The Red Cup

Two weeks ago, I went to Walmart for Halloween pencils. Just around the corner were some red and green items... but I couldn't look.
It's wasn't time yet.

Last weekend, I went to Target to pick up candy for trick-or-treaters. In the next aisle over something silver and sparkly was within view... but I couldn't look.
It's wasn't time yet.

Yesterday I stopped by CostCo to pick up something for dinner. I could see giant reindeer and other lighted items peeking at me from above... but I couldn't look.
It's wasn't time yet.

And then today I went to Starbucks. Without ceremony or fanfare, the barista handed me my drink. Ahhhh.

And there is was.

                  The red cup.

It was time.

Just holding that cup made me feel warm and cheery inside, despite the rain outside. Equally comforting were the words on the cup, "When we're together, I know I'll never fail."

That's how it is with teachers. It is so easy to feel alone, even in a big school, because so often we think we are the only ones who are feeling frustrated, self-doubting, or disappointed.

But together, as Bloggers, we are a community. Even though we probably wouldn't recognize each other in Starbucks, we DO have each other.  We celebrate, encourage, commend and inspire each other.  We help each other get on and stay on the path to success (and pick each other up when we stumble along the way).

This is the season of love and peace and thanksgiving.  Thank you for what you have given me.  Thank you for what you have given each other.

So, grab a red cup... and celebrate this wonderful season.

It's time!

PS  Recently, I was offered a really-can't-believe-it opportunity.  Check out my post here...

This was my first-ever TBA post.

Consequently, it will always be my favorite.

Happy Birthday, TBA!

Thanks for celebrating TBA's Birthday with us!

Here's the link to get back...

The Week Ending November 4th: Another Quick Cut-and Go-Activity

Yippee! Clutter-Free Classroom's Peek in my Planbook is back!  (Thanks, CFC!)

This week flew by!  Seems like we spent a lot of time getting ready for testing, taking "bubble tests" or talking about the results of the tests!

In our quest to make practice and remediation a little more fun, we played several math games to review skills.

Here's another example of a "quick and easy" math game... Just print on cardstock, cut and play!  (In fact, several of my students often offer to cut out the cards with scissors... it turns recess into a updated version of an old-fashioned quilting bee!)

One concept that some of my students struggle with is moving between "systems."  Many of my students tend to see factions, decimals and percents as separate entities.  It seems like I am constantly reminding them, "Same amount, different way of expressing it."  I try to prompt them to look for other ways to say/write a quantity if it makes it easier (or "more comfortable") to solve problems.

For extra practice or warm-up for kids who are struggling with this concept, we play "Equivalent Concentration."  This helps the kids "see" the same amount written in different ways--and pairs can be made in different combinations.  All cards are turned face down and the kids take turns turning over two cards in an attempt to find a match. The one difference (rule-wise) between this practice and "the regular Concentration game" is that you don't get an extra turn if you get a match.  Players just take turns trying to find pairs.

It just takes a few minutes to play, but it gets students ready to convert quantities more comfortably (and more quickly) when solving word problems.   Add a stopwatch (for players who are ready) to increase the challenge!

 

I know, I know... It's hardly spectacular.  But it is just enough practice to stick!  Besides colored cardstock and my paper cutter always make my heart happy.  I have several levels, including eighths, tenths and thirds, but GoogleDocs is not always my friend, so this version is the most basic variety.  Besides, this way, my third, fourth or fifth grade friends might be able use this too!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18GlkGOUjllPPSTeNqeJeibpGtf5iBu9u5qT9yA9-5c/edit

I can make a dandy fall festival flyer with cats, pumpkins and mummies, but trying to get a "shaded one-half" graphic centered in a GoogleDocs table cell almost made me crazy.  I have SO much admiration for my BloggingColleagues who make those adorable items day after day.  Thankfully, my "big" kids are used to plain and simple materials!

I am wishing you a warm and happy November--Gotta love a month that has TWO no-school holidays!

Don't forget to link back to the party Clutter-Free Classroom's Peek in My Planbook!

Currently... November! A Linky Party to Join...

Join November's Currently Linky Party hosted by Oh' Boy 4th Grade!
Her design for November is lovely!

So here's what's happening at the party in my head:

Now it's your turn to join the fun!
Link back to the party at Oh Boy Fourth Grade and get the template...
Then share what's going on in your life!
While you're there, read a couple of Farley's older posts. That girl is SO funny. And she's got some great freebies too!

Happy November!