Cool Math Game: Conceptual Bingo

With summer approaching, I’ve decided to post about some of the coolest things I’ve encountered in classrooms this year.  As I mentioned when I began the blog, I actually keep an "idea notebook" and jot down any interesting books, resources, games, ideas, etc that I see at work (the Class-Build-a-Story came from this same notebook).  I started doing it long before I blogged because I wanted to keep these things in mind for my own classroom.  But I think they’re useful recommendations for all of you, too!  So, I’ll start posting some since I have barely touched on them so far.

This cool resource made my list just in the last couple of weeks.  It’s called Conceptual Bingo.  I’ve already made known my love for all things Bingo in classrooms, but I usually see Bingo used with words (like characters or social studies facts) or very simple arithmetic that helps young students.

Recently, however, I subbed in a classroom where I got a chance to experience Conceptual Bingo.  It’s a nice game that gave kids a chance to practice fractions (simplifying, finding equivalence, etc) and still enjoy a rousing game of Bingo.  The kids enjoyed it and actually had to have sheets of paper out to find their answers. They actually have to LISTEN in order to play.  This is the first time I’ve seen a Bingo game used for more advanced skills in math.  I really like the fraction one because you can use several calling cards for the same answer, and they got to practice simplifying, using mixed numbers and improper fractions, etc.

I’d recommend Conceptual Bingo for elementary and middle school students, depending on the skill being practiced.  I looked online and they have different skills for each game: whole numbers, money, time for basic skills; fractions and decimals for more advanced students; and even polynomials and rational numbers for introductory algebra skills.  This is a classic classroom game that kids love and could help them practice various math concepts.  If you have students with various abilities, using different games would help differentiation.  

If you’ve played Conceptual Bingo, how does your class like it?  

image:  microsoft Office

Cooperative Learning: Numbered Heads Together

If you are looking for a way to have students work in small groups, have accountability for participation during a class discussion, and generate oral responses after being given time to think, perhaps you'll be interested in a cooperative learning strategy known as "numbered heads together."

I won't take the time to explain the process because it is done so well in these two videos.  The first video describes exactly what the activity is.  The second video puts it into practice during an elementary class discussion.






I like this strategy because cooperative learning is important for students, and having a few moments to think of the answers to their questions is certainly helpful, as opposed to expecting an immediate answer and faltering when students cannot provide one.  There are times in group discussions when some quiet or reluctant students allow others to take control of the activity, but numbered heads together is a good way to ensure that you get responses from all students.  I also like that the first video stresses the importance of active listening during the activity, as students who are waiting to respond must hear and think about another student's answer before deciding to clarify, add to or contradict that response.

Discussion, thinking, listening and participation are all integral parts of this cooperative learning strategy.  It could also be used in several subjects and for various grade levels.

If you try it out, let me know how you like it!

Using Babymouse in the Classroom

Next on our list of Popular Series in the Classroom, I turn your attention to another graphic novel title. If Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants series has a female counterpart, I can think of no better candidate than Babymouse. As often as I see Captain Underpants in the hands of boys, I see the ubiquitous pink and black Babymouse covers in the hands of girls (of course, many girls read Pilkey's books and many boys read Babymouse).


Both series have done wonders for the popularity of graphic novels for children. Graphic novels work well to motivate readers, including struggling readers, because of their clever dialogue and interesting illustrations. Babymouse is a small heroine who has some big adventures, becoming everything from a cupcake tycoon to a rock star.


Again, like most books in this blog series, most of your students are likely already familiar with Babymouse. You won't have to do much to sell them on the idea of reading the series (although, if your students happen to NOT know Babymouse, feel free to introduce them!). But you may be looking for a way to use their love of the books in classroom activities. Luckily, we have a few resources for that very purpose:

• Have your Babymouse fans try their hand at writing dialogue in these printable graphic novel pictures. Challenge them to come up with their very own stories and illustrations based on the series.
• Here is the official educator's guide to the series, which has useful discussion questions, vocabulary words and other ideas.
• Check out this video interview with the authors, brother and sister team Jennifer and Matthew Holm. Also, visit the official site to let students design their own posters and cartoons.

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Sherlock Holmes Gets a Makeover

After last week's spotlight on a character from a popular mystery series, it seems fitting that today's subject is a name that defines the entire genre:  Sherlock Holmes.  Readers who, just a few years ago, would find Cam Jansen entertaining can now apply their sleuth skills to a new series for more advanced readers.  The famous detective now has books that describe his emergence as a teen detective.

Check out this video for the series.  It really showcases what I love about book trailers (or book commercials).  Done well, they possess a cinematic feel that rival some of the enticing film and TV promos that students encounter.

Many young mystery fans will be so intrigued by Young Sherlock Holmes trailer that they will want to get their hands on this book and start uncovering clues.

Online Game: Science and Extreme Sports

Demonstrate the application of scientific principles with TryScience's Extreme Challenge, which combines students' interest in extreme sports with science.  By exploring the site, they can learn why traveling on a snowboard in a crouched position is more aerodynamic for faster movement, or how fiber typing different muscles is important for athletes.  Students then apply their science knowledge to compete in the online games!  Try the Quick Play to practice the challenges without registering.

Cam Jansen in the Classroom

 

Cam Jansen, the girl detective who possesses a photographic memory, has long stood as one of the best introductions to the mystery genre.  Young sleuths have embraced the series for decades.  The short chapter book format and illustrations make it a good series for readers who will soon be devouring Nancy Drew and Boxer Children mysteries.

Chances are you often see students reading these books (you may even recall reading them yourself!).  The stated goal of this popular books in the classroom series is to you use what kids already love as a springboard for deeper learning.  Cam Jansen provides just that:

• Use this printable worksheet that helps students formulate and adjust predictions as they read.
• This thematic calendar is a great tool to find Cam Jansen recommendations throughout the year.  For instance, since May is National Fitness and Sports month, it helpfully lists several sports-themed Cam Jansen books that you may want students to read.  It also suggests discussion questions and activities.
• This teacher’s guide has great printables for any Cam Jansen title.  You can explore the elements of story, have students create a book jacket, look for details within the mysteries, etc.  There are also crossword and word search activities.

Enjoy!

Ivy + Bean in the Classroom

I was going to describe all the ways that Ivy + Bean, the series by Annie Barrows, is useful in the classroom, but the video posted below explains it all for me.  Real teachers describe the series and attest to the books' ability to captivate young readers:

This is a popular series I often see in girls' hands during independent reading time, and the teacher in the video shows that it is also good for read-alouds to the whole class.

Having perused the books myself, I would say they are good transitional chapter books for students who have graduated from Junie B. Jones, but who aren't quite ready yet for the tween/teen female protagonists in children's literature. I think Ivy & Bean is ideal for 2nd-4th graders. There are many illustrations in the book , which may encourage struggling readers. Some of the major themes of the series involve friendship, as the two main characters build a strong bond despite their many differences.

Ivy + Bean also has potential for several extension activities in the classroom. Here are a few highlights from the teacher's guides provided by Chronicle Books:

• What's the Big Idea? would be apropos of any units on nature, science, or the environment because the characters decide to take on global warming.
• The activity guide for this particular book has tons of suggestions for quick science lessons and projects. These will have students thinking about natural resources and ways to produce clean energy.
• Here are several discussion questions for the first three books in the series, including journal prompts. Students can practice finding meaning through context, problem and solution as well as other skills. Perfect for a small group activity!
• Teachers have made printable worksheets based on the series, including this one which asks students to design a bedroom based on one they read in the book, as well as this math worksheet that helps students learn to budget.
• There's even a reader's theater play based on the series.

There are lots of other ideas on the site, too. If you like the series, how do you use it in the classroom?

Whether you're searching for read-aloud material, a new addition to your classroom library, or something that offers extension activities, Ivy + Bean may be exactly what you need.