This Plus That: More Little Equations

This school year we are counting down the last days of school. I mean, we all secretly count down the days, but this year for the first time we are doing it together as a school. We are counting down the last 26 days of school by participating in an ABC countdown. You know, A is for art creativity day, B is for busy buzzy bee day, C is for compliment day . . . and so on, until Z -- zip up your bags and zoom home for summer! I have to say, the students are really enjoying each simple, yet fun activity as a break from the normal routines!

Well, Monday was M day (secretly that means there are only 13 more days to go). M is for math activity day. I teach reading and writing, so how was I going to manage this one? Of course, we could read a book about fractions -- Hershey's chocolate anyone? We could write our own story problems using our names, or even write about why we love math so much because most kids who struggle with reading love math . . . There are numerous ways to integrate math, reading and writing. But I have something better!

I recently shared a great new book that I discovered by Amy Krouse Rosenthal: This Plus That: Life's Little Equations. This was the perfect opportunity to share this selection with my students!

("M" day + fun math activity) x one perfect book = FUN(reading + writing + math)

After enjoying the book and sharing some of my equations, the students were challenged to create and write their own little equations. Here's a sampling:

baby + toys = mess (Sehade, age 8)

Santa + gifts = Christmas (Khush, age 7)

book + read = happy (Rachel, age 6)

ice cream + toppings = yummy (Kacper, age 7)

bee + sting = ouch (Angel, 8)

best friend + angry = not best friend (Tristin, 8)

ice pack + patient = nurse's office (Carmen, 9)

friends + pillow fight = sleepover (Daniela, 10)

daylight + dimming = sunset (Cassi, 10)

reading + reading = improvement (Yvette, 9)

papa + mama + baby = family (Hannah, age 8)

D. Rose + slam dunk = MVP (Andrew, age 7)

water + waves = surfing (Tristin, 8)

Awesome mentor text + Great thinkers = Life's new equations

{40 reasons} #sol15

Slice of Life hosted at the Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life. _____________________________________________________ Today my husband celebrates a big, BIG birthday -- and I'm so lucky and thankful to have spent the last sixteen years learning about everything that he loves the last (almost) twelve years learning about everything that I love about him the last (almost) five years learning with my daughters why we love our Daddy. Created at canva.com _____________________________________________________ Happy, happy 40th birthday Jon!

{#sol15} 10 Tips for the Challenge

Slice of Life hosted at the Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life. Last Saturday morning, I didn't need to wake up early. I wanted to go back to sleep. But instead my brain was awake and thinking. Creating this list. Writing this post. Many of us are embarking on an adventure - the Slice of Life Story Challenge. Writing, sharing, and commenting for thirty-one days in March. Want to learn more about the SOLSC? Check out Stacey's post {HERE} about the challenge hosted by the "Fab Six" over at the Two Writing Teachers ' blog. I hope you find these tips for the challenge helpful whether you are a first-time slicer (cue confetti!) or a year five slicer like me. 1. Before the challenge

{#sol15} deeper than beauty 8/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted at the Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! I have twin four and a half -- almost five! -- year old daughters. I try to be consciously aware of what I say and do in regards to my body image and self-esteem and also with their body image and self-esteem. First of all, because I don't want them to believe everything that society says is true. Even if they don't fully understand it today. In addition, because they are fraternal twin sisters, I want them to understand they are individuals with unique and different bodies that God created for each of them. However, society -- including my loving family and friends -- tell a different story and harmlessly create a comparison war. My girls constantly hear how beautiful, adorable, cute, fill-in-the-blank with any other

Deb DayMay 24, 2011 at 6:41 AM
These are awesome Michelle! I especially like the first one and the accompanying picture! How cute. And thanks for the book idea--I have ordered this and will use it next year in creative writing!
AnonymousMay 24, 2011 at 7:47 AM
A blog recommendation + internet connection + bookstore coupon = a new book at a great price
Love the kids’ equations! I now have this book and plan to use it extensively next year.
Elizabeth G.May 24, 2011 at 8:36 AM
What a fun way to wrap up the year. I love how you embraced math activity day with your new book. I ordered this book after reading your blog last week. My boys are enjoying it and I can't wait to use it in the classroom next year. Happy alphabet countdown!
AnonymousMay 24, 2011 at 8:36 AM
Funny - I just wrote about a very different relationship with numbers (and a not so good math teacher in my past) - I heard Amy talk at a conference and need to get this book!
Amanda VillagómezMay 24, 2011 at 9:45 AM
What fun! I love both the alphabet countdown, as well as what you chose to do for the M's. Enjoy your last days of school.
Linda BMay 24, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Michelle, what a terrific way to do the countdown that your school is doing. I'll pass that idea along to everyone. And, I'm glad you shared the use of the book that you talked about earlier. I have the book ordered and am happy to see the wonderful examples your students wrote. Have a good final two weeks!
Diana MartinMay 27, 2011 at 8:51 AM
This such a great idea! I would like to try with 6th grade before the end of the year. Excellent lesson for reluctant and struggling writers. Thanks so much. :)
Colby SharpJuly 25, 2011 at 3:20 PM
I am so excited to steal this amazing idea!
AnonymousOctober 5, 2013 at 7:42 PM
I just found these worksheets to use in my class! I LOVE this book! http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/This-Plus-That-Lifes-Little-Equations-Worksheets-911955
AnonymousOctober 5, 2013 at 7:42 PM
I just found these worksheets to use in my class! I LOVE this book! http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/This-Plus-That-Lifes-Little-Equations-Worksheets-911955

Literacy Learning Zone

Search This Blog