Build a Game: A Super Easy Way to Include Student-Led Learning in Your Classroom

If you are like me, you are constantly looking for ways for students to prove that they understand a concept or skill.  To me, a test does not provide true understanding of a skill.  I like to have some kind of Project Based Learning to accompany a topic or skill that they have learned.  That's where Build A Game comes into play!  

What's Build A Game?

Build A Game is a super easy way for students, and you, to create a project that shows their knowledge. Students create the game cards based on a subject you assign or a subject they are studying, maybe in Genius Hour.  Students must design all the parts to the game-from the rules to the questions.  It is completely designed by them!  

How Does it Work?

In my class, I assigned the skill for the Build A Game activity.  Students then worked alone to design their game. They met with friends to run through the game and make decisions about what worked and what didn't.  Then they took their game to final product.  This is where the rubric truly comes into play.  This product includes a rubric that can show students exactly what is expected.  Students should refer to the rubric each time they work, but especially when working on the final product.  This way students know the expectations as they work into their final product.

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Student designed and student made games are one way to boost Student-Led Learning in your classroom! This is available in my store!! Link in my bio!! #studentled #studentledlearning #thirdgradehallway #teacherspayteachers #tptproductsinaction #thirdgradetribe #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofthegram #iteach345 #classroomgames #teachersofinstagram

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Let Them Struggle!

Build A Game is an uncharted territory for most kids. They may or may not have played a lot of board games in their life.  I do have my games available to them during this time to look at and think about rules, etc.  But, I don't provide a ton of support in these areas.  Students will learn more about problem solving when creating something like this than if I were to answer all of their questions.  Students will also seek out other students who are being more successful with designing these games, naturally creating leaders in this area.  That is one of the wonderful side effects of an activity like this-and, for you, as the teacher, it is then easy to discover strengths and weaknesses in students in general in an area that is new and different for them!  It's a win-win!  

So, give it a try!  After all, you never know where Build A Game will take you and your students!  You just might have an amazing time together as a class!  I'd love to hear what you think too!  Leave me a comment with your thoughts!  AND don't forget to follow my over at Facebook and Instagram to follow my classroom journey!  I'd love to have you!

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Superhero Secret Skills Review for Primary Students

I know I am always looking for Secret Skill Review for my Primary students.  I have found that if you wrap your review in something SUPER, students tend to do their best because they are having fun!  Here are some Superhero Secret Skill Review ideas!  

Addition and Subtraction Skills

Students will have a SUPER time proving what they know in addition and subtraction.   These pages are a great way for kids to both prove what they know and take a brain break to color either at the beginning of the year or, even, at the end of the year!  Super Secret Skill Review at it's best! 

Sight Words

Sight Words are a jumping spot for reading.  These Super Secret Skill Review Sight Word pages are super simple to use!  Just print and go!  The best thing is, they can be used as Morning Work!  Then, they can be used to assess students ability to read the words! Two in one!  Win-Win!!

Direction Following

This one!  How often do we get a chance to see exactly what students can do with direction following.  These Super Secret Skill Review pages can give you a clear idea of what students can really do with direction following.  They read each step and follow those directions provided.  From this, you can see exactly what your students are capable of, whether it is at Back-to-School time or the End of the Year!  Super easy to use too!  

So, as you can see, these Super Secret Skill Review pages are a great way for students to show-what-they-know and for you to get the information you need to assess from them!  LOVE IT!!  Let me know what you think by dropping me a comment here on the blog!  And, you can join me over at Instagram and Facebook to keep up with my journey there!  I'd love to have you follow along!  

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Rounding Numbers to the Nearest 10 and 100 for Mastery and Fun

Rounding to the Nearest 10 and 100  is one of the most basic skills presented to students-honestly, kinda boring too!  What if I presented to you the idea that it can be a lot of fun and kids can master it too!  No, really, it can be FUN and mastery can be done in just one week!  

How to Make it FUN!  

Find a good theme and go with it!  Seriously, rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 needs a theme!  That's how you make it FUN!  Luckily, a theme has been made!  May I present to you...Knights of the Rounding Table!

This fun rounding unit is set to the idea that the King needs help-and the queen steps in to save the day with an idea-an idea that defeats the Digits Dragon!!  So fun, right!  

How to Make it MORE Fun!

When I do this Rounding to the Nearest 10 and 100 unit, I accompany it with some fun information about knights and dragons!  Read a great book about Medieval times (I have an oldie but a goodie that is so old, I can't even find it on Amazon to show you the book!)  Or, even better, about King Arthur!  Or Saint George and the Dragon which is an amazing knight story!  (Grab this freebie from Scholastic!) 

This literature tie in makes it even more fun because students can dive into the topic in a different way-tying in this new information to apply to the math concept!  It builds a fun new experience all around!  Plus, you could even have them create a fun Digits Dragon on their own!  This adorable craft would make a great tie in to this unit!  

What about the Rounding?

Students get the opportunity to learn rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 from simple steps to the practice of mental math!  Students start with learning the Rounding Poem.  This poem helps them to remember the concept of rounding down for under 4 and rounding up for 5 and over.  Plus, the posters have clues to help them remember too!

Students will first practice rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 by identifying the ten or hundred before and after the original number.  Then, students must decide, based on the rounding rules, which number it is rounding to.  This allows students to build the foundations of the mental math to come.  Next, student step into the mental math realm to round to the nearest number.  Both rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 is taught on separate pages.  

Once the skills are mastered individually, then students are presented with rounding to the nearest 10 OR 100 on one page!  This way, students can practice this skill in tandem with one another, switching their brains back and forth!  Plus, they can play a fun game! 

 This super fun game presents the students with the opportunity to defeat the Digits Dragon!  And, then, students can prove their mastery with a quiz!  

Best of all, then they are KNIGHTED!  Imagine their excitement to receive their official Knighthood after learning both rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 AND Medieval Knights!  It is just so exciting to them!  

So, as you can see, rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 can be both a learning opportunity and fun!  And, everything you need can be found in this product!  Your students will love it and so will you!  I'd love to hear what you have to say or your ideas about rounding to the nearest 10 and 100! And, if you would like to learn more about what I do in my classroom, I'd love for you to join me on my Instagram journey and over at Facebook too!  


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Why Contraction Surgery Succeeds!

Contraction Surgery is such a simple, yet wonderful, way for your students to succeed at learning contractions!  Often we think and believe that contractions are an easy skill for students to learn and understand.  When we apply a project to this skill, it becomes a delicate art of skill and knowledge hidden in the fun of Contraction Surgery! 

My interest in Contraction Surgery started years ago when I saw a simple pin online, even before Pinterest was a hot spot for ideas.  Just the picture alone got my mind spinning!  I was teaching first grade at the time and thought, "I'm going to do this!"  I created this product, and headed on my merry way!  And it was FUN!  

After being away from Primary teaching for a few years, I have returned to Second Grade with the promise in my heart to complete Contraction Surgery again, and really dive into discovering why it is such a success!  

Why is it a Success?

Contraction Surgery wraps two things together that make it a success.  These two things are hands-on learning and FUN!  Yes, I said it, FUN!  Imagine that in today's learning environment!!  So, let's start there!

FUN!

Contraction Surgery is FUN if you make it so!  You don't have to create a total classroom transformation for this to happen.  I did something simpler.  I added some blue Dollar Tree table cloths to the ceiling for a "operating room" feel, bought some masks and gloves from Walmart, and, with the help of another teacher on my team who participated with this in her room, gave students hospital gear to wear!  (Donations from doctors offices and emergency rooms can help you gather these things too!) 

I dressed in a super cheap scrub from Walmart! Our Dr. Apostrophe decorated our board and welcomed our "Contractionologists" into the surgery suite!  

 I also hit the bulletin board paper room for the "surgery table" covers.  I also rolled out a long piece of paper on the floor for our "patients" to "recover" on.  All this set the stage to engage and get the kids ready for FUN!  These steps are so simple too, so don't skip over these fun little extras!  

Hands-On Learning!  

Don't underestimate the lack of understanding students may have with contractions!  Contraction Surgery provides the opportunity for students to manipulate the word cards in a way that goes to their higher-order thinking. They must analyze the word and work to create the new contraction.  Many times we take it for granted that students just "know" the two words, because we use contractions all the time in our conversations.  But, in reality, this activity makes them deconstruct their knowledge of contractions and work in a backwards thinking process.  I "know" contractions, but now I have to apply my knowledge to the process in front of me-much more difficult than we can imagine.  To scaffold this instruction, I allowed my students to access a contraction list and to "consult" with one another!  

I also allowed students to perform "emergency measures" on words that were incorrectly formed.  This meant that other students could pick up "dying" patients from the recovery room and fix the contractions they found were errors.  We saved these to be talked about later!  

So, as you can see, although we think contractions are easy for students to apply and learn, it, in many ways, is an opposite situation!  By creating a fun, safe environment through Contraction Surgery we can allow them to practice the process in a way that is both memorable and fun!  

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Contraction surgery was a BLAST! I had completely forgotten how amazing it was! It was engaging, rigorous, and fun all in one! And guys, we are making assumptions about what kids know about contractions! I had most of my class needing to access our Kindles and Enchanted Learnings list to feel successful at this! They learned a lot and had a great time doing it! Product link in the bio!! Honestly an amazing process and so worth the time!! • • • #secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #secondgradefollowloop #secondgradetribe #secondgradeteachers #secondgradefun #secondgradesquad #secondgradeshenanigans #2ndgradeteacher #2ndgraderocks #2ndgradeclassroom #2ndgradeswag #2ndgradefun #iteachsecond #iteach2ndgrade #iteachsecondgrade #iteach2nd #classroomtransformation #teachersfollowingteachers #contractionsurgery #teachingcontractions

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And, what's even better is that it doesn't have to stop there!  You can provide additional practice with contractions in this product!  In addition to getting everything you need to make your Contraction Surgery a success, you get additional practice pieces!  

Click to find Contraction Surgery in my TpT Store!

AND, so fun items to make a great page in a school memory book or just to take home to hang on the fridge!  

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Contraction Surgery, so drop a comment below!  Also, to check out all the things going on in my classroom, I'd love for you to follow me over at Instagram or Facebook too!  


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The Error You are Making with Flat Stanley's Original Adventure

Everyone loves Flat Stanley!  He is so much fun to make and send off in an envelope to parts unknown!  People take pictures with him and send him back so that you can see all the amazing things he got to do-just like when Flat Stanley went on his adventure to California!  Great learning, right!  What if I told you that there was something you totally missed?  What if I told you that you made a major teaching error by just reading this book and sending Flat Stanley on his way.  Because you did, you missed something really remarkable in this tale! You made a teaching error...

Flat Stanley is much more than a paper doll you are sending out.  Teachers have missed a key opportunity to teach some amazing things through this book because we use it as a Social Studies opportunity and it is, well, fun! There is an entire world of literary wonder at just the right level for late first graders, second graders, and early third graders to learn about.  This book is written at a level that allows students to critically examine a text for elements they need to know about.  It is also written for them to have fun!  Why not combine the two and have a great book study!  Let's look at how! 

Comprehension

Although it doesn't look like there are opportunities for great comprehension, there is!  Each chapter packs a little bit of an opportunity to think about and comprehend what is in the chapter.  For instance, in the first chapter, (Grab the freebie here!) there are some interesting parent interactions!  There is also a chance to look at how this story is a fantasy.  And, it even has a chance for some fun measuring in your classroom to get kids ready for the deeper stuff.  

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Today we had so much fun finding things that measured the same as Flat Stanley! What kind of fun things do you do to integrate other subjects into reading? • • • #secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #secondgradefollowloop #secondgradetribe #secondgradeteachers #secondgradefun #secondgradesquad #secondgradeshenanigans #2ndgradeteacher #2ndgraderocks #2ndgradeclassroom #2ndgradeswag #2ndgradefun #iteachsecond #iteach2ndgrade #iteachsecondgrade #iteach2nd #flatstanley

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This continues throughout the rest of the book, building deeper and deeper meaning and thoughts expressed by the author.  All of this can be assessed through comprehension questions that help students build true understanding of the text.

Character Reactions

Students can have a different kind of experience with Flat Stanley by examining character reactions.  This can be done with a Wants and Needs Chart.  This chart is not the typical wants and needs we complete in the Social Studies Standards.  This looks at what character want and what they need to do to accomplish that want.  What happens when we examine characters in this way, we can look deeper at what the author's purpose is.  This, ultimately, leads the students to discover themes for each character and the book overall!  This is a priceless way to use Flat Stanley, because it exposes sibling rivalry to students who are always amazed at how much Stanley and Arthur have in common with their lives!  

Vocabulary

Although Flat Stanley doesn't jump to mind as a great vocabulary teaching opportunity, it is in there!  This story was written at a time period where different words were used.  Fragile, jostle, and rummage are examples of the strong words used by Jeff Brown in his authorship of this book.  

And More!  

There are even more opportunities packed into this text.  Looking at dialogue, character feelings, and more can be done with Flat Stanley.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to boost your students' skills with this great book AND this great product!  Everything you need for a great novel study is found inside!  

I'd love to hear what you have to say about Flat Stanley!  What have you done to get the BEST out of this study!  Drop me a comment or follow me over on Facebook or Instagram to share on a post!  I'd love to hear from you!  

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Book Clubs for Kids: 5 Tips for Grading Student Book Clubs

Book Clubs for Kids is one of the BEST ways to use real literature to build comprehension in students. Student choice and student jobs, or roles, are key components to success in Book Clubs.  But there is the question that teachers who want to start Book Clubs ask the most-How do I grade Book Clubs for kids?  Let's take a Look at some tips to grading Book Clubs!

Tip #1:  Use a Well Developed Rubric to Grade

Honestly, this is the BEST way to grade.  I spent years examining what my students were doing in Book Clubs for kids to adapt and change to meet their needs.  Once I created an area, I would try it out and see how it worked for a diverse number of students.  It was adapted and changed over and over again until I found the perfect combination of social interactions and academics.  I used this grading rubric with groups I sat through and groups I observed as I walked around.  It is a life-saver when it comes to scoring students.  

Tip #2:  Grade their Meetings

Document everything!  It is key to keep track of what was said in Book Clubs beyond what the students provide.  When I first start Book Clubs for kids, I sit in on their meetings.  I also ask Higher-Order Thinking Questions. I take the time to write down what each child is saying.  What do I do with this?  I keep the papers so that I can tract their progress over the year.  I also examine these pages for strengths and weaknesses in students and to readjust groupings.  This also leads me to lessons I can teach to build our Book Club skills.  

Tip #3:  Grade their Book Club Jobs

In addition to using the rubric, I also grade the Book Club for kids jobs.  This is where I gain valuable grades, as you can either grade these separately or all together, depending on the level of skill your students have.  In the primary grades, I grade them as one grade.  In intermediate, I tend to grade these as stand-alone grades because of the amount of work it takes to prepare them.  You can also apply point values to each job and, then, add those up as one score in the end.  There are plenty of variations along the way to play with.  Try some out and pick what works best for you!  This is key!  

Tip #4:  Grade for Specific Skills

Book Clubs for kids can also be adapted for specific skills.  On top of the Book Club jobs, you can add open ended pages to the Book Club to target a specific skill you want to assess.  Be thoughtful about the amount of extra work though.   You don't want to add too much to their plate, as reading and completing the main tasks can fill a student's time.  

Tip #5: Grade with Expectations

Sometime teachers look at Book Clubs for kids as "fun work".  It is important to grade with the same expectations you would on any class assignment.  This is NOT "fun work".  Yes, kids have fun in Book Clubs, but their work should be taken as seriously as any classwork is.  Look at content, conventions, and anything else you would normally look for in student work.  This can take their work level to the next realm of learning!  Expect and they shall achieve!  

Need a great rubric for Book Clubs for kids?  Check out my two levels of Differentiated Book Clubs!  They have a variety of assessment pieces built in for you to use!  I'd also love to hear about your tips for assessing kids in Book Clubs!  Drop a comment and share your ideas!  Or, ask a question!  I'd love to hear them!  

Other Book club for Kids Posts to Read: 

Why I Don't Do Guided Reading:  Book Clubs Exposed

Student Choice in Book Clubs

The Secret of Getting the Best out of Student Jobs

5 Things You Should Look for During Book Clubs


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Book Clubs for Kids: 5 Things You Should Look For During Book Clubs

As teachers, we are constantly looking at our teaching and evaluating what we are doing.  With Book Club for Kids, we are doing the same things.  It is very important to "read" what is going on in the groups and responding to what we "read".  Here are 5 Things You Should Look for During Book Clubs!  

1.  Behavior Concerns

Yes, this is the number one thing you need to watch for!  Kids are kids, and they will try to take advantage of this!  Stand firm, monitor this group more closely.  Use proximity.  You can also pull students away as a consequence.  Students love Book Clubs but if their behavior gets in the way, they need to be removed.  Watch also for the opposite-using behavior to get out of Book Clubs.  Students who don't finish work don't participate.  Students are quick to figure this out and will try and use it to their advantage.  Be one step ahead and have a plan.  I usually provide additional class time to that student-especially if you have centers or "free time" that can be used.  It won't take them long to see their theory of less work doesn't work.  Always be on the look-out for behavior!  

2.  Struggling Students

Struggling doesn't always mean that just the low students struggle.  Struggling can come in many forms.  The idea that it is just the reading who causes a student to struggle is not true in Book Clubs for Kids.  The work itself can be a struggle.  Coming up with questions for a student who has not mastered questioning in reading is a struggle.  Creating a summary can cause a high student a lot of stress if they have not practice creating a summary.  Some kids can't make a strong connection because they lack some emotional skills to do so.  This is when you can differentiate your student's tasks.  Watch for what they need, instead of what you need.  Providing the perfect balance can lead to success for all your students!  

3.  Weaknesses of the Class

Weaknesses of the class in Book Club for Kids is key to watch for.  This can give you an overview of what concepts and ideas your students are lacking.  Teaching a skill in isolation and expecting them to apply it in Book Club can be a surprise when they fail at being able to do it.  Isolation is just that-students are looking for that skill and they do it for the grade, just like spelling tests or other rote skills.  Then when they are confronted with something in Book Clubs we are shocked when they fail at it.  WHY?  It is now in context.  Book Clubs are the perfect opportunity to see what your class really knows and make a plan to correct their path, whether it be the whole class or small groups of kids.  Watch for the weaknesses, they are there!  

4.  Lessons to Teach

It never fails that I have to teach two core lessons when we get started, no matter what grade level I teach.  The first one is how to write a summary!  Summaries are key to Book Club with Kids.  Summaries are also key to classroom experiences and State Testing skills.  Yet, kids are always weak at it because we teach it in isolation!  And, what do we hear over and over - your kids can't summarize.  With Book Club, it is a required element that makes them practice in context, again making the skill come alive!  So, take the time to teach it as you want to see it.  This could be done pre-Book Club or even during Book Club.  

Another weakness in students, no matter what grade I've taught, is good, quality questioning.  Students will start out looking for knowledge level questions, including yes/no answer questions.  Make it clear from the beginning that these questions are NOT acceptable.  Work in lessons on how to build stronger questions for your Book Club discussions.  Tie in Author's Purpose as a way to challenge students to ask other students questions.  Even better, build in questions stems through Anchor Charts that students can access over and over again.  Don't give up.  This skill takes time and with your constant help, students will be developing "teacher quality" questions.  Trust me, I have a whole notebook full of questions I've made enhanced with questions students have asked to match my ever growing collection of Book Club books!  

So, what are you looking for to discover lessons-the first place to look is at #2- weaknesses.  What continues to be your class' weakness?  The second place to look is your Standards, whether it is Common Core or specific State Standards.  Search to discover what your students need.  You will not be disappointed!  

This is an example of how you can take a Standard and 

turn it into a Book Club!  

5.  Enjoyment!  

This is a key component of Book Clubs for Kids.  If they are not enjoying it, they are probably not learning.  There are always books that students won't enjoy.  It is key to keep this in mind as you select books.  Just because you enjoy may not mean that they do. Be responsive to student need even before you start.  Then, monitor for this.  There are times you may just need to abandon a book, just like real readers do.  This needs to be an open discussion among your group and be agreed upon by all, so that they hear they are valued and respected.  In general though, students enjoy this process and want to engage in this process.  Always be watching for their level of enjoyment though, just to be sure.  


How do you accomplish all this?  In a carefully crafted way!  Differentiation is the very best way to meet all students needs and you can find that in these Book Club for Kids products!  Grab what you need by clicking on the picture below!  

I'd love to hear what you think!  Leave me a comment and let me know what works for you or what you are still wondering about  Book Clubs for Kids!  Or, join me on Facebook or Instagram to follow my journey, including what I do with Book Clubs!  

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Read More in this Series of Blog Posts

Book Clubs Exposed:  Why I Don't Do Guided Reading

Student Choice in Book Clubs

The Secret of Getting the BEST out of Student Jobs in Book Clubs