I've been working hard on something to do after our dreaded state tests are over with....something I think my 5th graders will LOVE. Last year, I ordered a class set of Louis Sachar's novel Sideways Arithmetic From Wayside School. At first I thought it would be too babyish for my kids, but after I read it and tried to solve the math puzzles, I decided it would be perfect. It really could be used in 4th or 5th {high 3rd graders} I've searched the Internet high and low for some kind of activities to go along with this book. Nothing. So, what do I do...I write my own. I call this a unit, but really its just a guide that goes hand in hand with the story. I re-wrote all the problems so that all the kids have to do is work the puzzles and place their answers down on paper. If you haven't read this book, there are 50 something math puzzles throughout the story that the reader is to solve...
I am envisioning this happening with cooperative learning groups, whole group read alouds, some independent work...the whole 9 yards. I'm excited.
Following in the footsteps of the great Babbling Abby, I too have a store at TpT. {Teachers Pay Teachers} If you are interested in buying this unit, feel free to check out my store by clicking below:
Drum Roll Please...
IT'S MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!
The full, 13 page, PDF digital unit of Sideways Arithmetic From Wayside School!
The giveaway will start TODAY and run until April 5th
How to Enter:
1. Follow Me :)
2. Leave a comment letting me know if you would use this in your classroom or share it with another teacher friend {who maybe teaches an older grade}
I will pick 3 LUCKY winners on Tuesday, April 5th.
If you click on my store, you will get to see a preview of the unit. :)
Yay for you! I checked you out on TPT. You're in the big time! Your unit looks great. Good work!
ReplyDeleteYes, as you said, this would be too hot to handle for my "chickens", but I could pass this on to some intermediate teachers.
Hey Katie,
ReplyDeleteThis is soo fun!! I wish I had the energy to make a unit like this. I teach 4th grade Math and Science and am going crazy because I'm on maternity leave right now. I actually go back the week right before the test! This sounds like an awesome unit to do after TAKS that would be fun for the kids. They get so tired of the same old stuff. I'll tell the 5 grade math teacher about it too.
Shes always looking for new fun stuff!
Katie Henry
Thx for sharing!!
In the words of the great KN herself, WOWZERS!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I am really hoping to do some novel units to share/sell with others if I end up staying in 6th grade!
ReplyDeleteI already follow!I am pretty sure that I would keep it for myself. It would be a neat way to tie the subjects together.
I am also about to post it on my blogs!
Love this! I'm with the firsties now but I left my student teacher with my old 4th grade classroom back in California and she could totally use it!!
ReplyDeleteI am following You!
ReplyDelete~Fern
Fern-Smith.blogspot.com
I will use this with my high 3rd grade quided reading group after our FCAT {blah}...it looks wonderful!
ReplyDelete~Fern
Fern-Smith.blogspot.com
Pick me! Pick me!! I follow!!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thoughts of a Third Grade Teacher
I would use this in my classroom. I teach third right now but may be moving to fourth next year. I have very close friends in both grades and one friend in particular that would love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
Julie
Thoughts of a Third Grade Teacher
Katie,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for leaving a comment on my post! I absolutely love this idea! I read the book to my class last year during our chapter book read aloud/cool down from P.E. time, and they L-O-V-E-D it. The kids at our school need laughter and silliness. I read some serious books every now and then, but they live in such poverty and go through tough things, so they need great laughs! I would L-O-V-E to have this unit! I am officially a follwer and excited to see what you will have in the future!
thirdgradeexperience.blogspot.com
I'm a follower. I currently teach Kinder but am ready for a change to the older kiddos. There will (hopefully) be a 3rd grade position open at a school I would love to be at soon so I am really wanting to collect new, fun plans!
ReplyDeletejdsargo@sbcglobal.net
Hey Katie what a great unit you developed. I am a follower of yours.
ReplyDeleteMindy
I'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE an activity like this to use as math enrichment. My math group is so diverse in ability, and it would be awesome to have a handful of "beyond" kiddos work on this in a small group for a little bit everyday! Great mix of math and reading :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I found you! I am following you and I would love to win this great unit. I put in to teach 6th grade next year, as we are adding this grade level to our new school. It would be great to have a unit to start teaching my "big" kids if I get the chance!
ReplyDeleteI doubt if I have a chance since I'm your mama, but my fingers are crossed! I'd either use it if/when I go back up to 3rd grade or I'd share it with my teacher buddies. Love this, Katie!
ReplyDeleteMom
I follow you!
ReplyDelete~Fern
Fern Smith’s Classroom Ideas!
I will use this with my advanced reading group, who also happen to be my advance math group {{Go Figure!}} in third grade! I will use it after we finish next week's FCAT!
ReplyDeleteI spent 3 years in McKinney, so glad your TAKS is **O~V~E~R** ☺!
~Fern
Fern Smith’s Classroom Ideas!
this looks fab... my class is clustered with the TAG kids (half my class) so this would do great in my 3rd grade class!!! :)
ReplyDeletei now follow you :0)
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling sad that I missed the giveaway. I have a literature circle book set of the books, but I've never actually read it. Someday I'd love to check out your unit.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
-Natalie
www.whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com