Saturday, June 7, 2014

Wrapping Things Up

Only 3 more days. We're soo close but summer still feels so far away. I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for the Five for Friday (or should I say Saturday) Linky. 


I realized my kiddos were having difficulty subtracting with zeros, so I made these task cards. CLICK HERE to download them for free.  
 I also taught them this really cool trick. 
It's difficult to subtract with zeros because you have to regroup, so if you need to subtract from 700, take 1 away to create 699. However, you must KEEP THE DIFFERENCE THE SAME so since you took 1 from 700 you also need to take 1 away from the other number. Then subtract. Since you kept the difference the same, your answer will be the same as well. 

 
We also worked on different shades of meaning for verbs and adjectives. I introduced it by showing them four different shades of blue. They quickly caught on to the word "shade" and easily applied it to different verbs and adjectives. 


These cards come from Teaching and Tapas Charades of Meaning product. We had a blast with all the different activities in this product. Click on the picture below to check out the product -- it's fantastic. 
Charades of Meaning - Four FUN Shades of Meaning Activitie



We also completed one of my favorite writing activities. I give my kiddos this prompt on one of the first days of school and I collect their papers. I hold on to them until the end of the school year and I have them complete the same writing prompt (they always forget that they did this at the beginning of the year). When they turn their papers in this time, I surprise them with the beginning of year version. We compare the two pieces of work and discuss how much they have improved as writers over the year. I have them bring the two papers home to share with their family. This activity brings so many smiles and sense of accomplishment -- I'll do it every year.


I've always wanted to use arrow cards to teach my kiddos place value. I came across this great blog post from Tara at the Elementary Math Maniac blog (she actually did a guest post on Kids Math Teacher blog -- which is where I found the info) and she wrote about using magnetic arrow cards. MAGNETIC arrow cards --- LOVE IT! So I made one set of magnetic arrow cards and slapped them on my white board.  I have stayed away from paper arrow cards because of the management aspect (I just think it would become too much).

I went to Wal Mart and bought a pack of magnetic paper that contained 3 pieces ($6). Then I used a ruler and permanent marker and started creating.  I cut them out and added color around the edges (red for the hundred cards, yellow for the ten cards, and green for the one cards).  I'll take a pic of the completed cards and post it on Monday. 




This is totally random, but I came across this on Pinterest and it has been wonderful. If you're a praying momma, it's a must have. If you want to be a praying momma, it's a great resource to help you get started.  I've been using it to pray for my own children AND my students.
A great list.
CLICK HERE to download your own copy for FREE. 


8 comments:

  1. Hi. I'm your neighbor in this week's Five for Friday and a new follower.
    The magnetic arrow cards are a great idea. I'm pinning right now.
    Good luck with your last few days of school.
    Amber
    School Is a Happy Place

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    1. Hey Amber! I'm so glad you found a goodie to use. Enjoy your summer!

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  2. Hi Leah! Oh my goodness I am so glad I read your post. I love the subtraction idea!! The double zero is so hard for my 2nd graders to remember. I am so going to do this trick this week as we are reviewing our concepts for the year. Thanks so much.

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    1. Let me know how the subtraction trick works! My kiddos caught on fairly quickly. We also took it to another level and did it with 701 and 702. Have a great summer!

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  3. All of these ideas are awesome! I love the "different shades of meaning" lesson... I will have to remember that one. Also, I LOVE the writing comparison! I am so doing that next year!

    I am in Charlotte... We are so close!! Love your blog.

    Kristin
    My Carolina Classroom

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    1. Hey Kristin,

      We are soo close!!! So happy to hear you found some of my ideas useful! Enjoy your summer.

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  4. Love the subtracting with zeros activity!! my soon to be 4th grader still struggles with this and I'm so hoping this can help break down his mental brick wall!! Wish I'd known this trick when I was still teaching school - would've have been a great help!!

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  5. I just found your blog through Pinterest! I love all the ideas in this post! Free task cards, magnetic place value, shades of color to introduce shades of word meaning - genius! I'm your newest follower. :)
    Crystal
    www.crystalclearteaching.com

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