Help is on the way!

Math can be a subject of frustration for many students, especially as they begin to learn more complex subject matter.

My solution for this problem was to provide the students with an opportunity to seek additional help.
After school math programs are common and can be very beneficial. Once you get it approved, what do you do next? How does word get around? How about we start with some flyers!

Click here to see my flyer!

Pros: Flyers can be a great resource when working in a school setting. From field trips, to book fairs, and anything in between you are able to get your point across in a simple and easy way. Also, if you want to save on paper just send it as a PDF file through email! I like the simplicity of it because it can draw attention yet get its point across with colors, pictures, and very few words. Another benefit is that there are many options for creating flyers such as google doc, word, and many more!

Cons: If emailing isn't an option flyers may take up a lot of paper and ink.

• UEN Content Standard: 5th Grade Math
• Strand Mathematical Practices ***Become mathematically proficient in engaging with mathematical content and concepts
• ISTE Standard: Innovative Designer
• I solve problems by creating new and imaginative solutions using a variety of digital tools.
• Ed Tech Standard: Standard no. 9 ***Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems.

Calling All Scientists:

Today you will join me as we step into the world of 4th grade science class!

Learning all about the water around us and the cycle it goes through can be difficult. Not only for students to learn, but for the teachers to plan for! What happens if you want some sort of activity or worksheet that is not available to you? You would be left to make your own! Luckily for us the platform we discuss today will help us with just that. Today's assignment focuses on the google tool called Google Docs.

Click here to see the worksheet!

Pros: This tool is probably my most recommended so far. I love how versatile the program is and it is easy to use. Any teacher for any grade level or any subject could find a use for this resource. For example, you could make worksheets, newsletters, fliers, print out directions for games, visual aids. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination! The program is also free, you just need to sign up for a gmail account and you are good to go! Also, another plus is that you can access it from any computer and save it right onto your account.

Cons: The templates to choose from can be kind of basic and don't always work with what you have in mind. That being said, sometimes you will need to start with a blank page to build up a worksheet/project and it could take some time. Some skills needed would definitely be patience and creativity!

Overall, I can see this tool being useful in many aspects of the classroom. I am glad I have become more familiar with this resource because I am confident it will be well used in my future projects.

• UEN Content Standard: 4th Grade Science 
• Standard 1 Objective 2-b ***Describe the processes of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation as they relate to the water cycle.
• ISTE Standard: Innovative Designer
• I solve problems by creating new and imaginative solutions using a variety of digital tools
• Ed Tech Standard: Standard no. 9 ***Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems.

Green Thumb? Answer Garden!

Get up and move! What's your favorite form of exercise?

Today's post will take us to P.E. (Physical Education class) as we discuss the pros and cons of AnswerGarden. This platform allows us to work in a group and collect data at an easier level. My question posed was specifically thought up with a 5th grade physical education class in mind. In a class of different abilities, different levels of athleticism, and different likes or dislikes I found my question "What is your favorite form of exercise?" a simple (yet important) one. 

Check out the results here!

Pros:

My point in using this tool was to analyze as a class the physical activity we do outside of the classroom and identify the health benefits they have for us. Something I found particularly useful with this resource was how easy it was to use. It also has either a 20 character maximum or a 40 character maximum which gives the students a chance to express themselves in a concise manner. AnswerGarden is free as well allowing access from any computer.

Cons:

Although counted as a "pro" I would also count the character max as a "con" in a sense that it can occasionally limit someones ability to say something. So although it may be more convenient for the teacher it might not always bring the in-depth conversations we may want in the class room.

As a whole, this tool was helpful for my specific purpose. By giving me a fast, easy, and concise way to brainstorm I would be able together information about my students' physical activity without embarrassing or pointing out anyone in particular. 

• UEN Content Standard: Physical Education Grade 5
• Strand 3 Standard 5.3.1 ***Analyze physical activity outside physical education class, identifying the fitness benefits.
• ISTE Standard: Global Collaborator
• Broaden perspective, understand others, work effectively in teams.
• Ed Tech Standard: Standard no. 8 ***Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes) for problem-solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.