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Scoot in the Classroom - A Favorite SCOOT! The students in my class LOVE hearing that word (or variations like Scooch, Scurry, Skedaddle during the game.) They know "Scoot" means they will be doing an activity that involves moving around the classroom. Here's how it works:   1. Place a task card at each student desk.  2. Students create a recording sheet or use a handout.  3. Students begin by answering the questions at their own desk.  4. When prompted by the word Scoot (or whatever you decide) students move to the desk that would be next in numerical order.  5. When you see that the task is completed - prompt the movement again and repeat until all cards are complete. Over the last few years I used Scoot games sporadically.   However, this year I find myself incorporating it on a more regular basis. These activities, which are usually a quick 5 minutes, can be a lesson activator, review of a concept or used as formative assessment. While first I ...

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.)...

Making our way back to the classroom from Phys. Ed. the other day, one of the kindergarten teachers stopped my class in the hallway and invited them into her classroom.   I'll admit I was a tad bit annoyed because it was near the end of the day, and we still had some pressing things to get accomplished.  Quickly, my annoyance turned into absolute fascination !  Staring right at us was a momma eagle sitting on her 3 eggs waiting for them to hatch!  Talk about a 'Teachable Moment'! Well, our kindergarten teacher was actually projecting a live stream video feed of a bald eagle's nest sitting high atop a tree in Decorah, Iowa.   The ' Nest Cam ' is part of the  Raptor Resource Project whose mission is to "preserve and strengthen raptor populations."  Raptors are birds of prey. The eagle's eggs which were laid in February have an estimated hatching date of April 1st!      (This video created from a PowerPoint show produced by Colorado S...

photo © 2005 Silvers Family | more info (via: Wylio ) It's the age old question: Will we have 6 more weeks of winter? The only one that truly is equipped to deal with that is Punxsatawney Phil the Groundhog from Pennsylvania... ! Every February 2nd before sunrise Phil is brought out from his home at Gobblers Knob in Punxsatawney PA, to determine if he 'sees' his shadow. If he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter . No shadow means ...Spring is around the corner. Groundhog Day - February 2nd - holds fascination for many... especially children. Here is some information and activities for those interested in Groundhogs and Groundhog Day! The Official Groundhog Club Site: Here you can find information about the history of Phil, past predictions and fun facts. Hoghaven: Here you can listen to sounds of groundhogs. Kaboose: This page gives craft directions to make a felt portrait of Phil. Primary Games : Interactive games such as a Word S...