New math implementations- pin it to win it!

It never fails-  once July starts- my teacher brain wheels start turning!

I'm working on things across the board.  Today I thought that I would post about math.  :-)

I teach math using a guided math format.  You can download free charts and read more about it here.

I have been working on differentiated skill based centers and still need a couple of weeks to finish for these.

I also am finishing my numbers and measurement unit to complete the units used for teaching math during the first quarter.

I have finished my take on an interactive notebook.  

My reasoning for making a different notebook when there are already AWESOME notebooks out there is so that students can use their notebooks to practice their skills during independent work or with a volunteer.  Most of the things involve tape so you can use a dry erase marker or pockets to sort cards.  If you click here, you can download the preview to see the sample.  

 Each skill has an "I Can" statement, a Monday sort, and a self reflection rubric.

 I also start out each week with a blind sort.  The students have to work together to figure out how to sort the cards.  The cards will lead to the topic that we will be learning for the week. Students have to reflect daily on how well they followed rules and how much they learned each day.  At the end of math we have a "reflection" time where students share what they are proud of (sometimes I tell them what to bring as a quick spontaneous check) and they also discuss how they did on goals and reflect on their chart.

 Each skill has a vocabulary page.

 Students will draw or write a way for them to remember the vocabulary word and this sheet gets glued right into their notebook.   I always use these vocabulary words as I teach but always had a tough time keeping up with a math word wall- so this is my hopefully simple solution!  

Each skill has an "interactive" component.

For this particular skill, students cut out and glue the number chart into their notebook.  Then they cut out and keep the small pieces in a pocket in the notebook. This way they can complete the puzzle multiple times.  The second sheet is covered with packing tape or a small piece of page protector is taped over it so that students can use a dry erase marker to trace over it.

The next item that I finished is by far my favorite!

The thing that I am the most excited about comes from an inspiration from the AMAZING Dave Burgess- author of Teach like a Pirate.  (If you haven't read his book-  seriously stop what you are doing right now and go read it!!!). You can read about my obsession with this blog post.

Well I have been thinking- "how do I make math more engaging?  What can we do to make math exciting enough that my students want to come to school even if they are sick?"

Then I had an AHA moment as I was doing charity work-  lol-  okay I was being lazy and watching Lifetime.  I thought about creating math challenges using the skills that they are learning.

I have been making every other week mystery math challenges.  

It all starts with a plain box and wrapping it up to make it look cute (I did my best- I'm sure ALL of you can make it look even better!)

Then I filled the box with some left over confetti like bag filler.  The weekly challenge (which is determined by skills that have already been introduced) is "hidden" in the box.

I press "play" on this fantastic song:
EYE OF THE TIGER

Then DRAMATICALLY have the students do stretches/ exercises to "warm-up" and finally pull out the challenge from the box.  (The warm-up cards are in the purple below.)

Then we discuss the challenge, determine if it should be individual, partners or a group challenge and they all have to fill out the "planning sheet."

  Then we discuss the challenge, determine if it should be individual, partners, or groups.  I have included "idea" sheets for each challenge but I want to get the input from the students so that they are directly involved in the planning to make the challenge.

If you want a jumping off point- you can download my quarter 1 challenges here. 

WANT THESE FOR FREE????

If you like either of these things- pin the TPT links- put the link below in the comments with your email- and I will send you a free copy.  You can also tweet about it too.  :)  (I am SLOWLY learning how to treat and I LOVE IT!)

This is good until the end of July.  :)

Have a great week!  :)