Math Adventures with Fizz and Martina

Since I've taken on a new role with my school district as Educational Technology Trainer and am no longer in the classroom, I get asked several questions time and time again. Did you get huge bonus? . . No. Do you have to work more days than a teacher? . . No. And, the one I get asked the most: Were you tired of the classroom? . . Definitely a "No".

Over my 16 years as a teacher there were so many lessons that I really enjoyed doing with my students, and I know they like them, too. I never looked at what I did as simply "going to work". I loved being in the classroom working with so many bright, little minds. But my all-time, favorite activity was doing Tom Snyder's Math Adventures with Fizz and Martina. I have my husband to thank for that because he is the one who introduced me to the program. He had used it with his 3rd and 5th graders.

Fizz and Martina is math simulation activity that allows students to solve problems based on the story line encompassed into 4 engaging "episodes". Students work in collaborative groups and learn how to EXPLAIN their math solutions rather than just writing them down without really articulating the process.  Teams can earn award cards if their explanation meets the rubric's criteria. It is fun and motivating way to help students learn the importance of explicit explanations of the math processes.

Now, I've just learned that Tom Snyder Productions no loner markets Fizz and Martina on the website . . sad news. But, they have Go Solve which is a math program that presents situations to students to solve. Anytime you can get your students talking and working together in their learning environment it's bound to be a good thing.

Some other Tom Snyder Favs  . .
Scholastic Keys (Word, Power Point, and Excel for kids)
Reading for Meaning
Science Court

Kerpoof!

Look what I made using Kerpoof!

"What is it" . . you say? It is is online drawing and design studio for kiddos (and adults) that is so much fun.  Give it a try for yourself . . visit Kerpoof!

41 Websites for Integrating Technology

Integrating technology into all those daily lessons can be challenging. If you have resources and support services at your fingertips, then you're in good shape.

Need some additional ones?  Visit Jacqui Murray's site to learn more: 41 Websites for Teachers to Integrate Technology into Classrooms.

iPad Apps for Kids

It's all the range and if you've not jumped on board with using Apps with your students . . now is the time to start. Here is a list of some great FREE apps that work wonders for motivating young minds through the use of centers, with the classroom reading specialists, or home-use for parents.  Check them out!


ABC Phonics Animals - get it at Brain Counts Education. This great app features the alphabet with animals. What kiddo won't love this?!


1st Grade Reading - I Like Writing - get it at Grasshopper Apps Education. Great for early first grade or those kiddos receiving support for Language Arts.


Animal Farm Addition - get it at Brain Counts Education. Fun and motivating way to practice basic addition.

Website vs Blog

Websites and Blogs each have their place in education. They both can have their purpose . Many school districts have websites and encourage teachers to create their own classroom or grade level pages, but with the ease of creating a Blog and it's interactive features they seem like a viable choice as well.

What's your thought?  Websites, Blogs, or Both?

Google Apps Training

Want to learn more about how you can use Google Apps?  Visit Google Apps and watch this simple tutorial that  will give you a brief overview of what it does.