VocabularySpellingCity Premium Membership

We are always looking for ways to make our school day run smoother, quicker, easier.  That is what a Premium Membership from VocabuarlySpellingCity will do for you!

VocabularySpellingCity offers online games, printable worksheets, flashcards, and more using your spelling and vocabulary lists.  They have precreated lists available, or you can create your own.  Be sure to browse the Teaching Resources section of the site to see what all is available.  I use the site in my literacy centers, math centers, to create vocabulary tests in curriculum areas, to provide flash cards as study guides and games, extension activities in science, etc.

As a Premium Member, your students have access to things such as exclusive games, online tests where the scores are recorded for you, individual student logins, writing practice where students can resume in their own time (Be sure they click "Resume Writing Practice," or their previous work will be overwritten.), and individualized assignments which are great for differentiated instruction. The cost for a classroom Premium Membership is only $49.99 for a year.  What a great idea for class donation money!

Although, I am a paid consultant for VocabularySpellingCity, I was under no obligation to create this post.  I have used VocabularySpellingCity for years before my relationship with their company.  I can vouch that a Premium Membership is well worth the cost.

~Cara

Monday Must Have-VocabularySpellingCity Math Vocabulary

I love teaching math! I especially love finding new tools that aid in my math instruction. Even better, is finding a tool that my students love, too. This is exactly what happened when I VocabularySpellingCity introduced their new math vocabulary section. 

The word lists which have been created from Common Core and NCTM standards are arranged by grade level and content standard. If you have a free account, you can simply import them into your account. Once you have imported them, you can edit the lists to suit your students' needs. You can add or remove words and customize definitions and sentences. I tend to use them just the way they are!

Vocabulary is a very important part in understanding math. It is the basis for all math principles. Also, it is important they have a basis of math terms to use in standardized testing. Every two weeks, my students are presented a new list that I print from VocabularySpellingCity using the Flashcards button. The kids play the various games daily on our Promethean ActivBoard during math centers time. Finally, the are tested on the words using the Vocabulary Test Me feature. 

You can easily see why VocabularySpellingCity Math Vocabulary is a must have!

~Cara

What Works Wednesday-Small Groups Instruction

I have selected Wednesdays to share tips of what works well in my classroom. As a 4th grade teacher, I experience kids who won't ask their teacher questions. In fact, it is a proven, researched fact that something happens between 3rd and 4th grades where kids stop asking for help. I have found a proven strategy to give kids one on one individualized, differentiated instruction is by teaching in small groups. Currently, my kids participate in small groups for reading and math. I have found that kids become more successful because the "fear factor" is gone because of a small group setting. I can also catch struggles before they become problems. Often, the teacher moves from the role of instructor to facilitator. Small groups have transformed my students and their test scores. I encourage any teacher to become a small group facilitator!

~Cara