Websites, Apps, and Resources
Here are some sites and apps you may find useful in your classroom.
Sample Materials
1. Math Checklist - Upper Elementary
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Daily checklists guide what students are doing during independent work time while I am meeting with a guided group. I create the checklists on weekends. Groups and their checklist contents are defined by NWEA RIT range based on most recent MAP scores. I email it to kids on Monday mornings.
Checklists contain tasks appropriate for their range and also what we are working on from CCSS. Some resources used are IXL, Front Row, TenMarks, xtramath.org, thatquiz.org, hands-on math games/activities, even math writing prompts. All work is emailed to me in a filtered folder. Google Drive is also an option for turning in work, as well as Edmodo, Schoology, and other similar sites. |
2. Math Checklist - Middle Elementary (Grade 3)
For my third graders, I replaced the written amount of problems with boxes. Students shade in one box for every problem they solve correctly on a given app or website. The number of boxes tells them the number of problems they need to solve; ie. 6 boxes = solve 6 problems.
When students are done, they can complete the challenge. If they have "Mastered" a topic, they can work on any category of IXL or Front Row Math (their choice). They can also work on the ST Math app. |
3. Sample PDF for Lesson & Student Work
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I use PDFs created from Pages and Keynote documents. The nice piece about PDFs is that students can immediately access them on their iPads (usually through Goodnotes) while I teach and they can write on them as I write on the board. Yes, this can be somewhat of a "glorified worksheet," but there are some skills that kids just need to practice along with you or independently.
On the last “slide” of each PDF I include a “Show What You Know” slide that students complete as exit slips, take a screen shot, and send to my email for a quick check. Management Tip: I make each slide a different color so that, at a glance, I can look around the room at my students' iPads and know they are on the correct page. "You should be on the blue slide right now." |
4. Sample Keynote Math Lesson
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I create Keynotes that explain each math concept step by step. These Keynotes have effects in order to emphasize and direct student attention to particular points of importance. The Keynotes can be posted on Edmodo or iTunes U (etc) or my website so students and parents can review the lessons at home when questions arise or help/review is needed.
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5. Self-Reflections for Management
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Kids fill out self-reflections to monitor their independent work throughout the day. Along with specific lessons, discussions, and check-ins, these reflections help kids keep track of independent work habits that are needed for successful work time without the teacher.
Management Tip: I highly suggest that behaviors of productive, independent workers become part of a routine check-in between you and your students, especially when implementing a 1:1 iPad initiative. We know students know how to use these devices for recreational purposes, but using them for academics requires a different behavioral skill set. Having a reflection sheet like this--along with frequent discussions and behavior role playing--has really helped transform my classroom into a more productive place with reflective, tech-savvy learners. |
6. Sample IXL Prescription Chart
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Each student receives an IXL Prescription Chart to work on for 20 minutes per night. Skills listed under each column are linked to the Learning Continuum on NWEA. This enables students to work on skills they are ready for even if we are not covering the topic currently. Using IXL's extensive reporting system, I'm able to track student progress, strengths and weaknesses of individuals and the whole class, time spent on each topic, etc. Reports can be printed or emailed for home communication purposes.
Management Tip: Encourage students to master skills on their IXL Prescription Chart by using the I Excel At IXL Progress Board. After 10 skills are mastered, students are honored by writing their name on the appropriate level and providing a small reward - sticker, certificate, recognition bracelet, etc. Download my I Excel At IXL Poster Set PDF.
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7. IXL Excel Club
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After our Winter MAP Test, it's important to take a look at student progress and opportunities for improvement. Depending on where you are in your curriculum, you might notice movement, or lack of movement, within each RIT Range. If you haven't taught this strand yet and are getting to it before the next test, chances are, this area will improve with direct CCSS instruction. It may not be enough, however, especially if this is a strand you've already covered. This is where the IXL Excel Club comes in.
Looking at the overall picture of each student, I find the strand that will help the student get the most bang for their buck. If all RIT Ranges have experienced movement and one hasn't, that's the area of focus. If a RIT Range has had negative growth, this is the area of focus. If two or more RIT Ranges have little or negative growth, I focus on the range that is lowest or would support growth in the other area(s). I match up skills listed on the Learning Continuum in the area of focus with grade equivalent skills on IXL. Students complete 10 problems of each on two different skills listed. Students work on four different skills per week. Management Tip: This is a great way for students and families to practice at home. Students can work ahead if they know they're busy at night during the week. Families appreciate knowing the week's work ahead of time. Additionally, keep a running chart of assigned skills so students don't replicate skills too often. |
8. Math Center Rotation Schedule
This is the Rotation Schedule for my 3rd Grade Math Class. Students are divided into groups based on their RIT Range for the strand we are focusing on. After the initial welcome and housekeeping items, students spend 15 minutes at each station along with built in transition times for self-reflection. Students rotate through FrontRow Education or IXL, Applied Geometry or iTunes U, and Small Group stations. Checklists determine what activity/app students should work on at each station. All students are expected to meet for Small Group each day.
Management Tip: Use a timed Keynote/PowerPoint to help you and your students manage your time. A working countdown timer begins after each transition so students know how much time remains in each center. A sound alerts students when a transition will happen ten seconds before the timer goes off. After each rotation, students scan a QR Code and complete a self-reflection Google Form. Click the button to download a sample. |
9. Sample Video for iTunes U Course
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This is a sample video I created posted within an iTunes U course and on my website. Created in ExplainEverything, the videos allow me to teach students individually while circulating the room at the same time. Courses are self-paced and assignments are individually assigned each night. To keep track of progress, students check in through a Google Form.
Management Tip: Purchase the ExplainEverything Compressor program for your computer to quickly create videos and free up space on your iPad. Click the button below to find out more about the program. Management Tip: Using the website PlayPosit allows you to embed questions within your video to ensure students are actively watching the video. |
10. Example of iTunes U Course Post
This is an example of a post within iTunes U. Students work through a unit at their own pace. Within each post are a variety of videos, activities, work samples, and assessments. Students go through the following specific steps:
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