Grammar Surgery

Calling all surgeons! Our patients are crashing and we must save them from incorrect grammar. Report to the OR STAT! 

Students enter the classroom to find a mock operating room. 

The set up was easy!

*White plastic table clothes covered the desks.

 *I asked a parent who is a doctor to donate the hats and shoe covers.

 *The masks were bought at the Dollar Tree.

 *Safety goggles were borrowed from our team's science teacher.

 *The "blood transfusion" was water and red food coloring. 

There is nothing to it!

The most important part is the content. It is not worth transforming your room if you don't tie it to content. So, I used this transformation as a way to review all grammar skills taught during the first semester. It was a great way for me to determine what skills students have mastered and which skills still need some attention.

I had heart monitor sounds piped in to my speakers so it sounded like we were in an operating room. When the flat line monitor went off, students had to hurry to save their patient. Next year, I plan on having an additional task for students to complete when the flat line monitor sounds.

 I just love the excitement of the kids!

This idea came from the fabulous Kim Bearden at the Ron Clark Academy. Thanks Kim! I can't wait for my next room transformation.

Have you transformed your classroom into an operating room? I'd love to hear how you did it!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Tricia

So Lonely In The Trenches

During our World War I unit, I transformed my classroom into a WWI trench system. When I began talking about WWI, I realized that my students didn't fully grasp what trenches were. They knew the dimensions and they understood they were unsanitary, but I could tell they didn't understand how frightening it would be to not be able to see your enemy and how lonely being in the trenches could be. I decided the best way to help bring understanding to this was to recreate trenches in my classroom.

I used two refrigerator sized boxes to create the entrance to each trench. I found brown painters paper that I used to create the walls. I duck taped the paper to the box and then at the other end of my room onto a couple desks. Dollar Tree had some fun black guaze material that I draped over the entrances. I also found a few fake rats that were put inside the trenches. Lots of "eeks" were heard during the day! I used black plastic table clothes for the ground and several paint drop clothes to create "No Man's Land." This took a few hours over the weekend to create, but it was well worth it!

My initial plan was to do all of the activities inside my classroom, but the next morning when I walked in the room, all the paper had fallen to the floor. It would not be sturdy for the activities. I retaped the paper and had to come up with another plan. 

When Plan A doesn't work, you've got to be ready to think on your feet and move to Plan B!

So Lonely In The Trenches Activities

Part 1: Inside the Trenches

Students entered my dark room and didn't know what to expect. I found some cool "music" that sounded like artillery fire from WWI. The looks and the sounds the kids made were priceless! They will never forget what it felt like to be inside the trenches. 

Part 2: Artillery Fire

Since the walls weren't stable enough to do this activity inside, I found some plastic table cloths and used them to make trench walls outside. The students were required to bring a pair of socks to school. They had no idea what they were needed for and the guesses were hilarious! I had two students hold each wall above the students heads, and then we used the socks as artillery. The goal was to "hit the enemy." Students were tempted to catch the flying socks, so we had to regroup and discuss why that wasn't a great idea. This activity was a blast. During our discussion after, the kids kept saying that at first it was a lot of fun, but then when they realized the "sock" would have been some type of explosive they felt sad for the troops.

Part 3: Periscopes

Using shoe boxes and mirrors, I created a periscope for each trench. Students used these to try to spot the enemy. Next year, I will ask my team teacher to make them in science so that the students understand how they are made and why they work by creating them themselves.

Part 4: Building Trenches

I divided my students into small groups and gave them a deep pie pan, sand, water, tooth picks and army men. They were asked to create a trench system. 

Transforming your classroom is well worth the time and energy! My students are still talking about our trench day, and I know when they take their test, they will do well. 

I'd love to hear from you! Any ideas on how to make this better? Like I said, I had to go to Plan B. I'm still thinking through this and how I can change it up next year.

Solve this case, detectives!

                                    

Today in history, my class was going to read about the NAACP. We had an article to use for close reading. I decided it was the perfect opportunity to add a little excitement to the lesson. BLACK LIGHTS!

This inexpensive item was the perfect way to excite my students before reading a passage. They entered my room that was completely dark and I told them they were detectives. After a brief discussion on what the job is of a detective, we were ready to begin.

I distributed the passage, handed out highlighters and turned on the black lights. The students were mesmerized! You could have heard a pin drop in my room after the initial “Oohs” and “Aahs.”

Each student had to silently read a passage on the NAACP. As students read they text coded and were looked for clues. I wanted the students to find why the NAACP was needed, important, and how it impacts our society then and now.

After completing the passage, the “detectives” shared the evidence they found. This was a difficult passage, but EVERY student was able to solve the mystery. Using black lights was the perfect way to spark interest and engage every student. 

                                      

                                     

Black lights can be used with so many lessons. I can't wait to use them again! 

The Amazing Race

One of my favorite television shows is The Amazing Race. The adventures, the challenges and seeing the world in 60 minutes is thrilling.

Last year, RCA (The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia) held The Amazing Race in New York City. Students were given clues and had to find the locations around the city before given their next clue.  I was fascinated by this activity. I loved the idea of incorporating a lesson into this tv show's concept during a field trip to New York City. Brilliant!

Immediately I knew I had to do this activity too. But how? Traveling to New York City nor around our small town was an option. If I couldn't "travel the world" with my students, I would bring the world to them.

After my instruction on map skills, I decided it was time for The Amazing Race. I reached out to our 7th grade teachers to be "host countries." Five amazing teachers gave up their planning time to man a station.

My students raced in small groups. Each group was given a map packet, an atlas, and an initial clue. They had to find the country that matched their clue based on latitude and longitude coordinates. They went to the 7th grade wing and had to locate their "country." Once there, students participated in a game that is popular in that country. When they successfully completed the task, they were given their next clue. After visiting five countries, the race was over.
                                   

This activity reinforced the map skills I had taught, engaged the students in meaningful review, presented cultural activities, and promoted cooperation and problem solving within each group.

I am planning another Amazing Race this spring because the students keep telling me they want to race again. How can I say no?

Student Engagement: Games!

Who does not love to play games? Sometimes grabbing your students' attention can be a daunting task. Adding games into your lessons can be an easy means to engage your students. 

*** Jenga

 

Jenga has become a popular game in my classroom. It is easily adapted to all subject areas. I purchased the regular game and then picked 9 paint colors and paint the ends of the Jenga blocks using those colors. Create your game template.

 Now, we have a Giant Jenga in my class, and the students LOVE it. Who wouldn't!

Giant Jenga is not as easy as it looks.

Here is the link to my Teachers Pay Teachers store where you can find several Jenga games.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tricia-Skelton

*** Flyswatters

A fun review game is used with flyswatters. I bought enough for my class at Wal-Mart. They are sold 2 for $1. Students write on their desks with Expo markers the vocabulary words we are reviewing. I will call out the definition or use the word in a sentence. The students then swat the word. It is also fun to play with pairs. One student writes half of the words and the other student writes the other half.

It is also fun to play with pairs. One student writes half of the words and the other student writes the other half.

***Twister

Who doesn’t love Twister!?! Put vocabulary words or study guide questions on the game board or use cardstock. Use a Twister spinner when calling out the definitions or questions. I have several games going at one time. The students not playing the round watch for incorrect answers and putting knees on the carpet. They LOVE it! Expect lots of giggles. 

*** Frisbees

Students love going outside. I typically do this game outdoors, but sometimes we play in the hallway.

There are several ways you can use Frisbees. The first is to call out a word or question and the student has to give the correct definition or answer before he/she can throw it to their partner. The partner then has to use the word in a sentence or has to give more information about the question/answer.

I have also given students Expo markers to use on the Frisbee. One game is to have them write a cause on the Frisbee about a novel or reading passage. The partner then has to write an effect and throw it back. You could use this in all sorts of ways.

*** Headbands

Headband review is so much fun! I type words onto cardstock and then laminate the cards. I give each group (usually just 2 students per group) a set of cards. The first person sticks a card in the headband and gives the definition to their partner. The partner has to give the correct vocabulary word. You could also do this with study guides and reading comprehension questions.

Be sure to wash the headbands after each use.

I love to use the Minute to Win It countdown as a fun way to energize and motivate the kids. You can find it on YouTube.

*** Pictionary

Getting students excited about the content is easily done when games are incorporated. Have fun!

Welcome to DreamBigTeachBigger

Welcome to DreamBigTeachBigger. After years of following different bloggers, I decided to create my own blog about my classroom. I am stepping way out of my comfort zone! 

This year marks my 21st year in teaching. I am currently teaching 6th grade Language Arts and History, but I have also taught 5th and 2nd grade. As a middle school teacher, there is never a dull moment. Creating an invigorating, positive, and structured environment can be a challenge, but the end result is remarkable.

Something so inspiring and magical happened to me last year and it completely transformed my classroom and how I teach. Two words: RON CLARK. If you don't know who Ron Clark is or have never heard of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, I urge you to do a little research.

Let me tell you how my journey transpired. The day before students started back to school last year, our district hosted a back-to-school professional development conference. "You've got to be kidding me," I thought to myself. I couldn't believe the timing. My to-do list was a mile long and the last thing I wanted to do was to listen to a speaker who I had never heard of. Boy, I had no idea what I was in for. The moment Ron Clark took the stage, I was hooked! Where has he been all my life!?! I left knowing that my classroom was going to be transformed and my teaching would never be the same. That afternoon when we returned to our schools, I threw out the upcoming lessons for the week and created a new plan filled with energy, passion, rigor, structure, and love. Creating this type of environment was going to take a lot of imagination, creativity and magic. Stepping out of my comfort zone was not easy but I knew it was something I had to do and the reward would make it all worth while.

I began by ordering, reading, and applying all that I learned in Ron Clark's books. Then, I hit the jackpot: I was chosen to attend teacher training at the Ron Clark Academy. Let me tell you, that was the best thing that has ever happened to me as an educator. When I returned home, the challenge became where do I begin? I decided to focus on a few areas and then add more as I felt comfortable. 

This blog will show you how I:
incorporate houses on my team, use drums to add energy, excitement, and to help ADHD students, integrate music into my lessons, use the Essential 55 rules, and create an environment where my students LOVE to come to school. Of course there are many methods that I apply that are in addition to this list. 

I am excited about this new journey and I am glad to have you join me!