Come on over...

Hello there! Today I've written a guest blog over at Minds in Bloom all about QR codes.  Come check it out right here.

Thanks so much!

Stephanie

My favorite app

     Since I work in a school with 1:1 iPad access, I have a TON of apps I consider my favorite!  Of course, the whiteboard apps Educreations and ShowMe have been discussed numerous times and have a huge following.  I feel that I am extra fortunate to teach math, because it seems to me that there is a bunch of apps specifically for math. Think of any topic and type it into the search bar in the app store and you are almost guaranteed to find at least one app that works. Sometimes you need to pay $.99 or in a rare case $1.99 for an app that targets a specific skill and can help students make that leap from "I can't do it!" to

"Okay. I get it now."

   

 For me, Operation Math is an app that I can count on again and again to help my students master those difficult basic skills that we all need to know in order to easily calculate more advanced problems (think order of operations and solving equations).

Students are able to pick what operation(s) they are going to focus on (I usually tell my students what to do, since sometimes they pick something they are already pretty advanced at).

This app has students sign in as a special agent, then solve math problems by typing in the answers on a wristwatch.  As students advance through the app, they unlock other 'missions' (more math problems).  But even my pickiest (is that a word???) students will play this app without complaining!

It does cost $2.99 at the app store, but I think it is absolutely worth it!  (I think you can also download a free trial version)

So, what's your favorite app?

Geometry

This week, I started working on angle relationships with my 8th grade students.  These guys have really struggled with solving 2 step equations, manipulating inequalities and combining like terms (all essential skills for pre-algebra).  So I knew from experience I was going to need to go s-l-o-w, and repeat, repeat, repeat for them to understand the new terminology I was throwing at them (alternate interior, alternate exterior, vertical, corresponding).  I know we can't move forward until these concepts are down pat...not even to solving for the missing angle.  But it is incredibly difficult for me to come up with 10 different and interactive ways for them to practice using this new terminology!

So, last night, I whipped up this little creation and posted it to TPT. 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Angle-Relationships-Cut-and-Paste-Activity

The kids did it today, and I really think it helped - some.  So now, I am trying to find another new and innovative way to practice.  Any ideas???

Its been so LONG!!!

Alas, how does time get away from us.  One minute it is August, and we are fresh-faced and looking forward to a brand new year...and the next day it is December!  Wow, how time does fly.

Anywho, we have been doing some great stuff in my classes this year.  I have been challenged to come up with ways to get my special needs students (many times performing 3-5 grade levels below expected) to perform grade level work.  This is a task in and of itself, especially since I can't use anything commercially produced, and I have to make everything from scratch.  To add to that, I have been blessed with a Program Director (I teach at a private school) who LOVES technology (and so do I:)), so we are expected to use some type of technology each and every day - no worksheets in these parts.

So, in order to get my students to practice the math concepts they need to understand, I have been using lots of QR codes for the kids to scan and solve math problems.  Yes, the codes are printed on a worksheet, but they need to use technology in order to work out the problems.  (Once I figure out how, I will share them on here).

I have also been doing lots of stations.  I set up 3-4 different stations in my room - one matching activity, one review activity, one computer game activity, and one teacher activity.  Students rotate through the stations every 7-9 minutes, depending on how much time we have in class.  This definately gets loud sometimes, but I think it is worth it, because the kids are engaged!

Well, with any luck, I will be back tomorrow with "What's App-ening Wednesday" and some fun new app finds! 

What's App-ening Wednesday!

Hello all!  I am so fortunate to work in a school that has rolled out a 1:1 iPad program!  That also means I had to dive head first into the world of math apps with very little guidance.  If I had the iPads, of course I was expected to use them:)

So I have collected a pretty decent list of apps at support middle school math instruction.  Each Wednesday, I will post one (or two) apps that I think will be useful.

So without further ado, this week's app is:  Middle School Math HD. This app is 2.99 on the app store and packs a big punch!  It covers a variety of topics such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers, place value of decimals, plotting points, and solving one step equations.

Thanks for stopping by!

Pitner's Potpourri giveaway!

Mary over at Pitner's Potpourri is hosting a 600 follower giveaway! The winner receives a $20 amazon gift card, and who couldn't use that!?! Click here to enter: Good luck!

My first blog!

Hello! My name is Stephanie and I am beginning my 5th year as a middle school math teacher at a small private school for special needs students. Since my students are able to move at their own pace, I teach grades 2-8 for math. I have been blog stalking for several months now, and I decided that now is the time for me to start one of my own. I hope I am able to give you guys new ideas to use in your classroom, freebies that are useful, and a glimpse into my little classoom and all of the wonderful things that happen there.