Classroom Management Archives - Page 3 of 4

Posted on March 28, 2017July 21, 2017 by Teacher Gameroom — 4 Comments

Using StudyJams in the Classroom

If there’s one website you need to know about, it’s StudyJams. This website created by Scholastic, includes videos about Math and Science topics for 2nd grade and up. I use these quite often. Not only for myself, but for my students. It’s great for review!

StudyJams includes 2 topics. The math topics include Numbers, Addition & Subtraction, Multiplication & Division, Fractions, Decimals & Percents, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Data Analysis, Probability, and Problem Solving.

StudyJams’ science topics include Plants, Animals, the Human Body, Ecosystems, Landforms, Rocks, & Minerals, Weather & Climate, Solar System, Matter, Force & Motion, Energy & Light, and Scientific Inquiry.

Each topic includes subtopics and all you have to do is click on the topic. Some topics are videos and some are just slideshows. For the videos, “the crew” discuss real life problems related to each topic.

Each topic also includes key words that you can click on and see the definition. Most topics also have a “Test Yourself” which has a few questions about the topic. I use thus quite often to test my students’ knowledge. Some even have Karaoke songs. I haven’t tried that, but I did a few students who loved to sing some of the songs!

For some of the math topics, there a step by step guide to solve math problems. This really helped my struggling student. They would watch the videos more than once. This also helped my struggling students who have access to computer or tablet at home. They could watch videos to help them with their homework.

This StudyJams is so useful, I find myself using it almost every day, especially for the science topics. It great for the students too. They come in handy during testing time too as my students are tested in Science as well as math and reading. Best of all, this website is free! No log in, sign-ups, or trials. StudyJams is FREE!!

Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think: Study Jams

Posted on February 22, 2017February 21, 2017 by Teacher Gameroom — 5 Comments

Using Openlibrary.com in the Classroom

Posted on September 2, 2016July 31, 2017 by Chandra M. — 14 Comments

What Wikipedia can’t tell you about Homework Folders!

Homework, homework. HOMEWORK! What can I say. It’s what we as teachers use to assess students when they’re not at school. Sometimes it can be stressful. The better you manage it, the easier it will be for you! Here are some tips for getting the most out of your homework folder.

1.) Buy a sturdy poly-folder!

As teachers, I know you’re eyeballing those $0.17 (or even those $0.01) folders at the store. As tempting as it is to grab all of them some of them for your class, try getting more durable folders. Remember, these folders will be used all year long. Paper folders will tear about half way through the year (especially for those messy students). Grab those poly-folders which will last so much longer.

2.) Include a Money pouch!

My nephew’s teacher did this and I loved it! It’s great for younger students, especially K-2. Buy a zipper pouch to place inside the folder. Add a label or write “Money Pouch” on it. This pouch is used to transfer money to and from school. Great for lunch money, book fair money, or any time a student needs to bring money to school.

3.) Include a daily behavior chart!

When I taught 2nd grade, I used to send home weekly progress reports every week. It was hassle to print them out and place them in individual folders. Now I include a monthly calendar with a daily record of the student’s behavior. I use bingo daubers from the Dollar Tree to dauber the color the student is on. When my student helpers passes out homework, I daub folders during pack up. It’s great because most students are on blue and only a few are one other colors. Also, students are not allowed to put the folder away until I daub their chart and check to see if they have their homework.

4.) Include a Reading log!

Every student should read each night. I usually have students read one of their library books or one of their Bag-Books. If they have neither, I have them practice their sight words. Adding a reading log can help you and their parents keep track of the books they are reading (and which of your books a student has). *Bonus* – If you don’t think you need a money pouch, make it a reading pouch!

5.) Designate each side!

Most folders have two pockets. You can also purchase multi-pocket folders or create your own. Designate each side for certain papers. One side can be for homework and the other can be for take-home paper. You can label one side for Math and the other side for Reading. You can even glue an envelope on one side to hold sight words and flash cards.

6. Include a signature page!
Keep up with who’s viewing the folder. One year I had a parent who always signed their child’s homework every day. Having a parent or guardian sign the folder helps build the communication between school and home. You can even include a comment section to leave notes for parents or notes parents can write.

I hope these tips come in handy as your start your school year. Be on the lookout for those poly-folders as they tend to disappear the closer school starts. You can also pick up all the sheets featured in this post by clicking the image below:

Pin for later:

Weekyly%2BFolder%2BTips%2Band%2BTricks%2BPinterest

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Posted on October 24, 2015 by Chandra M. — 22 Comments

Trick or Treat! Blog Hop

photo Trick_or_Treat_Hop_Header_zps5ebqxrf4.png

I’m so happy to join The Classroom Game Nook in a “Trick or Treat” blog hop! Halloween is literally around the corner (one week away) and it’s time for teachers to go trick or treating with some awesome tips, tricks, treats, and more!

Sight words are fun. Tic-Tac-Toe is fun too! Why not put the two together?

My nephew who is in kindergarten practices his sights words every night. After a few weeks, he got tired of doing the flash cards. I decided to play Tic-Tac-Toe using his sight words. He was more than willing to play!

Set up is simple! Make a large Tic-Tac-Toe board on some paper. Write the sight words in each box.

Write X’s and O’s on some paper or index cards and you’re ready to go! The first time around, I folded a paper in thirds and just traced the lines. Later, I made some boards, X’s, and O’s on my computer and printed them out.

You can save paper by drawing a Tic-Tac-Toe board on some paper and insert it into a Sheet protector. Use a dry-erase marker to write the letters. You can change the words any time with a eraser or paper towel. You can even insert 2 pages in one sheet placed back-to-back for 2 games in 1. You also have a carrying case for your cards and dry-erase pen!

When I think of Halloween, I think of all the sweets. In particular, candy corn. You can never have to much candy core! Here’s a sweet candy corn game for your classroom.

My nephew Isaiah loves adding numbers so here’s a fun Adding to 10 powerpoint game.

This Halloween themed game has students practicing adding numbers up to ten.

It’s played with dry-erase boards so it’s perfect for small groups. You can grab this wonderful freebie here. Be sure to grab it here:

Adding to 10 – Halloween Edition – Write and Wipe Powerpoint Game

Lastly, it’s giveaway time! Halloween’s a week away, but what about Thanksgiving? Once Halloween’s over, the turkeys go into hiding! You and your students can practice counting turkeys with this fun Counting Turkeys PPT Game.

Before the big Turkey Day comes, make sure your students know how to count! Students play against the teacher as they count turkeys.

Some turkeys are in rows while others are scattered about. Great for a Thanksgiving review game. You can check out this game here:

Teacher vs. Student – Counting Turkeys Powerpoint Game.

http://yayforprek.blogspot.com/2015/10/trick-or-treat-blog-hop.html

You can enter to win this wonderful game! You can enter below. I’m also having a milestone celebration where you can win a $25 gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t forget to hop on over to another teacher blog!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Posted on September 4, 2015January 29, 2017 by Chandra M. — 19 Comments

Change your File Folder icon!

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Chandra M.

Working with Paper Puzzle Pieces

When your working with puzzles, it’s always great to have a little guidance. Whether you’ve been teaching for 1 year or 10 years, it’s always great to have some extra help. Here are some tips and tricks for working with paper puzzle pieces.

Tip #1 – Gather your materials!

Let’s face it. There are not a lot of puzzles for subjects like the 3 Branches of Government or animal life cycles. Time to grab all the materials, clip art included, for the puzzle you’d like to make. Save some time by having the source materials with you for easy access.

Tip #2 – Find some puzzle pieces!

When you have your designs all figured out, it’s time to decide what type of puzzle you want. Do you want the traditional puzzle or something different. Maybe a two piece puzzle or even a 3 or 4 piece. I have a few free puzzle templates in my TPT Store.

Tip #3 – Use strong paper!

If you decide to create your own, print them out on some durable paper. I bought a pack of 75 white cardstock sheets from Big Lots from $2.50. The stronger the paper, the longer they will last!

Tip #4 – Laminate them!

Just about every school has a laminating machine. Once you’re done print and cutting them our, get them laminated. Laminating the cards will help them last much longer. If your school doesn’t have a laminator, simply take them to Office Max, Staples, or a postal store (like Postal Annex) and have them laminated there, though it can get a little pricy.

You could always buy your own lamination machine. They can run anywhere from $20 to $100, depending on the model and make. I bought mine from Wal-Mart for $45 (including the 20 thermal pouches). They do sell starter kits for $20 which includes 3 pouches.

Tip #5 – Store them!

Now your cards are ready for student use, but where to store them? I’ve seen teachers store them in soap bar boxes from the dollar tree. Others have them in plastic bags with rings. If you’re on a budget, I’d go for the latter. You can buy plenty of zip-lock sandwich bags and label them accordingly.

Tip #6 – Buy them

If all else fails, buy them already made! Time is always a factor. If you need it by Friday and it’s already Wednesday, you may have to buy them yourself. There are plenty of sellers on TPT with tons of puzzle pieces sets.

Tip #7 – Teach Kids to handle with care!

One of the most important tips is to teach your students to handle the puzzle pieces with care, especially if you made them. Whether you plan to use them 1 time or 100 times, students should know that these pieces need to be taken care of properly so that student next year can enjoy them too.

I hope you found these tips useful in your classroom. Don’t forget to stop my TPT store for some printable puzzle pieces!

Category: Classroom Management