Using Math Manipulatives: SUM BLOCKS

Hi everyone!

Math manipulatives bring abstract concepts to life for students in the elementary classroom. They have tremendous benefits and should be incorporated into every lesson, whether that is a model or a hands on experience for your learners. Sum blocks are something I recently purchased for my daughter and I am already obsessed and can definitely picture them being used in multi-aged classrooms.

Basically, they are wooden blocks. They are shaped like numbers, 1-10. The numbers are sized according to their value. For example, a ten block is equivalent to a seven block and a three block stacked on top of each other. Get it? Perfect for those kiddos learning what adds up to ten! Additionally, I noticed right away, coming from teaching second, third, and fourth graders, that these block will perfectly demonstrate multiplication and division. Use them for repeated addition! Three 3s are equivalent to a nine block! 3 x 3 = 9 and 3 + 3 + 3 = 9! Amazing. I just love giving kiddos that visual representation of tough concepts. No more simply memorizing and relying on skill and drill. Give the kids a picture in their mind and teach for deeper understanding.

But that's not all. These blocks come with challenge cards to incorporate into your math station rotations, or even STEAM or STEM times during your school day. Heck, the kids will want to use them at recess - they're that cool.

So, go check them out. I got them on Amazon. They are pricy when you think about how they are just wooden blocks. But they will be useful for years.

Tried It Tuesday

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We're continuing the process of learning about life cycles and plants. This week we're using this neat compost experiment to see what happens to items when placed in soil! I'm excited to hear each student's hypothesis!

Tried It Tuesday

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My second grade class did that thing where you put lima beans in a plastic bag with a wet paper towel and watch the seeds sprout. It was fun. We kept the bags in a dark place at first to show that all seeds need to sprout is water and warmth. Now we're planting bean seeds in this cool contraption I found at Walmart. They'll be able to see the roots and plant!

Tried It Tuesday

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ANT FARM!

I bought an ant farm for my classroom!

I had one when I taught fourth grade just for fun, but now that the second graders I teach are engaged in a unit about insects, it's perfect!

Plus, ants don't violate my school's no class pets rule! Tada!

Tried It Tuesday

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Symbaloo

I set up a Symbaloo page! Basically, it's a single stop for all of your websites. I placed all of my student-friendly websites on my Symbaloo, and then made Symbaloo the homepage for each of the desktop computers in my classroom. No more "favorites" being erased or kids struggling to type in or find websites! Ta da! Symbaloo!

Aaaaaand...

A TpT sale!

Tried It Tuesday

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DOUBLE BORDERS!

I've seen other teachers use the double borders on their bulletin boards, but I never tried it before. Mostly because I wasn't sure which borders I would like to see together. But when I decided to stick with my yellow and black color theme this year, I also got ambitious with my bulletin boards! AND I LOVE IT!!!

Tried It Tuesday

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SPRAY PAINTED BOOK BINS!!!

I spray painted my book bins yellow! I wanted a yellow and black color theme this year, so I ordered some spray paint online and got busy! I am LOVING how it looks as I continue to set up my classroom for September!

Tried It Tuesday

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WHITEBOARD PAINT!

I used whiteboard paint on my mini tables a few years ago, and loved it so much that when I saw some whiteboard paint on sale at Target, I got it! And I decided to whiteboard paint my guided reading/math table! I am ecstatic!

WET whiteboard paint on my guided reading/math table.

Yep, that is whiteboard paint on the tabletops!

Tried It Tuesday

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TECHNOLOGY TUESDAY!

I recently began experimenting with some fun technology! Although I am a younger teacher, technology is not always my thing. It seems to stop working at just the right moment, always. But here are a few cool apps/sites I found that even I can figure out!!!

1. Canva

Make super cool posters and visuals!

2. Pic Collage

I downloaded this app to my iPhone and it's pretty sweet. I need more time to experiment with it, but making collages from my kiddo pictures and puppy pictures is fun!

Tried It Tuesday: Stitch Fix

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My Stitch Fix arrived!

Pretty, pretty box!

Opening it...

 Oooh!

No, thank YOU, Stitch Fix. :)

I didn't even want to open this; it looked too pretty.

So, the scarf is the pineapple and tan. I was not a fan, so that went back. But just getting this first glance, I was excited about the colors!

Super cute, and oh so soft. Unfortunately, it was too big. I'm fairly petite and it's tough to find clothing that fit appropriately.

VERY cute. Totally my style. Except, this was a thick wool, and it was a bit bulky. Plus, the arm holes were large, so you could see right in. It was returned!

I loved the colors here, but the dress was too long and the fit was a bit awkward for me.

Okay, so this shirt was a bit large. But it was so soft and a fun cut and an adorable color, so I kept it. I'm hoping it shrinks a tiny bit in the wash, but even if it doesn't, it's comfy and will look nice with leggings or skinny jeans.

So, there you have it! My very first Stitch Fix! It was a ton of fun, and definitely helped me branch out from my comfort zone. I will definitely be trying it again, but haven't scheduled my next fix yet.

Tried It Tuesday

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So, I have a strict no talking in the hallway policy. We call this "Level Zero" in my school. I line my kiddos up in a boy line and a girl line, and we walk silently to specials. They can only talk when they raise their hand and I call on them. We do a lot of math fluency practice in the hallway in the beginning of the year, and just fun review questions as the year progresses. Anyway, this system works for us!

Now, sometimes there are kiddos who are not quite hallway-ready. They forget about waiting to be called on, you know. It happens. For a long time now, I would use my numbered popsicle sticks, pull one out before leaving the room, and when we reached our destination I would reveal the stick number and if that child earned the class a hallway compliment, lunch bunch, extra five minutes of recess, whatever it may be. This works nicely. (Oh, also, when the kiddo does not behave, I don't tell the class who it was...I just say that we didn't earn our surprise.)

Anyway, I found a sweet resource to supplement this "mystery walker" motivator I've been oh so fond of over the years. Clutter-Free Classroom has a FREE resource on Tpt that goes along wonderfully with this the mystery walker idea! (She calls them "secret walker." Same premise!)

So, I tried this secret walker certificates this week and they were a big hit! Of course, I printed them in color because they are super duper adorable!

Tried It Tuesday

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We're reviewing for the fourth grade New York State Science assessment! We have a written exam on June 2, and kids will participate in experiments as part of the assessment near the end of May. I found a list of like 47 vocabulary words frequently seen on the state science test, so we're using those words to make posters. Kids write the word, definition, and draw a picture to help them remember the meaning. We incorporated this activity into our Daily Five time, and it is another word work option for students while I'm pulling my guided reading groups.

Check out the examples below.

(P.S. I included the quote I have on the wall outside of my classroom. It took forever to punch out all of those letters and arrange them on the wall, but I just love this quote!)

Happy Tuesday!

What have YOU tried?