Week 6 - Finally Fall!

Algebra links from Didax Education.

Fall is finally here! We kicked off the week with a round of mini-stations for the 8th graders. We figured we might as well join in on the candy season and incorporate it into a station. The 8th graders worked on replacement with variables and order of operations by using M&M's to determine variables. They used algebra tiles/links from Didax Education to play a domino-like game. Lastly, they used formulas to practice substituting variables. I know I sound like a broken record when I say how easily stations are to set up with our rolling tables and chairs, however, IT IS JUST SO EASY! We save so much time setting up stations and it is super easy for us to transition from 8th grade to 7th grade in the three minutes that the students have to change classes.

M&M substitution - everyone needs a little chocolate now and then.

In 7th grade, the students participated in individualized instruction by watching videos of the lessons on order of operations with integers. I know I'm probably repeating myself again but having a collaborative class with VERY diverse learners it is often difficult to address everyone's needs with a traditional lecture. With a video, each student has control over the pace of the lesson. They are able to practice their note-taking skills because they are able to pause and rewind the video as needed. Also, for students that may need additional time or extra practice, the video provides the needed flexibility. We ended the week with a game of "trashketball," Halloween style. Students answered questions to earn paper balls to throw into the trash/bucket. Points were awarded for the number of baskets made. The students really liked this game and I see us playing it again in the future.

Week 5 - You guessed it! More Stations!!

Our station rotations complete with transition music.

QR code hunt with ipods

Using versatiles with integer word problems. 

Whew! It was a fun filled week that went by quickly. The 7th graders spent a few days rotating through six review stations. Again, I can’t express how nice it is to be able to easily set up for stations with our new furniture.  Chairs and tables are on wheels are such a time saver! In previous years, we would spend about 30-45 minutes after school setting up stations, moving heavy furniture, hanging signs, etc. This year stations take us about 5 minutes to set up.Through stations we were able to see new students emerging as leaders. It is always interesting to watch the different dynamics within the groups. There’s always a few students that break out of their shells and surprise us! We’ve done stations many times in the past but this was our first time doing them with 7th graders in quite a while (we taught 8th grade last year). So, we both realized the importance of assigning roles to the individual group members… something that is typically not an issue for us in 8th grade.

Integer models!

8th grade spent the week evaluating expressions. We utilized a blended learning approach for notes and instruction. We are a 1:1 classroom, students were able to use the chromebooks and headphones to watch a video and take notes. This approach provides individual assistance to students and allows them to learn at their own pace. They can pause, rewind, or even fast forward the video as needed. After the video we have the students complete a google form which provides us with immediate feedback on how well the students are grasping the material. If we see that a student is struggling with the content (through the google form) then we pull them in for on-one-on remediation right then. The instruction was followed up with a differentiated leaf activity tailored to the student's ability.

Week 4 - Stations Galore!

The 8th graders spent the week rotating through several stations. Each station was set up to be interactive and hands-on. The stations included the real number system, square roots, and ordering rational numbers. Setting up stations was a breeze thanks to the rolling tables. Additionally, having the large mobile whiteboards on wheels helped to divide the stations and display directions. We also used the verb boards as dividers by snapping them into the tables.

Students enjoyed moving from station to station with transition music (Justin Timberlake). Using music makes station rotation fun (they dance and sing) and provides a clear time frame… when the music stops they know they are to be at the station and reading directions. Since we did these stations as a culminating activity to our unit, students were self-sufficient and we were able to walk around and monitor groups as needed.

Students estimating square roots with a number line. 

In 7th grade, students continue working on integer operations with models and word problems. Students participated in blending learning lessons where they were able to work at their own pace to complete notes and practice problems with direct, immediate feedback. Afterwards, we played games to reinforce integer rules. Once again we were able to move the tables to the sides of the room and utilize the floor to play with integer rules. To prepare for a quiz on Friday, the students did a QR code hunt around the room on Thursday. Students were able to use the ipads/ipods to complete the code hunt. Having the thread system in the floor, with the ability to plug in devices anywhere in the room, made it convenient to have the technology located in the middle of the room.

Week 3 - Tables on the Move, Kids on the Move

Our 7th graders continued working on absolute value and perfect squares during the first half of the week. Having the large tables made it easy for the students to spread out their game pieces for a memory game. There’s also plenty of room on each side of the table for two students to sit comfortably.

Students playing Memory

By midweek we introduced integers. The students participated in a blended learning lesson on adding integers. Students were then asked to create their own videos showing how to model adding integers with color chips and numbers lines. Having the verb boards be able to snap into the table provided each group (partner) with the ability to create their own white board where they could stand and model/teach the lesson to be recorded. They did an excellent job with using math appropriate vocabulary (zero pairs). The students enjoyed being the “teacher” and were super creative with their video/lessons.

Using the verb boards to record videos

Using ipads and verb boards to record videos

Our 8th graders spent the week ordering rational numbers. We were able to use the verb boards for individual and group practice. The week ended with the students rearranging the classroom for a game of Around the World with twist. The tables were arranged in a horseshoe manner with all of the chairs pushed to the sides of the room. Students were able to stand at the tables, complete their problem, and then easily move to the next spot. The competition style activity had everyone engaged and up on their feet moving around every few minutes.

Verb boards and ordering rational numbers

Horseshoe arrangement for a game with lots of movement

Week 2 - We're Just Getting Started

We spent the first part of the week establishing classroom guidelines and coming up with the various table arrangements we would be using this year. The students practiced moving the tables to the different layouts. We discussed the benefits of having different classroom layouts.

Students participating in a real number sort.

Hot Seat on the floor with tables pushed to the sides.

By midweek we started our first units. The 8th graders spent the rest of the week working with the real number system. They worked on sorting numbers into the correct subsets. We ended the week playing a super fun game called Hot Seat, where students race to identify real numbers.  Having the ability to roll the tables and chairs out the way made it so much easier to play the game on the floor. The competition was fierce. Everyone was engaged!

Students ready to play Hot Seat.

The 7th graders spent the remainder of the week investigating perfect squares and absolute value.

We both noticed that students seem to be much more productive in the new space. Having the ability to swivel in the chairs is a huge bonus for students with attention/focus issues.

7th graders using Cheez-It's to investigate perfect squares.