Saturday, November 30, 2013

Several years ago I was reading literature about setting the stage for a lesson and the importance of making sure students know their learning trajectory for each day and lesson.  I blew this idea off as unimportant to the overall scheme of what my students learned over the course of a year.  I felt like there were so many things to dwell on during class that a "Learning Target" was just not a significant instructional tool that I would...
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Sunday, September 15, 2013

How To Straw or Pencil Dispenser with Free PDF Fillable Download Whew!  The first two weeks of school are finished and it seems I now have time to start blogging on a regular basis and posting some free and pay for products.  I'll be spending most of my time this year with 7th and 8th grade, so products to come for Pre Algebra/Algebra students. I did want to post something nice that I have finished as a result of seeing a picture...
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Saturday, August 17, 2013

Shifting to the Common Core in Mathematics

 I had posted earlier about some trepidation on the part of teachers regarding the performance tasks as released by the Common Core.  Many teachers are finding as they hear and learn more about the requirements of the common core that it will be a process to adapt.  However, I think there are a few simple concepts that are important to understand that may ease the anxiety of the common core mathematics Standards.  The COMMON CORE is NOT based on minimum proficiency, but on COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS.      ...
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Sunday, March 10, 2013

In an effort to save time and still create a product that looks professional, I have created a pdf that can be filled and saved.  Simply type in the decimal that you would like your class to work on and the form fills this number in for you where it reappears in the worksheet. A second page is also included as an answer key.  If you're unsure of what a fill and save pdf is, please view the below youtube video for a preview. Currently the product is free both at my TPT STORE as well as my TEACHERS NOTEBOOK STO...
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Sunday, March 3, 2013

Fill and Save a CCSS Common Core Checklist!!

Fillable Common Core Checklists now available I had several requests for a version of the checklists that could be saved, so I have two of the Checklists (Kindergarten and First Grade) available now in a fillable format.  Just make sure you open the document in Adobe Reader and save the file as you go.  If you are unsure of what a fillable pdf is, I've created a video that gives an overview of what you can expect. I'm hoping that this is not only more convenient and professional, but also a BIG timesaver : ) See my TPT Store...
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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Need an engaging way to help students practice coordinate graphing?  Have students that like the Hunger Games?  If this is true, there is a coordinate graphing activity that I've created that will do just this. The resource includes a one quadrant graph as well as a four quadrant graph.  Here is what the finished product will look like if students only create straight lines between each coordinate. Visit my TPT Store...
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First (1st) Grade Assessment Pack and Links

I have had requests from many elementary teachers requesting assessment materials that correspond to the common core standards.  As all (or most) teachers adjust to the state adopted common core, assessments in curriculum are lacking.  The current installment I've included here includes 34 assessments that correlate directly to a whole or part of the common core standards. Included in the assessment pack is an answer key for each...
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Saturday, January 19, 2013

Super Square Multiplication Mastery!! Math CENTER

Super Square Multiplication Mastery  I've posted another Freebie on TPT!  If you are looking for method of practicing or reviewing the multiplication facts, here's a different take on a game that can be easily implemented as a math center for partners/individuals or as whole group.  No longer just simple boring repetition!! As we know, squares have four sides and students will have to match up all sides with correct multiplication...
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Sunday, January 13, 2013

Since my last post including the Kindergarten CCSS Checklist Report Document.  I've had several requests for additional grades.   I'm happy to say that K-5 is available for free at my TPT and Teacher Notebook Store.  If you have special needs regarding parts of the document you need edited for your school or for your own classroom, please do not hesitate to contact me. I also wanted to include in this post a great resource...
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Saturday, January 5, 2013

Stoplight Quick Assessment Check in Tool I am always looking for ways to make my teaching life easier and a few years ago, I found the idea of using sticky notes of different colors for students to communicate how they were doing (sorry...I do not remember the original source).  A red sticky note could mean they were stuck or a green if they entirely understood and were working well.   In a math classroom of 35 or more students, it is...
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Thursday, January 3, 2013

I've just added more free Math CCSS resources.  1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade are available now for free.  Check them out at: My TPT STORE I will also be posting a few sample math center activities as well as some free clip art soon.  Stay tuned :...
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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

The Cheapest DIY Interactive Whiteboard

Back in 2008, I ran across this video after my classroom whiteboard had died.  At the time, not many Teachers knew about the Technology, but it has worked great for me ever since.   Although my setup now is much more user friendly and professional (thanks to www.teachwithtech.com) it has worked great for me for years.  As a summary, all you need is an Infrared Pen, a Wii Remote, a computer with bluetooth capability and you’re ready to go!! I would highly recommend using www.teachwithtech.com as they were very helpful...
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