Place Value and Ways to Write a Number

Last week our class focused on place value and different ways to write a number. After doing a mimio lesson and some workbook pages we then read The True Story of the Three Little Pigs By Jon Scieszka. Students worked in groups to make their own houses using base ten blocks, and then on their own. We used the 3D blocks, but paper would work fine as well. Once they made their houses, they were instructed to trace the blocks on construction paper and figure out how much their house was worth. Here are some pictures of what they came up with:

I thought this one turned out cute, but she explained that she didn't count the windows and door as part of her base ten house which made more sense!

Another interesting take on a house. The student had mentioned that the party would be happening upstairs in what looks like the roof! Too cute!

After finishing up that Project we moved forward on different ways to write a number. Some of my colleagues and I use an apple that we created to show all the different ways. First though, we did and example up on the board:

Then we gave students a template and allowed them to choose their own number to represent in each part of the apple.

This one was my example, but the students really loved making their own. When they finished cutting out the apple, they had to trade it with someone to put their apple "puzzle" back together. It was after they tried a few different ones that we glued them down on construction paper.

You can get your own template of the apple by clicking here: Apple Template

And the finished product of a few of my colleagues and I:

Don't forget to get a copy of your own apple template above! What do you do to teach place value?

Small Moment Writing

In writing today we started working on small moments. We looked at the small idea instead of the big picture. It is something my second graders were familiar with, learning about the idea in first grade, but it's always challenging for them at the beginning of the year to narrow down their topic so much. We started off with a mini lesson using a mimio lesson. It reviewed what a small moment story was and allowed students to interact and figure out some details around a small moment. Here is the link if you have a mimio in your room: Small Moment Mimio Lesson

I also referred to a fabulous first grade website which had some really great ideas for introducing small moment stories: http://firstgradewow.blogspot.com/2012/10/catch-small-moment.html

Students were first allowed to make their "hats" to help their brains think of all the little small moment story ideas.

Next, I made my own recreation of her anchor chart and allowed students to brainstorm their own small moment ideas on post-it notes. We reviewed everyone's ideas and if they weren't small moment, as a class we helped narrow it down. 

Students then used some of the documents from the first grade website I mentioned above to write their own small moment story. They turned out pretty good for the first go around, and I was so surprised to see even some of my more reluctant writers adding some details!

I hope you are able to capture some small moment writing!

Welcome Back

Starting off the year is always stressful for me since I love already being in the swing of things, with routine and all. But I still get excited as every teacher does to meet my new students and kick start the year. I always have had a puppy themed room, but every year I try to switch things up a bit. I love how every year more and more things are being made by myself and others that I can add to make my room a little different. Here are just a few pics:

This is from last year, but I adored it so much. This year I have a surfing into second bulletin board.

I attached clothespins to the blue good day sign and from there, throughout the day students move their paw print cards up and down, based on their behavior/actions. You can purchase the polka dots signs, here on TPT: Behavior Clip Chart If they land on purple at the end of the day, I punch their card. These are free: PAWS-ITIVE Behavior Punch Cards

The writing process. The Writing Process Posters

This is the door leading into my classroom. Of course I had to put my own pup, Sawyer, on there because is the inspiration behind my room! ;)

Sadly, I have one tiny window due to my room being the tornado room, so I tried to spice things up with some heart garland I made. I just used string and cut out hearts to string down from the ceiling. The hearts sparkle when the sunlight hits, so it helps make things a little brighter!

Awesome target score. The butterflies are 3D room decals, and the best part is they actually stick without me putting a nail in the wall! Blue sticky tack is holding these up!

I also printed out a sound chart for this year. I have a super sweet, yet super chatty class, so I am hoping this will help. Sound Check Chart

I hope everyone heading back to school is ready to go! Here's to the start of a great year!