The Destitute Teacher

This mothers day we created some "I love you to pieces" photo frames to give to our mothers. In the past I have used Popsicle sticks to create the frame base. There is a previous post outlining the process. This year I updated how we went about it. First of all, we took photos of our partner and edited them on the iPads. I then printed them and laminated them for the students. We cut them out and hot glued the puzzle pieces straight on. It was so much easier than creating the frame, which invariably never fit the photograph. We popped a magnet strip on the back and had a lovely gift to send hom for Mother's Day.  

It has taken me a while to hit my stride when it comes to school holidays. There have been holidays completely wasted doing endless school work, holidays spent doing things for other people... and now I think I have worked out a formula that works for me. So, here is my list... a 'to do' list... of things that make up my school holidays. 1. Turn off the alarm and wake up naturally each day. During term time, I get up at 5.30 each morning. In the school holidays I wake naturally by 8am, and feel much better for it. I try to keep my bedtimes regular, and no more than an hour later than my school bedtime. This means I get the best out of my days, and don't struggle as much with re-setting the body clock. 2. Have at least one day in bed. I spend at least one day of my holiday in my pj's, mooching around the house. I read in bed. Eat junk food. I spend the day alone (no kids of my own). Its brilliant. And needed. Do it. 3. Revise your ward-robe. Catch up on the washing, sor...

Specifically, 10 things I wish I knew about setting up a classroom as a beginning teacher. 1. It will take far longer than you think. You may have it all mapped out in your head, but you will need a large amount of time to put it into action. If you can, get into the classroom at the end of the previous school year. Map it out in your head. Take the staples out of the wall if you can, and hang backing material. Trust me, it is far cooler (and easier) in December, rather than sweating it out late January. 2. Bring a bucket of hot, soapy water and cloths. Chances are those tote trays, maths equipment and book boxes are going to need a really good wash out. They are disgusting, and if you don't want to touch them, then neither will your students. 3. Bring needle nose pliers, music and something nice to drink. There is likely to be many, many staples in the walls. Even if you hang backing fabric, you will need to take them out so they don't ruin the effect of your display. 4. Don...

Today I am sharing a quick little math group warm up with you. I love using playing cards, and so do my students. This pack is a set from a 500 game... the numbered cards go from 2-13 and Ace becomes one. To keep them tidy and organised, I like using one of the tiniest Sistema containers I can possibly get. A little bit more expensive than other storage systems, but they seem to be practically indestructible, come in great colours and when on sale they are way more affordable: Sitting in a semi circle, I go round the circle giving the students cards, and they need to answer as quickly as they can. The questions vary: * What is your number (you can give them two cards to make a two digit number etc) *What comes before your number *What comes after your number Once they have a set (maybe 5-ish cards)... *Put your cards in order from smallest to biggest *Put your cards in order from biggest to smallest Swap sets between the children so they have a different set to work with. Next we swi...

Went for a trawl through the local dollar store on the weekend and found some goooorgeous ice-cream shaped bowls so simply just HAD to buy them.I scored these ones ages ago: from an op shop and they got an absolute thrashing. We use them with pom poms or plastic beans (JELLYbeans so I am told), and create number problems involving ice-cream sundaes with sprinkles on top. However I only had four, and this seriously limits my group sizes for using this equipment. We want the children to be engaged, and using the manipulatives themselves right? So I bought three sets of these bad boys... ...and we can now all have a go at using the bowls! Much excitement!

Time to get back into this little project of mine, and I am kicking off by creating a Facebook page. Facebook is so much a part of my life now, I think it will be easier to put little snapshots etc up there. So try searching for The Destitute Teacher on Facebook, or follow this link . Wish me luck!

We have been working hard on improving our recognition of numbers on tens frames recently. It seems that sometimes we know it... and sometimes we don't! I put together some resources and activities to help to develop instant recognition. These include... * Good, old fashioned flashcards. In a group we play tens frames speed (flip a card over, first to read it correctly gets it and the winner is the person with the most at the end). Handy hint... enlarge the tens frames, laminate and attach a magnet on the back for whole class work on the whiteboard. * Roll and Cover Tens Frames games. I made two versions of this game (apologies as I made the clipart, it could do with some refinement). One version is for a 1-6 die, the other is for a 10 sided die (if your die has a '0', use a fine permanent marker to turn it into a ten). Just click here to go to my GoogleDrive and download the PDF file. * Tens frames timed powerpoint. My children love this one. I made a powerpoint presenta...