Math is Fun?

 Just a quick post today.  In math, we have been working on decimals.  There isn't a lot I like about the math program we use (only because it's my first year using it), but if I had to choose one thing, it would be that the program does a great job of allowing the students to learn through fun activities and "games".  Last week, the students completed an activity called, "The Jeweler's Gold."  Basically, on a poster, they showed two different methods of adding weights of gold (with decimals).  Most of the students had a great time (at least the ones who were not arguing with each other).  On Friday, we played a game with tenths, hundredths, and thousandths digit cards.  The students drew 5 cards, and then had to determine the 3 cards with the greatest value.  They then took those three cards and had to add them up.  They all thought they were playing a game, but really they were just practicing adding decimals.  The best part was that all I had to do was walk around, monitor, and ask the students questions.  It was great, especially for a Friday! :)

That's all for today!  I hope everyone has a great week!

Pie the Teacher!

My students finally got their reward for raising the most money in the 5th grade Spare Change Challenge...  They got to PIE ME!  They were so excited.  All day, they kept asking, "When do we get to pie you?"  They had to wait until the end of the day when we had recess.  The majority of the 5th grade was crowded around me as I set everything up and got into my protective "suit".  I felt quite claustrophobic.  The students were jumping with excitement.  They hit me pretty well.  At one point, I couldn't breathe from the cool whip, but it was over before I knew it.  The last pie was a giant one.  The student who raised the most money in my class got to throw the regular "pie", as well as an extra large one.  The students had so much fun throwing pies and watching.  I must say, I didn't mind having to eat Cool Whip... Enjoy the pictures! :)

After the last picture, my students said, "Miss R, you need to shave!"  They're so clever! :)

When Teachers Become Students

Elementary Conference

Today, President's Day, our district held an "Elementary Conference."  I'm not sure if they did this at the middle and high school levels, as well.  A couple months ago, we (our 5th grade team) were asked if we would be willing to put together a presentation for the conference day.  We decided to go with what we called, "Freaky Fractions."  Basically, teaching teachers how to question their students about fraction problems.  We decided to do this because so much was added to the 5th grade curriculum this year with the adoption of Common Core.  We felt like we were barely keeping our heads above water.  One of our teachers, Greta, made an entire SMART that guided us through fractions, because we had nothing else to go off of (other than Investigations).  Today, there were 6 sessions, each being 45 minutes, and we had to present in sessions 5 and 6 (which is good because we never return from lunch on time).  We displayed and had the teachers work out Smarter Balance problems from 3rd-5th grades, had the teachers play Four Corners, covered a few more problems, introduced a new fractions game, and gave out door prizes.  At first, we felt like we were boring the teachers, but we received great feedback from our first group and from our fellow 4th grade teachers in the second group.  Some teachers said that it was the best session they'd had all day.  That is a definite confidence boost!  It probably helped that we gave away a set of color-printed, laminated questioning cards, game boards, and jumbo dice in each session.  (Thank you to Katie from Cardiganway.com for taking pictures!)

Four Corners - We wanted to get every up and moving!
*Note: This is not our classroom/school.

Door Prize: Multiplication/Division game board and dice!

Bloopers!

I just thought this was a funny picture.

Reading Block Observation

Last week, teachers from another school in the district came and observed the way we do reading blocks at our school.  While they were in my room, I noticed a teacher taking pictures of every corner of my room.  That made me feel good.  Why would she take pictures if she hated it, right?  Later that afternoon, our principal came to give us feedback.  She said that the teachers loved how our classrooms were set up and the feel they got when they walked in the rooms.  She also said that the 5th grade team wants to come back and spend more time with us.  Wow!  That made us feel great!  We still feel like we're learning, and people want to come learn from us?!  Wow! :)

After these two events, it really makes us feel good about what we're doing.  Maybe we are on the right path, even when we feel like we're drowning blindly!  :)

Update on the Spare Change Challenge: Since my class won, they get to pie me.  I've decided to set the date for Thursday.  My students have asked about it every day.  I would prefer to do it on Friday, but it's supposed to rain.  Pictures to follow! :)

Special Announcement

I am very pleased to announce that my class WON the Spare Change Challenge with $169.44!  Our goal was to raise $100 by the 100th day of school.  I'm really excited!  Our grade level raised over $300.  All of the money will go toward our field trip fund.  In the spring, we take a trip to Carowinds.  It is our most expensive field trip, so it will be nice to be able to offer it at a reduced cost for the students.  Anywho, for raising the most money, each student in my class will get to pie me!  The student who raised the most money in my class will get to throw and additional (extra large) pie.  He is super excited!  (I'm not sure whether I should be offended or not!!)  Stay tuned for pictures in the coming weeks or so!

52 Week Money Challenge {Currently}

Have you all seen the pin on Pinterest about the 52 Week Money Challenge?  Basically, you start by putting $1 in on week one, $2 week two, $3 week three, and so on.  I've decided to try it out; however, instead of using a Mason jar, I'm actually just going to make transfers into my savings account.  I NEVER have cash, so it will be more convenient to do it electronically.  Plus, I'm tempted to get a Coke from the vending machine when I have cash around.  Yesterday, I transferred $15 so I could catch up from the beginning of the year.  I'm curious - is anyone else trying this?  It will get really difficult toward the end of the year since I am single living on a teacher salary (in one of the lowest paid states).

On to other news, after the first week of our Spare Change Challenge, my class is in the lead... by a lot!  Our goal was to get $100 by the 100th day of school.  We have just under $94!  How awesome is that?!  Unless something crazy happens, it looks like I will soon have 21 pies thrown in my face! :)

I hope everyone has a great, calm week! :)

I realize I misspelled agreement. :)