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???