Monday Made it- January 2013

It's that time again!

So, first of all, I know, we all love Pinterest and we get inspired and try lots of things. I should know that most of what I try does NOT come out as nicely as what I have pinned. But, I still try.

http://naptimedecorator.blogspot.com/2011/11/family-handprint-tree.html

I pinned this a very long time ago. I decided to make one for my mom for Christmas. It did NOT turn out like the picture and I was really embarrassed by it. I couldn't give it to my mom, but I procrastinated and was kind of stuck. Enter, my perfectionist husband. He saved the day and we had an AWESOME family tree for my mom. Of course, she loved it. I loved it so much, my hubby is making one for our house now.

Our Family Tree

Now for school.

See these?

I have been saving these since summer. A family of six, that loves breakfast, well, we go through a lot of eggs.
I cannot throw anything away, much to my husbands dismay. He asked me a few weeks ago to do something with them. So, I started a project that has turned into a monster. I am really inspired, but it is taking a LONG time. So, my Monday Made It, is actually Monday Making It. But, since I have been working so long on it, I really wanted to share something.

Here's what I have so far.

Oh, but there is more... a MONSTER, I tell you....

See what I mean? This started off simple, but has grown a life of its own. Its made me actually contemplate opening a TpT store too. Who knows? For now, I will finish them. Get some help from my wonderful friend/volunteer to actually get them made. Then start using them with my students. I mean, that is why I am spending all this time making them, right?

So, check back with me, because these will be completed games soon!

Divisibilty Lessons- Math Notebook and Centers

My first math related lesson was on Divisibility Rules. Last year we didn't really touch on it and I think it hurt our kids. I want them to have practice with the rules and then have a resource in their notebooks to use when they get stuck.

I used an interactive flipchart first. I am also including this divisibility game in the first set of math centers we do. Click on the picture below to get a copy of the center. (free)

Have you seen this on Pinterest?

source: www.classroomdiy.com

  I made a generic one that I can change anytime. This will  be "Divisibility Swat", next week. As a warm up, I plan to say something like, "Swat a number divisible by 3" A student will swat a number AND explain WHY based on the divisibility rule.

My plan was to have them create this in their math notebooks. Matchbook divisibility rules. Isn't it cool?

Then reality set in, and this is what ended up in their notebook instead, but not in color.

For the left side, student output, they completed a checklist of only four problems. I used it for a quick check and an informal assessment.

This lesson went well. They don't have cool matchbooks in their notebook, but I am over it. (well, maybe not yet. It would have been so cool.) The students really liked the interactive flipchart. To help keep these rules in their minds, I am including this for their daily quiz next week. And I know they will love the swat game.

Center Activity: Fractions and Decimals on a Number Line

Made another center for our first unit on converting fractions.

Students will match the fraction with the decimal, meaning they will have to calculate.

Then they will put it on the number line.

After I laminate the sentence strips, I will add the Velcro dots. I have four sets and matched the sentence strip color and the cards for organization purposes.

Download the activity cards here.

Download the recording sheet here.

Fractions, Decimals and Percents Game

Many months ago, I saw this on Pinterest.

activitymom.blogspot.com

At the time I was thinking of ways to help my own son who was in Kindergarten learn his sight words. So, I started saving bottle caps.

I needed a way to save a lot and as luck would have it, my school was doing some testing and we gave our kids water bottles. I sent a mass email and asked the teachers to have their students save their lids for me and I ended up with hundreds of them.

 I didn't need that many, but being the teacher that I am, I can't throw them away. I am sure they will come in handy at some point. 

I did write my son's sight words on some and he played with them a few times. It was helpful.

So, here I am just sitting and surfing the web, stalking blogs and game sites and it hits me. I can use those for a matching game.

So, here's what I came up with: 

Put a Lid on It!

Students will match the fraction, decimal and percent

My plan is to use this as a center. This is a big goal for me this year in Middle School, more hands on centers/stations.

Download the activity here.

ENJOY!