Pi R Scared

Gimkit came out with a new mode almost a week ago and the students love it.  It's called Don't Look Down.  In this mode, students work to reach the 6 different summits.  Along the way they jump on various objects and test their skills.  This game can teach you about your risk takers and your cautious students.   If you want to add extra excitement, play with your students to see who gets higher.  This is currently the favorite mode for my classes and I'd recommend giving it a try if you haven't. 

      The connection we form with students can last beyond their year in our classroom.  Most of the things the students remember from class are connections we made and silly things we did.  A middle school teacher I used to work with made a lasting impact on their students.       Every Thursday, they would tell the students Happy Friday's Eve.  It was like a contest where the students tried to tell the teacher before this teacher could tell them.  My 8th graders each Thursday would finish their work and then ask to go see this teacher from 6th or 7th grade.  They would explain they have to tell this teacher Happy Friday's Eve before the teachers says it to them.  Every Thursday at least 15 students would finish work through out the day and then request to go see this teacher.  This is one small thing this teacher did to connect with students and it brought students back each year to see them.  This is a great way to check in with students and build those lasting connections.  

Flexible seating in the Secondary classroom offers a myriad of benefits for both teachers and students. One option is the yoga ball, which not only encourages better posture but also provides students with the opportunity to engage their core muscles, helping them stay focused during lessons. Wobble stools are another fantastic choice, and the most popular in my class, as they allow students to subtly move while working, promoting active learning and preventing restlessness. Bouncy bands, which attach to the legs of traditional chairs, provide a discreet outlet for excess energy, ensuring that students remain attentive and engaged without causing disruptions to the class. Rocker chairs and podiums are also excellent additions to a flexible classroom. Rocker chairs allow students to shift their weight and find a comfortable position, which can boost concentration and reduce discomfort. Meanwhile, podiums enable students to present their work confidently and encourage standing, which can

  If you are looking for a new or different way to introduce logic statements to students, check out the brief video below.

  The first month of school is often a honeymoon phase for teachers and students. As many of us approach the end of the first month or even the second month of school, we may see students behavior change, our tolerance for behavior change and our relationship with our coteacher change. Here are some suggestions that may help during this transition.  1. Collaborate and Communicate: Regular education teachers and special education teachers should establish open lines of communication from the start. Regularly meet to discuss students' individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Sharing insights and strategies will benefit all students in the class. Discuss how and who will be teaching lessons as you move into the next month.  2. Continue to Get to Know Your Students: Take the time to understand each student's strengths, interests, and learning styles. Building positive relationships with students helps create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.  Try to find 1 posi

  We are working on converting between Improper fractions and mixed numbers.  My students know the tricks but they didn't know why or how it worked.  This visual has been helpful in picturing what is occurring when converting between the types of fractions.