sutton007

It hasn't happened in so long that we were all caught off guard.  It must have happened because of the extreme heat we have been having.  Just when we were getting ready to sit down and watch our favorite shows - the lights went out!  No television or internet! What's a child to do?  What's a child to do?   Why, hone up on their math skills with some fun and easy games of course! Just like we did!  Playing board games or games on the computer will help keep math skills from sliding during the summer.  Here are some family favorites! Yahtzee .  My daughter, her girlfriend and I played this game of strategy and probability that involves addition.  It was especially fun as we played by candlelight with lots of chatting and laughter.  Meanwhile, the girls, who are teenagers were practicing their basic math operations.  (For those who like playing games online there is a Yahtzee Online Version . Just make sure to turn off chat feature.)...

My neighbor is always teasing me this time of year.  "So, you're finally off for the summer! Rough job you have!"   We'll, summer has arrived, and while it's true that I am not going into my classroom everyday it doesn't mean I'm not working. To avoid the "summer slide," I look to keep my teaching skills current by working ' away ' from the classroom.   For the past two summers , I was completing my Master's program through Simmons College. As I consider myself a lifelong learner ,  I have decided this year to find other methods to help me become a better teacher. Here are some of the ways that I am working this summer: * Tweeting through Twitter:   I am continuing my professional development by participating in Twitter Chats .  A Twitter Chat is a group of people meeting at a specific time on Twitter for a specific purpose.  On Mondays, I am involved with a group of (mostly) 4th grade teachers for #4thchat . We have discussed such t...