Welcome to the Dojo

Last week, one of my colleagues sent us all out a link to http://www.classdojo.com/ and said that he was using it in his classroom and enjoyed it. I had heard about it during one of my technology PD’s but hadn’t tried it out because when it was pitched to us it sounded like it would be more useful in a situation where students had their own laptops or netbooks or some other form of technology. It was something that sounded like “Well, you could use it in a classroom with only one laptop if that’s all you’ve got, but it won’t be as effective.

But since my co-worker was using it and he doesn’t have any more technology than I do, I thought I’d give it a second look. It’s basically a behaviour management tracking system but it comes with cute avatars and an easy way to share that information with parents. I signed up my class and decided to try it out. Quite a few of us did actually. 

To start it off, I wanted my class to choose the positives and negatives themselves. I had them write down a list of 5 positive things that people should get points for and 5 negatives that they should get points taken away for. We wrote them down on a big list and then debated which ones to keep so that we could get it down to just 5 for each category. They had some great suggestions and it sparked an excellent conversation about what were positive and negative behaviours. 

We’ve been doing it for a week so far and it seems to be working pretty well. I’m noticing students taking a little more care with keeping our classroom clean and it’s a good reminder when they hear a bing that I’m giving points for something. At the end of the day we look at the totals for the class and students can check their own totals. Parents can sign up to get a record at the end of each week as well. 

I have to admit, it’s a bit of a carrot and stick system and while I would prefer them to be more intrinsically motivated to follow expectations, I also see a big benefit. Far too often I feel that students who are always following expectations, are polite, respectful, on-task, they get forgotten or feel like they’re forgotten. We give more attention, both negative and positive to the off-task students because, quite frankly, they need more attention and care. But I appreciate my on-task, expectation following students so much because they give me that time and freedom to take care of my more needy students. I feel like this system gives me a quick and consistent way to show those kids that I am noticing they’re on-task. I am noticing they’re being respectful and helpful and that I appreciate that because I was that kid.

Does anyone else use this program or one like it?

Preparing them for Middle School

It’s hard to believe, but there are only 2 and a half months left of school for this school year. Already we are getting ready for transition meetings, for people from the middle school to come and talk to our grade 5 classes and for our tour of the middle school. One of the joys and the difficulties of teaching grade 5 is that it is such a big transition year. For some students, this will be their first experience changing schools. Some of my students have been in the same school right from Kindergarten all the way up to now. They’re so used to how things work here. It will be a big change for them in some ways.

I’m hopeful that I’ve helped them to learn some of the skills they will need for next year. I’ve put a big push on them for independence and taking responsibility for their own class work. Some of them have taken to that independence better than others, but I believe that they have all grown in these areas this year.

We just had parent teacher interviews and a few parents mentioned how worried they are about their child starting middle school. They all have different reasons of course but I think that mostly it’s the change that worries them and worries my students and worries me to some extent. I know that they’ll be fine and they’ll cope and they’ll make new friends and keep in touch with the important friends.

With only two and a half months left to go it’s easy to get wrapped up in the pressure of getting everything done as quickly as possible without pause for breath or reflection. Now that report cards and interviews are done, I feel the need to slow down again, do more review, make sure my students are where they need to be and look to where they need to go next.

How do you find your teaching changes at this time of the year?

Have a great weekend everyone! 

Guided Math

I’m starting to get my head wrapped around this concept of Guided Math in my classroom. I’d heard about it, I’d done some PD’s about it, but I hadn’t really tried it out yet. To be honest I was a little scared. I didn’t know if what to have my students doing while I pulled aside a group. How could I ensure they all kept working? And what exactly was I supposed to do with this small group I was pulling aside? 

Finally, I went to a quick afternoon PD last Tuesday and something clicked that I don’t know why I didn’t make the connection before, because it’s obvious. Guided Math is like Daily 5 or Cafe. The thing that was holding me back the most was this idea that I needed to be out in my classroom helping my kids while they’re doing math. They NEED me! They won’t be able to do their work/stay focused/follow directions on their OWN! Then when the connection to Daily 5 was made I realized, my students NEED to be independent. They NEED to be able to do things for themselves. I’ve been teaching them to read directions at least 3 times before asking a friend for help before coming to me, but in practice, I’m circulating through the room, keeping them on task, making sure they understand. 

So like with Daily 5, we did up a chart of what they need to be doing during Guided Math. We talked about what it looks like, what it sounds like, where they need to be, what they need to be doing, and also what my job is and why it’s important. Then we practiced. My kids are pretty good at this because we do it for reading in French so they have a lot of those skills already. They did very well the first day. The second day was a little more rough but I think that was partially because many of them made choices of activities that weren’t the best. I ended up being drawn away from my guided group of one (more of a flex group if I want to use the official terminology) to put out fires, to re-direct, to get students back on task. Thinking back, what I should have done was just stop them all, get them back to the reading corner and tried again after a refresher. But I felt pressed for time. I had a mini-lesson I really wanted to get through with one student who was taking a long time getting the concept and I wanted to give them a long time going through the review materials for our upcoming math test. In the end though, I know that stopping them and restarting probably would have been worth my while.

Today I came up with the idea of giving them a passport. I give them a checklist of the activities to be completed during the week (text book work, a journal entry, games, etc) and they need to check off what they complete. I’ll stamp their books each week like a passport as well and they can use the duotang to keep any extra sheets they complete as well. I think it looks pretty cool. I’ll post a picture of it tomorrow if I think of it. 

I’m going to try guided math again tomorrow and Friday and see how it goes. I’m hopeful it will go well, and like with Daily 5, I think the students will enjoy it. I think it will give them a good sense of ownership of their learning and it will give me more time to work one-on-one with my students who need an extra boost.

Wish me luck!

Math Projects

We were back at school today. This year, like last year, the district decided to give us two professional development days before the students come back. I love this idea. It means that we have two days to get our brains back engaged in the business of teaching as well as a few extra hours to get our classrooms back in order before our students return. It also means that they come back to a short week which helps them to ease in after being out of school and out of their routines for the past two weeks.

Our focus this morning was on Math. We had our Math lead come to talk about using Math projects as part of our balanced math instruction. One thing that she emphasized was that they should be short, no more than one class for the students to create and no more than one day for them to present and that presenting shouldn’t necessarily be in front of the class with everyone watching. One of the things that has kept me from doing projects so far this year is this feeling that we are already behind in what I need to teach and that we don’t have time for projects. I don’t like that feeling because I see the benefit in doing things like projects in math and in other subjects as another way to assess what the students have learned.

When the students come back I’m going to be reviewing the unit we just finished on multiplication and division. I found that the students had trouble with a few of the concepts and I don’t feel right moving on without re-teaching a few of the concepts and re-testing them to make sure they understand. Multiplication and division are so important for understanding concepts we’ll be seeing later in the year so even though this means we won’t be exactly where we “should” be in the curriculum, I feel that true understanding is more important than skimming along and trying to hit all the outcomes.

After that, probably only a few days of review and then the re-test, we get to move on to measurement. The resource we use for math, “Math Makes Sense” has a great idea for a final project for measurement involving designing a zoo. Sounds interesting and I hope that my students will think so too. Another thing our math lead mentioned was looking at the ideas and interests of the students for project ideas, so while I have this zoo idea if nothing else crops up, I’ll be listening and watching for other ideas from my students as well.

Math has been, by far, my biggest challenge so far this year. I enjoy math and I have a fairly good head for numbers but it’s my first time teaching it so it’s not something I’m very comfortable with yet. I don’t know the curriculum as well as I do the Intensive French or the compacted curriculum. Challenges keep things interesting.

Have you ever used math projects in teaching or done them as a student?

New Year’s Meme for 2012

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?

Giving my student KidBlogs. It was something I’ve always wanted to do but, due to lack of computers in the classroom, have never done before, but this year because almost all of my students have computers and internet at home, I decided to give it a go and I’m so happy I did.

I joined two theatre groups that were not associated with school. Joining MTM and G&S were the best things I could have done for my happiness this year I’m sure.

Went snowshoeing with my husband and some friends for the first time.

Sang soprano. Sang small solos in front of an audience.

Stage managed for a play.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don’t recall my new year’s resolutions for last year so I’m going to say no.

For this coming year my resolution is to keep looking for and talking about the positive side of things. Too often I feel like we see and focus on what’s wrong rather than celebrating what’s right. I had some very clear examples this year of what it looks like when something is wrong and all people do is complain about it rather than doing something about it. Sometimes, there’s very little you can do to change something and that’s where acceptance comes in. So rather than wasting energy on complaining about things I’m going to focus on either changing things to make it better or learning to live with it and seeing the positives.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! My nephew Owen was born this year and one of  my best friend gave birth to Miranda this year and my other friend gave birth to Ayla this year as well. Lots of babies.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Our dog Ceilidh passed away this year. I miss her very much but I’m glad that I got the chance to visit with her this summer shortly before she passed away.

5. What countries did you visit?

None. I stayed in Canada the whole year. I visited PEI; that was the farthest I went.

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?

I would like to get a B contract (permanent) for teaching. And a baby, but I don’t think that will happen in 2013. A better singing voice (working on it).

7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I’m not good with remembering specific dates.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting out and auditioning for shows this year. Starting up a new classroom at a new school.

9. What was your biggest failure?

The end of the school year felt like a bit of a failure for me. It was really rough at times losing some of the supports I’d had all year and the challenges of the particular class I’d had plus being busy with the musical and I think my heart wasn’t in it as much as I wanted to be. I burned myself out and didn’t know how to ask for the help that I needed. I’m very happy that I was able to come back from that downturn and get back to feeling good and having lots of energy for teaching and for theatre.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing serious. Just colds and flues, the regular stuff.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I’m not a big buyer of stuff. I tend to buy little things that I enjoy. I bought lots of books that I love mostly and I like that we bought a tree this year, our first Christmas tree. We just bought some new pots and pans that I adore. They’re ceramic and they make food taste so good.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My students’ in my current class. There are still issues of course, they are in grade 5 after all and the grade 5 crazies are starting to hit. But even when they make poor choices, they are quick to make amends and they seem to understand what is expected of them. They are mostly kind to each other and to me.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Hmmm… well there are a few. Stephen Harper would be a big one for many reason. I’ve never been so ashamed to be a Canadian in all my life. And there have been some times throughout this year where I’ve seen parents behave in ways that make me very sad for my students and more understanding of where they are coming from. I’ve also seen lots of wonderful parents but there are others that are not so wonderful.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Books, school supplies, candles.

15. What did you get really excited about?

THEATRE! 2012 was the year of the plays for me. I was in three and stage managed for one. I think there will be even more in 2013 as I’m already in one play plus re-doing one that we’ve already done and assistant stage managing for a musical.

KidBlogs! I love seeing how my students use social media. The best part is seeing some of my quieter students really shine on our blog. They get so involved in sharing their thoughts and encouraging one another. I love it and I’m so glad that I started it up this year. MangaHigh was another one that I got very excited about. It seems to have petered out a little but hopefully it become interesting again for them in the new year.

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?

Anything from Avenue Q or the two G&S musicals. Gangnam Style.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– Happier or sadder? Happier!

– Thinner or fatter? I think I may have gained a little bit since last year but I’m not sure.

– Richer or poorer? A little bit richer but again, it’s hard to tell.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Smiled.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Allowed myself to be pulled down by others.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

We stayed in Fredericton for the first time. It was my first Christmas other than when I was living in Scotland away from my family. We visited with a lot of friends and had dinner with Tony’s family. It was nice but very different than my usual big family Christmas with all my aunts and uncles and cousins. I missed that but I had a pretty good time here too.

21. Did you fall in love in 2012?

Over and over and over again with my husband.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Hmmmm I have a few favourites this year. Downton Abbey, Glee, Doctor Who, oh and I finally watched and enjoyed Mad Men as well.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don’t hate anyone, though there is someone who hurt a friend and continues to hurt a friend. This time last year I was not aware of what was going on so that’s not quite hate but it’s extreme dislike.

24. What was the best book you read?

So many good books. I love having an e-reader because I can take them all with me and not worry about storage space. I loved the “Uglies” series and Kelley Armstrong’s final book in her Women of the Underworld series.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

The musical Next to Normal.

26. What did you want and get?

I got a new class at a new school. I would have been happy enough staying at my old school and moving to the brand new school that they’re moving into next week but I’m happier where I am.

27. What did you want and not get?

A role in the big musical this year. I’m excited to be working back stage; I know I’m good at that sort of thing because I’m very organized, but it was disappointing to not get a role.

A baby. I was hoping that this year we would start trying for a baby at least. Turning 31 was hard because of this. But I’m hopeful that finances will get better and that we can start trying soon.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Les Miserables, Perfect Pitch

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

31. We had a little get together at our house with BBQ and stuff.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

A better job for my husband.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

Business casual.

32. What kept you sane?

Theatre, books, cats, my husband.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I don’t tend to “fancy” many celebrities.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The occupy movement, the US election, environmental policy failures

35. Who did you miss?

I miss seeing my family and friends as often.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

I met so many great people this year! My new colleagues are wonderful. In particular, the other grade 5 Intensive French teacher has been wonderful to work with. We have a similar but different teaching style and I love talking to him about political and social issues as well. I’ve met wonderful friends through MTM and G&S as well. Especially since two of my good friends here in Fredericton moved to Korea to teach and then my writing group stopped meeting as much, I felt a little lonely so I’m very grateful to have met so many wonderful people this year.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.

Ask for help when you need it. It doesn’t make you look weak. Not asking for help does not make you look stronger.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“The radiator’s hissing, still I need your kissing, to keep me from freezing each night.” – Steam Heat (my little mini solo from the G&S musical)

Adventures in class blogs

I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a class blog for a very long time. I’ve done blogs where my students did updates for our whole class every day and as a school we each have class pages that are basically like blogs and I have the students do updates once a week, but this year, since most of my students are able to use computers at home I thought I’d try out a class blog on KidBlog.org and see how it went. The other reason I decided to start this is that after the initial excitement with the year long learning projects the interest seemed to be waning and I wanted a way to get them going with their projects so I thought I’d try it out.

Yesterday morning I signed them up. I showed them a little bit about how to use the website in the afternoon, went over a few internet safety tips, let them know I would be moderating all entries and comments and let them go. I went on last night to see how it was going and I nearly cried with joy. It was so interesting and heart warming to see what they were writing to each other. They were writing encouraging comments on each others’ blogs and asking interesting questions. They were interacting in a respectful and fun way and getting excited about their projects again. What a great way to build a community. Today we talked about visiting other classes’ blogs and seeing what they do with theirs. We visited one in Argentina and I encouraged them to comment on other blogs as well.

We’re still only two days in, but I’m loving this so far. What they are writing is still very rudimentary for the most part but I think that it will improve. It’s authentic and they know that people are going to read it.

If you’re interested in visiting our blog and seeing how the students are doing on their projects, the website is here. Leave us a comment on something you see.

Awesome Math websites

This is my first year teaching math. Well, I taught math during my long term supply for 6 six weeks and during my practicum, and when I was a supply teacher, but this is my first time teaching math as a full time classroom teacher. I’ve very glad that I know the grade 5 Intensive French curriculum so well because, while planning for intensive French only takes a few minutes, planning for math is taking upwards of an hour or more. Math is taught very differently than it was in the past. Plus grade 5 is a provincial Math test year so I have to get my students ready for that. All in all, math is my biggest challenge this year. Luckily I have some amazing colleagues to help me and I’ve found some great websites.

A few years ago, a teacher told me about Timez Attack, which is a very cool game. 

It uses high quality graphics and interesting game play. Unfortunately, you have to pay to get the full version, but even the free version is fun. My students enjoy it. Sometimes we use it as a warm-up and if I had more computers I would use it as a centre. The only downside is that I have no idea how my students are doing when they use it either at school or at home. Which brings me to the next website.

Another teacher mentioned XtraMath early in the school year. I looked it up and was amazed at how user friendly and great it was. I signed up as a teacher (free) and signed up my whole class. It gave me login names and password sheets for all my students and information sheets for parents to send home. When I use it at school as a centre, after a student is done, it picks the next student so they can quietly go over and tell the student it’s their turn. I get weekly updates on how they’re doing and if they use it at home, their parents get updates as well. The downside, it’s not a game. It’s drill practice plain and simple. It starts students off practicing addition. Once they have mastered all their facts (with three second automatic recall) then they can move on to subtraction and then multiplication and finally division. When they master one operation I get sent a certificate that I can print off and give to them. The students enjoyed it at first and still like to do it at school, but they find it frustrating that they can’t move on past addition and it doesn’t keep their attention that well.

Which brings me to the final website, Manga High. I cam across this website by accident when I was looking for some math games to play with my class about estimation. I found this one called Ice Ice Maybe and started digging around on the site to find more. It turns out this website is based in Britain and it’s a combination of the awesome game play of Timez Attack plus the great features of knowing how my students are doing of XtraMath. The games on it are not just basic fact drills. It’s got everything from estimation to ordering decimals to trinomial factors and linear equations. The games are fun. I get reports on how they’re doing. And there’s a competitive factor as well. Schools can challenge each other to a “Fai-To” and see which school can get the most points during a week. We just challenged a school in Australia today. How cool is that? The other thing I love about it is that it differentiates. If you’re playing a game and you get a few questions wrong, it makes the questions easier and offers help. If you get a few right really quickly, it makes the questions harder. As with any game and website, there are glitches from time to time, but right now I’m loving that my students are practicing math so much at home, and having fun doing it. Can’t ask for more than that, right?

Do you have any amazing websites that you use with your classes?

(NB I am in no way affiliated or paid by any of these websites)