When I ask kids what they did over spring break, I so often hear “nothing.” Horse Hockey! Even if you didn’t go on an extravagant vacation, you most certainly DID do something. Then I pose the question, “How did you use math during spring break?” and the vast majority say they didn’t. Au Contraire, my friends! Then one or two students will get what I’m asking them, and the class goes wild!
By the time we posted all of our math ideas, the kids were so thrilled with their list. They thought they were oh, so, creative (and many of them were)! They were pleased that they did, indeed do math, and they started seeing math everywhere.
And then I asked them how they used reading over spring break, and you guessed it, they say they didn’t! (Or if I’m lucky, a few will say that they read a book). Eventually they get this, too, and we continue to generate ways we read over spring break.
This is a quick but incredibly meaningful activity to do with students when they return from break (spring break, winter break, beginning of the school year, etc.). It is such a great reflection, and every time I do it, the kids love it. They always come back telling me all the ways they used math the next day!
Update: I decided to add a FREE printable version of the anchor chart for students to bring home with them over the break so you have the option of giving them a bit more time to think through their ideas! I’d recommend sending these pages home over the break so they can track them, then have them select their favorites to put on the class chart. Click the image below to enjoy the freebies.
Mary Montero
I’m so glad you are here. I’m a current gifted and talented teacher in a small town in Colorado, and I’ve been in education since 2009. My passion (other than my family and cookies) is for making teachers’ lives easier and classrooms more engaging.
I like this idea because it gets the kids thinking that these skills just aren't used in school.
Wanted to add just found your task card corner. My students love doing task cards 🙂
We go back tomorrow….so I'm doing this tomorrow! Great idea 🙂 The posters look awesome.
Sarah
MissKinBK
I love this idea – what a great way to reinforce how they use these their skills everyday. I will be pinning this for next year!
Looking From Third to Fourth
Love, love, love this idea!! Definitely keeping it around for next year at this time 🙂 Thanks!
~Stephanie
3rd Grade Thoughts
Great idea! Would love to do this after summer break.:)
Kristin
iTeach 1:1
Such a great idea!! I will definitely be doing this tomorrow morning. What a great way to wake up their brains after a break while reinforcing real-world math and reading! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this quality information with us and i like this. I hope you post again soon.
Visit to play games friv than play games2girls and play kids games online online free
Creative. Truly, creative. Thanks for sharing this awesome idea with us. I am pinning it, and I am tweeting it.
gucci bags
louis vuitton handbags
gucci outlet online
oakley outlet
polo ralph lauren
louis vuitton
jordan retro 8
coach outlet
kate spade outlet
michael kors outlet
jordan retro 3
ray ban wayfarer
coach outlet stores online
mont blanc legend
cheap jerseys
gucci outlet online
hollister kids
coach factory outlet
louis vuitton outlet
abercrombie store
michael kors outlet
ray ban glasses
michael kors purse
ray ban outlet store
michael kors outlet
fitflop
christian louboutin outlet
soccer jerseys
louis vuitton outlet
coach outlet store online
jordan 13s
coach outlet
coach outlet online
coach outlet
retro jordan
prada sunglasses
20150626xiong
insanity workout
the north face outlet
converse shoes
air jordan 11
louis vuitton handbags
ugg boots
tory burch outlet online
adidas shoes
michael kors outlet
washington redskins jerseys
lacoste outlet
coach outlet online
discount oakley sunglasses, http://www.oakleysunglassesdiscount.us.com
abercrombie and fitch
pittsburgh steelers jersey
ugg boots, http://www.uggboot.com.co
nike air max uk
michael kors outlet
gucci handbags
lululemon outlet
the north face jackets
cheap oakley sunglasses
oakley sunglasses wholesale, http://www.oakleysunglasseswholesale.in.net
ugg boots, http://www.uggbootsclearance.in.net
mulberry outlet
herve leger
toms outlet
cheap ugg boots, http://www.cheapuggboots.net.co
burberry outlet
cheap toms
pandora
adidas outlet
ralph lauren polo shirts
cheap soccer jerseys
true religion outlet
true religion outlet, http://www.truereligionjean.in.net
michael kors outlet, http://www.michaelkorsoutlet-store.us.com
louis vuitton outlet
0811maoqiuyun