tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91638667442069202132024-03-28T05:47:15.256-04:00Growing Grade by GradeHi, All! I'm Pat, at Growing Grade By Grade! I share classroom and curriculum resources, teaching ideas, lesson plans, and a place to share our views. I offer mentoring support to teachers in all grades. We're all in this together!Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-25846832034416234162022-02-18T10:53:00.001-05:002022-02-18T10:53:44.381-05:00<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkxKubM8ufkn_5qS5V_cfOWV2Zzk171HeyDwCNhhKuS4fI-YrnfXFI5hEwCLcDQYr7O5O5JKsDu7DtdeDzCsETA-0FsVvsIwgHWh2-b1bjsZztjs9hpXJ2_IaLulfyC6Xx92FFvqNWqrWO-_O2WIYTjn_m_qTjSqv9vqrQhE8sJBNRQyfEpEm9DDvTvQ=s2000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Music notes sing a song of pi day" border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="2000" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkxKubM8ufkn_5qS5V_cfOWV2Zzk171HeyDwCNhhKuS4fI-YrnfXFI5hEwCLcDQYr7O5O5JKsDu7DtdeDzCsETA-0FsVvsIwgHWh2-b1bjsZztjs9hpXJ2_IaLulfyC6Xx92FFvqNWqrWO-_O2WIYTjn_m_qTjSqv9vqrQhE8sJBNRQyfEpEm9DDvTvQ=w640-h494" title="Celebrate Pi Day With A Free Songbook" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>Pi Day</b> is so exciting for math nerds! It's observed on March 14, connecting to the most common estimation, 3.14. Even if your grade level doesn't have a math standard for pi, students can still have loads of fun learning about this essential math concept. </div><p style="text-align: left;"> There are tons of ways to celebrate Pi Day. <a href="https://www.growinggradebygrade.com/2019/03/8-best-ways-to-celebrate-pi-day.html" target="_blank"><b>Click here to discover some budget-friendly ways to celebrate pi!</b></a> </p></div><div> One of my favorite ways to prepare for and observe Pi Day is to <b>sing, sing, sing</b>! Over the decades, I've gathered a number of songs, set to familiar tunes. These songs actually teach the concepts of pi. Kids love being on the silly train as they sing, but they're learning some pretty cool concepts, whether they know it or not!</div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/10969c4918" target="_blank">Click here to download your FREE copy of the Pi Day Songbook!</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisypa5wG2eGTcj4QzJn0thgUJZ7T1ZnoYexC7UNxQxj5FmR1BF25zX-kDKtok6eW5vd21jGVIva7JDmQFd-Bfz_UpTc5jL5g7LoUJ8q4aVEpIYjuxL9Cv62SzUps6hZJf7W-ljlStN0-GNfb05r69OVH1m5d7Dpf8ir3snTBjs3-dDEUK0phn5H2wTyA=s701" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pi Day Songbook Cover" border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisypa5wG2eGTcj4QzJn0thgUJZ7T1ZnoYexC7UNxQxj5FmR1BF25zX-kDKtok6eW5vd21jGVIva7JDmQFd-Bfz_UpTc5jL5g7LoUJ8q4aVEpIYjuxL9Cv62SzUps6hZJf7W-ljlStN0-GNfb05r69OVH1m5d7Dpf8ir3snTBjs3-dDEUK0phn5H2wTyA=w480-h640" title="pi day songbook cover and open page" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div> Each songbook is half-page sized. When you download the songbook, you'll find clear directions for prep. Just print, staple along the side, and cut in half. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4anGiR8Mf9OPWYJ-6v5j5uUrS0a3VWRrFt178o_CdiWHnN9RW9R0Az53L7diU4gShifp4IeCLaamjtOFsKclW7qiDEp2AnbthlVsiO7fQrbGHVwBeW20F_nPnITdlIkyYuXsk1M6tPGuYpmgcWHy40_6EpqL_ChNhcmEY61qRqHjm3D64IlEagM27pQ=s1056" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pi Day Songbook" border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4anGiR8Mf9OPWYJ-6v5j5uUrS0a3VWRrFt178o_CdiWHnN9RW9R0Az53L7diU4gShifp4IeCLaamjtOFsKclW7qiDEp2AnbthlVsiO7fQrbGHVwBeW20F_nPnITdlIkyYuXsk1M6tPGuYpmgcWHy40_6EpqL_ChNhcmEY61qRqHjm3D64IlEagM27pQ=w494-h640" title="pi day songbook page" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fun graphics are included. This whole book can be printed in color or black and white.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVf1ZujYR3E9h6tu4nZRMBq13Yq3P7KBjYvOCRvLSx_XzaDfmARDecYZybXqCJlOvJmZLtzIjWm8-Fdd3wDT51uTSPFII_21R5kIa1unv9Z85yWEUVuuOqxqbrvBh5mAXd5R4oni9jzE7qrdiqspDocGw5qR5sCo_iVBTM-nZzoPU617jzMi3W9MFcvw=s1056" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pi Day Songbook" border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVf1ZujYR3E9h6tu4nZRMBq13Yq3P7KBjYvOCRvLSx_XzaDfmARDecYZybXqCJlOvJmZLtzIjWm8-Fdd3wDT51uTSPFII_21R5kIa1unv9Z85yWEUVuuOqxqbrvBh5mAXd5R4oni9jzE7qrdiqspDocGw5qR5sCo_iVBTM-nZzoPU617jzMi3W9MFcvw=w494-h640" title="pi day songbook page" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The last page of the songbook includes some nifty facts about pi. Some of them will definitely amaze your students! For example, did you know:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We've calculated pi to 6.4 billion places!</li><li>Pi is only an approximation.</li><li>At decimal point #764, there are six 9s in a row. It's known as the Feynman Point.</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: left;"><u>How To Use Your Free Pi Day Songbook</u></h2></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you have printed and prepped your Pi Day Songbook, there are ways to integrate it into many other lessons. For example,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>ELA</b>: Read the fun fact on the last page together or independently. This activity can easily fit into a reading and/or math standard during your lessons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>ELA</b>: Pick a song and have kids pull out the math info out of the lyrics. Ask: What does this song tell you about pi? Add it to a running list or anchor chart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><h4 style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-weight: normal;">ELA: Have kids add new lyrics or re-write some of the existing ones.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-weight: normal;">MATH: Students can sketch and label a circle, its diameter, its radius, and its circumference. As they sing, have them point to the specific parts.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-weight: normal;">MATH: Simply singing the songs several times a day can help cement the concepts for kids. </span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-weight: normal;">MATH: Challenge students to find the jokes hidden in some of the songs. We've all giggled or rolled our eyes over the "pi r square" routine. See it they can explain why that's (sort of) funny!</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-weight: normal;">MATH: Students can look up the math definitions for transcendental and irrational. Challenge them to explain the terms in simple language.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-weight: normal;">SCIENCE/MATH: Have kids research Einstein, Euclid, Isaac Newton, or Ludolph van Ceulen.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-weight: normal;">MUSIC: Singing is so fun for kids! Adding in content-rich songs is perfect for educational multi-tasking. Challenge kids to pick another simple melody and write lyrics.</span></li></ul><p></p></h4></div><div> If you're thinking about really diving into a<b> Pi Day</b> celebration this year, remember to start early! January and February are not too soon to begin learning these adorable songs. Who knows? Maybe you can even go <b>"Pi Day Caroling"</b> around your school!</div><div><br /></div><div> I'd love to know how the <b>Pi Day Songbook</b> works for you! Remember,</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1-YvC4TiovLGWRQyj_bUAqpVYZT61gplaJ8y8Y6wwLWMI6TCO7ae6o5_o3QlHPZegOdLNba9SIsltobByW4WFJkfmHrtlWCd8yjnGVLUTXfrBYeofc-iT-Gr3Y4ogT3p3I9UTexjy2Jw/s1600/ggbgsig.png" />Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-90597150628843055482022-02-15T16:34:00.003-05:002022-02-17T16:24:42.520-05:008 Reasons Book Banning Hurts Our Children<div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTdsK-ulLNOvzPBHPVf4Trcbsd4pwuuzfL3ZteO5jnFZ2SkBf2FTJMjF9DYmPtRkeHpkpKElIYJlTefR0_Lk42fYSA17f5exfk3bNuht08kHeYZsCUCxsbYrgxIh6ikEHp7HNK4qdASQVW3RVwVz11cORbenYh2toB2bCOxgVu8bimaEzfTIeXpSYO3Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTdsK-ulLNOvzPBHPVf4Trcbsd4pwuuzfL3ZteO5jnFZ2SkBf2FTJMjF9DYmPtRkeHpkpKElIYJlTefR0_Lk42fYSA17f5exfk3bNuht08kHeYZsCUCxsbYrgxIh6ikEHp7HNK4qdASQVW3RVwVz11cORbenYh2toB2bCOxgVu8bimaEzfTIeXpSYO3Q=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b>B</b>ook
banning is here to stay. It has seasons of more attention and seasons of less. New books addressing new topics bring out detractors fully armed with reasons that specific books should be pulled from library shelves. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">This risky practice must be challenged. It is up to us as teachers, parents, and the community at large to stand against any attempt to ban books. Read on for eight important reasons that book banning hurts children.</span></span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/d2ba021a1e">Click here for the talking points of this post.</a></span></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;">1. Book banning is censorship. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h1><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Censorship is illegal in America. Freedom of speech is the foundation of our country and is protected in the First Amendment to the Constitution. Sharing information is part of our national personality and a pillar of our economy. Any deliberate obstruction to sources of information is, by definition, censorship. The consequences of censorship can be dire: lack of timely, useful knowledge is damaging to us now and in the future. By suppressing ideas and information, book banning</span><span> is the literary version of cancel
culture.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>The American Library Association is an excellent resource for guidance. The ALA "resists all efforts to censor library resources". Read their <a href="https://www.ala.org/tools/ethics" target="_blank"><b>Code of Ethics here.</b></a></span></span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2. Book banning is elitist.</span></h1><div><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Book censors believe they are superior in some ways and that others should fall in with their decisions. They believe their ideas and values are right and others are wrong. That’s a very slippery and dangerous slope to start down.</span></div><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3. Book banning is privileged.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></h1><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Book censorship</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> takes away personal choices from the majority of a community and gives them to
a few people – or even to one person. It actually gives those in a position to ban books
more power than the rest of us. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/reconsiderationcommittees" target="_blank"><b>Click here to access the American Library Association Guidelines For Reconsideration Committees</b></a></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">4. Book censors have ulterior motives.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Supporters of banning books like to think
they’re concerned for children. But what often drives them are religious,
political, and social biases. We should be as concerned about the people who want to ban books as they are concerned about specific books. We need to ask: What is really motivating
you? Racism? Homophobia? Politics? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">5. Censors have a narrow perspective.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Book censors impose a narrow
perspective on others. They don’t understand the struggles that many children
live with. They think the best way to handle these topics is to ignore
them. But, when we ignore topics, we ignore the people they affect. It's as if we're telling them, “Your lives are unimportant. Your struggles are repulsive. Don’t
share them with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The very fact that book censors' messaging is, "Other people should think like I do", should put us all on alert.</span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;">6. The consequences of censorship are dangerous.</span></h1><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Censorship threatens our very democracy b</span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">y violating our free speech</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">. That may be the most crucial reason to reject all attempts at censorship. </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">When we are stifled as to what we can read, watch, and see, we are no longer a democracy, but an authoritarian state.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Education can help level the playing field for citizens in different social situations. </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Horace Mann, a public school pioneer, called education "the great equalizer".</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Censorship is a threat to the potential of American public education. If teachers are afraid to teach critical thinking skills within the curriculum, we lose vital opportunities</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">to develop critical thinkers.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Censorship breeds ignorance. When even our history lessons are censored, we miss vital opportunities to learn from the past and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Being censored limits information. Without the empowerment of information, citizens cannot challenge the status quo. </span></li></ul><p></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">7. Children need guidance, not censure.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></h1><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">As a teacher and a parent, I found that
children will self-regulate. If a book has topics that are too explicit or
mature for that child, they will put it down and choose another one.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the other hand, if a child does choose
a book with mature themes, it means they are ready to deal with potentially
tough topics. Then they need the adults in their lives – teachers, parents,
clergy, and others - to support their choice, maybe read it with them, and help
them understand what they’re grappling with. What they don’t need is these same
adults taking books out of their hands and denying them the chance to grow.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">One book, in particular, is being
considered for banning in several states. It’s titled </span><u style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/George-Scholastic-Gold-Alex-Gino/dp/0545812577/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DVUP2YR22F4M&keywords=george+by+alex+gino&qid=1644858854&sprefix=George+by+%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>George,</b></a></u><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> by Alex Dino, </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">and is partly
autobiographical. The most heartbreaking part is that the main character deals
with an important self-discovery issue all alone </span><u style="font-size: 14pt;">in the 4<sup>th</sup> grade.</u><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Yes, many children are ready earlier than we think. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">One writer on the subject, Emily Grafton,
made it simple: “Ignoring a kid’s reality doesn’t make it go away. It just
means the kid gets to suffer alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">8. Parents' rights extend only to their own children.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">If parents want to restrict what their own
children read, they have the right to do that – and they should. But, no parent
has the right to restrict what other children read. Taking books from public
school shelves is an attempt to control how other people’s children grow and
think. Access to books is a pillar of our education system. Books should be
available when students are ready for them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">It should not fall on the taxpaying parent
to buy book after book for their children all because people in power are
afraid of the topics.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If we really want kids to be “college and
career ready”, we have to teach them to listen to others, accept that others
have realities that we may not, empathize with them, and learn how to live in a
world where everyone is different, but valued.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We should not bend to the will of a few, we should see the broader picture
that is education and reject any attempt to ban books. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Report-Templates-2552363" target="_blank"><b>If you'd like help starting a book club for kids, click here for an easy method that's budget-friendly.</b></a></span></p></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1-YvC4TiovLGWRQyj_bUAqpVYZT61gplaJ8y8Y6wwLWMI6TCO7ae6o5_o3QlHPZegOdLNba9SIsltobByW4WFJkfmHrtlWCd8yjnGVLUTXfrBYeofc-iT-Gr3Y4ogT3p3I9UTexjy2Jw/s1600/ggbgsig.png" />Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-27634386605714691172022-01-08T12:31:00.003-05:002022-01-09T08:28:31.490-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8Rwz07Ktb6VIHjSBGwrILWWYZA4pQp9fn39nxrL6S7Xg6K65wwh0BA5iO3tlRxDRT5cYzLEiSVWb6ti7F4fTzIO3IqeyxFKc1M8UqyTjJ27AtbbyUxFRqof5wnEf-71mhs8iInsRloJzxtNIh2QlRVGgkuSV7TjyY7IX8n48hUGrPB4pN4xXDqVxnhg=s768" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8Rwz07Ktb6VIHjSBGwrILWWYZA4pQp9fn39nxrL6S7Xg6K65wwh0BA5iO3tlRxDRT5cYzLEiSVWb6ti7F4fTzIO3IqeyxFKc1M8UqyTjJ27AtbbyUxFRqof5wnEf-71mhs8iInsRloJzxtNIh2QlRVGgkuSV7TjyY7IX8n48hUGrPB4pN4xXDqVxnhg=s16000" /></a></div><div><h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's how you can have fun with palindromes in your classroom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/86057f2aa8" target="_blank">Download a free list of palindromes and fun activities for your classroom!</a></div></h3></div><div><h3><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">What is a palindrome?</span></h3><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">A palindrome is a word, phrase, or sentence that is spelled and read the same both forward and backward. Kids love to share simple palindromes like:</span><br /><ul><li>aha</li><li>did</li><li>level</li><li>noon</li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Anna</span></li></ul><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> Older students often discover longer words such as:</span><br /><ul><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">racecar</span></li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">kayak</span></li><li>civic</li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">repaper</span></li><li>solos</li></ul><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Keep working and you'll find phrases such as:</span><br /><ul><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">My gym</span></li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Top spot</span></li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Too hot to hoot.</span></li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">No lemon, no melon</span></li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Don't nod.</span></li></ul><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">If you've run out of other examples, pull out these mind-blowing sentences:</span><br /><ul><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Madam, I'm Adam.</span></li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">A man, a plan, a canal: Panama.</span></li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Pull up, Eva, we're here, wave, pull up.</span></li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Was it a car or a cat I saw?</span></li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Mr. Owl at my metal worm.</span></li></ul><h3>Number Palindromes</h3></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> Teachers can make a math connection with palindromes. <i><b>Numbers </b></i>that are read the same forward and backward count as palindromes. Go as simple as you wish - even a number such as 55 is technically a palindrome. Challenge kids to create palindromic numbers like:</span><br /><ul><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">12321</span></li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">42877824</span></li><li><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">3434343</span></li></ul><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> When a day, a week, or even a month contains a forward-backward date, palindrome fans and symmetry lovers are delighted! This year, 2021, contains a few palindromic dates, but you may have to play with the format.</span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> Now is a great time to introduce or review the concept and set kids up with some fun activities to mark these special dates. Maybe you could text or email your students from last year and remind them to celebrate!</span></div></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> There are so many fun activities for palindromes in both math and writing! <a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/86057f2aa8" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Subscribe here and download a full list of words, phrases, and activities for your classroom!</b></span></a></span></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> Remembering that different places use different date formats, here are the M-D-Y palindromic dates for 2022:</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9tBDo9cZf5SEm2PBy5p2UDx7yrzRY-wfrZT4zfwhdXyKv_K5EQ11PQT_moJH1n-0OyVj6IDur7D8CrbdZEFqWRVLYu0BehYzvTOpJo9HpMU-JmjJc4Cb8hrKDVhGZx1hjBvmW9_QYQs2bkjYIttykgfQWBXdcC87rCtu1o0_NtUTm44ZP2y17EC-2WQ=s768" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9tBDo9cZf5SEm2PBy5p2UDx7yrzRY-wfrZT4zfwhdXyKv_K5EQ11PQT_moJH1n-0OyVj6IDur7D8CrbdZEFqWRVLYu0BehYzvTOpJo9HpMU-JmjJc4Cb8hrKDVhGZx1hjBvmW9_QYQs2bkjYIttykgfQWBXdcC87rCtu1o0_NtUTm44ZP2y17EC-2WQ=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And it's always fun to get a streak of palindromic dates! Look what happens in February 2022!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhixCnmP5Azh03-uIggh61HmEqJuX08-4TlNSSobylk30N_L6eOUjl79v109l5XSCyDNveQzRUUJPkI6u_4zHn_nEZA49gpRc8zHrb_LanPlGvGzVh-VAgt0bMlSydhIq7uWvQX-8NraQSlDwTkflgJYn57FpKRqIeqqrMIBPm4_ehA9G-AZMaJt9BDfA=s768" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhixCnmP5Azh03-uIggh61HmEqJuX08-4TlNSSobylk30N_L6eOUjl79v109l5XSCyDNveQzRUUJPkI6u_4zHn_nEZA49gpRc8zHrb_LanPlGvGzVh-VAgt0bMlSydhIq7uWvQX-8NraQSlDwTkflgJYn57FpKRqIeqqrMIBPm4_ehA9G-AZMaJt9BDfA=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, can you imagine the fun you'll have this year on a real "2's" Day?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxKOZswS1piztf3feP8ywctLYiTn6vN4zAY7Qm00kZvGDn0vgABzrc8wJZHY1OcRka0t6Q6v6jwnfJgIZinDp4KepVkU99jdKqSRfdYvecZzijwbsVa7LG5NqA4Et4y7INnKopOAzUjt5MVu0unH-N0qGNyVgIOxlIBAXciKaFgP47zi0NYY7offlUyg=s768" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxKOZswS1piztf3feP8ywctLYiTn6vN4zAY7Qm00kZvGDn0vgABzrc8wJZHY1OcRka0t6Q6v6jwnfJgIZinDp4KepVkU99jdKqSRfdYvecZzijwbsVa7LG5NqA4Et4y7INnKopOAzUjt5MVu0unH-N0qGNyVgIOxlIBAXciKaFgP47zi0NYY7offlUyg=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, how do you celebrate Palindrome Week? Here are some ideas:</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8igVtoflzsMBnSOc6mySLwUQHtqf3Zq_QO4XcsIP-fb2suoDyA3T4qBehFQbQNRzC0j6FdBIpF9802qgx3QHehz-2fKWYYpRtSqiPYxukIuD9It_8Vqm7Alsn_48HB9uE2WteN7BXxI1NijWsDT2yX9HlQ4lgGvoBwI04O-JNwD85gEnKxv4ngqjtSw=s768" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8igVtoflzsMBnSOc6mySLwUQHtqf3Zq_QO4XcsIP-fb2suoDyA3T4qBehFQbQNRzC0j6FdBIpF9802qgx3QHehz-2fKWYYpRtSqiPYxukIuD9It_8Vqm7Alsn_48HB9uE2WteN7BXxI1NijWsDT2yX9HlQ4lgGvoBwI04O-JNwD85gEnKxv4ngqjtSw=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/86057f2aa8" target="_blank">Don't forget your FREE list of palindromes and activities for math and writing!</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know how you prepare and celebrate Palindrome Week, 2022! </div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW23yayYwCjdE87gFRjnRKIPOgnUlAQCqiQJw57gMa-TiCishhvuINpe9BpNEDJtkNcShuIwYxhxiOh9wxL8G6lWk0SsVPefeNTh2PnvTzXZhE7z5-IYJ9zE9mdI7MOLMhyIjMFFf3UgJbdQuXlHlA6CSA7x--TKaBtU9_kReUU0EurUI1mZLyJ8Cyag=s768" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW23yayYwCjdE87gFRjnRKIPOgnUlAQCqiQJw57gMa-TiCishhvuINpe9BpNEDJtkNcShuIwYxhxiOh9wxL8G6lWk0SsVPefeNTh2PnvTzXZhE7z5-IYJ9zE9mdI7MOLMhyIjMFFf3UgJbdQuXlHlA6CSA7x--TKaBtU9_kReUU0EurUI1mZLyJ8Cyag=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-34848226195266830282020-08-13T18:39:00.008-04:002022-01-09T08:29:13.197-05:007 Things To Know Before You Live Stream Your Classroom<div> If you're thinking about, or even required to, live stream your classroom, there are seven important things you should consider first.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/0f881e0756" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Click here for a quick reference sheet to share</span>.</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB5Ee0CMTs4R8jGCrGBZiAAmkxsWIufNnKyLVO_g2wnvKpxo9rA3I3UhW3TskLWHs_NMbwGS_bJmyg6SxVGLd-d2reSWOi1yyMyG-PsDPzLKVlBPDTTTz-vsfAw1eqNcN3_NPEK98foqa/s768/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB5Ee0CMTs4R8jGCrGBZiAAmkxsWIufNnKyLVO_g2wnvKpxo9rA3I3UhW3TskLWHs_NMbwGS_bJmyg6SxVGLd-d2reSWOi1yyMyG-PsDPzLKVlBPDTTTz-vsfAw1eqNcN3_NPEK98foqa/s640/Slide1.JPG" /></a></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Live streaming leaves teachers open to privacy violations.</h3><div> Live streaming your classroom puts students and teachers at risk of sharing personally identifiable information. Two federal laws work together to protect students. <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html" target="_blank"><b>The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)</b></a> and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule" target="_blank"><b>The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)</b></a> place strict limits on what information a school can collect and share about students. <i>Anything </i>considered personally identifiable information (PII), including images, is on the table. Violations can cause districts to lose funding.</div><div><br /></div><div> A loophole is that schools can share "directory information" without a parent's consent, including a child's:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>name</li><li>address</li><li>telephone number</li><li>date of birth</li><li>place of birth</li><li>height</li><li>weight</li><li>dates of attendance</li><li>major field of study</li><li>participation in sports activities and teams</li><li>degrees and awards</li><li>previous schools attended</li></ul></div><div> That's a lot of personally identifiable information! The safeguard for parents is that schools have to inform them of what directory info they plan to share and give them a reasonable time to opt-out.</div><div><br /></div><div> All of this puts parents in the driver's seat, as they should be, when it comes to sharing information about their child. </div><div><br /></div><div> There are countless ways that personally identifiable information can be accidentally shared during a school day. A birthday chart, small groups of students based on an IEP, a SPED teacher coming to the door to pick up a student, even calling a child's name could all be deemed unintended violations. </div><div><br /></div><div> Consider your own privacy as a teacher. Everything you say or do, every private conversation with a child or another adult will be filmed and possibly overheard.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. There's potential for misuse by viewers.</h3><div> Live streaming your classroom into a home opens everything that is said, done, or seen to those who might misuse it, including pedophiles. We were only a couple of weeks into distance learning during the COVID-19 quarantine when several instances of sexual photos, racist comments, and other vulgarities came into virtual classrooms without warning. We even gave it a name: Zoombombing.</div><div><br /></div><div> When you live stream your classroom, it is open to <i>anyone </i>who can access the stream. Parents, students, and guests in the home can record you, screenshot you and your students, and then manipulate it for wrong purposes. They can criticize, critique, and share on other social media that you don't even know about. Children's images have even shown up on inappropriate websites. Once it's on the internet, it is there forever.</div><div><br /></div><div> The most common distance learning platforms are highly monitored and controlled. Schools vet them very carefully. However, no streaming service is 100% safe. If you can stream it, they can hack it. The more you stream, the more hackable content is available and at risk. </div><div><div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.23in; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: -0.23in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><br /></div></div><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.23in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.23in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">3. It's not always conducive to teaching K-12.</h3><div><br /></div><div> Educators are trying hard to make it all work. What I'm hearing from teachers who live stream is that when they're standing so they're always in front of the camera, they are no longer teaching naturally. </div><div><br /></div><div> Most K-12 teachers are not lecturers. We move about, interact with our students, refer to visual aids around the room, and work with small groups. Standing in one spot in a classroom is not natural, comfortable, or helpful to students.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Teaching in two different formats is ineffective.</h3><div> Teachers are learning new ways to teach. Recording yourself teaching lessons, called <b>asynchronous learning</b>, helps students because they can rewatch the clips multiple times when it's convenient for them. <b>Synchronous learning</b>, interacting in real time with students over a video conferencing platform, supports building relationships - especially important during a pandemic - and a more natural give-and-take like in the classroom. </div><div><br /></div><div> Some districts are allowing - even requiring - teachers to use both formats simultaneously, calling it a "blended" or "hybrid" model. Teachers are reporting that it is frustrating at best, and ineffective at worst. It seems that both groups of students are at a disadvantage.</div><div><br /></div><div> Students online at home are bored and unengaged while waiting for classroom tasks to be completed, for recess, or for lunch. There is a good bit of downtime during a typical school day. Imagine being a remote learner and having to watch the stream for the whole day. </div><div><br /></div><div> Students in the classroom must wait for the remote kids to have questions answered, get directions for digital responses, and have their fair share of the teacher's time. </div><div><br /></div><div> To further complicate an already difficult situation, at least one district expects online kids to be brought into small groups. So we'll have small socially-distanced groups of kids around a table with one or more laptops sitting on the table with a child's head onscreen. </div><div><br /></div><div> Teachers are finding it an unrealistic task to track engagement and understanding of their remote students while also having students in front of them.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Inadequate technology can create problems.</h3><div> It's no secret that many classrooms and students don't have the technology they need. Sometimes students don't have wi-fi available at home or can't afford devices. Classrooms may have to share limited devices with the rest of the school. This alone makes live streaming far more challenging.</div><div><br /></div><div> The lack of adequate technology shows up in other ways. If there is a fixed camera in the classroom, the teacher may very well be tethered to one spot during the day. A noisy HVAC system can make serious competition for a teacher who is wearing a mask. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. Protocols may be hard to remember during emergencies.</h3><div> The best protocols in the world are useless if they're not followed. In a classroom emergency, teachers tend to react immediately to assist the child. It's likely that they will forget to turn off, unplug, or mute technology for privacy's sake. This means that misbehavior will be streamed online, as will medical emergencies, personal embarrassments, and emotional moments.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. Teachers will live with the pressure of being observed all day, every day.</h3><div> Being observed by an administrator is a judgment on not just your content presentation, but on your dress, your manner with kids, your tone of voice, your content knowledge, and a myriad of other elements. Most workers in any field are observed, of course. But, all day, every day? </div><div><br /></div><div> The stress of being observed nonstop by anyone who is watching, most of whom aren't educators, will be tremendous. It's likely that many teachers won't be able to stand the pressure. Always being on stage, always having to perform at 100% will be overwhelming. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;"> Consider carefully. </h3><div> None of these points are to criticize live streaming as a concept. Communicating and collaborating virtually is keeping businesses afloat, giving isolated people a vital window to the outside world, and helping us through an extremely difficult time in our country. </div><div><br /></div><div> It's important that educators consider the risks involved before diving in. If you'd like a one-page quick reference sheet to share with administrators and planning committees, <a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/0f881e0756" target="_blank"><b>CLICK HERE</b>.</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember,</div><div><p style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;"><br /></p></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1-YvC4TiovLGWRQyj_bUAqpVYZT61gplaJ8y8Y6wwLWMI6TCO7ae6o5_o3QlHPZegOdLNba9SIsltobByW4WFJkfmHrtlWCd8yjnGVLUTXfrBYeofc-iT-Gr3Y4ogT3p3I9UTexjy2Jw/s1600/ggbgsig.png" /></div>Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-87517924681050757332020-03-14T13:18:00.005-04:002021-01-07T16:25:46.454-05:00The 3 Most Important Things To Do If Your School ClosesWe are floundering in uncharted territory. Our nation is struggling to make education work as COVID-19 forces schools to close.<br />
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Who thought at Back-to-School Night that a global pandemic would affect our health, our future, and our day-to-day?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hbPrKdLmkjxzW_MMCrYl4XgWJiJwKEWOqG5FhDW_6OmIJzwRQSXlGWOeM7WeTMAHk1mOHYQ59smkWV6GnpV-EYuFhW_hhzVLHbIy1_zcqf0QUCh9zubaDzN83AgE-Z5PSqY3LCRi4RiS/s1600/3+MOST+IMPORTANT+THINGS+TO+DO+SCHOOL+CLOSURES.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hbPrKdLmkjxzW_MMCrYl4XgWJiJwKEWOqG5FhDW_6OmIJzwRQSXlGWOeM7WeTMAHk1mOHYQ59smkWV6GnpV-EYuFhW_hhzVLHbIy1_zcqf0QUCh9zubaDzN83AgE-Z5PSqY3LCRi4RiS/s400/3+MOST+IMPORTANT+THINGS+TO+DO+SCHOOL+CLOSURES.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bonus: <a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/3dfdf6cda8" target="_blank">Download free Math Choice Boards here</a>.</h4>
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What To Do Now</h3>
It's too late to go back and be proactive. What we need now are ideas to support kids and their learning when we can't be together in school as usual. Here are 3:<br />
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<b>1. Protect your own family first.</b> People must get to work to support their families, but not at the risk of teachers' lives and their families. Go to school for as long as you believe it's safe. When it's not, stay home.<br />
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<b>2. Plan hard copy and online lessons now, even if you haven't been instructed to.</b> I was expected to prepare a week's worth of substitute plans at the start of each school year. It took a crate to hold them, but OMG, they were a lifesaver! When my kids or I got sick unexpectedly, I just asked my team teacher to pull them out for the sub.<br />
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If you have digital capabilities, start creating lessons now. If you'll do strictly paper lessons, gather materials that support your curriculum. Whether you use digital or paper lessons, keep these parameters in mind:<br />
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A. Keep assignments simple; many kids will be with babysitters, grandparents - or alone - with no one to ask for help.<br />
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B. Explain <i>everything</i>; without immediate access to you, kids and parents can get confused easily.<br />
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C. Know that you won't grade some of the at-home work. You can't know who is getting help or how much.<br />
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D. Avoid teaching new material, especially for young children. Even with digital tools, the give-and-take of being with our teacher is invaluable.<br />
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E. Focus on engaging review work, not busy work. We want kids to think, practice, and grow, but not struggle. While it's great for schools that have amazing technology, the reality is many schools aren't set up for that.<i> </i>Much of what teachers send home will be paper-and-pencil.<br />
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F. Families are stressed now. Being out of school, possibly quarantined, maybe even sick, is tough. Schoolwork may not be a priority. Make the work do-able.<br />
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G. Depend on fun, creative, low-stress activities. Consider journal entries, reading a book, color-by-code puzzles, and creative writing.<br />
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H. Avoid overwhelming families. Schedule each day's work for them, plainly marked. If they work ahead, fine.<br />
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I. Homes aren't always equipped like schools. They may not have 1:1 devices, construction paper, markers, rulers, and other tools we take for granted. Be careful of the requirements for each assignment.<br />
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J. Give special attention to your students with special needs, accommodations, IEPs, and 504s. It will be impossible to give them a routine school experience at home without you. Reach out to the administration, colleagues, EC specialists, media specialists,...all of the people who can help you prepare appropriate lessons.<br />
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K. Communicate clearly with parents and allow them to communicate with you.<br />
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<b>3. Prepare to spend some time each day devoted to school.</b> Return parent emails, call or email your students, work on plans for your eventual return to school. It'll keep you in a routine and feeling productive.<br />
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In A Perfect World</h3>
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If this happens again - heaven forbid - we'll be ready. We'll:</div>
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<b>Be Proactive</b> - Providing safety, health, and remote learning for entire school systems is unprecedented. It's a bigger problem than a single teacher can solve. Before the next school year, policymakers and administrators will carefully set protocols in place. They will address equity for special needs students, children who don't have food or supervision when they don't go to school, students who don't have wi-fi or devices for online lessons, and standardized testing.<br />
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<b>Plan</b> - With policies and protocols in place, teachers will work with colleagues to create both online and hard copy activities for at-home learning. We'll revisit assessments and grading. We'll send encouraging messages to our kids. We'll be ready to go if the worst happens.</div>
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<b>Prepare</b> - We'll have papers copied, packets packed, and online assignments ready to access. We'll practice with kids for online access and activity completion. On Back-to-School night, we'll tell parents about our plans.</div>
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I hope there's not a next time. But if there is, it'll be smoother sailing!<br />
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We'd love to have you join our group over at Growing Grade By Grade! You'll have access to my FREE Resource Library with materials that can help you support kids in the classroom.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/3dfdf6cda8" target="_blank">Subscribe here and join us. You'll receive Math Choice Boards for grades 3-5. </a></span></b></h4>
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Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-28545648680607765862020-03-05T13:53:00.002-05:002020-03-10T11:46:36.460-04:00Budget Hacks For The Most Effective Lesson On How Germs Spread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I'm always looking for elementary science activities that are:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">easy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">affordable</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">engaging</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hands-on</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">pretty much student-led</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">something we can use in real life</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> One of the best is to buy that glow-in-the-dark stuff, Glo Germ. You paint it on kids' hands, have them wash, then look at their hands under a black light. They quickly see how hard it can be to get their hands clean. When you connect the Glo Germ to real germs, it makes a lasting impression on them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We did this in my science classes until the cost stopped me. I wish I'd known then about these budget hacks. It would have allowed us to benefit from the activity without the budget. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1DbX-ncvJ54Vz_7cOoDDjS5kGGUzzyJyZJR5dtZU_WW-WWVqYh7KpcmxgsK9RF7TbMLV9pKu_B8En7z8pMG-l_hWxx2qvOPj22NRWAKPjszkbALXMKWuuZ6uK1Sni7GwS0HylnooYArq/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1DbX-ncvJ54Vz_7cOoDDjS5kGGUzzyJyZJR5dtZU_WW-WWVqYh7KpcmxgsK9RF7TbMLV9pKu_B8En7z8pMG-l_hWxx2qvOPj22NRWAKPjszkbALXMKWuuZ6uK1Sni7GwS0HylnooYArq/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Experiment</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> First, use a cotton swab to spread some of the Glo Germ on each child's hand. Use a clean swab for each child so you're not dipping contaminated swabs back into the bottle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"> Next, let kids see their hands under the black light. If you're doing a written piece, have kids record their observations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzLxnpPznL9G_ihuOII4oYKQ2FByOCSfoDc0PJupnfo_IyNsbqy7tnOP842rORvNhYFFheOx1W8ayB7VwOeMw6XgG4ZhqtGxfHkMwPMGJwxoHN1WZ8KFZnwz1YWqIxEQLbIQOWs_3vCRc/s640/photo-21+(2).JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Have kids wash their hands. Don't emphasize washing really well yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCma6HjBFws6JZ85zuhe_ZdQvWBIPrz94TtBwmgRcAGwMM8UdJu-_SD3PpS5B9UVOTFk2lG9Lq2HeNBxNcNcRT2r08p4TFHq0X2JW3D9AGDtLmD6xthy5vTnVhBgDGW57-9TVcnZfNvQ4/s640/photo-20+(2).JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Look at their hands under the black light again. They'll gasp at how much glow is still left! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Make the point that the Glo Germ is behaving like germs, not making us sick, but staying on our skin. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Send them back to wash their hands and check under the black light again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Extensions</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 1. You might want to extend the lesson with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Do they clean our hands any better or worse?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 2. An even more impactful extension of this experiment is to see how far one person can pass germs. Start by swabbing one student's hand with Glo Germ. He's student #1. Have student #1 touch student #2. Student #2 touches student #3 and so on. Each child checks their hand under the black light. We were 10 kids in before we had trouble finding the glow!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Emphasize that germs are passed from person to person in the same way.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Budget Hacks</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> What to do if you have no budget for Glo Germ and a black light? We can still make it happen! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> You need 2 things: </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a germ substitute substance and </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a way to see it on kids' hands. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Consider these pairings:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We ended by reviewing some ways we've learned to wash hands properly. One suggestion is scrubbing for the length of time it takes to silently sing "Happy Birthday" to yourself. We also had a frank discussion of places we pick up germs: the bathroom, doorknobs, other peoples' possessions. It was a real learning experience all around!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I'd love to know how these hacks work for you! </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Enjoy your science and stay healthy!</span></div>
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<br />Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-83868480461285765962019-07-31T16:36:00.010-04:002022-01-09T08:29:49.800-05:00How To Declutter Your Digital Life In 3 Easy Steps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Clutter suffocates me. Clutter races my heart but saps my energy. Clutter makes life hard.</span><br />
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The Decluttering Trend</h3>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> There's been tons of interest recently in </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">decluttering</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> our homes. As a nation, we are becoming uncomfortably aware of our obsession with acquiring goods and the stress it brings to our lives. </span></span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> Many authors tout different plans, but the KonMari Method, by Marie Kondo, has been one of the most popular. Briefly, the method instructs you to pick a category, like clothes, and gather all of </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">those </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">belongings in one spot. Next, you touch each item and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy in me?” The question has become a bit of an icon, but it is a great compass point. Those items that spark joy, you keep. Those that don’t, you acknowledge with gratitude and give away.</span></span></div>
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I love the KonMari Method of decluttering because it puts a positive spin on a project that can be seen as drudgery. An
urge to clean and organize used to send me to my closet. I’d look around, think of all the “what if”
reasons I should keep different items, pull out three things I didn’t like or
couldn’t wear, see no improvement, and give up in discouragement. Kondo’s method is the exact opposite. You start with joy, proceed with gratitude,
and end up surrounded by things you love.</span></span></div>
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My husband and I “KonMari-ed” our house in 2015 and it really did change
our lives. It left us with fewer items
to manage and clean, but it also left us with a sense of lightness, of being
more in control. It feels good to be
surrounded only by things you love.</span></span></div>
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Why I Decluttered My Digital Life</h3>
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In the past six months, I’ve applied Kondo’s method to </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">decluttering
my digital life </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">and
the results have been just as amazing!
I’m a retired teacher, still involved in teaching and tutoring, and I
have a store on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Whether it was personal or professional, I realized that I was feeling
irritated and distracted by all of the digital stuff coming at me every day,
sometimes every hour. It was creating
anxiety and a feeling of always being behind.
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I was looking at my Instagram account one evening. At the time, my one IG account served both my
business and personal needs. I know, not
a good system. I saw that I was
following over 4,000 accounts! It dawned
on me that there was no possible way I could genuinely connect with so many
people. And it was my own fault! In an effort to connect with other educators
and entrepreneurs, I had created a digital monster. That was the night I decided to “KonMari” my
digital house! </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">has
given me the same feeling of lightness and control and has de-stressed me
significantly. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> I didn’t delete any page, account, or subscription
out of ill will. I originally connected
with each entity because we had something in common. I hoped that we could share and
collaborate. However, needs and
interests change. I simply saw that I was
not giving or receiving value with many of the people I followed and that my
digital “budget” could be better spent in other ways. I believe that reflecting
on your digital life is a good exercise for any adult to consider. Look over your digital house and see where
you can remove elements that no longer serve you. Here’s how I did it.</span></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b> <u>In a nutshell, you'll follow these three steps:</u></b></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">1. <b><u>Inventory</u> </b>who you follow or connect with. Consider numbers as well as specific accounts.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. <u><b>Reflect </b></u>with questions such as, "</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: medium;">Do I immediately know who/what this account represents? </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: medium;">Do I genuinely connect with this person or page? Do I add value to this person or page? Do they add value to me?" If the answer is generally "no", unfollow or unsubscribe. This step is the most time-consuming, but needn't be overwhelming. Consider batching or spending 10 minutes a day on the task until you're satisfied with your list.</span></span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">3. <u><b>Maintain </b></u>your new, smaller list by carefully considering before you follow or subscribe to a new account. Be as certain as possible that the person or subscription will add value to your life. If you make a mistake, don't hesitate to cancel or unfollow quickly.</span></div>
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<h3>
How I Decluttered My Digital Life</h3>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1. </span><u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Instagram<span style="font-weight: normal;">:</span></span></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">I went to my profile page and clicked on
the number of accounts I was following.
It was a LOT – over 4,000! A list
generated with a “Following” button to the right of each account. I clicked on the button to unfollow the
majority of accounts. Be aware: It took
me WEEKS! Instagram only allows you
to unfollow a certain number per day. You
can’t do it too quickly, either, or they see it as a bot or hacker. They’ll warn you that you’re done for the
day. I kept at it and am now following a
more manageable 410 accounts. I also
took the step of creating a personal account – better late than never – and
followed friends, family, YouTubers, and other personal interests
separately. </span></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. <u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Facebook and Messenger:</span></u> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Between my personal page and my business
page, I was following a great many pages covering different topics, including
education, politics, food, lifestyle, friends, and family. To declutter, I didn’t unfollow many friends
or family – I’m pretty careful about who I accept as friends, to begin
with. Education pages that didn’t serve
a specific need for me, even down to a particular grade level, went first. Almost all lifestyle and food pages
went. I kept my top 4-5 pages on news,
politics, and politicians. </span></span></div>
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Next, I made a point to unfollow “experimental” pages when posts popped
up in my feed. I call them experimental
because we all know that FB’s algorithm can detect when we reach out to a new
subject or location. It takes a few
moments, and I find new ones almost every time I’m on FB, but it’s worth it to
me. </span></span></div>
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A final way to reduce your Facebook interactions is to turn off
notifications for specific posts. Click
on the bell icon on the upper right to see the notifications of posts you’re
engaged with. When you no longer want to
see all of the responses to a particular post, click on the three dots to the
right. A shortlist of options will drop
down. Click on the “Turn off
notifications about this post” line. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">A bonus:
As you unfollow pages, your Messenger account will not receive messages
from them. </span></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. <u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Twitter:</span></u> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Although I have both a personal and a
business account, Twitter is not a platform that I use extensively. I generally keep up with a few educators,
politicians, and friends. A quick glance
once a day is all I need to stay in control.
I only follow new accounts if they are extremely interesting or
necessary for my work.</span></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. <u><span style="color: #cc0000;">YouTube:</span></u> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Man, I love YouTube! I call it YouTube University (YouTube U.)
because you can learn almost anything on this platform. Again, I was following, and receiving
notifications, from about 150 YouTubers.
I carefully curated my list down to 73.
Now, any notification actually “sparks joy” because I know it’s a video
I really want to watch!</span></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. <u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pinterest:</span></u> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> I didn’t need to do a lot of work on Pinterest
and actually didn’t unfollow any pinners.
The platform is a search engine, so I don’t feel I’m actually missing
out on anything if I don’t follow up on all notifications. I can just search for
what I want. Also, users can opt-out of
notifications, so you don’t have little red numbers telling you to check out a
new pin.</span></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. <u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Email Subscriptions, Blogs, and
Newsletters:</span></u> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Holy
moly, this was as huge as IG! I have
never been good about deleting used or unwanted emails regularly, so I
had over 140,000 emails in my inbox. Two
tasks presented themselves: 1) I searched my inbox by name or topic and deleted
thousands of unwanted emails; and 2) I unsubscribed from as many as possible as
I went. It has taken several weeks this
summer and it’s an ongoing challenge, but I’m down to fewer than 40,000 emails
in my inbox. That’s success!</span></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. <u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Phone Apps:</span></u> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> OK, this can take </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">a
minute! </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Between social media, news, games, work,
banking, music, tools, personal interests, and retail, our phones load our days
with information! I took this time to
delete any apps that were giving me </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">notifications</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">that </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was
ignoring, which increased my stress level.
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I
thought carefully about which apps I was actually using regularly. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I also took the time to consolidate many apps
into folders, which is more organized and visually more attractive. </span></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
Those are the major digital platforms and categories that I have
decluttered in the past six months. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Of course, there are thousands more that
we can use! </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It
has been a learning experience, both personally and technologically. I’ve learned about which platforms I truly
enjoy, the types of information I value, and the amount of information I am
comfortable dealing with in a day.
Mostly, though, it has been a joy to reduce the amount of digital
clutter in my life!</span></span></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Moving Forward<br /><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">I didn’t go through all of this decluttering just to have it pile back up again! I am being very firm with new digital opportunities. New friends, blogs, subscriptions, platforms, and apps must pass the acid test before I sign on: Do they offer me, or allow me to offer significant value? If not, I pass. It doesn’t mean I don’t acquire new digital relationships, but they are few, far between, and full of value when I do. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">
Have you decluttered your physical or digital life lately? I’d love to hear about how it went for you!</span></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><img height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1-YvC4TiovLGWRQyj_bUAqpVYZT61gplaJ8y8Y6wwLWMI6TCO7ae6o5_o3QlHPZegOdLNba9SIsltobByW4WFJkfmHrtlWCd8yjnGVLUTXfrBYeofc-iT-Gr3Y4ogT3p3I9UTexjy2Jw/w400-h58/ggbgsig.png" width="400" /></span>Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-31842404273554320412019-06-05T11:18:00.003-04:002021-01-07T17:17:11.653-05:00Why You Need To Teach The Brain Dump As A Test Strategy<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">Do you need a great testing strategy to teach your students? Think <b>brain dump</b>.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> I recently visited an amazing 4th-grade</span><span style="text-align: start;"> math class and was reminded of the power of this tool.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_B3KHyvqxVHSNWHogavqyNpChwG0KW_XOWp7d5Sv6PackbEeDMNf4F-VUTguoLLR2LCmt3H9e49Ne3Er_PTVGr9oen9g7nOQhSCoGhBPCPxWY8kIGDvnqxaOUIsehpUyU681Z7fpf0za/s1600/Slide2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_B3KHyvqxVHSNWHogavqyNpChwG0KW_XOWp7d5Sv6PackbEeDMNf4F-VUTguoLLR2LCmt3H9e49Ne3Er_PTVGr9oen9g7nOQhSCoGhBPCPxWY8kIGDvnqxaOUIsehpUyU681Z7fpf0za/w494-h640/Slide2.JPG" width="494" /></a></span></div>
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<h3>
What is a brain dump? </h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> A brain dump is a transfer of knowledge
and ideas to another storage medium, like paper or a computer document. Its purpose is to store the material
temporarily so we can access it while we use our brainpower to process
information.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> To really understand a brain dump, be aware
of what it is <u>not</u>. It is
not a: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stream of consciousness </span>that
attempts to record all thoughts and feelings passing through the mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brainstorm,
</span>which
is an
activity, often in a group, that produces new ideas and solutions to problems.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Brain dumps can be used for academic, professional, or personal
purposes, or a mixture. A real-life
situation can be seen as a 4th grader who is handed a geometry quiz. The student takes a few minutes to “dump”
onto a separate sheet of paper things like:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">the definition of a kite </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">a sketch
of a trapezoid </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">examples of acute, obtuse, right, and straight angles </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">concepts that he is concerned he’ll forget or confuse during the quiz </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> He has learned that if he jots down the
tricky information to refer to later, his brain is freer to think about the
questions in the quiz. Note: This is not
a situation where students make notes outside
of class to bring to a quiz, although that is a strategy
some teachers offer. This is only the information that the student
can transfer during the assessment period.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Another real-life situation might be for
an overwhelmed high school senior to make an exhaustive list of all of the
pre-graduation requirements she must accomplish during the often crazy last
semester of school. It gives her a list
for reference as she checks off each task and relieves her worry that she’ll
forget something. </span></div>
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<h3>
The advantages of a Brain Dump:</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"> A brain dump can be a powerful tool for
students. Some of the advantages
are that a brain dump…</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Builds confidence: Students can feel that
“look how much I know” pride.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Reduces stress: If a
student can capture
info that she
fears she’ll forget, that reduces her stress.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Organizes learning: Creating schemas, the
cognitive structures
that we
use to
organize knowledge and choose
behaviors is
central to learning. When we can add to
our schemas, learning grows.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Can help our EC students: When a child
struggles to focus on a task, it can help to have a “parking” place for facts
that often get lost while processing the task itself.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Is individual and personal:
Each brain dump is personal to the child who created it. The student “dumps” the information that is
valuable to her/him, not what a teacher believes is useful. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Is more meaningful: We tend to buy into products that address our
specific needs. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Is kid-centric: A child’s brain dump comes from his/her perspective. Teacher-created materials, while
well-meaning, come from an
adult’s point of view.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can be used with any medium: Students can use any type of technology, from computers to paper and pencil. It can also be used with a scribe.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Is created casually: There are no
punctuation or grammar rules to follow, no must-have talking points, and
neatness doesn’t count. These are not to
be graded! Kids can relax about not
being judged.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Can be used as a testing review tool: One of the best uses of a
brain dump is during an assessment, whether a shorter quiz, a unit test, or
even yearly standardized testing. For
all of the reasons listed above, it can be a powerful tool.</span></li>
</ul>
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<h3>
How to Create A Brain Dump</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"> Teaching students how to create a brain dump can be fun and
casual, while still emphasizing its usefulness. Here’s how:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">1. Explain the purpose and advantages of
the activity. Consider using the list
above.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">2. Explain that the activity isn’t timed,
but should only last a few minutes. The
purpose is not to spend all of your quiz time creating a brain dump, but to store information so your brain is freer to process questions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">3. Pick a familiar topic or one you’ve
studied recently. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">4. Decide how you’ll display as you’re teaching. Consider using a document camera, a whiteboard, or a giant sticky chart/bulletin board paper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">5. Model as you go. Show all of the different ways you
can express on paper what you’ve learned for the topic. Use as many formats as possible, including
sketches, diagrams, lists, computations, definitions, basic facts, and charts. Talk about why you’re using each format.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">6. Let students call out additions to your
model.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">7. Emphasize that the activity should only take a few minutes. It shouldn’t take a large part of the assessment period.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">8. If students have been writing along
with you, let them share their work with a class gallery walk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9. If students have been watching you
model and teach, they should be getting familiar with the concept. Now, it’s
their turn! Pick another practice topic
and turn them loose.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> In the class I visited, the instructions were to "dump as many things as you can remember about math from this year". That's a tall order, but the kids were up to the challenge! Here's the brain dump I did with them.</span></span></div>
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<h3>
When to Use The Brain Dump</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> In</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">a classroom </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">setting,</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">teach</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">students</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">to</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">use</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">a</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span>brain dump<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">just</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">before</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">an independent activity, a quiz or test,
or as a pre-assessment review. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> As they become more familiar with the process, encourage students to try using this powerful tool in their personal lives. Challenge them to share with the class. As it becomes a part of your class language
and culture, you can all access it for growth. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'd love to hear how it works in your class!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Would you like another powerful tool for your students? Grab these <b><span style="color: red;">free</span> </b>Growth Mindset Math Posters<span style="font-weight: normal;">! They make a great, positive display to encourage your math students!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Growth-Mindset-Math-Posters-Freebie-2263281" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1056" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTtnVhMa7zwngH2CaEcaVotxozSspIGz7BSJ7TW2TfL8glrEkIDT5ztNAnYq5lXb1UgPFOKQfVWz_t9SjDwHT0ifOrKdPhh1h3QaCKhNQ29sqgLOrO26DrVVrEunpW63Ne4VkxXVlAymD/s320/FP+Picture+Growth+Mindset+Posters.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-81484384826529706502019-03-15T15:39:00.005-04:002022-10-13T05:25:38.966-04:003 Powerful Fraction Concepts Students Need To Know There are so many fraction concepts that elementary students need to master! They need to read, write, model, and reason about fractions. They move on to computations with like denominators, then unlike denominators, followed by multiplication and division. The goal is to be able to apply these skills in real-life situations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCelhfcDpA-HZvE4-6rhtnm_PQNdFukWnoqRHCtt__LtIWR_-i1gWvp52guEay5zWuwLvItl5DgEIazTP-Q4CmMJpeqbh3rqmAOmyie0XHCugHWCFH7gfCAwyjHz9vn0Dhg24By5QKiqK7/s1600/3+Fractions+Students+Should+Know+Blog+Pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCelhfcDpA-HZvE4-6rhtnm_PQNdFukWnoqRHCtt__LtIWR_-i1gWvp52guEay5zWuwLvItl5DgEIazTP-Q4CmMJpeqbh3rqmAOmyie0XHCugHWCFH7gfCAwyjHz9vn0Dhg24By5QKiqK7/w400-h400/3+Fractions+Students+Should+Know+Blog+Pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h3>
Where Is The Power?</h3>
I've started focusing on <b>three powerful fraction concepts </b>that students need. Students need to clearly understand each concept and be able to explain each one in words and modeling. The <b>power </b>comes when students can integrate the concepts, model all three, and explain the differences between all three <b><i>at the same time.</i></b><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69lwZsIL798mIZB2_GwKGTYgU3EbSPba0dGxPqUUCTwi0ULLDnisILr-MqV-8JL0VadxJZOb3_nvO1ZhHt1S_nz9BmMfZLJGh8F2P3OWmfpRiCToN7Fu6xSwzR-BQIeqALKB0me7wS2fN5JUKVEa5TjBHGX6Y2-i8sD2w3M0V-rALmC_nuGz48Bte-w/s1056/Slide1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69lwZsIL798mIZB2_GwKGTYgU3EbSPba0dGxPqUUCTwi0ULLDnisILr-MqV-8JL0VadxJZOb3_nvO1ZhHt1S_nz9BmMfZLJGh8F2P3OWmfpRiCToN7Fu6xSwzR-BQIeqALKB0me7wS2fN5JUKVEa5TjBHGX6Y2-i8sD2w3M0V-rALmC_nuGz48Bte-w/w494-h640/Slide1.PNG" width="494" /></a></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vertical Version</div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/297edf6be0" target="_blank">CLICK HERE AND GET THIS POWERFUL TOOL!</a></h4><h3>
Finding The Power</h3>
When we begin our fraction work, identifying a unit fraction like 1/4, or one out of four pieces, seemed to come relatively easily. We use manipulatives, colored area models, and number lines.<br />
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Next, we look at 4/4, or four out of four pieces. That's the whole one. This was a little tougher because one is usually written as "1" and we tend to neglect pointing out that it can be 3/3, 5/5, 10/10, or any other whole fraction.<br />
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When we're well into fraction studies, we talk about <u>fractions greater than one whole,</u> often called improper fractions. That's what 4/1 looks like - and is - to my students...an improper fraction. What we were forgetting to emphasize was that 4/1 is four whole, individual things: 4 pizzas, 4 books, or 4 days. We all got that 4 means four wholes. It's the format 4/1 that kicked us a little.<br />
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My mistake was in always teaching these three concepts in isolation from each other. Students could show an understanding of each one individually, but comparing even two caused some confusion.<br />
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One day, almost in desperation, I wrote these exact fractions on the board: 1/4, 4/4, and 4/1. I directed students to explain the differences between the three, using pictures, words, area models, or whatever worked for them.<br />
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"Can I use a number line?", one student immediately asked. I answered, "Absolutely", and off we went.<br />
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As I expected, modeling and explaining 1/4 was pretty easy. Most students quickly used one of the area models you see in the first column above.<br />
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Modeling 4/4 made a few pause to think, but most moved on quickly. Yep, it's the whole thing.<br />
<br />
The format of the third fraction, 4/1, slowed down almost everyone. I could almost hear students thinking, "I know that's four separate things...I think..." As I peered over shoulders to see how we were doing, I got a number of those hopeful looks that ask, "Is this right?"<br />
<br />
When we pulled everyone back together to share, I actually saw the relief on students' faces - the same relief I was feeling! Yes, they knew what each fraction was in isolation and could define and model them. More importantly, I was sure that they knew the differences between the less familiar fractions and <u><b>how they relate to each other.</b></u> Whew! What power!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCXagD5HSePTZNHpIwV0Utl1owA-tSUbBAA073esIVfj6tTJP5CNu6fOS0GB05_t_KQFDTNDg3RcUbGijWLLt7qzo2DfpqwWc_i-u4QM59s18c1PTeKDsTQpx1Stf3cfnNwwf8r6yl_oUSHz8CgQuNIJKNjnAKxTgsAdGxtNZBXbnPlHM-M3GAKE1dQ/s1056/Slide2.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCXagD5HSePTZNHpIwV0Utl1owA-tSUbBAA073esIVfj6tTJP5CNu6fOS0GB05_t_KQFDTNDg3RcUbGijWLLt7qzo2DfpqwWc_i-u4QM59s18c1PTeKDsTQpx1Stf3cfnNwwf8r6yl_oUSHz8CgQuNIJKNjnAKxTgsAdGxtNZBXbnPlHM-M3GAKE1dQ/w494-h640/Slide2.PNG" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The horizontal version will resonate better with some students.</div><div>
<h3>
Why We Should Use This Activity</h3>
I love this no-prep activity because of its low floor and high ceiling. We can repeat it with different fractions from time to time to keep skills sharp. I especially value it because it reaches down and builds foundational math concepts that are essential to student mastery.<br />
<br />
Consider trying this activity with your students. Begin with unit fractions that have smaller denominators, such as 1/3, 3/3, 3/1 or perhaps the example of fourths used in the image above. If you'd like to challenge students, move away from unit fractions and see what happens!<br />
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I'd love to know how working with these <b>three powerful fraction concepts</b> works in your classroom!<br />
<br />
See other products that support fractions at <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Growing-Grade-By-Grade" target="_blank"><b>Growing Grade By Grade</b></a>!<br />
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We're all in this together!</div><div>Pat at Growing Grade By Grade<br /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Journal-Prompts-Fractions-2776030" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8imvYjbGVY22bfWYOc-26R7DNkWhwwCE8vZl8feFi_ErFi0__6iEelDsN2nM7ceS6xamr9_5NeHE-8BmfgGAP78U_MnGkCGJOXPqkGpwU4kcFREpv7StwAe8i7rrrTwQjPgI8qQbD31QS/s200/Slide3.JPG" width="200" /></a> <span> </span><span> </span> <img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD6ml6SUmvwrp0e65I8NmRS2LFluqWW3jhdvcVnANu0vtJ-fp8kR3IvsQFAkYv65XEpvjIfl246KDVB1U66xgXj6BjdpzHZ0xMHy7dV41SuKUUKNRODPaelcdnjZ2MJBMUrA5KfnNvYrp/s200/8+x+8+COVER+FRACTION+WORD+PROBLEMS+MULTIPLICATION+PACK+1.jpg" width="200" /> <br />
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<br /></div>Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-34944430751169251972019-03-13T10:47:00.000-04:002020-03-06T18:37:17.162-05:00Build Powerful Math Logic With A Simple Game: Zip, Zap, Zorp!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Are you looking for a simple, but powerful, math game that </span><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">builds math logic</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"> skills? Welcome to Zip, Zap, Zorp! It originated with the fabulous </span><a href="https://www.aimsedu.org/" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">AIMS Center for Math and Science Education, part of the AIMS Education Foundation</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">. I recently resurrected it for my 4th grade Math Club. It's simple, has one quick and easy prep, has a low floor and a high ceiling, and really gets students excited about math! Most importantly, Zip, Zap, Zorp </span><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">builds math logic skills</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAnM1RaVjxD1rOU4-dURs71l3WT9JIFyyHCAOCauKHYNKuuKmeCv2zf99U7PA8q-aZrbKbOMtTzsDKcb6n_9MAHjkbdn-c_wgJiwIWwgGn3vR_9TSTCzzrs9GCMNdXkOpXoQ1PYgAV7wC/s1600/Zip+Zap+Zorp+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAnM1RaVjxD1rOU4-dURs71l3WT9JIFyyHCAOCauKHYNKuuKmeCv2zf99U7PA8q-aZrbKbOMtTzsDKcb6n_9MAHjkbdn-c_wgJiwIWwgGn3vR_9TSTCzzrs9GCMNdXkOpXoQ1PYgAV7wC/s400/Zip+Zap+Zorp+Pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>Here's The Prep</u></span></h3>
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-You can play this game in pairs. We played as a large group in order to teach everyone how to play at the same time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-Begin with two-digit numbers with no repeating digits. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-Your only prep is to make a display like this one. Make it once, use it all year!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr0zD2fxgbHp0SGREJJjajkuOkL2o0DAhMxxiN5XXNCgYFJSXoC3PylB1_PVaICVgPlQBjZwWlC_-We2aloAcPdHBEu_Z56KWTN3k34EzFHkhExFatqSjO5TsJKrE-MhAsO9sKEPTSMWF/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Poster with explanations of Zip, Zap, Zorp game clues" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" data-pin-description="Build math logic skills and engage upper elementary students with this simple game! Learn how to play and extend students' learning in this blog post" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr0zD2fxgbHp0SGREJJjajkuOkL2o0DAhMxxiN5XXNCgYFJSXoC3PylB1_PVaICVgPlQBjZwWlC_-We2aloAcPdHBEu_Z56KWTN3k34EzFHkhExFatqSjO5TsJKrE-MhAsO9sKEPTSMWF/s400/Slide1.JPG" title="Build Math Logic Skills With A Game" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>How To Play Zip, Zap, Zorp:</u></span></h3>
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To begin, choose a secret 2-digit number. Honestly, I have to write mine down to keep track of my responses. Let's use 89 as our example here. Here's how our first round went:</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Me: Guess a 2-digit number.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Andy: 45</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Me: Zip. No digit is correct. (I repeated the meaning of each clue during the first round as we all learned together.)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Me: Class, let's organize our thinking and keep track of our clues. We definitely know that neither 4 nor 5 are part of my secret number because I "zipped" them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At this point, I wrote the digits from 0-9 on the board and crossed off the 4 and 5. Some students did the same on paper.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Barbara: 60</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Me: Zip. No digit is correct. We can cross off 6 and 0.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Charlie: 28</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Me: Zorp. One digit is correct but is in the wrong place.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Davis: 82</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Me: Zap. One digit is correct and is in the right place. We know one digit is correct, but we still don't know which one.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ella: 81</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Me: Zap. One digit is correct and in the right place. Class, did you see how Ella "tested" the digit 8? She knows both 8 and 2 might be correct. Her new number got zapped, so she knows 8 is the digit that is correct and in the right place. We can cross off 2.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Franklin: 80</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Me: Zap. We still know the 8 is correct. The number is eighty-something.</span><br />
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Students continued to guess numbers in the 80s until they discovered 89 was my secret number.</span><br />
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This is one of the most engaging games we've ever played. It is designed to be played in pairs and I suggest you transition to that as soon as students feel confident with the rules. Challenge your students by allowing 3- and 4-digit numbers and repeated digits. I suggest that students get in the habit of writing down their secret number to keep track and to show their partner. Schedule some time for students to share and discuss strategies that work for them. You'll be amazed at their comments!</span><br />
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Would you like to access some more amazing math and science ideas? Check out what they have to offer, including free samples, at <a href="https://store.aimsedu.org/" target="_blank">The AIMS Center for Math and Science Education.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'd love to hear how your class <b>builds math logic skills</b> using Zip, Zap, Zorp! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you'd like some more math games, head over to my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Growing-Grade-By-Grade/Category/Games-236633" target="_blank">Growing Grade By Grade store on TpT</a> and check out my "Games" page. Have fun and learn math!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com188tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-5974331498096753572019-03-10T05:00:00.005-04:002022-01-09T08:32:01.742-05:008 Best Ways To Celebrate Pi Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pi Day is one of the most exciting days of the year! It's on March 14 to connect with the most common estimation, 3.14. Even if your grade does not include a math standard for pi, students can still have loads of fun and learning by studying pi.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aWnCKbPy3ljC64p_m9oVtoCx0R3TeYijtXvpk_detlnK_QVufy65Cy4hJXbiPsVzdZtFlx4xSRlQ4u9pm0PHFJYIvPmf8R7uwDEiVu1qcQLfELk2-tvnhy78LBpaPVsJ1SB8MZ-ad4Tg/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aWnCKbPy3ljC64p_m9oVtoCx0R3TeYijtXvpk_detlnK_QVufy65Cy4hJXbiPsVzdZtFlx4xSRlQ4u9pm0PHFJYIvPmf8R7uwDEiVu1qcQLfELk2-tvnhy78LBpaPVsJ1SB8MZ-ad4Tg/s400/Slide4.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I taught 5th grade for eighteen years and we studied pi for most of them. I gathered a nice collection of content and activities that I'd like to share with you. Here are some of my favorite Pi Day activities!</span><br />
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1. <b>Introduce the concept of pi with videos and books.</b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are a good number of videos and books that address the concept of pi. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC0fZ_lkFpQ" target="_blank">Math Antics</a> has a good video. Cindy Neuschwander's <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/sir-cumference-and-the-dragon-of-pi-cindy-neuschwander/1101098311/2676549441130?st=PLA&sid=BNB_New+Marketplace+Shopping+Textbooks&sourceId=PLAGoNA&dpid=tdtve346c&2sid=Google_c&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5Y3kBRDwARIsAEwloL5a08-ew31-qdZZXxCSO7X2Vicqb2WC8dEnYStxeWC8N9CMzU7wYLUaAu57EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Sir Cumference and The Dragon of Pi</a> has entertained and educated children for years. As always, preview all videos before showing them to children.</span><br />
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2. <b>Learn through music.</b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Singing is one of the best ways to learn any academic content. I compiled a mini songbook of pi-related songs set to familiar tunes. We always began several weeks before the big day, singing and learning. Below are a few favorites.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniVrcZSzqwfaeb0Eg5lVR6GIHr4wJRZivdwfcZe1_I9EsejIVNj-c4lThKyhBl2ixRu_Esa5ZmivPRxLo6EzXeL59oAumrYUYtLJnTbZWICHAx4N3mSYNYE_i4aUjdAQaa6HV8gPjRvBC/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniVrcZSzqwfaeb0Eg5lVR6GIHr4wJRZivdwfcZe1_I9EsejIVNj-c4lThKyhBl2ixRu_Esa5ZmivPRxLo6EzXeL59oAumrYUYtLJnTbZWICHAx4N3mSYNYE_i4aUjdAQaa6HV8gPjRvBC/s640/Slide1.JPG" title="Pi Day, Pi Day songs" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the most amazing pieces was created by musician David Macdonald. He assigned each digit of pi to a note on the piano. The resulting song is both haunting and amazing! Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMq9he-5HUU" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. Celebrate Albert Einstein's birthday!</span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mathematically, it's a coincidence, but...is it really? Einstein's birthday is on March 14, Pi Day! Let your Pi Day celebrations revolve around one of the great mathematicians/scientists of all time!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. Keep it simple. </span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pi is actually a simple concept. Even third- and fourth-graders can understand the concept if you focus on pi being just an estimation. Here's how:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Define circumference (the distance around and difficult to measure because of the curves) and diameter (the distance across and easy to measure because it's straight) as two measurements of a circle. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Explain that if we multiply the diameter times 3, we can get a good estimate of the circumference. Period. End of explanation. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let students practice, practice, practice measuring the diameters of jar lids, paper circles, mixing bowls, cups, and plates. Multiply by three and they've found the circumference - some very grown-up math! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once students have this concept firmly in place, point out that pi is an estimate and we'll never get it exactly, but we can get a little closer by changing that 3 multiplier to 3.14. It's just a little more precise.</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. Hold an optional Digits of Pi Reciting Contest.</span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We did this year after year and it was a real hit! My all-time winner recited over 100 digits of pi in front of his classmates and made it into the district newsletter! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Are you interested in holding one in your classroom? Distribute this list to students for study, then use it to keep track as students recite. As a newsletter subscriber, you can download these documents from my FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YSkGz4vEEuQr_HBcDKqcvXw7NEVWzF_VRL49o-pWjOXmcI7se_irgKDopxsT1QVPUmrDb2U4zOT_xrRHuHrD59EBMxN5qasbgRs6BAaTF9oJ5gs6gb0BAcxNz5iTv1ohKq5vqX-mhhY5/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YSkGz4vEEuQr_HBcDKqcvXw7NEVWzF_VRL49o-pWjOXmcI7se_irgKDopxsT1QVPUmrDb2U4zOT_xrRHuHrD59EBMxN5qasbgRs6BAaTF9oJ5gs6gb0BAcxNz5iTv1ohKq5vqX-mhhY5/s640/Slide1.JPG" title="Pi Day digits" width="489" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. Integrate with English Language Arts.</span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Teach your students to write Pi Poems. They don't have to be about pi, but poems where each word has the same number of letters as the corresponding digit of pi. The first word would have three letters, the second word would have one letter, the third word four letters, and so on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You could also write poems where each line has the same number of words as the corresponding digit of pi. The first line would have three words, the second line would have one word, the third line four words, and so on.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7. Delve into Pi Day art!</span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Model how to make a Pi Day necklace or bracelet. You'll need stringing beads in ten different colors. Assign each color one of the digits from 0 to 9. Students will string the beads in the order of the digits of pi. They will be beautiful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Take this idea really large and make a paper chain following the same concept. Using ten different colors of construction paper, assign each color one of the digits from 0 to 9. The paper chain will be long and impressive. Hang it in loops down the hall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another activity is to design Pi Day T-shirts or buttons. Give students a T-shirt template or round paper and turn them loose! </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8. Have a Pi Day Party!</span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Food is a fun way to celebrate any math concept! Provide as many round items as possible, such as cupcakes, pies, and cookies. Have students measure for pi before eating. Don't forget to measure plates and cups, too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Remember, by joining my subscribers, you can have access to my FREE Resource Library with the materials above. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are any number of fun, educational Pi Day activities. I'd love to hear about what YOU do! Happy Pi Day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let me know how YOUR Pi Day goes!</span></div>
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Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-11812043731065000612019-03-09T20:25:00.005-05:002020-08-16T07:25:02.598-04:009 Easy and Engaging St. Patrick's Day Resources<div style="font-family: "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
It helps to be prepared for the next special event at school as we race through the year! I'll admit I've purchased, downloaded, and prepared products just a few minutes before I needed them, but it's not the best way! It's a good feeling to go into school prepared and feeling ready.</div>
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For <strong><span style="color: #59b80b;">St. Patrick's Day</span></strong>, consider preparing some math materials that engage students and review content. Here's a <strong><span style="color: #c20c2d;">FREEBIE:</span></strong><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbwEcumefeEfNm7zmh0cdm7WIG1ARMFjgm92VmGgaA5XqX4zbRpWDoncvKEs1Q36lnnkiHhYBewe-omhxbKR0g478VLb31v9EeBFaoO3pHawOp94wDHng_faWGMD7Ip03idKi3gXnpaBn/s320/8+x+8+COVER+ST+PATRICKS+DAY+DIVISION+FREEBIE.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #c20c2d;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Math-Worksheets-FREEBIE-4399242" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day Math FREEBIE 4th Grade</a></span></strong></h4>
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Try these helpful activities and ideas to spice up your classroom for St. Patrick's Day:</div>
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1. <strong><span style="color: red;">SCIENCE</span></strong>: <strong><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-STEM-Activity-3699652" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day STEM Activity</a></strong><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/preview/78i7h8hv/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGVhY2hlcnNwYXl0ZWFjaGVycy5jb20vUHJvZHVjdC9TdC1QYXRyaWNrcy1EYXktU1RFTS1BY3Rpdml0eS0zNjk5NjUy" target="_blank"></a></div>
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2. <strong><span style="color: red;">ELA</span>: </strong><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/March-Writing-Prompts-2383538" target="_blank"><strong>March Writing Prompts</strong></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Scoot-Game-3033825" target="_blank"><strong>St. Patrick's Day ELA Task Cards and Scoot Game</strong></a></div>
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3. <strong><span style="color: red;">BRAG BRACELETS</span>: </strong><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Brag-Bracelets-3665504" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><strong>St. Patrick's Brag and Praise Bracelets</strong></a></div>
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4. <strong><span style="color: red;">MATH</span></strong>: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Scavenger-Hunt-3698118" target="_blank"><strong>St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt (Math and ELA)</strong></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Math-Activity-3703019" target="_blank"><strong>St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Cereal Math</strong></a></div>
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<strong></strong><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Math-Activities-3031145" target="_blank"><strong>St. Patrick's Day Math 5th Grade</strong></a></div>
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<strong><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Math-Activities-3rd-Grade-4392930" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day Math 3rd Grade</a></strong></div>
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Best wishes as in the coming week.<br />
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Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-30832495798572142032018-09-15T13:31:00.000-04:002020-03-20T18:35:51.172-04:00Beginning Menstruation In Elementary School: How To Help<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I threw my parents and teachers a real curve the year I was in 5th grade. For months, I had chronic abdominal pain so severe it sent me to the nurse's office for hours. My mother was mystified and concerned. That summer, I started having light, irregular menstrual flow </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>along with that same pain</u></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">! Mystery solved! My menarche had been slow and irregular instead of sudden and heavy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Menstruation </b>brings a host of challenges that truly take a village to manage successfully. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Research tells us that <u>menarche</u>, a girl’s first flow, is happening younger than ever, the national average being 12.5 years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYHVJTzBp77gc4bloLbAn_DPpRYm1CfHwl9APLDveLhOzSg22UtgquiyzZkPfg7un7ugfS-U2KlmWJAQ8zJMFBzmUYW46Z2glgruAMz2Qey2h72o-vVZjRo_LMZyphdrQ3EoFwF3c_gWS/s1600/Beginning+Menstruation+in+Elementary+School+Pic+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYHVJTzBp77gc4bloLbAn_DPpRYm1CfHwl9APLDveLhOzSg22UtgquiyzZkPfg7un7ugfS-U2KlmWJAQ8zJMFBzmUYW46Z2glgruAMz2Qey2h72o-vVZjRo_LMZyphdrQ3EoFwF3c_gWS/s400/Beginning+Menstruation+in+Elementary+School+Pic+1.jpg" title="Beginning Menstruation In Elementary School How To Help" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Middle school and high school students generally have resources in their
schools to help. From sanitary
supplies to a school nurse or counselor, to sympathetic teachers and
friends, older girls often find help to navigate the journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/511d5b6206" target="_blank">Click here for a free planning checklist.</a></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Upper elementary school-aged girls, aged 9-11, can begin their menstrual cycles. These students have unique challenges. Some of them are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">✅ T</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;">hough more girls are beginning menstruation at earlier ages, i</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.38in;">t is outside the norm to begin
in the elementary grades</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.38in;">. Experiencing something so essentially female can be
difficult when you and your peers don’t understand what's going on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">✅ When
any child, boy or girl, has a “first-time” experience related to their body, it
can be an emotional event. Add hormones that can make a girl feel new physical
sensations and emotions and you have added stress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">✅ Parents
can be reluctant to begin these conversations with their young daughters. Sometimes they're just not aware of their child’s unique growth. Sometimes they don't know how to broach sex-related topics. This can mean that our
girls are shocked, even traumatized, by a perfectly natural event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Teachers want to serve their students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical
needs in the best ways possible. Here
are some ways that we can support our girls through the experience of
menstruation in the elementary years.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADwcI7hNpy2CGk7PEhwwz0a4FAh_w_4hoW65MtBDoX0RAjfIDM7UsnGUrcfT36Gz3T9cOm-Wu5EQctqd6pPAiEBMJljtHq796RXfu7K14bgK7VW8v2MpQsbDQj5ssyhAKeUcPviHjC4JH/s1600/Menstruation+10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="960" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADwcI7hNpy2CGk7PEhwwz0a4FAh_w_4hoW65MtBDoX0RAjfIDM7UsnGUrcfT36Gz3T9cOm-Wu5EQctqd6pPAiEBMJljtHq796RXfu7K14bgK7VW8v2MpQsbDQj5ssyhAKeUcPviHjC4JH/s400/Menstruation+10.jpg" title="Beginning Menstruation In Elementary School How To Help" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b> Make a plan.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Create a procedure with your grade-level colleagues. It’s so much easier when everyone is on the same page! </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.19in;">Consider: </span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.19in;">How </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.19in;">can
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.19in;">a
student approach </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.19in;">a
teacher </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.19in;">in
an emergency? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.19in;">Who will respond? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.19in;">Where will supplies come from?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.19in;">Where will supplies be stored? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.19in;">How will you get
supplies to a student?</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.19in;">Make
sure staff is protected. Your plan should review what teachers can and cannot
say or do when helping a child</span><span style="text-indent: -0.19in;">. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember that male teachers may need special protocols to follow. While men can certainly be as compassionate and comforting as women, a young girl may not want a man to have that much information about her body. Men should not go in the girls’ bathroom and should certainly not be alone with a student to discuss such an intimate situation. Parents may not want a man involved. If you have male teachers on your staff, designate a female staff member who can step in as part of your plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Gather supplies</span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">.</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;">Consider all of the things a child might need in this situation, remembering that some kids have to wait out the day and ride the bus home. Include stick-on sanitary napkins, sanitary wipes, clean underwear, clean outer pants, and large zipper bags for stained clothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;">Get creative to collect supplies. Check out Lost and Found or solicit donations. Do you have parent volunteers? This would be an excellent project! Click </span><a href="https://www.growinggradebygrade.com/2017/01/how-to-increase-positive-parent.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-indent: -36.48px;">here </a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;">for more parent volunteer ideas.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8zZlilacg8RXMWWt4l_uSwrmY8lX8sGmPobxuOcmcAxi3ZCwH-UX30426hMHQVcYJrixhh0vPn83TzGY3VoGxWpgXXDOcNG-s2JXxDkoXKTSdLsLgAwEqmaKGcFFTJaF7I-ZA6SGd7a4/s1600/Menstruation+7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="960" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8zZlilacg8RXMWWt4l_uSwrmY8lX8sGmPobxuOcmcAxi3ZCwH-UX30426hMHQVcYJrixhh0vPn83TzGY3VoGxWpgXXDOcNG-s2JXxDkoXKTSdLsLgAwEqmaKGcFFTJaF7I-ZA6SGd7a4/s400/Menstruation+7.jpg" title="Beginning Menstruation In Elementary School How To Help" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;">3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Preserve privacy</span><b>.</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;">If a child begins flowing at school, you’ll need a way to get supplies to her discreetly. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;">My goal was to make it look like my student was running an errand for me when she left the room. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;">I’ve handed girls manila folders and large envelopes with supplies hidden inside. Another option is to have a lunch bag filled and ready to go. It looks like you're simply delivering a forgotten lunch. You could also use a backpack, especially if extra clothes are needed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.38in;">4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Have emergency contacts</span><b>.</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.38in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.38in;">Sometimes a child needs to leave school. The reality is that many parents often cannot walk out the door to come for their kids. I ask my parents to always have a no-fail contact I can call for emergencies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomOTpGvmvGaiefjhIgaBNBNnmW34VNRzxUX6tVtgETsJ-Xbo9pZc-xbHJSaGwCM2_Lkv_XjgU-rzCLX9Ig4YXpRdRIB-Vm3PqcYbw6Qzt-dn0zEnyTOdE-Cse6eVcXFOa2AGkvnk1jjb8/s1600/Menstruation+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="960" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomOTpGvmvGaiefjhIgaBNBNnmW34VNRzxUX6tVtgETsJ-Xbo9pZc-xbHJSaGwCM2_Lkv_XjgU-rzCLX9Ig4YXpRdRIB-Vm3PqcYbw6Qzt-dn0zEnyTOdE-Cse6eVcXFOa2AGkvnk1jjb8/s400/Menstruation+3.jpg" title="Beginning Menstruation In Elementary School How To Help" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/eeaa01b970" target="_blank">Get your free printable checklist here.</a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.38in;">5. <b>Communicate</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.19in;">Be
proactive in addressing menstrual issues with parents. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -36.48px;">Remind parents that their input is vital. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.19in;">You
want to partner with them for the best outcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can communicate through email, text, or a mention in your Back-to-School letter. Be as discreet as possible to keep younger siblings from hearing conversations they might not be ready for. <br /><br />Be cautious about having these discussions with your students. Only speak within approved curricular boundaries. If you must talk about any sort of “sex ed” topic, have administrative support first. <br /><br />Encourage parents to begin these discussions at home. Remind parents that changes can happen without warning. They can avoid trauma by preparing their daughter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remind parents that you have a school protocol to follow. If their daughter begins menstruating at school and they want it handled in a specific way, they need to tell let you know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.38in;">We can't control what parents choose to tell their children. Discussions in this realm can be emotionally-charged. However, we wouldn't have a child gash their leg at school, be bleeding and in pain, and tell them, "Ask your parents." Neither should we dismiss menarche. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Thoughtful planning and communication can make a potentially difficult situation much more positive. I'd love to know how you handle girls who deal with menstruation in elementary school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/511d5b6206" target="_blank">Download your free planning checklist.</a> </span></h4>
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Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-33630177243627304422018-02-05T09:09:00.000-05:002020-03-31T22:20:34.418-04:007 Reasons Why Games Are A Powerful Learning Tool<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Some of my favorite memories as a student and a teacher center around playing games. I was a student a <i>long time</i> ago, but I can still remember a sunny spring day and my first-grade teacher showing us how to safely play Dodge Ball. Finding and creating content games in my own classroom made my lesson prep more enjoyable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Playing <b>games</b> is a powerful tool for students! Games are fun, and they help us learn and master skills as well as apply those skills.<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </span>The longer I work with children, the more I see the value of playing games.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/4d19b9f5e9" target="_blank"><b>Click here and download Guess My Number.</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Games can give you the same great practice as the best worksheets but games are vastly superior. Here's why:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. Games are more engaging than worksheets. Don't we all want our students to enjoy lessons? Children are typically attracted to games and more eager to participate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. Games can address curriculum standards as well as any worksheet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They're less stressful. We usually don't grade games so that pressure is off kids. We can also make games more cooperative, so there is no winner/loser stress. Children don't have to sweat the loser label.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. They are new and fresh each time they're played. Especially if the game includes pulling cards randomly or rolling dice, you never know what you're going to get.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. Once students learn a game, they can work independently. That's great for building confidence, for the smooth flow of a classroom, and for successful centers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. We can differentiate many games. I often adapted card decks, set number limits, or gave time limits to support student needs. I've also assigned different games to students based on their needs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7. Games are typically one-prep or low-prep. Enough said.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcYVu6H0rZDpmhiX2Ey7Xw67fhfRGNu8K7DIJ8mZTYVtV_nQi2GxIW_lMwNnRVZ0aIHrnr0_Vng7UN6h9QMlp404HVLubs_IflSRuiN7h0s5bqbALgWMYaCWDc9G3wm-ZBsqVzlQC3Sbt/s1600/Valentine+Fraction+3+In+A+Row+Freebie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1229" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcYVu6H0rZDpmhiX2Ey7Xw67fhfRGNu8K7DIJ8mZTYVtV_nQi2GxIW_lMwNnRVZ0aIHrnr0_Vng7UN6h9QMlp404HVLubs_IflSRuiN7h0s5bqbALgWMYaCWDc9G3wm-ZBsqVzlQC3Sbt/s400/Valentine+Fraction+3+In+A+Row+Freebie.jpg" width="306" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I have some games to share with you here! Subscribe to my newsletter and you'll have access to my FREE Resource Library. There, you can download my </span><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Valentine Fraction 4-In-A-Row </strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">game. Complete directions are at the top of the page. Copy in color or black and white. All you have to add are number cubes and markers.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://growing-grade-by-grade.ck.page/6edd423d0f" target="_blank"><b>Click here and download Dots and Boxes.</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> You can find even more games in my TpT store,<b> </b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Growing-Grade-By-Grade" target="_blank"><b>Growing Grade By Grade</b>,</a> and add fun practice to your classroom!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I'd love to hear how games work for you! Happy Math-ing!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9ohWJYmy84gsOCJS2tbWwvfW0jrjikqciUFQsmrs5rAN5p82XyC8IwmVdFKJUj_KhSFzXC2aYmgThbXciedng7sk4V0I4pjsgdjhqFHiUs9Z_R7N05SbRMH_tX83EzszE1bbxO_FnBbZ/s1600/SIGNATURE+PIC+FOR+END+OF+POSTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9ohWJYmy84gsOCJS2tbWwvfW0jrjikqciUFQsmrs5rAN5p82XyC8IwmVdFKJUj_KhSFzXC2aYmgThbXciedng7sk4V0I4pjsgdjhqFHiUs9Z_R7N05SbRMH_tX83EzszE1bbxO_FnBbZ/s640/SIGNATURE+PIC+FOR+END+OF+POSTS.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-27583403250791648282018-01-25T11:53:00.001-05:002020-03-06T21:01:07.214-05:00Valentine Math Choice Board FREEBIEWe're heading into the <b>Valentine</b> season! There are so many fun and creative activities for this time of year and we can't forget that academics come first. I've designed a fun and creative, Valentine-themed <b>Math Choice Board</b> for you - and it's FREE! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VWMJblKScWaclKxubeIcw83pYLbuscB1HCJJFQ8weOErpQhYhhdd0lBWYQSVTPZBY8ZFgWhVsKf6eCm1JeHI-Sav-OJri8t4_Jwtgj-Gv9lV6f5aW7dHkRm-yTfjcqxAWfkiqY4eFfzg/s1600/Slide1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VWMJblKScWaclKxubeIcw83pYLbuscB1HCJJFQ8weOErpQhYhhdd0lBWYQSVTPZBY8ZFgWhVsKf6eCm1JeHI-Sav-OJri8t4_Jwtgj-Gv9lV6f5aW7dHkRm-yTfjcqxAWfkiqY4eFfzg/s400/Slide1.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp-JhcZbAH-fynB8jJNIpGdr3wkvTUsBZZC8mDZpx-RvQm2mqfY0y1Ybxh2JICpaKMuxjNSpX3siiERBjQ0aqqJlLEnJCcCMt_2RjkSKB3voiLuUWOgx0EVo_Fe2UGSC5sRTBq5lkg6yu/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp-JhcZbAH-fynB8jJNIpGdr3wkvTUsBZZC8mDZpx-RvQm2mqfY0y1Ybxh2JICpaKMuxjNSpX3siiERBjQ0aqqJlLEnJCcCMt_2RjkSKB3voiLuUWOgx0EVo_Fe2UGSC5sRTBq5lkg6yu/s400/Slide2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Kids can choose from among 16 different activities to practice math and get creative! I've included three different color versions and an ink-saving black & white version.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> How to get this Valentine Freebie? Sign up for my newsletter. You'll have access to the link and an immediate download.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'd love to know how you like it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-59973672844714682832017-11-20T11:30:00.000-05:002020-03-06T21:02:44.976-05:0035 Movies That Will Inspire Teachers A recent Facebook thread had members sharing their favorite <b>inspirational teacher movies</b>. Some were funny, some modeled great teaching, and some modeled the teachers we don't want to be. I thought how great it would be to have a ready list for those times when you need to pile up on the couch with snacks, tissues, and the remote and reaffirm why we all do this. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEpFugeLYO8Xqbxo_7UQg4SDNP8DmI6nXplja9WtHYJxcd4grhPXIqckFpUtd6WaxhkyKC0bax8REFrTWYsIXhhiOTNkYAGoS9KYQKd4DrZPWsV90j4PW5G3WYDaGfnPTuEXuZGUJ4wpp/s1600/Movies+That+Will+Inspire+Teachers+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEpFugeLYO8Xqbxo_7UQg4SDNP8DmI6nXplja9WtHYJxcd4grhPXIqckFpUtd6WaxhkyKC0bax8REFrTWYsIXhhiOTNkYAGoS9KYQKd4DrZPWsV90j4PW5G3WYDaGfnPTuEXuZGUJ4wpp/s400/Movies+That+Will+Inspire+Teachers+Pic.jpg" title="Movies That Will Inspire Teachers" width="400" /></a></div>
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Teachers spend their careers feeding and inspiring others. It's no surprise that we often need a dose of inspiration themselves. </div>
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Consider searching for a quick synopsis before you watch these movies. You can determine which ones fit your needs and tastes, then sit back and be inspired! I'd love to know what other movies inspire you in the comments section below.</div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mr. Holland’s Opus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Ron Clark Story</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">School of Rock</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Akeelah and the Bee</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stand and Deliver</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mona Lisa Smile</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">McFarland USA</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finding Forrester</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bad Teacher</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dead Poets Society</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To Sir, With Love</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mr. Holland’s Opus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dangerous Minds</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kindergarten Cop</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Freedom Writers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Miracle Worker</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Billy Madison</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Matilda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pay It Forward</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">October Sky</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ferris Bueller’s Day Off</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jump Street</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mean Girls</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A Smile As Big As The Moon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Facing Giants</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wonder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Marva Collins Story</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Harry Potter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finding Nemo</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Big Fat Liar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Precious</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Renaissance Man</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Remember the Titans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To Be and To Have/Etre et Avoir</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lean On Me</span></li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQACHcpq5zTZFKPQbCL9AS0RuQaA84AAxYhxkw53eeffquAX5U1k4JXk_qWPJkC7408pBEibrdtvyZFu-joJhzTRE1_ecLSsnL0WdYGAzaDcaZWSc_v4VvFbgbn5fz4_np6twjBYQxLGJ/s1600/SIGNATURE+PIC+FOR+END+OF+POSTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="768" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQACHcpq5zTZFKPQbCL9AS0RuQaA84AAxYhxkw53eeffquAX5U1k4JXk_qWPJkC7408pBEibrdtvyZFu-joJhzTRE1_ecLSsnL0WdYGAzaDcaZWSc_v4VvFbgbn5fz4_np6twjBYQxLGJ/s400/SIGNATURE+PIC+FOR+END+OF+POSTS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stock photo by Samuel Ramos, TpT HardplayedGrowing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com160tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-7713762959590069672017-08-31T19:38:00.001-04:002020-03-06T21:03:52.990-05:00How To Have Fun AND Build Number Sense: Play "No More"!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> Do you want a no-prep math activity that you can use with almost any grade-level? Do you like to feel confident that you're building </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">strong number sense</b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">? Would you like to know you're creating a smooth segue into pre-algebra? If so, let's play "No More"!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNsBI2JyQOz1T-B4BpOjnYV7Cx4RAeDtuxd_F-pK7DQe6VxYka3xRgaON-GrRsjl3I_ePs5lc8Fsdtsm8wBhRZGCqCAtGmYC3SqQDUhpfIZR6sZly9Nml__usZzXdPlv_uVmswp4b2X4C/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNsBI2JyQOz1T-B4BpOjnYV7Cx4RAeDtuxd_F-pK7DQe6VxYka3xRgaON-GrRsjl3I_ePs5lc8Fsdtsm8wBhRZGCqCAtGmYC3SqQDUhpfIZR6sZly9Nml__usZzXdPlv_uVmswp4b2X4C/s320/Slide1.JPG" title="Have Fun Building Number Sense: Play No More" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> When I say "<b>no prep</b>", I mean it! Simply stroll to the whiteboard or SmartBoard and sketch this:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9tupAObhIoZl9Cv-4Mm360L9ZgBYjFqNO6Dx2juObPoIC_T39-RzQOSN2Sn9bnkN9ByfyUngGGshbOAFn8dDK1tozqoXFOqsogUbTk8prePeMvc_eyx1oTTIsmK8gVWXKhuI4gwsMneA/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9tupAObhIoZl9Cv-4Mm360L9ZgBYjFqNO6Dx2juObPoIC_T39-RzQOSN2Sn9bnkN9ByfyUngGGshbOAFn8dDK1tozqoXFOqsogUbTk8prePeMvc_eyx1oTTIsmK8gVWXKhuI4gwsMneA/s320/Slide1.JPG" title="Have Fun Building Number Sense: Play No More" width="247" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Next, pick a number. I typically use the day's date at the beginning of the year, but you can pick any number. Write the number at the top.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRmoKtwmqUr3AsQABgXM4r2c3RcKxrcMIVk4r8CsAgUTR97bFOPpHSR52qWRLol19u7U883do2MwT35OrUnU99t15Zg7hjSZixbPG5IYufFd9t4exAdvqEzPe_mkHZ0KFJPGZuL3UH5v-/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRmoKtwmqUr3AsQABgXM4r2c3RcKxrcMIVk4r8CsAgUTR97bFOPpHSR52qWRLol19u7U883do2MwT35OrUnU99t15Zg7hjSZixbPG5IYufFd9t4exAdvqEzPe_mkHZ0KFJPGZuL3UH5v-/s320/Slide2.JPG" title="Have Fun Building Number Sense: Play No More" width="247" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Now, challenge students to call out as many different ways as they can think of to "<span style="color: blue;"><b><i>express</i></b></span>" that number. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> This is a beautiful way to get used to identifying just what a mathematical expression is - another way to say a number. I always make an ELA connection here, explaining that I can refer to a child, say Jayden, with different <b><i><span style="color: blue;">expressions</span></i></b>. I can refer to Jayden as, "Jayden", "Mr. Williams", "the boy closest to the door", "the guy in the red shirt", "one of my students", etc. In the same way, we can refer to numbers in just as many ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> As you get started, students will typically share fairly simple expressions although some students are ready for more advanced examples:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYEqqob-QzcAAPdhCPEyzOqh7d_Xd7LULnGlXRsKDa5qaKO1r3PJMnjWFsD3KsbeYCoI3c4yeCp6SvQIqm18ErA-5Y5oS1vtFFY4PMovWj_-AW3Sf0-M9q9nK7W1QrBRXxYoCcWob90MC/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYEqqob-QzcAAPdhCPEyzOqh7d_Xd7LULnGlXRsKDa5qaKO1r3PJMnjWFsD3KsbeYCoI3c4yeCp6SvQIqm18ErA-5Y5oS1vtFFY4PMovWj_-AW3Sf0-M9q9nK7W1QrBRXxYoCcWob90MC/s320/Slide3.JPG" title="Have Fun Building Number Sense: Play No More" width="247" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Help students by adding some expressions yourself. Remind students that they can use the word form of a number, the short word form, Roman numerals, decimals, and fractions.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupFfxNqLp1L4YlH4gLhnHDVwHCtdbxxze0rADs-bVfQ3bXvotXVcWukeOltRQMdVWWULe_ect8m-gTmjNu1UqGKpfP72D_CusiifD5_VSCqJ5gmhQDlOXCUaP23vygunP2LwnHsVGREyH/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupFfxNqLp1L4YlH4gLhnHDVwHCtdbxxze0rADs-bVfQ3bXvotXVcWukeOltRQMdVWWULe_ect8m-gTmjNu1UqGKpfP72D_CusiifD5_VSCqJ5gmhQDlOXCUaP23vygunP2LwnHsVGREyH/s320/Slide4.JPG" title="Have Fun Building Number Sense: Play No More" width="247" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> My students often hang out with the easiest expressions they could think of, like addition. As you notice one operation being used a lot as in the example below, write the operation in the "No More" column. This means that there can be no more addition used in expressions for the rest of the game! Yikes! Kids really start to slow down and think!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DB3eLF9RBArBJaIGfRMkrJltp7K4ZgWzGKfQKPdO7O6uQB4KvB-Md0X7Yuc0smezLt7YAXOrB42FJvxZ2zcWWm3olLw2bPmOqfMnWHjIe_8zeASQkdajUVTzntY1wabt0TsZtwTOLTX4/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DB3eLF9RBArBJaIGfRMkrJltp7K4ZgWzGKfQKPdO7O6uQB4KvB-Md0X7Yuc0smezLt7YAXOrB42FJvxZ2zcWWm3olLw2bPmOqfMnWHjIe_8zeASQkdajUVTzntY1wabt0TsZtwTOLTX4/s320/Slide5.JPG" title="Have Fun Building Number Sense: Play No More" width="247" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> They may head for the relative safety of, say, subtraction. Let them go a while, then lower the boom. No more subtraction!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBkUx07LRlLgmBanhaarZQAZ7tMKi1-He2Y0xmu8ESA31htkuT534pHqhevWSYC93Y-FvUDB3_5R5J1pQlQ066tsf49EhHxTfwnATUvO2fGH5pVHs1oaT3Bv9Xa3ZO_3d07lJaolx_Q9H/s1600/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBkUx07LRlLgmBanhaarZQAZ7tMKi1-He2Y0xmu8ESA31htkuT534pHqhevWSYC93Y-FvUDB3_5R5J1pQlQ066tsf49EhHxTfwnATUvO2fGH5pVHs1oaT3Bv9Xa3ZO_3d07lJaolx_Q9H/s320/Slide6.JPG" title="Have Fun Building Number Sense: Play No More" width="247" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Continue playing for a few minutes, usually 2 - 5. Once you eliminate the third operation, you're really cooking!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> You get the idea. You're guiding students to think deeply about how to create a number and they're understanding the difference between expressions and equations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Consider adding this to interactive math notebooks, assigning it as a warm-up, and letting kids collaborate before they share. I'd love for you to try "No More" and let me know how it works for you!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQACHcpq5zTZFKPQbCL9AS0RuQaA84AAxYhxkw53eeffquAX5U1k4JXk_qWPJkC7408pBEibrdtvyZFu-joJhzTRE1_ecLSsnL0WdYGAzaDcaZWSc_v4VvFbgbn5fz4_np6twjBYQxLGJ/s1600/SIGNATURE+PIC+FOR+END+OF+POSTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="768" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQACHcpq5zTZFKPQbCL9AS0RuQaA84AAxYhxkw53eeffquAX5U1k4JXk_qWPJkC7408pBEibrdtvyZFu-joJhzTRE1_ecLSsnL0WdYGAzaDcaZWSc_v4VvFbgbn5fz4_np6twjBYQxLGJ/s400/SIGNATURE+PIC+FOR+END+OF+POSTS.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-89005672997329584032017-08-24T21:10:00.000-04:002020-03-06T21:06:12.807-05:00One Of The Best Number Sense Games Of All Time: Contig<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Every teacher on the planet should learn the math game <span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contig!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><b> </b>Read the details here</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span>and consider adding it to your collection of go-to math activities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Why Contig?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I recommend this game for any class:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">it's awesome at building number sense</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">it's easy to prep and play </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">each game is fresh and new </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">you and your students can adapt it to your own needs as you go </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">it works beautifully in centers, small groups, or as whole-group fun </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Gameboard</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> You can download a free copy of the game board <a href="http://www.mathwire.com/games/contig.pdf"><b>here.</b></a> There is also a <a href="http://mathwire.com/games/numbsensegames.html"><b>Contig, Jr.</b></a> for younger students. Here's the game board for grade 4 and up:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55Itj74nT7TodQMWYn0-K7iQ0uqZdZhwIpMc_vDfnDVfSf6kZ6q3zFe3-kMHXq5mJKWXBf1S2ikxhyNCcSwXqcTzoO9p371LIAkTZSwerUv4lzMrFmGBQ1i4arQFJjGPtQIbfhPi3faYz/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1229" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55Itj74nT7TodQMWYn0-K7iQ0uqZdZhwIpMc_vDfnDVfSf6kZ6q3zFe3-kMHXq5mJKWXBf1S2ikxhyNCcSwXqcTzoO9p371LIAkTZSwerUv4lzMrFmGBQ1i4arQFJjGPtQIbfhPi3faYz/s400/Slide4.JPG" width="305" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Materials</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Materials are simple. For each pair of students, you need:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a laminated Contig game board</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3 dice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a different colored dry erase marker for each player</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How To Play </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1) </b>Roll three dice. Use the numbers just as they are. For example, if you roll 2, 4, 6, they cannot be 24 or 62... just 2, 4, 6. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2)</b> Add the three numbers. That sum is your starting number. Cross it off the board. This is the only time that you are required to do anything specific with the numbers you roll.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOxCnBrfWUWmXmTMl7tG-WoqJ1yKrV7V8T92V-VJPxpt5k15OQf1ohFFAeBzGKLhhIAGkLZ_VpLVp2O_-fUxLVdUUX36jXdF4yer4lDI25jECH_61LoRCOI1XEY1ExSObJtuJ02fgr41f/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOxCnBrfWUWmXmTMl7tG-WoqJ1yKrV7V8T92V-VJPxpt5k15OQf1ohFFAeBzGKLhhIAGkLZ_VpLVp2O_-fUxLVdUUX36jXdF4yer4lDI25jECH_61LoRCOI1XEY1ExSObJtuJ02fgr41f/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="307" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3) </b>Look at all of the numbers surrounding the number you marked off. These are your target numbers. If your starting number is 12, your target numbers are 3, 4, 5, 11,13, 19, 20, 21. You do not have to mark them, as I have in blue below. This is just to show you what is allowed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr2O45msKg7yWfEBi9EX2BsfKb77AHwNjr4-gcPibOKzmJC6bm1RqmF0t4sXdLYcDYKJx-22wYaEcWiYeRte0_7A4Oq2BqouV5CFgrvsfU7TAQZnoa0MCFO25WcFJl2mL8Lv4O8LtJTkA/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr2O45msKg7yWfEBi9EX2BsfKb77AHwNjr4-gcPibOKzmJC6bm1RqmF0t4sXdLYcDYKJx-22wYaEcWiYeRte0_7A4Oq2BqouV5CFgrvsfU7TAQZnoa0MCFO25WcFJl2mL8Lv4O8LtJTkA/s400/Slide2.JPG" width="307" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4) </b>On each turn, roll three dice. The player can perform any operations in any order on those three numbers as long as the result is one of your target numbers. If you rolled 3, 5, 6, you could say: 3 x 6 - 5 = 11. Cross off 11. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCruM6djTnAZ7gyuDGMYYHl-5XSvKEluYioB6TJz9l4BEoLMOFQ-OQePe033D0-Wu80Tk4VPMqp9cm1nZMGEBPqTVW97uJG2u4I4OblCY_uUzCL2XCi0hegJLwATtZ53FvRLFbNw6nRgZ/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCruM6djTnAZ7gyuDGMYYHl-5XSvKEluYioB6TJz9l4BEoLMOFQ-OQePe033D0-Wu80Tk4VPMqp9cm1nZMGEBPqTVW97uJG2u4I4OblCY_uUzCL2XCi0hegJLwATtZ53FvRLFbNw6nRgZ/s400/Slide3.JPG" width="307" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>5) </b> Notice that your new target numbers are 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>6) </b>Continue rolling 3 dice on each turn. Perform operations to produce one of the target numbers. Notice that your target possibilities increase with each new number. Continue to play for a specified time or number of turns, whatever works for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Once students are confident about playing the game, they typically start asking to change the rules. That's great! This type of mathematical discussion is powerful. I always ask students to predict how their suggested change will affect the game. Common changes that kids suggest are:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Use 4 or more dice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Treat your starting roll like any roll; instead of just adding, perform any operations.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Use only multiplication and division.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Use one of your dice as an exponent.</span></li>
</ul>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One Last Connection</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> If students ask about the name, Contig, I love to make this ELA connection. I tell them it comes from the word <i><span style="color: blue;"><b>contiguous</b></span></i>, then ask if that sounds like a word they've heard before. They typically respond, "Continuous". I agree and say <b><i><span style="color: blue;">contiguous</span></i></b> means continuous and touching. That refers to the target numbers that need to be touching, or contiguous to, the numbers you choose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I hope you'll give Contig a try. I love it so much that I created a version to send home with my students. It's a great homework activity. You can find it in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Sense-Game-Contig-1377218"><b>my store here.</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Best wishes and I'd love to hear how Contig works for your students!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQACHcpq5zTZFKPQbCL9AS0RuQaA84AAxYhxkw53eeffquAX5U1k4JXk_qWPJkC7408pBEibrdtvyZFu-joJhzTRE1_ecLSsnL0WdYGAzaDcaZWSc_v4VvFbgbn5fz4_np6twjBYQxLGJ/s1600/SIGNATURE+PIC+FOR+END+OF+POSTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="768" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQACHcpq5zTZFKPQbCL9AS0RuQaA84AAxYhxkw53eeffquAX5U1k4JXk_qWPJkC7408pBEibrdtvyZFu-joJhzTRE1_ecLSsnL0WdYGAzaDcaZWSc_v4VvFbgbn5fz4_np6twjBYQxLGJ/s400/SIGNATURE+PIC+FOR+END+OF+POSTS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com123tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-82909487978236544242017-08-22T13:48:00.000-04:002020-03-02T18:54:47.804-05:00Have Fun With Adverbs: Play In The Manner Of The Adverb!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifYBgwtEj9AmOH0mHq2tpvu9rK5DKs2waou2P6f5CMy0bhyphenhyphenNDUoqD5v22ujybzBdxSYpf5Y7F7mLWyN-AQZREQB_gh4qWmwOB_zLWBwmE4lz3BH_kCu2WiGl9iCeYoetIzPaNeT56z8_B/s1600/IN+THE+MANNER+OF+THE+ADVERB+PIC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifYBgwtEj9AmOH0mHq2tpvu9rK5DKs2waou2P6f5CMy0bhyphenhyphenNDUoqD5v22ujybzBdxSYpf5Y7F7mLWyN-AQZREQB_gh4qWmwOB_zLWBwmE4lz3BH_kCu2WiGl9iCeYoetIzPaNeT56z8_B/s400/IN+THE+MANNER+OF+THE+ADVERB+PIC.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Students can get a little stuck when we study parts of speech. Nouns and verbs often go smoothly, but adverbs and adjectives can be challenging. And they both start the same (<i>ad-), </i>which can add an extra layer for kids to sort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I learned <b>"In The Manner Of The Adverb"</b> during my student teaching and it's never failed me. It's easy to teach, tons of fun to play, and it helps students internalize important concepts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> You don't even have to wait until you're teaching parts of speech to introduce it. It makes a <b>great indoor recess game or brain break</b> and is super at building collaborative skills. In addition, kids are very active, they practice expressive skills, and the game is supposed to be fairly quiet!</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Materials You Need</span></h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a list of adverbs </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a list of actions that can be performed in the classroom. I've added both lists below to get you started.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR3iHwSh_q9CI7cuUH-0ml0mdGHK6Z6ycg4bGDvn_B_1VVy3fxMWd0ob7FaDkEAwVA7UCO-2zAa2XWybWrseenqKfGyxIh61V2YJvvHq2nRQTAoy89n0yMq3lVGOs17HuX-ScWxUbbBva/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR3iHwSh_q9CI7cuUH-0ml0mdGHK6Z6ycg4bGDvn_B_1VVy3fxMWd0ob7FaDkEAwVA7UCO-2zAa2XWybWrseenqKfGyxIh61V2YJvvHq2nRQTAoy89n0yMq3lVGOs17HuX-ScWxUbbBva/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="491" /></a></div>
</span></li>
</ul>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How To Play</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Explain to students what an adverb is and how it's used. You don't need to go into a lengthy grammar lesson, you'll develop the concept by playing over time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Choose a student to be the Guesser and have her step outside of the room. No peeking through the window!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Write an adverb on the board or a slate and silently show it to the rest of the class. It's important that no one says the adverb out loud. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Erase or hide the word and call the Guesser back in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Call on a student to <u>silently</u> perform a specific task<i><b> in the manner of the adverb</b></i>. Suppose your adverb is "<span style="color: red;"><i>quickly</i></span>". You might say, "Jayden, please come shake my hand in the manner of the adverb." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Without a word, Jayden would <i><span style="color: red;">quickly</span></i> leave his seat, come shake your hand <i>quickly</i>, and return to his seat <i>quickly</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. The Guesser can now take a guess at the adverb. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. If the Guesser misses, you may ask another student to perform a different task in the manner of the same adverb. You may give a third chance or whatever works for your group.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. Reveal the adverb to the Guesser. Choose a new Guesser and a new adverb.</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Helpful Hints</span></h3>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Students can get excited about volunteering to perform. To keep everyone active and involved, I allow students to sit on their desks or stand around the room during the game.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Consider choosing two Guessers at a time. It avoids hurt feelings and embarrassment if a single Guesser misses the adverb. It also fosters collaboration.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'd love to hear how this game works for you! Best wishes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-78227357920815312342017-08-15T16:05:00.001-04:002020-03-02T19:06:46.483-05:00An Inspirational Poem And A Gift For You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Jf7M-u4_j2Mq0hLIaWQw8tEKajSxmWHzwc7vsObKWO9XCVAMmjagq62nYrlTk2VZ7K3sKU_j3yh2Df-QDdqJkWZK4pLQHp6V-4qLRPxM8XmxFZDzfoWEcG-UNHfV4eVpfALX9mkOcdV6/s1600/The+Ones+Who+Think+They+Can+Blog+Post+Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Jf7M-u4_j2Mq0hLIaWQw8tEKajSxmWHzwc7vsObKWO9XCVAMmjagq62nYrlTk2VZ7K3sKU_j3yh2Df-QDdqJkWZK4pLQHp6V-4qLRPxM8XmxFZDzfoWEcG-UNHfV4eVpfALX9mkOcdV6/s400/The+Ones+Who+Think+They+Can+Blog+Post+Header.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> One of my favorite back-to-school activities is to recite and learn this growth mindset poem, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Growth-Mindset-Activity-Inspirational-Poem-3336688">"The Ones Who Think They Can"</a>, by Walter Wintle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We read a projected copy of the poem together a couple of times every day for the first few weeks of school. We discuss the meaning of the poem and I explain that the word "man" means "mankind", not just males. Each student cuts and tapes a smaller version into their math or science journal for reference.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFsGeHnP2x1dKqv84bWzclYA0FiUtyE77Tr5sUFTT-bPQtx9koXZYA6PVL4b6J_eN4ifrdS6PISbo6vOIOrvuKxER7DRQDXj0v5IBT8d46rbhFBlO3z81yYW8wcmbICZYSdCFcVS48UCO/s1600/The+Ones+Who+Think+They+Can+Inspirational+Poem+FREEBIE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="960" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFsGeHnP2x1dKqv84bWzclYA0FiUtyE77Tr5sUFTT-bPQtx9koXZYA6PVL4b6J_eN4ifrdS6PISbo6vOIOrvuKxER7DRQDXj0v5IBT8d46rbhFBlO3z81yYW8wcmbICZYSdCFcVS48UCO/s400/The+Ones+Who+Think+They+Can+Inspirational+Poem+FREEBIE.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We continue to recite the poem as part of our morning routine for a couple of weeks, then more occasionally. I challenge students to commit the poem to memory - memorize is a fine word, too. If they want to they can recite the poem, to me privately or to the class. In return, they receive a "100" in the subject of their choice. I do not typically reward students for academic performance. Since this is an optional challenge, I feel it's an acceptable incentive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Some of the phrases find their way into our everyday comments. If we mention someone who persevered against strong odds, someone might say aloud, "The ones who think they can!" If someone makes a negative comment about themselves, someone might remind them, "If you think you're beaten, you are."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Please<b> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Growth-Mindset-Activity-Inspirational-Poem-3336688">grab a free copy here</a></b> and use it in your classroom. I'd love to hear how it works out for you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-42525037713685514872017-08-11T19:46:00.000-04:002020-03-05T20:55:16.074-05:00Starting Math On The First Day Of School! <br />
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The first days of school are so jam-packed with back-to-school, getting-to-know-you, and housekeeping activities, it can be a real challenge getting into the actual curriculum.<br />
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As a new teacher, I struggled to find the optimum time to begin that first lesson: the one I believed should be delivered by me, at the front of the room, to students sitting in desks, to be followed with a paper and pencil activity.<br />
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Over the years, I learned that there are dozens of ways to "do math" that are fun and engaging, and that involve students, not just as learners, but as collaborators and critical thinkers. Choose from some of the suggestions below and you'll find yourself rocking some math from Day 1!<br />
<h3>
Read-Alouds</h3>
I always look forward to reading <u>Math Curse</u> by Jon Scieszka on the first day of school each year. I love the humor and the way math concepts are introduced. Kids love coming to the carpet and having a book read to them. It's a warm, fuzzy way to ease into the new year.<br />
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It's also a good chance to teach some of those all-important classroom procedures. <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.growinggradebygrade.com/2017/08/you-can-teach-content-and-procedures.html">Check out my post about routines and procedures here.</a> </span>You could begin a longer math-oriented book, such as <u>The Lemonade War</u> by Jacqueline Davis or <u>The Toothpaste Millionaire</u> by Jean Merrill. Other good choices are any of the <u>Sir Cumference</u> books, <u>Grandfather Tang's Story</u>, or <u>How Much Is A Million</u>?<br />
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Math Games</h3>
What a great way to develop a positive attitude toward math, strengthen concepts, and practice skills! There are so many commercial math games, such as Mathopoly, Sum Swamp, and Equate that teach math skills and concepts. Connect Four and good old checkers are always winners.<br />
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Teachers can also fill their math tool kit with games like Contig (a super way to build number sense!) and Race to 100. Don't want to take the time for a full-fledged board or card game? Try "Where's The Math In The Date?", a quick game that only uses a few digits. <a href="http://www.growinggradebygrade.com/2017/02/powerful-number-sense-wheres-math-in.html"><span style="color: red;">Learn how to play it here.</span></a><br />
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Journal Prompts</h3>
A favorite first-day math activity is to make a list of "Ways I Used Math Today Before School". As students share, they'll find that "checking to see if it's time to leave home", "pouring a bowl of cereal", and "tying two shoelaces" are all ways of using math. Other engaging prompts include: "How I Feel About Math" and "People who are good at math...".<br />
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Gather Data</h3>
Asking a group question and having students answer it in different ways is a great segue into many math concepts, as well as social topics. The pictures below show a sampling of ways to do that.<br />
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Math About Me Project</h3>
The<b> Math About Me</b> project has become popular recently. It can be as simple as a pre-made paper template on which students share significant numbers. It can also be more of a curation project where students bring in objects that reflect the numbers in their lives.<br />
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Math Craft</h3>
Crafts may be more than many want to approach during the first days of school. For those who do want to build that into their new year, consider paper-folding or mosaic pictures.<br />
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Math Jokes</h3>
Jokes are always a winning component of a happy classroom. Any joke is great, but it can be fun to spend a few weeks focused on math, science, or another specific topic. I once had a hallway bulletin board to which we attached math jokes and riddles for several weeks. The whole school appreciated it!<br />
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Math Puzzles</h3>
It's always a good idea to get kids' hands onto their math as soon as possible. Consider spending some time with math puzzles such as tangrams, cross-number puzzles, or sudoku.<br />
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Color-By-Code</h3>
Combine math and art with a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Color-By-Code-Math-Puzzles-10-Puzzles-For-Upper-Elementary-3296570">color-by-code</a> or color-by-number activity. Kids will get some solid math practice while they touch the artsy side of their brain with coloring.<br />
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These are only a few ways to incorporate math into the first day(s) of school. I'd love to hear how you do it!<br />
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<br />Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-50367738785609339292017-08-10T16:00:00.000-04:002020-03-02T19:18:26.275-05:005 Reasons Why Following The Rules Is Important<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZUXYKLORL9_HXCAxEtW1buARrAItfntCNgHUHFG2gNyGCZrqY7vOE-0AwppPUu9wxga7lp3zn9KNOJg0IKfeVguH2f5AWjzdLUzfTngK1xOiTLPmgIvJz2mMi8_YDf-g6FswFxnBCxuS/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="classroom-management-follow-rules" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZUXYKLORL9_HXCAxEtW1buARrAItfntCNgHUHFG2gNyGCZrqY7vOE-0AwppPUu9wxga7lp3zn9KNOJg0IKfeVguH2f5AWjzdLUzfTngK1xOiTLPmgIvJz2mMi8_YDf-g6FswFxnBCxuS/s400/Slide1.JPG" title="5 Reasons Why Following The Rules Is Important" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> We all know day-to-day life can be challenging. Annoying. Overwhelming. Just plain hard. It's in our nature as parents and teachers to try and make our own lives and those of our loved ones easier. Smoother. More efficient. Less stressful. It can be so tempting to cut a corner here and there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Nothing serious or harmful. Like, let your child wear a shirt for a second day. Serve a meal with no vegetables. Let the library book go overdue. Pay the late registration fee. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> While we all make use of these options once in a while, it can be very easy to make such decisions more and more frequently, to depend on the slip-and-slide that can exist around rules. It can be easy to let rules take a backseat to our own convenience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> This applies to any walk of life and it can be even more amplified in the world of education. Once we have children in schools, a relationship develops between home and school. We hope it will be a positive, supportive relationship, but that relationship can take a hit if we forget that we all have a responsibility toward building a healthy relationship that works. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 Reasons To Follow The Rules</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. <b>Kids do what they see.</b> Parents don't typically teach their children to break rules, although I've seen it happen. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In our most casual conversations and activities, we are constantly teaching our children. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As long as they're watching and hearing us, they're learning. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">When children see and hear us breaking rules, they will surely follow suit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. <b>Breaking the rules creates conflict.</b> When we try to manipulate life to our own advantage, others are inconvenienced, unfairly burdened, and often angered. Who needs more conflict in their lives? Follow the rules and enjoy less conflict.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. <b>We are creating tomorrow's adults,</b> not just today's kids. If the important people in their lives regularly break rules, kids can develop an "it's all about me" attitude. This is one of the biggest criticisms of today's millennial generation. Whether it's true or not, they are seen as entitled and selfish. It's not pretty. Avoid this for your children by showing them how to do the right thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. <b>Life runs more smoothly for everyone when we follow the rules.</b> It's a way to pay it forward. Do your part and others' lives are smoother, thanks to each of us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. <b>It's ethically, morally right to follow rules. </b>If we want to raise children who are ethically and morally focused, we must model those behaviors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Need A Reboot?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> If you find yourself breaking, bending, or stretching the rules more than once in a while, it may be time for a reboot. Consider these thoughts:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Think about the person you want to be. Are you living up to the standards you set for yourself? If not, consider setting some new goals and working toward them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Think about how you want your children to see you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Let your children hear you talk about how you respect the rules. What a lesson you can teach by saying, "I'm really tired, but I need to complete your softball registration tonight. I'm going to do it now so that the coaches will know you want to play. Then, I won't have to pay a late fee and you'll be sure to be on a team." How much easier your life will be, too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> What do you think about following the rules? I'd love to hear your thoughts!</span><br />
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<br />Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-82554084844014947352017-08-07T15:54:00.000-04:002020-03-05T21:01:41.967-05:00You CAN Teach Community, Procedures, and Content From Day One!<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> I've been reading posts lately from newer teachers who struggle with how to <b>teach essential classroom routines and procedures, begin to build the essential community, and address content from the first day of school</b>. A tall order! Some question whether they should chose one over the other and if it's even possible to do it all. I'm hearing:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"Should I really spend two full weeks just teaching routines and procedures?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"When do I start teaching content? I'm afraid of getting behind right from the start!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"I want to build our classroom community as soon as possible. When do I start?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"Which is more important: routines, community, or content?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"Should I review routines and procedures every day? For how long?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> These are valid concerns for any teacher. I believe whole-heartedly that you can teach all of those valuable routines and procedures, begin building your community, and start addressing content right from the first day of school!</span><br />
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How do I teach routines and procedures?</h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> You've probably heard the adage: Do it right, or do it all year long! Teaching routines and procedures is critical to not only a safe, smoothly running learning environment, but is the gateway to all the good things that can happen during the year. After all, if you can't get them into the room safely, you can't build a community or teach content.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> In order to be clear with children, have a clear understanding of expectations yourself. If your school or district uses specific terminology, always go with that. I use <b>routine </b>to reference the order or sequencing of your day. For example, our morning <b>routine </b>was always to enter the room, tell your teacher "hello", put up your belongings, make your lunch choice, and begin your Morning Work. To help them understand, I would tell students that we must enter the room <i>before </i>we make our lunch choice - that's routine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> I use the term <b>procedure </b>to refer to a particular method for doing something. For example, everyone needs to return their coloring pencils after an activity. One <i>procedure </i>is to put the box into your desk. Another <i>procedure </i>is to put them in your backpack. A third <i>procedure </i>is for the table leader to gather and return them to a special drawer. Our <i>procedure </i>was for the table leader to return them to a drawer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> Having efficient procedures can have a powerful impact on your overall classroom management. When your students know exactly how to perform certain tasks, they can work more independently and you will have to intervene less often.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> Be crystal clear on the procedures that you need students to follow. You'll need a procedure to gather and return materials, to form groups, to work collaboratively, to return assignments, to ask for help. Your procedures needn't be complicated; in fact, they need to be as simple and streamlined as possible. On the other hand, you don't want students to feel policed or like robots. There are many activities, such as returning a book to the shelf, that don't require a specific procedure. Give lots of thought to the procedures you do want. Talk to other teachers in your school and find out what works for them. A few suggestions that worked for me over the years:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">-To gather materials: The table leader goes to the correct drawer, gathers, and distributes to his/her own table.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">-To return materials: The table leader gathers and returns materials from his/her table.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">-To turn in homework: As you unpack in the morning, take your homework to the bin on the counter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">-If you finish work early: Read quietly, complete another activity, or find an activity in the Early Finishers Notebooks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">-If you need the restroom outside of a scheduled break: Make the ASL sign for "restroom" and go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> Be prepared to<b> review, review, review </b>your procedures. Spend part of every day reviewing and practicing for a minimum of two weeks. Some teachers extend that to four or even six weeks, tapering off as time goes by. Consider having a refresher week just after Christmas and Spring Break.</span><br />
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How do I build my classroom community?</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> Building a classroom community can begin before school even starts! There are so many ways to let parents and students know about your commitment to a classroom climate that promotes inclusion, teaches kindness and caring, supports open communication, and encourages teamwork.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> Many teachers send out letters that introduce themselves, invite families to Back-to-School Night, and give important information. This is a good opportunity to include your plans to build a strong, healthy community. Other teachers make phone calls and establish a personal contact. These efforts are powerful strategies for starting the year strong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> Your next best chance is the first minute of the first day of school. A warm welcome to each student and parent starts the day on a high note, and also models how your classroom community rolls. Your first activities can focus on students' interests, their feelings, and their hopes for the year. Sharing these responses later is fun and is an excellent time to teach how to show respect for others. Will you incorporate a Morning Meeting each day? Do you have a list of team-building activities for the year? These tools have an important place during the first days of school.</span></div>
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Can I address content on the first day?</h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> The short answer is: Yes! The longer answer is: Yes, but keep it fun, review-oriented, focused on games, and full of movement activities. First-day content needn't be a dive right into lessons and practice. A math game is a delightful way to start the year! It's a low-key way for students to start recalling skills and concepts from past years. You can gather valuable insights on your new charges as you see how they play, where they struggle, and where they excel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> A short science activity? Yes, please! Be sure to include a hands-on component. My students always enjoyed a version of "How Many Drops Of Water Will Fit On The Head Of A Penny?" It's super easy and low-cost, but starts some great science conversations!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> Who doesn't love a word game? I tutor students who love a version of The Pyramid Game. One player has a secret word. She gives clues to her partner, whose goal is to guess the word. For example, Olivia's secret word is "book". She'll give clues like "pages", "words", "published", "in the library". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> Don't forget Social Studies! Consider displaying a world map. Let students take turns sharing where they've lived or traveled. Try saying "hello" and "good-bye" in as many languages as you can. There will be lots of fun connections as students get a view of our world!</span><br />
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Pull it all together!</h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> As daunting as it may seem, you CAN address all three of these critical areas from the first day of school to the last. On the first day of school, plan a good balance of getting-to-know-you activities, community building activities, housekeeping tasks such as confirming how each child gets home (I forgot this one year - a real disaster at dismissal!), explanations of school and classroom guidelines, and content-oriented games and activities. I always tried to include a read-aloud and a good number of movement activities, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> As you plan, make notes on the routines and procedures you will highlight for each one. Leave plenty of time to explain and practice each procedure. At this point, strive for quality over quantity. In my classroom, I would plan for activities like these:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1. Read <u>Math Curse</u> by Jon Scieszka; <u>Procedures taught</u>: Push your chair under your desk, move quietly to the carpet, sit in your own space.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2. Play math game <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Sense-Game-Contig-1377218">"Contig"</a>; <u>Procedures taught</u>: One game partner will go to the materials area and pick up dice, a game board, and dry erase markers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">3. Play "Sometimes, Always, Never"; <u>Procedures taught</u>: Push your chair under your desk, gather at the back of the room, move carefully, respect your classmates' space.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">4. Go on a school tour for new students; <u>Procedures taught</u>: Walk to the back of the classroom as your table is called, line up behind the last person in line, walk quietly on the right side of the hall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">5. Play <a href="http://www.growinggradebygrade.com/2017/02/powerful-number-sense-wheres-math-in.html">"Where's The Math In The Date?"</a>; <u>Procedures taught</u>: Raise your hand and wait to be called on to respond. (This is different from other games where blurting answers is allowed.)</span><br />
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Be the student and go through each activity.</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> I cannot overemphasize the value of actually role-playing your procedures before you teach them. You will often catch glaring problems that could arise when your students follow your directions. I once had an awful traffic jam - kids were backed out into the hall before 7:30 a.m. - because I failed to act it out myself first. I learned to carve out some practice time during the planning days before school started. I would literally give directions to myself out loud, then follow them to the last detail. I caught a lot of potential problems and was able to resolve them before I used them on kids. Whew!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> In all things, the best laid plans can always go awry. If you see that something is not working, be honest enough to see it and flexible enough to change it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> I'd love to hear how you handle routines and procedures in your classroom. What works for you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"></span>Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-57693989594231765582017-07-31T19:39:00.000-04:002020-03-03T00:20:51.791-05:006 Winning Items That New Teachers Need For The New Year<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERCooHeBiYb90z8WxLPg2cSxdsUT-t8s3gPZsmO0hld9twF6mJ77s8WwPen1cYx9rLTbYZDFrJ7GQ_iORnwLmejj4KY6xmfZW7g53iV1bC9qWxc_FAXuldOhJ-gQkiX_9s1LFXaBxfEhK/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1600" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERCooHeBiYb90z8WxLPg2cSxdsUT-t8s3gPZsmO0hld9twF6mJ77s8WwPen1cYx9rLTbYZDFrJ7GQ_iORnwLmejj4KY6xmfZW7g53iV1bC9qWxc_FAXuldOhJ-gQkiX_9s1LFXaBxfEhK/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> No one can empathize with a new teacher better than a veteran teacher. We know what it feels like, both good and bad, to begin a teaching career. Our "If only I'd known then what I know now" conversations are rich with wisdom and experience,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> To help out any newer teachers that are cracking open their first, second, or third year of teaching, I've put together a list of 6 things that I wish I'd known about during my first years. A couple of them might not have been invented then, but they're winning tools, just the same!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> This list has a theme: Organization! This concept can make or break any teacher. It's actually not about how cute or color-coordinated your stuff looks. It's about whether you can find it when you need it. Here's the list:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
1) Organizational Storage</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can never have too much. As you shop for the new year, buy whatever your budget will allow. You'll need:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">large containers like Sterilite drawers on wheels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">smaller plastic drawer units </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">buckets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">bins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">containers that close with a lid, good for stacking </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">square containers like crates </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">smaller containers like pencil cases</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you can, overbuy. You'll almost certainly find a need for them.</span><br />
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2) 3-Ring Binders</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Three-ring binders have been a life-saver to me. I learned the hard way that laying papers down in piles - and forgetting what was in the pile - spelled certain disaster. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I learned to store things <b>standing up</b>. When binders with clear plastic covers were invented, it was even better! Acquire binders for every topic that works for you. Make a cover for each one and don't forget the spine! It'll save you so much time pulling out binders looking for titles.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9a6mqpxne4ceUv8R2Z_EOdmo0o9PmDFzpUXwqjXJBfGg0LhBIjhPCVdlHapy5shuJ0nQ3DkFddRg0_wud7UrcaDkgETz6lRzu_BZxT-7WpeQFcDlCrSBcBqtFF7tsvmhIiNlHVGXSBKW5/s1600/Binders+for+Things+Teachers+Need.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="960" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9a6mqpxne4ceUv8R2Z_EOdmo0o9PmDFzpUXwqjXJBfGg0LhBIjhPCVdlHapy5shuJ0nQ3DkFddRg0_wud7UrcaDkgETz6lRzu_BZxT-7WpeQFcDlCrSBcBqtFF7tsvmhIiNlHVGXSBKW5/s400/Binders+for+Things+Teachers+Need.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
3) Sticky Notes</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Slapp a sticky note on your to-do list, a pile of papers, or your purse and you'll save yourself time and energy. In addition, they are a marvelous teaching tool. Kids can use them to answer survey questions, to quickly share opinions or answers, to give feedback to classmates, and for personal organization.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAMCJMypRzfXe4tFQiWtePy0v9ympFJTGEGMY6XNDo9xgafttXA4gclm8mafrMHdGvypZ_RhwWBwml3yquFlZ-9jNpog7qzbjVu2dfdvkwTDGwg4FpCmX1_WZwW-KT61860mcC_V5f-Kq/s1600/Sticky+Notes+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAMCJMypRzfXe4tFQiWtePy0v9ympFJTGEGMY6XNDo9xgafttXA4gclm8mafrMHdGvypZ_RhwWBwml3yquFlZ-9jNpog7qzbjVu2dfdvkwTDGwg4FpCmX1_WZwW-KT61860mcC_V5f-Kq/s400/Sticky+Notes+Pic.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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4) File folders and labels</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This amazing duo is another super organizational tool. You can print off multiple sets and have them ready when you suddenly need a new set of student folders. You can create folder games, organize center materials and directions, and keep yourself organized.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ULApe5opRflAgFnacdoX4sAFogA4R6hemsR-BlZwxSRf7vFOXxv_Fnq3E9xQtA5faKvNYE3lLgIspwfGcFsxO-tRnrg9IQdhUa61NjaRYniEDAIlrLnMBDznnLG4p52ATFkLp1See9kz/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ULApe5opRflAgFnacdoX4sAFogA4R6hemsR-BlZwxSRf7vFOXxv_Fnq3E9xQtA5faKvNYE3lLgIspwfGcFsxO-tRnrg9IQdhUa61NjaRYniEDAIlrLnMBDznnLG4p52ATFkLp1See9kz/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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5) A great electric pencil sharpener</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes, they can be pricey, but my life changed for the better when I could finally shell out for one. Sharpening pencils each day was faster and quieter. My kids did fine using it, but consider making your pencil sharpener off-limits to students until they can prove they'll be careful with it.</span><br />
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6) A Go-To Book</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are so many times during the year when you have just a few minutes before the next task and you want to spend it wisely. I remember times like just before lunch or a class change, having to hold students in class for a few minutes for an unexpected reason, or when you need revitalize the class with a brain break. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The books I always depended on included joke books (especially math jokes), critical thinking books with short problems to solve, a book with trivia-type facts on different subjects, and great poetry books by authors such as Shel Silverstein. Having books like this improves the quality of your instructional time and can improve your classroom management.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Share this list with any new teacher you know. They'll appreciate having a place to start!</span></div>
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Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9163866744206920213.post-48017197601550541732017-07-27T16:28:00.000-04:002020-03-03T00:28:15.397-05:00Generate Great Conversations With Math Graffiti<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love to hear what children think! I learned to combine my love of comics and math with kids' need for math conversations. Enter: <b>Math Graffiti</b>! It was as simple as could be - if you take into account how hard it was to find and download math comics from the Internet...20 years ago!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hunted down some great math comics, focusing on "Calvin and Hobbes". I love Calvin's attitude on almost everything! You shouldn't have any TOU issues if you use one copy in your classroom for educational purposes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made a simple display on the inside of my classroom. I laminated a piece of construction paper with a "Math Graffiti" header. I taped the current comic onto the laminated sheet and added a pen. I asked a specific question each time, but students were allowed to make other comments, as long as they were appropriate. In reviewing the ones included here, I noticed the word "stupid" a time or two. I guess they missed the memo.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-ZXeIDXcjx1dAyqSR6EIvv94p4TqxONzmHhjAqnQkITol4asQfYpkMDyREwDKvDLWC0PwQkUk9ERyQC7b677yHgju-Y6N79ieLy36BEQCxZ8TzJPzrNpsSGmDHxmY6ja0ey06B4VXYMa/s1600/Math+Graffiti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-ZXeIDXcjx1dAyqSR6EIvv94p4TqxONzmHhjAqnQkITol4asQfYpkMDyREwDKvDLWC0PwQkUk9ERyQC7b677yHgju-Y6N79ieLy36BEQCxZ8TzJPzrNpsSGmDHxmY6ja0ey06B4VXYMa/s640/Math+Graffiti.jpg" width="445" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5PQZYpQ7Dth4SNDyA-oT9-2rjk3iDPbhMCNmc9CnP1TSevzGC2uIrf_DPjYUTVPr3MSob2IsmW0oP-1ENUhGFTqdyZ9DDchUGaI8vxKWaXtb6VCMsxNI47AP33m1hkSk2NLlWcnvpzPh/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1229" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5PQZYpQ7Dth4SNDyA-oT9-2rjk3iDPbhMCNmc9CnP1TSevzGC2uIrf_DPjYUTVPr3MSob2IsmW0oP-1ENUhGFTqdyZ9DDchUGaI8vxKWaXtb6VCMsxNI47AP33m1hkSk2NLlWcnvpzPh/s640/Slide4.JPG" width="490" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8PqTP7v39ESyYpnl5lyJLZf3AnWq15DQGh47gwhFSFC1QwMfYk1Gt66b414bdjyxfK3vgibG84K3NsEHH8ISAUOs75qZxx7ZawWsms674st9joN2PQU_qzAAZrFbsX4vIxtU2e16NceC/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1229" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8PqTP7v39ESyYpnl5lyJLZf3AnWq15DQGh47gwhFSFC1QwMfYk1Gt66b414bdjyxfK3vgibG84K3NsEHH8ISAUOs75qZxx7ZawWsms674st9joN2PQU_qzAAZrFbsX4vIxtU2e16NceC/s640/Slide5.JPG" width="490" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I left each comic up for a week and tried to find time by Friday to have a whole-group conversation, sharing some of the comments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My kids loved Math Graffiti! They loved "writing on the wall", getting a chance to share their thoughts and the comics! I highly recommend Math Graffiti as a regular, or occasional, part of your math program.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you solicit students' thoughts in math conversations? I'd love to hear your ideas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're all in this together!</span><br />
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Growing Grade By Gradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908756751602701587noreply@blogger.com0