Science Boards Games

As the year winds down and state testing is over, I returned to a past WINNER of a project for my fourth grade science classes.  Groups are creating a science board game based on topics that we covered in class this year.  Each group is bringing old board games from home to use in their new and exciting game.  Construction paper is being used to cover up old boards and some groups have decided to use an old pizza box as a game board (and box for the pieces).

I created a simple requirement sheet and grading rubric to lead groups through the week-long project.  I tried to keep it simple and basic.  I plan to snap some pictures over the next few days to share the progress!

Groups are required to create a game board AND complete instructions.  Once all games are completed, we will have a "GAME PLAY DAY" in order to allow them to play each other's games!

Play sets

Just sharing my excitement this week...our 5th graders have been working hard to get ready for this year's play...PINOCCHIO!  I have been given the task of using my carpentry skills to create our sets and many of the props.  Long hours in my garage, a long night or two at school, and they are coming right along!  I have loved every second of it.  Check out our progress below.  These are the basic frames of the town building facades.  Let me know if you would like some basic instructions and material lists.  They would be cool to build on a smaller scale in classrooms.  Ours measure 8 feet wide and 10 feet tall.  They are being covered with basic felt and will be painted to include windows and details.

Happy Easter....HILLTOP FLASH MOB!!!!

Happy Easter everyone!  It's been awhile since I have posted.....life has been busy!  Tomorrow begins OAA (Ohio Achievement Assessment) testing for our 3-5 graders.  I wanted to share something special that our staff did as a pep rally last Thursday.  Each year, some of our creative staff members create an amazing rally to pump up the kiddos!  We have had a "teachers" band, a rendition of American Idol, a Wizard of Oz skit, and this year...A FLASH MOB!  You can check it out below.  Share your comments and let me know what you think!  I work with the best people in the world....

Constructive Criticism....need your help.

I have been working on my new website, trying to find the time to improve it.  With state testing approaching, sets and props to build for the school play, a marathon to train for, and a wife and two wonderful children at home....I haven't had a lot of time!

I need your help........please visit http://hayesclass.weebly.com and give me some feedback.  You can leave a comment here or on the site.  I want some honest opinions please.  How would you improve it?  What can be better?  I still have a lot to learn about the interface itself.

I GREATLY appreciate it!  Try and find something on my site that you can use in your classroom!

-RJ

http://hayesclass.weebly.com 

Teaching Blog Addict

Okay, after only a few short months.....I am becoming addicted to Teacher Blogs..........check it out!  

SPRING BREAK 2011

Spring Break 2011...much needed and I welcome you with open arms.  Now, don't go by at a million miles an hour so I can enjoy you!!!!!  I'll be spending the week with my lovely 2 1/2 year old daughter trying to find fun and exciting things to do.  Sadly, my wife, who teaches 1st grade, and my son, had their breaks already.

Anyway, I know that state testing is rapidly approaching for a lot of folks.  I know review questions are always good for the kids and I LOVE turning it into a game for them.  WOW, learn and have fun...novel concept right?

I have included the Ohio Education released questions link for OAA testing, as well as the NAEP "questions tool" link.  Please click the caption BELOW the picture to be redirected.  Please pass these on to someone you that you know that can use them with their kiddos!

NAEP Questions Tool

ODE Released OAA Material 3-8

-RJ
http://hayesclass.weebly.com

SMART Response

I am in tech heaven this week.  I have started using a new student response system in my room by SMART.  I upgraded from the Classroom Performance System that I had for 5 years and couldn't be happier with the switch.  SMART actually gave us a HUGE discount for trading in the old system toward a new one.  Check it out.....it's called the SMART Student Response PE.  They also have a primary and special needs "clicker" called the LE.  See the picture below the PE.  This works with the SMART Notebook software (which is included if you don't already have it).

Smart PE

Response LE

Check it out!!!!  The kids are engaged and loving it!  Plus......you can import tests that are already made (PDF) AND AND AND it will do item analysis for you (exported to Excel).  

RJ

http://hayesclass.weebly.com