Whack A Number

 Students were given a mole number line.

 I rolled a die on the Mimio Board and had the students either hit 1 more or 1 less.
The had to yell out what number they were whacking.

The students made a head-band that read "Whack A Number"

The "Whackers" are made out of a pool noodle and a sharpened pencil.

Have you ever had a class that didn't pay as much attention to you as you would like? Well, you aren't in the boat alone.  Many days I feel like I put on a circus show for my class and they don't seem as engaged as I would like. I began to notice that all my students were able to watch an introductory video and not be distracted.    So, I began thinking, what if I turned myself into an aviator to capture their attention?  I came across the app: Voki Ed. I mentioned to my class that we would have a new friend and she would help us learn each day. I also told them that she could morph into different creatures and teach them new concepts. I will use "Her" to introduce lessons and create class incentives.  They can't wait to see her face pop-up on our smart board.
My New Voki

Safari Hunt Rhyme Time

I gave each student an animal with a picture and they had to match their picture with another safari animal that rhymed. We had to hunt around the school to find our match. Once we found our match we shared with our partners.  

-just a side note: When I introduced this activity to the class I had animal sounds playing in the background, built some background knowledge such as what animals you might see on a safari hunt and why, gave each student a safari hat and some hand-made binoculars. They loved this activity!

Meet the Teacher 

Front entrance to my classroom                                   Each student left with some popcorn

                                        and a balloon! ( I am also attempting flexible seating)