Interesting Websites

So I wanted to stop by and let you know about two math websites I have been using since last year but they are definitely getting me through this year with our new common core and math program in 4th grade within our district.


www.studyjams.com

It is not only good for math but it is also great for science. They take each concept and break it down step by step in order for every level of learner to have a chance to understand.

The other website is coolmathforkids.com I love this website to use with the Smart Board and let it become a center and extremely interactive.

Are there websites you use for math or science that you prefer? Please let me know!

Time to START blogging!

Wait did I just say that? Time to start blogging I thought that was what I had been doing....but then I realized I have not been doing a stellar job!! I think my problem is that I have been creative and making things and stealing things from other teachers and I am not blogging about the successes or the failues or the in between moments. So I vow to do a much better job in the upcoming days, weeks, and months. I always get more into the blogging when I read about a fun linky and I think I was interested once I read about the Boo'ed Linky through one of the amazing blogs I follow Fancy Free in Fourth


So now I vow to take pictures of the room tomorrow and add additional things to my site. Look out blogging world I am about to join full force!!

Motivating Student Participation

Wow I know that I have been seriously slacking in the updates but I will work on it. This is going into our third week of school and I feel like my kids are still a bit messy and cluttered. Grrr!! Hopefully I will be able to whip them into 4th grade shape sooner rather than later.

Anyways I was writing briefly this time because I am interested in some ideas for getting students motivated to participate. I always (like most of you) have the same group of 4 students who are constantly paying attention, constantly have their hand raised, and are aware of the class discussion. I know that there are others who know the answer or are paying attention but I can't seem to get them to participate their responses or thoughts. What types of motivation or rewards do you use to promote student participation? I saw those smart beads on pinterest but are people just giving out Mardi Gras beads and calling them smart beads or are they more bedazzled than that? Please help and any suggestions would be super beneficial!! Thanks in advance!!