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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Parent Teacher Conference Sign Up Options FREEBIE
I've included three versions of sign up sheets for parent teacher conferences... 1) two day options with 15 minute intervals, 2) two day options with the times blank so that you can set times that work better for you, and 3) one day option where the parents provide more information. I personally prefer having two copies of Option 3 because I prefer having two days to choose from, but I also prefer to have the number or email handy is a big plus if times need to be adjusted last minute.
PreK - 12th
For All Subjects
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
Properties of Addition and Multiplication Reference Sheet
A quick reference for the properties of addition and multiplication.
Two versions: One with all of the addition properties grouped together and all of the multiplication properties grouped together. The other shows like terms together (identity properties together, associative properties together, commutative properties together...)
**EDITED to include Distributive Property.**
5th - 12th
Basic Operations, Math, Math Test Prep
STARGIRL by J. Spinelli Higher Level Comprehension Questions
Book Leveling
This book is rated as a Lexile 590 book, or a Guided Reading Level V; the high interest and low readability level of this book allow weaker readers to access higher level thinking, reasoning, and real world applications. Although recommendations for this text range from 9th-12th grade interest, the grade level reading equivalent is entry 6th grade. Sidenote: My 11-13 year old young ladies especially enjoyed this book, and so I designed my questions according to the standards addre
5th - 10th
English Language Arts, Literature, Reading
Weekly Lesson Plan Template FREEBIE
Plan your lessons for the week on this simple yet functional plan form!
PER REQUEST- This form has been updated and is now EDITABLE! You can type your plans right on this form if you want to!
Please be aware that I am saving from a Mac, so the formatting to Microsoft Word via TPT may require some minor formatting adjustments.
Requested fonts: MingInBling.
Thanks for following me!
PreK - 12th
For All Subjects
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
504 Plan Snapshot Coversheet FREEBIE
Keep some of the most important information at hand with this easy to use snapshot page (also called an "at a glance" page). It is much easier to refer to than flipping through some of our thick files! Of course, it goes without saying that this simple document is not intended to replace the 504 plan, or to keep professionals from reading the entire document, or from getting to know their kids on a personal level. This is merely a handy little extra piece that professionals can use as a suppleme
PreK - 12th
Properties of Multiplication No Prep Student Reference & Practice Pack
Contents:
-Properties of Multiplication: Completed Study Guide
-Properties of Multiplication: Student Note Taking Outline
-“Super” Easy Property Drawing Activity
(creating a visual representation of the two "super" easy properties to remember- Zero and Identity)
-Understand and Use: Associative Property
-Understand and Use: Commutative Property
-Understand and Use: Distributive Property
-Expand and Distribute Practice Page
-The Most Difficult Problem in the World
(But not really... it
4th - 10th
Mental Math, Order of Operations, Other (Math)
CCSS
6.NS.B.4
, 7.NS.A.2a
, 6.EE.A.3
+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
Student Centered Data Tracking
This form is designed for students and teachers to use to keep track of progress towards math standards and skills. It is easy to use, and can be used formatively to drive student centered instruction! Reproduce the second page as many times as needed to provide as much space as you and your students need to document progress towards standards!
3rd - 12th, Adult Education
Math, Math Test Prep
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
Bathroom and Classroom Sign Out Freebie
Easy to use sign out sheets. 2 Versions included. One bathroom sign out, and a more generic classroom sign out with an extra column for "destination".
K - 12th
IEP Snapshot Coversheet FREEBIE
Keep some of the most important information at hand with this easy to use snapshot page (also called an "at a glance" page). It is much easier to refer to than flipping through some of our thicker IEPs! Of course, it goes without saying that this simple document is not intended to replace the IEP or to keep professionals from reading the entire document, or getting to know their kids on a personal level.
PreK - 12th
Similarities and Differences- Functions and Linear Equations Graphic Organizer
One blank version of a compare and contrast table for interactive completion. One completed version which can be used as a hand out if preferred.
+RECENTLY MADE THIS INTO A FREE PRODUCT...
due to a typo in the center box. The second line in the centermost box *should* read "Straight line fits in both."
It will not allow me to edit, so please enjoy this as a NOW FREE product/
7th - 12th
Algebra, Algebra 2, Graphing
IEP Organizer Worksheet for Families FREEBIE
This product is designed to help parents prepare for IEP meetings. It's just one simple page that asks about their child's strengths, concerns, goals, progress, and additional questions they need or want addressed.
PreK - 12th
For All Subjects
Parent Contact Recording Form FREEBIE
Perfect for keeping in the file or in your data binder- keep track of contact with parents using this very simple form.
PreK - 12th, Higher Education
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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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