Making Middle Work
388 Followers
Shapleigh, Maine, United States
About the store
I have taught grade levels ranging from 1st through 6th and have loved it all. Currently, I am a Resource Room teacher for 5th and 6th graders, and I couldn't love what I do any more than I do after this most recent year. I have been teaching for 4 1/2 years and am FINALLY feeling like I am confident in all that I am doing. I have done a lot of trial and error and I am only planning on posting TPT items that are successful for their purpose.
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Main Idea: Rubric for Creating a "Movie Poster" for Any Book!
One of the coolest ways that I have been able to get my kids to identify the main idea and details within a book if to have them create a movie poster! Kiddos will read their book and then they will:
-identify the most important details within the text (which will become elements of the picture or photo on the movie poster),
-identify the main idea and/ or themes (which will be part of the critic reviews, for example, "This book was an absolutely riveting tale which shows how challenging life
2nd - 12th
Art, English Language Arts, Reading
Operations in Scientific Notation Notes Outline and Practice
Fill-In-The-Blank Note Taking Guide
and Practice Problems for Operations in Scientific Notation
Outline becomes a HOW-TO guide for multiplying, dividing, adding, and subtracting numbers written in scientific notation.
Includes the exponent and power laws in the form of a handout which will help student be successful in their problem solving.
Answer key is included.
7th - 10th
Math, Math Test Prep, Order of Operations
Approximate Square Roots using Radicals
Students can extend their knowledge of decimal multiplication and square numbers into this activity. Use it as an intro to radicals, an enrichment for multiplication, even a "how to use a calculator to find..." or "how to round a number" lesson. Totally up to you!! There are two versions- maybe one to complete together, and one to complete alone.
If kids are struggling with this, you could point out the diagonal pattern of square numbers in multiplication chart.
All answers will be irrational
6th - 12th
Algebra, Algebra 2, Decimals
Three Student Reflection Forms for after Submitting Group or Individual Work
I've created three forms for use in classrooms after a project or product has been submitted.
There is one form for reflection by a whole group,
one form for reflection by an individual after a group project,
and one form for reflection by an individual after a solo project.
In addition to there being a checklist at the top of each form, there are also a few critical thinking/ short answer reflection questions.
4th - 12th
For All Subjects, Other (ELA)
Ugly Sweater Theme Activity for ANY Book/Novel - Illustrations for Theme
This assignment can be used with any piece of literature (short stories or novels). Students are asked to complete a graphic organizer to prove a theme statement; the teacher could provide a theme to prove, or the students could generate their own. After, they use their evidence from the book to decorate an "ugly sweater" which represents their theme. This is designed to be non-denominational and does not explicitly note any specific holiday.
5th - 12th
Reading, Short Stories
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
CCRA.R.1
, CCRA.R.2
, LA.6.7.A
 +1
Determining Coordinates & Graphing Linear Equations and Ratio
Three similar assignments (two with only number-based problems, and the third with word problems which require students to write their own equations) will provide students with the practice that they will need to read and interpret linear equations, determine coordinates which result from input of an X value and output of a Y value.
Students will then be required to identify the Y intercept and determine the slope of the linear equation. Finally, students will be required to graph the coordina
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Algebra, Graphing, Math
CCSS
8.EE.B.5
, 8.EE.B.6
, 8.F.A.1
 +1
Coordinate Graphing to show a Secret Message ("You Rule" in 4 Quadrants)
Have students plot the teacher's coordinates to reveal a secret message across four quadrant. Students are also asked to label the quadrants, label the origin, and label the x and y axis! (Shhh... the secret message is "you rule!")
4th - 8th
Graphing, Math, Numbers
Printable Happy Birthday Coloring Pages- Eight Designs!
Eight coloring pages to double as a card and a fun, interactive gift! ForkySpideyAliceElsaLegoDinosEmojiTraditional*Please note that the editable version mentioned in slide 2 has been discontinued, and so the price has been lowered from $2.75 to $1.25. :)
PreK - 8th
Art, Other (Arts)
Interactive Geometry Vocabulary Organizer with Drawing Space
Students are asked to re-write a series of geometry vocabulary words (for example, line, ray, line segment, parallel, perpendicular...), cut and glue the correct definition, and finally draw a visual representation of the word.
18 geometry vocabulary words, plus three blank spaces to add words that your class needs.
3rd - 12th
Geometry, Math
Continent Crossword- Student Editable in GSlides and GDraw
Three versions of the same continent crossword are included: Editable Google Slide Editable Google DrawEditable Low Stimulation Google Slide (with some visual input removed)All versions force a copy to you so that you can assign it to your students right through Google Classroom or your preferred platform.
2nd - 6th
Geography
Letter Template for Peer to Peer Feedback (after sharing writing)
This is a great way to increase attention to student presentations, encourage kindness and compassion, and encourage students to support each other in their learning. The fill in the blank format provides students with an organizer that will not leave them with killer writer's block.
Use this in a whole group, in small groups, or in 1:1 buddy situations...Whatever works for you! Cooperative learning is something that is both valued and enjoyed by students!
Not Specific
Character Education, English Language Arts, For All Subjects
Showing 1-11 of 11 results
About the store
Experience
I have taught grade levels ranging from 1st through 6th and have loved it all. Currently, I am a Resource Room teacher for 5th and 6th graders, and I couldn't love what I do any more than I do after this most recent year. I have been teaching for 4 1/2 years and am FINALLY feeling like I am confident in all that I am doing. I have done a lot of trial and error and I am only planning on posting TPT items that are successful for their purpose.
Teaching style
I am in favor of the Student Driven/ SCPBL classroom. I teach is a CCSS state (Maine) and so the vast majority of what I use is geared towards the Core. My "style" is that of a teacher who fosters inquiry and exploration. I want my kids to be challenged by their own goals and aspirations (even if I do sometimes have to make my ideas seem like their ideas... haha). I do not want to push robots out of my room; I want to push the next generations of thinkers and doers out of my room.
Awards & shining teacher moments
I graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of Maine at Farmington. I was selected by my district to become a trainer in the area of Higher Level Thinking Skills. My professional portfolio was also selected to be a district/ state exemplar.
My own education history
I went to school in Southern Maine, and was lucky enough to stay in one district all the way from K-12, eventually graduating 25th in a class of 326 (darn gym class...).
I didn't know for sure that I wanted to become an educator until I became a TA for a special education classroom in 10th grade. I loved it, and I knew it was the right career for me, even if the lifestyle (and pay) was not the most appealing thing in the world. I went to UMF and majored in Special Education K-12, and returned to my district to pay back all they'd done for me as a student. I feel like I am doing what I am supposed to now, and am honored to be in the lives of the next generation!
Additional biographical information
I am married to my best friend, and high school sweet heart, and recently built a lovely home by the lake in Southern Maine. We kayak, and I bury my nose in books to stay sane- this summer I am in 3 book clubs (one for fun, and two excellent professional development clubs). I have no kids, no pets, and no immediate care in the world except for being a good wife, and a fantastic role model for my munchkins in my room!
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