Assignment #2

1). Student Resources: Math
Sadly, many students now-a-days seem to not necessarily enjoy math. I hope that I am able to help my students understand math better and even more specifically enjoy it! In my 5th grade classroom I have noticed those who catch on to the math lessons right away, there are those who are completely lost, and then there are all those who are somewhere in between. Hopefully these links will be able to help those students better grasp the material covered in class, as well as have a little fun while learning. Math is a subject that needs to be practiced frequently, which was another reason I wanted to have some links to help my students keep practicing their math skills. One of these links is Interactive Math The students are able to go to this link and select what grade level they are in and click on a broad topic to which will then lead them to a whole list of more specific math items to work on. This would be great to use as math homework or extra credit every once in awhile. Another great math link is Ask Dr. Math! . This particular website is wonderful to help students at home with maybe any math questions they may have. One can either send in a question, or see if someone else has already asked the same question one had. If so, then they are able to read the answer and hopefully understand whatever their question was.

2). Student Resources: Social Studies
Social Studies has been one of my favorite subjects to learn about. I tried to limit myself on how many links I added to this category (I did not want to get too carried away). One website that I think will be very useful in a 5th grade classroom is States and Capitals . A possible idea as to how to include this website into the classroom could include having the students report on different states. This website has a good amount of information on each given state that would help each student with their assignment. A second great and fun website is On this Day…. This website daily shows what has happened historically with today’s date. This would be a great source to share interesting facts, maybe the students will even find a fact that ties back to their state that they will be representing!!

3). Student Resources: Art
I do wish that schools would not cut out Art programs. Art programs seem to be among the first things to leave a school. Art is such a great tool for students to learn, especially since there are so many different mediums. I do want to find some more art websites to include in this particular resource for the students. For starters, Art Attack includes a ton of fun, creative art projects. These art projects include more 3-D projects. I would love to be able to do some of the projects I found on this website. There are great ideas to create fun picture frames (Maybe could make these for father’s or mother’s day!), a 3-D still life (Maybe they can draw each others still life as another art project), to even castles (Everyone loves castles! Maybe I can find a book to read to the class such as The Tale of Despereaux, and then as a class we can create a 3-D setting of the story). Another wonderful tool at the student’s fingertips is the ability to visit an Art Museum . The students would be able to look at different art works without even going to visit the museum. This would be wonderful in case the teacher wants to show the students an example of an art work or style they are attempting, or could show a work of art and have the students write about the art work. This way they would be including both art and writing.

4). Resources for Parents
With our fast passed schedules, many times parents do not always have enough time to help their kids with school work. A key ingredient into seeing students succeed is not just found at school with their teacher, rather at home. Sometimes parents need to be reminded how important their role in their children’s lives can play in how well they will do at school. One website that can help parents is Helping Students Succeed in School . On this website parents can find helpful tips of how to help their children with homework, study habits, or taking tests. A second source for parents is Helping your Child Learn Math . As mentioned earlier, math is a subject that seems to be less engaging to students. Hopefully my parents will be able to get more involved in their students work such as math. Maybe with the parents help, these students will find a better appreciation for math. This particular website offers some activities families can do together to encourage math.

5). Resources for Teachers
Lastly but not least are resources for teachers. I know that I will personally be able to use all of the websites for this category for different reasons. There are some great links to help with lesson plans, games to include in class, a class timer, and math drills. There are so many more great websites for teachers, which hopefully one will take advantage of while great tools, resources, and ideas are all a mouse click a way. I personally like the School Express website. This webpage has several different links to a whole bunch of free worksheets, awards, games, and so much more for teachers to use. ABC Teach also provides teachers with ideas of projects, worksheets, art, activities, themed units, etc. Both these websites are great in that they both have great ideas and examples for teachers to use, as well as hopefully make their lesson planning easier with great resources to turn to.