TCC Test: December 2013

Hey there! It's been a minute...err well, actually it's been about 3 months. Yikes, sorry about that! I've been drowning (literally and figuratively) in work. Tough start this year. Let's get down to business though!

This year I'm focusing VERY heavily on my math instruction. It's amazing how much there still is to learn about the developmental level of students on a grade level you've been working on for 5+ years. Every year I find a new way to challenge myself. I can see how people can enjoy teaching the same grade level for their whole career.

The curriculum guide in our district for math this year is solid and cleverly laid out (for once :). The only real problem with it is a lack of assessment pieces. Because we jump around our curriculum materials (we use Math Investigations AND enVision Math) so much it isn't feasible to utilize the assessments in those resources.

We have been given more time to focus on math and implement math centers but again, our curriculum resources do not offer a variety of engaging activities to use during this time.

Our district has also moved into serious implementation of interactive journals, which I thought I'd hate. As I have begun to understand their purpose and see my students engagement I'm really enjoying our work in creating them.

Click here to check out the Commutative Property Supplemental Pack!

I'm sure you can see the problems piling up. I noticed these deficits a few weeks into the school year and started creating materials to fill the void for my grade level. It's always hard to implement something new so I started out with the interactive journal pages. I created one for the teacher-side (right) that served as a guided instructional piece. Then the student-side (left) serves as a way for students to practice the skill either individual or with the assistance of their table mates.

I added a few games and activities that can be used in math centers to practice the concept/skill and I topped it off with an assessment and occasionally a craft.

Get this Flip Flop Fact free in the Preview!

These packs have turned out to be exceptionally helpful so I thought they could benefit others! I've got 4 supplemental units complete and packaged and plan on creating them for each Common Core standard/skill/concept we work on in first grade.