Making Middle Work
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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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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!!
4th - 8th
Math, Numbers
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
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
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.
4th - 6th
Applied Math, Measurement, Other (Math)
Gary Paulsen's GUTS Biography Comprehension Questions & Final
*Includes 7 front and back student hand outs, counting the final project, which is a student choice of 2 unique and different writing projects!*
This text is rated as a Lexile 1230 book, or a Guided Reading Level X. Recommendations for this text range from 6th-8th grade depending on the students’ instructional reading levels. FMI, visit this site.

I read this with a group of students reading at the 5th grade level, and it was very challenging for them, and they needed a lot of suppor
5th - 8th
English Language Arts, Informational Text, Reading
FREE Rhyming School Scavenger Hunt
Perfect for a reward- this scavenger starts where you want (I started right in our own classroom), and takes students on an in-school journey to known places in all schools! The best part is that it ends outside! Recess anyone? I used this with grades 3, 4, and 5, and all students thought it was pretty fun!!
K - 6th
Phonics & Phonological Awareness, Poetry
Cursive Tracing Practice and Brain Break
**If your students are having a difficult time with focus or fine motor control, tracing is an excellent brain break which improves both of those areas/ skills. I do this "rainbow" style, which means that they can trace each sentence several times over with different colors to make the sentences look like rainbows- that saves on paper too because they can use the same sentences as long as they'd like!
2nd - 6th
Writing
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.
4th - 6th
Basic Operations, Order of Operations
The BFG by Roald Dahl High Level Thinking Questions
5 two-sided student hand outs and a final project choice across 3 genres! Plus, you get an answer key! Book Leveling This text is a Lexile 720 book, or a Guided Reading Level U. Recommendations for this text range from 4th-6th grade depending on the students’ instructional levels. FMI, visit http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/bfg#cart/cleanup Intended Use This document is for use in public classrooms or homeschool classrooms to get students thinking more deeply about the books that the
3rd - 6th
English Language Arts, Literature, Reading
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
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
4th - 7th
Arithmetic, Basic Operations
CCSS
4.NBT.B.6
, 5.NBT.B.5
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
Prize Box Ticket FREEBIE
If someone does a little something that catches your attention in a positive way, hand them a prize ticket. There's room on the top for a name, and room on the bottom for the reason. Very small, subtle, and practical!
K - 8th
For All Subjects
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!
5th
Math
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)
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!
4th - 8th
Numbers
FROZEN Inspired Behavior Plan- Contains 3 Versions!
Get your students on board with an improvement plan that fits their needs and their interests. :)
There are now three versions of the point sheet AND three versions of the rewards sheets so that you can mix and match based on what is best for you.
The first version is completed with 1/2 hour time intervals, and two goals: 1) Follow procedures and directions, and 2) work to the best of abilities. The goals sheet in version one is completely filled in with recommended rewards based on effectiven
K - 6th
For All Subjects
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
4th - 6th
Arithmetic, Math, Other (Math)
Simplify Fractions and Mixed Numbers Maze (Activity or Homework)
Students will differentiate between numbers that are simplified, and those which are still able to be simplified. Have students begin at "start" and end at "finish" by coloring in or highlighting the reducible fractions and mixed numbers, and leaving those already simplified numbers white. Just print and use! Easy!!
4th - 8th
Fractions, Math, Numbers
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
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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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