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Making Middle Work

Rated 4.9 out of 5, based on 499 reviews
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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Preview of Prime and Composite Number Maze (Activity or Homework)

Prime and Composite Number Maze (Activity or Homework)

Students will differentiate between prime numbers and composite numbers using this fun maze style puzzle. Have students begin at "start" and end at "finish" by coloring in or highlighting the prime numbers and leaving those composite numbers white. Just print and use! Easy!!
Preview of Properties of Addition and Multiplication Reference Sheet

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.**
Preview of Convert Units of Capacity US Customary 5.MD.A.1

Convert Units of Capacity US Customary 5.MD.A.1

This is an assessment regarding converting units of capacity in the US Customary system. The assessment is two pages, contains a scoring sheet, and has an answer key included (5 pages total). Common Core link is 5.MD.A.1 but could be accessible above or below this level depending on student ability level.
Preview of Fraction Assesment Grade 5.NF.A.1- B.4

Fraction Assesment Grade 5.NF.A.1- B.4

CCSS aligned to 4th and 5th grade fraction standards. Large print for less stimulation and fewer problems per page. Suggestion: Use Fraction Assessment A (this document) as a pre-test, and Fraction Assessment B ($1 in my TPT Store) as a post test.
Preview of Operations in Scientific Notation Notes Outline and Practice

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.
Preview of Approximate Square Roots using Radicals

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
Preview of Number Worlds Placement Test Tracking Sheet

Number Worlds Placement Test Tracking Sheet

Number Worlds is a CCSS aligned math curriculum, but when assessing multiple kiddos to find out which level they should be placed at, data recording can be tricky! This is the sheet I made for myself to track the level's that I'd tried kids out at, and to take notes about performances during and after the assessments were given.
Preview of Fraction Assesment B Grade 5.NF.A.1- B.4

Fraction Assesment B Grade 5.NF.A.1- B.4

CCSS aligned to 4th and 5th grade fraction assessments. Follow up to my FREEBIE fraction assessment. Extra problems that are more challenging!Large print for less stimulation and fewer problems per page. Use Fraction assessment A as a pre-test, and B as a post test. Please leave feedback so I can get you what you need!
Preview of Two Turkey Color by Numbers- Order of Ops and Integers

Two Turkey Color by Numbers- Order of Ops and Integers

1) Problems contain multiplication, division, and parentheses. Answers are used to color the turkey! \ 2) Problems contain addition/ subtraction of integers.
Preview of Properties of Multiplication No Prep Student Reference & Practice Pack

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
Preview of Order of Operations Assessment

Order of Operations Assessment

This 4 page assessment is split into two parts. Part 1 is based on the Marzano Taxonomy "Retrieving Knowledge" (remembering rules for operations, remembering and using steps in the order of operations). It includes: Using vocabulary. Solving expressions and equations. Interpreting phrases. Part 2 is based on Marzano's Taxonomy "Comprehending Knowledge" (finding errors, applying concepts to word problems, justification of reasoning). It includes: Reading a price list. Real world applica
Preview of Valentine Integer Addition and Subtraction Color Puzzle 3 Pack

Valentine Integer Addition and Subtraction Color Puzzle 3 Pack

This document contains three color puzzles: one provides practice with adding two and three integers, another other requires subtraction of two and three integers, and the last contains a mixture of addition and subtraction. Images are different on each puzzle so that you can use one or all of them without redundancy. The coloring piece of the assignment provides fine motor practice while also giving a framework for students to do their own PDCA's when their work does not fit the answers on th
Preview of Determining Coordinates & Graphing Linear Equations and Ratio

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
Preview of Coordinate Graphing to show a Secret Message ("You Rule" in 4 Quadrants)

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!")
Preview of Student Centered Data Tracking

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!
Preview of Common Core 5th Grade Data Tool: Math

Common Core 5th Grade Data Tool: Math

This document allows you to collect Common Core Math data easily in one place for students. Simply print one of these off for each students' file or for your data binder, and enjoy having your math data in one place.
Preview of Common Core 5th Grade Data Tool: Math Trimesters

Common Core 5th Grade Data Tool: Math Trimesters

All of the 5th grade Common Core standards listed in one place to be used by teachers to document progress towards meeting grade level expectations. Print off one page per student to be stored in their file or in your data binder!
Preview of Add and Subtract Integers and Coefficients- Two Puzzle Pages w. Silly Messages

Add and Subtract Integers and Coefficients- Two Puzzle Pages w. Silly Messages

Students solve and plot the answer on a number line to reveal a silly message! Use as an intro to adding coefficients or or as homework, review, or extra practice!
Preview of Interactive Geometry Vocabulary Organizer with Drawing Space

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.
Preview of Two Division Assessments (with and without decimals) Key Included

Two Division Assessments (with and without decimals) Key Included

This file is actually two division assessments with varied levels of difficulty. The first version of this assessment is two pages with **whole numbers only**. The second version is three pages and does contain **decimals** and more demand justifications for answers. Answer Key is included. Core Standards: CCSS.Math.Content. 4.NBT.B.6 CCSS.Math.Content. 5.NBT.B.6 
 CCSS.Math.Content. 5.NBT.B.7 CCSS.Math.Content. 6.EE.B.6
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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!