Pinteresting Finds for the Makerspace and Assessing

Summer is here!!! Today is the last official day for teachers and though I will still report to work for another 30 days, I am already thinking about next year.  Some of the ideas I have found on Pinterest lately could be used for a bit of summer fun or for our new Makerspace:)

First up...slime!  I have never tried slime, but I found these two great variations...

via BuggyandBuddy

both recipes called for liquid starch, liquid glue, and a few embellishments.  The biggest differences? In the ocean slime, white glue was mixed with starch, food coloring and glitter.

via icanteachmychild

For the Star-Spangled Slime, clear glue was used as the base.  I can imagine changing up the colors for different times of the year...orange for October...green for December.  I am at least game to try. My house has been filled with all kinds of "experiments" these past few months as I have tried out many ideas for the Makerspace.  I'll let you know how it goes!

via sunny skyz

How fun is this?  We are getting a new building this summer and I am really not sure how better to make a huge impact on the walls than creating a giant mural from post-it notes.  I love these pixelated murals and think that they would fun to try.  I love that they are not permanent so, they can easily be change to keep the space fresh.

via Kelsey Smith

Finally, an idea for assessment.  In this particular example, students are to stack the cups according to size of the items listed on each cup.  This same idea could be use to demonstrate the order of operations, the order of planets, or any other sequencing activity like ordering trig functions (sin pi/6, cos pi/4, etc).  I am sure if I made it a race, the kids would love it even more.  What about you?  What are you pinning or saving as you look forward to next year?

Top 10 Most Read Blog Posts and How to Know

This is officially my 100th post.  I knew it was coming all week...today on #MyFavFriday if I kept up with my commitment to write daily in July. For me, it is momentous (I am not a writer. I am a math teacher.) So, as I begin this post, I hear little trumpets and see paper streamers sailing down from the heavens.  I did it!  I did it!  I actually strung together enough words to form paragraphs to generate 100 posts.

I admit it:  I searched other blogs to see what one was supposed to write on this special occasion.  There was a lot of looking back and highlighting best posts.  When I reflected back on how it all began, I chuckled...my posts have changed, my style has changed, but my purpose has stayed the same: share good stuff about school - you know, ideas to positively impact teaching and learning.

My top 10 most read posts of all time are a reflection of my purpose.  So, in true 100th posts fashion, here they are:

1.   Ideas for Interactive Student Notebooks

 

2.  Bulletin Board Update (QR Codes on College Logos for Junior and  Senior Level Students)

3.  Entering Equations in Edmodo

4.   Splat! (Review Game)

 5.  Teacher Binder Printable

6.  Equipment Tracking with QR Codes

 7.  Creating a Time Capsule (For Students, By Students)

8.  QR Code Scavenger Hunt

9.  Top Take-aways from ISTE

10.  Scratch Off Cards

How do I know this you may be wondering, well honestly my little Blogger bar told me, but I am committed to getting better at understanding the blog-o-sphere for my next 100 posts.  No, really, I am.  Here's what I am doing...after accepting this month's #July2014Challenge, I decided to learn more about blogging (6 years after I started) and I found Renee Gorskreutz's podcast and blog.

She had so many tips including a recommended reading of @ProBlogger's book: 31 Days to a Better Blog (available in hard copy and digital).  After downloading and reading the entries for the first few days, I stumbled upon #MyFavFriday: Google Analytics.

Google Analytics is totally new to me (and I am certain that I still do not understand all that there is to know about it), but apparently it will help one's blogging by generating data for review (a math teacher's dream).  

Could this be a class project in the making???  Just maybe...but that will be a lot closer to post #125 :D

Opus Math...Favorite Find!!!

I have a new love and his name is Opus...Opus Math.  The best thing about Opus is that he is loaded...loaded with math problems aligned for the Common Core along with handy, dandy answer keys! What more could a girl wish for???

Let me tell you how we met...this year, I have had some trepidation as I was tasked with creating new content aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).  As anyone who wants to make sure that they are not leading a class full of students down the wrong path, I searched and researched to verify that what I was teaching was what the authors of the CCSS intended.   My first find was LearnZillion (bless those precious creators for producing quality content to help boost my confidence as I transitioned to the new standards) and then I stumbled upon Saginaw Valley's pacing guides linked to online resources aligned with the Common Core.  Both were fantastic resources for me to ensure that I was explaining the content in the same manner that someone else did, but I wanted to find yet another place to verify that I was assessing student understanding according to the standards.  After much searching, I found Opus Math!

Logo from Opus Math

Opus Math is a beautiful resource.  You can search for assessment items directly if you know the standards that you want to assess...

or you can search from the whole list of standards to find what you need.  If you choose to search standard by standard, you will see a full description pop-up as you scroll across each one.

After you select the standard you want to assess, you can browse through the questions and choose to include "all" or only specific items.

To create your assessment, scroll down to the bottom of the page to "Make Assignment".  You will be prompted to sign in or make an account (if you didn't already) - don't worry, it's free!

Build your assignment to meet your needs: add a title, class period, teacher's name, etc.

Then, your assignment will download to your computer and you can open it using Microsoft Word or in your Google Drive.  You can continue to edit the assessment items or add more questions to the document if needed.

As if that weren't fabulous enough (I know, it sounds like I am selling it, but I am really just this excited), you can download the KeY!!!!!

I know!!!  Can you see why Opus Math is my new favorite find???!!!??  My mind is racing...I could download one question a day on a half sheet of paper for a bellringer, take a screen shot and throw it on my whiteboard for an exit ticket, or have all of my assessments created before school starts.

Opus Math = Love!!!

Top Take-aways from #ISTE2014

In honor of my recent trip to #ISTE2014, this week's favorite finds post is about all of the great presentations, tech tools, and apps for the classroom. The ISTE exhibit hall was packed with vendors, giveaways, and lots to see, so much so that at times it felt like my head was spinning!

Of all that I saw, I had some definite favorites (you know the kind that have you are already looking for funding resources).  While I understand that different people are looking for different products. my top choices were:

1. The Swivl - It's a audio and video presentation system that follows the person speaking to allow for hands-free/remote-free videoing.  It has picture in picture capabilities making flipping the classroom and videoconferencing a personal experience.
2. The Variquest Perfecta 2400 poster printer - swoon!!!  Seriously!!!  Ever since I visited the Ron Clark Academy and saw the students' life-size pics, I have wanted a printer to print my own photos and posters.  The Variquest printer will do just that and more!  For this teacher who skews a bit crafty at times, the Variquest booth was pure heaven...with their vinyl cutout machines to cold laminators, it was all great.
3. MOOC Studios by iStudio - I had a chance to play in this green screen space complete with backgrounds, video software, and set-up.  It was fun and I can imagine our school's news crew would have a blast in this easy to assemble, portable studio. 

The presentations at #ISTE2014 were fantastic. I had a chance to hear published authors, a science teacher of the year, and even a TEDTalk presenter. I went to sessions featuring topics on which I wanted to learn more.  Some of my favorite presentations and presenters were:

1. I had never heard anyone speak on visual literacy, but I was in for a treat at this session with Dr. Lynell Burmark. Not only was she charming and an excellent presenter, she also shared information that could be applied to any subject and any grade level. She used pictures and videos to relay her message and kept us all engaged with interactive strategies designed to have us infer and share our thoughts in our own words (key skills for the Common Core).  Biggest standout: When eyes take in an image and ears take in words, students recall of information increases by 42% and their ability to transfer the information is raised 89%. Question to self: So, why aren't I using stimulating images in my classroom?
2. Obviously Evernote has changed since I first signed up for it some years ago and thankfully Rob Zdrojewski had stayed with it and shared the ins and outs of the tool. I absolutely had no idea that I could use my camera to store business cards and documents, nor did I truly understand the search features available. All I can say is that I spent at least an hour in my hotel room taking pics of all of my conference goodies and tossing the hard copies. After hearing his presentation, I refused all pieces of paper offered in the exhibitor hall, but captured all of the information I needed with my app. I even asked someone a question and then recorded their audio response using my phone's mic - lol! Kind of in love!!! Since I have been home, I found Postach.io, a blog platform that allows users to blog from within Evernote and simply hit publish when they are done. I am thinking that this might be a clean solution for our English teachers who have wanted their students to blog, but were overwhelmed with the actual implementation.
3. Finally, Al Pajak shared on Flipping the Classroom with flare. While I have shared videos with my students for awhile, I can honestly say that they were no where near the caliber of the videos created by this genius. His were personal, included interaction with the viewer, and were way beyond the expected.  I think what I appreciated most was that it was obvious that the presenter loved doing this for his students. It was easy to get excited, because he was excited.  The biggest question I hear is, "how do you know if the students watch the video?" The presenter embeds his videos in a Google form and includes a question or two that can only be answered after watching the short clip...brilliant!

As you can imagine, the apps and online resources were plentiful at ISTE.  As I have mentioned, I've updated my Evernote app already, but there were a few others that I thought were worth noting:

1. I saw Colar last year, but only loaded it after I got home - just in time for July the 4th celebrations with kiddos.  You are able to download coloring pages and then use the app to bring your drawings to life.
2. Stevie Kline introduced me to the Library of Congress' guides for analyzing primary resources.  The site has guides for teachers and even a digital form for students.  As you look at the resource, you may think...well, so what?  But, she showed an image of students sitting on the floor with a large poster. On the poster paper, the teacher had taped a primary source picture and had written guiding questions.  As students worked in small groups, what they observed depended on their perspective. As we went through a similar activity, I found that I did not necessarily see the clues that others were spotting.  Like me, this could be an activity that some need to practice more than once.
3. All of my tech-y teacher friends in Texas seemed to be pros at using Thinglink (both an app and online tool).  I, on the other hand, wasn't sure how to get started linking images to URLs, videos and texts.  I ran into the founder and got a private lesson and even a sneak peek to the newest feature...Thinglinks inside of videos!  I think that I am going to get a late start on a  Thinglink Summer Teacher Challenge hosted by Susan Oxnevad just to give it a try. 

It was a whirlwind of a trip...full of information, creative energy, connections, and even prizes! So worth it; so fun!

iPad Air: Thank you #splashmath

Exit Tickets and CCSS Resources

Another two great finds this week: one to make and one to fill in the gaps as you transition to the Common Core State Standards.  While pouring over Pinterest this week (a perfect summer activity!!!) I came upon Shannon Reardon's idea for an exit ticket organizer in which students file their responses to two questions that she poses on the interactive whiteboard. If they know it, great! They can file their ticket in the "Got It!" folder. If not, students can choose to place their exit ticket in the "Kind Of", "Almost", or just plain "Nope". 

I love that it makes quick work of seeing who knew or thought that they knew the answers and let's you know where you need to start the next lesson!

When I stumbled upon this next jewel, I was actually smack dab in the middle of writing for my second job. As a curriculum writer, I experience quite a workout.  It requires me not only to read the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS), but actually teach them through example problems and modelling and then write assessment items.  All I can say is  that sometimes interpreting the CCSS takes me as much time as actually writing for the lesson.  So, to say the least, I was overjoyed, ecstatic, thrilled beyond belief to find Saginaw Valley's K-12 Connection.  The university partnered with educators to pull together online resources that matched the CCSS.  This week, I used their online pacing guide for 7th grade which was full of relevant links to help fill in the blanks. Awesome resources for more than just math!!!

Voxer and Ted Ed

Happy Friday!  I am so excited to share two technology tools this week.  Both are new to me and have my head spinning with ideas for application AND both originated from summer collaborations (which is why I love making connections through online platforms). My first find...Voxer. I stumbled upon Voxer quite by accident.  When I signed up for a #PTcamp online book study (Beyond the Bakesale: The Essential Guide to Family/School Relationships) with Joe Mazza. I eagerly began searching for details about the book, the study, and the people involved. I heard Joe talking about Voxer on  iPadSammy's Techlandia podcast (okay, I admit...I thought that they kept saying Boxer, Boxer.  I googled and I couldn't figure out what the heck they were talking about that was going to help with a book study.) Voxer has been around awhile.  One of my favorite bloggers, Erin, even wrote a great post about how it can be used in the classroom. How I have missed it, I'm not sure.  I downloaded it, started playing and quickly saw a solution to a problem in our building - emergency notification.  We have tried different walkie talkies for the past several years and none seem to get the job done.  We have cell signal on our phones, but we can't seem to communicate via the school's walkie talkies. Go figure!

Anyway, long story short, enter Voxer, an instant messaging system that I think would be a much easier tool to use in time of emergency.  Truly with a push of the button inside the app, you can send a voice message, photo or video to others on the service.  Even if the recipient's app is not opened, they are notified that you have sent a message.  Love, love, love this!  I would think you would get more info from the sender than you would by text if it were a real emergency or during a classroom disruption.  I am back at work on Monday and I can't wait to try it out.

Second find...Ted Ed.  Being a total geek who absolutely loves learning, I have also signed up for a summer course, an online MOOC on Flipping the Classroom in hopes of flipping PD next year. In the course discussion forum, someone mentioned TedEd. Now, this may be like Voxer in that it has been around a while(not sure), but it is new to me and oh so exciting! Ted Ed allows lessons to be built around any You Tube, Ted Talk, or Ted Ed original video. You can insert directions and info for students prior to viewing, questions and quizzes for after they view it, and so much more!  I've included the video tour so that you see for yourself...now to get IT to unblock You Tube (heavy sigh). Until then, off to find more :D

Events in Instruction and Hands-on Ideas for Math

It has been a while...not because I do not love my blog or school stuff anymore.  Actually, it is quite the opposite.  This year I have had an opportunity to write middle school math curriculum for online learning.  It has been quite an adventure and an excellent way to really begin to understand the Common Core State Standards.  Praise God for LearnZillion and there many models of how they interpreted the new standards.  I highly recommend adding them as a go to place if you are ever confused.  My last full time writing assignment was completed on Sunday and I am eager to catch up on my reading and learning from everyone else.
My first place to hit was Pinterest. which got me excited to share #MyFavFriday.  I am gearing up for the analog Pinterest board  in the teacher workroom and I have found some great additions this week.

via

First up, Mia MacMeekin's incredible infographics on Events in Instruction. From ideas for gaining attention to assessing, she provides almost a menu of sorts for over 25 concrete suggestions per topic.  I loved the variety especially for those days when I realize that I am stuck in a rut and need to change it up a bit.  For example, need to gain attention?  Try singing, dancing, watching a video clip, relocating your class to a spot other than your classroom, do a demonstration, ask questions, engage students' senses, make content current, give them a dare or challenge, act out a portion of the content, connect with others via Skype, or invite a guest speaker into your room.  These are definitely worth checking out!!!

via

As one who prefers hands-on activities to worksheets, I loved this idea via Sarah Schriefer Dexter for using student desktops to annotate on polygons, coordinate planes, and parallel lines and transversals.  There is something about writing on desks that gets kids engaged.  By adding the colored painter's tape, you could extend this to create comparison charts or graphs (we are working on this for the science portion of the ACT).

Finally, I found Katie Powell's idea for a giant floor graph made from a plastic drop cloth and masking tape.  In her blog post, she describes using it with hot wheel cars in a Cityscape Challenge, but from graphing lines to graphing trig functions, it could be used to get high school students up and moving. 

#MyFavFriday: School Clothes Galore, Blog, and More

Trendy clothes with no commitment? Never do laundry again?  Wear a new outfit every day (or at least a couple of days a week)? Oh yes, with  #MyFavFriday find for the month, Gwynnie Bee!!!  My commitment for the new school year...try not to get into a work clothes rut.  In late July, I consciously considered my wardrobe (very, very rare) and decided that just because the students wear uniforms doesn't mean that I need to; though by the end of the last school year, I found myself wearing pretty much the same thing day in and day out.  So looking to get inspired, I started searching blogs for new styles and trends and stumbled upon...GWYNNIE BEE, which is by far my coolest find of the summer!!!

The rent-a-clothes website contains tons of cardigans, blouses, skirts, and dresses to allow a teacher to wear something different everyday of the school year.  The best part, they don't want you to wash the items!  At the end of the day, you simply throw your garment in the postage paid envelope and toss it into the outgoing mail.  Gwynnie Bee ships your next outfit immediately.  Fresh new looks without hours spent shopping...LOVE!!!
     My second favorite find...@druinok 's 180 Day Blog.  @druinok happens to one of my absolute favorite math teachers to follow on twitter and in the blog-o-sphere.  To get a peek into her daily happenings in the classroom thrills my soul. Only 2 weeks into her new blogging venture and already, I have spotted several activities to try and share like Sarah's (from Everyone Is a Genius) 31derful.
     I am picking up a class set of cards tomorrow for my last favorite find!  I think this might be a perfect focus activity for my very, very large, predominantly male 3rd block that is interrupted by lunch somewhere smack dab in the middle of the 90 minute class.  After a strong opening, starting the lesson, just getting the kids going, BAM...the bell rings.  Away we go to lunch.  Upon our return, it feels awkward diving back into number crunching.  I am thinking that perhaps math activities, like 31derful, would help re-direct students' attention as we transition back into class.  What do you think?  Anyone else with a split class???  How do you do it?  Ideas would certainly be appreciated.

#MyFavFriday: Assessing Student Learning

I have had so much fun this week catching up on missed blog posts and pins from the Spring.  There are some great ideas that I am definitely planning to incorporate next year!  As I was going back through everything, I seemed to gravitate to assessment.  I found myself up way to late reading about self-assessment, interpreting data, and testing treats.  Some of #MyFavFinds are:

Via

I heard about something like this last year and never quite wrapped my mind around how it worked. I guess I am a bit of a visually learner, because this makes perfect sense now and seems like a fantastic idea for evaluation at the end of class.

Via

What a great visual aid for 'where to pick it up tomorrow'!  Timeouts and Tootsie Rolls has numerous  ideas for exit tickets.  These are providing great inspirations for a few #Made4Math projects:)

Via

Here is a similar idea using only a bulletin board and post-it notes.  I appreciate the simplicity!

Via

Sarah at Everybody's A Genius literally made exit tickets and laminated the slips to make them reusable.  She created enough so that everyone would have one and she would not need to erase them between classes.  I like the variety of ideas.  It keeps class fresh.  

Via

Finally, Tonya shared an awesome idea for instant data analysis!  Her idea makes it easy to gather feedback and analyze both formal and informal assessments.  In her blog post, she describes handing each student a strip of paper containing numbers representing a corresponding test question.  She has the students color the numbers of the problems they missed.  When she glues the strips onto a manila folder, she is quickly able to identify opportunities for reteaching.  Genius!