Scientific Calculators

     This has been a year for the record books!  Common Core, new state assessments, APPR, Professional Binders, Hurricane Sandy, and Scientific Calculators.  I teach 6th grade and for the first time in New York 6th graders will be allowed to use a scientific calculator on the state assessments.  They are only allowed to use them for Book Two and Three.  Until now, my students used just a plain old four function calculator sometimes during class and never on tests or state assessments.  My reaction to this news--not good! I didn't know how I was going to find the time to teach my students how to use this new calculator.
     My school district ordered the same scientific calculators the 7th and 8th graders use, the Texas Instruments TI 30X.  They were delivered to my room mid December and honestly they sat in the box for a few weeks.  When I finally unpacked them and gave them to my students, they were so excited!  I explained to my students, that I was not really sure how to use this specific calculator so we would all learn together.  They loved the fact that I didn't know how to use this calculator and decided they would teach me!
     The very next day students came into class ready to teach me.  They were ready to show me all they learned from the internet, brothers, sisters, and friends.  So one at a time they began to show me all the fabulous things this new calculator could do.  They had so much information it was overwhelming.  We decided to devote a short amount of class time on Tuesdays to learn how to use the calculator slowly.  We named this special time TI Tip Tuesday.

     On TI Tip Tuesday the students are in charge.  Students who have a tip explain to the class how the function works, demonstrate what buttons to press, and then we all practice.  They have so many fantastic tips.  I created a special Ti Tip Tuesday recording worksheet so we can write down the tips for reference.  My students keep their reference sheets in the back of their binder. I also display a large picture of the calculator during this time on the Activboard.  Students use this to point out which buttons to press.  

We all look forward to this special time each week.  I plan on continuing TI Tip Tuesday next year too.

    Scientific Calculators = Motivated Students

If you are using the same calculator and would like a copy of the worksheet click the link below to download.  File is editable so you could change the picture of the calculator to the one you are using.  Also included in the file is a TI Tip Thursday worksheet just in case we choose that day next year.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Scientific-Calculators-TI-Tip-Tuesday

Test Prep Time!!!

     Well its that time of year again for many of us--test prep time!!!  My students will be taking their math state exam in 3 weeks.  Are they ready? Yes!  However, we will still review and practice (just to make sure).  I want my students to be excited about the prep, so I am planning many different types of activities to keep them engaged.  I plan on using all of my task cards for partnering activities, scoot, differentiated practice,  and other activities that will reinforce concepts.

     I just joined the Test Prep Linky Party over at Teachingisagift.  Other bloggers have joined too!  Everyone is linking test prep items they use in their classrooms all in one place.  I linked my Surface Area Assessment Prep product and one of my favorites--my Percent Task Cards.  If your looking for material or a creative way to prep for your test--check it out!!

Test Prep Linky Party! 

April Currently!

I just joined the Currently Linky Party from the blog Oh Boy 4th Grade.

Listening:  To one of my favorite groups the Foo Fighters.  Saw them in concert last year and they were incredible.

Loving:  I was so excited this morning when I opened my email and discovered I won the 6-8 bundle from Confessions of a Teaching Junkie's Giveaway.  I won some really great products and a TPT gift certificate too.  What a fantastic way to start the month!!

Thinking:  I go back to school tomorrow and can't believe the State Assessments are right around the corner.  I have to still teach functions to my 6th grade class and then move right into test prep. I plan on using my task cards, partnering activities, Scoot, some of my new items from the giveaway,  power points and other activities to keep the students engaged and interested.  

I am really wanting some sunshine and warmer weather.  It has been a really long winter and very grey--depressing!  I hope the weather warms up fast so I can get my capris and flip flops out!  My toes are ready!

Needing:  It has been I while since I had a night out with the girls.  I am going to plan one soon so we can catch up and laugh!

Advice:   I truly believe positive thoughts and attitudes will bring positive results. Let your students know how smart and wonderful they are everyday.  If they know you believe in them they will always do well.

Happy Spring Everyone!!

Christine

Click to join the party!