Monday, October 14, 2013

Made It Monday in October

I have been busy with classroom projects and am happy to link up with Tara for this month. I have a large span of abilities this year and found I needed some basic math task cards for review. The need became evident when students weren't ready to jump into my fifth grade curriculum. I am required to review skills for our standardized testing (math is tomorrow), but also wanted to motivate students to want to complete the task cards. My students love Melonheadz Illustrating clipart that adorns many of my classroom posters. (I am becoming a hoarder of her clipart) so I used some fun holiday clipart. For this set, students will decide if the problems art correct (a treat) or incorrect (a trick).
Set of 32 cards
I also made a "Dear Aunt Sally" poster for Order of Operations. When we expand on our knowledge, the real "Aunt Sally" may make an appearance.

Lastly, to motivate my students to "Rock the MEAP Test" I made these locker tags and banner


As you can see, I have some new products to upload to my stores. Until they get uploaded, if you see anything you like here, and you are one of the first three to comment, I will send you a free copy.
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Thursday, October 10, 2013

Ideas for Integration

As an upper elementary teacher, I am always looking for things that will keep even the most reluctant learners involved. I try to incorporate technology into my classroom instruction. There are many ways to do that if you are in a one-on-one program, but in most situations you are dependent on access to a computer or computer lab. Finding free and appropriate websites can be time consuming. I have a growing list of some that I use regularly. 

sumdog logo

Sumdog.com is a free or paid subscription website. It gives math review in a game format. You can have students play each other, or they can play students from around the world. The free version of Sumdog Math has access to many games like Junkpile and Creeper. (Students try to stack junk or connect vines at a haunted house.) The paid version opens up all math games and give free unlimited reports to the teacher.  It also has a relatively new reading program as a paid subscription. They are adding a Sumdog English by the end of the year. If you order the Sumdog Reading you can get the Sumdog English for free. Each paid subscription is $2 per student, so for $4 you can have access to all three programs! If the other two (reading and English) are like the math, they will be worth the cost.



Spellingcity.com is another website that offers a basic free access, or for a $2 per student prescription, students can use all activities. There is a minimum amount. The paid subscription has reports for teachers. You can keep track of student progress in activities. I use it because I differentiate spelling and have four spelling groups. I cannot give tests simultaneously, but SpellingCity can! Students need their own ear buds or headphones. I got mine at the dollar store and dollar spot at Target. Many of my students bring their own (attached to iPods most of the time). I keep my own sets in Ziploc baggies in crates. They are easy to take with us to the lab, and are accessible for use in our room.

K5 Learning - Main Logo 400 px
K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students.  I've been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program.  If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their  open invitation to write an online learning review of their program. - See more at: online learning review. My students haven't started using this program yet, but I am excited to give it a try. I am planning on using it during a technology center during Daily 5 Math. 



If you have some other ideas of free or inexpensive online programs for skill review, I would love to hear from you. I am also closing in on my two year blog anniversary and would like to do a give away. If you would like to offer a product, I would love to hear from you.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

It's October!

I cannot believe it is already October. I love reading other bloggers Currently, and even bought Farley's Currently for the classroom. It was homework for my students tonight. I thought it might give me some insight to their evening. I may be sorry when they share tomorrow!

Here is my Currently.

I have been staying up too late checking papers. I will pay the price tomorrow. I am hoping for a fog delay.
I love my life right now. Would only change my son's address so he would be closer. I miss him. 

We have been in school almost a month. Progress reports go home Friday. We have had LOTS of problems with our grading program. I hope I can get my reports to print without lots of frustration.

As I type, I have an annoying cramp in my neck and back that a massage would surely fix. I need to make an appointment. Better clean the kitchen first, or the cramp will just return. I think my second home (my classroom) always gets the best part of my cleaning and organization during the first few weeks of school. Thank goodness hubby does dishes and laundry and vacuuming. 

I have included a link for some free apple clipart. Enjoy!


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