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I didn't take a leave of absence (in fact, I ended up moving states), I didn't take off either because of recently having a baby (which I didn't have, but just saying) as most mothers rightfully would and wanting to stay at home, and I didn't take off because of some other issue. \u003Cb\u003EI took a year off for myself. \u003C\/b\u003E\u003Ci\u003ETo travel. To see new things. To meet new people. To experience new cultures\u003C\/i\u003E. \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003EAnd I don't regret a second of it.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis post is long. This post is personal. I could go on and on and on and on and on about this experience I am about to share with you. I wanted to keep it as brief as I could. Please feel free to ask questions or reach out in the comment section at the end of the post for more information, advice, or anything else you may want to know about.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBackground Story:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI had taught three years of first grade in Arizona and taught one year of first grade in Oregon. Though Oregon was beautiful (and I still miss it to this day,) it wasn't the place for my boyfriend and I (who is also a teacher). Before heading back to Arizona, Alex and I decided to fulfill our wanderlust fantasy and take a year off to travel.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6YRSFXEs8Ek\/WQtXROuqpWI\/AAAAAAAABz0\/VWGNQWHykMYhKc2xS8Yorg4SLmRTs3kxgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide04.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6YRSFXEs8Ek\/WQtXROuqpWI\/AAAAAAAABz0\/VWGNQWHykMYhKc2xS8Yorg4SLmRTs3kxgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide04.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nAlex and I after completing the multi day Quilotoa Loop Trek in the Andes of Ecuador.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt was something we always fantasized about and was topic of conversation many nights. In fact we were so semi-serious about it that we even begun some deliberate saving. We kept saying, \u003Ci\u003E\"the year after next, the year after next.\u003C\/i\u003E\" Taking a year off to travel was a goal we had discussed, but how attainable was it really? It was more of something fun to talk about, never imagining it could really happen.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OU24gz4QXs4\/WQtdCAaIQdI\/AAAAAAAAB1c\/N8BkIetqHKYwc2_FTP3uJzDhFkz3afDfQCEw\/s1600\/Slide16.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OU24gz4QXs4\/WQtdCAaIQdI\/AAAAAAAAB1c\/N8BkIetqHKYwc2_FTP3uJzDhFkz3afDfQCEw\/s1600\/Slide16.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nCows walking the street in central Vietnam.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nTowards the end of the school year in Oregon there was some moving around in the district we worked in. My position was no longer available for the next year. Perfect. A real excuse to take a year off before settling into a new position in a new school in a new classroom. The news of me having to be moved around was the first spark. We began taking this thing a little more seriously now.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QpEZJZyF55M\/WQtiMjAcKtI\/AAAAAAAAB14\/jhNPoTEgYswHzxPb0SDwfiQm0hnp7ZFggCLcB\/s1600\/Slide20.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QpEZJZyF55M\/WQtiMjAcKtI\/AAAAAAAAB14\/jhNPoTEgYswHzxPb0SDwfiQm0hnp7ZFggCLcB\/s1600\/Slide20.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nAlex and I at Israeli bunkers atop Mt. Herzl\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOur deciding factor, \u003Ci\u003Ewhy not?\u003C\/i\u003E Whether we stayed in Oregon or moved back to Arizona (which we were desperately missing the sun at that point,) we would be starting in new classrooms. We had the money saved. We were ready for a change. If we were going to take a year off, this was the time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI'll admit it now, I was scared.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe Planning:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nPlanning went into action including weather charts, where to keep our things and how much stuff to sell, customs requirements, how we will adjust to coming back after a year, plane tickets, vaccinations, etc, etc. It was a headache. There was so much to think about.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003EBut we just dove in.\u003C\/span\u003E We began with our long list of vaccinations after reviewing where we wanted to go. We began donating clothes and items we didn't need. (Very refreshing to binge everything!) We became more realistic with countries we wanted to visit and how to get to each. Our plan to take a year off was becoming real, so real in fact we purchased plane tickets and reserved our guide to hike Inca Trail at Machu Picchu.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-XQPZxw92sMY\/WQtYeMgdKiI\/AAAAAAAAB0A\/QpFZQexFJfkm8BmD2gfg4UfxQGqApRchgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide17.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-XQPZxw92sMY\/WQtYeMgdKiI\/AAAAAAAAB0A\/QpFZQexFJfkm8BmD2gfg4UfxQGqApRchgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide17.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nWhat we lived out of while we were travelling.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nWe only brought to Arizona what could fit into our two cars, a Nissan Xterra and my baby; a Honda Civic. Everything else was sold or given away. We had a couple weeks in Arizona before we left while we ran last minute errands. Mostly, getting our minds ready to take a year off from teaching to travel.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPart One: South America\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7Iq069RaO0c\/WQtYgWbqDwI\/AAAAAAAAB0I\/81_YxS93Jsss54qDRjkyjtsCSG3nlNdfwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide06.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7Iq069RaO0c\/WQtYgWbqDwI\/AAAAAAAAB0I\/81_YxS93Jsss54qDRjkyjtsCSG3nlNdfwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide06.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nFeeling excited after Day 1 of the Inca Trail.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEcuador was first up. I can still feel the \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003Enerves\u003C\/span\u003E as our Taxi driver whipped through the windy streets of Quito, Ecuador, feeling anxious when stepping out into an unknown city, in a new country and wandering their colorful streets. We now laugh at how nervous we were, as \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003Ebeing a in new place in an unknown country became our norm for the next 5 months.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--DqlTMd2-_s\/WQtX64s7pBI\/AAAAAAAABz8\/dHxJvvanlLMuwinZcg5YokwNgW1y_z32QCLcB\/s1600\/Slide02.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--DqlTMd2-_s\/WQtX64s7pBI\/AAAAAAAABz8\/dHxJvvanlLMuwinZcg5YokwNgW1y_z32QCLcB\/s1600\/Slide02.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nDay 1 of our worldly adventure in Quito, Ecuador.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTraveling through Ecuador up to the mountainous Andes, to the coast to see the Blue Footed Booby, back inland to the cloud forests of Ecuador and down south into beautiful northern Peru, we were feeling invincible. After recovering from some homesickness (which we had anticipated,) we picked up again and travelled south through Peru to Cusco to prepare for our Inca Trail trek.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-QsziqRtLAjI\/WQtYpuJsFsI\/AAAAAAAAB0U\/ktPSG8cqY70r7AlVaqWJncAyqa0bXe1YwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-QsziqRtLAjI\/WQtYpuJsFsI\/AAAAAAAAB0U\/ktPSG8cqY70r7AlVaqWJncAyqa0bXe1YwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide1.png\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nBlue Footed Booby and her chick on Isla de la Plata, Ecuador.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nWe were nearing the end of month 2 and were beginning to plan the next couple weeks into Chile. After discussing whether or not we should make a pit stop home before traveling to Southeast Asia (it was cheaper to stop back in the States then to fly direct!) we began our Inca Trail trek. With Machu Picchu in sight and an amazing group of people to trek with, our Peru expedition was coming to a close. We were excited to move on with our travels into Chile and then to Argentina.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-AuXPgi2IZdM\/WQtb_T1VbzI\/AAAAAAAAB1M\/4T6ouI1zx0AKMLTOzZzlwljQZUCy80p3ACLcB\/s1600\/Slide07.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-AuXPgi2IZdM\/WQtb_T1VbzI\/AAAAAAAAB1M\/4T6ouI1zx0AKMLTOzZzlwljQZUCy80p3ACLcB\/s1600\/Slide07.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nFeeling confident after Day 2 of the Inca Trail.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-UBAPSjm-4Y8\/WQtYo1a3tQI\/AAAAAAAAB0Q\/LOmaHJP7zZgsFeRSJuWoH6BMCcUVlH8MwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide2.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-UBAPSjm-4Y8\/WQtYo1a3tQI\/AAAAAAAAB0Q\/LOmaHJP7zZgsFeRSJuWoH6BMCcUVlH8MwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide2.png\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nExhausted and in need of a hot shower, we made it to the glorious Machu Picchu.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nChile did not happen. Nor did Argentina. Alex and I ingested a nasty parasite while on the Inca Trail. Sadly, this was the end of South America. We began losing morale. We flew home the next day, leaving Chile and Argentina for another time. Once home, we were bound to the house for three weeks. Our morale began sinking even more.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-qPgDjibv5xw\/WQtYfdsRbVI\/AAAAAAAAB0E\/ePzyQeM3DAkBP_yb0xBLcA_jRWY0df6OgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide05.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-qPgDjibv5xw\/WQtYfdsRbVI\/AAAAAAAAB0E\/ePzyQeM3DAkBP_yb0xBLcA_jRWY0df6OgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide05.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nResting by Laguna 69 at over 15,00 feet in Northern Peru.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ERecovery:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAlex and I were definitely bummed by being sick and the pause in travel plans. Neither of us had ever felt that weak or ill in our lives. This was a major hiccup. \u003Ci\u003EBut a hiccup only.\u003C\/i\u003E Our wonderful travel nurse suggested some homeopathic cures to kill the parasite. After a few weeks of Arizona sunshine, papaya, and garlic milk, we were feeling more inspired to continue what we started. On to Southeast Asia we went.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPart Two: Southeast Asia\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SiOgWyOMo08\/WQtZyQM5IWI\/AAAAAAAAB1A\/Gai9wqCAaI0rywl8Id5dS9GjvSn8kgYjACEw\/s1600\/Slide6.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SiOgWyOMo08\/WQtZyQM5IWI\/AAAAAAAAB1A\/Gai9wqCAaI0rywl8Id5dS9GjvSn8kgYjACEw\/s1600\/Slide6.png\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nMonkeys hanging outside an old temple in Thailand.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nZipping around the bright lights and busy streets of Bangkok, Thailand did not give us the nerves we had in Quito, Ecuador. This time we knew what to expect and we were ready. Traveling north through Thailand we were ecstatic. Besides some food poisoning in Pai, Thailand, our travels were running smoothly. Even smoother then South America. Was it because we were used to budget traveling? Was it because we overcame some obstacles in South America? We didn't know and we didn't care. Alex and I were back to achieving our goal of travel and we couldn't be happier.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LboUx8jgsfg\/WQtZ_ZalClI\/AAAAAAAAB00\/nq8rAjL2cZwOiu02La9hL2AOLNQ1g_6jgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide08.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LboUx8jgsfg\/WQtZ_ZalClI\/AAAAAAAAB00\/nq8rAjL2cZwOiu02La9hL2AOLNQ1g_6jgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide08.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nAlex and I on the Grand Palace grounds in Bangkok, Thailand.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBecause we were seasoned travelers at this point (or so we think,) the rain of Vietnam didn't bother us as much as it should. We enjoyed relaxing in Sapa, cruised through Ha Long Bay, took double decker night busses, and stuffed ourselves with Pho each day. On rainy days, we vegged out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DkLseP_hrXE\/WQtZyHY870I\/AAAAAAAAB1A\/ojcS1936aSk4bJf2mCl4rExvOSB-LquJwCEw\/s1600\/Slide4.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DkLseP_hrXE\/WQtZyHY870I\/AAAAAAAAB1A\/ojcS1936aSk4bJf2mCl4rExvOSB-LquJwCEw\/s1600\/Slide4.png\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nA delicious bowl of Pho in Vietnam.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe continued traveling south through Vietnam and into Cambodia and back into Thailand to travel south to the islands. Indonesia was on the original plan, but because of weather conditions we made Thailand our home for a few more weeks.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ApzrjZTPJOQ\/WQtaGTwqmWI\/AAAAAAAAB1A\/KFqTfS9tvQcWTyrzhSg4vXMHURB5CFdjQCEw\/s1600\/Slide13.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ApzrjZTPJOQ\/WQtaGTwqmWI\/AAAAAAAAB1A\/KFqTfS9tvQcWTyrzhSg4vXMHURB5CFdjQCEw\/s1600\/Slide13.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nSticking out the rain in Hue, Vietnam.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPart Three: Israel\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-GaMMjhR9zug\/WQtdq4c51EI\/AAAAAAAAB1o\/wGAGWGrDMZcZwkPZA1nx6bAGFFtV1Nq9ACLcB\/s1600\/Slide09.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-GaMMjhR9zug\/WQtdq4c51EI\/AAAAAAAAB1o\/wGAGWGrDMZcZwkPZA1nx6bAGFFtV1Nq9ACLcB\/s1600\/Slide09.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nAlex and I overlooking the Dead Sea in Israel.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nAfter a brief visit home, (again it was cheaper to fly home the not fly from southeast Asia to Jerusalem,) Alex treated me to a two week Israel trip for my 30th birthday to top off our 5 month travel itinerary. Let's just say going to a first world country from third world countries was a luxury. The two weeks traveling through Israel was the perfect topper to our travel adventure.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-K3f57ujHspk\/WQtiP3u6iVI\/AAAAAAAAB2A\/CuRNU18M8wcjuY1fVqHyMn_PRmY6F56MACLcB\/s1600\/Slide21.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-K3f57ujHspk\/WQtiP3u6iVI\/AAAAAAAAB2A\/CuRNU18M8wcjuY1fVqHyMn_PRmY6F56MACLcB\/s1600\/Slide21.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nAlex and I atop the Masada Ruins in Israel.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat I Learned:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003EA lot.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI learned a lot about life.\u003C\/b\u003E What I had not stated earlier is that originally Alex and I had planned to visit somewhere around 14 countries; we ended up visiting 6. We learned to travel slowly and absorb our surroundings. I take this lesson with me back home. Take life slowly, enjoy the small moments, don't worry too much about the future (this is challenging for me, I'm a planner!) and take life as it comes. Be brave.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dBBvxVu2yC0\/WQtZ76JUkKI\/AAAAAAAAB1A\/dHdSVTHbc-0k5OHPPB3HL9-1GVILTgUgwCEw\/s1600\/Slide12.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dBBvxVu2yC0\/WQtZ76JUkKI\/AAAAAAAAB1A\/dHdSVTHbc-0k5OHPPB3HL9-1GVILTgUgwCEw\/s1600\/Slide12.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nAnkor Wat at sunrise in Siem Reap, Cambodia.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI learned a lot about the world\u003C\/b\u003E. People are the same no matter where you are in the world. I once had a professor say, \u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003E\"A smile is the universal language for being happy.\"\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;I learned this is so very true. I loved seeing smiles from all over the world. Whether they were from teen village girls in the Andes guiding Alex and I on foot to the next village, or a Tuk Tuk driver in Cambodia at 4:00 in the morning teaching us culture in his country (they wake up before the sun rises to exercise outside because it gets too hot, similar to Arizona...) Though countries celebrate different customs and honor their cultures differently, people are all humans and smile when they are happy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7cg_3AadqfU\/WQtdna8ttTI\/AAAAAAAAB1k\/yHBEeTdAGH8STQ3Rz7H-8iGNlOYR5jZ2ACEw\/s1600\/Slide03.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7cg_3AadqfU\/WQtdna8ttTI\/AAAAAAAAB1k\/yHBEeTdAGH8STQ3Rz7H-8iGNlOYR5jZ2ACEw\/s1600\/Slide03.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nLocal village children playing with a dog in the Andes of Ecuador.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI learned a lot about myself.\u003C\/b\u003E We have all had those experiences where we dive deep into ourselves, even the uncomfortable parts, and learn something new. This past year was filled with those. I will not get too personal but I will share three important things I learned about myself:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-2vFfFshr5nM\/WQtiMp-9vzI\/AAAAAAAAB18\/wpRVa_aW7YMCk0qCq2Pwl5aZ8iQLNytgACLcB\/s1600\/Slide19.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-2vFfFshr5nM\/WQtiMp-9vzI\/AAAAAAAAB18\/wpRVa_aW7YMCk0qCq2Pwl5aZ8iQLNytgACLcB\/s1600\/Slide19.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nEnjoying the view near Rawai Beach in Thailand.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003E1. I crave new experiences. \u003C\/span\u003EWhether it is as simple as trying a new restaurant or new trail to hike to visiting a new state or country to trying a new sport or learning a new concept; I need new and unique experiences I can learn from in life. I thrive on this. I encourage you to try something new today.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003E2. \u0026nbsp;I love my career as a teacher.\u003C\/span\u003E I cannot tell you how many times I missed being in the classroom wishing I was with my students. As I was walking through the mountains of Peru to traveling through Vietnam, I couldn't wait to bring back my newfound knowledge and experience into the classroom this July.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n3) \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003ETo not be so hard on myself.\u003C\/span\u003E I had a goal and I achieved it. Were there hurdles I experienced this past year? Absolutely. Did I get through them? You bet! Making mistakes is okay. Recognizing you made a mistake is even better. Realizing your strengths and successes is the best. I recognize mistakes I made and I realize successes I have had. I learned to not be so hard on myself, \u003Ci\u003Eit's not worth it.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe Aftermath:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-08_1CuxgjCk\/WQtZ8MT5FjI\/AAAAAAAAB1I\/xmvYxaaAKggMUcUKxsrs2OCmJ-ovuqGawCEw\/s1600\/Slide11.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-08_1CuxgjCk\/WQtZ8MT5FjI\/AAAAAAAAB1I\/xmvYxaaAKggMUcUKxsrs2OCmJ-ovuqGawCEw\/s1600\/Slide11.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nAlex and I goofing around at cooking school in Thailand.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nWhat happened when we got back? We found a condo to rent, interviewed and accepted new teaching positions, and lived happily ever after. Not exactly, but close. We are still living off what we saved in Oregon plus a small income from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETeachers pay Teachers\u003C\/a\u003E. Our condo is comfortable and feels like home while we are getting situated back into Arizona. Two more months and we begin teaching again. We are looking forward our new classrooms.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uEa0ME__d5E\/WQtaF_MTj2I\/AAAAAAAAB1I\/5wmigVANVfIG1vnFYetR0Pj5l3wzGeWegCEw\/s1600\/Slide14.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uEa0ME__d5E\/WQtaF_MTj2I\/AAAAAAAAB1I\/5wmigVANVfIG1vnFYetR0Pj5l3wzGeWegCEw\/s1600\/Slide14.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nOn our way into the Phong Nha Cave, Vietnam.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nIt took some time to get back to what people call \u003Ci\u003E\"real life.\"\u003C\/i\u003E (I actually believe we lived \u003Ci\u003E\"real life\"\u003C\/i\u003E while traveling around the world. I can tell you many \u003Ci\u003E\"real life\"\u003C\/i\u003E stories, but that is for another time.) It is comforting to have a place to call home instead of moving every couple days, I love having my cat back, and I am enjoying the comforts of a first world country. However, I do miss waking up in a new city, planning how to get to the next adventure, and the thrill of walking new streets. But overall, I am happy to be home.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIn Conclusion:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zGMgRAtvO14\/WQtdBeoxzTI\/AAAAAAAAB1Y\/z2yg9T3XMg0l7M5b_dXZatz5bxSYlbuUQCLcB\/s1600\/Slide15.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zGMgRAtvO14\/WQtdBeoxzTI\/AAAAAAAAB1Y\/z2yg9T3XMg0l7M5b_dXZatz5bxSYlbuUQCLcB\/s1600\/Slide15.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nHa Long Bay, Vietnam.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis is the point of this post and if you have made it this far, congratulations! In conclusion, if you have a dream, an inkling, a desire, or a feeling...\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003EFollow it\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E. \u003Ci\u003EBe brave\u003C\/i\u003E. I was lucky to have a partner in crime through this journey (not sure I would have done it alone.) Taking a year off for myself was the best decision I have made so far in life. To the amazing people Alex and I met around the world, to the not so wonderful food and long overnight bus rides, to the sunsets in the islands of Thailand and the sunrises of South America, to a nasty little parasite from Peru (which was my favorite country! Nothing against Peru,) I would make the same decision to take this year \"off.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you would have asked me a few months ago if I made a mistake to leave for year, I may have responded, yes. Now that it is all over, I can confidently say it was not a mistake to take a year to travel.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-p62jg9DXGa8\/WQtdj1qyU2I\/AAAAAAAAB1g\/NTEpSOS_djYG2jsyDso7GuEu0SUsBbNzQCEw\/s1600\/Slide10.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-p62jg9DXGa8\/WQtdj1qyU2I\/AAAAAAAAB1g\/NTEpSOS_djYG2jsyDso7GuEu0SUsBbNzQCEw\/s1600\/Slide10.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nAlex and I atop a mountain on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo many people have told us how lucky we are. This didn't happen from luck. Yes, Alex and I are extremely fortunate to have had this experience. But we worked for it. Hard. We are still working for it. You can work for it too. Travel is attainable for everyone. Whether it is a weekend to a new place 100 miles away or a three year international extravaganza, there is a way to make it happen. I encourage you to step out your door and travel somewhere new in the near future.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-966Fiqqx84o\/WQtiI4MYUXI\/AAAAAAAAB10\/M0bA43YxUFYo5R02HUzseS9756x8eLG6gCLcB\/s1600\/Slide18.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-966Fiqqx84o\/WQtiI4MYUXI\/AAAAAAAAB10\/M0bA43YxUFYo5R02HUzseS9756x8eLG6gCLcB\/s1600\/Slide18.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\nRawai, Thailand.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EChase your dreams.\u003C\/i\u003E \u003Cb\u003EBe brave.\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMake it happen.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTravel on,\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica neue\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003ESave\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica neue\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003ESave\u003C\/span\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/feeds\/4234081642611482956\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2017\/05\/i-survived-taking-year-off-from-teaching.html#comment-form","title":"6 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/4234081642611482956"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/4234081642611482956"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2017\/05\/i-survived-taking-year-off-from-teaching.html","title":"I Survived Taking a Year Off From Teaching"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Classroom Confetti"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13154427623291685993"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-I1OqsWFF1ug\/WRsNlX-osXI\/AAAAAAAAB50\/FyPI1IZo9qAmP_bbaTfPrVRHl7K01ITqQCLcB\/s72-c\/slide01_4.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"6"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228079125721694173.post-3731804595886607214"},"published":{"$t":"2017-03-13T10:03:00.004-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-05-14T07:22:53.182-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"featured"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"math"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Use Problem Solving in Math Everyday"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/First-Grade-Math-Journal-through-the-Year-1373241\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5ScXJ0Esdh8\/WRhn0gj3GlI\/AAAAAAAAB20\/IR8vy2JWObcR4YZ02uhW7AVFdZuDR2xnwCLcB\/s1600\/slide1.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOne of my favorite times of the school day is when my students and I begin our math problem solving. These 15 minutes are packed with not only mathematical skills and higher order thinking skills, but also with speaking and listening skills. Students love it, I love it, we are all happy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-PsWhcE2Ti1M\/WMao_0IJk4I\/AAAAAAAABxk\/Uzo4BZzlOV4PaPdbWBgIe8aZC7H_Xf7AgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide5.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI begin my math block with problem solving by using math journals that students keep at their desk or table. We all open up to the next problem and read it together. We underline key words, act out the problem, do a \"Mind Movie,\" among other various strategies together. These beginning activities are done to get students thinking about the problem by using analytical skills. Through the year this is scaffolded down to being done independently or in small groups. We take about 2-3 minutes to get our brains ready to solve.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-KmQTr_frw5s\/WMapNpfjT-I\/AAAAAAAABxo\/gx7976ub3MwcGjP5CNm9kkqn0D_hCISfgCLcB\/s1600\/slide%2B8.png\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EA key to underline or note is \"What is the problem asking?\" and \"What do you already know?\" These two ideas are crucial to learning to solve problems.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ORn7Jr0O9m8\/WMapNwVcpII\/AAAAAAAABxs\/vW-4zUFbfF8VA_OmEzQ6xwLTAZ0B6Pl6QCLcB\/s1600\/slide%2B9.png\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAt this point students begin to solve the problem independently using strategies such as drawing picture, using a number line, using manipulatives, etc. Students almost always write an equation (when appropriate) and answer the question using a sentence. They usually work independently for about five minutes. \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFind First Grade Math Journals Here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-y6cieZ_quHk\/WMapdVB9DyI\/AAAAAAAABx4\/UpMPJ3bnjtclAydLf4iDy7ZrPRaBqVvTwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide2.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--ZfLgVliUQY\/WMapdMRkfmI\/AAAAAAAABxw\/0kvry5kbmVAlXWVFbuJUg8fd9sJ1O01yACLcB\/s1600\/Slide3.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStudents need to answer the question being asked by the problem.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6WzQ2_w_19A\/WMapdIbcqDI\/AAAAAAAABx0\/7DvISbXgBRUhTvLC4ZslTk0y7zqN5TLkwCLcB\/s1600\/slide%2B10.png\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nAt this point we begin to break down the problem together using some math talk. Two separate students are chosen to present their way of solving the problem. The presenting student is not only using math talk to explain their mathematical reasoning, but also practicing their speaking skills. It is important the class is listening because when the presenter is done two different students are chosen to ask the presenter a question about their problem solving.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BjxgSlD1spQ\/WMQOXgnDBII\/AAAAAAAABtc\/tIvkGLOwzTMLUgcSRMFgsg1TXxofWqyWwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide5.png\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-GNDYrbRcZpY\/WMapwDDktMI\/AAAAAAAAByA\/OXzki05nZaoZZlM0wmEtleunHHUrZaXtgCLcB\/s1600\/slide%2B12.png\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EQuestions such as \"How did you know that was your answer?\" or \"Why did you add instead of subtracting?\" are great ideas to discuss as a whole class and bring up main teaching points.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8mQM6ftbM1k\/WMapvekomOI\/AAAAAAAABx8\/ltBGmlQ4lN44nPGv8zoQrHxDoNA7if-OwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide4.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFind these First Grade Math Journals Here\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\nAfter discussing the problem in depth through presenting and question \u0026amp; answer we finish our problem solving and move into our math lesson for the day. The process takes about 15 minutes and is simple to incorporate into your daily math program. Find \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFirst Grade Math Journals here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-jMMKKO7EJLg\/WMapwdAfe0I\/AAAAAAAAByE\/iSkKUnpuel0LI5vNGqe7invD7l4Z5vv8wCLcB\/s1600\/slide%2B13.png\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYou can find any of the math journals discussed in this post by clicking on any of the pictures or by clicking\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2l9UpWw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E here\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHappy Problem Solving!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/feeds\/3731804595886607214\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2017\/03\/how-to-use-problem-solving-in-math.html#comment-form","title":"3 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/3731804595886607214"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/3731804595886607214"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2017\/03\/how-to-use-problem-solving-in-math.html","title":"How To Use Problem Solving in Math Everyday"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Classroom Confetti"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13154427623291685993"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5ScXJ0Esdh8\/WRhn0gj3GlI\/AAAAAAAAB20\/IR8vy2JWObcR4YZ02uhW7AVFdZuDR2xnwCLcB\/s72-c\/slide1.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"3"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228079125721694173.post-8001520577763690766"},"published":{"$t":"2017-02-01T10:43:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-05-11T07:36:10.306-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"featured"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"literacy centers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"math"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"math centers"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"5 Ways to Use Task Cards"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\/Category\/-diams-Task-Cards-diams-276248\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-EAm26czdrtM\/WMRDk7eelCI\/AAAAAAAABw0\/bQRAvAaq4dwYQ0Xfxp8cyRx-OjWFH_f_gCLcB\/s1600\/Slide6.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jv6UOW\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Qx9ob65sri4\/WMQt7y3AjtI\/AAAAAAAABvY\/k9ztjM4V5lsIVRJP1W8OjodnhDlmZJ1sACLcB\/s1600\/Slide02.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jv6UOW\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these Math Task Cards here.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\/Category\/-diams-Task-Cards-diams-276248\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-XSf2gRObcs4\/WMRDZyo9YkI\/AAAAAAAABww\/1-hNZi4HIJAQ5ac7VDuByFGRWYpF7e2XgCLcB\/s1500\/Slide2.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis is the most frequent time that my class uses task cards. Task cards are perfect to use during centers time because students can navigate them independently while the teacher is working with a small group or other students. Simple to use, low prep task cards uses a variety of tasks that students can work on with a partner or independently.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2lNxiCP\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ighlna71alU\/WMQt8qK90lI\/AAAAAAAABvc\/Y8mJrtjJmo0oz1xXvxGhB4KQ1ljFarpJgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide10.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2lNxiCP\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these First Grade Measurement and Data Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2kJlMKP\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NEA0sLRMAi0\/WMQt7nwc0lI\/AAAAAAAABvU\/xgV2gI1xUzkLs7VlAAeGMqiOASZMbifNQCLcB\/s1600\/slide%2B8.png\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2kJlMKP\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these First Grade Geometry Task Cards here.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Apgf4rhlZpc\/WMQnbSTr-BI\/AAAAAAAABt8\/wgD1f1l6uyUjUPUB9W0Ljtm9MlMUvHZUACEw\/s1600\/Slide5.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these Comprehension Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\nSometimes I have students turn in response sheets so I can check over their work and also to hold students accountable for their independent or partner work.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jv6UOW\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-aQfsnkHtTkY\/WMQuKwDfBZI\/AAAAAAAABvk\/eTEe-eQS6PgNJJKI-FXI5xuMDS_bzeGYACLcB\/s1600\/slide%2B11.png\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jv6UOW\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these NBT Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yaCKsaGtcvE\/WMQnS0oOuEI\/AAAAAAAABts\/avHqCZxImXAdPP3ks9UCWe4FizRNdAlaQCLcB\/s1600\/Slide2.png\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these Comprehension Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\/Category\/-diams-Task-Cards-diams-276248\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-nDbJEJ9d8nY\/WMRDodSbIDI\/AAAAAAAABw8\/h6iEMNPDi6MXOE6scw1KbXuyHIfduPjCwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide5.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTask cards make differentiating students a breeze. Creating appropriate tasks for varying levels of students and small groups is simple by using color coding, group folders, or group baskets. During centers or group rotations, students can easily find the task cards meant for their learning level.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-4igYmYXhR60\/WMQnTKr90tI\/AAAAAAAABtw\/IUJS7jxY8uA3V99sn8dX96tRx6fNTR-FACEw\/s1600\/Slide3.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these Comprehension Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2kJlMKP\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LkgTi9CXUO4\/WMQufkaBnzI\/AAAAAAAABv0\/WSf_z1FB7ZEGABeohcSk8K088SBu5OQWQCLcB\/s1600\/side%2B7.png\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2kJlMKP\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these First Grade Geometry Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\nBy choosing specific task cards for your little learners, you can help choose appropriate tasks.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2hTVakF\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IOlNNPrQaFQ\/WMQuc94Xv5I\/AAAAAAAABvs\/BMUGbAvCV1cQjfskjNmtFnchwg5rJB7YgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide5.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2hTVakF\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these First Grade Operations and Algebraic Thinking Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\/Category\/-diams-Task-Cards-diams-276248\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ANp7lnBNxIo\/WMRDZmdqc8I\/AAAAAAAABwo\/Cd2onZpJKXk2artKN9Vc-33u_bN-VeruwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide3.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nUsing a response sheet with task cards makes a simple exit slip for quick formative assessment after or during a lesson. Mid-lesson post a task card on your projector or pass our several cards to tables\/desks with student choice, and see how your lesson is going. For q quick on the go assessment, task cards can be a great tool.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jv6UOW\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CxMaaGEROdo\/WMQuwQrKQhI\/AAAAAAAABv8\/oNRJz4iOMuQXq-LPM6OvieWC5KcMHLqGgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide3.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jv6UOW\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these NBT Task Cards here.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2hTVakF\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bv20jgXxiys\/WMQuwaNjwpI\/AAAAAAAABwA\/BKrwVAdpgFYNT1jpCDOht6AEy9g8w7fxwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide07.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2hTVakF\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these First Grade Operations and Algebraic Thinking Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2hTVakF\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-d-0HDjkdpSY\/WMQualdZtII\/AAAAAAAABvo\/tYodTjBOS2E_dVL7Xxo_ji0fWiuPVz_rACEw\/s1600\/Slide06.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2hTVakF\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these First Grade Operations and Algebraic Thinking Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\/Category\/-diams-Task-Cards-diams-276248\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DBh5HanWNMo\/WMRDZ45ZMmI\/AAAAAAAABws\/s5-boaoXN3c0c1bwVG_pCwLSHXVSN0eEwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide1.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe all have those early finishers that complete their work or need to be challenged further. Task cards are a great tool for student who finish work early. Students need more of a challenge? Give them the next set of task cards that they can work on independently.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2lNxiCP\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-pQLafSBd55w\/WMQvfHzRzlI\/AAAAAAAABwQ\/HhFK2EQGZXIPzFY8rgCKleRDWSVxX2nigCLcB\/s1600\/Slide08.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2lNxiCP\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these First Grade Measurement and Data Task Cards here.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nEarly finishers can enhance their learning by grabbing a task card and getting to work.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2kJlMKP\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Rwajeou32d0\/WMQvfYJg8OI\/AAAAAAAABwU\/vpOoZt1JAUoSTCGeuCrGouGRpqc3DdFbwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide12.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2kJlMKP\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these First Grade Geometry Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2kJlMKP\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IASx_aovbJw\/WMQvewHH0sI\/AAAAAAAABwM\/htrHDXckho8xWrKhBi0kOah0NwqZJX70gCLcB\/s1600\/slide%2B5.png\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2kJlMKP\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these First Grade Geometry Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nStudents LOVE choosing which writing prompt they can use when they finish a task early!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2pBrw7Y\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-lMUKExTEfrE\/WRR1Z84gnHI\/AAAAAAAAB2U\/hmf0KVpZc-wPGJQXu0GmXc_ZPw4kQonkQCLcB\/s1600\/Slide1.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2qt8x3J\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5Xf7riNk9HM\/WRR1Ynp0F5I\/AAAAAAAAB2Q\/mtB6YCiKwiIls8hjlYv-WawWAwmWHyMfgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide3.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\/Category\/-diams-Task-Cards-diams-276248\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mFspsczl43M\/WMRDn673pzI\/AAAAAAAABw4\/nhpGqAJIvu8ozY0qnH3tR2fQjIAgmQ3XwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide4.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTask cards can also be used for a summative assessment using multiple task cards and response sheets. As the teacher, you can pick and choose which standards, tasks, or ideas you want to assess. It is also great to show parents during conferences!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kUp37e-tJO0\/WMQnZeW_o4I\/AAAAAAAABt4\/U7COD5EDO1QUjy_1-f6l84O6UzzcK6cPgCEw\/s1600\/Slide4.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these Comprehension Task Cards here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jv6UOW\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-mDvWd_LQSiY\/WMQuffeRU8I\/AAAAAAAABvw\/sS_gMjIDK9Q1SXEWoJE1r2uQMAr7xK8twCEw\/s1600\/slide%2B4.png\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jv6UOW\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find these NBT Task Cards here.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\nAs you can see there are many ways to use task cards in your classroom. I would love to hear your ideas in the comments below! You can find any of these task card sets by visiting my store \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\/Category\/-diams-Task-Cards-diams-276248\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHappy Tasking!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/feeds\/8001520577763690766\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2017\/02\/5-ways-to-use-task-cards.html#comment-form","title":"15 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/8001520577763690766"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/8001520577763690766"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2017\/02\/5-ways-to-use-task-cards.html","title":"5 Ways to Use Task Cards"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Classroom Confetti"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13154427623291685993"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-EAm26czdrtM\/WMRDk7eelCI\/AAAAAAAABw0\/bQRAvAaq4dwYQ0Xfxp8cyRx-OjWFH_f_gCLcB\/s72-c\/Slide6.png","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"15"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228079125721694173.post-5619823644979399145"},"published":{"$t":"2016-11-19T08:06:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-05-15T18:27:21.980-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"featured"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"freebie"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"literacy centers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"reading"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Reading Resources that Rock! "},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\/Category\/Reading-209976\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-F4Sg5nIjk-Q\/WRhvVQcwebI\/AAAAAAAAB3E\/F_4HvYN2ZEwgD7iPWltR91lBsjacsql6ACLcB\/s1600\/slide01.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhether you use Daily 5, an independent reading workshop, or your own version of reading centers and rotations, you need quality reading products. Not just another \u003Ci\u003Eokay\u003C\/i\u003E printable. I have highlighted a few of my favorite reading resources that I use each year with my firsties.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTask cards are such a valuable tool to use in the classroom. They are simple, don't take a lot of prep, can be differentiated, and are fun for your kiddos! Below are \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Reading-Comprehension-Task-Cards-and-Response-2727006\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EComprehension Task Cards\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E great for grades Kindergarten through Third Grade. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-_HocyXftsOE\/WRpOn_cnKLI\/AAAAAAAAB3c\/sCBNqAfadwgAQ7VZk9Ly5pf2rCxX1skAQCLcB\/s1600\/slide1.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\nNot only included are tons of \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EComprehension Task Cards\u003C\/b\u003E,\u003C\/a\u003E but also response sheets. These are great to use for differentiation, students countability, and a quick assessment. Blank response sheets are also included in this \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Reading-Comprehension-Task-Cards-and-Response-2727006https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Reading-Comprehension-Task-Cards-and-Response-2727006\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EComprehension Task Card\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E resource.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9z5YRH8Iuy4\/WRpOn-bSpBI\/AAAAAAAAB3U\/BDIie7M6qXgXhMyLM7TM38z3tEvqkYKcACEw\/s1600\/slide02.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\nThese \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Reading-Comprehension-Task-Cards-and-Response-2727006\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EComprehension Task Cards\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E are so great because there are different categories of cards to fit all student needs. Categories include fiction and non-fiction text based questions for K-1 and another set for 2-3. Also included are general questions, analyzing statements, and predictions \u0026amp; visualizations. Mix and match for guided reading groups, independent reading, or partner work.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-2ZX4ufNSZK4\/WRpOooGAItI\/AAAAAAAAB3g\/Q_XkrrQpsD4lvpohCbvSSmuGmzQRfYs2QCEw\/s1600\/slide4.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEach category of these \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Reading-Comprehension-Task-Cards-and-Response-2727006\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EComprehension Task Cards\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E are a different color for organization.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2bdHQJZ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-2NWDz8fPbZU\/WRpOn5iX_ZI\/AAAAAAAAB3Y\/0NVk6L7HdQAVMsIBcsLaPew7VBBY-Ol1wCEw\/s1600\/slide3.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELong Vowel Team Word Work\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E is a student favorite. It is packed with different activities, including this word sort. My firsties love sorting picture and word cards to the correct vowel team.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2fRhONz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kN2gypLPrT0\/WRpP4-eHLmI\/AAAAAAAAB30\/G0cqXA1sq_s8-5ehk6MPEiAsJQp1VqgywCLcB\/s1600\/slide01.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nStudent can also sort words into long vowel sounds without paying attention to the vowel team. Great for struggling readers!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2fRhONz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rtvS2speH-4\/WRpP4guV2kI\/AAAAAAAAB3s\/l1uYKiQuSlgEfgUvb85Jsk2KJUyi6Xz5QCEw\/s1600\/slide03.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2fRhONz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-o6TKMXN8r4o\/WRpP5H0wOEI\/AAAAAAAAB34\/Twa70ARv-eUb3Er9J_UQkgECagv8wwZvACEw\/s1600\/slide04.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2fRhONz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-wiaCFGQGplE\/WRpP5nn8dMI\/AAAAAAAAB38\/Nb8byuOwUWUX7GYk6-YHvfPB9MJa19zQACEw\/s1600\/slide05.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nIndividual \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Elong vowel\u003C\/a\u003E \u003C\/b\u003Esounds are sold independently, but you can find the money saving bundle by clicking \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2fRhONz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-w4xPQT1pXEw\/WRpP4_MvuzI\/AAAAAAAAB3w\/uwsMA0F0jhEGJw4cRaCPr7Wo4DGHMriLACEw\/s1600\/slide02.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nAlong with sorting cards are some word work printables. There are five different activities plus the sorting cards for each \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELong Vowel Team Packet\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2fRhONz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-euSSCoTZduk\/WRpP-Y9TIcI\/AAAAAAAAB4c\/YH7Sit-tUMYYlaFHWehR9T5BMIMfh7rbwCEw\/s1600\/slide10.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\nColoring \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Evowel teams\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E by code is always a winner. My kiddos are begging me for more of these activities.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2fRhONz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-wMj7-R-eNzE\/WRpP9nvO20I\/AAAAAAAAB4c\/HSTAbIzfjWsPExR-5RLA_VaZtuD-IIN4gCEw\/s1600\/slide09.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\nStudents practice their knowledge of \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Evowel teams\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E by finding rhyming words.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\nUnscrambling words to match the picture allows students to use their \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Evowel team\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E knowledge.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2fRhONz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-3Uk5kzQ1E2Y\/WRpP9BtA35I\/AAAAAAAAB4c\/_hRMo0BOIEIRM0dvT1VN1GFenQXNRCKRwCEw\/s1600\/slide07.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2fRhONz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-4ofFK2afGoU\/WRpP9NATcQI\/AAAAAAAAB4c\/3mctm5EAZjQrlDo_HNGHOn3YrEEDf1GCACEw\/s1600\/slide08.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNeed anchor charts for your long vowel teams? Grab the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2qptUAs\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFREE Long Vowel Anchor Charts here\u003C\/b\u003E. \u003C\/a\u003EYou can find the colored version \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Anchor-Charts-1281244\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2qptUAs\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0UOG60fQMvY\/WRpP-dpkvDI\/AAAAAAAAB4c\/z_Dc6cgc-qkspPYcVfsZ3KKdeYwvuc6CwCEw\/s1600\/slide11.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAdditionally, \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2rkwXKg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EShort Vowel Word Work\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E is great for Kinders and Firsties. These simple to use and engaging word work activities are a great addition to your \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2rkwXKg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Eshort vowel word work\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHighlighting \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2rkwXKg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eshort vowel\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E sounds by word families is a fun activity to use with highlighters or crayons.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2rkwXKg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BgKRe_dYQGk\/WRpRjdvQPOI\/AAAAAAAAB4o\/P-6YGC1NovoBAPzlRYD1LdGISwdkbZ4SwCLcB\/s1600\/slide2.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nColoring by \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Short-Vowels-Word-Work-1387266\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eshort vowel\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E sound code allow student to use pictures to hear the short vowel sounds.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2rkwXKg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ABzBv_wNnjQ\/WRpRjxtst8I\/AAAAAAAAB4w\/zkpOZZoy8UMnOx6OuiauWWTbPDVlv7uDgCEw\/s1600\/slide4.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nCut and sort by \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Short-Vowels-Word-Work-1387266\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eshort vowel\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E sound is a fun interactive activity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2rkwXKg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FPH00dFKxc4\/WRpRjeg_ztI\/AAAAAAAAB4s\/lWKEDxYr4hgqwF1xDfc6frgI6dotIMAOgCEw\/s1600\/slide1.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWho doesn't love a \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Short-Vowels-Word-Work-1387266\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eshort vowel\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E word search?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2rkwXKg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-HLpyYK4MI08\/WRpRjMNQJZI\/AAAAAAAAB4k\/jzD7Zb-rO00vUUD9mYeb5T_Rxln5yblNgCEw\/s1600\/slide3.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis is one of my favorite organizational tools. I have used a reading workshop model (you can read about how I do it \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2016\/05\/11-tips-to-start-conferring-during-your.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ehere\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,) and to help me organize my reading conferences I use this amazing \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Reading-Binder-2563899\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EReading Binder\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E. It allows you to organize your guided reading groups, strategy groups, or conferences.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jL5lJi\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rPgUISpqGFQ\/WRpT4xErIgI\/AAAAAAAAB5Q\/pd2X_0WU02wqzJfjFgqs49Td93yvXY-2gCLcB\/s1600\/slide06%2Bcopy.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jL5lJi\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-R3-DcF6RU3Q\/WRpT-Oa8PeI\/AAAAAAAAB5g\/gsxUWmzUulo7ubhjMiawTnuxUKPR-NziACLcB\/s1600\/slide01%2Bcopy.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nPlan for your strategy groups easily and access your plans quickly!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jL5lJi\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-D1ZKZ0U6Ap0\/WRpT4pJFJ0I\/AAAAAAAAB5M\/WkxHlYMo8EM_JN7Dwvs6P1cRo3-ARDC-wCLcB\/s1600\/slide03%2Bcopy.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;Keep track of all your reading conferences with your students. Perfect for data collection!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jL5lJi\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-y_QFBfoLVYs\/WRpT4hW82UI\/AAAAAAAAB5I\/JQKjQoq3d4s0IUHpcFlEv06Cm-b_YfyigCLcB\/s1600\/slide04.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;Make and keep track of plans for your guided reading groups too!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2jL5lJi\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Awd0DOovM5c\/WRpT5VbVGtI\/AAAAAAAAB5Y\/xSix8TOviR8dVSGO8wpXi9O_EDA1lQ9ggCLcB\/s1600\/slide11%2Bcopy.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd last but not least, are your FREE Sight Word Flash Cards. These are so great to differentiate sight word practice for different students. I use different color paper for each set which motivates students to get to the next color. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2015\/07\/6-ways-to-use-sight-word-flash-cards.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ERead\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E about fun activities we do in our classroom with sight words \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2015\/07\/6-ways-to-use-sight-word-flash-cards.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fry-Sight-Word-Flash-Cards-Freebie-1-100-1561223\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_bXSCr4K75c\/WC9DbHH4AKI\/AAAAAAAABrU\/i37J8lqNXpo0d4xCXrJXT_q_R8Chlf5HwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide15.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fry-Sight-Word-Flash-Cards-Freebie-1-100-1561223\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VDD4ss58fMM\/WC9Dd6GcaXI\/AAAAAAAABrY\/s2gEI5fvH5EOGR4JDiizAluWO1_5-TTwQCLcB\/s1600\/Slide10.png\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fry-Sight-Word-Flash-Cards-Freebie-1-100-1561223\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tw7dRBihKtY\/WC9Da5JDeAI\/AAAAAAAABrQ\/lBVldHHLxqo4qZsPBtJ58Si6klM8HfxtgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide17.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nGrab your \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fry-Sight-Word-Flash-Cards-Freebie-1-100-1561223\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Efreebie\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E by clicking on the pictures or\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fry-Sight-Word-Flash-Cards-Freebie-1-100-1561223\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E here\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI hope these resources are helpful to your reading instruction. I would love to hear from you!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHappy Reading!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica neue\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 33px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 15912px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003ESave\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica neue\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 33px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 15912px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003ESave\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica neue\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 33px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 15912px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003ESave\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica neue\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 33px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 15912px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003ESave\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica neue\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 33px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003ESave\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica neue\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 33px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;\"\u003ESave\u003C\/span\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/feeds\/5619823644979399145\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2016\/11\/reading-resources-that-rock.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/5619823644979399145"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/5619823644979399145"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2016\/11\/reading-resources-that-rock.html","title":"Reading Resources that Rock! "}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Classroom Confetti"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13154427623291685993"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-F4Sg5nIjk-Q\/WRhvVQcwebI\/AAAAAAAAB3E\/F_4HvYN2ZEwgD7iPWltR91lBsjacsql6ACLcB\/s72-c\/slide01.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228079125721694173.post-1274530037125249674"},"published":{"$t":"2016-07-19T16:03:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-08-11T16:35:11.304-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"featured"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"games"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"math"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"math centers"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Five Reasons You Need Games in Your Math Block "},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DzYIQAsSn1k\/V45KidqXsqI\/AAAAAAAABbk\/7jV2Sv8WQ04FTsEqkxzfrg_EQeuwrJ4fgCEw\/s1600\/Slide01.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DzYIQAsSn1k\/V45KidqXsqI\/AAAAAAAABbk\/7jV2Sv8WQ04FTsEqkxzfrg_EQeuwrJ4fgCEw\/s1600\/Slide01.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThink about your math block...Would you like students working together to critically think about math in an exciting and engaging way? Then you need to incorporate math games into your math block. Here are five reasons why I love to use math games in my classroom!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Back-to-School-Theme-2633180\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-iakegZmztqg\/V46SMr3QOWI\/AAAAAAAABcQ\/DZdm_GguyHg8dOeZS1a7QmICTOLtnZI2wCLcB\/s1600\/Slide12.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis colorful game will quickly engage students. You can find this \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Back-to-School-Theme-2633180\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBack to School Bingo\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E by clicking on the picture or clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Back-to-School-Theme-2633180\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ehere\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. This Bingo is great for the start of the school or all year long.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Jx3pHdvEdIM\/V45KiagHNkI\/AAAAAAAABbg\/SG01cqMAbnUs1S1GypEpmuAirLEXvaZdACEw\/s1600\/Slide02.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nJust mention the word game; your students will stop in their tracks. From the moment I introduce the new activity or \"game\" until the moment everything is cleaned up and put away, students are ENGAGED! They are excited about the math concept they are practicing and continue to beg me to play more and more!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Spring-Theme-2642478\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VzIpQrrMkDo\/V46V4OToQOI\/AAAAAAAABco\/iwkFV-JW9mUt3cVmrS3E05fkeAjKFKMyACLcB\/s1600\/Slide10.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYou can find this \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Spring-Theme-2642478\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESpring Math Bingo\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E by clicking on the picture or clicking \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Spring-Theme-2642478\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Year-Long-Bundle-2647532\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAddition and subtraction bingo\u003C\/a\u003E is great for math center \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Year-Long-Bundle-2647532\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eall year long\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fishing-for-Numbers-Number-Representation-2013693\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-hjQYo-lv9OQ\/V46u2J7PH5I\/AAAAAAAABdo\/5t4kM_F1fuYMbKLC_1LSnn_N3NmAtsgMgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide21.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis brightly colored sorting game uses different representations of numbers. You can find this \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fishing-for-Numbers-Number-Representation-2013693\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENumber Representation Sort\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E by clicking on the picture or clicking \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fishing-for-Numbers-Number-Representation-2013693\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-TiyxnFU0YGg\/V45KiUb0OkI\/AAAAAAAABb4\/6dw_wzW-MWcEI6cYTk20C65NaSNdioYYACEw\/s1600\/Slide03.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nUsing manipulatives is necessary and every teacher should be using them to teach math. Math manipulative can come in many forms; they are not just base ten blocks. Using beans, bears, and other counters allow students to touch and interact with the math concept. Using dice and spinners allow children to see and use math in the \"real world.\" Why not make it a game to excite students more?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Autumn-Math-and-Literacy-Centers-1416044\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--eJH8Hv6JlY\/V46XMzF3MOI\/AAAAAAAABc0\/CoofjOHz3cE08JtrJbdTbJWfoRtF-1aHQCLcB\/s1600\/Slide20.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAllow students to use manipulative while they are at a math center or playing game. During this \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Autumn-Math-and-Literacy-Centers-1416044\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Egame\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E students can use their own set of base ten blocks. You can find this \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Autumn-Math-and-Literacy-Centers-1416044\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Efall math game\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and more by clicking the picture or by clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Autumn-Math-and-Literacy-Centers-1416044\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ehere\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Q3au2qWtNLk\/V45KjtXIFsI\/AAAAAAAABb4\/cWgV_umEDrozCAJGlthtB-J51fOMQhzsACEw\/s1600\/Slide04.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nRolling a die, answering a question or figuring out a problem, and moving their marker, promotes mathematical success. Children are able to feel their success and share it with their classmates all while they are practicing the math concepts you are teaching them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Valentines-Day-Math-Centers-for-First-Grade-1697094\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Azb-xK9osIQ\/V46QncLRTTI\/AAAAAAAABcA\/VEzPuAgCkzo01RojW99BBcbzib05k3egwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide22.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nStudents are playing a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Valentines-Day-Math-Centers-for-First-Grade-1697094\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EValentine's Day Math Game\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. Picking an addition card, solving it, and moving their bear the spaces designated by the die allows students to show their success and progress with addition. You can find this math game and other \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Valentines-Day-Math-Centers-for-First-Grade-1697094\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EValentine's ay Math Games\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E by clicking the picture or \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Valentines-Day-Math-Centers-for-First-Grade-1697094\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ehere\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/FallAutumn-Bingo-Addition-and-Subtraction-within-10-2611428\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-rqO9E4oeMQk\/V46YcteVcYI\/AAAAAAAABdI\/GdnM0dz-ZaEefSK-9M0W9DysROLduaKTQCLcB\/s1600\/Slide18.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\nWho doesn't love shouting out \"BINGO!\" This exclamation allows students to celebrate their success with their addition and subtraction. Find this \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/FallAutumn-Bingo-Addition-and-Subtraction-within-10-2611428\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFall Bingo\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and many more in the money saving \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-10-The-Bundle-2620833\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAddition and Subtraction (within 10) Bingo Bundle\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xG3HKhiTnVk\/V45Kj7Lv5GI\/AAAAAAAABb4\/4jJ3XcoA63kKx6hFpSt6yvZuyu-stnmdwCEw\/s1600\/Slide05.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMany math tasks incorporate critical thinking which can be difficult to get students excited about. Why not have games that require critical thinking? Using engaging games that require multiple steps, problem solving, or critical thinking will encourage students to use critical thinking skills in everyday life.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Autumn-Math-and-Literacy-Centers-1416044\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TdzBrRcAVPs\/V46ZeFaHLvI\/AAAAAAAABdY\/0F0e-AnHzA4pqqz5LMb6DxS5J-gaPV-kgCLcB\/s640\/Slide19.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Autumn-Math-and-Literacy-Centers-1416044\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETrue and False Sor\u003C\/a\u003Et requires students use critical thinking to solve solve two different equations and then deciding if they're equal. This multistep task is hidden by it being a perfect \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Autumn-Math-and-Literacy-Centers-1416044\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Egame\u003C\/a\u003E for a math center or free choice. You can find this game and other \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Autumn-Math-and-Literacy-Centers-1416044\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFall Math Centers\u003C\/a\u003E by clicking on the picture or \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Autumn-Math-and-Literacy-Centers-1416044\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Cank7M94S1I\/V45Kj4mqwXI\/AAAAAAAABb4\/ysiQjF_ckr4m7oc8lOUPG4x0MuJ61yB_ACEw\/s1600\/Slide06.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nStudents need to interact with one another in every way possible to develop strong social skills they will need later in life. They need to interact during partner work, reading, math, on the playground, in the cafeteria, everywhere! Having math games as part of your math routine will strengthen your students' social skills.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Valentines-Day-Math-Centers-for-First-Grade-1697094\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XoVP6DxA2rI\/V46TkUorThI\/AAAAAAAABcc\/EY9DEk-TZ8c3eNGbOMBBFsLiugg-6XPvQCLcB\/s1600\/Slide23.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWith this activity students need to work together to order the numbers. Using math talk and their social skills, they can successfully work together to solve math problems. You can find this math game and other\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Valentines-Day-Math-Centers-for-First-Grade-1697094\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EValentine's Day Math Games\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;by clicking the picture or \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Valentines-Day-Math-Centers-for-First-Grade-1697094\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ehere\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Year-Long-Bundle-2647532\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-dZrc5Y86jIQ\/V46wZIANdSI\/AAAAAAAABd0\/Dnh5zBnOnfktdrMgLNQRIHOOOkSPw60BgCLcB\/s1600\/Slide14.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nDuring games students can learn to help another student who is struggling, encourage one another, or celebrate their classmates' success. During this Bingo play students are able to practice these social skills. You can fin this \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Summer-Theme-2645178\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESummer Bingo\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E by clicking \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Summer-Theme-2645178\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E. Check out the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Year-Long-Bundle-2647532\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emoney saving bundle\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E by clicking on the picture or by clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Addition-and-Subtraction-Bingo-Within-20-Year-Long-Bundle-2647532\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ehere\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhat types of math games do you use in your classroom? I would love to hear from you!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHappy Mathing!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/feeds\/1274530037125249674\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2016\/07\/five-reasons-you-need-games-in-your.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/1274530037125249674"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/1274530037125249674"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2016\/07\/five-reasons-you-need-games-in-your.html","title":"Five Reasons You Need Games in Your Math Block "}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Classroom Confetti"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13154427623291685993"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DzYIQAsSn1k\/V45KidqXsqI\/AAAAAAAABbk\/7jV2Sv8WQ04FTsEqkxzfrg_EQeuwrJ4fgCEw\/s72-c\/Slide01.png","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}}]}});