Friday, July 5, 2013

Interactive Math Notebooks

Last year, I started using interactive math notebooks with my second graders.  After a lot of research and trial and error, I got a good grasp on how to really use these notebooks to deepen my students' understanding of the Common Core math standards. 

So...I am going to share these lovely ideas and examples with you all!  To get started all you need right away is each student to have a notebook.  I prefer 100 pages.

Day 1:

Before we began the first entry, I introduced the math journals by telling my students that they are in for a big treat.  I make them promise that they will love this math journal and really try and build up a bunch of excitement about it. 
My second-graders love markers (and I kind of hate them) so when I tell them that they can use my markers to decorate their notebooks, I have them hooked right away.  I pass out a bunch of Sharpies or permanent markers and let the kids go to town.  All I really need their cover to have on it is their name and the word MATH somewhere. J
After the covers are completed, students turn to the first page and write TABLE OF CONTENTS on the top.  Each journal should be numbered and added in here so students can refer back to various journals when needed easily.   Each journal entry requires two pages (a left and right side), but they have the same title and page number. 

This is a good time to review the expectations.  I explain that after each entry, students will be assessing their understanding with a face(frown, smiley, or straight face).  I tell them that I use this to help me know who needs what type of extra support or challenge.  I’ve found students are very honest with these and enjoy being able to “secretly” tell me how they’re feeling about the new concept.
On the inside back cover, I give each student a ribbon to glue down partially  that is used as a bookmark.  I have also used a paperclip or binder clip as an alternative bookmark. 


Check it out in my store and keep your eyes open for more tips and implementation advice throughout the summer.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Let's try this again...

After a few issues with my blog and then just getting very busy, I am going to try this again.  I'm super excited with how my little TpT store has taken off and so I thought I would share a few of my newer units.

I've recently uploaded a few units that are directly aligned to the CCSS for lower elementary grades.  


The first one is a Cause and Effect unit.
Cause and Effect Reading Activities {CCSS Reading Aligned} 
This unit is LOADED with printables and a hands-on hunt that will help your students understand this tricky skill.


The next one is Main Idea Mania.  Students will hunt for the main idea after reading several passages.  This unit has many options for differentiating, too.  AND  it also has a cute ice cream cone craftivity.
Main Idea and Supporting Details Mania--{CCSS aligned}

And, my latest unit is Author's Purpose Extravaganza.  I used this unit with my kiddos and they really GOT IT! 
Author's Purpose Extravanganza {Easy as P.I.E.}


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Blog issues

Thank you to the few of you have emailed us and said that you can't comment.  We are new to this blogging world and are working out the "kinks."  In the meantime, I have been organizing our posts and have lost a few things.  I promise to update you all soon.

-Elle

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Year, New Look, New Store!

Our Christmas break is still kickin' strong!  I have been trying to take full advantage of the break.  We have done some great stuff with the kids, RELAXED a lot and I've even been able to get our TpT store up and running. 

My goal over break was to try and get a handle on blogging and TpT.  I have created and posted a few products and have a few more that are "in the works."

As far as blogging, I got a cute new template that I really like.  I lost my older posts somewhere, but I'm over it.  From here on out I am going to set one of my goals for 2013 to be to a better blogger.  I really like reading others and writing so far has seen like a nice break from the real world.  So, cheers to the New Year!

Here's a preview of one of our items.  It is a Short E Word Work bundle with lots of goodies. 


And pick up this freebie as well. 





I wish you all a healthy, peaceful and enjoyable 2013!
-Elle