The Happy Learning Den

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Making a Difference one Math Problem at a Time

Being a teacher is hard sometimes, but it is also the greatest privilege. This year I have the honor and privilege of teaching an incredibly funny and hard working group of 5th graders. I strive to make my classroom safe and nurturing, welcoming and challenging. My goal this year is for not only my students to make academic gains, but to also learn the satisfaction of working through a problem and coming to the right answer.

I created "Close Read a Math Problem," because many of my students struggle with solving word problems. There is extra information, not enough information, and/ or multi-step problems for them to decipher. It's not an easy task! The resource I developed has students rereading math problems 4 times, and doing something with the information each time. I have already seen a rise in test scores (the tests are all word problems).

It's not just the test scores that are making me happy though. It's the buy-in I have from students as well. They ask to bring it home with them, and use the sheets in centers too. However, it wasn't until I received a letter from one of my girls last week that I realized what an impact this resource has made.

"11/17/15 Letter

Dear Ms. Dobrin,

I have learned alot in your class. Today I had fun in math with You. I hope you are glad for me to be in your class. I am glad to be in your awsome group. At my old school we didn't go to a differ class but I have fun in math with you. I might don't get good grades in math but what I know is that I will try my very best to earn what I want. My homework for math is getting easier and easier for me. The close read a math word problem sheet helpes me alot in math. Math is my best favorite subject.

Love,"

This is pretty good, but the best is yet to come. :-)

Happy Teaching!

Happy Learning!

~Sandra @The Happy Learning Den

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Meeting the Masters

When I first started teaching, art was a part of elementary students' weekly (if not daily) curriculum. Like most schools, my school faced budget constraints and students don't have art class. However, what we do have are AMAZING parents who come once a month and teach our students about different artists. Last week the 5th graders learned about Michelangelo.

What a great learning activity! They sketched faces and then sculpted the faces out of soap. Yes, you read that correct! Soap! They loved it (and me too). It's a great way to keep art in my school, and I am so happy and grateful that the parents stepped up when they saw that their children were missing out.

Here are the pictures from the Meet the Masters art class last Thursday. Enjoy!

The best is yet to come so be sure to stay tuned for more,
~Sandra
@The Happy Learning Den

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Storybook Character Parade

This year the 4th and 5th grade teachers tackled the Storybook Parade in style- like the teachers in our school do every year! This year we dressed as the characters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Our cast of characters included, Charlie, Willy Wonka, Veruca Salt, Nerds, Oompah Loompahs, Everlasting Gobstopper, The Golden Ticket. and Violet Beauregarde. I was one of the Oompah Loompah's.
A little background: students come dressed as their favorite storybook character every Halloween. Parents come and students and teachers parade around the parking lot class by class. It's a lot of fun! Here are the pictures from this year's parade!