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!

Teacher Appreciation Day 3

For the third gift of this wonderful week, we gave homemade cookies or brownies in an oven mitt.  On the questionnaire I sent to Jaxxon's teachers, I asked if they preferred cookies or brownies.  5 preferred cookies and 1 preferred brownies.

I made brownies to reward one of my classes for good behavior with a sub, so I pulled some out for one of his teachers.  That was great since I was able to accomplish two things with one task!

For the cookies, I love baking snickerdoodles, so that is what I baked. I love these cookies!  The first batch was a little crispier than I prefer, so I kept those for myself (I said I love these cookies)!  The other batches came out GREAT!  Of course, I had to sample them, as well.

We put four cookies or brownies in a ziploc bag, and then we put those in an oven mitt.  I was able to pick these up for $1 from the Dollar store.  We attached a note that said:

Mrs. Keller,

I adMITT

You are a GREAT

Teacher!

Thank you for all you do!

Love, Jaxxon

They were a big hit, so our job was done!  Jaxxon has enjoyed bringing gifts each day.  I hope this helps him to see that it is always good to do nice things for other people.

Happy Appreciating!!