Getting your classroom to manage itself, procedures, models and more. Visit us:

Learn about plants with this 80 page botany lesson for kids! Information, worksheets, experiments, and more for elementary age!

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Math Journals, or problem solving notebooks are a great way to get students writing about their mathematical thinking. They are also especially effective for giving you a glimpse into their problem solving process. I use math journals almost daily in my class and often start with this strategy to help my students more coherently explain their thinking. Teaching 4th grade in Nevada means teaching the dreaded constructed response math questions for our state test. One thing that I have been trying in my class that has been very successful is the making a MESS model for problem solving. As you can see from the anchor chart the MESS acronym stands for: M - Model E - Equation S- Solution S- Sentence The students learn to use the acronym to help them set up a written response to a math problem so that they not only know where to start, but also all of the parts to include. It is really easy to remember and they LOVE the idea of being encouraged to "Make a Mess". I started my students off with the anchor chart above, then gave them my math journals which are set up using this method, and include 4 math prompts for each standard. I print out the ones that my students need to work on most and place them in a folder for math journal time. This student started to divide the given numbers (963/10) but then raised her hand and asked if she could round first. I told her, "Try it!" The students become better and better at writing responses as we share methods and responses throughout the year. Towards the end of the year in preparation for testing, I start giving them prompts without the model to guide them. After working with the MESS model all year, they know what to do, and are better prepared. I really emphasize perseverance and trying things out before raising their hands to ask for help. I compare it to a video game. I say, "If you don't pass a level on a video game, you don't call me up and ask for help, you try something different, you persevere until you figure it out. That is exactly what mathematicians do!" I have been blown away by some of the feedback that I have received! Grade Level Math Journals Available: 1st Grade Math Journal 2nd Grade Math Journal 3rd Grade Math Journal 4th Grade Math Journal 5th Grade Math Journal 6th Grade Math Journal Here are a few links with sample constructed response questions http://tn.gov/education/assessment/ConstructedResponseAssessment.shtml http://www.sandi.net/cms/lib/CA01001235/Centricity/Domain/217/Math%20Documents/Archives%20K-5/Grade%204%20Modules%201-10%20Response%20Guides.pdf http://www.opi.mt.gov/PDF/Assessment/CRT/RI/07/07Gr3MathCR.pdf I also have a Pinterest Board where I pin Math Journal Ideas. I am linking up with Fourth Grade Flipper for Tried It Tuesday. Head over there for some other amazing ideas, or to share something you have tried recently! This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase using one of my links, which helps to support the blog. All opinions are my own and I only promote brands and products that I have used myself and truly love. I would love to hear from you! ❤️ Have a question? Idea for a resource you might find helpful? Be so kind and leave a comment below.

Here are 7 Bible Verse Memory Games that are fun, creative, and unique! Plus these Memory verse activiteis work with any Bible verse.

No more boring book reports! Check out 26+ FUN, creative and unique book report ideas and free printable projects too!

Are you looking to capture the thrilling spirit of the 2024 Summer Olympics in your classroom? With the games fast approaching, I've developed an exciting

Want to change up your classroom management style? Check out my post about the Call and Response Classroom Management technique for all ages!

I want to tell you about a really easy and fun get to know you activity. This can also be used for a fun math activity throughout the year. What's even better is that your students will love to create these and they make FABULOUS hallway displays.

14 Brilliant Ways to Quiet a Noisy Class! Check out these behavior management strategies for classroom management!

The first week anxiety and nerves are real! Help your new students with some beginning of the year team building activities and ice breakers.

LOTS of FREE Printable worksheets for kids to practice math, literacy, science, & history with kids of all ages from 123Homeschool4Me.

Are you looking for a way to scaffold math vocabulary and concepts and make math more visual? In this post are photos of math word walls for elementary, middle and high school math along with photos of math classroom word walls that teachers have sent to me of their math classroom set up. Included in this post are links to free math word wall cards and discounted printable math word wall bundles for a variety of math topics. I am updating each math word wall to include a virtual option. Now in the files will be color, black and white and interactive digital math word wall options.

Studying morphology (affixes, bases, and roots) is a great way to connect decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension. Using these morphology warmups is a great way to implement morphology into your instruction in small group, whole group, or even reading centers. Note: If your 5th graders have received morphology instruction in 3rd and 4th grade and are ready for more advanced roots and affixes, this may be too easy for them. What is Morphology and Why is it Important? Morphology is the study of meaningful word parts in a language. It is the “building blocks” of words. These include roots, bases, prefixes, and suffixes. When students understand how words are built, they can use that knowledge to figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words, make connections between words, and support their reading comprehension. Morphology instruction can also help students with decoding and encoding skills (spelling). ***THIS GROWING BUNDLE IS NOW COMPLETE. IF YOU PURCHASED BEFORE ALL SETS WERE INCLUDED, PLEASE DOWNLOAD NOW TO ACCESS ALL WARMUPS.*** About the Morphology Warmups This includes 10 sets of Morphology Warmups. To learn more about a warmup or to see examples, click on the title. 1. Morphology Warmups Set 1: Reading Base Word Families - This set of reading warmups has the students reading base word families. The purpose of this morphology warmup set is to: Practice reading fluency with similar word families Potentially expose students to new words with similar bases as familiar words Allow students to see how affixes can be added to create new words 2. Morphology Warmups Set 2: Base Word Creations - This set of reading warmups presents a base word to the students. The students must use the base word and different affixes to create words based on given meanings. The purpose of these morphology warmups is to: Provide students practice with creating new words with given bases Review affixes and how they impact the meaning of words 3. Morphology Warmups Set 3: Adding Affixes - This set of reading warmups has the students reading a base word and three sentences with blanks. In each sentence, the missing word is the base word with an affix added. The purpose of this morphology warmup set is to: Allow students to see how affixes can be added to create new words Familiarize students with the process of adding affixes to change the meaning and function of words Have students determine which affix is needed to make a word that best completes each sentence 4. Morphology Warmups Set 4: Match the Meanings - Focus on Affixes - This set of reading warmups has the students reading a base word, three sentences, and three definitions. Each of the three sentences includes a word containing the base word with additional affixes added. The students read the sentences, underline the word in each sentence, and then match the meaning that best defines the underlined word in each sentence. The purpose of these morphology activities is to: Allow students to see how affixes can be added to create new words Familiarize students with the process of adding affixes to change the meaning and function of words Help students uncover the meaning of words by analyzing affixes 5. Morphology Warmups Set 5: Prefix Warmups - Introduce your students to a variety of prefixes in bite-sized instructional timeframes using these morphology warmups that focus on prefixes. The purpose of these morphology warmups is to: introduce and explicitly teach a variety of prefixes expose students to grade-level words that use a variety of prefixes provide practice opportunities for using and reading words that contain prefixes 6. Morphology Warmups Set 6: Suffix Warmups - Are you looking for way to introduce your students to a variety of grade-level suffixes in small, manageable chunks of time? These morphology warmups that focus on suffixes are perfect for that! The purpose of these morphology warmups is to: introduce and explicitly teach a variety of suffixes expose students to grade-level words that use a variety of suffixes provide practice opportunities for using and reading words that contain suffixes 7. Morphology Warmups Set 7: Root Word Families - This set of root word warmups has the students reading a root word and its meaning, words and definitions, and sentences with blanks. The students read the words and their meanings and then pick the word that best completes the sentence.  The purpose of these morphology warmups is to: Familiarize students with common root words and their meanings Model for students how the meaning of a word can be connected back to the root word it contains Allow students to see how knowing common root words can help determine the meaning of unfamiliar words AND help them decode unknown words 8. Morphology Warmups Set 8: Using Roots, Affixes, and Context to Define Words - This set of reading warmups has the students reading a word, a sentence containing the word, and some information about what we already know about the word. Then the students provide their own definitions of words in their own words. The purpose of these morphology activities is to: Allow students to see how knowing the meaning of roots can help them determine the meaning of unknown words Allow students to see how roots and affixes work together to create the meaning of words. Give students practice with breaking unknown words into morphemes (roots and affixes) to uncover the meaning of those words 9. Morphology Warmups Set 9: Two Truths in a Lie - This set of morphology warmups has students reading and analyzing a given word. Then they will read three statements about the word. They will determine which statements are true and which one is false (the lie). Finally, they will prove their answer by correcting the false statement. The purpose of these morphology warmups is to: Continue reviewing affixes and bases/roots with your students Give students practice with analyzing words and the morphemes that make up those words 10. Morphology Warmups Set 10: Spelling with Suffixes - This set of 55 morphology warmups reviews the three basic suffix spelling rules: 1-1-1 Doubling Rule Silent E Rule The Y Rule. ***THIS GROWING BUNDLE IS NOW COMPLETE. IF YOU PURCHASED BEFORE ALL SETS WERE INCLUDED, PLEASE DOWNLOAD NOW TO ACCESS ALL WARMUPS.*** Using the Morphology Warmups Use the printable morphology warmups to start your small group reading instruction. Use the digital morphology warmups for whole group lessons and activities. Use the digital OR printable morphology warmups for independent practice, reading centers/stations, or word study activities. About the Digital Versions Digital versions of EVERY warmup are included. The content is exactly the same as the printable warmups, but the activities have been redesigned to work in Google Slides. Students will need to be in "edit mode" in order to manipulate moveable pieces or type in editable text boxes on each slide. More details about the digital versions are included in each PDF. Looking for more reading warmups aligned with the Science of Reading? Morphology Warmups BUNDLE Morphology Warmups Set 1: Reading Base Word Families Morphology Warmups Set 2: Base Word Creations Morphology Warmups Set 3: Add an Affix Morphology Warmups Set 4: Match the Meanings - Focus on Affixes Morphology Warmups Set 5: Prefix Warmups Morphology Warmups Set 6: Suffix Warmups Morphology Warmups Set 7: Root Word Families Morphology Warmups Set 8: Using Roots, Affixes, and Context to Define Words Morphology Warmups Set 9: Two Truths and a Lie Click here for ALL of my SOR-aligned resources!

Graphic organizers are timeless, versatile tools that support students in independently using reading comprehension strategies. A quality graphic organizer can be the difference between students using and understanding a comprehension strategy or not. WHY USE GRAPHIC

These all about me, back to school art activities for kids are engaging icebreakers. Encourage creativity and build community during the first week back

For the most part, reasoning, deducing, inferring, and critical thinking are not skills that come naturally to our students. Rather, they must be nurtured and developed. We want our students to become critical thinkers so they can reason and apply logic to solve novel problems throughout their lives. These skills will set them up to...

Explore ancient Egypt with kids by solving a FUN, free printable CSI-style case investigating was King Tut Murdered. Fun history activity!

FUN Solar System Projects for kids of all ages with creative crafts, activities, and experiments to bring the planets and stars to life.

Teach kids to use guide words, word forms, find definitions and more with dictionary detective! Print FREE dictionary skills worksheets.

My name is Kaleigh Richards, I am an Upper Elementary Teacher at a Montessori charter school in Reno, Nevada. I have been teaching at this level/in this school for 5 years. I teach 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. I have 34 students. Our school is tuition-free for all students in elementary and middle school. We are a Montesso

Managing a classroom with multiple classes can be challenging, so I've put together 6 tips to simplify your classroom management!55t5tttttt5

These all about me, back to school art activities for kids are engaging icebreakers. Encourage creativity and build community during the first week back

Have you been looking for the perfect project based learning curriculum? If you've been on the lookout for a game-changing approach to captivate your upper elementary students and ignite a passion for learning, you're in for a treat! Buckle up as we dive into the world of project-based learning (PBL) – the secret sauce to turning mundane lessons into exciting adventures.

Okay teacher friend. It’s finally here. And I’m so excited! I’ve had this resource collecting dust on my computer for years now. I’ve been using this strategy in my classroom for the last few years, but haven’t had the energy or time (teacher life + mom life is exhausting, am I right?) to put it all together so that it’s ready to go for busy teachers like you! Well, it’s finally finished and I finally get to unveil it to you! Did you know I have a FREE downloadable reading response menu board that you can print now and use in your

Here are 13 fun classroom games to keep students to loves learning . Click here:

Classroom review is a lot more fun with the Four Corners game! I love using this strategy for test prep, icebreakers, and more.

A Book Report Project Your Students Will Love!

Morphology walls are a great tool in 4th and 5th grade classrooms! Read more and sign up for free posters to make your own morphology wall!

Morning Meeting is the best part of the day in my 4th-grade classroom, and I want to share some of my fourth graders’ favorite morning meeting activities. These morning meeting activities are ones that we use all year to work on teamwork, classroom community, and just having fun building relationships together! Use these Morning […]

Does your day end in pure chaos? If so, check out my free tips, games, and resources for a clam and peaceful end-of-the-day routine.

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These all about me, back to school art activities for kids are engaging icebreakers. Encourage creativity and build community during the first week back

For the most part, reasoning, deducing, inferring, and critical thinking are not skills that come naturally to our students. Rather, they must be nurtured and developed. We want our students to become critical thinkers so they can reason and apply logic to solve novel problems throughout their lives. These skills will set them up to...

Kids will have fun learning about other countries, famous landmarks, and geography with this France for Kids FREE Printable Mini Book.

This resource is designed to encourage your students to carry out classroom expectations using a fun, visual representation. Please watch the video in our preview if you want to see and in-depth, step by step explanation :). You can change any of the goals for your students using the EDITABLE template. You could also use the print-and-go option we use in our classes, which focuses on multiple goals at a time (quiet transitions, on task, following directions, clean area). There are options for full class, and individual/small groups. There are over 100 rewards that are typed up for you to use for this system. They are all free options except one that reads, "treat". There is also an editable version for this so you can make rewards that fit your classroom's needs. UPDATED 9/15/19: ADDED A POWERPOINT LESSON AND WORKSHEET. This is to help present the game rules to students and break down how to earn each puzzle piece. This lesson is completely editable! Want to know more? Click here for a blog post. Thank you and enjoy! Want to see other helpful classroom management resources? Copy and paste this into your internet browser –OR- click on the link below: Tinyurl.com/blabbattle Tinyurl.com/transitionrace Tinyurl.com/hothomework Tinyurl.com/firstimust Tinyurl.com/studentledplanner Tinyurl.com/bookbinfairy Tinyurl.com/librarybookshelfmarker

Learn how to teach quadrilaterals conceptually rather than having your students memorize the names of shapes. Tips for teaching quadrilaterals are included! Implement in your 4th grade or 5th grade math class today!

Lots of EPIC Simple Machine Projects for students to make using things around the house! Learn about simple machines for kids - levers, plleys, inclinned plane, wheel & axel, wedges, and screw.

Read for my favorite Amazon finds for classroom management. There's something for managing groups, getting students' attention, keeping management tools organized, and more!