Valentine's Day....Again

With February fast approaching, that means Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  I know that many people are gearing up for parties and celebrations but, eh, that just isn't me.  I shared with you last year that I really don't make too big a deal out of this day of love, but I do like to do two little things that the kids really enjoy.  These are the same activities I shared with you last year, but I know that there are many more people joining me along on this journey and I wanted to share them again :)

Of course, the students will pass out valentines to their classmates.  I am not into spending a ton, so I made these Valentine's Day Homework passes.  I know my kids will love them, and they didn't cost me a dime :)  Win-win!  Feel free to print out a copy for yourself The download includes a "Love, Your Teacher" AND a blank one for you to sign, or just keep as is!
teachinginroom6.blogpsot.com, holiday, 5th grade blog


Another thing we will be doing is in math. You see, just like last year,
we are beginning our study of solid shapes, including surface area.  I am going to have the students do an introduction concept lesson on this skill, using Valentine's Day as my hook.  The students will have to figure out how much wrapping paper will be needed to cover their valentine box.

math, 4th grade blog, teaching in room 6 blog
The basic idea of the concept lesson is to allow the students to explore this big concept of surface area without a formal lesson.  It is to give them a chance to discover for themselves what the big idea of the skill is before I simply tell them.  So for this lesson, the students will be given a box, and some construction paper (the wrapping paper), as well as a ruler, scissors, pencil and paper.  The will be asked to figure out EXACTLY how much paper is needed to cover the box with no overlap.

If last year is any indication, this is a HARD lesson, but doable.  The students will struggle, but there are some ways they can figure it all out.  They will be frustrated, but if they use some of the problem solving skills they have, they should be able to tackle this.  It is "backwards" from the normal teaching, but that is the idea.  I want them to see what they can do before I simply tell them.  It helps them to internalize the idea before I just give them an algorithm.  This is what I did with the fraction concept lesson and the students are all the better for it.

Though, as a teacher, it is really, really tough to see the kids get frustrated.  It makes me frustrated.  However, the end result is worth it.  I will report back and let you know how it goes!

And for more February Freebies, visit Laura Candler's awesome link up!  There are lots and lots of ideas for you to use in your classroom during not just Valentine's Day, but all of the other February happenings. 

27 comments

  1. These will be the perfect addition to my Valentine's Treat bag! Thanks for sharing!

    ~Jessica
    Joy in the Journey

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  2. I love these! I do "desk fairy" no homework slips for holidays, and the kids are thrilled. Truth be told, so am I. I'm drowning in correcting work, so it gives me a breather as well :)

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  3. Love, Mrs. Hone
    Thank you so much! These are perfect!!
    thone@alpinedistrict.org

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  4. Just the ticket for February. Thanks!
    Love, Mrs. Dahle
    gdahle@boone.k12.ia.us

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  5. I have everyone who left an email up until here :)

    Thanks so much everyone for following my blog. I really appreciate it!

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  6. These are great! Could I have: Love, Miss Straus

    Thanks!
    adstraus@henrico.k12.va.us
    Miss Alissa-http://funinfifth.blogspot.com

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  7. Thanks for posting this - these are great! I can't wait to try the surface area activity! For the valentines, could I please have Love, Mrs. Mency
    thanks again! larkspur712@comcast.net

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  8. These are so cute! Thank you for sharing!

    Could I please have: Love, Mrs. Varela
    veronica.varela@live.com

    Thanks again!!!!

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  9. Love this! I had them last year but my computer crashed! Thanks for making them!

    <3 Miss Lambert

    Katiebell173@gmail.com

    Thanks again,

    Katie

    P.S. I did your lab for the digestive system Friday and my kids loved the large intestine!

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    Replies
    1. That is awesome! Thank you so much for telling me (we are doing it next week :))

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  10. These are super cute! I would love personalized ones, too! Thank you!

    Love, Miss Hoisman

    jmeln38@gmail.com

    Thanks, again!! :-D

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  11. I have everyone up until this point. :)

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  12. Love,
    Mrs. Kristin

    krast@windstream.net

    Thanks a million!!!

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  13. I thought I responded to this earlier, but I don't see it in the thread. Your blog has influenced my teaching in so many ways. Thank you!

    Love, Ms. Lynch
    Kimberlyalison@aol.com

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  14. My class LOVES homework passes (and I do, too!) Thank you!!!!
    ~Amanda

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  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  16. Sorry to delete a comment...I forgot to include my email address. :)
    amahan@tulelake.k12.ca.us
    Thank you!
    Mrs. Mahan

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  17. Love your blog! Thanks for the printables.
    Love, Mrs. Shipp
    shipps@hughes.net

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  18. These are awesome! Thanks.

    Love, Mrs. Howe

    jawzwhite13@netscape.net

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  19. Thanks for sharing! I love your blog!!

    Please send mine to mag4966@aol.com

    Love,
    Mrs. Irby

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  20. I love the "concept lesson" idea and plan on using it tomorrow with decimals. Thanks for the great idea:)

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  21. Thank you so much for the offer to customize the Valentine Passes! Please send mine to brede@tricityschools.org with "Love, Mrs. Bredehoft"

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  22. These are adorable- thank you for sharing- the customize offer is wonderful! Please send mine to jagz904@comcast.net with Love, Mrs. Zguro
    Thanks again

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  23. I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE them!
    So nice of you xoxo
    Ms.Vecchio @farfalle333@aol.com
    I follow & love your blog..I have your blog on my side bar!

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  24. Thanks so much for sharing.....these are awesome!
    Would love to have them with "Love, Ms. Connor"

    Siobhan
    sconnor@midlakes.org

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  25. These are adorable! Would love to have them with "Love, Ms.Poe"
    Thanks!
    Cary
    Clipinit@yahoo.com

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  26. These are so cute!! And so much better than candy!
    Could you do mine "Love, Mrs. Wolff"

    Thanks!!
    cori.wolff@usd262.net

    ReplyDelete

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