Around testing, it gets very challenging to see some of my classes, get review material in, and keep students interested in doing Math following a few hours of testing. So needless to say, I need to create a way for students to review Math materials...given the idea that I may not see them but for twenty to thirty minutes some days (if I get to see them at all), and given that I need to make sure they are at least a little interested in what I'm having them do.
My idea...Let's use the iPads! Kids love those things right? :)
I went through our curriculum, textbooks, and lessons and came across 12 chapters for each Algebra and PreAlgebra class that we've covered throughout the year. Within my 2 Algebra and 2 PreAlgebra classes I divided kids into groups of two or three in order to cover all 12 chapters of material. Groups then drew chapter numbers out of a hat to determine the chapter their group was responsible for. For example my large Algebra I class of 26 students had 9 groups: 8 groups of 3 and 1 group of 2. My smaller Algebra class (of only 10 students) had 3 groups: 2 groups of 3 and 1 group of 4. Within both classes, there were 12 groups that would cover the 12 chapters of material.
Once students had their groups and their chapters they were ready to get started. Students had a 3-piece checklist. Students were to create their own review station for their chapter. Within their station they would create a Vocabulary Page, a Note Page, and a 5-to-10 question quiz. Students were to use their iPads and any APP of their choice to create the three components. It was awesome to see student's creativity and personality come through in the various ways they chose to represent their chapter. Check out some of the submissions:
Click here --> Chapter 5 Entire Station
I even had a group great their own website holding all their information --> Click Here for Chapter 7
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| One of the group's vocabulary page with pictures. |
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| Another vocabulary page with student examples. |
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| An example of a quiz created by one of my Pre-Algebra groups! |
After students created their "Review Stations" (I gave them three class periods), they then spent the last two days of the week using their iPads to virtually visit all the stations. Students took the notes, memorized and reviewed the vocabulary and then completed the station's quizzes. Students completed the quizzes using online quiz websites, Kahoot!, Notability, and Pages apps. Students then took screenshots of all quizzes and uploaded into the corresponding Station Quiz under Schoolwork in our My Big Campus groups.
Students really seemed to enjoy this way of reviewing rather then simply getting packet after packet and going through what feels like a billion multiple choice questions! Within the next weeks Algebra students will be reviewing those mounds of packets using their Algebra standards as we move towards their EOC (End-Of-Course test). We will play review games each day with a different standard. My plans are Kahoot!, Survivor, Jeopardy, and ZAP! Pre-Algebra students will begin a project reviewing finding slopes of lines through two points, and writing the equation in slope-intercept form. I'll be sure to post their projects and progress! I can't wait to see their artsy-crafty side. :)
As we are reviewing...we are also getting prepared for our annual 8th grade Charleston Field Trip. My Social Studies teammate is busy preparing her room for those students staying at school and participating in Virtual Charleston. Her room is the South Carolina Aquarium where students will learn about South Carolina Pirates and The Hunley throughout their Virtual Charleston experience. Just check out how crafty and fabulous this underwater-classroom looks!
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| Yes...She really hand drew and painted this! |
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| A panoramic view of the coral reef and ship wreck! |
So basically my Social Studies teammate is awesome! Super creative, super imaginative, just overall fabulous! She did all of this with things laying around her room or from the dollar store! Super thrifty!! Well, now it's time to start decorating my room... Barn Quilts here we come ;)
Before I leave for the post...It's time to brag on my little softball team from this year. We had an amazing season, finishing 2nd in the County Championship to York Middle School. This year's girls are a beyond talented group of girls that I have had the pleasure of working with for the last 2 years. I'm not sure how we are going to manage next year without our 11 8th graders...but we are excited to see them succeed and do well at the high school level. I will miss these girls, but look forward to next season as my 2 7th graders become positive team leaders.
Something to look forward to in the next post...My Pre-Algebra kids create a linear fish scene, my Algebra students get introduced to the game ZAP!, and we virtually visit Charleston for the end of the week. Loads of fun coming up... Until next time.... :)
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