Classroom Management

using journals to introduce and conclude a unit

Begin a unit of study with your students by having them write “Everything I know about [topic]” in their journals. This is helpful because you can learn the following:

• what students already know about the upcoming unit
• the material that you don't need to reteach
• the areas that need reteaching
• the areas in which students are misinformed

After completing a unit, again ask students to write “Everything I know about [topic].” This second journal entry helps both the students and you see the knowledge acquired during the unit.

Math

Fractions

Looking for a quick, fun, and engaging fraction game? Then this is the one for you! To begin, secretly identify a fraction occurring in your room. For example, you might see that three of your four computers are on. Then announce to students, "I spy with my fraction eye, the fraction three-fourths." Students ask yes-or-no questions to figure out what you are referring to. If a child asks a question that equals the fraction you named but does not represent the objects you are looking for, accept the answer and start a new round. However, if a child correctly identifies the objects you are thinking of, that child takes over the role as spy and starts a new round.

Print-and-Use Pattern

“Bear-y” Famous People

Here’s a great way for students to share what they read about famous people. After reading a biography, have each child write three related facts on an index card and the name of the subject of the biography on another card. Then have each student cut out and decorate a copy of the bear pattern so it resembles the person whom her biography is about. Have her create at least one relevant accessory for her bear. Display each child’s bear and fact card on a board titled “Guess Who.” Place the name cards nearby and encourage students to visit the board, read each fact card, and match the names to the facts.