Sunday, January 27, 2013

An App you have to hear about!

Have you hear about Educreations?

I didn't until last week and I am so glad I heard about it. One of my Super Teacher Friends gave a teacher lab on it and I think it is totally going to be an awesome addition into my classroom.  

It's an easy to use (read: students will probably master it before you do) way to present their work.  Work of any kind. Reading stories, teaching math lessons, creating videos, and all with ease. 

I will definitely be sharing what we use the app for in my class in the future. 

For now, here's a link to an instructional Educreations video I made to teach my kids about the app.  

http://www.educreations.com/lesson/view/educreation-introduction/4257644/?s=ridWxM&ref=app

It's a FREE app I think every classroom will use!

Enjoy! 
Damien 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Christmas and Decimals-A perfect pair!

Hello buddies-

I just uploaded a Christmas activity to my TPT Store.  I know, I know-CHRISTMAS NOW?  I had the best of intentions of getting this activity TPT ready way before the holidays but as you know time has a way of escaping you.  So, here it is anyway!

It's  great activity that I LOVE to do in my class.  It fits in perfectly with the holidays and is a GREAT review for working with decimals.

A few days before I begin the activity I assign the kids to create a list of 10 items they would like for Christmas, print out a picture of the item, and find the actual retail price of the item.  From there I have the students calculate the sales tax-multiplying and adding decimals.  They also calculate the grand total of their items.

After the math work is done the kids create a large size Christmas List using their pictures, final prices, and grand totals while the Christmas music is playing.  It's a great activity for the last few days before the break.


The product can be found on my TPT Store: Reading Buddies TPT Store

Here's some pictures of my kiddos sprawled out on the floor HAPPILY
working with decimals

I always use the extension of having the kids create a
large list with their math, pictures, and decorations.
Since this product is a lil' late I am offering a freebie to the first 2 people to comment below with their e-mail address and something that was on their Christmas list this year. 

Your Buddy, 
Damien