Tried It Tuesday: Just Dance

Have you tried the Just Dance videos on YouTube? So fun! I have a Wii with these games at home, but never knew the videos were on YouTube until my very clever friend AMC from Looking From Third to Fourth told me about them! I tried these last week and needless to say, they were a huge hit! Here's a sample from my class:

 

 

 Kids catch on to these things so quickly! I only started using these videos last week and I'm already using them as a reward, transition in between subjects, brain break, a little movement, and get happy dance! (I'm not in the video...someone had to film!-ok, maybe next week!) There's dozens listed on YouTube, go check out your favorite!

 

Head on over to check out all the great ideas at one of my BBBs Holly's Tried It Tuesday-there's something for everyone! 

Spark Student Motivation: Word Wizards

It's Saturday! Time to get MOTIVATED!!!

 

I introduce to you a new game...Word Wizards-{School Theme}!
My students get so excited about "games" and beg me everyday to play some kind of word or math game! Here's a quick way I get my kids motivated!

 Need a 5 minute filler or a center idea? This card game will build vocabulary, teamwork, and word building skills! There are a variety of ways to play: First person to guess an answer (whole group), team that creates the most words/points, individual activity.
Let's try one:

 

backpack

books

brownies

brother

 

Here's another:

less homework
laugh more

let us lay on the floor

 

You get the idea. If you think of another one put it in the comments section below! My students love playing words games and it's an engaging and academic activity all in one! If you link up today, you may see something show up in your inbox!!! (Hint Hint)

 I love appreciating you!

This product will be is available at my TPT Store.

Link up any idea that motivates you or your students-if it motivates you, it motivates them! No idea is too small or too big! :O) (Incentives, units of study, a lesson, a book, ANYTHING).

** Don't forget to grab my button and this post when you link up.

While we're here, let's share some blog love and "motivate" each other by following/commenting at least one person's post! :O) I can't wait to read everyone's ideas!

Thanks for linking up! I hope to see you again next week!

Five For Friday

 

It's Friday! Time to link up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five For Friday-5 random things from my week!

 

 

1. There's a party going on right now at my blog! It's a 100 Follower Celebration! 15 Prizes from 11 fabulous bloggers! I'm so excited to have reached 100 followers! I think once you hit this milestone, you feel better as a blogger! Don't forget to enter to win! Ends Friday, March 8th.

 2. Great news...the pixie dust worked! (scroll down to see previous post). Our big writing test is over! Cute story: During the test, one of my students raised their hand, so I immediately went to him. He says, "Mrs. Miller, I think the pixie dust is working!" Isn't that the most adorable thing ever? My students wrote their hearts out and not only was I proud of them, but they were proud of themselves! They thanked and hugged me after the test-what? I felt so happy to be their teacher and irregardless of the scores, I know I have instilled a love for writing! What a bright moment for me!

 

 

3. Aren't these fun? I got them for FREE for returning those Highlights Magazine subscription forms! Each answer buzzer makes a different sound so you know which team/student hit it first. I plan to use them for unit/chapter review lessons, test prep, vocabulary review. If I want one student to play at a time I can label each buzzer with A, B, C, or D. Can't wait to use them for a math review on Monday!

 

 

4. Need a 5 minute filler? We used these Scattergories cards yesterday and they LOVED it! It's a great quick thinking and team building activity! We worked as teams, but I've also used it whole class to see how fast we can complete the 12 questions. You can find this game at Goodwill or a garage sale dirt cheap!

 

 

5. Do you know this book? I won this from our school book fair (Thanks Sharron) and I read it aloud today-a powerful story of perseverance beautifully illustrated. This book shows children the privilege of being able to learn and go to school, whereas Washington went to extreme lengths to get his education. We worked on cause and effect and character analysis using this picture book.

Hope you have an amazing weekend!!!