Back to School: This is Me Presentations

Over the years I've tried an endless number of get-to-know you activities with my students.  Some were good... some not so good.

This year, I tried something a bit different and loved how it turned out!  I really need to stick with this as a Back to School activity.

I simply called it "This is Me".  It is not a particularly unique idea, but the execution worked great for me.

First, I created a short Prezi to introduce myself to my students.  (FYI: This is the first Prezi I've ever created, I narrated as I was presenting which is why some information may not seem complete, and I only showed a short part of the video that is included.)  You could use any format to tell the kids about yourself.  At the end, I gave them the challenge "This is me.  Now, tell me about you!"  

The only additional instructions were to keep it short (2-5 minutes) and that any format, paper or digital, could be used.

I gave students a few days to create, and then spent a few minutes at the beginning of the class period for presentations.  With about thirty students per class, this took 20-30 minutes per day for three days to complete.

It was so worth the time!  Presentations took the form of posters with photos and drawings, Prezis, Keynotes, iMovies, and creations using various apps.

I definitely learned more about my students than I normally do in a whole school year! For example:

• I can tell you who my artists, music lovers, digital experts, and athletes are.
• One student showed a "Three Stooges" video clip because he loves to watch the old black and white movies.  How else would I ever have learned that?  Also, the other students loved it!
• I have students who have spent years living in other countries and some who spend summers in other countries.
• I learned about foster families, adoptions, mission trips, family ancestry, baptisms, family members, pets, 4-H, scouts, athletic accomplishments and more.
• A number of my students moved to the United States from other countries and/or have relatives who live in other countries.
• One student produced a unique iMovie using a puppet.  Is she a budding actress or movie producer?

Passions and interests of all sorts were shared.  This was so eye-opening for me!  As a math teacher, class does not often lend itself to having of discussions that reveal this sort of information. 

One more thought to consider ...  I had a student last year who had just moved to my very large school and did not know anyone.  She came to me one day after class and asked me if I knew anyone who was interested in (fill in the blank).  She said that she was "looking around" to find other students with similar interests and hadn't noticed anyone.  Could I help?  

Now, students may not usually approach a teacher in this way and ask for assistance in identifying potential friends.  However, as students were giving their "This is Me" presentations, I wondered if classmates were listening and watching for opportunities to make connections.  I hope it helped someone out there in my classes who was feeling lonely to connect with someone.

Memorizing Perfect Squares

There are times when memorizing information in math class can be so helpful!

In elementary school, students are frequently given timed tests over multiplication tables and other basic facts.  Sometimes, timed tests are appropriate for secondary students, too.  

I have my middle school students memorize the perfect squares from 1 to 400.  Quick recall of perfect squares is especially beneficial when using the Pythagorean Theorem and when simplifying radicals.

Perfect Square and Square Root Flashcards

Good old-fashioned flashcards are a great tool for memorization of facts!  I have created these FREE flashcards.  

I like copying them on colored card stock, which I've found lasts better over time than laminated cards.  Here they are in use: 

 

It has been my experience that one minute fifteen seconds or a minute and a half is an appropriate amount of time to allow for a timed quiz over perfect squares.  It is long enough for students who know the information to answer all of the questions, yet not so much time that they can just multiply to get the answers rather than recall them from memory.

If you don't want to make your own quizzes, mine are available here.  Six versions of the quiz and four practice quizzes are included.  

I upload the practice quizzes to my school's learning management system for students to use to prepare.  They import them into Notability which makes it easy for them to duplicate for LOTS of practice! 

The actual quizzes I give are on paper.  I tend to give them to my entire class three or four times and then record the best score each student has achieved.  You can certainly continue giving the quizzes until mastery is achieved if that is your goal.

Does anyone else still give memory quizzes to secondary students?  If so, what do you have them memorize?

Word Problems: Rational Number Calculations

Do you have that one standard you always feel you could teach more effectively?  

For me, it is this one:
Indiana Academic Standards
8.C.1: Solve real-world problems with rational numbers by using multiple operations.

Here is the related Common Core standard:
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.NS.A.3
Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving the four operations with rational numbers.

Part of my issue with this standard is simply that I can't find enough word problems.  If you are like me, it is a difficult task to gather enough word problems to provide an adequate amount of practice using all of the various forms of rational numbers.  I'll need to incorporate both positive and negative numbers in the form of integers, fractions, and decimals. Also, if my students are to truly master this standard, they will need to do a fair amount of problems including these types of rational numbers.

After lots of fruitless digging around searching for the type of multistep problems I need, I decided to write them myself.  I've created a set of twenty task cards with word problems that focus on rational number calculations.  Most of the task cards include multiple questions.

I have created these word problems to resemble those that may appear on standardized tests requiring students to apply skills. This is a challenging set of task cards that will make your students think!

Rational Number Calculations Word Problems

I'm planning to dive right in with these this year!  (I'll let you know how it goes.)  Students entering my pre-algebra and algebra classes should be able to calculate with rational numbers.  I am beginning the year by encouraging them to show me what they already know ... no reviewing!  

I do plan to allow students to use resources such as the skills review materials that go along with their textbook, or an online tutorial or video lesson.  Then, they can ask me for help if they still have questions.  I will reteach material to individuals or in small groups as needed.  I expect to learn a lot about my new students through this activity!

Sometimes, I think we don't require students to be responsible for what they have previously learned.  Instead, we assume they haven't mastered concepts.  I believe this is why teachers often begin each year by reviewing.  The problem is ... doing this communicates to students that they really don't have to learn the content because we'll reteach it anyway.  They become "lazy learners".  I want my students to know that learning what I am teaching is expected.  Yes, each student will learn at a different pace, but everyone should be actively involved in the learning process.  After all, this engagement is what I hope will result in retention of the material and that is the goal!

First Day of School: The Name Game

A college professor of mine used this strategy to learn hundreds of names each year.  Like him, I have used it for years to learn the names of my students quickly at the beginning of each school year! 

One of the things I love about this is that I am teaching my students a learning strategy (memorizing information using repetition) while learning everyone’s names.

The Rules

• Begin by having student #1 say his/her full name.  
• Student #2 repeats student #1’s first name, then states his/her full name. 
• Student #3 repeats the first name of student #1, followed by the first name of student #2, then states his/her full name.  
• This continues all of the way around the room until everyone knows each other.  

Each student must remember all the names of those who went before them.  Therefore, at the end, I always circle back to the first students so as not to let them "off the hook".  Also, writing down names is not allowed!  

I have my middle school students state their first and last name, but only have them repeat/remember first names.  As needed, I give prompts such as "The first letter of their name is ...", or "It rhymes with  ____."

Kick it up a notch by using both first and last names.  For small classes, have them mix up and try to name everyone again with people in different seats.  😉

You might offer some sort of reward the following day to a randomly selected student who can still name everyone in the class! 

Blending Interactive Notebooks with Digital Note-taking

Are you thinking about using an interactive notebook in your class this year?

Wondering how to blend an interactive notebook with digital notes?

Every student in my school has an iPad.  However, I've been using interactive notebooks in my classes for the past few years and I love them!  Since I also want to use the iPad for some note-taking, how do I blend the two?

I don't want to abandon the interactive notebooks because I feel like they are a benefit to students for a number of reasons:
1.  Many middle and high school students need hands on 
     tasks.  
     Kids are squirmy...  Using manipulatives of any type helps
     them to talk less, keep their hands to themselves, and focus
     on their work.  So, it helps with classroom management!
2.  All students do not come to us with excellent 
     organizational skills.  
     It's difficult to accomplish much academically when a 
     student cannot find notes, assignments, etc.  Organization
     does not come easily to many students, so providing a 
     framework really helps. 
3.  Using an interactive notebook is a routine.  
     Kids thrive on routine whether they want to admit it 
     or not!  The format of your notes may be different every 
     day, but the use of the notebook is a routine.

Foldable notes

Traditional note-taking outline

Card sort

Blending traditional and digital notes when using an interactive notebook requires some give and take. While everything will not be in one location, I want the flexibility to choose the best instructional method for delivering notes and examples on a particular topic. Also, secondary students should begin to develop more sophisticated note-taking and study skills.  My suggestion is to make good use of the table of contents, which should be the first page in the interactive notebook.  

Here is an example of a table of contents. There are many types of free templates available online.  Click HERE to download this one. 

Obviously, paper copies of notes will go in the notebook/binder as usual.  When digital notes are used, give them a title to be written on the table of contents. Then, use this title for the notes on the digital device (iPad or laptop).  

Here, pages of digital notes 
have been highlighted.

Be sure to have students create a folder on their device for math notes at the beginning of the school year.  All digital notes for your class should be kept there.  

If you use Notability for note-taking on an iPad, you can create nested folders to separate notes by unit or topic. Alternatively, you might have students type the page number in front of the title to keep them in order.  For example, "p15 Solving Two Step Equations" will place these notes before "p23 Absolute Value Inequalities".

Although all notes will not be located in the physical interactive notebook, it should be easy for students to locate whatever they need by referencing the table of contents.

If you decide to use a blended interactive notebook, or if you have experience/insights to share, please leave comments.  I'd love to hear your ideas and to help with any issues you encounter!

Teach Your Students to Give & Follow Directions!

This is one of my favorite activities for beginning the school year! However, it can be used at any time to reinforce the importance of giving clear, precise instructions and following them carefully.

Here's how it works:
You will need some geometrical diagrams, paper, and pencils. You can make your own diagrams or purchase the activity here.  My version includes 20 diagram cards to allow you to tailor the activity or use it multiple times throughout the year.

Idea #1

•  Pair students up and place a few diagrams in an envelope or lay them face down between each pair of students.  It is very important that they do not sneak a look at the diagrams!

•  One student will randomly choose a card, look at it while hiding the diagram from his/her partner, then give their partner instructions as he/she attempts to draw the figure.  This should only take a few minutes. 

•  When finished, the partners compare the resulting drawing to the original diagram.  Encourage them to discuss what was clear and unclear about the instructions they were given. 

•  Repeat the process with the students reversing roles.

Idea #2

•  Select a diagram.  You, the teacher, give directions to the class for drawing the figure, then check the results.

Idea #3

•  Choose a diagram card and have students take turns giving instructions to the class.

This activity is easily adaptable to many grade levels.  Encourage older students to use appropriate geometry terms as they describe the figures.  Younger students may use everyday language.

I'd love to hear how you use this in your class!

Create a Math Center for Early Finishers

What can I do with students who are early finishers?

The key to success is to provide a variety of engaging options that are easy for students to access. 

Need a good reason to create one?  A math center for early finishers is wonderful for classroom management!

I know what you are thinking … “That sounds great, but it is easier said than done.”  It’s actually not so difficult, but some initial brainstorming and preparation are required.  The good news is that once your center is set up, minimal attention on the part of the teacher is necessary, and it is there for the whole year!  You will probably switch out some options occasionally.  That depends a lot on what types of activities you decide to utilize.

Pentominoes are in the pink box and worksheet options are in the standing file.

Step 1

Create a go-to area in your classroom and train your students to go there any time they finish classwork early.  You don’t need lots of space for this.  Think about using a bulletin board, a hanging file, containers on an extra desk or countertop, etc. 

Hmmm ... change the title and clip handouts to the clipboards?  Easy peasy!

Slip papers into a standing file.

Drop materials for early finishers into containers, especially activities that require manipulatives.

Pocket charts are easy to hang on a door or cabinet and are great space savers!

Step 2

Select a variety of engaging options.  I like to include both review and enrichment activities at an early finisher math center.  This way, every student can find something appropriate to his/her level.  You want all students to be able to find an engaging activity at an academically appropriate level.  Keep this in mind as you brainstorm ideas for resources.

Since I teach math, I provide:

• Puzzles (logic problems, word searches, crosswords, Sudoku puzzles, Pentominoes, Tangrams, Math Wrap Ups)

• Extra practice on a variety of topics

• Quiet one or two person games (Capture it!, Solitaire, Yahtzee)

    Provide simple game or activity instructions as needed. Note: Kids don't play cards or traditional games much these days.  Solitaire or Yahtzee can be of high interest for them and helps familiarize them with cards and dice.  This can pay off when studying probability.

• Flashcards (These don't have to be elementary level.  Try something like these square root flashcards.) 

• Challenging enrichment activities

• Mathematician articles to read and summarize 

• Coordinate graphing pictures

• Pictures to color symmetrically (geometry)

What resources do you already have?  Are there worksheets tucked away that you wish you had time to use or resources you love, but that don’t fit your curriculum perfectly? For example, I usually include a worksheet and cross number puzzle about Roman Numerals.  Kids enjoy learning about them since they aren’t used a lot these days.  A Google search will turn up math puzzles of many types.  Here's one I found: Roman Numeral Sudoku

Engage the brain by combining manipulatives, worksheets, reading, and artsy activities!  See my earlier post, "No Hassle Extra Credit" if you are interested in implementing this basic idea as an extra credit program.