4, 3, 2, 1!

I saw this on Pinterest somewhere and I have adapted it for my classroom.  It is one of those cute ways to help the teacher know what the kids know within a few minutes! 

I posted mine on the side of my cabinet and I am able to use magnets to hold the file folders up! As you can see, this was super easy to make and I did it very fast.  

You could use this as a tool when checking any learning target.  Typically every lesson I teach has some sort of worksheet or activity where I can check for understanding.  If it is a worksheet, I have my students place them in these file folders. 

This is a sample of a learning target check.  This is from the Everyday Math series. 

I tell them to place their papers accordingly:

4 - I can teach this concept to someone else because I know it so well!

3 - I feel confident that I know this and can complete this assignment by myself. 

2 - I am not confident with completing this assignment but slightly understand it. 

1 - I have no idea what I am doing and need help! 

I love this method! It is very telling and it helps me see how I can help my students.   Sometimes my students place the paper in 4 and get it completely wrong.  This tells me we have a big problem and I need to help my kids understand. I often reteach the lesson or pull a small group if this happens.  If a student places a paper in 1 and gets it correct, this tells me I need to help their confidence level.  

This is a very effective tool and I love using it!  It is quick and easy.  You should try it in your room!  You could even have your kids just write a 4, 3, 2, or 1 at the top of their paper to show you their level of understanding! 

Sweetheart Stock Up

I have linked up with Mrs. Dailey for an awesome dollar sale!  Check out all of these great deals by clicking on an image below.  It will directly take you to their TpT store where you can snag your dollar deal!


Here are my products that are on sale for $1!  You won't want to miss them. :]

An InLinkz Link-up

Parent gifts!

Are you in need of an easy, inexpensive parent gift?  Well, you are in for a treat!  I found this gem on Pinterest!

All you have to do is take a fun photo of your student with their arms in the air.  I will say that this works much better if their hands are together.  I had a couple that had their arms separated and it made it difficult to turn into a bookmark.

Once you have your pictures, print them on cardstock.  Then, laminate them for durability.  I cut around each picture, and then I used a hole punch to place a hole at the top in their hands. I used ribbon to tie around the hole I punched to make a string for the bookmark.  Voila! You have an easy, adorable bookmark in a matter of minutes!  My kids loved them! I hope the parents did too! 

Math Facts

In second grade I think it is so important for students to have their addition and subtraction facts memorized.  My students start working on them early in the year.  It is also included in our daily math rotations.  You can learn about Math Workshop in my room by visiting here!

I have one of my cabinet doors dedicated to showing off my students that achieve their math times tests!  When they pass a timed test, they earn an item to their banana split.  My kids LOVE this! They get so excited when they get to add a topping to their bowl.  

I found all of these pieces from a math fact fluency pack I bought on TpT from Jen Ross. You can purchase it here!  I used this when I taught kindergarten, but now that I am in second grade the tests needed to be more age appropriate, so I have created my own timed tests.  You can find them in my store by clicking on the picture below!  They have been very useful in my room.

Now, let's talk about storage.  I store all of my timed tests in folders and place them in a container.  My kids are then responsible for pulling out a test they are working on.  

It is clearly a little messy, but as long as my kids can find what they're working on I don't go too crazy over it!  Each folder is labeled.  I have also placed the pieces of the banana split in each folder so when they pass a test I just pull it out stick it on the door with some tape!  

My kids sit and time each other.  They write the time they finish at the top of the paper.  I allow them up to 2 minutes to take a test.  My kids are so motivated!  Some even take them during recess.  I also have some students take extra tests home to practice with.  

As you can see, one is watching the time and playing a math game at the same time! Wow! What a multi-tasker! :) 

My kids practice on Xtramath and on our tablets.  I also found a website where the kids can take a timed test.  This is good for them to practice on.  I have one that can actually pass them on the computer, but many of my kids are not capable of using the computer.  They are too slow at finding the keys for the answers.  However, it is a good way to practice! 

How do you time your kids in class?  Do you use any fun games to help them learn? Leave a comment below! :)