Need Indoor Recess Ideas?

Indoor recess... It's as dreaded by teachers as it is students. They want to get out and play. We desperately need them to get the wiggles out so they can focus on learning. With the right indoor recess activities, you can have your students looking forward to indoor recess days instead of dreading them. Lucky for us, there are tons of indoor games and activities you can do right inside your classroom that will help your students let off some steam and be ready to learn again. 

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7 Activities to Make Math Fun

Math. Some of us love teaching it. Some of us hate it. The same is true for our students. But no matter how we feel about it, we have to teach math. And we all know that it's easier and more enjoyable for everyone if we can get our students excited about what they're learning. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to make math fun for even your toughest students. Today, I'm sharing some of my students' favorite math activities.

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Can competition lead to increased comprehension?

Can competition lead to increased comprehension? This seems like a bad combo. We've nearly eliminated competitiveness in some schools -- sometimes to ridiculous extremes. However, we usually try to avoid it in class. We don't want one student to be the best at something -- all students can succeed. So, why would I have this idea and what successes have I experienced that prompted me to explore this idea?

80's Childhood and Reading Machines

I have to briefly go back to my childhood in the 80s first. I was a voracious reader as soon as I started reading. I was one of those kids who had a book for every car trip and tried to read in the dark (you know, wait for each street light so you can read a few more words). My school had a reading tool that they used. I have searched for the actual item on the internet and haven't found it. If you know what it is, please let me know! We called it a reading machine. You had a reading passage that you would feed into the top of the machine. It would roll around a large cylinder and only show you a line at a time. It would continuously advance based upon the reading rate for which it was set. Once you finished "reading" the passage you would take a comprehension quiz. If you passed the quiz (I can't remember if you needed 100% or some other passing grade) you would advance on to the next speed. Now, I am not recommending this method and haven't thought about it in a while. I wouldn't say I was reading for enjoyment at all, but I did learn to skim passages quickly which is a great skills for more advanced courses. I loved it. I loved challenging myself to advance to the next level. It was like a game. A game for good readers. I'll share a few tips below for individual competitions.

Scholastic News for Close Reading

Fast forward to last year in my 3rd grade classroom. We use Scholastic News and last year we really enjoyed all the benefits of using the additional resources in the electronic version. The students loved voting on issues and seeing if their results matched the results of kids around the world. The other thing that was a huge hit were the quizzes. I didn't start out doing them all the time and then the kids kept asking for them. I was completely sold on this version of quizzing when I saw some close reading taking place. The game board has different point rewards for each category. The least complex questions would gain the fewest points, etc. I would divide the class into teams. The team (either a team representative or someone I chose) would choose the category. I would display the question and the team would decide on an answer. If they didn't immediately know the answer, the whole group would grab their Scholastic News and start searching and reading everything again carefully! That's what we are always hoping they will do!

Valuable Competition

I think some competition can be valuable. You can compete against others or top your own records.

For individual competition, my students enjoy a reading board that has bead chain necklaces. They get a bead for each 100 minutes that they read. They get a special bead or charm for each 500 minutes that they read. Some of my students have been very motivated to read as they see others start to fill their necklace.

Team competitions can be a quiz like the ones I mentioned or a variety of learning games. Make sure the teams are fair and change players at times. Be mindful of any team winning all the time. Then you would want to switch things up and make it more equitable.

In my classroom, adding the element of competition has also shown increased engagement, an opportunity to practice teamwork, purposeful answers (to make sure they get the points) and reading things more carefully.

Powerpoint Classroom Quiz

1. Create a quiz using this powerpoint template (or use the included African Animals quiz and research pages). Just click on the picture above to download this quiz and 3 African animal research papers. Click here to get a powerpoint with the blank game board. Just add your own text boxes.  

2. Everyone reads the passage silently (chapter, multiple passages, etc.). Tell them there will be a game with questions from the passage so they need to read carefully.

3. Divide the class into teams (2-4 teams). Choose a team to start.

4. Show the board. The 1st team chooses a category and point value. They can look back to find the answer. Designate someone as an official team spokesperson (someone who will listen to others).  Ask, is that your final answer to make sure the team agrees. If they miss it, you can tell the answer and/or show where it is in the passage. The team only gets points for the correct answer. 

5. The team with the most points wins!

Have a great week!

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Let's LAUGH and PLAY!

Let's LAUGH and PLAY!

Have you ever felt like you hit the JACKPOT with a classroom center?  The kids love it, and they are learning at the same time!  How COOL is that?

Well, when I figured out how to make our Spot That Word Games, that's how I felt, and it's still just as popular now as it was last year.

SIDE NOTE:  This game will get the kids laughing - ESPECIALLY AT YOU!!!  As they get better and better at the game, you will be BEAT time and time again!  AND THEY LOVE IT!

I brought my games home over the summer, and we actually played this on several occasions!  BTW - ALL of my kids are GROWN.  And yes, we had a blast.  It is seriously addicting!

I've videoed a group of students playing the game to show how it works.  Keep in mind, this is during extended time, and the noise level is much louder than during my regular centers, and these are not my students (meaning the speed is not there)   :)

Here's a SAMPLE of my game (just keep in mind that this only has 12 cards, where as the real game has over 50 cards).

Here's one of my Spot that Word Games!  Hope you enjoy as much as we do! :)

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Mindreader... A FREE No Prep Place Value Game

Hello, again! It's Beth from Adventures of a Schoolmarm. I hope your school year is off to a great start!

It happens to all of us. A lesson goes faster than we thought that it would. We have to wait a little longer than we expected to go down to an assembly. Whatever the reason, we often have a few minutes of free time in class that we don't want to waste. This FREE place value game is a perfect solution! My kids absolutely love it, and I know yours will, too! 

Think of a 2 or 3-digit number in your head. It’s easier to teach students how to play this game with 2-digit numbers, then build up to larger numbers.  I also like to write the number on a sticky note so the kids know I am not fibbing! Write the chart below on the board. (Once we've learned the game, I don't even make a table this fancy. I literally just write # / D / PV on the board with vertical lines separating.)

Clip art by Ta-Doodles Illustrations and Kate Hadfield / Fonts by Kimberly Geswein

In this example, I have chosen a 3-digit number, so the kids are expected to make 3-digit guesses only. You will only tell them how many of the digits are correct and how many digits are in the correct place value.   In the beginning you will want to model with think-alouds to show students how to make logical inferences about the mystery number based on the information given.

In the example above, 1 digit is correct (the 6), but it is not in the correct place value. This is a good opportunity to explain that they know now that the number contains a 4, 7, or 6, but that that the digit will be in a different place value. When we are learning how to play the game, I would take the time to explain that their guesses from this point on should contain the digit 4, 6, or 7 so they can try to determine which of those digits was the correct digit. Logically, they would also want to make guesses where those numbers have been put in a different place value position since we know that none of the digits are in the correct place value so far.  

With this next guess, students can now infer that either the 6 or 7 is the correct digit in the correct place value, so they can test this hypothesis out with future numbers they guess.  

For example, when a student guesses 562, they have narrowed the options down further. They know that 2 of the digits are correct, but only 1 is in the right place. Logically, they can infer that the 6 is the correct digit in the correct place value. To scaffold as we are learning, once we logically can infer the correct digit, I will underline it. This serves as a visual cue to remind them to keep that digit the same in all their guesses. Once a student guesses 865 and knows that 2 digits are still correct and in the correct place value, they can know infer that the number is ?65. From this point all guesses should logically end in 65. 

Continue playing the game until students guess the correct number. 

This is what a completed "game board" might look like. I like to keep track of how many guesses it takes to get the correct number to see if they can improve their logic to guess the number in fewer tries. We are on a constant quest to see if we can hone our logic skills to guess the correct number more quickly.

If you would like to give this game a try in your classroom, you can download the directions HERE (or by clicking on the photo below). The game is perfect for those few spare minutes because it requires absolutely zero prep. The only materials you really need are a board to write the number chart so students can see it displayed. However, it is a fantastic way to get your kids thinking more deeply about place value and making logical inferences in math. Let me know what you think of it!

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Math Games Galore--FREEBIE!!!



Hi Everyone!!  I am just finishing my first week of school and boy am I wiped out!!  I am also beginning the 30th year of teaching!!!  My new second graders are the sweetest little ones!!!  They are very energetic but I am enjoying them so much!!!  I have been introducing one math station a day and my kids are doing a great job!!!  So that brings me to the topic of this blog post.....

Dice Game Tips

I am crazy about dice games---not crazy about the sound of the die hitting the table or floor though! To solve this problem I had to eat many frozen lunches just to save these handy trays--LOL.  I filled each tray with a foam cut out and it makes a quiet tray for rolling dice.  I also teach my kids that if the die comes out of the tray you lose a turn!!! 

Back to School Bump

One of the first games I taught my kids this week is Back to School Bump!!  The great thing about "Bump" is that once you teach the basic game the kids can play it all year!!  You can change the theme and increase the skill level but the basic game play stays the same!!!

Directions for play:

Each player gets a stated number of the same colored chip.  Players take turns rolling the dice, adding the 2 numbers, and covering the number with a chip.  Players can "bump" each other off a number until it is covered with two of the same colored chip.  The first player to use all of their chips wins the game!!

 

 Click link to grab your FREE copy of Back to School Bump.

 To play bump all year check out my Mega Bump Bundle!!

 Race to 25 Cents

The next game is a very simple game called Race to 25c.  It is a very basic game of rolling the die, gathering pennies and then trading pennies to nickels, nickels to dimes, and finally dimes and nickels to quarters.  I use a four compartment tray with a circle in the middle to roll the die.  As the year goes the difficulty increases to Race to 50c and then to Race to $1.00!!

Money Wizards

 The last game I taught my kids this week is Money Wizards Coin Combinations to $2.00!!  I use this game as a magnetic math center on the front of my desk. I use magnetic coins and add magnetic tape to the back of the task cards.  My kids love that it's a magnetic game!!! Click on the link to check out this fun game!!  Money Wizards

Until next month.... I hope you enjoy playing math games galore!!!

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Get a Back to School Boost!

Hey everyone! If you haven't already heard, today is the BONUS Back to School sale day at TeachersPayTeachers!

Thousands of sellers will have their stores on sale up to 20% off all day. Stock up on new resources to get this year off on the right foot, and don't forget to use promo code MORE15 to save an extra 10% for a total of up to 28% off!

I've been hard at work updating old products, and posting some Back to School must-haves over the past month. One I am most excited to start using in my own room is my set of Math Playing Card Games. They have had a major face lift, and look so much better these days. Plus, I've added several new games this year! My students are already loving the few games I've taught them so far!

Before you check out, remember to go to your "My Purchases" page and leave feedback for all of your recent purchases. Doing so earns you TPT credits, which you can redeem when you check out to save even more! Access feedback on your "My Purchases" page or directly on the product page.

Check out all of our CTR bloggers' stores while you're there by following the links below. I know I have some of these resources in my cart already. Happy shopping, friends!

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

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SCOOTing Into Games

SCOOTs....
Have you used them in your classroom?  Back in April, I shared a teeny, tiny bit about how I have used them with my students to incorporate more movement in the classroom.

I wanted to dig a little bit deeper.

Through my reading of blogs, professional books, and articles this summer, I feel that there is a continuous reminder of the value....NEED....for engagement.  Whether that is engagement during independent reading, math centers and games, or interactive writing.  Our students must be engaged and motivated during their time with us.

But sometimes...they need some repeated practice, as well.  This is not always very engaging.

I am not a huge fan of worksheets, especially if there is another approach that I can use to hit the skill that I have in mind.  For example, this past year we used a TON of math games to hit math facts instead of math fact sheets.

So...

But let me back up a bit.  If you have never SCOOTed, I wanted to show you how simple and (actually) quick it is.

First, we organize the desks so that the students can move around them easily.  I like to put the desks in a square because my teammate and I can stand in the middle and quickly assess who needs more support.  But any configuration will work as long as students know where to go.

Second, lay the task cards or skill cards on the desks and provide the students with a recording sheet.  (Sometimes I lay manipulatives on the desk as well, if they are needed).  They need to make sure they match the skill card number with the correct answer box.

Then it is time to start.  Students answer the question or problem on the skill card on their answer sheet.  Then when you feel that most students are ready, you say, "SCOOT!"  And they all move to the next desk.  As students answer the questions, I walk around to observe how students are doing. 

Finally, students turn in their sheets.  My teammate and I use their answers to inform our instruction or to form some small groups for intervention.  It has become a great tool for us!

So when could you use SCOOTs in your classroom?

There are so many different ways to use this tool.

Phonics.  Students can get repeated practice filling in the correct vowel pattern and reading the word.  These answer sheets can also be used as sorts when they are finished!

Fluency.  Students can read short passages or poems to each other and decide if it was read fluently.

Math.  There are so many uses for SCOOTs in math: place value, number sense, measurement, fractions, shapes, the list can go on!

I would love to hear if you have tried these out in your classroom and what your experiences have been!  Were your students engaged?  Were you able to use the information to guide your instruction?  Here is a FREEBIE to try out this year!

If you are interested in trying out any other SCOOTs this year, here are some that I have available (many are differentiated to meet the variety of needs in your class):

Do you have any other games that you use in your classroom to promote engagement?

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3 Ways to Make Task Cards Fun!

Hello, everyone!  It's Andrea from Reading Toward the Stars.

Can you believe Back to School time is almost here?  I go back this Friday for teacher workweek, and I am not ready!  Summer is always so much fun, a time when I can relax and enjoy time with my own children.  I'm here today to share some ways to go beyond the normal task and flash cards for any age!

One of the things we LOVE to do is play games.  The opportunity allows us to spend time together and practice important skills, even if it is as simple as colors and letters.

Even in my classroom, I love to play all kinds of games.  Every Friday I spend time with my students playing games to enhance and review their learning.  This time allows them to show what they know in a simple non-threatening way.

I don't always have games for every single skill we work with, so I improvise.  I use task cards and old games to help create a quick and easy way to play games.

I get out my task cards (or flash cards) and an old game that the kids may know how to play.  They love using Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders as they answer questions and go around the board.  It adds a lot of excitement as they answer questions and go from place to place.

We play Cootie with the task cards.  Every time someone answers a card correctly, they can roll and get the piece to create their little critter.

And another favorite is just making an extra card where they have to give up all of their cards when they choose an Oops, Bang, Slam, or whatever you want to call it!

So, task cards take on a whole new meaning as children find fun ways to show what they have learned!

If you are looking for some fun task cards, I have some in my store that also include game boards and cards for instant play.

And they are 20% off during the B2S sale, with an additional 10% off with the code BTS15.  And don't forget to leave feedback on all of your purchases to earn credits for more fun resources from Teachers Pay Teachers!

Have fun this school year!

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Three Quick and Easy Math Games

Hello everyone! It's Allison Stuckey from Stuckey in Second. I always love coming over here to Classroom Tested Resources to blog and share some ideas! Today I'm going to share THREE quick and easy math games that are my GO-TO games for many occasions.

Some of the ways I use these games:

Math rotations/centers

Substitute plans 

Practice at home

Reward

Indoor Recess

Basically these are the kinds of games that I teach my students at the beginning of the year, they master them, then sometimes we can change them around to make them more difficult as the year goes on, but overall, they know the steps to play the game and they are a good "go-to" when you need something quick and easy! They let students practice number sense. You can easily differentiate these to different grade levels, too! I will focus on what I do in 2nd grade, but I'll add in ideas of how to make them easier or a little bit more difficult!

Let me just say here that none of these games are my own original ideas. I have probably adapted them some since the first time I learned them, but I first learned them through the Everyday Math series.

Coin Top-It

One of my favorite games is Coin Top-It. I think it's important in second grade to practice this game all year. It may be difficult at first, but you could start out by only having pennies and nickels in the containers. Where I teach, we don't get to coins until the spring, so I think it's important to practice this all year long because I just happened to know that the short time we do have to teach it is never enough!  

{My blog post is linked in the title above and shows another description of the game that I've blogged about before!}

How to Play:

Put students into partners and give each student a container of coins. (You determine which coins they are ready for an how many, that's how you can differentiate.)

The students determine who will be heads and who will be tails.

The students "dump" the container of coins out onto the carpet or desk in front of them. The student that is heads takes all of the coins that are "heads up" and the student that is tails takes all of the coins that are "tails up."

Next, they count up the amount of money that they have. The person with the most money wins!

Then, students put the coins back in the container and play again!

See how this could be played quickly any time, especially if you have the coins already prepared in containers? Perfect for early finishers, too. You would just tell two students that are finished to go grab a container and go to a quiet area to play! 

I'm sure that most of you have your students play some version of this game already. I just wanted to share for those that don't, just in case, because it's so fun and easy!!! All that you need a set of cards!

How to Play:

Put students into partners and give them a deck of cards. (I take out all of the face cards, but you could leave them in if you teach them what you want the value of each to be. Another way to differentiate!)

The students lay the cards in a pile face down between them. Then, they each draw two cards. Each student adds up their two cards, the student with the higher sum gets to take all four cards (theirs and their partners.) The student with the most cards in the end wins.

I also teach students that they have to say a number sentence to go along with the cards they draw. For example: "Nine plus eight equals seventeen." and "Five plus ten equals fifteen."

Then, the person with the higher sum has to say a comparison sentence in order to get the cards: "Seventeen is greater than fifteen."

Just like Coin Top-It, the kids love it and it's super easy to have early finishers grab a deck of cards and play! Also, great for indoor recess where they get excited to play games, yet they are practicing essential math skills.

For younger grades, I'd simply do more of a "war" version where they just turn over one card each and decide which number is greater. You could have them verbalize a comparison sentence too. "Three is greater than two."

I originally learned this game while using the Everyday Math series. I'm not sure that I still use the same directions and I think I may have modified it slightly because I honestly don't remember the exact Everyday Math directions. 

How to Play:

Put students with a partner. If you have to play with more than two students in a group, that's okay too! Give students a deck of cards.

Students will place the deck of cards face down between them. Then they will turn over 5 cards and lay them in a line in front of the group of students. (You could do it with however many cards you want actually, try 6-7 to give more choices and a little easier if you want.)

 Next, turn over the top card in the deck, that's the number you are "trying to name."

Now, with the 5 cards that they have turned over, students try to "name that number." You can either have the students take turns, or have them work at the same time and just whoever finds one first gets to take it. It can be a pair of cards that add up to "that number" or it can be more than two cards. Students can also choose to add, subtract, or multiply, depending on their level. They may even do more than one operation in one "Name that Number" set.

When trying to name 9, this student chose "5 plus 4 equals 9." 

When trying to name 9, this student chose "7 plus 2 equals 9."

Some other options would be:

(5+4+7+2)-9=9 (that would use all of the cards!)

You can be very flexible with the procedure and if they can't find one, add another card or change the "number to name." Also, adding a few more cards will give a better chance for them to find one. Once they get the hang of it, they will really come up with good ways to "name the number" and you can even challenge them to try to use all of the cards in one number sentence! 

Again, an easy "go-to game" that you only need a deck of cards for. They can play with a sub, at home, at indoor recess, or in a math station. QUICK and EASY for the teacher, after you teach them how!

For me, one of my first tasks at the beginning of the school year will be to teach my students these three QUICK AND EASY math games so that I can ensure they are playing them all year and practicing that number sense.

Thanks for reading today and please check out the freebies that I have in my store below. Also, don't forget to check out TPT today and tomorrow for the big Back to School sale! Enter the Promo Code BTS15 for an additional 10% off everyone's sale prices! 

Freebies in my store!

These take a little more prep and are a little more of a "novelty" for the students, but they are basic skills that could practiced just with playing cards too. Click on each picture to find them in my store for FREE. If you enjoy my math games there, check out my store for more! I'd appreciate feedback!

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