Fraction Jenga War

Yesterday I cruising the "Interwebs" and I came across this post from Math Coach's Corner about working with fractions and making them fun. 

I took a look at the Fraction War and thought, "This would be a great activity to do with my kids at the Boys and Girls Club."  I printed off the fraction cards and was all set and then I found my old Jenga game. 

I thought, "Maybe I could combine the two in some way to make this fun and exciting as well as educational." 

So, I set up the Jenga game as usual and placed the fraction cards in the center of the table. I posted the following on the board: 

Fraction Jenga War

1. Pass out cards to all players.

2. Play a card from your hand without looking.

3. Player with the largest fraction wins. 

4. Winner then picks Jenga piece. 

I picked up the students and explained the rules to them. Immediately, I was met with resistance: "This is going to be boring!", one of them exclaimed. 

I asked them how would they know unless they tried. 

Reluctantly we began to play. They had a blast! 

They were so engaged with the game and learning about fractional relationships! We will revisiting this activity again!  

Thanks to the Math Coach!  

Discipline Delivery for effective consequences.

Being the disciplinarian isn't always the most popular job of a teacher but it is part of the job. When you have to be that person just remember these ideas:

1. Keep voice level soft.
2. Proximity
1. Junior High is arms-length, one step closer
2. Elementary is even closer
3. Eye contact with student as you deliver the message.
4. Use touch
5. Move around the classroom
6. Privacy
1. Keep track of rule infractions on pad of paper.
2. Speak softly so no one else can hear.
3. Move to a hallway, private place.
7. Don’t embarrass
8. Be firm, anger free
9. Do not accept excuses, whining, bargaining
1. Keep repeating rule and consequence, go on with lesson
2. Have whiner go to time-out area. Most will only last for a few minutes.
3. Remain firm and calm for long whiners.
10. Assertive walk, assertive gestures.
1. What messages do you send?
2. Practice when no one else is in the room. Walk around your classroom, and ….
   
   
   
   Feel the power of being in control!

Making a List and Checking it Twice

             

 (4th Grade)

      Today’s product spotlight is actually two products. Here are a couple checklists for introducing Common Core Standards. 

 We have a 3^rd and 4^th grade list available for download for a dollar each! 

          

    These easy-to-use checklists allow you to enter a date and see at a glance when you introduced or covered a standard in an easy-to-read format. 

    It is always a good idea to make sure that you are always ready to give an account for when you covered a particular standard in your classroom to your principal or Director of Educational Services. Check them out today!

(3rd Grade)