New Mimio Files

Hello bloggers. Sunday night already? How did that happen? 


I have added two new files on MimioConnect.com for those who are Mimio users. 

Please check them out. :)

One is a gallery pack, which contains different shaded shapes to display fractions. Just click and drag into your lesson for quick, already made examples of fractions! 

The 2nd file is for teaching fractions/equal shares. My students ALWAYS struggle with concept, so I wanted to create a lesson that was student friendly and relatable for them. Isn't food always intriguing for them? Enjoy!

I'm feeling so much better. Thank goodness because I can't miss any school with our "big test" coming up. Unfortunately to get to this point, I have slept the weekend away, but oh well. It worked. :) I did find the time to blog over at The Best Endings. I just finished the book "32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny." If you haven't read this book, please do! It's hilarious! Going to watch the rest of the football game. :)

One last thought...I HAVE REACHED 50 FOLLOWERS! Is that a milestone in blogging world? I doubt it, but I'm certainly happy! 

Back in "Teach Mode"

Well I survived my 2nd day back. Actually, its been quite enjoyable. My students came back mature, quiet, and ready to work. How long will it last? :)

Of course they were full of stories yesterday. Everyone had 56 stories to share from Christmas break, and when I asked them to tell me one story from their break, they merged the 56 stories into one sentence! Gotta love 3rd graders!

As mentioned before, we started back up with fractions this week (a big skill on the FCAT).

I have done 2 read alouds on fractions this week. The first one was called "Whole-y Cow! Fractions Are Fun." Naturally my kids loved the title...the content was perfect for beginner fractions.

We also read Jerry Pallotta's "The Hershey's Fraction book." Relating fractions to food = SUCCESS and UNDERSTANDING! If you are not familiar with Palotta's books, please check them out. He has WONDERFUL math books.

I even managed to fit in math centers today and that seldom happens. You know that you had a productive learning day when your back table is covered with math "stuff." They were rocking it though. I can't ask for anything more.

I always use my Mimio as a center. Have you checked out Lakeshore's interactive learning games? They are AMAZING! They are Lakeshore's board games in an interactive form for the computer. I have every title connected to my curriculum. Pros to these interactive activities: no set up required or having to explain the directions. I love Lakeshore's board games but the first time I have my kids play them, they need help with the directions. This causes major loss on instructional time and that's never good. These are truly grab and go! Plug and play! Insert disc and review! Learning made simple! Click on the 1st picture to check out other titles from Lakeshore's website.

Off to go snuggle with Penny. I'ts freezing! I love it but so not accustomed to this. It's supposed to get down to 26 degrees tonight. YIKES! Everyone has sheets on their bushes and trees out on their lawns to prevent frost. It's a lovely sight.



I'm ready...at least I think I am...

School....Monday....wow, that was fast. Just yesterday I was waving my sugar crazed kiddos goodbye and then I blinked. I do miss them terribly... you know that they will have a ton of stories to tell right when they come through the door. Some tales their parents will wish they had never mentioned.

I've been getting things ready for the big week back. We started fractions right before we left so I'm excited to start back with fractions. It's my favorite benchmark in our math curriculum.

Can I just say...it's ridiculously hot here in Florida. Yesterday, was "freezing" according to Florida standards... we dropped down to a staggering 65 degrees, but then today back up to 86. I'm originally from New Jersey so I'm used to frosty holidays, gloves, and snow boots. On Christmas Day, I saw 4 "older" couples walking to the pool in their neon flip flops, carrying their swim tubes. One thought came to my head, "that isn't normal." I just need some cool weather. My sweaters are feeling neglected. Please, someone send me some frigid air!