One Teacher's Adventures

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Are you looking for a way to help your middle school students understand probability? These hands-on math stations are a great way to help students understand the difference between theoretical and experimental probability.  In these stations, students use common materials to complete simple tests in order to calculate probability of a specific event. My students loved these stations so much that they asked if we could spend an extra day with them to see whether the experimental probability would change.  These allowed for rich classroom discussions on the difference between theory and practice, and some students were able to show extension of the topics by suggesting further tests and trials - including testing 50 times instead of 20, with a hypothesis that the experimental probability would more closely match the theoretical probability with more trials.  My probability stations come with 8 different station cards, teacher notes, and almost all materials needed to run t...

  If you are looking for a way to help your students with self-assessment of the Core Competencies in BC that doesn't feel like a challenge or a burden, look no further! This weekly reflection page has been a game changer in my classroom. Here's how I use it: In the first few weeks of school, I teach the language of the Core Competencies to my middle schoolers. We break apart all seven sub-competencies and create "I Can" statements that are in student-friendly language. Students won't be able to self-assess if they don't have the language of assessment. After they are comfortable with the language, we reflect on lessons where one or more competency was really highlighted. For example, in a lesson about finding reliable sources, I can bring the conversation back to the competency of critical thinking.  Then, starting in mid-late October, we begin a weekly reflection of Core Competencies. I use the page below with my students. (If you click on the image, you can...

This activity is a great low floor, high ceiling hands-on math activity that takes zero prep and had all of my kids fully engaged.  My 6th graders this year love to use their hands and build. So, to help them better understand ratios, I decided to bring out the manipulatives.  First, I asked my students to find one or two partners, then in their groups select a collection of items from our manipulatives bins. I had tangrams, pattern blocks, beads, unifix cubes, cuisinaire rods, and place value blocks, but this could work with any manipulatives that you may have in your classroom. When they had their items, I asked them to find as many ratios they could to describe relationships between their items.  For the collection above, they might find the following ratios. triangles to hexagons = 7:3 unifix cubes to beads = 5:20 green triangles to triangles = 4:7 yellow to red = 9:3 I gave my students about 15 minutes to find and record as many ratio relationships as they could, in ...

The number one question I get asked by colleagues and customers is "How do you structure your Core French blocks?" Because it is such a common request, I thought I'd share it here. In my middle school, our blocks are 52 minutes long. I try to fit in some opportunity for students to speak, listen to, read, and write French in every block, but it doesn't always work out that way for timing purposes. If I don't have time and have to cut something, I make sure that I never cut out speaking. I want my students to speak French every single day. Here is a sample structure for a typical middle school French block: 1.      Date and Weather report (2-3 minutes) a.     The first unit I teach in Core French is weather and calendar. This allows for all the students to have familiar vocabulary and framework so that we can start every day with a brief weather report. I will welcome the students in French and tell them the date, then I ask “Quel temps fait-il?” and ask f...

  Back to School time is just around the corner for us here in BC. For my FSL classes, I like to start the year off with a study (or review) of basic greetings and introductions. That way, we can get to know each other and speak French at the same time. Here is a free FSL greetings and introductions packet that can be used with beginner French students or as a review for those kids who may need a reminder after the summer break! Click on the picture to get this free packet! How do you like to begin your year in FSL? Let me know in the comments! Looking for more great tips and ideas for middle school? Subscribe to my email list and receive an exclusive FREE sub plans resource. It includes plans for math, ELA, science, social studies, and Core French. Click  here  to subscribe.

I love to add games into my Middle School math lessons. So much learning happens when students play games, not just because the content of the games relates to curriculum, but because when they are playing, they are engaged in the material and are applying theory in a context that makes sense. Here are 10 of my favourite games to play during my math blocks. 1. Cribbage Cribbage is a great game for mental math skills, addition, and strategy. Materials: Cribbage Board, Deck of Cards Objective: Be the first to score 121 points Number of Players: 2-3 How to Play Play Online 2. Achi Achi is a simple game, but takes concentration and strategy. Materials: Achi Board, 4 pieces for each player Objective: be the first player to get three pieces in a row Number of Players: 2 How to Play Download a printable Achi Board 3. Make 100 This game is great to practice basic operations. My students really love it, especially the end when everyone is hovering around 100 and they need to add, then subtract...