Display & Blog Post: William Glasser "We Learn..." Poster

Back in high school, I took private batting lessons to improve my softball swing.  My hitting instructor was one of the best in the business, as he could pinpoint the tiniest details in my swing.  He went beyond the fundamentals, sharing the best techniques and mechanics.  His knowledge for the game was through the roof, but perhaps the most unique thing about him was how he took the mental side of softball to a different level.

Every session, he would say "you only remember 50% of what you see and hear."  At the time, I never understood why he said this.  I figured it was an excuse that would benefit me in case I were to forget something.  When I became a teacher, I finally understood what he meant.

Lesson Plan: Multiplication Properties

Front of Properties Foldable

This lesson utilizes enVision Math, but ideas can be adapted for other texts.  Many of the hyperlinks will direct you to a place to download the resources used throughout this lesson. (Note: You must have ActivInspire downloaded to view the Promethean Board slides)

Lesson: 3.1 – Multiplication Properties
Subject: Math

Grade: 5th

Integration of Learning Outcomes

· Students will be able to identify and apply Commutative, Associative, Identity, and Zero Properties of Multiplication by reasoning abstractly and quantitatively, constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others, looking for and making use of structure, and looking for and expressing regularity in repeated reasoning.

Standards

· 5.NBT.6: Use strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division.

Lesson Plan: Every Picture Tells A Story

Objectives: Students will be able to…

• Brainstorm a topic for a narrative by looking at pictures
• Independently start writing a narrative based on a picture they selected
• Orally outline a story by looking at a picture

Standards:

• PA.R.1.4 – Types of Writing
• PA.R.1.5 – Quality of Writing

Anticipatory Set: There will be a brief discussion. Ask the students, “What is a writer’s block?” Have students raise their hands and give the definition of a writer’s block. Ask the students if they ever had a writer’s block and how they felt during that time.  Follow this up by asking the students how they got out of the “writer’s block.” Share a personal experience or examples of a writer’s block so that the students feel comfortable sharing their own experiences.

This activity allows students to discuss a topic that they can relate to, but also connect to brainstorming. Explain that we will use one strategy that will help resolve the issue of a writer’s block.

Educational Apps #2: Math Apps

Below is a presentation on educational elementary-level mathematics applications.  The apps are great for home and school practice. Each slide provides an in-depth analysis on the app. All of these applications are available on iTunes or in the Google Play Store.

iPads are an excellent tool to use in education. 21st century learners would greatly benefit by the use of iPads. Not only is it a great tool for note-taking, but there are thousands of apps that can be used for education. iPads provide interactive activity that helps students learn. It is a digital manipulative that can be used for differentiation and help students succeed.

Also included is a handout for parents.  The handout is intended to be a resource for parents, especially to avoid the "summer slide."  The handout provides many math websites with games and practice programs.

In the comment section, please suggest some of your favorite educational apps or websites!

For  more app suggestions, visit the link for Educational Apps #1.

Math Game: Standard, Word, Expanded Form Matching

Download this Standard, Word, and Expanded Form Game on our Teacher's Pay Teachers page.  Use the anchor chart above to help students!

Here is how to play:

As a Whole Class:

• Pair It Up: Give each student a card. Students will find their partners who have the cards that represent the same numbers in each form (expanded, standard, and word form)

As  Math Center:

• Memory Style: Flip over 3 cards at a time until you find the three cards that represent the same number.
• Matching Game: Match the cards, sorting through expanded, standard, and word form.

Have another way to play this game? Share in the comments below!

Lesson Plan: Colon Minilesson

Subject/Grade: Grammar, 6th Grade (can be adapted for other grade levels)

Objectives:

• Students will be able to determine when it is appropriate to use a colon.

• Students will be able to write three sentences properly using colons for each way that a colon is used.

Standards:

• CC.1.4.6.F: Demonstrate a grade appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and spelling.

• E07.D.1.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

• E07.D.1.2.4: Use punctuation to separate items in a series. 

Assessment: Create Your Own

Finishing up a unit or chapter in science or social studies? Check out this "Create Your Own Final Assessment" project on our Teachers Pay Teachers site!

Students have the option to create their own final project. Students will choose any topic from the studied chapter. The project options include:

• Comic Strip
• Magazine 
• Children's Book
• Power Point 
• Song 
• Tri-fold/Poster 
• Essay 

Rubrics are included in the package! Students can even present to the class, or you could have a gallery walk!

This assessment portion is different than the traditional test. Students are able to pick a project that they will enjoy, while also showing what they learned throughout the whole unit. Students will enjoy this form of an assessment much more than a test.