What a crazy school year! Interactive journals can bring you calm!

We are in week 25 of this school year, and I have not posted anything all school year!  Our math teks changed this year, and I feel like I am planning day to day.  I have done so much more work at home this year!  I keep telling myself that next year will be a better pace, and I won't need to do so much at home (with a new baby on the way, we will be busy enough).

I got very comfortable with the material I was teaching.  I was always creating new things and changing things up to keep things fresh, but with the new material, I am now required to create new materials.  It is has been exhausting trying to find and create things that keep my kids engaged, but the end result is so worth it.

I have never been one to just open a textbook and start teaching. I like for my kids to be a part of the learning experience.  Last year, I started using an interactive journal.  I will NEVER go back to teaching with just notes.  It is amazing how I can adapt notes into a foldable, and the kids are engaged the whole class.  It is all about the presentation.

All the required changes this year have allowed me to create and use and some great materials.  I love it when the kids tell me that although we are busy, they enjoy learning math this way.  They say it doesn't feel as though they are just being told what to do.  Many love being creative with their journals, while others are content with just getting the information down.

If you are new to interactive journals, I recommend looking at the interactive journal pack created by Runde's Room.  It is a great way to get started.

When we begin a new unit, I put the learning goal on the screen for the kids to write down as they come in.  I have a file through my google drive in which I put all my journal entries.  The google drive allows me to quickly share my files with the other 8th grade math teacher.  They color code the topic. At the beginning of the year, we created a list with the 4 topics and color coded each one.  The topics relate to our reporting categories.

After writing the learning goal, the kids write what they know about the topic.  I tell them that it is okay if they don't know anything.  I require my kids to write in complete sentences, so the journal is also a great way to help their writing skills.

After we create the foldable, we put it in the journal.  Some entries may take a few pages.  Once the lesson is complete, the students will go back and write what they learned (again using complete sentences).  The final steps involve creating a proof (a problem to be solved) and a reflection (a creative way to illustrate the concept).

This is a print-out of the learning goal shown on the screen.

The students also update the table of contents with the addition of each entry. The table of contents is also color coded.

Snapshot of the table of contents page

When the kids take the six weeks test, I grade the journals.  I create a rubric based on the entries we completed that six weeks.  With each six weeks, the journals get better and better.

The finished product will be a great tool that can assist them next year.  With all the new algebra additions to our teks, this journal should prove to be very handy next year!

Although we journaled last year, the change of all the teks forced me to step up my game, and I think our journal is so MUCH better this year.  I am excited to see the finished product.  I create a journal for each class, so I may hold a drawing for some lucky students and give away my journals!

I hope the school year has not been too overwhelming.  If it becomes too much, hop on pinterest and see what great foldables you can find!

Happy journaling!

Teacher Toolbox

I have seen these popping up on my pinterest feed.  A colleague made one a few years ago, and I love it.  These toolboxes are a great way to put a lot of your supplies in one place.  If you are like me, you have supplies in drawers, cups, bins, and well.....just all over your desk!

Well I bought my box Sunday night, and I fixed it all up that night.

The box:
I bought the box from Lowes.  At our home depot, you could only order them online.  I got the 39 drawer unit.  There was also an 18 and 22 unit (they were out of the 22).  I have a lot of stuff, so I went with the 39.  It was less than $20.

The labels:
There are labels you can buy from teachers pay teachers, but I had some time, so I went ahead and created what I needed myself.  I found a great blog where a teacher posted her box. Mrs. Rojas blogspot is a great source.  She also provided a link to her free labels.  I borrowed hers, and then created the rest of what I needed.  Here is a link to a google doc with my labels.  Due to font issues, the google doc does not have the same font I used, but the boxes are the correct sizes.  You can change up the font and the labels, and make it your own.

I printed my labels on colored cardstock.  I then used some decorative edge scissors and cut them out.  I used the template of the boxes and cut colored boxes from different scrapbook paper.

Putting it together:
Before I taped the labels down, I created a pattern with my colored paper.  I decided where I wanted my items, and I affixed the labels to the paper.  I used double-sided tape and put my labels on the colored paper.  After putting my labels on the colored paper, I then taped them to the drawers.  I used double sided tape, and you cannot see the tape in the drawer.  With all the drawers, I was able to have multiple drawers of the same thing.

I am so happy with how it turned out.  Although, I don't like to spend a lot of summer time planning for the next year, I love to make crafts.  This was a great project.  I am ready to get it in my classroom and get all the drawers filled.  I know it will keep my desk clutter free.  (Well I can hope)!

Happy toolbox making!

Teachers Pay Teachers SALE!!!!

Visit Teachers pay Teachers August 4th and 5th for a FANTASTIC sale!  This is the time to get those items you have been looking at.  I have a list of of items I am excited to get.  I love a great SALE!!

Use the promo code in addition to any sale the seller is giving!

Happy buying!

New Math TEKS.....Ready or not here they come

As all math teachers in Texas know, the teks have changed!  They aren't just changing a little.  They are changing A LOT!!!  It seems as though we just started the STAAR test (oh yeah!  we did)!  Now, they have come in and completely changed the math teks.  It might just be me, but they do resemble the common core.  HMMMMMM.  I am not sure if I am a fan of this, but I will need to adjust to make it work.

My 8th grade teks now resemble an algebra class.  The upside is that the 8th graders can now use calculators.  That will be a whole lesson.  I do not want to look out and see kids typing in 8 times 6 in the calculator (of course for some kids, this is necessary).  We will definitely need to set some boundaries.  I am a firm believer in people knowing the basic facts.  Although the technology is available, we still need to maintain basic math without the use of technology.

It looks like the 6th grade teks  are taking the biggest beating.  A lot of what I taught in the 8th grade is now being moved down to the 6th grade.  They still have a big mixture of material and more of it!  Hopefully the activities and presentations we were using will come in handy for the 6th grade.

It will definitely take adjusting to get used to the new teks.  We are professionals, and we will do the best job that we can.  I will continue to teach my kids what I am required to teach and then some. Tax and discount is no longer a tek directly listed for 8th grade.  That is such an important life skill, we will continue to incorporate the skill into our class.  If I teach all that I need to teach and teach it in a way that the kids can relate to, they will be fine on the test.  I will not start changing how I teach and only teach to the test. I will teach my kids math, and this will prepare them for the future.

For the 8th grade, I have created a scope and sequence we will be using.  It allows for about 5 weeks of flexibility before the test.  Hopefully, this will be enough to adjust the time spent on the activities. I have the document in my TPT store, and it is free.  Feel free to download and adjust to make it work for your needs. It is also color coded per reporting category (since the teks are all mixed up within each category).

Download the scope and sequence here. This is FREE!!!!!!

It also includes a curriculum plan for the first six weeks.  Of course,  all of this is a work in progress.

All of my math teks checklists have been updated with the new teks.  The new checklists also includes a list of where the old teks went (other grade or deleted).  Hopefully this will help to make sure everything is covered.

Comparison of old teks and where they went

Each tek is separated by reporting category

There is a place to list dates and mastery for each tek.

Here is the original post from two years ago when I created the checklists.  Click here to get all the information behind the checklists.

I have the lists for 2nd through 8th grade available in my store.
Click here for the 8th grade list.  For 3rd through 8th grade, I have also kept my old teks checklists.

I hope that regardless of the new teks, you will not be overwhelmed and lose sight of the main goal.  The main goal is to teach the kids and give them the best that you can give.  I wish you all the best with this new school year.

Happy tekking!

Graphs and Central Tendency

It has been a long time since my last post. We have been BUSY at school.  I have been covering for another teacher, so my evenings have been spent planning for another class.  It is a 7th grade class, so I was really having to regroup.

The kids were behind, so we were having to go in and hit all the concepts.  During this time of year (or any time of year for that matter), no one wants to be beat down with a bunch of notes.  Since I started doing an interactive journal in my 8th grade class, I thought I would go that route with these kids.  They responded so well!  They loved getting the information without feeling like they were copying down a bunch of "stuff".

During the fall, I reviewed over the different graphs and central tendency with my 8th graders.  I used turkeys and pumpkins.  I didn't think that theme would go well at this time of year, so I created baskets and bunnies.

Each basket represented a different graph.  The egg was glued on to each basket (in a slightly overlapping pattern), and it titled what the graph was.  The eggs serve as a tab for easy reference.  The graphs we reviewed were:

• line plot
• line graph
• stem and leaf plot
• bar graph
• circle graph
• venn diagram

Each bunny represented each measure of central tendency.  One ear was glued to each bunny (in a slightly overlapping pattern), and it detailed what the bunny covered.  When we finished we had a four-eared bunny!

Click here to get the template I used for the baskets/eggs and bunnies/ears.

The kids were able to go back and add some color to the foldable.  I loved seeing them pull them out and use them to help answer different questions.  The eggs and ears allowed for easy reference.  The kids were engaged and got the material I needed them to get.

The slowest part is the cutting!  I have found that when we do activities like this, it is best to go ahead and hand out the material when they come in, so they can start cutting as soon as they finish the bell ringer.  We also have to share scissors.  I plan on buying A LOT of scissors this summer!  Once you get past the cutting hurdle, it is smooth sailing!

Happy basket and bunny making!

REEL life math

For the past two years, I have assigned my advanced students the project of creating a real-life math video in which they teach a math problem.  It is part of a contest held by MathCounts.

I require the project for a grade, but the students have the option of submitting the video in the National contest.  For the first time, we have a team who has completed the submission process, and their video is in the contest.

The students did all the work on their own.  I was so impressed with the output.  Due to rights with music, they had to do a quick revision and create their own song.  They put a lot of time and effort into the project, and my other students enjoyed watching what they created.

I love it when students can go above and beyond the requirements.  I believe this is a great foundation tool for future endeavors.

Voting began February 4, 2014, and it runs through March 14, 2014.  Please take a minute and go vote for their video.  There is a quick login process, but it only takes a second.  You can vote every day!  The winning video wins scholarships for the team members.

Click here to vote:  http://videochallenge.mathcounts.org/videos/judes-cookie-challenge

http://videochallenge.mathcounts.org/videos/judes-cookie-challenge

Thank you for encouraging math to go beyond the boundaries of the school!

Happy Voting!

Desks instead of paper

We start every class period with a bell ringer.  The students will have 2-4 problems that they must begin working when they come in the room.  After the bell ringer, they will do a quick one question quiz which reviews some concept we have previously discussed.  The quiz must follow the four step plan of: Read, think, solve and justify.

Of course, we have papers that they can keep the work organized, but this year I like to throw in a little different bell ringer every now and then.

One morning, I handed each student a dry erase marker when they walked in the room.  On the bell ringer screen, I included a box that stated to answer the bell ringer by writing on the desk with the dry erase marker.  I heard several gasps and "REALLY?"  They got to work and enjoyed the activity.

I typically give 2-4 minutes to complete bell ringer.  We usually switch papers and grade it.  On this occasion, we weren't really able to switch papers, so I told them to go on a field trip to somewhere else in the room.  This not only allowed them to get up and move, but it kept their attention.

After checking the bell ringer, they wiped off the desk and got ready for the quiz.  Most of the desks wipe off very well.  A few of the desks have a little different laminate, but a disinfectant wipe got the marker right off. Once the quiz was completed, they went on another field trip to somewhere they had never been before.

The kids really took to this.  I have thrown this in about once a month.  A few weeks ago, we had group work for 3 days, so each day I allowed the bell ringer and quiz to be done this way.  It provides a change-up and it helps to keep the kids excited about what the class may hold.

This was an example of one desk after the quiz.  I had all the kids take a trip to this desk to see what I look for in a justification.

It is great to give the kids a little surprise, and this surprise was FREE!

Happy Desk Writing!

Dilations & Scale Factor Journal entry

This year, I started an interactive journal in my math class.  I have LOVED it.  I can see such a difference in how the kids are understanding.  It allows for them to have a hands-on approach while learning how to take short notes that are to the point.  It is still a learning process, but I am loving the process!

A few years ago, I implemented, "Say NO to Oreos".  WHAT?????  Who could say NO to oreos?  We do this when we learn about scale factor.  The NO stands for New divided by Original.  We start this saying at the beginning of the year, and we use it all year.  In the past, I have always brought in three types of oreos:

• regular
• double stuft
• mini

We go through a lesson in which we start with the regular oreo and dilate it through an enlargement (the two types of dilations were discussed the day before); therefore, the double stuft is created. The students measure the oreos, and we calculate the scale factor used.

We then have the regular oreo and dilate it through a reduction; therefore, the oreo mini is created.  We do more measurements and get that scale factor.

The students have always responded very well to this.   Since I started journaling this year, I created a journal entry, so the kids could put down what they took away from it.

After each situation, we put the oreos down in the journal.  The characteristic of each type of dilation was included.

I created a little pop out which included our saying that we taped to the middle of the page.

The pop out opens up to reveal what the NO stands for.

I love how we were able to keep something from this activity that the kids can go back and look at.  The kids loved to eat the oreos!!

I am excited to see the finished journal!

Happy Dilating!!

Punch board

It has been a while since my last post!  The whirlwind of school came in FAST!!  It has been non-stop since the first day of school.  I have been finding new things to do this year, and it has kept me busy.

My biggest thing is starting the interactive math journal.  I LOVE this!  I wish I would have started this years ago.  As soon as I take some good pictures, I will put it in a post.

I just created this punch board tonight.  I plan on using it for a review game.

Items used:

• tri-fold display board
• plastic bowls (purchased at Dollar Tree....they even came with lids)
• stick-on velcro
• tissue paper
• rubber bands

Here is what I did to set up my board:

• I used velcro to adhere each cup to the board.  
• I got a big thing of tissue paper (50% off right now at Hobby Lobby).  I cut a few pieces in fourths. 
• I used a rubber band to put the tissue paper on.  
• Once the cup has been punched, I can restock and use the same rubber band to put a new piece of tissue paper on.  This would be a great job for a student.  I see some math bucks being earned with this.  
• If I don't need all the cups for the task at hand, I can put the lid on the ones not needed.
• For easy storage, I can pull the bowls off and store the board.

My son has tested the board, and it worked just fine.  He had fun hitting it!

Here are some ways I plan to incorporate this:

• word problem questions
• skill (create the item listed on the SMART board..for example, right now we are reviewing graphs and plots.  If they punch a bar graph, they would need to draw a bar graph on the board)
• # to a question on a test/paper already assigned  (periodically I do group tests, so this would be a good way to assess)
• incentive rewards (different prizes, etc)

I am sure I will come up with more uses as I incorporate this.

Happy Punching!!

Teachers pay Teachers SALE

Many sellers are having a 20% off sale plus an additional 8% at checkout.  Make sure you use the BTS13 code.

If you have never looked around TPT, you should try it.  Many people have a lot of free stuff, as well.  I always find great things.

This year, I will be trying an interactive math journal.  I already bought every student a spiral.  Last year, I did more with foldables, and the kids really liked it. I thought I would take it even deeper this year.  I am looking forward to this product I purchased at TPT:  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Math-Journal-315177

What item(s) have you found or would like to purchase?

Happy Shopping!!

VistaPrint Goodies

I came across a pin on Pinterest on an order from VistaPrint.  She had some really good ideas, so I stole borrowed them.  You can find the original pin here.

With free shipping, I spent less than $50, and I have a TON of labels and cards.

I got some labels to put on papers when it is obvious the student did not take his/her time, and I know he/she can do better.

Even in 8th grade, I still have a problem with no name on papers!  I get pretty good at deciphering handwriting, but this year, I am just going to put this label on it, and then hang it on the door.

At times, I have things that I need parents to sign and send back.  This is usually a low test grade or something similar.  I got these labels, and I can just write in the date it is due back.

When the labels run out, I also got a self-inking stamp!!!!

I have always wanted one of these!

I call my class rules, "Standards for Success."  I have a TON of them!  I also incorporated bucket fillers last year, but the standards for success are the things that have consequences if not followed.  I created these business cards, so when a standard is broken, the kids can fill out the card.  I can then file it in my little card box, and pull it out if necessary for parent/teacher conferences.

I am very happy with how my order turned out.  Now I just need to remember to use them!!!

Happy printing!

Open and Closed

I just made a new name plate for my desk (or in front of my elmo).

Cook is not a very long name, so I had to add a little filler.

I added some inspirational words to the back, so I will constantly be reminded all day.

The extra block is double sided.  One side says "open", and the other side says "closed".
Most of the time, I will be Open, but it is nice to provide that visual to the kids so they know if they can come ask me for help.
When it is test time, Mrs. Cook is closed for questions and help. When I do cooperative learning groups, I want the kids to ask each other questions, so this would be a good time to be closed, as well.  :)

I am happy with how it turned out!

In two more weeks, we will be open for business!!!

Happy opening!!

Decorating my classroom

At the end of last year, I finally started throwing a BUNCH of stuff away.  Being in the same classroom for eight years, makes it easy to just push stuff under the table and forget about it.  I am busy from the time I get to school until the time I leave.  Cleaning my room just goes by the wayside.  Now, don't get me wrong.  My kid's area is always picked up and cleaned.  My desk.......that is another story.  I tell the kids that I know where everything is, so they should never doubt that I am organized.  :)  I know I should do a better job of keeping EVERYTHING tidy, but I would rather spend my time teaching my kids as opposed to making sure I have a perfect classroom.  With a family at home, I don't want to stay at school until midnight every day, so I opt to just make sure I have organized stacks on my desk and everything else is pushed under the table.

At the end of the year, I ended up with three large trash bags full of junk.  I had to go up to the school a few weeks ago for a few meetings, so I spent the time between meetings in my room.  WOW!  I have always said I needed to spend a day in my room just cleaning.  It is amazing how much I have thrown away.  I have three trash bags, a few boxes and some broken shelves in the hallway.  I know our cleaning crew is not happy with me.  I will bake them some brownies when I come back to school.

I got the table out of my room, so that MADE me go through everything under it.  I found an old bookcase in an abandoned classroom, so now I have shelves!!!  WOOHOO!!!!  I am not finished with my room, but man it sure looks better and bigger without that huge table in the back.

I love making things, so I just made a wreath for my door. We are the Gladewater Cubs and our colors are orange and black. I love how it turned out.

The letters have a white glitter on them.  I am sure little fingers will never touch my letters, so they will always have the glitter on them.  :)

I will add other pics of my classroom once I have it all ready to go!

Happy decorating!!!

Parent And student help after hours

Last year, I created a Facebook page for my class. I am the only one able to post on it.  I have my kids create questions and we post them on the page.  We try and get people to answer them. I also used it to post incentives we were doing in the classroom.  We had good feedback from parents and students.

Yesterday, I created a new Facebook page to be used by all the math teachers at my school.  It is open for posts from parents and students.  It is my hope that parents and students can post questions they may have in the math class.  This should provide quick feedback, and hopefully we will be able to help after school hours.

Here is the link to the gms cub math Facebook page.

Last year, we started a wiki for parents to see examples on how we teach things.  I know that so many of the concepts we teach are different than when parents learned them.  With this wiki, parents and students are able to see notes, power points, and other examples.  All the math teachers have access to the wiki, so it is a collaborative effort. The wiki is linked with the Facebook page.

Here is the link to the parent wiki.

Both this Facebook page and wiki are in addition to my class sites.  I hope parents and students find them all beneficial.

What are some things you use to communicate with parents and students after hours?

Happy communicating!

Corrections

Mistakes will occur often in school and life in general.  Making a mistake is a great way to learn if the mistake is corrected and understood.

In my class, I do not give extra credit. Students are able to correct their daily grades (< 70) and test grades(< 90). Test corrections are mandatory on any test grade < 90. Some class time may be given, but overall, they correct the test on his/her own time. Students are always allowed to come to me for help on corrections. They are able to receive half the credit back on missed problems.

I created a form for the students to fill out when the corrections are being made.  The IMTQB (I Missed This Question Becuase) form provides a place for the student to reflect on any problem(s) missed.

A four column table is used which includes:

• the problem number
• new answer
• place for work
• place for the students to write in complete sentences why they missed the problem

The IMTQB form holds the students responsible for understanding why the problem was missed, and hopefully the student will learn from the mistake made.  I model correct IMTQB responses, so the students know exactly what I expect.  Of course, I always get a student to put something like, "I missed this question because I got it wrong".  My students know I will not accept this, so it will be given back to be completed correctly.

This form could be a prerequisite for extra points to be added to the test or a chance to take a retest.  I vary how I implement the form, and the students do not before the test if the graded test can be corrected for extra points or a retest.  I never want to give the students the impression that it is okay to not be prepared for the original test and then do the corrections for a better grade.  I want the students to know that it is okay to make a mistake, but what they do with the mistake is the true test.

You can download the form for free from my tpt store.

Happy correcting!

Daily Agenda

Summer is starting to wind down, so the thoughts of the new school year are upon me.  I believe it is very important for students to have a structured classroom.  Structure does not mean that there cannot be variations, or the students cannot have fun.  Structure means that the students know exactly what is expected each and every day.

I have found having a daily agenda that I follow every day is very effective.  Again, this does not mean that I never vary from this.  There is always a time in which a change needs to be made.  As a teacher, we must always be flexible!

To be even more effective is to have the entire math department aligned and on the same page.

Daily Agenda:

We have a 90 minute math class every day. This is the agenda our math dept follows. If you have a shorter class, you will need to modify to meet your time constraint. Maybe only do the quiz or speed test twice a week. I would keep the bell ringer every day.

Bell Ringer (2-4 minutes) - May need longer depending on the length of the questions. Move on after 4 minutes.
Daily Quiz (5 minutes) - time it and move on after 5 minutes.
Speed Test (1 minute) - skill practice
POTW (5 minutes) - work on the POTW that is received on Monday and due by Friday
Accelerated Math or other individualized practice (10 minutes) - practice geared towards each student's needs
Reach for the Stars (< 5 minutes) - We use the CPS clicker system. The kids answer their question on the paper, and then they click in their response. If you don't have a clicker system, you could note cards for an easy grade. Have them hold the letter of their answer at their chest.
Homework review - go over any left over work from the previous day
Instruction/Notes - go over any notes or lesson for the day
Activity/Work - Students use the remaining time to work on the activity/work assigned for the day.
I always allow partner work. If students get off task, I take the opportunity away.

If I have a test planned, I may or may not have the bell ringer and daily quiz (depends on the size of the test), but I do not follow the rest of the agenda for test day.
Structure is effective for the students, and I believe it is necessary for a smooth and well-managed classroom.
I would love to hear what type of agenda your classroom follows.

Here is a link to my bell ringer and quiz sheets our math department uses.

Happy structuring!!!

New 8th Grade Math TEKS

Effective for the 2014-2015 school year, the math TEKS will be different.  Many teachers are already preparing for the changes.  As I started looking at the changes, I noticed that I have already built many of these TEKS in my class.

I do believe the personal finance TEKS are a great addition.  I already incorporate personal finance to an extent in my classroom, but now I will be looking for activities that include all the new personal finance TEKS.

I am not sure how these will be tested.  Currently, we have readiness and supporting standards.  I have not seen any information pertaining to readiness and supporting for the new TEKS.

I have created a new checklist for the new TEKS.  Unlike my old checklist, the new one does not break the TEKS down by readiness or supporting.  If TEA decides to keep this format, I can easily go back and add that information.

The new checklist DOES include a list of the current TEKS and how they are changing.  I have included the new TEKS and if any old is being completed deleted.  Some TEKS moved to other grades, so the appropriate grade level TEK is also included.

comparison of old TEKS to new TEKS

A place for date taught and mastery percent for each TEK

 I am currently working on the new checklists for 6th and 7th grade.  I will post those as soon as they are complete.  Then I will get the other grades done.

The new checklist can be found at my store.  It is never too early to begin planning.

I have also included a bundle which includes a checklist for the current TEKS and the checklist for the new TEKS.  The bundle can be found at my store.

I hope you don't let the new TEKS overwhelm you.  Once you become familiar with the new TEKS, they aren't so scary.  :)  One test does not determine if the students learn.  How well you teach will determine if the students learn.

Happy new TEKING!

Math: A Carnival of fun!

Once testing is over, we are able to take time in the class to work on projects.  Most of the projects must be completed at home due to lack of time.  My kids know that we are not at school just to take a test, so once the test is over, math will still be learned!

A few years ago, I created a carnival game project for the kids to do.  This is my final project, so they are able to work on it in the classroom.  The kids must:

• create a carnival game
• write instructions
• create an income equation
• create an expense equation
• create a profit equation
• build the game
• play all the games in the class

The kids love it!!!  I am surprised each year when I see the final games.

Some games are very simple.  Knock the Cups over - three plastic cups and a ping pong ball.  The goal is to knock the cups over with the ball.

Some games are more advanced.  Angry Beans - balloons and lima beans.  The goal is to pop the balloons by slinging a lima bean from a sling shot.

Some games are WAY more advanced.  Skeeball - a skeeball machine built by a student!!!  I was BLOWN away with this one.  WOW at the math that was used to build it!  He plans on donating it to his church for the annual fall fest.

When they come up with the income, they must decide how they would make money on this.  Some people say they will charge money for each play.  Others say they will rent the game out.
Example income equation:  i = 2t  ($2 per ticket) or i = 50h   ($50 per hour)

They must also decide what expenses are needed.  For example:  $.25 per cup, $.50 per ping pong ball
e = .25c + .50b

We talk about at what point they will finally start making money (break even).  The difference between profit and loss is discussed, so we talk about what could be done to make sure the game operates at a profit.
Example profit:  2t - (.25c + .50b)

The kids make a poster that shows the name and written instructions.  I do not make them include the income and expenses on the poster (since they won't really be making any money when we set the game up).

Usually, we set them up during class time, and we walk around and play all the games.  This year, we set them up at an Athletic fun day outside, so students from 6th and 7th were able to play.  All the kids really liked it.

Plinko

Cup stack

Bowling

SkeeBall

Ball toss

Guess the Song

I tell the kids that they can create a game with no cost to them or the parents.  The Guess the Song game featured included a boy humming a song, and the kids had to guess the name of the song.  I have had some create a tic tac toe board out of sticks and then use pine cones to try and make three in a row.  The grade is never based on how much money they spend to create it.

My kids have always loved this game, and it is a great end to the year.

You can go to my store for the complete instructions on the game.  Get the instructions here!

Happy Gaming!

Teacher Appreciation Day 5

Today was the final day of Teacher Appreciation Week!  Of course, that does not mean we don't appreciate our teachers the rest of the year!

For Jaxxon's main teacher, I put together a little box of goodies!  It contains a little bit of everything.  I got the original idea from the Seasons of Joy blog.

 I got a craft box from Hobby Lobby.  I used a 40% off coupon.  It comes with dividers, so you can make the sections as big or small as you like.
I covered the top of the box with school-themed scrapbook paper.  I mod-podged it on, so the top layer would be protected.  Of course I used a tulle bow and attached some pencils to the top.  Using my cricut, I created a custom name tag which can also be reused.

The box was filled with teacher goodies:

• sticky notes
• paper clips
• push pins
• magnets
• binder clips
• clothes pins....not for clothes of course  :)

It was also filled with some sweet treats:

• peppermints
• lifesavers
• hershey kisses
• now and laters

On the front cover, I attached the candy poem I created.  On day 1, I included these candies and poems for all of Jaxxon's other teachers.

Thank You!

Thank you for all the LOVE you have shown the kids this year.

You are a LIFESAVER to all the children you hold dear.

NOW & LATER the kid’s love for you will continue to reach.

You were MINT to be a teacher, and you were meant to teach!

For all the teachers, I had planned on getting everyone his/her favorite Sonic drink.  This question was of course on the questionnaire I had the teachers fill out.  Jaxxon has had so much enjoyment from passing the gifts out, I wanted him to have something to hand out (since I would be the one bringing the drinks).  I whipped up some chocolate covered popcorn!  YUMMY!  I love this, and it is so quick and easy to make.  I put some popcorn in plastic baggies.  I created a popcorn sign on the computer:

I wanted to POP in

and say Thank you

for all you do!

Love, Jaxxon

This allowed Jaxxon with a gift he could still deliver.  Not only has this been great for teacher appreciation week, it is showing him that it is great to give a gift and not get a gift back in return.

I created some labels on the computer to put on the straw of the Sonic drinks.  This allowed me to deliver with ease.  I ran to Sonic on my conference at 9:00 this morning.  Of course, I had to go ahead and get me and two teachers from my school a drink, as well!

I loved being able to pass out these drinks and just say, "thank you" in person.  I also got a GREAT hug from my sweet little man!!

This week has been fantastic, and I have loved creating these gifts for the teachers.  They have made this first year for Jaxxon so special, and I know this is the strong foundation he needs for a successful academic career!

Happy Appreciating!

Teacher Appreciation Day 4

Here it is already day 4 of this great week.  Although I have only received one handmade sign from a student, I still love this week.  I love being able to make and do things for other people.

On the questionnaire I sent to Jaxxon's teachers, I asked them what their favorite snack food was.
Three teachers said popcorn!  For that, we bought a box of popcorn and divided up the pouches.  We tied a bow on it, and the gift was born.
One teacher likes trail mix, so we got a bag and tied a bow on it.
One likes caramel popcorn, so we got a bag and tied a bow on it.
The last teacher likes peanut butter crackers, so you guessed it!  We bought some peanut butter crackers and we tied a bow on it.
I used my cricut to make little personalized name tags.

I wanted to add a little something extra for Jaxxon's main teacher.  I found this cute sign at the Skip to My Lou site.  She provides the download! I printed out the sign in the two colors.  I bought two frames from Dollar Store.  After putting the sign in the frame, I wrote the number and the event with a dry erase marker.  This will be perfect to sit on her desk.  It can be used for any type of countdown!  I also made one for my very close teacher friend at my school!

In case you haven't noticed, I love tulle bows! Tulle just adds a little something extra to a gift!  I buy it at Hobby Lobby when they have their Christmas supplies on sale for 50% off.  They start putting the Christmas stuff out during July, so you have plenty of time to get it!  During Christmas, they have the big spools of tulle for $9.99!  I use it all year!!

The teachers liked the goodies, and Jaxxon and I liked providing the smile!

Happy Appreciating!