Raki's Rad Resources: Educational Connect 4 Games

I think I love using board games in the classroom as much as Heidi Raki does!  This is a great idea for using Connect Four to add up numbers.  She even has a recording sheet to download!

Other ways you could use this game would be...

1. Record the 4 numbers that won.  
• Put them in order from greatest to least/least to greatest
• Sort them by odd and even
2. Upper grades-Record the 4 numbers that won.  
• Write word form, expanded form, etc.
• Multiply by 4
• Write a story problem using the 4 numbers

Raki's Rad Resources: Educational Connect 4 Games: I LOVE to play board games at home, but I also enjoying using them in my classroom. In addition to encouraging cooperation, turn taking and ...

How else could we play this game?

Favorite Back to School Activity!

I'm linking up with Fun in First to share my favorite Back to School activity!

My favorite back to school activity has got to be The Blanket Name Game!  I wish I had a picture, but its super easy!! 


Every year this game has been a huge hit!  I've played it at every grade I have taught, from Kinder to Fourth.  It's super easy and a great way to help kids learn each other's names.


Divide the class into 2 sections.
Place an X or sitting spot on the floor on either side of a blanket
Have a helper hold the other side of the blanket up to block the groups from one another
Hold the blanket between the two groups
Each group randomly selects a friend to sit on the X
Count 1, 2, 3 and drop the blanket
ONLY the friends sitting on the X's may call out the opposite friend's name
You can take score, but I don't.
The kids just have so much fun with the anticipation and recognition!


Enjoy!

New School Year Resolutions

Amanda at Teaching Maddeness is hosting a great Linky Party!  What are your New School Year Resolutions?

1.  When my kids are in my room, I am with my kids.  It's so easy sometimes to get sidetracked in those few moments when the kids are working quietly on something.  *few moments, indeed*  I always feel guilty when I slip over to my table to fill out paperwork for an upcoming meeting.  Even if they are quiet and working, my job is to be there with them and for them.  

2.  Have all my lessons planned and prepped by Friday.  This will leave my weekends stress-free and fabulous!  Plus I won't walk in on Monday and realize that I forgot straws or something essential for a lesson sitting on my kitchen table.

3.  Smile and Play more.  My mind works about a million miles an hour when I'm in the classroom.  I don't know about you but I'm constantly assessing kids academic and behaviors in my mind all day long.  This would be fine if I wasn't also trying to think of every possible thing I can do to work with them along the way.  Sometimes I need to just stop and smile and enjoy my kids.  I can't (and don't have to) fix everything right NOW!

WOW!  That was therapeutic!