Scoot Games in the Classroom

Scoot in the Classroom - A Favorite

SCOOT! The students in my class LOVE hearing that word (or variations like Scooch, Scurry, Skedaddle during the game.) They know "Scoot" means they will be doing an activity that involves moving around the classroom.

Here's how it works:  1. Place a task card at each student desk.  2. Students create a recording sheet or use a handout.  3. Students begin by answering the questions at their own desk.  4. When prompted by the word Scoot (or whatever you decide) students move to the desk that would be next in numerical order.  5. When you see that the task is completed - prompt the movement again and repeat until all cards are complete.

Over the last few years I used Scoot games sporadically.  However, this year I find myself incorporating it on a more regular basis. These activities, which are usually a quick 5 minutes, can be a lesson activator, review of a concept or used as formative assessment.

While first I started purchasing games like Rounding Scoot through TeachersPayTeachers, lately I have created my own 'simple' versions.  For instance - I take 20 math flashcards (addition/subtraction/multiplication/division or a mix of all) and place one on each student desk.  I will instruct students to write a number on the card or on their whiteboard and place the card next to the number. Then students quickly number their papers 1-20 and we're ready to "move on!"

I've also used it for Vocabulary.  I will place the vocabulary words we are learning in ELA (or other content areas) and place them on student desks.  Again - we number the cards and paper - then SCOOT!  I've used it for spelling (I leave out the vowels and students write the whole words including the vowels.  Fact and Opinion can easily be reviewed with a quick Scoot activity. Students can identify states by their shape - cut up a worksheet that you want students to complete - put a piece at each desk - the possibilities are endless.

Some Scoot games can be more challenging like this Inference Game.  Naturally, the more difficult the skill the longer the activity.  So you need to decide the purpose of your scoot game. Whatever the purpose, Scoot is a learning activity that appeals to many!

Have a favorite SCOOT activity - please share it here!

Resources:

Mrs. White's 5th grade Class: Using Scoot Game & QR Codes

Teachers.net Lesson Plans:  Scoot for Money

Think Share Teach: Renaming Numbers (Free)

TeachersPayTeachers: Scoot Games  (Pay)

ProTeacher Community: Task Cards by Unseen (Membership is Free) This is a resource of over 100 Task Cards!






 

Slide into Summer Fun & Learning (Part 3 Math Games)

It hasn't happened in so long that we were all caught off guard.  It must have happened because of the extreme heat we have been having.  Just when we were getting ready to sit down and watch our favorite shows - the lights went out!  No television or internet! What's a child to do? 

What's a child to do?  Why, hone up on their math skills with some fun and easy games of course! Just like we did!  Playing board games or games on the computer will help keep math skills from sliding during the summer.  Here are some family favorites!

Yahtzee.  My daughter, her girlfriend and I played this game of strategy and probability that involves addition.  It was especially fun as we played by candlelight with lots of chatting and laughter.  Meanwhile, the girls, who are teenagers were practicing their basic math operations.  (For those who like playing games online there is a Yahtzee Online Version. Just make sure to turn off chat feature.)

Monopoly:  This classic board game is a sure hit with the family as they wait to see who has the most money at the end.  For older children it is a great review of counting money and you can even work on the skill of counting back change!  There is an online version by Hasbro for younger kids with a 'Lightning McQeen, Cars' theme and smaller values.  

Tower Blaster Online Game

Mancala, the ancient game with stones is a great way to practice counting and strategy.  For those who love online games try this online Mancala version or these other Math & Logic Games .   

Racko: I LOVE this game as it reminds me of my childhood. However, I use it in my classroom during math centers.  The player to put their cards in order first, wins. Click on the Racko link above to learn the rules.  An online version of this game is called "Tower Blaster".

For those computer lovers, here's a page full of fun math games is Johnnie's Math Fun.  There are all kinds of logic, puzzle and other type number games.  The logic games are even good for adults.

Revisit the games of your own childhood and you will likely find many connections to mathematics. Playing them with your child will surely bring about fond memories for all of you! 

Enjoy these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer while they last (and have some fun connecting with your kids while practicing math!).  Let me know what games you'll be playing in the comment section!

Teachable Moment - Watch Live - Iowa Eagles

Making our way back to the classroom from Phys. Ed. the other day, one of the kindergarten teachers stopped my class in the hallway and invited them into her classroom.  I'll admit I was a tad bit annoyed because it was near the end of the day, and we still had some pressing things to get accomplished.  Quickly, my annoyance turned into absolute fascination!  Staring right at us was a momma eagle sitting on her 3 eggs waiting for them to hatch!  Talk about a 'Teachable Moment'!

Well, our kindergarten teacher was actually projecting a live stream video feed of a bald eagle's nest sitting high atop a tree in Decorah, Iowa.  The 'Nest Cam' is part of the  Raptor Resource Project whose mission is to "preserve and strengthen raptor populations."  Raptors are birds of prey. The eagle's eggs which were laid in February have an estimated hatching date of April 1st! 

 

  (This video created from a PowerPoint show produced by Colorado State University)

Watching the male and female eagles 'LIVE' has been the highlight of our week!  Everyday the kids rush into class sharing what they witnessed while watching the Nest Cam.   

Students' observations have included:

  * the male eagle swooping in and changing places with the female

  * moving and rolling the eggs closer together using their beak   

  * dinner (in the form of a mouse) being brought to the nest

  * the female eagle signaling to the male with a high pitched squawking

  * building up of the nest around the eagle's body

The students also blogged about their observations, and also wrote short stories from the point of view of the eagle! They have been asking me question after question about eagles.  They are so en'raptor'ed by the whole thing!

The students have not been the only ones watching this extraordinary event, as their parents have been glued to the live feed as well. One parent commented,  "Not only is it a permanent fixture on our home computer...everyone I work with had it on their computer as a window today." Another parent stated "It's addicting - I can't wait to see the chicks". It's hard NOT to get excited about nature up close and personal!

To think I almost passed up this 'Teachable Moment!' Let this be a lesson to us all about capturing those 'teachable moments' for we never know where learning will lead us (or our students)! How lucky we all are to be able to experience the hatching of these majestic birds - the symbol of our nation! Thank you Ms. Bearce for drawing us in! 

Resources to help answer Eagle Questions:

Eagles 101: Although this is geared for kids in grades 5 - 8 it has a lot of information that can be shared with younger children.

Bald Eagle Facts for Kids:  Some quick facts about the eagle.

Bald Eagle Fun:  Coloring pages, greeting cards and games    

Bald Eagle Photos: Photos taken of Bald Eagles in Alaska

Ben's Guide to Government: Tells how the eagle came to be the symbol of the US Government

 What was your most recent 'Teachable Moment'? Please share it in the comment section. 

To See or not to See (his Shadow that it is) - Punxsatawney Phil and Groundhog Day

photo © 2005 Silvers Family | more info (via: Wylio)
It's the age old question: Will we have 6 more weeks of winter? The only one that truly is equipped to deal with that is Punxsatawney Phil the Groundhog from Pennsylvania... !

Every February 2nd before sunrise Phil is brought out from his home at Gobblers Knob in Punxsatawney PA, to determine if he 'sees' his shadow. If he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. No shadow means ...Spring is around the corner.


Groundhog Day - February 2nd - holds fascination for many... especially children. Here is some information and activities for those interested in Groundhogs and Groundhog Day!

The Official Groundhog Club Site: Here you can find information about the history of Phil, past predictions and fun facts.


Hoghaven: Here you can listen to sounds of groundhogs.

Kaboose: This page gives craft directions to make a felt portrait of Phil.


Primary Games: Interactive games such as a Word Search, Puzzles, and Jumble can be found at this site.


Groundhog Day & Possum Nights: A talking storybook by Tom Tittle


Surfnet: This site has a fun concentration game for kids.

Treats: To celebrate Groundhog's Day perhaps you could make some fun treats like these cupcakes:

photo © 2009 Mark Levisay | more info (via: Wylio)


I'll let you discover if Punxsatawney Phil declares more winter or spring. One thing I will tell you....he predicted the Pittsburgh Steelers will WIN the Superbowl!


Please take a moment to share how you like to celebrate Groundhog's Day by placing your answer in the AnswerGarden.



How do you like to celebrate Groundhog's Day?... at AnswerGarden.ch.