What is place value and how do you teach it?

The official definition of place value of a number is “The value of where the digit is in the number.”

When starting out with basic place value concepts in kindergarten or first grade, having hands-on learning to be able to “trade” items for a higher value can help to strengthen that understanding.

You might also enjoy:

Math Games Bundle

6 math products that will be perfect for students in grades K-6!

See it HERE.

Inexpensive Place Value Manipulative Idea:

Don’t you love when you pull out a box of manipulatives, only to find half of them missing?  They were lost under desks, cabinets, and bookshelves along the way most likely.  They got great use and lots of learning occurred, but that doesn’t help you get through the end of the year when you need them at that point.

Here is a fun and super inexpensive way to use the same idea to get you to the last day of school without breaking the bank and teach place value along the way:  all you need are a box of straws and some scissors!

Step 1: Snip off pieces of the straws to make ONES.

Step 2: Use the remainder as TENS.

Easy peasy!

Need a way to store them?

I love these simple decorated boxes – and even cuter are these little plastic cups to hold the ones.  Pop one of the cups into the box and it becomes a handy storage area for your manipulatives!

Place it right at your math center and hands on learning has never been so colorful or fun.

Another option? 

How about a divided dish plate with a lid?   Toss your ones in the smaller sections and your tens (and maybe even pipe cleaners to bundle them) in the large section.  Each table group in your class gets one plate to work from and everything goes back in the plate with the lid secured before stacking on the shelf.  These are particularly nice because they will stack nicely on top of one another too!

You can also stick to the standard place value disks, blocks, dice, and flip charts too!

Place Value Chart Printables

Need a decimal place value chart? Here is a quick list of a few resources to help you out:

• This chart goes from millions to millionths.
• I love the simplicity of the first one is this set.
• Another simple place value chart.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for lesson planning and calendar organization in the classroom? This 70 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:
-Curriculum Mapping
-Setting Up Your Daily Classroom Schedule
-Digital Filing Cabinets
-Weekly Planning Resources
-Several To-Do List Templates
-Balancing Home and Work Life in your Calendar
-File Organization
…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

Place Value Worksheets

• Open Number Line Workmat Freebie
• Daily Place Value Review Worksheet

Place Value Games

• Loving a Quick Place Value Dice Freebie Game
• Super adorable I Have, Who Has Game
• Use pom poms and pill boxes for even more hands on place value learning!
• Cupcake Place Value Poke Game

Place Value Anchor Chart Examples

Love this basic place value anchor chart from Teaching with a Mountain View!

How about Perry the Place Value Robot? Love it!

How about a simple Place Value Chart Worksheet to use with your students? Grab it below.

Click here to email your freebie

What are some other ways you like to teach place value in your classroom? We would love to hear your ideas in the comments below! #sharingiscaring

~Charity

The post Serving Up Place Value with Straws appeared first on Organized Classroom.

I think it becomes very easy to fall into the “timeline trap” of blindly following the curriculum map or instructional guidelines without taking into account what your students actually need versus what someone else says they should do. I, for one, am glad that my expertise in this area might finally be appreciated!

One new strategy I recently found was to start a new concept with a Splash. A Splash is a super simple way to get kids to activate prior knowledge, build schema, and make predictions about what they’re going to learn.

It’s also a way to quickly get an idea of your students’ level of understanding before you start teaching a new concept to help you guide future instruction.

Basically, a Splash is a visual that that you will prepare before the lesson begins. Then you show the visual to the students and ask them what connections they can make from the words or numbers that they see.

Reading and Language Arts Power Pack

11 reading and language arts resource sets that pack a punch!

This power pack includes the following 11 files:

• Beach Activities Pack (K-6)
• Chapter Book Reading Strategies Activities  (grades 3-8)
• Chrysanthemum Reading Packet (grades 2-4)
• Contraction Packet (grades 1-3)
• DI Spelling Menus Packet (grade 2+)
• Never Ride Your Elephant to School Activities (grades 2-4)
• Reading Bingo (grades 2-8)
• Space Theme Reading Logs (grades 2-5)
• Fiction and Nonfiction Story Maps (grades 2-6)
• Vocabulary Bingo (grades 3+)
• Writing Menu (grades 3+)

See more details HERE.

Then guide them towards predicting what they might be learning about based on their discussion and the words you chose.

Here’s an example of a Word Splash that you might use to start a unit on plants:

Here’s an example of a Number Splash that you might use to introduce counting by or adding by tens:

I use these same mini-posters over and over again. They are laminated of course, and I use the vis-a-vis markers on them which I think is easier to remove with a damp paper towel.

What a Splash is not: A Splash is not intended for you to elicit responses for the students to add to the visual, nor is it intended to be done together as a class.

It’s also not for wrapping up a unit with your students. 

Of course, similar activities like this are purposeful and have their place, but a Splash should be kept as a special teacher-created visual that retains its unique purpose.

It is also not meant to be a permanent display during your unit of study. 

It is suggested that when you use a Splash, you hold up the poster and walk around the room or project on a document camera so that all students can see.

Grab your free posters HERE.

Give Splash a try and let me know what you think!

Visit Denise at her blog HERE!

The post Start with a Word Splash! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Many noted on the Facebook Fan Page what they used the book for at the beginning of the year, and I wanted to make sure that everyone had a chance to check it out as well, so I compiled them so you could review and print if you felt the need.

Chrysanthemum is a beloved children’s book written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes. It tells the story of a young mouse named Chrysanthemum who loves her unique name until she starts school and faces teasing from her classmates.

The book explores themes of self-acceptance, bullying, and the power of kindness.

Chrysanthemum is not only an engaging and entertaining story, but it also serves as a valuable and suitable teaching tool in the classroom.

Using literature as a teaching tool is essential for children’s development.

It helps them develop language skills, enhances their imagination, and fosters a love for reading.

Books like Chrysanthemum provide opportunities for educators to engage students in meaningful discussions, explore important themes, and teach valuable life lessons.

By incorporating literature into the curriculum, teachers can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that promotes the ultimate critical thinking, empathy, and self-reflection.

Introduction to Chrysanthemum as a Teaching Tool

Chrysanthemum is a heartwarming story that resonates with children of all ages. The book follows Chrysanthemum as she navigates the challenges of starting school and dealing with teasing from her classmates about her unique name. Through Chrysanthemum’s journey, children learn about the importance of self-acceptance, the impact of bullying, and the power of kindness.

In the classroom, Chrysanthemum can be used to teach a variety of appropriate subjects and skills. It can be incorporated into language arts lessons to enhance reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. It can also be used to teach social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, such as empathy and self-esteem. Additionally, Chrysanthemum can be used to teach diversity and acceptance, as well as STEM concepts.

Incorporating Chrysanthemum into Lesson Plans

This picture book can be incorporated into various subject areas and lesson plans. In language arts, teachers can use the book to teach vocabulary by introducing new words from the story and discussing their meanings. Students can also practice grammar skills by identifying different sentence structures and parts of speech in the text. Additionally, Chrysanthemum can be used as a model for writing activities, such as personal narratives or persuasive essays.

In social studies, Chrysanthemum can be used to teach best examples of diversity and acceptance. Teachers can lead discussions about different cultures, names, and traditions, and how they contribute to our society’s rich tapestry. Students can also explore the concept of bullying and discuss strategies for creating a more inclusive and accepting environment.

In science, Chrysanthemum can be used to teach concepts related to plants and flowers. Students can learn about the life cycle of a chrysanthemum, the different parts of a flower, and the importance of plants in our ecosystem. Math concepts can also be integrated by having students count and graph the number of letters in their own names, comparing them to Chrysanthemum’s name.

Using Chrysanthemum to Teach Language Arts

Chrysanthemum is an excellent resource for teaching language arts skills. Teachers can use the book to introduce new vocabulary words and discuss their meanings. Students can then practice using these words in context by writing sentences or creating their own stories. Additionally, Chrysanthemum can be used to teach grammar skills, such as identifying different sentence structures (e.g., simple, compound, complex) or parts of speech (e.g., nouns, verbs, adjectives).

The book also employs various literary devices that can be explored in the classroom. For example, teachers can discuss the use of similes and metaphors in the text and have students identify and analyze them. They can also explore the author’s use of descriptive language and imagery to create vivid mental images for the reader. By examining these literary devices, students develop a deeper understanding of how authors use language to convey meaning and evoke emotions.

Chrysanthemum and Social Emotional Learning

Chrysanthemum is a powerful tool for teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) skills. The book addresses important themes such as empathy, self-esteem, and acceptance, which are essential for students’ emotional well-being and social development.

To teach empathy, teachers can lead discussions about how Chrysanthemum feels when she is teased by her classmates. Students can reflect on times when they have felt similar emotions and discuss strategies for showing empathy towards others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Role-playing activities are perfect and can also be used to help students practice empathy and understand different perspectives.

To promote self-esteem and self-acceptance, teachers can guide discussions about Chrysanthemum’s journey towards embracing her unique qualities. Students can reflect on their own strengths and qualities and create self-affirmation statements to boost their self-esteem. Additionally, teachers can encourage students to celebrate their differences by creating a classroom environment that values diversity and promotes acceptance.

Reading and Language Arts Power Pack

11 reading and language arts resource sets that pack a punch!

This power pack includes the following 11 files:

• Beach Activities Pack (K-6)
• Chapter Book Reading Strategies Activities  (grades 3-8)
• Chrysanthemum Reading Packet (grades 2-4)
• Contraction Packet (grades 1-3)
• DI Spelling Menus Packet (grade 2+)
• Never Ride Your Elephant to School Activities (grades 2-4)
• Reading Bingo (grades 2-8)
• Space Theme Reading Logs (grades 2-5)
• Fiction and Nonfiction Story Maps (grades 2-6)
• Vocabulary Bingo (grades 3+)
• Writing Menu (grades 3+)

See more details HERE.

Teaching Diversity and Acceptance with Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is a wonderful book for teaching diversity and acceptance. The story highlights the importance of embracing different cultures, names, and traditions. Teachers can lead discussions about the significance of names and how they contribute to our individual identities. Students can share the stories behind their own names and learn about the diverse names and cultures represented in their classroom.

Teachers can also use Chrysanthemum to explore the concept of bullying and its impact on individuals and communities. Students can discuss the consequences of bullying and brainstorm strategies for creating a more inclusive and accepting environment. Role-playing activities can be used to help students practice standing up against bullying and supporting their peers.

Chrysanthemum and STEM Education

Chrysanthemum can be used to teach STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts in an engaging and interactive way. The book provides opportunities for students to explore science concepts related to plants and flowers. Teachers can guide discussions about the life cycle of a chrysanthemum, the different parts of a flower, and the role of plants in our ecosystem.

Math concepts can also be integrated into lessons using Chrysanthemum. For example, students can count and graph the number of letters in their own names, comparing them to Chrysanthemum’s name. They can also practice measuring by estimating and measuring the height of different flowers or creating a bar graph to represent the number of flowers in a garden.

Chrysanthemum and Art Education

Chrysanthemum’s illustrations and art style make it a valuable resource for art education. The book’s vibrant and expressive illustrations capture the emotions and experiences of the characters, providing inspiration for students’ own artwork.

Teachers can guide students in creating their own illustrations inspired by the book. They can explore different art techniques, such as watercolor, collage, or mixed media, to bring their illustrations to life. Students can also create their own chrysanthemum flowers using various art materials and techniques, such as painting, drawing, or sculpting.

Tips for Effective Chrysanthemum Teaching

To effectively use Chrysanthemum as a teaching tool, it is important to engage students and promote discussion. Here are some tips for making the most of this book in the classroom:

1. Read aloud: Read the book aloud to the class, using expressive voices and gestures to bring the story to life. This will help captivate students’ attention and make the story more engaging.

2. Pause for discussion: After reading each section or chapter, pause to ask questions and encourage students to share their thoughts and reactions. This will promote critical thinking and allow students to reflect on the themes and messages of the book.

3. Use visual aids: Display the book’s illustrations on a projector or whiteboard to help students visualize the story and make connections between the text and the images.

4. Encourage reflection: Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their own experiences and connect them to the themes in the book. This will help them make personal connections and deepen their understanding of the story.

5. Adapt for different age groups: Chrysanthemum can be adapted for different age groups and learning levels. For younger students, focus on the basic themes of kindness and acceptance. For older students, delve deeper into topics such as bullying, self-esteem, and diversity.

Need a few more examples of activity ideas from other educators and a bonus Fact/Opinion Acrostic Poem handout?

Grab your free download below!

Thanks to all who contributed and have a great rest of the school year!

~Charity

The post Teaching With Chrysanthemum appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Even better is that the students enjoy these hands on activities as much as I do, which doesn’t always happen.

I was teaching a new unit to my 2nd grade students and it involved the introduction of graphing.

We would be covering tally charts, line graphs, bar graphs, and pictographs.  As an analytical thinker myself, those concepts seemed fairly straightforward and one I figured my students would have no trouble picking up quickly before moving on to the next chapter in measurement.

So we began with a quick tutorial for the different types of graphs and I whipped a practice pdf in their direction excite to see them fill it out with ease so we could move on to something more challenging.

It was then I realized I was getting the glazed looks from most sets of eyes in my general direction.

Wait?!

This was simple, right?  How in the world did I explain it incorrectly?

Of course, years after I had been teaching introduction to graphing, I now know that this reaction is actually normal.

So many new vocabulary terms, new styles of graphs, and knowing when and how to use a specific graph was going to take more practice than a fill in the blank pdf.

My math series was probably going to need some reinforcement from me.

Would you like premade posters to inspire your students?

This pack of 25 colorful watercolor posters includes quotes from famous athletes.

Click HERE to grab them and save yourself time!

Fun Ways to Teach Graphing

I always like to start out new math units by really digging into the vocabulary words.

So much of math is based in using these terms correctly, so taking the time to know them inside and out helps to strengthen the concepts of using the math so much better.

A few vocabulary terms in kid-friendly language for introducing graphing in your measurement standards:

• Data:  The group of information you will be displaying in your graph
• Bar Graph:  A type of graph that compares 2 or more groups of data.  They can be shown vertically or horizontally.
• Line Graph:  A type of graph that shows how a set of data changes over time.
• Pie Graph/Circle Graph:  A type of graph that displays the data in a circle with the “pieces” of the circle that are larger which show bigger sets of data
• Coordinate Grid:  A type of graph that has perpendicular lines in a grid formation with numbers along the bottom and side.  You find a specific point on the grid by reading the number across the bottom first, the moving up.  Each data point is represented by 2  numbers within a parentheses.
• Tally Chart:  A type of graph that involves tally marks in groups of 5
• Pictograph:  A type of graph that shows a symbol to tell you how much data is in each category.  The key will give you the information for how much each symbol is worth.
• Key:  A data box that describes labels.  It may tell you how much an icon in a pictograph is worth or what the different colored sections in a pie chart are labeled.

Some hands-on lesson plan ideas:

• Human Bar Graph

Students can make a human bar graph by writing the labels on the board, then having students sitting on the floor in a line behind the label that describes them the most.  I love to do “favorite ice cream flavors” for this one.

After students are all in their rows, you can begin creating the bar graph on the board based on their results.  They are able to look at the human bar graph both on the board and from within the classroom.

• Classroom Assessment Line Graph

To incorporate real world solutions into teaching how to do line graphs, I integrate student test averages.  This could be the weekly reading comprehension test, science/social studies tests, or even the weekly spelling test.

I show students how I come up with the mean average.

Then, I have a bulletin board in the back of the room that has our line graph in progress already made.  We make a big deal with a drum roll and I tell students the mean, I graph it, then connect the dots, and students cheer if we “beat our best” score as a class.

The line graph is a permanent fixture in the classroom all year long so we can see how we are improving as a group throughout the school year.  This helps to reinforce that line graphs shows data changes over time.

• Hair Color Pie Chart

A fun way to showcase pie charts is for students to sit in a circle.

Then place 3 or 4 labels in different quadrants of the middle of your circle.  Perhaps different eye or hair color.

Once students are in a circle sitting next to others with their same data, use yard sticks to separate the results and make sure the labels are in the middle of each section of the pie chart.  This makes for a great visual!

• Taco Tally Chart

Ask students to raise their hand if they like tacos.  Show how to use tally marks on the board.

Then ask students who does not like tacos.  Add those tallies.

As a final step, have students count back and add the tallies to verify that all students answered the question.

• Sibling Pictograph

For a fun pictograph lesson, ask students to go to one of the 4 corners of the classroom based on their answer.  Pick a question that has 4 answers.  For example, I like “has no siblings, has 1 sibling, has 2 siblings, has 3 or more siblings.”

After students have entered their appropriate corner, create a pictograph (with stick figures) on the board and add the icons as students sit down after being added.

It’s a great way for students to see the information in action.

• Scavenger Hunt Coordinate Grid

Coordinate grids take a little more effort to pull together, but can also create a lot of laughter during the learning.

For this activity, use masking tape or string to create a large grid in the middle of the classroom floor, or on a safe spot of concrete outside that won’t get blown away or disturbed until you complete the activity.

After creating your grid, making sure to label the grad with numbers, figure out a secret message you want to share with your students.  Something short, but fun.

Such as “SMILE MORE.”  That would take 7 coordinates since there are 7 unique letters in that message: S, M, I, L, E, O, and R.

Write the letters on a piece of paper or use a cutting machine to cut out the letters.  Place the letters on random coordinates within your grid.

Then, create a worksheet with the coordinates to figure out the mystery message.

Finally, add other random letters to the rest of the grid so it’s not obvious to students what the answer is.

Have students work in pairs to come up with the correct answer on their handout.  It’s hands on and a great way to remember to go across, then up.

Free Teaching Resource for Your Math Lesson Plans

Need some more advanced graphing activities once the elementary students have mastered the basics?

Today I am featuring the website Create A Graph.

This website is great and fun for almost any grade level.

I see it being utilized all year as a practice site so that those graphing skills remain fresh all the way through the spring!

After watching the video above, you will remember that I discussed using it for center practice work and having the students complete independently and print out the graph.

You are then able to assess correctly and place students in small groups to remediate or enrich as needed.

Shown below is a template for some simple story problem cards.   There are 8 different problem cards, along with some blanks for you to customize.

Print out on card stock, laminate, and keep the cards in a card file box next to the computer.

As students head back for the week, they can randomly pick out a card, and show a graphical representation of the math scenario and print it out for your review.

Click here to email your freebie

Using real-life situations in math is so important, and now you have an easy way to integrate it all together!

How do you introduce data and graphing in your classroom?  We would love to hear in the comments below!

~Charity

The post Online Introduction to Graphing for Kids appeared first on Organized Classroom.

High Energy Math

If you step into my classroom, you’ll notice that math is one of the most high-energy parts of my day. I absolutely love teaching math! It wasn’t always like that.

When I first started teaching, math was the one time of the day I just dreaded. I felt like I was only reaching half of my students and the other half were drowning.

What changed?

I learned about Singapore math strategies and I made it my goal to make math the most lively part of the day.

Singapore math strategies aren’t something new. Singapore math focuses on the WHY before the HOW.

For example, your kiddos need to understand why 4 + 4 = 8 before memorizing 4 + 4 = 8.

Do you recognize the number bond pictured below?

The number bond shows the part, part, whole relationship between three numbers and is an important part of Singapore math.

During calendar, which takes place first thing in the morning, I share a number of the day (the number in the picture was 9). Students turn and talk to discuss what two parts can equal that number. We then share several ways to make the number of the day with the whole class and I invite students to fill in the class number bond.

Number Bonds

Number bonds are such a great way to show students number relationships and help with better understanding math facts.

If you already use number bonds in your classroom, great! Remember how I mentioned math in my classroom is high-energy? That’s because I play a ton of quick math games with my kids.

When I introduce number bonds, I always start with “Moose Math.” The kids love it AND it allows students to conceptually show their understanding of math facts.

Here’s how you play… You say a number, like 9, and students quickly make moose horns showing that number. I change numbers when all students have their hands up (making sure to correct mistakes) to keep it fun and energetic.

“Show me 9. Great! Now show me 8. Prove 8 is an even number with your hands (students show 4 and 4 with their fingers)!”

You can quickly see which students know their math facts, and which students need to look around and think before showing that number. Yup, this game can be used as a quick math assessment, also!

Need an extension?   Ask pairs or small groups to make a double digit number.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for lesson planning and calendar organization in the classroom? This 70 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:
-Curriculum Mapping
-Setting Up Your Daily Classroom Schedule
-Digital Filing Cabinets
-Weekly Planning Resources
-Several To-Do List Templates
-Balancing Home and Work Life in your Calendar
-File Organization
…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

Need an extra challenge? Have students make that two digit number without talking.

The rule in my classroom is that all students have to participate by showing a number with their hands if working in partners or small groups.

This game may seem silly, but my second graders love it!

There are times when I ask what the answer to a math fact is, expecting a choral response, and I have students respond by saying, “Moose Hands” followed by them quickly putting their hands up.

Playing this game frequently is truly helping my students understand their math facts.

Give my students a number and they’ll quickly know how to break it down!

Try it with your students and let me know how it goes!

What quick and easy math games do you play with your students? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

Need a Number Bonds template to print and use on your board? Download it for free below!

~Charity

The post Singapore Math Games appeared first on Organized Classroom.

So many career fields are requiring training in STEM to be considered for jobs.  Science, technology, engineering, and math are important skills for most positions in the workforce.  Maybe not graduate level education, but certainly some elementary level of knowledge and practice in those subjects will have students ready for future work.

As a gifted intervention specialist for math, I dreaded the sentence, “When are we going to use this in real life?”  For anyone who has worked with gifted students on a regular basis, you already know you hear that question often.

So I always tried to include some examples of how different math were used on a daily basis by people everywhere.  Sometimes I asked parents and community members to come in to the classroom to speak to us.

We have had:

• representatives from the local bank
• cashiers
• carpenters
• bakers
• auto line workers
• farmers
• salespeople
• contractors
• veternarians
• nurses
• and others

The classroom guests come to speak to the students for even just 15 minutes and allow the students to ask them questions about how STEM (or STEAM) training is important to them knowing how to do their job well.

Need a FREE guest speaker request form with template? Keep reading to grab it below!

And other times, I have shown short videos to the class that shows real-world science, technology, math, or engineering examples.  I felt it was important to see those local community members share experiences close to home, but to also “see” more of the wider world beyond our front door.

In addition to talking about real-world examples on Fridays, we also had posters in the classroom for each letter of STEM in big block letters.  As students were looking through magazines or newspapers (or even a cereal box) and they noticed a picture that represented something in any of the 4 categories, they cut it out and brought it in to attach to the matching poster.

By the end of the year, we had a collage of pictures covering each of the letters in STEM on the wall and I rarely heard that dreaded question again.

What is STEM?

The definition of STEM officially stands for:  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  In recent years, it has even changed and evolved to include Art in the acronym, so now many prefer to use STEAM projects when planning new programs or products.

You can find STEM toys, camps, summer programs, games, wikis, and more.

There are even high school scholarships to support women in STEM opportunities.

Middle school students can even attend intensive computer science academies to practice research-based learning labs.

There really is no shortage of different STEM options out there for children of all ages and interests.  Local libraries tend to have lots planned too.

What are some STEM projects that can be used in school?

Teachers might think planning these technical sounding lesson integrations will take a lot of work and be super hard to implement with students since they are project-based learning, but you may be surprised to find out that STEM lessons can be structured learning experiences with just a little documentation to get that accountability piece in place.

Check out some of these great ideas:

How can you stand on a paper cup without breaking it? – I bet students would get very creative with this one!

DIY Robot Hand STEAM Activity – I mean, who WOULDN’T want to build a robot hand out of plastic straws?  How cool is that?

A Melting Ice Experiment – Even if you live in Florida, your students will love testing out this “cool” science.

Zoo Themed STEM Activity – Zoo animals + learning always equals fun.

Would you like a STEM Packet that includes a set of STEM project dice, two page student journal for completing the steps in their project, and four pages of brag bands to print off and have students show off to important others in their life?

Click HERE to grab the packet and save yourself time!

STEM Straw Bridges – A classic STEM activity and one that really never gets old.  Student could repeat it every time and get different results.

STEM Activity for Kids: Free Printable Gliding Robot – Making a movable gliding robot on string?  Yes please!

Build a Marble Run with Craft Sticks – If your children are anything like mine, anything with marbles is a-ok in their book.

The Unsurpassed Challenge of Roller Coasters – So, I live 5 minutes away from the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World” and we never get tired of new roller coaster ideas.  Even better these versions use simple paper plates to construct the tracks.

Oil Spill! Connecting STEM activities to real world problems – Isn’t the point of the learning to see how it relates to the real world?  Practicing solutions to real life problems can change the world.

STEM Paper Airplane Challenge – Paper airplanes are the perfect vehicle for testing out math and engineering concepts.  And the creativity might really surprise you!

Salt Crystal Leaves – This project always mesmerizes me as the formed crystals are so neat to look at after they climb the pipe cleaner.  I’m sure students will feel the same.

Bucket Tower Challenge – Mini white plastic cups and a hole punch.  Grab them and you are ready to roll.

Bottle Flipping – Use that annoying in the classroom habit to your advantage!  Have students grab their water bottles and try different amounts of water, fill it with other materials, etc – and see how the results vary.  You’ll definitely have student engagement for this one friends.

Water Slides! – How fun is this one?  Uses aluminum foil and other small supplies.  Easy peasy!

How to Survive as a Shark Coding Game for Kids – Well when you have shark and coding and game all in the same title, I’m guessing this one will be a hit no matter what.

LEGO Bridge Building Challenge – I think the part I like the best is the hand drawn and colored “river” on the paper to allow students to see exactly how long or large their bridge needs to be.  This activity could be used with littles who are just getting introduced to STEM activities, or can even be used for older students who want to build more elaborate structures.

STEM Respiratory System Investigation Asthma versus Healthy – The thing I love about this is that you probably have a student in your class who has asthma (or at least within your school).  Students would be able to get a much clearer image of how asthma affects the individual with it.

Pom Pom Drop STEM Challenge – Supplies needed = toilet or paper towel rolls, washi tape, and mini pom pom balls.  Count me in!

Peep Catapults – It doesn’t even need to be Easter to appreciate the fun in this learning lesson.  Not to mention the sight of marshmallow chicks flying through the air has me smiling already.

Basketball Tower STEM Challenge – Get your sports nuts interested super quick when you toss out this fun project!

Fake Snow STEM Experiment – While students in colder environments probably won’t appreciate this one as much, those who live in warm climates (and may have never seen snow in real life) will probably be in awe over this one.

Drops on a Coin: A Preschool STEM Activity – For the littles and all you need are coins and eye droppers (and water obviously).  Easy to set up and clean up!

Hot Chocolate Science Experiment – Anything that says hot chocolate you can count me in.

Design a Bridge – A more advanced take on a standard straw bridge activity.  For this one the bridge must be able to hold a bag of 100 pennies for at least 30 seconds.  This one might take a little more rigor to figure out.

How Strong is Spaghetti? – I’m kind of curious to find out this answer myself…

Fingerprinting Science Activity for Kids – CSI for students – how fun is that?

Motorized Coloring Machine Kids Can Make – So cool!  Looks a bit like a lunar module!

Code Your Name in Jewelry – Boys and girls alike will enjoy this beading exercise once they learn the basics of coding.

Popsicle Stick LED Flashlight – Probably for the older students, but I can definitely see students wanting to turn out the classroom lights and use their new flashlight for independent reading time.  That’s a win-win if I ever heard one.

Tin Foil Boat Ideas for the STEM Penny Challenge – Using foil as the boat and some pennies as the cargo, this lesson would be a wonderful spring afternoon project outside in large tubs in the school yard.

Build A Winch Simple Machine Activity – It would be interesting to see how the students design their winch and make it work before you explain it more in detail.  Great for creative thinking!

What Makes the Best Umbrella – Lots of scientific method action going on here for sure.  And so many different materials could be tested as well.  Could even be a quarterly class activity.

How to Have a Blast with Balloon Cars! – Love this!

STEM Toy: Penny Spinners – Children will be amazed that they get to make a toy at school – and play with it.  And even better – get smarter because of it too!

Make a Paper Plate Maze STEM Challenge – The creative possibilities are endless with this one.

Snowman Stretch – You have to see this one to believe it.

How about a free pizza themed guest speaker form with template to ask parents or other professionals to talk about how they incorporate STEM into their every day work?

Simply download below and edit in either Power Point or Google Slides.

How do you incorporate STEM or STEAM activities into your curriculum?  Feel free to share in a comment below.  We can’t wait to hear your ideas too!

~Charity

The post Super STEM Strategies appeared first on Organized Classroom.

In today’s fast-paced world, where information is abundant and readily available, being able to read between the lines is more important than ever. It enables readers to critically analyze texts, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. By honing this skill, readers can navigate through complex information and extract valuable insights that may not be explicitly stated.

Making inferences games that are interactive are a fun way to include all students in learning about inferring and making predictions! Additional resources, such as making inferences worksheets, anchor charts, and pictures will also help your students with logic and coming to conclusions about the reading passages they are deciphering.

So, while I realize (wholeheartedly) that teaching inferring is not always fun, I have found a fun online game that might at least make it more bearable.  Inferring is so tough for many students because they may not have the background knowledge to make sense of the missing elements or to assume something from hidden facts.

Understanding Inferences and their Importance in Reading

Inferences are conclusions or interpretations that readers make based on the information presented in a text. They involve connecting the dots, filling in the gaps, and making logical deductions. Inferences are essential in reading because they allow readers to go beyond what is explicitly stated and uncover deeper meanings.

When reading a novel, for example, inferences help readers understand characters’ motivations, predict plot twists, and grasp underlying themes. Without the ability to make inferences, readers would be limited to surface-level comprehension, missing out on the richness and complexity of literary works.

What is a fun classroom group game for inferring?

In order to get students interested in working on some inferring skills, here is an online game from Quia that is perfect for the SmartBoard or as a center activity!  Take a look at the video below for my Classroom Technology in 3-Minutes or Less segment.

Strategies for Making Inferences While Reading

To effectively make inferences while reading, it is important to employ active reading strategies. This involves engaging with the text actively rather than passively absorbing information. One strategy is to ask questions while reading. By constantly questioning the text, readers can identify gaps in information and make logical connections to fill those gaps.

Another strategy is predicting outcomes. By making educated guesses about what might happen next in a story or how an argument might unfold, readers can actively engage with the text and anticipate future developments. This not only enhances comprehension but also keeps readers engaged and invested in the material.

Additionally, paying attention to details and identifying patterns can help readers make inferences. Clues and contextual cues within the text provide valuable information that can be used to draw conclusions. By actively seeking out these clues and analyzing their significance, readers can uncover hidden meanings and make informed inferences.

Using Sticky Notes to Teach About Inferences

Here’s a fun worksheet that I hope you will be able to use in your classroom which is perfect for centers!

It includes 6 different pictures that you will cover up with post-its (after printing the text descriptions on them).

Students will have to fill out the worksheet using the contact clues, what they already have previous knowledge about, and then their predictions about what the picture is.

They can also self-check their answer after they have completed the worksheet! Yay!

Grab it right here:

What are some other ideas for teaching inference in my classroom?

Teaching inference with mentor texts are a great reading strategy as well!  This post includes free making inference worksheets too!

Could you use some free inference task cards?  Stop here to download this super useful set!

More mentor text tips for teaching inferring with second graders can be found over at Primary Planet too!

I love the simplicity of this making inferences anchor chart for reading comprehension strategies!

You might also be interested in:

11 reading and language arts resource sets that pack a punch!

This power pack includes the following 11 files:

• Beach Activities Pack (K-6)
• Chapter Book Reading Strategies Activities  (grades 3-8)
• Chrysanthemum Reading Packet (grades 2-4)
• Contraction Packet (grades 1-3)
• DI Spelling Menus Packet (grade 2+)
• Never Ride Your Elephant to School Activities (grades 2-4)
• Reading Bingo (grades 2-8)
• Space Theme Reading Logs (grades 2-5)
• Fiction and Nonfiction Story Maps (grades 2-6)
• Vocabulary Bingo (grades 3+)
• Writing Menu (grades 3+)

See More HERE.

Applying Inference Skills in Real-Life Situations

The ability to read between the lines and make inferences is not limited to the realm of literature. It is a skill that has practical applications in everyday life. From interpreting social cues and understanding non-verbal communication to analyzing news articles and evaluating arguments, inference skills are essential for navigating through the complexities of the world.

In professional settings, being able to make inferences can help individuals understand underlying motivations, anticipate trends, and make informed decisions. In personal relationships, it can aid in understanding others’ perspectives, empathizing with their emotions, and building stronger connections.

What other resources have you found helpful for teaching about inference in your classroom?  We would love to hear about them in the comments below!

Have fun inferring!

~Charity

The post Inferring Fun and Games! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Have you ever watched the late night talk shows where they take a microphone and camera on the street and ask basic geography trivia to the passerbys on the street?  And usually the unsuspecting participants aren’t able to answer simple elementary map questions?

I just hope I’m never asked to be put on the spot like that either because I might crack under the pressure.

But it does make me wonder if geography skills – both on the local and world levels – are being overlooked because of lack of time?

Why is geography important for kids?

Obviously, we want our students to grow up as good local, national, and world citizens.  We want them to question current events in places close to home, as well as far from anywhere they may have been.

That starts by learning major bodies of water, earth science (volcanoes, how land masses are formed), and even state capitals.

So much of physical geography and maps are tied into learning how to read a map with math skills.  I distinctly remember measuring out the scales on a map to figure out how many actual miles were from point A to point B within the state of Ohio when I was in elementary school.  Believe it or not, I have been hiking in places with no GPS signals, so that was a skill I was successfully able to translate to the real world as an adult myself.

Now, there are so many more great ways to learn about geography than having a simple lesson plan of measuring map scales.  You can use geography games for kids, quizzes, fun facts, books, trivia, songs, videos, webquests, and other hands-on activities out there.

Geography resources for teaching kids

Need some new activities to spice up your latitude and longitude related lessons?  Here are a few to get your wheels turning.

Quizzes and Games:

While this example is honestly to see if you are “smarter than a 5th grader,” it could be a fun idea to have your students’ parents take the quiz with the children as a pre-assessment.  Then take it again together after your unit or theme has been taught to see the improvement.

From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this interactive game has students practice finding the various 50 states on a United States map.  {I have to be honest, I struggled with a few myself.}

It also gives up-to-date state unemployment rate data too, which might be useful if you have older students and want to graph it or even discuss why some states would be much higher than others.

Sticking with the US map trend, I like how this game is an online jigsaw puzzle!  You have to be able to add the pieces onto the map without having any type of lines (in the Hard version anyway).

It is a bit more advanced for those older or gifted students.

Shaking things up a little bit, there are some quizzes out there with a world focus too.  This one has questions where the student has to choose the right country from a multiple choice list based on the question listed.

This option was pretty hard for me.  It is only an outline of a country and 4 multiple choice options.  After choosing the right option, it does give the quiz taker some interesting facts about that particular country which I found very interesting.

Printables:

Would you prefer to have a paper and pencil version of a geography quiz?  This is a good place to start.

So many teachers participate in postcard exchanges.  And I love, love, love how this involves people who are significant to the students and lets them “see” how many unique places there are just within our own country!

Compass rose, coordinate grid, and some landmarks are a perfect place for the younger students to begin when learning how to read a map.  And this handout will help you to get them started.

Don’t forget to discuss your own local community when talking about geography.  Having guest speakers, looking at city level maps, and even drawing out the pathways in the school are all great activities.  Try this one too.

Songs:

Flocabulary has a nice selection of teaching songs and videos.  I love how the page also includes discussion questions and more for this video about the continents.

This song about latitude and longitude has a track to listen to it – as well as the lyrics to be able to sing along.  Very cute!

I might be biased since I live right along Lake Erie, but this Great Lakes song is adorable!  It includes the sing along version, the lyrics are posted, and for those brave singing souls, there is also an instrumental track to sing to your content.

Need something a little more dramatic?  Here is an entire 35 minute musical play dedicated to geography!  Would be perfect for a parent involvement night or just as a reader’s theater project.  Includes the script, casting list, songs, and more.  For those who really want to take geography lesson plans to a new level.

This is a cute general geography song lyric page.  It does not include specific music, but maybe the students could partner up to create their own versions and share with the class.

Free Geography Flash Cards

Want a quick game for your 3rd-6th graders to test their geography knowledge?

I created a quick set of flash cards called “Is it a mountain range, river, or state?”

The best part? Some locations are more than one of the above – Ha!

What are your best geography lesson suggestions?  We would love to hear them in the comments below too!

~Charity

The post Great Geography Lessons for Kids appeared first on Organized Classroom.