Math Journals and Interactive Notebooks: Part 2 Comparing and Ordering Numbers

Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Next up, comparing and ordering numbers.  There MUST be more to teaching this skill than the old alligator mouth, right? Now that I am using an interactive notebook for every major math concept, I LOVE doing something I call the "Real World Application" page where students can sort of doodle and record their ideas about what we are working on. Some conversation starters are: comparing the number of girls to boys in the class, comparing state populations, and comparing the number of letters in your first and last names. Here is what my doodle page looked like (my teacher model) after I was done!

Next, I introduce the standard and have the students glue those into their journals.  Have you seen those standards lists that are in KID FRIENDLY language?  I actually like to have the kids do the work (ESPECIALLY in 5th grade) and have them put the standard into their own words!  This really is a great measure of their understanding.  I also introduce any key academic vocabulary words.  For every word I TRY to think of some unique visual or picture, even if it is JUST an alligator mouth. :)
Finally, students use a spinner to assign numbers in this comparing numbers math journal.  This gives the students an opportunity to have different numbers than their neighbor and provides a NICE alternative to worksheets.  (Also great for those "wandering" eyes!)
If you would like to get your hands on these materials, click on the icon below!
How do you teach comparing and ordering numbers?

Math Journals and Interactive Notebooks: Part 1 Rounding and Place Value

Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Rounding is usually the first concept to tackle on my Math pacing plan even though it can be extremely tricky for students.  Even though rounding is a difficult and awkward PROCESS, students need to see the importance of rounding numbers and see that often in real life, we do not need the exact numerical answer.  Many times, a good approximation of a number is all that is necessary!  To get the students thinking we discuss that the earth is EXACTLY 92,960,000 miles from the sun BUT isn't is easier to remember 92 million? Well, many think they can remember the 92,960,000 number so I try to challenge them even further.  We talk about the EXACT number of people living on earth in this EXACT moment.  If you go to  the link below, it will tell you exactly how many people are on earth right now.  Kiddos LOVE to challenge themselves to remember this number AND they find it interesting to see how many actual births/deaths etc... are going on that very minute as the numbers are constantly changing!

After doing the introductory activity above, I brainstorm with students situations in their real life where rounding would be important.  Here is an example....
Next, we begin the students entry into their interactive notebooks.  Here is a more in-depth example of what the students do.



Here is a better look at the Math Journal that students glue into their interactive notebook!
I have versions of this for grades 2-5 so that you can differentiate for various levels in your classroom.  Journals for rounding to the nearest ten, hundred, thousand, million, billion, and even decimals to the nearest tenth and hundredth are provided.  Click on the link below to be taken to the materials. :)


"Currently" Linky Party for August

Thursday, August 1, 2013
I am linking up with Farley for her monthly "Currently" linky party.  Click on the link below to be taken to her blog that links to TONS of other amazing teachers!

 
Listening:My Baby is turning 3 months in a few days! He is starting to sleep less during the day and is looking all around exploring.  But, CURRENTLY he is crying...be right back! Ok, all better. Here he is: 
Thinking:Even though I will be on maternity leave for a while starting the school year, I am trying to go over my Science notebook from last year to get organized! I made the template below to help the students become familiar with the scientific process.  I also read Teaching in Room 6's post about getting the students ready!

 

Wanting:Teachers to enter my giveaway that Just started.  Enter to win a $50 TPT gift card by liking my store (or have formerly liked) my store on Facebook! Crossing my fingers for everyone! Click on the link below to enter. :)



Back to School Giveaway!

Hello Fellow (Hopefully NOT Panicked) Teachers! With back to school time approaching, I am hosting a giveaway.  What is the prize? A 50$ TPT Giftcard! All you need to do is like my Facebook page (or have liked it prior) and you will qualify to enter. :)  This is my first giveaway, so I am really excited about it... Enter below!  a Rafflecopter giveaway
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