NINJA BUNNIES $1.00 SALE

The Ninja Bunnies have been going crazy in the stores of some of my favorite Indiana Bloggers.  TODAY and TOMORROW we will be offering all of the fabulous products listed below for ONE DOLLAR.


THREE of my favorite products are listed for only $1.00 AND my [Genius Moments] on sale!!


Check out my previous posts on [My Spectacular Substitute Binder] to learn more about the binder that has repeatedly saved my life. You can also grab my Skittles Probability Study.  It is the perfect, tasty way to introduce the difference between theoretical and experimental probability, OR a great, quick review.  …and let’s be real, YUM!  AND, who doesn’t need a set of task cards to review adding and subtracting decimals!

    

An InLinkz Link-up

TIME FLIES…

How? How is it almost December?!? We are already passing out midterm reports for the second quarter of the school year and my last blog post was my classroom reveal.  This is not okay.

I kind of don't even know where to begin...  

While I feel like I am in constant need of a nap, my year is off to a fantastic start. Here are just a few things that have brought a smile to my face recently.

First, I love my students.  Each year, as June approaches, I can't help but start to pay more attention to the fifth graders down the hall.  ...and if I am being honest, last year there was a whole lot of anxiety as I thought about what the future school year would bring.  Although I call them my little hurricanes, and while they are the noisiest silent class I have ever met, they always manage to brighten my day.

oh, Origami.  On Wednesdays and Fridays, the middle school students at my school participate in an elective program.  This semester I decided to teach origami, and I was shocked to learn how many students had no idea how to make a paper airplane.  We promptly resolved that small crisis and recently had the First (Possibly) Annual Paper Airplane Launch where prizes were awarded for the Farthest Flight and the Most Unique Design.

I have decided to experiment with Interactive Math Notebooks this year.  I am still sticking with the [Fantastic Math Cheat Sheet Organizer] for my 7th grade students, but I decided to attempt notebooks with my 5th and 6th graders.  It is definitely an experiment, and I already have a growing list of things I want to do differently next year, but, live and learn.  If you have suggestions or resources, I will take 'em.

I have prep time!!  Yep, for the first time in my teaching career, I have more than forty-five minutes a week to plan at school.  Thanks to our fantastic, new gym teacher, I have THREE forty-five minute plan periods a week.  ...it may not seem like much to some of you, but, oh my goodness, it is wonderful.

…and as of 3:35 p.m. today, I have a four-day weekend to enjoy.  Hello, naps!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY $1.00 SALE

Did I just hear the words POLAR VORTEX to describe these crazy, cool summer temperatures in Indiana??! The weather forecast for this week seems to fit… It’s an Indiana Blogger’s Christmas in July $1.00 Sale!

TODAY and TOMORROW we will be offering all of the fabulous products listed below for ONE DOLLAR.   On Friday morning, all of the products will go back to their regular price, so grab them while you can!

I have TWO of my favorite products listed for only $1.00 AND my [Indiana Academic Standards Checklists] on sale!!

Check out my previous posts on [My Spectacular Substitute Binder] to learn more about the binder that saved my life this past school year. …as much as we don’t want to think about it, we will be back-to-school before we know it.  Get your Spectacular Substitute Binder ready NOW, so that you don’t have to panic when your fabulous kiddos sneeze on your favorite pen.

You can also grab my Skittles Probability Study.  It is new to my store and one of my favorite probability lessons.  This Skittles Study can be a tasty way to introduce the difference between theoretical and experimental probability, OR the perfect quick review.  …and let’s be real, YUM!

   

Start browsing below and take advantage of these fantastic deals!!

An InLinkz Link-up

THE JOYS OF TEACHING

I love my job.  LOVE.  …I especially love all of those random moments that I’m not expecting that bring a smile to my face.  This week was full of those moments and I just have to share a few of them…

1.  Apparently I am allowed to leave the building during my prep time?!?  Say WHAT??  How did I not know this?  (Probably because I only get one, forty-five minute prep period a week and I am frantically using that time to be as productive as possible.)  …this week, I just really needed caffeine.  Hello, giant Dr. Pepper from the gas station down the street!!  #instantenergy

2.  On Wednesday, a few of the 8th grade students took on the responsibility of leading chapel as part of an optional honors program we offer to our middle school students.  There is nothing that can bring more joy to my heart, or make me more proud, than watching my students share their faith and talk about how God is working in their lives.

 “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

3.  Oh, Wednesday Words.  I think I have created a monster, and I like it.  Every week we learn a new Wednesday Word, a unique vocabulary word to incorporate into conversations and spot in our reading.  As they find these words in their independent reading, they can redeem them for Jolly Ranchers. *cough* BRIBERY *cough*  Check this out.  Apparently one of my students was a little desperate for something to write on when she found a Wednesday Word in the book she is reading.  Yes, that is a straw wrapper. 



I also heard one of my students yell, “Ugh, this game is so arduous!” while playing basketball at recess.  …she immediately looked at me to see if that would earn her a Jolly Rancher. 

4.  I BLEW my students’ minds when we discovered that there are 6,402,000,000,000,000 different ways they could arrange themselves in a single line for a panoramic picture.  Yep, over six quadrillion ways my eighteen fabulous students could line up to walk down the hall!!

5.  If you teach middle school and you have yet to come up with a reason to play Disney music during work time, find an excuse to do so.  At one point during art on Friday, I am pretty sure that ALL eighteen of my students were singing along to “Let it Go” from Frozen.  I’m not talking a subtle singing, I am talking full out belting those lyrics.  Yes, even my macho boys.  …the looks on their faces while working on an art project and rocking out to Disney songs were priceless.

I repeat, I LOVE my job.

FANTASTIC MATH CHEAT SHEET ORGANIZERS

I will admit it, I was not brave enough to go all out and commit to using interactive notebooks to teach math this year.  Instead, my students keep all of their foldables and flippables in their Fantastic Math Cheat Sheet Organizer.  Check this thing out!!  With just one fold, a few cuts, and a little glue, students have a mini-book complete with an envelop to store their notes!

Now, I have to be honest,  I cannot take credit for coming up with brilliant idea.  However, I am also unable to give credit where credit is due.  At a conference this fall, I ditched a not-so-great presenter, and happened upon THIS.

Here is how...

Fold the bottom of the envelop to the top of the envelop.  

Fold carefully so that the flap of envelop is still able to be closed.

Use scissors to “shave" along the three folds that I have highlighted in the picture.  (This is by far the most challenging step.  I am a huge advocate of "hands-off" moments in my classroom.  Take your "hands-off" your supplies, and have your eyes on me.)  By shaving those three folds, you now have an additional page for gluing your flippables and foldables.  It is important to not shave past the fold that was made in the first step.

Carefully use the smallest bit of liquid glue to seal the fold from Step #1.  This will allow you to still have an envelop for students to store notes that you do not glue in place.

With a well-placed single hole punch, you can close all the pages of the 

Fantastic Math Cheat Sheet Organizer with the envelop flap.

BAM!  Decorate, add all the flippables and foldables that create in class, and enjoy!

These were easy to make, and they have been a great alternative to going all out with interactive notebooks. ...I would love to jump to an interactive notebook next year.  I have pinned and bookmarked tons of resources, but if you have any advice or resources you are willing to share, I will take it!!

TASK CARD TRAUMA

I love task cards, I really do.  …but sometimes I am just not sure how to make them work in the classroom.  Yes, they are engaging, but how do I ensure they are a true reflection of a student’s understanding? 

I am on a mission.  My goal is to share how I most often use task cards, but also come up with some new ways to use them in the classroom.

                             

METHOD #1:  Independent Work.  Depending on my purpose, this seems to work best if I am looking for a true assessment of understanding.  Rather than providing a set of task cards for each student, I scatter one set around the classroom.  Students each receive a Task Card Recording Sheet and their goal is to complete each task card by the end of class.  Obviously, setting expectations for the classroom environment is important.  Each card must be returned to where they found it before they can begin searching for a card they have not yet done.

METHOD #2: Partner Work.  At least in my classroom, working with a partner seems to work best when each task card can be a “station” in the classroom.  Partners find a task card and are given four minutes to work together to solve before rotating to a new station.  …I often time the stations so that the last ten minutes of class can be spent finishing any cards that were more challenging.

METHOD #2: Team Work.  I have tables in my classroom, so students are used to sitting in groups and working as a group.  If I plan to have students work as a team to complete the task cards, I often have a set of cards for each group.  (color-coding = brilliant.)  It is important to me that each student actively contributes to their team.  I often require students to complete the task card independently before discussing their answers.  In order to move onto the next task, all team member must agree on their solution. 

When I set out on this mission, I found a few great resources that get me thinking.  (oh, the possibilities…) Check out these resources for even more suggestions for using task cards in the classroom.

What is a Task Card?

Task Card Corner

Interested in trying task cards??  (…or do you just need a new, fabulous set to spice up your collection?)  Be sure to check out my newest Teachers Pay Teachers product.  Adding and Subtracting Decimals: Task Cards.  Get them [here]!  I just used these with all of my middle school students when we returned from Spring Break.  It was a great way to turn our “math brains” back on and review this important skill.

HOW DO YOU USE TASK CARDS IN YOUR CLASSROOM??  I would love to hear from you!

LIEBSTER AWARD

…since I have been blogging for all of a month, I was pretty excited to find out that Lisa at Mrs. Tilmon Says… nominated me for the Liebster Award!!

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than two hundred followers as a way of welcoming them to the blogosphere. …I have all of five followers, so I would say that I meet that criteria. 

Lisa’s Questions & My Answers.

1. What grade do you teach? What grades have you taught? How long have you been teaching?  I have been teaching for five years and I LOVE it!  I currently teach in a small private school where I am the only 6th grade homeroom teacher.  Throughout the week I teach middle school math, literature, writing, and art. 

2. What book do you read to your class each year without fail?  I like to switch it up.  I am currently reading Wonder, by R.J. Palaico, to my 8th grade art class.  I discovered this book over the summer and decided it was one of those books that everyone needs to read.  …so if you haven’t read it, start reading!

3. If you weren't a teacher, what would you be doing?  …sleeping…  I seriously think I could be a professional sleeper. OR, possibly a children’s librarian.  I worked in the children’s department of the local library when I was in college.  Best. Summer. Job. Ever.

4. What's one thing you're just dying to buy for your classroom?  I can only pick one thing??  I would gladly take a personal Starbucks barista.

5. What's your non-teaching guilty pleasure?  I may or may not have a slight addiction to all things reality television.

6. Favorite book that is not teaching related?  This is the most difficult question ever.  I really just love reading.  My New Year’s “Resolution” was to read fifty-two books this year.  #nerdalert.  I was on a roll during the Polar Vortex where every other day was a snow day.  I think I have recently fallen a little behind.  …I just read the Divergent trilogy and loved it!

7. What's one thing on your bucket list?  ZipLining!!  …preferably somewhere awesome and tropical!

8. Favorite restaurant?  I have a thing for local restaurants.  El Azteca has the best black bean soup and excellent margaritas.  yummm.

9. Who would play you in a movie about your life?  I can’t know.  PASS.

10. What's one thing you could eat everyday?  I’m pretty sure I could eat a PB & J everyday and be okay with it.

11. What inspired you to begin blogging?  I started blogging as a way to network with other middle school teachers.  When you are the only 6th grade teacher in the building, there is a definite lack of collaboration and idea sharing.  Although I am new to blogging, I already love the community of teacher bloggers and the inspiration they provide.

11 Random Facts about ME.

• I LOVE hockey.  Go Blackhawks!! 
• I have never broken a bone.
• I have traveled to France, Switzerland, Italy, Mexico, and Canada, yet I don’t have a single stamp in my passport.  lame.
• I hate shoes.  If I could live in flip-flops, I would.  ...my shoes are regularly off in my classroom.  shhh!
• It’s official.  I am slightly addicted to Dr. Pepper.
• My favorite season is summer.  …and not just because teachers get summer’s off.  Sunshine and a good book make all things better!
• I may or may not have seen every episode of Hannah Montana.  I might also own the movie and all of the CDs.  Don’t judge. 
• I am terrified of goats.
• My classroom is extremely organized and it makes me INSANE when students plop things on my desk.  Excuse me, what are you thinking??
• …my bedroom is extremely unorganized. 
• I am off to Costa Rica in exactly 105 days for a mission trip with my fabulous High School Youth Group.  I can’t wait.  “…and what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Now that you know a little more about me, I would love for my nominees to answer the same questions that Lisa asked me and share eleven random facts about themselves. 

       

Here are the rules. 
1. Link back to my blog as the one who nominated you.
2. Nominate five blogs with fewer than two hundred followers.
3. Answer the questions posted.
4. Share eleven random facts about yourself.
5. Contact your nominees to let them know they have been nominated. : ]

THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM

okay.  I am a nerd.  I know it, and I embrace it.  I LOVE the Pythagorean Theorem.

When I was in high school, I had an amazing Geometry teacher who made us memorize the Pythagorean Theorem.  We were warned; he would be stopping us in the hallway, in the cafeteria, at after-school activities and we would be expected to recite it back to him.  As a result, I can state the Pythagorean Theorem with incredible speed and accuracy, bound to amaze students everywhere.

"In any right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides."  BAM.

After discovering an awesome "Properties of a Circle" foldable that was actually shaped like a circle, I decided it was time to create a Pythagorean Theorem foldable that was actually shaped like a triangle.  ...because I was crunched for time, rather than thinking through how to create it on the computer so that it would print front-to-back and fold the way I had in mind, I went to work with a a piece of printer paper and a sharpie. 

I started by creating a square on which I wrote out four practice problems that would be folded into the inside of the foldable.  Some of those practice problems require the students to solve for the hypotenuse, but others force them to solve for a side length.

Then, I folded along the diagonal to create a right triangle and used sharpie to draw blanks where students would label important information.  As we made our foldables, we filled in that important information and color-coded the legs and hypotenuse.

Next, I folded the acute angles of the triangle up to the right angle to hide the triangle and create a square where students can write the definition of the Pythagorean Theorem.

Finally, fold along the diagonal and add a title to the front.

When I worked through this process with my lovely 7th graders, we did all the folding first.   Then we started with the title on the front and worked our way to the center of the foldable where the practice problems were located.  Foldables are nothing new to my students, so while this process may seem complicated, they folded and labeled like pros. 

Before walking out of my classroom, students glued them into their Fantastic Math Cheat Sheet Organizers.  (Click [here] for more information on this stroke of brilliance...)

As if I didn't already love the Pythagorean Theorem, now I have a fabulous, colorful, triangular foldable to use when I teach my favorite theorem.

IT'S OFFICIAL!!

Thanks to the encouragement of the one and only, Holly Ehle, I have decided to start blogging about all of my fabulous, exciting, exhausting, and sometimes catastrophic experiences teaching middle school.

(If you don't follow Holly, start.  She is an incredible Kindergarten teacher, and her blog is full of resources for both KinderTeachers and bloggers. Check it out. Mrs. Ehle's Kindergarten Connections. ...she is also my sanity at school each day and I often wonder what I would do with out her.)

Teaching at a small private school where there is only one class per grade level, has it's perks.  For example, I am able to refer to myself as the BEST 6th grade teacher in the building, without feeling all that guilty.  ...but, I love to brainstorm, share ideas, and "steal" resources from teachers that teach similar content, and that doesn't often happen when you are the only 6th grade teacher in the building...

Get ready, I teach middle school math, literature, writing, and art.  I can't wait to start sharing some of my go-to-places for resources, as well as those things I create on my own. ...and I hope you are willing to share with me as well.