Week of August 28

Thursday Thoughts August 28

Many thanks to Traci Fleck for sending me a little math humor this week!  I thought you guys would enjoy a good laugh too.  After I finished laughing, I realized, we probably have many children who feel this way about math.  Adults too for that matter.  So it is important to note that while we are  trying to teach our students how to solve DOK  level 2 through 4 word problems (even though we have to put our adult heads together to solve the problems before we can teach the kids) we have to make sure that we are teaching the basics.  Yep...the basics.  The basics aren't glamorous and they aren't trendy, but they are necessary and serve as the foundation for everything else.  With ALL that teachers are expected to do and teach, we must remember that at the elementary level, we are laying the foundation for a future of lifelong learning.  Let's make sure that foundation is strong.

Staff Spotlight

This week Debra Hartley and Keisha Wingfield have been nominated for the staff spotlight by Kristen Ethridge.  They are being recognized for their hard work and dedication in working with the teachers and therapists to finalize the everchanging student schedules.  I can tell you that Debra has been instrumental in getting Ms. Plummer's classroom set up and making sure everything is running smoothly.  The children love Debra and her patience knows no bounds.  Keisha has taken the time to get to know the students and has put her heart into the working with the students everyday.  Ladies, thank you for making sure our students have had a great start to their year.

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

 

10 Quick, Easy (and Fun!) Ways to Practice Time Skills

By Genia Connell on March 26, 2014    

 www.scholastic.com

Trying to teach and reinforce analog clock skills in a digital world can be a challenge in the classroom. When I was young and heard the words a quarter to or half past the hour, I visualized a round clock that I could mentally divide into fourths or halves — pretty simple. Those words today carry much less meaning in the context of the clocks that our students have grown up with. It’s tough to visualize three-quarters or even a half of that rectangular, digital clock on their microwave or family car’s dashboard, yet we still expect our students to understand the language and readily move between digital and analog concepts.

This year, I discovered that many of my students were struggling with time concepts. Our new math book offered scarce opportunity for reviewing or practicing these skills. I decided to put together a few fun activities that my kids could do during math centers, or even during indoor recess. After a few weeks using these activities, I could see improvement in their ability to convert digital times to analog clocks and vice versa. This week I’m happy to share with you a few of those fun and easy activities that have helped my students this year.

1. LEGO^® Time!

My class loves LEGOs and thanks to great posts from super teachers like Alycia Zimmerman and Kriscia Cabral, I’ve come to realize their potential as a learning tool in the classroom. I decided to take some of my son’s old DUPLO^® blocks and create sets to help my students practice the idea of minutes before the hour, and minutes after the hour. Of course I threw in a few pieces that were close, but didn’t match any set. Students worked together to match the digital times with the correct wording, then recorded the times on analog clock using the sheet you see below. Tip: The permanent marker comes off the plastic easily with just a little Murphy’s Oil Soap so you can create new time sets for the future.

The sheet we used is below. Simply click on the image to download a free printable you can use in your classroom.

2. Eggsactly the Right Time

While I was in the basement looking for the old DUPLO blocks, I moved a box of Easter decorations out of the way. Looking inside, I spotted a few bags of unopened plastic eggs and instantly decided I could use those too!

I created tops and bottoms that my students would have to match. So it didn’t become a color-matching game, I mixed up the tops and bottoms of all the eggs. This turned out to be a great cooperative learning activity. Students first began trying to match the pieces without any strategy, and surprisingly, they were finding it quite difficult. I loved watching and listening to the math talk that followed as students began helping each other strategize, creating separate piles of tops and bottoms, making the task much more manageable. Students recorded the times on a worksheet I created (below) representing each time three different ways.

I did have to smile when, in the middle of the egg activity you see above, one of my third graders looked at me and said, “Now this makes sense. All along I thought teachers were talking about OUR hand. I never knew what my hand had to do with it!”

Simply click on the image above to download a free printable you can use in your classroom.

3. The Human Clock Game

I noticed that when my students had to add numbers or draw the hands on blank analog clocks, the numbers weren’t placed symmetrically as they should have been. Some children were also still confusing the hour and the minute hand. I put together a game that we could play as a brain break, or during indoor recess. Watch the video below to see how we worked on these concepts with the students racing to be the first team to get the correct time on their human clock. (Mobile users can view the telling time video here.)

4. I Have . . . Who Has . . . ? Activity

This activity works well as a warm-up for students to practice listening, as well as time skills. I shuffle the 28 cards and pass them out. A student begins reading their card until we have gone all around the room.

 

Click on the image above to print a set of 28 I Have . . . Who Has . . . ? cards for your own classroom. Cut each sheet into four parts and laminate for durability.

5. Time Bingo

I created a Bingo-style game to play with small differentiated groups. It's perfect for parent volunteers too. Depending on ability level of the students playing, I will change the way I say the time as I call off numbers. For example, instead of just saying 6:30, I might say half past six. The time of 8:37 could be read as 23 minutes before 9.

Click on the image above to download and print a PDF of my bingo game which includes 30 cards, call numbers, and a board to track every time that has been called.

If you would like to create your own sheets using the digital font seen on the board above, you can download the free font, Digital 7.

6. Real Life Elapsed Time Word Problems

Of all the things we do in our measurement unit, calculating elapsed time always proves to be the most challenging. In order to practice elapsed time skills in word problems, I create number stories modeled after those in our book, however I use familiar names (including their own) and situations. For example, one problem might be:

Mrs. Connell is cooking lunch for her third graders. The chicken nuggets will take 37 minutes to cook, cutting the watermelon takes 22 minutes, and it will take her 9 minutes to pour the lemonade. She wants everything finished at 12:20 p.m. What time should she start each item?

While this may not be a revolutionary idea, it helped a great deal because my students could hardly wait to see the day’s problems to find out who was "starring" in them. They seemed to tackle these types of word problems with more excitement and determination than the ordinary problems they had no connection with.

7. Scholastic Printables

Whenever I need a quick sheet in a hurry (think sub plans and warm-ups) Scholastic Printables is the first place I go. A few of my favorite time sheets can be found below. Click on each to download a free printable.

8. Timely Books to Use

I keep a math-themed basket of books that my students love to peruse through. Additional exposure to time concepts through literature is a big help when trying to reinforce what you are teaching. Click on each book cover below for more information.

9. Apps and Websites for Time Practice

	Splash Math 3rd Grade is an interactive workbook with 16 chapters covering math topics found in the Common Core State Standards for third graders. Time and measurement are both reviewed as well as all other areas of math. Splash Math is available in other grade levels as well. Free, with in-app purchases available.
	Mathmateer has 56 different missions students can work their way through to practice telling time, counting money, addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, decimals, geometry and more. $0.99.
	MathTappers: Clockmaster is a game to help children make the connection between hours and minutes and to help them become fluent in both reading and setting time on digital and analog clocks. Free.
	Telling Time: Students match digital time to the time shown on an analog clock in this free, easy-to-use app. Chapters cover math topics found in the CCSS for third graders. Free

Websites

	ABCya! Learn to Tell Time! Kids practice setting clocks by dragging the hands of a digital clock or clicking the up and down buttons of a digital clock. Leveled by grade.
	Clockworks helps students practice telling time, setting clocks, and calculating elapsed time.
	Matching Game: Telling Time to the Minute I do not know much about the Oswego City School District, but I do know they have some of the best simple resources out there for practicing basic skills. Check out their site for easy-to-use activities for all areas of math.

10. Blog Posts

Check out these blog post for great ideas for teaching your students everything they need to know about time.

"Teaching Elapsed Time: Strategies That Work"

By Meghan Everette

"Models, Music, and More on the Concept of Time"

By Shari Edwards

I hope you discovered something here this week that you may be able to use in your own classroom. Teaching time skills this year has been particularly challenging for me due to the varying levels of foundational knowledge my students came to me with. I would love to hear what you are doing in your classroom to help teach time skills or any other challenging area of the math curriculum.

For more tips you can subscribe to my blog or follow me on Twitter or Pinterest.

Technology Tidbits

http://www.squidoo.com/math-project-ideas-examples- Numerous ideas for Math PBL projects

 

http://www.squidoo.com/social-studies-projects-ideas-for-pbl#module168396835- Numerous idea for Social Studies PBL Projects

 

News & Notes

We will be adding an itinerant PE teacher on Mondays.  This means that the specials schedule will change a bit.  Any changes will take effect September 8th.

Week of August 21

Thursday Thoughts August 21

Last night I had an opportunity to attend a musical in which one of our Medlock Bridge students was a lead actor.  He performed in front of a packed house with a cast full of seasoned adult actors.  I was amazed to see this ten year old, sing, dance and act (with a British accent) like a pro.  While watching this child, I began to realize that I might very well be watching a future Broadway or Hollywood star.  I also started thinking that we have a school full of children who are more than just students in our classrooms.  There is more to them than being an "on" "advanced" or "accelerated" student.  There is more to them than just meeting or exceeding a standard.  We are fortunate in that we have first "dibs" on the imprints that are made on children's hearts and in their lives.  I know that it may be difficult to see the gift or talent in EVERY child, but I challenge you to do just that.  I am excited about embarking on Genius Hour.  I truly believe that everyone is gifted and we have to give children time and space to unwrap their gifts.

Staff Spotlight

This week Karen Cooke has been nominated for the staff spotlight by Debbie Doyle.  Talk about having to dive in head first!  Karen has not only navigated through the ever changing world of SLO's but she manages to keep a smile on her face during the madness.  Karen is being recognized because of her positive attitude and willingness to help out in any way.  It is hard to believe that she has been here for exactly one month today.  Karen is a real team player. 

Staff please remember to grab a nomination form and recognize a colleague. Things are crazy right now and a little acknowledgement will go a long way!


 

 4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

 

A Taxonomy Tree: A Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy Graphic

by Teach Thought Staff

If you’re a TeachThought reader, you know that thought is at the core of our content–curiosity, critical thinking, self-direction, and play among other slivers of learning.
This is especially true as it relates to teaching, learning, and technology. At the point where teaching, learning, and thinking overlap sits the concept of a learning taxonomy. And at that the center of that overlap is Bloom’s Taxonomy, certainly the most iconic of the thinking frameworks we use today.
And somewhere in that center of overlap is this graphic. You’ve probably seen the dozens of posts we’ve done to clarify Bloom’s–at least in form. We’ve shared different versions of Bloom’s taxonomy–pinwheels, iPad wheels, charts, cards, posters, power verbs, a simplified version for students, you name it.
If there is one thing teachers can’t get enough of, it’s Bloom’s taxonomy posters. Which makes sense–if teaching is about thinking, any way to get a fresh take on a taxonomy that promotes it should draw some interest. We’ve featured graphics like these–often by Mia MacMeekin–in the past. Mia does a great job of capturing useful tips and strategies in easy to digest graphics, and this graphic is no exception
In terms of graphic commentary, it’s a straightforward take on Bloom’s updated taxonomy (Create on top). It also includes the power verbs that are so useful in writing lessons and objectives, etc. Check out Mia’s site and let her know what you think.

 

 

Technology Tidbits

http://resources.oswego.org/games/- great site to add as a math center on your computers

http://mathcounts.org/- a website geared to challenge the 5th & 6th grade math students.  Check out the posters which can be downloaded and used as a center as well as the Problem of the Week.
 

News & Notes

 This year FCS will keep continue to take substitute applications through February.  This is great news and hopefully means that we will not have a shortage of subs.  We are keeping our fingers crossed.  If you know of someone who is interested in becoming a sub in FCS, please direct them to this site: http://www.fultonschools.org/en/divisions/hr/Pages/How_To_Become_A_Substitute.aspx

This site is a little difficult to find on the FCS website so this link is a shortcut.

Week of August 14

Thursday Thoughts August 14

Ok- So how is it that Day 4 feels like Day 44?  I keep telling myself that tomorrow I will get more accomplished, or meet my deadlines (that I've already missed) or cross off several items on my "To Do" list.  But the reality is that I won't.  There, I said it....I won't get it all accomplished in the time frame that has been outlined.  The reality is that I will have to determine my priorities and then work accordingly.   I will have things that I will keep pushing to the bottom of the list and then make a mad dash to complete them before a reprimand comes.   What are your priorities?  I know that for each and every one of you, students are your main priority.  With that being said, focus on that.  No seriously, focus on the kids!  If we need to move school created deadlines, let us know.  If I need to push some things out to September, I can do that.  We are only on Day 4 of school.  The school year is like a marathon and we can't sprint to the finish line.  We have to pace ourselves and encourage each other to finish the race successfully. 

 

Staff Spotlight

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Shelia Connell.  If you are not a special education teacher then you may not understand the complexities surrounding staffing, student services and parent communication as it relates to special education.   Not to mention the deadlines that the County implements at a moment's notice.  From the time that Shelia reached out to introduce herself back in June, she has been tackling some of the unique issues that we have at Medlock Bridge.  I appreciate Sheila's ability to navigate through the system to do what is best for students.  She is knowledgeable and willing to work with the parents while keeping in mind the parameters of what we are able to provide at the school.  Shelia, thank you for helping us educate ALL of our students.  

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

21 Simple Ideas To Improve Student Motivation

by Teach Thought staff

 

 

The best lessons, books, and materials in the world won’t get students excited about learning and willing to work hard if they’re not motivated.
Motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, is a key factor in the success of students at all stages of their education, and teachers can play a pivotal role in providing and encouraging that motivation in their students. Of course that’s much easier said than done, as all students are motivated differently and it takes time and a lot of effort to learn to get a classroom full of kids enthusiastic about learning, working hard, and pushing themselves to excel.
Even the most well-intentioned and educated teachers sometimes lack the skills to keep kids on track, so whether you’re a new teacher or an experienced one, try using these methods to motivate your students and to encourage them to live up to their true potential.
21 Simple Ideas To Improve Student Motivation
1. Give students a sense of control.
While guidance from a teacher is important to keeping kids on task and motivated, allowing students to have some choice and control over what happens in the classroom is actually one of the best ways to keep them engaged. For example, allowing students to choose the type of assignment they do or which problems to work on can give them a sense of control that may just motivate them to do more.
2. Define the objectives.
It can be very frustrating for students to complete an assignment or even to behave in class if there aren’t clearly defined objectives. Students want and need to know what is expected of them in order to stay motivated to work. At the beginning of the year, lay out clear objectives, rules, and expectations of students so that there is no confusion and students have goals to work towards.
3. Create a threat-free environment.
While students do need to understand that there are consequences to their actions, far more motivating for students than threats are positive reinforcements. When teachers create a safe, supportive environment for students, affirming their belief in a student’s abilities rather than laying out the consequences of not doing things, students are much more likely to get and stay motivated to do their work. At the end of the day, students will fulfill the expectations that the adults around them communicate, so focus on can, not can’t.
4. Change your scenery.
A classroom is a great place for learning, but sitting at a desk day in and day out can make school start to seem a bit dull for some students. To renew interest in the subject matter or just in learning in general, give your students a chance to get out of the classroom. Take field trips, bring in speakers, or even just head to the library for some research. The brain loves novelty and a new setting can be just what some students need to stay motivated to learn.
5. Offer varied experiences.
Not all students will respond to lessons in the same way. For some, hands-on experiences may be the best. Others may love to read books quietly or to work in groups. In order to keep all students motivated, mix up your lessons so that students with different preferences will each get time focused on the things they like best. Doing so will help students stay engaged and pay attention.
6. Use positive competition.
Competition in the classroom isn’t always a bad thing, and in some cases can motivate students to try harder and work to excel. Work to foster a friendly spirit of competition in your classroom, perhaps through group games related to the material or other opportunities for students to show off their knowledge.
7. Offer rewards.
Everyone likes getting rewards, and offering your students the chance to earn them is an excellent source of motivation. Things like pizza parties, watching movies, or even something as simple as a sticker on a paper can make students work harder and really aim to achieve. Consider the personalities and needs of your students to determine appropriate rewards for your class.
8. Give students responsibility.
Assigning students classroom jobs is a great way to build a community and to give students a sense of motivation. Most students will see classroom jobs as a privilege rather than a burden and will work hard to ensure that they, and other students, are meeting expectations. It can also be useful to allow students to take turns leading activities or helping out so that each feels important and valued.
9. Allow students to work together.
While not all students will jump at the chance to work in groups, many will find it fun to try to solve problems, do experiments, and work on projects with other students. The social interaction can get them excited about things in the classroom and students can motivate one another to reach a goal. Teachers need to ensure that groups are balanced and fair, however, so that some students aren’t doing more work than others.
10. Give praise when earned.
There is no other form of motivation that works quite as well as encouragement. Even as adults we crave recognition and praise, and students at any age are no exception. Teachers can give students a bounty of motivation by rewarding success publicly, giving praise for a job well done, and sharing exemplary work.
11. Encourage self-reflection.
Most kids want to succeed, they just need help figuring out what they need to do in order to get there. One way to motivate your students is to get them to take a hard look at themselves and determine their own strengths and weaknesses. Students are often much more motivated by creating these kinds of critiques of themselves than by having a teacher do it for them, as it makes them feel in charge of creating their own objectives and goals.
12. Be excited.
One of the best ways to get your students motivated is to share your enthusiasm. When you’re excited about teaching, they’ll be much more excited about learning. It’s that simple.
13. Know your students.
Getting to know your students is about more than just memorizing their names. Students need to know that their teacher has a genuine interest in them and cares about them and their success. When students feel appreciated it creates a safe learning environment and motivates them to work harder, as they want to get praise and good feedback from someone they feel knows and respects them as individuals.
14. Harness student interests.
Knowing your students also has some other benefits, namely that it allows you to relate classroom material to things that students are interested in or have experienced. Teachers can use these interests to make things more interesting and relatable to students, keeping students motivated for longer.
15. Help students find intrinsic motivation.
It can be great to help students get motivated, but at the end of the day they need to be able to generate their own motivation. Helping students find their own personal reasons for doing class work and working hard, whether because they find material interesting, want to go to college, or just love to learn, is one of the most powerful gifts you can give them.
16. Manage student anxiety.
Some students find the prospect of not doing well so anxiety-inducing that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. For these students, teachers may find that they are most motivated by learning that struggling with a subject isn’t the end of the world. Offer support no matter what the end result is and ensure that students don’t feel so overwhelmed by expectations that they just give up.
17. Make goals high but attainable.
If you’re not pushing your students to do more than the bare minimum, most won’t seek to push themselves on their own. Students like to be challenged and will work to achieve high expectations so long as they believe those goals to be within their reach, so don’t be afraid to push students to get more out of them.
18. Give feedback and offer chances to improve.
Students who struggle with class work can sometimes feel frustrated and get down on themselves, draining motivation. In these situations it’s critical that teachers help students to learn exactly where they went wrong and how they can improve next time. Figuring out a method to get where students want to be can also help them to stay motivated to work hard.
19. Track progress.
It can be hard for students to see just how far they’ve come, especially with subjects that are difficult for them. Tracking can come in handy in the classroom, not only for teachers but also for students. Teachers can use this as a way to motivate students, allowing them to see visually just how much they are learning and improving as the year goes on.
20. Make things fun.
Not all class work needs to be a game or a good time, but students who see school as a place where they can have fun will be more motivated to pay attention and do the work that’s required of them than those who regard it as a chore. Adding fun activities into your school day can help students who struggle to stay engaged and make the classroom a much more friendly place for all students.
21. Provide opportunities for success.
Students, even the best ones, can become frustrated and demotivated when they feel like they’re struggling or not getting the recognition that other students are. Make sure that all students get a chance to play to their strengths and feel included and valued. It can make a world of difference in their motivation.

Technology Tidbits:

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities.html- Interactive Science games- a wide variety of topics


News & Notes

****HOT OFF THE PRESS*********
The 10 day count ends on August 22nd.  District officials will meet on August 26th to discuss enrollment.  The area superintendents will communicate the results with schools on August 27th.
Any teacher surpluses or hiring will take place the week of Sept 2nd. 



Week of August 7

Thursday Thoughts August 7

Another successful Sneak Preview under our belts!  I don't know about you but today I could feel a certain buzz in the air.  Children were excited about returning to school and there were MANY new faces all about.  All week I have been so consumed with enrollment and hiring that I haven't taken the time to think about what the increased enrollment really means.  When you think about it, we are a school of choice.  Parents choose to move into our school zone or select Medlock under Open Enrollment.  The increased enrollment means that Medlock Bridge has a reputation for excellence.  In the past I have said that we are the best kept secret in Johns Creek, but I truly think the secret is out.  So what does this mean for us?  It means that it's our time to shine!  It's our time to teach outside of the box, instill character in our kids that will carry them throughout their lives and bring fun back to teaching.  I am excited about this year and the future of Medlock Bridge.  Thank you for embarking on this journey.....let's enjoy the ride!

 

Staff Spotlight
This year I would like to change things up a bit with the staff spotlight.  Starting Monday, I will have a box on my file cabinet (no it will not replace the candy dish) for nominations for the weekly Staff Spotlight.  Nomination slips will be provided for you to complete.  This is an opportunity for staff members to do more than "Shout Out" to coworkers or say thanks.  This is an opportunity to acknowledge each other and the meaningful ways that we contribute to each other as individuals and as professionals.  You will be able to remain anonyomous if you'd prefer.  We will also be scheduling time for you to observe classrooms throughout the year so this would be a great way to share the innovative things that you see in classrooms.

 

 

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills  

27 Ways To Promote Intrinsic Motivation In The Classroom

From Teach Thought.org

 

 

Technology Tidbits

https://www.smore.com/0udr-fun-critical-thinking-activities- Site(blog) has some fun critical thinking ideas for your class that you can try immediately.

www.mathwire.com- This site takes you to multiple problem solving websites.  You may want to vet this and add some of the links to your classroom website.

 

News & Notes

 

 Check out the 2014-15 FCS Curriculum Handbook.  Elementary Curriculum Handbook
Great resource for you when communicating with parents.  You can also link this to your classroom website under the resources tab.