Kindness Week

  This being "Kindness Week",  I thought it might be nice to share of the things we have been doing....

Last year, the 6th grade students has made this huge bulletin board in the cafe that says "Throw Kindness Like Confetti".  Students then wrote on post-its about certain aspects of kindness they observed.     A few weeks ago, we had started an initiative in class to spread kindness to each other based upon that inspiration.


I found some motivational, inspirational, and kind cards that I printed out on colored paper and gave each student in class.   There are more than 21 cards of all different sayings.  They then had to number their envelope 1-21 (excluding themselves) and use it as a checklist for each student in class.  The challenge is to write something kind to everyone in class at some point in the next few weeks.  They can't just give a card, they need to write a message on the back.   These messages have been unreal.  They have been very thoughtful in their messages to their peers.   I hope they are able to continue to spread kindness to others, beyond what is expected of them. 

This week also brought in the 'Sticks and Stones' program, back by popular demand from last year! In our class visit with Skip and Jeff, they guys talked about some ways to be kind to others.  The kids then got to play some instruments.  They did a great job! 

Today was superhero day!  The kids were challenged to create a superhero that had to do with the Life is Good superpowers, or kindness in general.   They designed the superhero and then made a mask for themselves.






We decided to use today to 'tag' another class with our kinds as well.   We went down to a fourth grade class and gave all the students a superhero card. The kids wrote messages on the back and delivered them wearing their masks :) 

I hope everyone has enjoyed these activities and continue to spread kindness daily! 

Ladder Method

How Do Ladders Help With Math???

I can't tell you enough how much I love the Ladder Method!  To be honest, I didn't like it at first.  Believe it or not, a few years ago was the first time I learned it! Like many of you, I was hesitant to use it because it was a new concept to me and it wasn't how I was taught. Learning new ways to do something can be hard for people to accept and use. Even though I wasn't a big fan of it, I taught it to my students and showed them how to use it.  We used it as a strategy, but primarily used listing factors as our go-to solution.  

I was determined to like it, because other teachers really liked using it.   How did I get over my frustrations with it?  I practiced, practiced, and practiced some more!  Now when I use the Ladder Method, it makes so much more sense.  I love that you can use this one tool to figure out 3 different concepts!   Once you get the hang of it, it is a real game changer and saves some time.      Here is a video that explores this concept step by step!  

Something you really need to know is your PRIME NUMBERS.  It helps you get a good start when using the Ladder.  You really need to use the smaller ones.  It is good to have the first 5 or 6 memorized. 

  You also need to know your MATH FACTS!  If you struggle with knowing your basic math facts fluently, then practice, practice, practice!  You want it to be automatic.  

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.A.1
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators. 

For example, 2/3 + 5/4 = 8/12 + 15/12 = 23/12. (In general, a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd.)

Let me know what you think!!  

Are you starting to enjoy the Ladder Method???  

Comment below and share your thoughts :)