativity & capabilities even as young as Kindergarten! They've shown me how much more they are capable of than I originally thought!

        Another BONUS of using ChatterPix Kids and Toontastic 3D, as well as a large host of other apps, is being able to "App Smash" with Seesaw. I use Seesaw for a host of reasons and ways! More on that in my blog post about Seesaw and the HUGE benefits I've reaped since incorporating this digital journal into my class and their families!

        First, let's reference the SAMR model. The model was developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, Ph.D. to help educators integrate technology into teaching and learning. The visuals serve as a kind of road map that guides the educator to the ultimate destination, which is redefining teaching and learning. There are four main levels to the model, not meant to be thought of as a ladder. There are many places to research the SAMR model further. Here are some cheat sheets in the meantime...

Image Credit: Sylvia Duckworth

Image Credit: Jennifer from Tech With Jen

Image Credit: DK Pictures

Next, below are two of the apps my second graders independently engage with fairly regularly as well as the lesson ideas I've created to provide an avenue for their work. I've included a FREEBIE for the Toontastic 3D app!

FREE works on iOS and Android tablets/phones

    My students use ChatterPix for small research projects! Each month for morning work, they can choose to complete a thematic-topic research project. For example, in September the topic is apples. The topic for October was bats. The topic for February is groundhogs. Of course, the kids can also choose to research a topic of their own interest and write a short report. I give them a recording sheet with five bullet points for them to fill in. My students used to use Kiddle, Ducksters, or similar. Now they use PebbleGo and PebbleGoNext both designed by Capstone Learning for their research. If you have used it yet, I HIGHLY recommend it! I'm so grateful my school invested in it. The website reads the articles to the kids, and it's extremely well-organized in my opinion.

Below are two examples of research done by my students. Typically I don't allow the kids to change the filters or add stickers on ChatterPix Kids, but...

November Morning Work (Turkeys) 

February Morning Work (Groundhogs)

FREE works on iOS and Android tablets/phones

Read more HERE

     Take your students' word problems and story-telling to a very engaging level! I use Toontastic 3D for (relative) ease, but I've also used PuppetPals app in the past. I primarily use it for creating word problems, though it is truly meant as a story-telling app. The big caveat with Toontastic 3D is laying out expectations from the get-go as well as letting them explore the tools before giving them an assignment. I give my students a sheet with visual directions, though it is fairly intuitive. I imagine using Toontastic 3D would be harder with students younger than second grade working independently, but I could be wrong. Refer to what I said earlier - never underestimate their skill level!

        I always give my students a script/story arc and goal for their word problem. This helps when they are moving their characters around during their recording of the word problem. I also ask that they keep the background music OFF or REALLY LOW so that it isn't distracting. Again, this is where giving them "play time" with it can be really beneficial!

Click on the picture below to download the FREEBIE!

I'd love to know how YOU use 

Toontastic 3D and ChatterPix Kids! 

Please leave a comment below!

Happy Learning!

Warm & Fuzzy Notes (FREEBIE INCLUDED!)

       My "Warm & Fuzzy Notes" project is one of the sweetest activities you'll ever enjoy with your students! I especially love that you can "subject smash" with this activity, meaning several subjects "wrapped up" in one activity! I first partook in this activity when I was student-teaching in first grade (2003), and I've done it every year since! The container that holds the notes has changed over the years, so I'll share the different iterations here depending on the school (and space!!) available to you. The original container was a big paper stocking (I was in an Episcopalian school). Once I had the same group a fourth time (I taught them in K-3rd), I changed it to a wrapped box under a Christmas tree in my classroom. When I got to my second school, it needed to be a non-denominational activity. We still wrapped a box, but my students could choose their own wrapping paper. Once again I looped with a class, so I wanted to change the container to update the activity. I changed it to a gingerbread house (a paper lunch sack). 

Overall skills covered:

• letter-writing form
• sentence composition and grammar
• geometry (area and perimeter)
• social-emotional learning (thinking about their classmate's strengths & feelings)
• fine-motor skills with coloring and cutting
• real-world skills (*wrapping a box)

Read to the end for a FREEBIE and the link to the FULL RESOURCE!

Steps to complete the project:

STEP 1 |  Students measure the area and perimeter of one of the sides of a paper lunch sack or a shoebox and record it on the included recording worksheet. For an extension bonus, they can find the area and perimeter of all sides and add together. Once students finish the math and record their work, they cut out the worksheet and glue it to the bottom of the paper bag or box. This step can be done as a whole class activity or individually. 

STEP 2 (Gingerbread House) |  Students choose, color, and cut out the elements for the gingerbread house. When assembling the gingerbread house, I would recommend cutting the mailbox hole and (liquid) gluing on the cotton balls (snow) first before stapling on the roof. Once the kids complete the bag, display them in a special spot so that the kids can fill their classmate's bag as they complete their notes.

STEP 2 (Wrapped Box) |  Students wrap their box. Cut a slit/hole on the top for them to place their notes through. You can also give them a gift tag as a label for their name.

STEP 3 |  Students write the Warm & Fuzzy Notes! ❤️ For the sake of organization, I give a class set with a check-off sheet in each Ziplock bag for each student. I also have extra notes available in the event they want to give a specific note to a friend. I would highly recommend putting together an anchor chart for your students so they have go-to phrases. Each of the teachers can write to their class as well as the kids writing to their teachers. The expectations of the writing of the notes can be adapted for the age group doing the project. For example, you may choose to do already typed notes with a space for one extra comment and them to write their closing and signature. Our learning specialist did that for our Dyslexic students. Alternatively, the kids could use already-colored notes and be expected to write 1-2 sentences versus 4-5 sentences.

Notes About the Note Templates: I simply take festive black/white clipart and make them about half a sheet on 8.5x11" paper. It would be important to ensure multiple holidays represented as well as general thematic clipart. I would recommend that the kids cut and/or color first so that they can see the boundaries of their note. I also have my students use a ruler to make straight(er) lines. Then they erase the lines after they finish writing.

STEP 4 |  Students fill their classmates' bags/boxes.

STEP 5 |  Students take the Warm & Fuzzy Notes projects home to read & enjoy!

•GINGERBREAD HOUSE•

•WRAPPED GIFT•

Click HERE for the FREEBIE!

Click HERE to access the FULL RESOURCE!

Please be in touch if you need further clarification!

Create-A-City: Make Economics *FUN* for Kids (FREEBIES INCLUDED!)

     Create-A-City is TRULY one of my most favorite simulations to teach economics, civics, government, money, public-speaking, and more! Our economics unit centers around and is adapted for 2nd/3rd/4th grades from the Interact simulations Kid Town and Classroom City. It is a treasured tradition in my classroom. The students learn topics including goods and services, pros/cons to salary pay vs entrepreneurship, and civics. In our City Council Meetings (class discussions), students learn the topics and apply those topics in the simulation. In one of the City Council Meetings, the citizens individually decide whether they want to apply for a salary position or create their own business. Each year, the class names their city. Over the years, names have included Cometville (after our school mascot) as well as Wildcat Woods and Funville. We invite parents to come in and interview students applying for either business loans or salary positions. At the end of the unit, we invite parents and first grade to come shop in our city (tourist season). 

To engage our parents in the process, we invite them to come in to interview salary workers and entrepreneurs. It is absolutely precious!  We have about 6-8 parents come in dressed professionally and playing the role of a bank loan officer or Human Resources representative. The students bring either their business application information or their resumé. 

Below are pictures of a business being interviewed by a parent:

The kids were also encouraged to "look professional" because they would be interviewed for their business loans and salary positions. Needless to say, the kids always take this VERY seriously.  So precious!

We invited the 3rd graders (and former Wildcat City! citizens) to share their reflections with the 2nd graders with similar businesses. The new business owners had a series of interview questions to help prompt their advisor. It was absolutely precious and a great way to connect the grades. On the day of the simulation, we also invite the 1st grade students to shop. This is a great way to connect their year-to-come experience!

Below are a few pictures of our businesses and
salary workers on our presentation day:

The bankers, along with the bank manager (teacher), handled all the loan transactions, payroll, ATM-manning, and general banking for the citizens of our city. The ATM was created using a tri-fold board, dowel rods with applesauce caps hot-glued on for buttons, and some lettering. "Tourists" received city-specific money as well as ATM cards to use during their time in our city. They used scrapbook paper plastic containers to hold the denominations of money. 

This business owner created a movie! 

He popped popcorn to sell along with tickets to his showings.

One of our students was the police officer for our city! A few officers from our local police department came over and were interviewed by the student about their reasons for being an officer as well as other important parts of their job. They were wonderful with our student! They even gave him sticker-badges to give to the other students in his class as well as enough to hand out on the "tourist season" day.

These two lovely business owners created a business that sold collars, leashes, dog beds, treats, and other dog needs. Their business also provided dog training (for stuffed lovies)!

This young citizen created a business around his martial arts training. 

He offered lessons that cost $5 for five minutes.

These creative ladies designed tissue-paper flowers, clay flowers, and flower jewelry!

For the simulation, our businesses and salary jobs have included:

• Salary workers: bankers (2), fire marshal, doctor, police officers, librarians, teachers

• Businesses: origami designs, bakeries, gaming arcades, dance lessons, art shop, city museum, yoga studio, martial arts, Harry Potter experiences, tie-dye clothes, movie theater (student-made production), puppet shows, scientists selling tickets to see experiments, jewelry shop, pet supplies

Above are some examples of what we give the kids when they apply for
jobs or businesses, a business license, and interview questions
we give the parents.

Click HERE for one of the City Council Meeting lessons FREEBIE!

Click HERE to see Salary Worker Interview Questions FREEBIE!

Click HERE for the Business Loan Application FREEBIE!

Please feel free to email me or comment below with additional questions about this simulation!

Guessing Jar: Revamp & Differentiate Your Activities!! (FREEBIES INCLUDED!)

   I was *absolutely inspired* one year when on the hunt to update my Guessing Jar activities. I hope these activities inspire you too! I've used the Guessing Jar activity since I started teaching in 2003, and every year there seems to be a new trinket or two that is added to what the kids decide to bring. It makes for a fun share too!

    In second grade it is so critical to revisit skills learned as well as continue to integrate the current unit of study. For example, the Guessing Jar activities include reviewing place value but focus on the main unit we are studying.

    How we carry out the activity: After making guesses on little sticky notes, the student who brings the Guessing Jar that week collects the sticky notes from the students. They then put the sticky notes on the board in order from least to greatest. We can then analyze the number line and it serves as a wonderful tool for me to evaluate their number sense. Ways we analyze the number line include using terms such as mean, median, and mode as well as place value practice ("How many numbers have a 3 in the tens place?"). After we've reviewed the number line created, the student gives the big reveal for how many items were in the jar! We fill in the numbers according to amount the student brought in the Guessing Jar.  Then for the extra place value digits, we fill in with other digits not already used. Also important is to include the "obnoxious" comma! It is critical that students get practice with where the comma is placed in a series of numbers and why. 

    With the numbers in the place value section, we do an example problem together then the students MAKE THEIR OWN problems within the parameters of the directions! DIFFERENTIATION! 😎 The beautiful thing to see is when they challenge themselves or feel confident about a concept on whatever level they're working. I have some students who would "go for the gold" and create and work even more problems than expected! Students still needing review and reinforcement can work in a small group with a teacher, especially if manipulatives are needed. The Guessing Jar can also be used for formal and informal assessment! There are assessment trackers INCLUDED in the bundle along with TWO other Bonus Resources!

Click HERE or the pic below to preview the HUGE BUNDLE!

The following units are included in the bundle:

GUESSING JAR [ESTIMATION JAR] • PLACE VALUE & NUMBER SENSE

GUESSING JAR [ESTIMATION JAR] • ADDITION & SUBTRACTION

GUESSING JAR [ESTIMATION JAR] • MULTIPLICATION & DIVISION

GUESSING JAR [ESTIMATION JAR] • GEOMETRY & FRACTIONS

GUESSING JAR [ESTIMATION JAR] • MEASUREMENT & GRAPHS

GUESSING JAR [ESTIMATION JAR] • MONEY & TIME

Click HERE or the picture below for A SET of FREEBIES!

Below is an example from the Geometry & Fractions set!

     I hope this post inspires your students and YOU!  Please feel free to email me or post below with any questions!

 

STEM Challenge: Build a Bird Nest

     In looking for a way to revamp my birds unit, I came across some STEM challenges that looked fun and engaging for my 2nd & 3rd grade scientists!  This year's curriculum (we're on a 2-year rotation) lends itself to A LOT of hands-on building.  I bought some moss and the kids could pick from other natural materials outside our classroom.  They could also use man-made items from in the classroom.  We studied different types of birds' nests by watching a YouTube video and looking at various pictures.  We also looked at wacky places birds nest in this YouTube video.  Then we were off to work!  The kids were partnered a 2nd with a 3rd grader.  After creating the nests and testing them (had to fit four "eggs" and a bird sitting on it), the kids walked around to see what each other built.  They also did some follow up documentation in writing and on Seesaw!

Examples of natural materials used:

• moss
• leaves
• grass
• twigs
• flowers

Examples of man-made materials used:

• leis with the flowers pulled off
• paper or plastic plate
• glue
• pencils
• tape
• construction paper
• cups
• styrofoam balls

 HERE is the link to the Seesaw entry created by one of the students pictured below.
       

Fraction Pizza: Greater Than a Whole & Mixed Numbers

     Have I mentioned how much I LOVE teaching Guided Math/Math Workshop with Math in Focus this year???  SO.MUCH.  A MAJOR shout out to Anna DiGilio for helping me in the process!!  One of the most wonderful things to come from it are the small group discussions, especially when the kids start experimenting with the manipulatives and something amazing happens.  That's precisely what happened during our lesson about "fractions greater than one whole."  

     They knew the vocabulary for "numerator, denominator, improper fraction, and proper fraction."  We worked with thirds and fourths on problems such as "8 fourths is equal to what?.... 2 wholes" and so on.  It also led us to discussions of adding fractions.  However, I was doing the same lesson with my advanced group when one of them said, "What if you have 6 fourths?  What does that equal?"  So we experimented and this led to the discussion about working with mixed numbers!  Though this is not part of our curriculum, I just let my kids take the reigns and we spent time exploring more in depth.  How beautiful it was to see them grasp the concept so quickly when they were the ones leading with questions!!  Even my on-level group grasped the concept quickly.  I know it helped to be playing with the pizza slices, but I was so proud of both groups!

*In the picture below, they are creating their own ways of showing 

improper fractions equal to wholes or mixed numbers.

Click HERE to see an example of a video created by two of my students 

to explain equivalent fractions. 

Dissecting Seeds Project

     My students are learning about plants, so the other day I gave each student ordinary Lima & kidney beans from the grocery store to dissect.  I have to admit, the kids and I were pretty surprised to see so many embryos (beginnings of plants) in the seeds.  TIP:  In order to soften the beans quickly, I put them in a cup of hot water.  While the kids were working, they took a picture of what they had dissected.  Using the tools in Seesaw, the kids were able to label the parts, and I was then able to assess their understanding of the parts.

Reading Writing Workshop: Tricks & Tips (FREEBIE INCLUDED!)

     I've always loved teaching math.  Writing on the other hand has been fun, but I've felt like it's a subject where I could find a better way to teach it thus making it more enjoyable.  My former co-teacher and I put a lot of research, time, love, blood, sweat, and tears into creating a spelling/grammar program, but we still didn't feel like it fully reached a solution that worked for the kids.  Then we were separated to two different classrooms and I got a new co-teacher!  My new co-teacher and I continued to develop a program to meet the needs of our kids, but something was definitely missing.

     Then the 'AHA' moment!!  She randomly came across Jen Bengel's shop and after investigating it we were SOLD!  We watched her webinar entitled "Managing Best Practice Reading and Writing Workshops" and knew we were on to something fantastic and implemented it immediately!  We've since bought all of Jen's Reading/Writing Units of Study and her Spelling program for 2nd and 3rd Grades.  We also really liked what Amber wrote on her blog about how her school handles Spelling.  In regards to grammar, I really liked Little Red Writing House's resources for my 3rd graders.  And so...  Below is a break-down of what we use and how I implement it in my Reading Writing Workshop (RWW)!

     My 3rd graders keep a Language Journal (composition notebook), meant to be a one-stop-resource while they write.  The journal has five sections (adapted from Jen's notebooks): Grammar, Word Study (Spelling Skills), Mini-Lessons, Planting Seeds, & Writer's Talks.

Reading (M-Th 9:40 - 10:25):  We use Jen's units, but adapt them a little for the time we have in class.  We keep the general structure the same, but we've combined two or three lessons if necessary.  In the past, I've split my students into two or three reading groups to do a book study.  The units we've had since discovering Jen haven't really lent themselves to doing book groups, but I would consider doing it in the future.  

Spelling Skills (M 12:05 - 12:45 & F 9:40 - 10:25):  We use Jen's units for these in addition to a high frequency word list.  My 3rd graders all participate in a general Spelling lesson on Monday.  Then each child chooses 7 words from the lesson and 7 high frequency words to learn for their test on Friday.  I also have some really gifted spellers who've surpassed the high frequency words and I give them challenging words to choose from.  The kids make their word list to keep at school and also write their word list in their assignment notebooks each week.  Homework each week is to pick at least one activity from Southern Fried Teachin's monthly Spelling Choice Board and use their words to complete it.  They can do multiple activities each week for additional points.  I also have a section (Word Work) in their Language Journal for them to write a few of their spelling words they'd like to use in their writing.  They also record the skill topics in that month under the "Skills" heading.  On Friday, the kids work in partners to test each other.  I have to admit this made my stomach tense at first, but honestly - I LOVE IT now!!  I definitely walk around to monitor them, but I haven't seen any cheating and the kids seem more relaxed while still taking the test seriously.

This is IMPORTANT -- Any words they spell incorrectly will go on the following week's test in their "My Other Words" section.  I absolutely LOVE this because it reinforces the words they need to practice.  It also solves the problem of "What happens to the words they get wrong on the test?" by having them continue to study it until spelled correctly.  It used to be presumed they would get it in other ways.  I find this new method to be so much better!

Click HERE for the above FREE resource!

Writing (M-F different times):  For my grammar lessons, I use Little Red Writing House's 3rd Grade Interactive Notebook resources.  For all other writing lessons, I use Jen's lessons that go along with the Reading unit we are studying.

PLEASE feel free to email me if you'd like more advice about how to implement this in your classroom!  Finding new ways to teach is so exciting!!

Write By Candlelight

     It started with our poetry unit, our culminating project being a poetry slam for 2nd and 3rd graders.  It was precious!  The kids wrote their own poems as part of the unit.  We purchased plastic mason jars and battery-operated tea lights.  We made little table groups with the candlelight and had a chair for the featured reader to sit in at the front of the classroom to recite their poem.  The kids LOVED it!

     Then a few days later, my third graders were working on their focused brain-storming session in our recently-started Realistic Fiction unit.  I happened to notice the tea lights and jars were still out, needing to be put away.  I said, "Kiddos, do you want to write by candlelight today?"  "YEEEESSSSS!!!!"  So the ones who wanted a candle/jar got to write by candlelight.  It was absolutely precious!  We turned off the lights and also put on peaceful music.  From now on the kids  always get the option to write by candlelight.  I'm absolutely loving the ambience and the peace it brings them.

     For this particular unit, my co-teacher and I decided to have the kids write a choose-your-own adventure story!  I'd seen a reference to it at a technology workshop, and was SUPER ANTSY to fit it into the curriculum somehow!  This was the perfect opportunity.  The kids are THRILLED about it, even my most challenged writers!  After doing some research about how to write one in general, we've amended it for our grade level.  Here is a fantastic resource that helped us.  

     The students pictured above are working on their "Events In My Story" part of the story planning process.  We already spent a day working on characters and setting.  We talked a little bit about how to organize the story.  Each part of their book will be about a paragraph, no longer than a page.  For some of them, drawing the organizer helped at this stage.  I am interested to see how the others choose to organize their thoughts.  In general, I love what they are coming up with!

     We are using Jen Bengel's Units of Study for our Reading Writing Workshop (RWW).  If you haven't checked her out yet, YOU. SIMPLY. MUST!!!  Beyond rave reviews about how Jen's units of study have changed my teaching approach to RWW.  She's FABULOUS!  See my separate post about how we've implemented her units in RWW and Spelling.

More to come as the kids continue to work on their stories!

Passion Projects: Kids Explore What They Love!

"Passion Projects," "Genius Hour," "20% Time," "Passion Project Hour"...  I've been doing these types of projects with my students longer than it has been a buzz word!  Early on in my teaching (fourteen years ago), I knew it was important for the kids to express themselves through whatever it was they were passionate about or highly interested in.  I dubbed them "Special Projects" and they were done in the morning when everyone was coming to school.  The projects were more informal than today's projects, but the essence was the same -- to give each student an avenue where they could bring their personal interests to life and teach their class about it too.

When my co-teacher and I decided to work this project into our schedule (we let go of a subject, Junior Great Books, that wasn't engaging for our kids), we began by watching A.J. Juliani's course.  We also enlisted the help of our Director of Teaching & Learning, who did these types of projects with his students when he was a classroom teacher.  It has been invaluable to have the three of us working with them!  We three planned together and picked out the ways we felt it could be engaging and workable for our 2nd and 3rd graders.  While it hasn't always been smooth sailing with this age group compared to older students, the rewards have been beautiful!  I have cherished the time I'm spending with them doing projects that normally wouldn't fall into our usual school day.  From sewing, to playing a mini-golf course, to watching them code video games (they are light years ahead of my understanding!).  There are so many projects, and in heart-warming ways each one reflects the student completing it.

If you are debating doing Passion Projects with this age level, I highly recommend enlisting the help of another teacher and/or parent.  I'm sure there are all-star teachers out there who do it alone and I would love to be one!  But sometimes one needed a needle threaded, another a box cut, and another dripped paint and all needed to be attended to pretty quickly.  It was just a more peaceful process knowing that I had two other teachers in the class with me.  I am also happy to help you further if you'd like to know more about our process with this age group.

Some of the other projects include making stuffed animals, drawing sketches, creating a new song, and making a catchphrase.  The students always reflected on their work from the day into Seesaw, and so that all three teachers could give constructive comments on their work.  Administration was also able to view the progress through Seesaw!  Parents also very much enjoyed seeing their child's progress and commenting as well.

More photos to come when they present their projects to our school next week!

Click HERE for link to lightbulb border from Creative Teaching Press.

The clipart is from Krista Wallden - Creative Clips.