LOOK AT MY FINDS!!

This summer one of the tasks on my TO DO LIST is to find games.

I have been scouting out a few garage sales and Goodwill.

Yesterday, I hit the jackpot!!

I found two Chutes and Ladders, Boggle Jr., and another Connect Four.

Connect Four - I have many ideas swimming in my head because of Penterest.

(Check out my Penterest boards , reading, word work & math, to see some of the ideas.)

Chutes and Ladders - This board has soooo many uses.  Just add any set of cards (comprehension questions, flashcards, even use worksheets as the questions).  Student picks a card, gives an answer, and checks answer. If they are correct, spin and move! That simple and FUN way to practice.

Boggle Jr. - I have two ideas. One is to give it to a Kindergarten or first grade class. 

Secondly, using just the cubes, students will roll and see how many words they can make.

 

 

Monopoly - This is a special set that I picked up just for the game pieces. 

Fun game pieces can be found on the cheap this way.

(Getting large sets of mini erasers can be used for interesting game pieces as well.  Oriental Trading offer all kinds of little trinkets in large quantities and can be found for themes or holidays.)

My plan is to have a large container filled with different items so they can choose their game pieces.

 

Think of my surprise as I walked by a bin of binders to see this 5" binder sticking out!

YES!! I am always in need of LARGE binders. 

Upon investigating the bin I found 3 of them!

They have the clear sides so I can make colorful titles. I am in teacher heaven.

 

What kinds of items are you looking for this summer?

What are you doing with them?

What SURPRISE items have you found and turned into exciting educational items?

 

Kim

My Teacher Always Says...

I am trying my first Linky Party!!! WOOO HOOO....

Jumping in.... can I swim?

This party is all about those tidbits that come out of our mouths on a regular basis. 

Here are mine!



 *Ducklings follow around their mommas. I don't like to have students follow me around the room.

* I enjoy questioning the kids so they have to stand up and own their answer. 

 I also expect evidence which leads them to their answers.

*Celebrate GREAT thinking!!

*(SOAPBOX ALERT) My weird way to answer kids who ask for extra credit or if they accidently did extra work.  I don't give extra work for extra credit.  There are times when there may be a extra credit on a test. However, if a student (parent) wants it so they can get a 4 instead of a 3 on the report card, I explain they earn their grades and I expect their best as they go.  The way our school grades are set up (Grading for Learning) an extra credit project would not change the grade enough to make the difference they want anyway.  If they need help on a concept, I will give it

 They want extra practice, they can do it.  Meanwhile, their brain would love them for the workout

and the next time the concept shows up they will do better.

(Normally, those asking for extra credit could have done it correctly the first time.)

Again, I LOVE this one, especially for my higher kiddos.  They think or have learned that as long as they do what will get the good grade, it is acceptable.  They find out quickly. I do not let them give the easy answer .  If I know they can provide deeper answers, I expect them.

* I truly believe in my students.  I wish those who lack self concept could see themselves as I see them.  Every child has talents and gifts to share with the class.

 

 *Personal responsibility is the basis of this mantra.  Actually, "Whose responsibility is that?" or "Can I learn for you?" would be two other sayings, which come out of my mouth 

fall into this category as well. 

Wow, I didn't realize how many one liners or questions I say almost everyday, all year long!

*I found that  I said this A LOT the last three weeks of school, as if things changed after 170 days.

(The two ways are the dictionary or try three then see me.)

*This is another one of the "take responsibility for your learning" sayings.  I teach (as we all do) that they have the resources or can find them.  I don't let them off the hook.  I am happy to help after they have exhausted those resources. (21st Century Education) I will help

use the resources, as needed.  But will not play into just giving them the answer

 because they asked.

 

Now it is your turn!

What are your mantras?

How do they demonstrate or exemplify what you want your students to learn or do?

 

~ Growing brain cells together through daily talk ~

Kim