Sunday Scoop October 26

TheSundayScoop

Five for Friday October 24th

Hello again! I'm linking up with Kacey with Five for Friday for the first time! Let's see how this goes!

 

 

 

This week I introduced order of operations for the first time and I used this NCTM Bingo game! All you need to play are the BINGO cards for each player and markers/chips to mark the bingo spots. Here is the complete lesson with the Bingo card Printable and the best part is that it is FREE: http://illuminations.nctm.org/Lesson.aspx?id=2583

To further extend the order of operation lesson, I found this awesome game! It does have some more difficult problems as you can see on the screen (exponents), but the students enjoyed the challenge. The game let's you play with one or two players. They will need clipboards and paper and pencil to work the problems out. The set up is like the game show Millionaire. I was surprised by how much the students wanted to play this game as an option during some extra time in the computer lab. I went ahead and added it to my classpage and many students chose this over some other popular online math games. Here is the link if you decide to check it out: http://www.math-play.com/Order-of-Operations-Millionaire/division-millionaire.html

 

 

Sandra Markle is an amazing author. I used almost all of her books to teach my Living Systems Unit and all about animal adaptations. This book pictured above is one of the many interesting and kid-friendly books that my students just loved! The illustrations are amazing and the facts are pretty interesting! Must read if you are teaching about animal adaptations and survival in your science unit!

 

 

I think I found this idea on Pinterest, but to teach about the difference between seed and spore dispersal this worked well. All you need is glitter and bigger seeds like acorns or sunflower seeds. I took the students on a nature hunt. Luckily we have an oak tree on the school property. I shared with the  students how seeds typically fall near the tree and usually don't travel far (unless squirrels, or water interfere) and how that lowers the ability for these seeds to actually become trees. I demonstrated spore dispersal by blowing glitter out of my hand and the students saw how much further those "spores" landed. We then discussed how these spores would have a better chance of survival vs. the seeds. Student's then searched for ferns with spores (which we found) and picked up a few acorns as well. Very fun outdoor activity!

 

 

Finally, this week we started our Matter unit. We began with learning the important vocabulary: Solid, liquid, and gas. We added notes to our interactive notebook and then we participated in a solid, liquid, gas magazine sort. Students searched through magazine and food ads and found all sorts of creative examples. There were a lot of student discussions about which pictures would work or not. Very successful lab! The solid,liquid, gas worksheet in the picture is, you guessed it, a FREEBIE from TPT! Get it here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Matter-Liquids-Solids-and-Gases-Sort-325039

 

 

Thank you all! Follow the linky party by clicking on the Five for Friday picture above!

Student-Led Parent & Teacher Conferences

This week marked the start of my student-led parent & teacher conferences. For these conferences, we start by setting goals for Math & Reading with the student leading the conference. Afterwards the students track their progress throughout the year and keep track of it all in their "Data Binders". At the end of the year, we hold Celebration conferences where students and parents come in to celebrate all the progress that was made and review all the data in their binders. Today I posted my newest product which includes many of the forms I use in the student data binders! If this is something you'd like to start to improve your conferences here is more info on where you can find it:

Here is the link to my store:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Data-Binder-for-Goal-Setting-and-Tracking-Progress-1515480

I'm also giving away one free copy of this product tomorrow on my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thejunglespot

Thanks for stopping by and happy conferences!

Odd & Even lesson

In Math we are exploring odd and even numbers. Before we got into the mathematical definition of odd and even numbers, I had the students explore this concept with colored tiles. Each student selected a handful of tiles and they tried to build partners. I followed a lesson from the Virginia Department of Education and it was really helpful. Afterwards we listed which numbers gave us "partners" and which ones gave us tiles that were "left over". The students enjoyed sharing and exploring with the tiles.

After that discussion, we came up with some common "rules" for odds and evens.

Today we got to go play some review games for odds and evens in the Computer Lab.

This game is a monkey driving game, where the students drive a monkey in a car either marked ODD or EVEN. They have to collect the bananas by driving into the ones that are correctly marked depending on the label on the car. The students enjoyed playing this game.

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/monkeydrive/numbers/MDOddEven.htm

The Math Nook has a whole list of odd/even games that the students can play to practice. My students played many of these games and they were very interested in them. This site is awesome!

http://www.mathnook.com/search/search.php?q=evo

I hope you are able to take some of these ideas back to your classroom.

Cell Lab!

We started our unit on cells in Science this week. I found this cute project on TPT. I will share the link later. Basically, I had all the students bring in a cereal box to build a plant and animal cell.
That's the picture of my back table right before we started our lab. I gathered the following materials:
Glue bottles
Light green construction paper
Dark green construction paper
Orange construction paper
Yellow construction paper
foam stickers
sequins
Confetti

I asked for donations of craft supplies like: small pompoms, buttons, sequins, etc.

So after going over the parts of the cell, the differences between a plant and animal cell, watching Brain Pop movies on the cell parts, the students were ready to build their plant and animal cells. Here is a look at one of the animal cells that we started today:

I will post more pictures later! Any other ideas for this Cell unit (websites, links, crafts)? Please share in the comments.

Currently September 2014

Hello, I am linking up with Farley from Oh Boy Fourth Grade to bring you the Currently linky party!

 

I'm currently listening to the T.V. while I'm working on school stuff in my bed! I kind of would like to watch t.v., but I know I'll pay for it later! So, I'll have to pass for now.

 

I'm loving being able to take my girl's to their after school activities. Today was the first day of soccer practice for one of my girls and I enjoyed being able to take her, watch her play, and cheering her on from the sidelines. I was also able to spend some QT time with my other little one who is switching sports on me this year! I love this precious time with my kids.

I'm thinking of my birthday plans! My birthday is next Monday! I have class until 7:30 p.m. that night :(, so I am trying to make some last minute plans for this weekend! I have a long list of things I want, but I'm going to need to narrow that down to ONE!

I'm wanting my bathroom back! My husband had to demo our main bathroom due to a pipe failure and he's almost done with it! I really want my space back! I'm hoping it will get done before Christmas!

Speaking of Christmas and winter, I need another winter jacket to survive the cold days! I've been looking at Lands End, but having found something that I LOVE yet. Any suggestions?

3 trips! I have lots of places I'd like to visit, but for now, I'd like to go to the West Coast-----California. The girls would enjoy Disneyland and I would just like to see the Pacific Ocean and the beaches over there.

I also want to visit NY! I think this may happen before California. Not sure what I would do there yet, but definitely visit the Statue of Liberty!

Finally, I really want to go back to Mexico and visit the mountain where the monarch butterflies live! Only problem is that this is during January/February (not exactly my vacation time).

That's all for now! Now, head on over to the next blog and check out what everyone else is currently into!

What Friday? Blog Hoppin' Back to School 2014

 

So today is the last day of the Back To School linky party. Today the focus is on what we teach and what resources we use. Today I'm going to focus on Math. The day usually starts out with morning work. My teammate and I create a weekly packet that focuses on skills we are currently teaching and some review skills with a focus on problem-solving.

 

We used a balanced approach to teaching math, so most days we present a multimedia lesson using our textbook resources, videos, and promethean planet lessons. Then, we take notes in our interactive notebook. Usually that's followed by an exploratory math lab with manipulatives where students can practice the skill in a group setting. Afterward, students get to practice the skill independently on the left side of their interactive notebook. 

 

Once a week we take the students to the computer lab to work on Study Island. This online math program is awesome because you can assign the students a topic to work on and the students can play games to complete the task and earn blue ribbons. The students really enjoy this time. Here is what it looks like:

 

 

Each student has the list of skills that the program offers and it will list if they have attempted it and if so, what their score was. Teachers can print reports easily to send home to parents.

 

 

We also do a weekly problem of the week to help with problem solving skills. We teach the students to use the bar model to solve the problems as one of their strategies. Most of the problems come from www.bedtimemath.com

 

Here is an example of some of the problems. Most have a Science connection, so we love that!

FINALLY Enough Hours in the Day

21 Aug 2014

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That's all! Any ideas to incorporate into our Math block?

 

 

 

 

When Thursday? Blog Hoppin' Back to School 2014

Welcome back to Day 4 of the week long Back to School Linky party with Blog Hoppin'! Today I am going to share some  of my "When". To start off, I teach Math & Science only, so that's what my focus will be. The following is the year at a glance  charts for Math and Science that we used the last time we taught in 5th grade. They will be updated next week, but will most likely stay  fairly the same. This document just lists the big ideas that we will focus on during each quarter of the year for both subjects:

 

So, that's all for now. Is there anything special you teach in 5th grade Math or Science?

 

Link up with the other bloggers to see what they are up to. Click on the link below to go back to the main page:

 

 

 

Why Wednesday? Blog Hoppin' Back to School 2014

Welcome back to Day 3 of this week Back to School linky party. Today is also the big TPT sale! I hope you were able to pick up some great new products to use in your classroom.

So today I'm going to talk about organization! The biggest thing that keeps me organized in my classroom are my BINDERS! I have created a few different style binders that I have for sale over at TPT that will keep your teacher files organized!

Here is a look at one of the binders I have available:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-in-One-Teacher-Personal-Organizational-Planner-in-Grey-Chevron-and-Pink-815631

 

 

 

I also have it available in teal, and grey/white to help you save ink!

 

This year, I also wanted to find a better way to incorporate my personal planning and teacher stuff onto the same calendar! I was constantly copying down the same meetings on my personal planner and in my teacher planner as well as important family dates, like soccer practice, family functions etc. Needless to say, I missed a couple of things here and there due to there just being too many events/meetings to keep track of! So, I created a TEACHER ALL IN ONE PLANNER! This planner includes monthly calendar pages because I like to see the month in full view. I also have a day by day page with times!!!!!! I added week by week planning pages to leave room for things to buy for recipes, and other personal errands and events. This way, I won't have to transfer from a personal planner to a teacher planner ever!

 

I have two different designs available:

 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-in-One-Teacher-Personal-Planner-in-Rainbow-Stripes-with-Binder-Covers-1381898

 

 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-in-One-Teacher-Personal-Planner-in-Chalkboard-theme-1276283

 

 

As far as organizing my classroom materials, I store my Science Lab materials by unit. I use empty paper boxes and I created a label for all of the units that I have lab materials for.

 

 

I keep these hidden in my closet until it's time for that unit. When I'm using the unit, I just keep it on my back counter until I'm done with that unit. Here are some of the labels I've created for these units with the matching standard number that we use in Virginia:

 

 

 

 For my science labs, I have 5-6 black bins that I assign to table groups. It takes a lot of time to set up the labs, but the labs run very smoothly and  more time is spent on the activity.

 

For Math, I keep a different system. Since many of the manipulatives can be used in multiple units, I try and keep them all separated by type in bins and then just take them out when I need them.

 

The clear bins work well, because you can easily spot what is inside each one. For group work, I use the same system as Science Labs. I put all of the supplies in black bins and pass them out to table groups. For partner work,  I usually just put the supplies on the back table and have the students pick up the needed supplies on their own.

 

 

To keep students organized, I create a J.U.N.G.L.E. book folder for each student. This folder is also really helpful for parents to keep up with school passwords for websites, lunch money/notes home, and important school information. I do not have this available for purchase yet, but it is a work in progress.  Here is sneak peek:

 

 

Any other ideas you may have to help with organizing Math/Science materials?

 

Hop on over to the other teacher blogs to find out how they keep themselves and their classrooms organized.

 

 

 

Where Tuesday? Blog Hoppin' Back To School 2014

Welcome to DAY 2 of this week's Back To School Linky party! We actually don't start until next week, so my classroom is not ready. Here is a view of my school as you enter the parking lot

As you might have already guessed, I have a jungle theme going on in my room.

I purchased some new border this year to give the room an update! This are two of the borders I'm going to incorporate this year from Creative Teaching Press:


I also ordered a new calendar that I'm waiting to get laminated from Trend Enterprises!


I own a lot of this line!!!!!

I have my Welcome Back Banner already up in the hallway!



I'm also incorporating the following old borders:



I also have these desk plates ready to go!


Krista Wallden just shared a couple of her freebies that go with my theme!!!!! Go check out her store! http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Create-a-Colorful-Monkey-Bunting-817324



Any other jungle/monkey ideas out there you can share with me?

Who Monday? Blog Hoppin' Back to School 2014

So, I'm linking up with teacher bloggers all this week to share a little bit about myself. I hope you get the chance to hop through all of the teacher blogs and get to know us a little more.

 

So, I'm Laura Corral from The Jungle Spot on TPT. I'm a wife, mom, & teacher! I currently teach 5th grade to my looping class of 4th graders in the state of Virginia. My birthday is coming up and it's during the first week of school (as usual). I'm a VIRGO and am a bit of a perfectionist! Here are a few  more bits and pieces about me:

 

Here are my two beautiful girls: little (4) and big (almost 7!!)

 

Here is my awesome husband with the girls:

 

We need another family picture! We take pictures of one another with the girls, but usually the girls get antsy and run away before we can get a family pic!  It is on my to-do list! Any one else have this problem  or have ideas? Please share...

 

 

 

 

 

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

I love going to the beach! I try to go to ANY beach at least once a year!

My girls love it too!

 

Looking through pinterest for things to make/buy for my home! I am always looking for ways to improve especially in my home organization!  I don't think I'll ever stop looking for new ideas!

I love to take pictures, especially of my girls. I enjoy traveling with my family to new fun places. I love to shop smart and look for good deals! I LOVE Dirt Cheap in Alabama & Home Goods!

 

Here is one of my pinterest pins that I really want to create for my own home this year!

 

 

 IF YOU WEREN'T A TEACHER, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?

I actually love all things BEAUTY! My current part-time, other than TpT, is that I also work for a skin care company as an independent brand partner for NERIUM International! I always struggled with my skin, and have finally found something that works and is making me look younger! You can check out my page at www.lc2305.theneriumlook.com! I also have a facebook business page where I shared my personal before and after pictures! Go check it out: https://www.facebook.com/lcnerium

 

 

So, if I were not teaching, you could probably find me in a salon, behind a make up counter, etc.

 

THREE LITTLE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU.

Hard-worker. Funny. Loyal. 

 

FINISH THE SENTENCE, "________,  SAID NO TEACHER EVER!!"

"I really like to grade papers...said no teacher EVER!!"
 

Q: IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY AND YOU CAN INVITE ANYONE {DEAD OR ALIVE} TO THE PARTY. WHO ARE YOU INVITING?

Comedian, Gabriel Iglesias, Selena & Sandra Bullock!

Q: IF SOMEONE WROTE A BOOK ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?

 Dream Big! 

 Q:YOU GET TO PICK ONE SUPERPOWER. WHAT IS IT?

 

 I have to go with cleaning with a wand! Mary Poppins style!  

 

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR SAYING?

 

Q: IF YOU HAD TO SING ONE SONG ON AMERICAN IDOL, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

My sister has requested that I rock out to Adele, so any of her songs!

 

 Q: ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT OWL?

Definitely a night owl as I'm typing this well after midnight! I can stay up late, but am not much of a morning person!

 

 

FAVORITE RESOURCE THAT YOU'VE CREATED IN YOUR TPT SHOP?

 I really love my New Teacher Planners! They will help keep you organized for the rest of the year! I also made them very affordable! 

 

Chalkboard Teacher Planner:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-in-One-Teacher-Personal-Planner-in-Chalkboard-theme-1276283

 

 

 

Rainbow Pop Teacher Planner:

 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-in-One-Teacher-Personal-Planner-in-Rainbow-Stripes-with-Binder-Covers-1381898

 

 

 
Q: SHARE SOMETHING WE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU! 

I'm addicted to my To-Do-Lists! I think I know who got me started! I carry these in my car, bag, classroom! Once I scratch through them, I create new ones! Lately, I've found pretty rainbow to-do list with a big letter C on them!

 

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Your turn!! Here's what you need to join the party!!!