Place Valut SCOOT! (Product Review)

Place Value SCOOT! by live.love.teach.

The past few years in 3rd grade we would always start with place value.  Seems like a simple skill but the majority of students struggle with it initially.  They understand place value and estimating up to 3 place values, but go any further than that they often found it confusing.

I reassured the students that this is normal and it will get easier wit regular practice.  We spend a chapter introducing new skills and reviewing previously taught skills in this unit.  I also make sure to do a daily number activity where we dissect a 6-digit number.  Plus, we utilized this TPT product by live.love.teach.

What is SCOOT?

This was my first SCOOT game and took me a trial run to implement this into our class.  The students get an answer recording sheet and are presented with their first card.  The students are to answer the question using the number on the card and the numbered box on their recording sheet. After the allowed time you give the students a command (SCOOT!) to pass the card to the next person and answer their new card.  You continue this until all cards are answered.

How I Used Scoot:

I play this exact game about 2-3 times with the class with several days in between each day.  The first run of the game I gave 2-3 minutes for each card.  I had just under 20 students, but it took about 45 minutes to play the round.  I only used as many cards as students that were present that day.

It did take a bit of time, but I had students panicking with the limited time.  I would continue our lessons and several days later I would play the game again, but this time only allowing 1-2 minutes.  If I had time to play a third round I gave either 30 seconds to 1 minute.  A bit more challenge with less time to answer each time.  (We make sure to understand it's okay to skip and move on if time is up.)

How it worked for my class:

Although a bit frustrating at first, once the students understood the goal of the game they really enjoyed playing it!  We ended up playing SCOOT! with other skills throughout the year and the students were really excited to play!

I rate this product 4 out of 4 starfish!
Mainly because the students could improve their skills in a way they enjoyed!

Superheroes Can Multiply (Product Review)

One of the biggest skills we introduce and focus on in 3rd grade was Multiplication Skills.  This is essential to practice and master these skills, especially from 0-10 facts, to utilize for expanded multiplication & division.  I used the curriculum to introduce and model skills, but I know every day practice is the best way to build skills.

I had used Multiplication Top It, Flashcards, rolling dice, Beat the Calculator, white board practice,and other games that students came up with.  One I put together that the students LOVE was this product from Kathy Law called "Superheroes Can Multiply!"

I printed them out, glued to construction paper (front & back), bound it into a book, and placed it in a large Ziploc bag with a 10-sided dice and counters.

How I Used it in Class

I introduced this product to the students and demonstrated how you played with 1-3 players, rolling the dice to multiply each fact, and placing a counter on top of each correct answer.  Once this was introduced, the students were allowed to play once they finish their math work or during math centers.  The students were able to play this game on their own without needing me for anything, and easily monitored themselves.

Students Loved It!

The students are instantly intrigued with the superhero theme, even the girls!  They enjoyed the challenge that is able to be achieved with the right amount of challenges.  My struggling learners loved being able to complete the tasks on each page and gained confidence in front of their peers.

I give this a 4 out of 4 starfish!
Especially for the student guided success.

You can check out First Grade a la Carte Blog for more information on this product!  You can download the product at Kathy Law's TPT Store.

Sequencing Task Cards

Here are two similar products that I've used in the past.  I was looking for some centers while introducing and working on the Sequencing/Chronological Order Reading Skill.  I came across these on TPT.  The first one is from Teaching with a Mountain View, and I liked this one because it provided different ways to practice sequencing.  It had stories, listing events, creating student's work, and more.  The second is from Rachel Lynette, and she has some great task cards for nearly every skills.  (I've gotten a few from her.)  I like how she uses signal words to help students with this skill.

How I Used these Task Cards in my Class:

I initially started using them in a center during my reading groups during the time we're practicing this skill.   It was great because you only need one set and don't need to make/waste copies.  They also provided an answer sheet and the students could check their buddy's work, or there own.  The students were able to work with these cards without any teacher help, and this was helpful since I was in Reading Groups.

Making & Printing these Cards:

I made sure I printed these on cardstock paper so it would be more durable. I had printed one set on white cardstock at home with my color printer and another set on colored cardstock with our school grayscale classroom printer.  Both were great because they were bright and colorful.  Then I made sure to laminate them so that they would last for years.

Rating & Download:

  

Click above to purchase and download these wonderful task cards!

I give both of these products 4 out 4 starfish! 

Brain Break Cards (Product Review)

Brain Breaks for Your Classroom!

Although I'm awaiting my own classroom after moving to Australia (from the U.S.), I want to let you know what worked well for me in my previous 5 years classroom experience.  One thing that helped with my classroom management was utilizing Brain Breaks in my class!  

I was teaching 3rd grade in Florida during the heavily testing era of the FCAT and constant student testing to collect data throughout the year.  This can get quite boring for the students AND teachers.  I tried my hardest to create lessons that were innovative and engaging that also required some movement.  (Sitting at your desk doing worksheets all day every day is just not my cup of tea!)  However, there are times you have to practice skills taught on worksheets/practice tests to make sure students are prepared come testing time.  

Since I couldn't escape this practice entirely, I incorporated Brain Breaks!  I found that my students enjoyed this immensely! They were engaged during lessons, participated more actively, could easily transition to the next subject, and used as a positive reinforcement for good behavior.