Integrating Techonology into Math

Today I'm linking up with Kristin at iTeach 1:1 for

 

The topic for today (actually yesterday) is integrating

technology into math.

 

Skitch App 

I've posted about this app before,

but my kids really enjoy it.

 

We used it when we wanted to document

math around the school.

 

These are pictures from our area and perimeter hunt.

The students went around the school

and took a picture of something that showed area or perimeter.



Then using Skitch, they added their lines

and a label.



I printed all the pictures and we hung them up.



 

We also did this at the beginning of our fractions unit

to show objects that were divided into equal parts.

 

The kids love walking around the school

to take their pictures.

It is a bit of a competition

to see who can find the coolest object.

 

How are you integrating technology into math?

 

How else could Skitch be used in your classroom?

 

Head on over and link up with your idea!



Five for Friday and Technology in Reading Linky

I was trying to think of five things from this week.

You know it's summer when that is hard to do.

I'll try my best!

1.  There is a great summer linky going on at

i Teach 1:1 and Learning to the Core.

This week everyone is sharing ways to

integrate technology into reading.

One online program I used all last year was

Tween Tribune.

 

I

 

This site has articles on current events that are interesting to kids.

You will find 4 different reading levels

and there are even articles in Spanish.

Tween Tribune was used as homework.

My students logged in, read an article and responded.

I was able to give them the assignment right

on the site.

Each morning I got on and read their responses.

I could also respond back to them.

It's a really easy site to use and a lot

of my kids enjoyed this assignment.

 

2.  People that know me well, know that I'm not much

into the classroom decorating thing.

But this past year, after reading so many blogs,

I started a color scheme in my room.

 I was very excited when I found these magnets at Target.

My colors are black, turquoise, purple and green.

I like that the colors are in the pack

along with some similar colors. 

 

3.  A NEW LINKY

Next Wednesday, I'm starting a new linky with

Matt at Digital: Divide and Conquer.

I hope you will check back and link up with us.

It's going to be one that everyone can use!

 

4.  Do you find it hard to keep on the lastest news?

Here is something for you!

 

 

This is the description on the website:

theSkimm is the daily newsletter that simplifies the headlines for the educated professional who knows enough to know she needs more. We do the reading for you and explain it with fresh editorial content, breaking down what you need to know to start the conversation.

 

I wake up in the morning, read this email

and feel I know the basics of what is happening in the world.

Then, at night when the girls go to sleep,

I can find out more info if I need it.

 

5.  BLOGLOVIN'

Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin'.

 

Have a great weekend and

don't forget to come back on Wednesday!

 

 

Multi-Step Story Problems and QR Codes

 

Don't laugh, but I just learned about these codes a few weeks ago.

I've seen them everywhere, but never knew how they worked.

That all changed, thanks to Matt over at Digital: Divide and Conquer.

 

After I learned about them, my first thought was MATH! 

 I love math and my kids love any chance they have to use technology.

So math seemed like an easy place for me to start.  

 

 

I started by placing these cards around the room. 

I put the story problem and the code next to each other.

 

 

Then the fun began. 

The kids went around the room with a partner

and tried to solve the story problem.

 

 

The rule was you had to show your work. 

Most of these are multi-step problems, so I needed to see each step. 

 Once the students solved the problem, they moved on to the scan.

 

After they scanned the code, they were given the answer to the problem.

 

If their answer was incorrect, they needed to go back

and figure out what they did wrong. 

I was circulating around the room the whole time,

so I could help anyone who was stuck.

 



 

I work in a school where many of the students have access

to a handheld device, so about half of them brought one to school.  

Also, they uploaded a free QR code scanning app at home. 

I had my phone and a school Ipad for us to use too.

 

I know not everyone has this type of technology at their school.

A math center would be a great place for these cards

if you have at least one device in your classroom. 

 

My kids loved this activity. 

I looked over their recording sheets and they really did a great job.

Another third grade teacher tried this today and

her kids were just as excited as mine.

 

 

Have you used QR codes in your classroom? 

 

Are you interested in this set of cards? 

I will send these for free to the first two people who email me.

Scan the code at the top of this post to get my email address.

 

Just think...the weekend is almost here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tried It Tuesday - Skitch

I'm very excited to be linking up for the first ever -

  Holly's first post was about being digital, so I will stick with that theme.  I recently tried the IPhone/IPad app "Skitch" with my students.  It was so easy to use and the kids had a lot of fun.     The assignment was to take a picture of something to represent perimeter or area.  Partners went around the school and took a picture.  We reviewed the guidelines ahead of time and I'm so glad I did.  A fourth grade teacher complimented my class on their behavior while they were walking around the school taking their pictures!  

 

 

  After they took a picture, they came back to the room to complete their project.  It was the first time with the program so we kept it simple.  Everyone had to add lines and the title of area or perimeter.  I printed the pictures and we hung them up.  That's it!  

  We are going to continue multiplication and division after spring break.  I'm already thinking about incorporating this into our unit.  It was just a fun way to use technology and have a quick review of a topic.  It also gives some kids a good visual of the concepts.    Have you ever tried Skitch or a similar app?  How did you use it?