Make them estimate logically!

One of the many "take homes" I picked up from my AVID summer institute conference was the need to really get kids thinking and making logical decisions. Each day, we participates in Estimation Station. I have incorporated this into my classroom and my kids ask about it everyday and look forward to Fridays because of Estimation Station. They even do this little chant! First, I find something the kids like for a treat to put inside a random, clean container. I have used skittles, m&m's, Oreos, Mike & Ike's, etc for treats. For containers, I have used disposable, cheap containers from the dollar store. Containers that are unusual get the kids intrigued and excited. For example, I used an unused picnic-ketchup container this past Friday.

 The treat and container are only the hook. I ask my students to estimate the number of items, the weight in ounces, the length if connected end to end, and the ratio of red skittles to the entire number of skittles within the container. These are just a few of the estimations I have used but so many more could be utilized. I realize that kids do not have the schema to make an accurate estimation for some stations. As a result, I provide samples to give them some background knowledge. We discuss the weight of a stapler, a baby, a shoe, a desk, etc. Conversion is also incorporated into this activity that students deem "just for fun."

 Students put their names and estimations on sticky notes and put them on my doors. Then, I require them to write about the process and their rationale. Frantically, they write about this exciting activity. They know that when they are finished we will be identifying our winner. The time comes and I try to play it up as much as possible. The kids all cheer for the winner and it is a great way to end the class on a Friday. Monday morning, we begin by scrutinizing our writings. Where they over or under in their estimation? How could they have been more accurate? These are just a few of my questions. However, students are eager to be perfect their estimating skills. Finally, students offer future Estimation Stations which is great because they continue to buy-in to the activity, feel a part of the process, and offer some pretty amazing suggestions.

 I learned so much at the AVID summer institute but this small little activity really fit into my classroom routine and made it not-so routine!

Writing in Math

I believe that using writing in mathematics not only strengthens a student's writing skills but reinforces their learning because it is sort of a reteaching method. I currently utilize writing in my classroom during warm-ups, quick writes, projects, exit tickets, and various forms of assessments. With the availability of tablets, I plan to have students begin class each day in the same manner with a prompt that includes a small writing component. Through Edmodo, students will see the prompt from me and will respond to the entire class. Just as we did today, students will from time to time be asked to examine another student's writing, highlight the academic vocabulary words in green and the tier 2 vocabulary words in yellow, and prepare a positive-only response. Obviously, I want to create a safe learning environment and encourage students to participate. Similarly, throughout the lesson we will be able to initiate quick writes whenever the opportunity arises and close the lesson with an exit ticket that is assigned and only viewable by myself. This will allow me to check for understanding and grade the formative assessment in a private manner. Students will be able to maintain all their writings, projects, and other assignments in their "backpack" which is like an endless flash drive and since Edmodo's grade book maintains copies of all their assignments, work will never be misplaced. As I prepare to become a paperless classroom, I catch myself stopping in the midst of activities and asking myself how I would change things given tablets in the hands of my students. I have post-its with ideas stuck around my classroom from ideas that are generated. I feel like I could write a book with all my post-its put in chronological order:)

Journey to Paperless

Well, when I found out last year that I was one of four teachers given the privilege of piloting a class set of tablets I was thrilled.  I did not anticipate however that I would have tablets and be without WIFI.  Trying to be positive and a role model for the glass is half full, I have focused on preparing my students for working with such technology.  Today, I found out that WIFI is back on track and will be ready in about a month.  That is ok because my kids will be ready in about a month.  I realize that this technology will bring about challenges but I embrace those due to the many opportunities.  My students are eager to use my school website to download notes, assignments, videos, and handouts.  They are also able to utilize Quizlet from my site so they may practice academic vocabulary.  We will begin utilizing Learning Upgrade this Friday to strengthen math skills on a personalized student path.  My students love this software but complain about the "nerdy" music.  Yet, I am plagued with hearing them hum those silly tones while they complete their work.  So, while we are in the emerging stages of paperless - we are working with what we have.  Here is a video I showed for order of operations...I regret ever hearing this tune!

Tech in my classroom

I am going to be documenting my journey towards becoming a paperless classroom. I have access to tablets for my students however, I am working on the procedures of my classroom and getting my students prepared for integrating tablets into our learning.  I want them to be aware of my expectations for their behavior and understand all procedures for use of the device before even touching the tablets.  With 6th graders, I am learning that this may take some time.  For now, we are only utilizing the following pieces of technology: promethium board with flip charts which are similar to power point presentations, online access to gradebook, Remind 101, class website for assignment information, and coming this week...responders.  The only new to me technology is the use of Remind101.  I am using this to update parents via messaging of important information. However, only half of my parents are able to use Remind 101 for one reason or another.  This means I still have to rely on email.  I have created a spreadsheet in Google Docs with students information.  So, emailing is much easier.

This week I will utilize the responders so students will be able to do exit tickets and quizzes. I will not be doing a lot of multiple choice this year so I don't know how often the responders will be utilized.  I will be blogging soon about my incremental use of additional technology.