Guest Post, Beyond Traditional Math: Common Core Math Can Be Rigorous AND Fun

It is true, there ARE Common Core activities that are actually fun. In this stressful time of accountability and standardized testing, it is easy for teachers to feel the need to test prep. I know that I have felt this pressure in recent years, especially seeing first hand the impending state test (PARCC or SBAC anyone?). Just standing behind student’s shoulders last year as they piloted gave me shivers. For the past year we have been running around...

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Easy Fraction of a Set Game

Fraction of a set can be a challenging concept for fourth grade.  Often they are still trying to understand the idea of fractions dividing a whole into equal sized parts.  So looking at a given number of equal sized groups that relate to one as "one whole set" is very confusing. To begin, we go back to the division dots task cards that we used earlier in the year.  This gets them comfortable.  I much prefer the "we did this already"...

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Introducing Division Concepts

As we started to dig into our division studies, it became painfully clear to me that some of my students had some major gaps in their understanding of multiplication and division concepts.  I decided to put the main unit on hold for this group and wanted to design some activities to help bolster their understanding of grouping and sharing.  To begin, I wanted students to really understand the idea that multiplication and division are...

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Testing Time is Upon Us!

Image: http://www.jeremymorgan.com/funny/funny-memes/its-another-funny-friday/attachment/funny-memes-07-12/Greetings Dear Friends!If your school is like mine, you are currently in the "AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" mode of state testing. This year, Utah instituted a new test called SAGE (Student Assessment for Growth and Excellent).It has been interesting to see how the students have reacted to the new format- most have commented on how much more...

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Fun, Quick, and Easy Reading Comprehension Games for the Entire Class!

Hello friends!It's Jen Bengel from Out of This World Literacy. Spring Break!!I hope you all are having a wonderful spring.  Many of us have had our spring break and some are still counting the days until it is our turn.  My family and I are actually on the beach this week enjoying some fun, family, spring break relaxation!Reading Comprehension Game One: New Learning ShareMaterials Needed: a mentor textDirections1. Gather the entire...

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Guest Post: Kimberlee Fulbright, Close Reading Journey Through Text

How can we get students to review standards taught, yet continue high levels of learning? I have begun what I like to call a "Journey Through a Text," with my students. This is a great way to:1) Use when introducing a skill during mini-lessons2) Once all mini-lessons have been taught and students have practiced the skills; it is a great way to review all skills independently on their OWN level.First, it is important to have a plan at how to take...

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I Have... Who has.... {Freebie + Giveaway!}

Hi!  It's Deb from Crafting Connections with you again this Friday!  I am guessing that there are few among us who have not played a version of "I have... Who has..." in our classrooms.  When I walk into an upper elementary classroom and students spot me carrying "I have... Who has...", cheers erupt!  (I'd be curious to know...does the same thing happen in your classroom?)For those who have not played this game in your classroom,...

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Number Line Frustration? Walk the Walk!

It took a while to really "sell" me on the idea of using number lines (and I'm a visual learner)!  However, since number lines don't seem to be going away when it comes to curricula and standardized testing, I knew I had to accept them, get comfortable with them, break them down for those kids who also are not initially "sold" on them either, and make them interesting for my class.  I've developed coloring worksheets and homework pages,...

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Creating polygons in the classroom

Hey, it's MissMathDork here and I want to tell you about how I use Anglegs in my classroom!  What? you haven't heard of Anglegs?  Anglegs are sturdy little plastic strips that easily snap together to form plane geometric shapes.  They come in 6 different colors - each color representing a different length.  From my experience, students are drawn to the fun. building block nature of this manipulative.Learning Resources AngLegs...

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