A new (to me anyway!) site that I recently learned about is Youcubed! I have linked specifically the tasks section of this website because there are so many great ideas here for engaging students in real world math experiences. It appears to be for K through 12th grade, which is awesome! (https://www.youcubed.org/tasks/)
Any other amazing math task websites I need to check out that maybe I haven't?
A couple of years ago I taught a GT (Gifted and Talented) group of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. One thing about gifted students is they love a good project that they can create from scratch. As a way to keeping them engaged, I did some research on passion projects (https://keepemthinking.com/2020/09/discover-the-power-of-passion-projects/ I had a brainstorming sheet I had created, but I cannot find it! This website explains what it is and gives some great ideas on how to get started.) My students absolutely took this and ran with it. At the end of testing season, they explained their projects (attached picture is one of pure joy!) and the students were in awe of each other. It was one of my favorite days of teaching ever!
During Black History Month, I encourage the students to research other influential African- Americans than just the ones that are most studied. I ask the students to find local individuals who have made an impact. Florida has a rich history of African American contributions. To that, I also encourage the teachers to teach Black History all year long, after all, all the history of African Americans did not happen only in the month of February.
Michigan Department of Education shares several resources for family literacy and home to school connections. It is entitled: Family Engagement for Literacy. Here are a few of the documents included:
Supporting Families in the Essential Practice of Read Alouds; Sharing Why the Read Aloud Is an Essential Practice With Families
Does your state department of education share valuable resources you can use to collaborate and build understanding with families?
https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/academic-standards/literacy/family-engagement-for-literacy
Recently our district began professional training that focuses on Classroom 180 - Trauma informed classrooms. What professional training or resources are your favorites?
https://www.classroom180.com/
How can we reassure parents that struggling with reading is not a reflection of their child's potential, but rather a natural part of the learning process?
One of my favorite read aloud chapter books that I've ever read to students was The Unteachables by Gordon Korman. I loved this book for so many reasons, but the character development is top notch. I have attached a choice board I gave to students after we finished the text for some ideas on what you can do with the book afterwards! What are some of your favorite book studies?
A few years ago, I got a roll of paper from Target and started writing quotes on it to post outside my door for students to read. It turns out that it wasn't just students who were reading it -- adults did too and would stop by to tell me the ways they related to do the quote. What are some ways you commit to the culture of your school?
One of my favorite ways to engage students in critical thinking and error analysis is by doing an activity called "Agree or Disagree with Mrs. T." In these activity, I will give students a word problem and then I will solve it (usually wrong with the most common mistakes students make when solving that type of problem). Students have to read the problem, think about how they would solve it, and then look at how I solved it to decide whether they agree or disagree and why. Usually I'm wrong, BUT I have to be right sometimes or they'll just assume I'm wrong and disregard what I did. I have attached a sample so you can see their reflection piece. What are ways you help students catch mistakes?
When I first started teaching, I had all types of catchy phrases to get students attention (elementary school students loved it!). A few years ago, I read something that changed my direction when it came to this. Instead of trying to get their attention by them responding in some way (verbally or with an action like clapping), I say, "if you can hear my voice, take a deep breath and let it out slowly and silently." Most of the time, after once (maybe twice) of saying this, students are quiet and have slowed down their nervous systems with a deep breath. Even when we're working independently, I will do it. Just to give students a chance to breathe deeply and give their minds a break. Have you tried this? What else do you use to get students attention that has worked well or what have you used to give your students a mindfulness break?
Working in partners/groups vs. working independently:
One of the best ideas I decided to try out a couple of years ago was creating an anchor chart with students about what each of these looks like and sounds like. (I tried to find a picture of my chart I made my last year as a classroom teacher but couldn't find it!) Students often know what these should look and sound like but having the discussion with them and having them come up with the expectations is so powerful. I've had students have very real and vulnerable conversations that during independent work, the student needs quiet to really do their best work. The way my classes have changed after that vulnerability was drastic. Students (at least elementary age) sometimes believe that teachers are just asking for silence for silence sake; when really it is to give students an opportunity to show their best work. But when it comes from a fellow student, the impact is greater. How do you set up students to be successful in small groups and independently?
One of the toughest things (but also most rewarding when the mindset shift occurs) is students believing that they can do whatever it is you are asking them to do. As a math interventionist, I work with students who, based on test scores, are struggling in math. While I know that one test score (or even a few) don't define a student, unfortunately, the score(s) travel with them. Once I start meeting with students, I can usually see pretty quickly that some of their 'struggle' has nothing to do with math, it has to do with mindset. We have very honest and real conversations about their experiences in math and what they like vs. what they don't like (or haven't liked in the past). It happens over time, and I recognize that my job is far different than others, but it begins the same: building relationships with students is the foundation to success. Once a student becomes mine, I begin building their confidence slowly and surely by being their biggest cheerleader. I ask that teachers share with me successes in the classroom too so that I can be excited for them. What are some ways you help students build their confidence?
“Children don’t learn from people they don’t feel connected to.” – Rita Pierson
As educators, it can sometimes feel like there’s no room for social-emotional learning (SEL) in our already-packed days. But here’s the thing: SEL isn’t an added extra, it’s part of the foundation. When students feel safe and connected, they’re not only emotionally supported but ready to focus, behave, and perform better academically.
The best part? SEL doesn’t require hours of extra work. A quick morning check-in, an “emotion of the day,” or modeling empathy can have a lasting impact. Research even shows that students in SEL programs tend to perform 11% better on standardized tests because when you teach the heart, the mind follows.
What challenges do you face while making room for SEL in your day? Share your thoughts in the comment. Let’s learn from each other!
Next week we are planning an hour with our families for our first and second grade students. We are part of the Leader in Me program and we have invited families to come in and view our Classroom Mission Statements and then create Family Mission Statements! We have set up social media picture spots in the building for families to pose by/at. What hashtag do you think would be fun to use? We are the Lemmer Leopards ;).
I wanted to share all of the UFLI aligned resources I have created for FREE! If you teacher early elementary reading and are using this in your classroom I have created T2 and T3 interventions as well as centers - word sorts, fluency pyramids etc. Check it out at: https://www.ginapepin.com/blank-9
I was having so much trouble with finding some pattern block task cards to help students who are struggling with geometry skills that I decided to make my own! Attached you will find 16 task cards and all you need is some pattern blocks! What other activities do you do with student to help understand geometry standards?
I have some third grade students who are starting elapsed time but are struggling with telling time. What amazing resources do you use when teaching time? We have been using clocks of course but would love any resources you may have!
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