A Bundle of Thanks!

Hello there everyone!  I have a bundle of Thanksgiving goodies to share with you today! I think that these items will be perfect for those last few days before school lets out for Thanksgiving Break.  I have a huge math packet, a Thanksgiving Play that can double as Reader's Theater, a Thanksgiving Key Details packet, and of course some Thanksgiving FREEBIES!

The truth is, I've been working on a huge Thanksgiving Common Core Word Problems packet that took a little longer to finish than planned - I wanted to make sure it was quality!A packet this size is a little challenging to fit into the next 5 days of school before Thanksgiving break (work, kids, work!!!).  However, I do plan on picking and choosing some pages to introduce my students to problem solving strategies. It was important to me to create problems with what I call "manageable numbers" for my students.  Over time, I have witnessed children completely freeze up when presented with very large numbers in word problems.  They are almost too engrossed with the size of the numbers to focus on how to solve the problem.

Last year, I introduced my students to Common Core word problems with manageable, smaller numbers as well.  We looked at each type of problem and worked on identifying important information.  The students also learned how to use a bar model to organize the information from a word problem - this is much easier for them to do with manageable numbers.  After that...we moved on to larger numbers and THEY WERE READY!

Next year, this packet begins on November 1st, hahah!  Take a look! You can grab it and find out a little bit more about it by clicking on the cover below:

Here's a peek at some of the pages....

...and now a word from our FREEBIE #1.  I think I am going to use this as a cover to a Thanksgiving card I plan on having the kids make for their families.  I've been teaching my students how to write paragraphs, so the inside of the card will be a paragraph about what they are thankful for.  I always loved (and still do!!!) when my own kids made writing pieces for me, so I think it makes a pretty meaningful gift.  It's free on my Facebook page, and it's free for you by clicking below:

Next up, I have something very dear to my heart. It's a Thanksgiving Play that I wrote with my beloved Teaching Assistant.  It can also be used for Reader's Theater.  Check it Out:

After using the play during Reader's Workshop with your little Pilgrims, you can follow up with this Key Details Packet.  It helps the students to closely examine the story of Thanksgiving and helps them to identify Key Details.  Take a look:

...and now a word from Freebie #2.  Oh the woes of the turkey this time of year!  He has an opinion, too!  Introduce your students to writing an opinion paragraph with this graphic organizer and paragraph paper template.  Free for you over at my TPT!

That's all for today, folks!  I'm so THANKFUL for all of the friends I've made this past year through this blog!  Are you new to the Teacher's Chair today?  I'd love to get to know you, too...and would be thankful if you follow me on any of my social media so I can keep you updated with my latest goodies!

Have a great day everyone!

Problem Solving and Model Drawing (Bar Model)

There's still time...

A few weeks back, I linked up a Freebie called, "Problem Solving, Magic and Happily Ever After:  A Student and Parent Guide to Common Core Word Problems."

You might remember it...you can see it below and grab a copy for yourself!

I am really excited to finally be finished with the workbook to go along with it!

Addition and subtraction problems can be presented in many ways and students must be able to solve problems of any situation.  Below you will see the "Common Addition and Subtraction Situations" as set forth in the Common Core Curriculum.

That is some chart! Not to mention a huge responsibility for teachers!  In order to provide plenty of practice for my students,  the workbook I created provides 4 practice sheets with 6 word problems for each type of situation. (That's a lot of practice!) In my classroom, I used two of the sheets for guided practice and two for homework.  I also sent the handbook home to the parents as a reference guide (it was very appreciated!).

Did I mention that I used one of my favorite illustrators throughout this packet.  Nikki from Melonheadz Illustrations, how I love your work! Thank you for helping me make such a cute workbook!

This packet utilizes the Singapore Math Strategy of Model Drawing or "Bar Models."  You may ask, "How can Bar Modeling help my students with word problems?"

Well, here you go:

Using the Bar Modeling strategy has made a huge difference in the way my students handle word problems.  They know that once they can identify the parts and whole in the problem, they have a great visual that quickly helps them to see which operation to use.

The worksheets in the workbook are scaffolded.  For the first two problems, a bar model is there for the students to plug information into.  There is also space for them to Record, Illustrate, Compute & Explain their thinking (R.I.C.E. method...also from Singapore Math).

The remaining problem solving tasks require that the students provide their own Bar Model, Illustration and Computation.

To introduce the concept of Bar Modeling and provide great visuals in a whole or small group, I suggest you take a look at "Thinking Blocks."

I also have some great resources compiled in my Live Binder.  

I'd love to know if you have any tips and tricks for helping your students solve word problems like magic!