Author: keighme

Grade: 2nd

Content Area: Math

TEKS:

§111.4.(b) (5)

(A)  determine the value of a collection of coins up to one dollar

Website:

http://www.gpb.org/countonit/games/second/money

Summary:

This is a website I found that gives students the opportunity to use their understanding of the value of coins to “purchase” items that cost up to a dollar. This game is highly interactive and easily navigable and can be an influential asset in a second grade classroom. Students are given a grid displaying different items to be purchased including bananas, pizza, ice cram and more. To begin the game, the student is given an item they are to purchase for a specific cost, for example the banana, and then are challenged to drag the correct amount of coins to the corresponding item on the grid. Through the game the students are able to use their knowledge of the value of coins to purchase the item given.

Instructional Use:

I believe this game can be a great asset in reinforcing math skills in the classroom. After teaching the lesson on the value of coins, I will allow my students to partake in playing this game to practice their understanding of the value of coins. Because we only have a limited number of computers in the classroom not all of my students will be able to play the game at the same time. Thus, while the majority of the class is working in groups to complete worksheets asking questions about the value of coins, I will allow 4 students to use the computers and play the game. This game can also be played during lull time throughout the day. I will also make the computers available for this game to be played during daily 5 to engage the students in reinforcing coin concepts even when we are not working on our math lesson. This game, coupled with explicit instruction as well as inquiry based engaging exploration, can be a great asset in reinforcing monetary concepts in the classroom.

Author:  Stephanie Spinner

Illustrator:  Meilo So

Publisher:  Alfred A. Knopf

Grade:  4th and 5th

Topic:  Science

TEKS:

Why I suggest this book:
We as teachers have found that using science trade books in the classroom help to excite young learners’ interest as they begin to dive into the world of science in the classroom. These books present key concepts the children are learning in the classroom in fun and meaningful ways; and Alex the Parrot definitely delivers. Alex the Parrot is a captivating story about a extremely silly yet amazingly intelligent African grey parrot and his journey to learn just like you and I. It is based off a  true story of Irene Pepperberg and her quest to investigate whether animals, specifically African grey parrots, are indeed intelligent and possess the capacity to gain knowledge.

Through this story children gain a glimpse into the daily life of a scientist and her research. This book emphasizes a scientist’s need for repeated investigations in order to insure the research remains thorough and accurate. To add more claim to its fame,  Alex the Parrot was recently featured in the National Science Teachers Association’s (NSTA) publication of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12.  I personally think it is a must read and can be used as a great asset in the classroom.

 

Snippet:

“Alex was a great student. And as he learned more words, he lost his shyness.
In fact, he turned into a very bossy parrot. He let everybody know what he wanted,
pretty much all the time.

“Want nut!” and “Want banana!” were two of his favorite commands.
“Wanna go back!” was another. It meant he was tired of working and ready for a break.

Alex made it very clear that he liked to be obeyed.
If he asked for a grape and got a banana,
somebody was going to end up with a banana facial.

It wasn’t long before “no” became one of Alex’s favorite words, too.

Alex got lots of attention, treats, and toys, every day.
Yet he still got bored. And he had is own way of showing it.”

To see just what silly things Alex the parrot does to show he is bored, check this book out from your local library. I promise you, you and your students are sure to fall in love with Alex just as much as I have.