xtramath.org

Our classroom time is so precious that it is seldom that students can get on the computer in extra time, but I try to sneak in a few extra opportunities here and there. Each day, I have two "Special Helpers" in my classroom. There are little jobs and special things those two students get to do. I'll need to write a blog posting about my Special Helpers… this post is actually about xtramath.org (LOL I just made a typo-- corrected, but I have to LOL reveal that I typed xtrameth.org… omgosh… seriously… I need some sleep).

Just in case you're not familiar with this site yet, friends, I wanted to write a little blip for you! I have been using xtramath.org as a basic facts resource for the last two years. Basically, you type in your student roster (first names are ideal… if you've got second language students, nevermind using accent marks unless your students know how to input them themselves).  Students log in from the classroom (or there are special parent flyers you can print off to for kids share with parents and use at home).

The program has a "teacher" that explains what to do and gives encouragement at the end of each section. Kids are encouraged to work on speed and accuracy. The program is adjustable by the teacher and even provides the  teacher with emails (if desired) of struggling students. You can even check their progress.

I allow my special helpers a little computer time if they have a few minutes of extra time after tasks. I have headphones on two (relic) student computers so those kids are able to work without (audibly) disrupting their classmates. The kids love it, so they're very excited for their day to be special helper, which is typically twice a month. 

Check this site out and give it a shot. I have even added my own children to my roster; neither of them are 2nd graders, but I was able to customize their specific program to their grade level and skills they need to work on. I think you'll be glad you gave it a try!

Hall Display-April

At the beginning of each month, I try to do something poetic or artsy to hang in the hallway. Just coming off Spring Break, I wanted to go easy peasy today, so I taught the phrase, "April Showers Bring May Flowers." I was surprised by how many students said they hadn't heard this phrase, but it was perfect! We had some great discussion about Springtime. Today just so happens to be a really beautiful sun-shiny day and we don't get a lot of rain, so I was thrilled with the kids using Active Thinking Strategies to talk find out more… many questions and connections. Turned into a great simple activity seizing a teachable moment. LOVE those!!

I love your feedback!

Have a great day!

Desirée

Absent Folders

At the beginning of the year, I make 5 absent folders using a regular file folder (often recycling one from last year). I like to make stuff cutsie, so here's the cover…

On the inside cover, I placed the following letter…

 

I have the folders laminated and placed inside a desk near where students select their lunch for the day upon arrival. Each student in class has a bilingual partner and it is the partner's responsibility to be sure that any papers from the day are placed in the folder for the child who is absent. When the child returns, they talk about the papers from the folder with their partner, table mates, or with me so they know what to do with them and then return the folder to where it belongs so it's ready for someone else to get when needed. 

Have a good day!

Desirée

SLANT

I learned about using the acronym SLANT when teaching 6th grade and AVID (a program used at my high school) was coming to our school. I used this guidance effectively with my 2nd graders and it makes a big difference.

My students respond well to this consistent language. These hints are great tools for helping students become successful!

Active Thinking Strategies

The absolute CORE of my reading instruction. There'll be more to come on ATS, but I am trying to figure out how to upload a pdf (rather than converting to jpeg)… we'll see. Click here for ATS definitions in English and Spanish.

LOL-- Funny Kids!

Some cute stuff my 2nd graders have said lately. Absolutely hilarious. Love this age!

Recycle… long term

If you're anything like me, you just cannot get over some of the incredibly clever ideas you're seeing on Pinterest. Seriously!! I just love that site (find me-- Desirée Schmidt).

I have seen some super cute ways to reuse items and am bringing some of those ideas into my classroom-- aka "home away from home." I've used a large coffee can for many years for pencils in my classroom, but never had sharpened and unsharpened sorted. I had a container for editing utensils, but it didn't match the coffee can… in steps Pinterest! I washed out some soup cans and brought them into the classroom to sort different writing utensils.

Feel free to print & use

I look forward to hearing your feedback and to follow each other for more rich experiences for our students.




Have a fantastic day!


desiree.r.schmidt@gmail.com