New Linky=Math-y Monday

I am a math convert.  I used to hate math, I mean really hate math.  I was never good at math and when I was in school I always dreaded math.  I had a hard time understanding the concepts and would be totally confused if someone understood math in a different way and tried to show me in any other way other than the way my teacher had shown me.  Then two years ago now, it happened, I found a love for math.  I participated in a yearlong math professional development and it lead to a whole new understanding to math for me.  I could finally see how to do those different techniques teachers would try to teach me and I could finally understand all of the ways to teach math.  I became certified in a program call Add + Vantage Math-Math Recovery through the Kentucky Center for Mathematics.  The whole time I was learning a new way to learn and teach math, I always thought, "Why didn't someone teach me to teach math this way when I was in college?"  In a new blog series, Math-y Mondays, I will be sharing with you some of the intervention techniques and activities that I have learned and implemented with success to my math resource students.
Without further ado, I introduce to you:

My intervention/game for this week is all about forward and backward number sequence.
*PS-You will see a theme develop with my posts.  The strands that are introduced and taught in AVMR are Forward and Backward Number word sequence, Numeral Identification, Addition and Subtraction, and Structuring.*

Math Scrabble
Materials:  100 board/chart
number tiles (1-100)

Setup:
Place up to 10 tiles on the hundreds board
Put remaining tiles in a container (I used a drawstring bag that students couldn't see through)

How to play:

1. Each student draws 7 tiles from container
2. Direct the students by saying, "You are looking for the (number before or number after--you decide beforehand what you need to work on) and placing the number tile on the board (in front of or after) the number tiles that are already on place on the board.  You're goal is to place all of your tiles before the other players."
3. Students take turns placing number tiles in appropriate places on the hundreds board.
4. When a student places a tile in the correct position, have the student count back or count up to the next tile on the board.  For example, when I play this game with my students we are working on backward number sequence.  If the number tile on the board is 53 and the student lays down 52, then they are correct and they count back from 52 down to 45 (if that is the next tile up on the board).  Depending on your students you can cover the board with a cloth to cover the numbers so they have to count back without support from the manipulatives.
5. When a student does not have a tile that will work, the student draws a new tile and play is passed on to the next person.
6. Continue following directions from step 3 on.
7. Play ceases when a player runs out of tiles or the board is full. 

My students loved this game and ask to play it everyday!  That is success right there!!  Fourth and fifth grader love something = awesome!! :)  You could adapt this for younger grades that are not fluent to 100, by using only numbers to 30.  

Enjoy!  Link up below and share your favorite math games!!  I hope you join in on some new weekly fun!

Here are the ground rules:
1.  Grab my Math-y Monday button and add it to your math game post
2.  Link up your math game post
2.  Make a new friend!  Check out the link before and after yours and leave a friendly comment :)
3.  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this new linky! :)

Friday! Wooo!--Weekly Fave Pins

I've been a little MIA this week in the bloggy world.  SCM is my excuse.  SCM stands for Safe Crisis Management, so if you gotta problem with it...you're goin' down!! :)  Just kidding of course! I have been trained this week though in restraint and de-escalation strategies.  Two things have come out of this training; one I'm certified in SCM, two my leg muscles are killin'!  Whew! I haven't work them out enough this summer obviously!

So, even though I have spent several hours four days this week in training, I have had time for Pinterest!  I always got time for that! ;)

1.  I think this Parts of a Friend poster is just adorable!

2.  This is a great visual to help me remember what the functions of behavior could be in an acting out student.  It also helps me explain function of behavior to other people that don't exactly speak special ed. lingo

3.  On Monday, I get to get into my new classroom!  I am so excited! I am about to burn up my classroom decor Pinterest board!  This is one of my favorites for the door decoration.

4.  This Sensory Tree would be such a cool idea for the classroom!

5.  I am so excited about my new school and what all this experience has yet to bring.  I am thankful that God has used me in different places and different schools for His purpose and now I will be going somewhere brand new and will be able to use what I've learned over the years to grow more there.  I feel so blessed that God has continued to put me on the right path!

Five for Friday Break & My Fave Pins

I normally link up with Five for Friday every week, but she has taken a little break so Cara from The First Grade Parade has taken over the Friday link up to share your favorite pins from the week.

Well, I will share my pins, but I couldn't resist sharing with you some of my highlights from this week.

My sister came to town this week and spent a few days. We did a little shopping and bought matching sweatshirts. Yeah, I know it is July and it is hot outside, but they were on clearance and couldn't be passed up! BBN!! Go Cats!

Then we went to get some Chinese. Chloe made a little dessert art. So talented! :)

And finally, I made this picture frame for one of my best friends.  She is having a baby in February and is doing the baby room is sock monkeys. The paper is from Hobby Lobby (picked that up while shopping with my sister). I got to give her the frame on Thursday when she came over for a little BFF time!  We hung put at the antique mall and I helped her convince herself of all of the cool thins she needed for the new baby's room!  She really racked up!

Now for my favorite pins of the week...
Click on each picture to head to the pin and to the original source

I love these Subway Art signs and rules for the classroom. I've already purchased and downloaded these cuties. I'm anxious to get them in my classroom!

We are headed to Disney World for fall break and I know I want some way to document our trip. I love to scrapbook, but it takes so much time. I have found several ideas for Smash books. I think that is the way to go for documenting our trip.

I think this is a great idea for sensory input and would be simple to make and store for the classroom. I'm on the lookout for some cheap marbles!

How cute is this cotton ball holder!? Just adorable! Gotta have one! :)

If you want to see more of the my Pins follow me on Pinterest.

Currently...July

Can you believe that it is almost July?  I can't!  This is one of my favorite times of year though.  We are knee deep in summer, the days are longer and hot, and there is still plenty of time left before school starts.

Today I am linking up with Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade for the monthly Currently...

Listening:  The kids are playing so quietly.  We just completed a Target visit, so the kids are occupied with some new toys.  Chloe picked a 1000 piece puzzle and Barrett chose MicroChargers.  Hours of fun around here!

Loving:  I think I may have mentioned this a time or two, but I LOVE SUMMER!  Blue skies, green grass, long days, pool water, sunscreen smell, sunburns...I love it all!  

Thinking:  I'm in the mood for ice-cream.  Yes I am.  We may make a DQ run here in a minute! 

Wanting:  I want to get in my new school so bad!  I am so excited!!!!

Needing:I have lots of library books to organize for my new classroom.  This is the first time I've had to purchase new library books for my classroom.  I have inherited class books every year that I've taught and never had the need to buy many of my own.  This summer I had to change all of that.  

*SPOILER ALERT*

Classroom library posts coming soon!

Tips:  If you have an iPad, download Evernote.  This app has changed my life...well that may be a tad overdramatic!  It really has helped me to stay organized and keep all of my random thoughts in one spot.  I have been using it to plan blog posts, TPT products, and make lists for school for next year.  I can't wait to share some cool tricks with you that I have learned on Evernote! Stay tuned for that!

Kim

Five for Friday

I'm back from a mini vacation to my parents house.  I have missed you, bloggy friends!  I thought a great way to start off the weekend would be with a little Five for Friday link-up! :)

So...this is what I've been up to lately...

1.  I spent a few days at my parents' house.  We live about 4 hours from each other and a visit was long overdue.  We had a great visit...no pictures...just memories and fun!  Oh...wait...my kids did paint these:

Chloe says the reason she loves going to Nanny and Papaw's is because they get to do crafts and Nanny gives out all the ice cream she wants for no reason at all. ;)

2.  I know this is probably way silly to many of you, but I sold my first ever (paid) product on TPT!  I am so excited!  I love the little ching-ching sound my phone makes when I've sold something!  Lots and lots of you make lots of lots of dollars on there, but think back to that first sale....woooooooooo!!!!  If you want to check it out, see below:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-Teacher-Planner-713961

 

Make it your own, by adding text into the blank frames!!

3.  Some lovely friends and I painted some cutesy flower paintings at Painting with a Twist.

4.  Speaking of cutesy flowers, I have purchased new room decor for my brand new classroom!  

If you want this then head over to Tunstalls' Teaching Tidbits to see all of the pieces to this Classroom Garden Theme decor.  I can't wait to fire up the printer and laminator! Oh...and if you go right now to her TPT store, she is having a SALE for reaching 3000 followers and her 2 year Blogiversary.

4 (and a half):  Chloe and I drove by our new school yesterday and noticed a little newness.  I had to share some sneak peeks (of the outside of Lemons Mill)!

5.  And, finally the kids and I spent today watching Monsters University.  Cute, cute movie.  Two thumbs up, all around!

Happy 1st (official) Day of Summer!

Currently...June!

The sights and sounds of summer vacation has overtaken our home!  I love this time of year!  The days are longer, the kids are calmer, and life is filled with sunny days and fun!  It also is allowing me some extra blogging time...I've actually posted blog posts most days this week.  :)  Today, I get to get caught up with the Currently from Oh Boy Fourth Grade!

Listening:  BBQ Pitmasters.  My husband has been watching this show all day.   I went to Target earlier and he was watching and when I came home it was still on and continues to be!  I have to admit, I kind of like the show and definitely put me in the mood for some good BBQ.  Looks like it will be Sonny's for supper! ;)

Loving:  I love summer!  This is my favorite season!  The long days of sunlight and warm weather fill me with joy.  I also really enjoy spending the day with my kids and filling our days full of memories!

Thinking:  I just can't get my new school out of my head!  I am dying to get into my new classroom and decorate and to meet my new kids.  

Wanting:  I need some new books to read this summer.  I don't have anything on my must read list right now...fiction-wise.  I am currently reading Reading Without Limits by Maddie Witter.  It is a great book and a great companion to the Daily 5 and Cafe that I read last summer.  I do want something to read though that I can take out on the deck and just get lost in.  Any suggestions, friends?

Needing:  My mom spent several days with us a few weeks ago and caught up all of my laundry one day while I was at work.  Awesome!  Now, I just have to keep up the good work she started.  I loathe laundry.  I need to get some organization in my closet and dresser drawers to make things run more efficiently in the laundry department....or I just need to have my mom come stay more often! :)

Summer Vacay Essentials:  Sunscreen.  Swimsuit.  Sandals.  These three items go together like PB&J.  I could spend every single day of the summer at the pool and never have a bad day!  

I hope you are enjoying your summer, too!  

Technology-ThingLink

I am linking up with The Fourth Grade Flipper today for Tried It Tuesday and The Eager Teacher for Teachers Talking Tech on Thursdays. Summer gives me time to sit down and have time to explore new ideas. My husband bought me an iPad after I was hired at my new school. I have had an iPad all year, but it belonged to my old school so I had to return it. I really enjoy having my own personal iPad, because I can use it however I desire. So, I've been downloading several new apps to try out. One that I found that I am liking is ThingLink. 

  Click the image to go to ThingLink website.

ThingLink takes a plain image and makes it interactive. You can add text, video, sound, and web content to your image. According to ThingLinks website, "Every image contains a story and ThingLink helps you tell your stories. Follow image channels from your favorite bands, bloggers and friends. Your ThingLink interactive images form a channel that other users can follow."

 

Above is my first ThingLink image. 

I give this app 2 thumps up!  Oh...and a bonus plus to this app...it's FREE!

Classroom uses:

Label a picture or diagram (cells, plant parts, the water cycle, etc.) and then add sound and explanation to the picture. This could be a great summative assessment. 

Make an interactive how to piece

Share with parents what students are doing in class

Embed images into student blogs
Students could include pictures from books and give interactive book reports that they can post to a blog or class webpage

Next year...Organization is the Key Word Here!

Kim over at Joy in 6th is having her first Linky Party!  As a teacher, I am always thinking about what I can do better next year.  This year has come to an end and summer has begun, so part of my summer will be spent getting ready for next school year.  One thing that I am incredibly excited for is that I am moving into a brand new school...in my OWN room.  If you read my blog very often then you know that I have had to share my room with SEVERAL other people over the past three years.  I am elated to have my very own space to decorate!!

So, as I thought about what I needed to work on for next year, here are some of my ideas:

I hate getting up in the morning.  I hit the snooze button numerous times.  I need to wake up earlier.  It will make for a happier me and kids!  We'll see!

I started using Reading A-Z to supplement my reading program last year.  I have printed several books and then stored them in a file folder for next year's use.  I need a better plan. I found this idea on Pinterest:

Click on the picture to link to the teacher blog where this idea can be found.  I like how she laminated the covers and used duct tape to keep in sturdy and yet flexible.  

I have soooo many things to laminate this summer that I bought off of TPT.  During the year I would just use what I have printed, unlamintaed, and then store in large manilla envelopes.  I need a better system! 

It's going to be a busy summer, but I couldn't be more excited about it!  

Join in with this Linky and you could win a $25 TPT gift certificate!  Click the button below to go join in!

Therapeutic Thursday

Some days are great, everything goes your way, all of your kids are having a good day, and your husband has supper cooked when you get home...okay so maybe this is only in my dreams.

I am linking up again with Blog Hoppin' for Therapeutic Thursday!

In reality, most of my days are spent going, going, going from sun up to sun down!  Take yesterday for example:
1. Woke up
2.  Showered
3.  Dressed
4.  Dressed my two children
5.  Put supper in the CrockPot
6. Backed out of the driveway and hit the trashcan!
7.  Called parents all day and did Brigance Kindergarten surveys
8.  Did math and reading baseline assessments between phone calls
9.  A student of mine had her wheelchair get stuck in the recline position and we had to lift her out of her chair
10.  I couldn't fix it
11.  Someone is coming Monday to fix that
12.  My (personal) kids came to my room hungry and ready to leave
13.  Called my husband and he told me that I put the food in the CrockPot this morning, but didn't put the ceramic insert in and just set the chicken on the heating element.  Where was my head?!?!  He caught that early enough and saved supper!!
14.  Fixed the rest of supper when I got home
15.  Cleared dishes
16. Fixed lunches
17. Checked assessments
18. Went to church and worked Kidz City (one of my favorite parts of the week).  It was Water Night, yes, slip and slide!!
19.  Served snowcones
20.  Got gas and drinks at the gas station
21.  Did a load of laundry
22.  ...and blogged! :)

Whew!!!  I am sure there are many of you that have had an even more exhausting day than this, but for me this was a loooong day and I am pooped!! So how do I settle down and relax after a day like this?  What is therapeutic to me?
1.  Long baths in my new tub!
2.  Blogging
3.  Funny pictures, like these:

4.  Reading.  I am trying to finish the Harry Potter series.  I waited so many years to read these books.  Why???  I love HP!!!!  My 4th grade daughter and I are trying to see who can finish them all first. :)

5.  Talking to great friends...especially when those talks include fall break plans ;)

6.  And inspirational pins such as these:

                 

Have a relaxing day!!
Kim

Where I Teach Wednesday

Where I Teach Wednesday @ Blog Hoppin'

I am a special education teacher in Central Kentucky, right in the heart of the Bluegrass State!  

Above is a picture of our building.  It is an older building with a ton of history and lots of character.  It has been many different schools over the years.  It has housed high school, middle school, and elementary school and some point in its life.  Many of the natives of the city still call it the Southside School, which it is no longer named.  What we lack in a fancy new building and the latest and greatest in technology we do make up for in heart!!

I wish I could show you pictures of my classroom this year, but we are STILL waiting on paint.  Everything is just haphazardly placed in the middle of the room.  Organized chaos, is what you may be thinking, but no...more like glorified walk-in storage closet.  Not bitter (at all).  ;)  I am happy to say though that we do have new drop ceilings, new heating and air (no more freezing in the summer and sweating in the winter...YES!), and new electrical outlets throughout the room.  We used to have one whole side of our room with no electrical outlets on it at all.  I was so excited to plug in the microwave this year!! 

Here are a few pics of my room last year:

This was my desk area in the back of the room.  I share this room with another special education teacher and her area was in the front of the room.  This year (try to imagine this) we are moving our desks toward the center (sort of under that bulletin board) to use as room dividers.  We will both have kidney tables on either side of the room.  We would also like to put a sensory/calming center and a reading area.

Here is my reading area from last year:

We share our room with our speech therapist, occupational therapist, and our Director of Sped/School Psychologist.  (They aren't there everyday though.)  Our school guidance counselor also has a little room/closet in the back of our classroom.  I am praying we will have this place looking like a cheerful, fun, learning environment by next week (finger crossed)!!!

Hopefully, next week I will be posting a new post about Where I Teach and you will get to my room all ready for a new year!!

Kim

Show Me Sunday Link Up--Time Fillers!

I am linking up with Show Me Sunday at 3-6 Free Resources today to bring you some fun time filler activities.  Sometimes, it doesn't matter how detailed your lesson plans are or how structured you are with your time, there will come a moment (or two or twenty) when you need fill up some time while you wait for an assembly, or in the lunch line, or waiting for the restrooms.  I think you get the picture.

Here are FIVE of my favorite time filler activities.


1.  This activity will increase your students’ vocabulary as well as fill time. Start by writing a word on the board that contains four letters. You can start with anything. Then, challenge your students to come up and change only one letter of the word to make a new word. If someone has an answer, have him come up and make the change. Then have another student come up and change the word again. See how many different combinations your students can come up with by changing one letter at a time with no word repeats. Also, give them the opportunity to ask for a definition of any of the words that they may not know throughout the activity.


2.  I like to have a read aloud going at all times.  I like for it to be a chapter book that some of my students may not have the ability to read on their own, but could comprehend if it is read to them.  I allow the students to listen to the story and draw a picture of what is going on in the story.  If the students draw each time they listen to the book then they have created their own story board and they can go back through the pictures to retell the story to you at a later time.


3.  Vo-BACK-ulary:  Divide your students into teams.  The first person on the team sits in a chair backward (in a way so their back is not against the back of the chair).  The person behind the student in the chair writes with his/her finger on the back of the person in the chair.  When the student in the chair thinks they know what the word is that was written on their back they jump up out of their seat and race to the board to write the word on the board with a marker.  The team must be able to give the definition of the word to get the point.  The students take turns sitting in the chair and being "it."  


4.  BANG:  A bucket is filled with cards.  Some cards have your spelling words written on them and some cards have the word "BANG" written on them.  Students sit in a circle.  The first person draws a word out of the bucket, reads the word, hides the word, and then spells the word.  If the student spells the word correctly he keeps it, if you not it goes back into the bucket.  If a student draws "BANG" out of the bucket he must return the card to the bucket along with any cards they have accumulated during the game.


5.  1 thing I like/1 thing I would change:  I pass out sticky notes or index cards to each student.  Each student writes down on thing they like or have learned that day or that week and one thing they would have changed about that week.  I think this activity gives your students a time to have their input into your classroom community and gives them a feeling of ownership.


Hope you can use some of these to fill-in some of that extra time! :)

Kim