Calendar Math: Student Responses

Over the past (almost) year, I have written about Calendar Math more than any other single topic.  I really feel like it is such a worthwhile endeavor in class...worth every.single.second that it takes out of my math block.  The time that I spend on it actually does pay off in the end (even if that means I have a little less time to do my actual math lesson for the day)

I have gotten numerous emails asking me to show you exactly what the STUDENTS are doing on the worksheet each day.  You know what I fill in (as I showed you here), you know what we do when we go over it (you can see the video here), you know the boards, and the routine...but what EXACTLY are the students doing???

Well, here are some pictures that I hope will explain it and give you a better idea of just what the students are doing during the work period.  I actually wrote these but this is what I expect (and receive) from the students.  What the students will produce is in red (except for half of the first sheet, I forgot to change pens ;)

This is the 5th grade version.  Obviously the 4th and 3rd grade versions do change slightly but the basics of what they are doing is the same.  

Here are the three sheets I use throughout the year.  
The first six weeks (or so) of school
The second six weeks or so
The remainder of the year (this is the more difficult of the three sheets)

Of course, each day it changes slightly because the date changes.  I also make the big number bigger or smaller, do a different equation or geometry skill, but the basics are the same each day.



This is the geometry portion (for the first two sheets) and the Equation of the Day (for the last sheet).



Here are some close ups.  Click on them for a clearer, bigger view.







You can find all of these close up pictures on a doc that I uploaded for you.  That way, you can explore them a bit more. 

As always, you can find all of my previous Calendar Math posts here.  

OK...what questions do you have for me??

18 comments

  1. I totally use the calendar math after I bought the bundle pack but we use HUGE numbers (ie today was 1120) and while it takes a bit more time and modeling they *are* getting it. :)

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  2. Thanks to you I use a smaller version of this for our morning math meeting. It has really helped! My kids are "getting" lessons that we haven't even started yet so when we do it goes easier:) Thanks so much for that! I can't imagine not doing this now.....now I just have to find the time to make it even more like yours:) I mean literally find the time.....our math block is sooooo small and I am also doing math workshop so it's a tight squeeze to get it all in:) Thanks for all your wonderfulness:) Happy Thanksgiving;)

    4th Grade Frolics

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  3. I absolutely love this idea! Cannot wait to start implementing it in my classroom after Winter Break.

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  4. I am a homeschooling Mom and have been doing a version of this since I found your blog--we love it and I have found it to be a good segway into our day. Thank you so much for sharing

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  5. Hi Stephanie:

    Here's my question: When can you come to San Diego and model this with my kiddos?
    You're amazing! Thanks for sharing this with all of us...

    Kim
    Finding JOY in 6th Grade

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  6. Hi, Stephanie,
    What curriculum do you use? I see you're using negative integers in 5th grades...that's not in the Common Core. Are you accelerating for students? Thanks!

    Pat
    Growingin5thgrade.blogspot.com

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    1. I teach in CA...and my district hasn't gone to Common Core in 4th and 5th grade yet (only k-1, so two more years) Since it is on the CA standards, I must teach it :)

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    2. Wow, that's great. I teach in NC and we've rolled out ELA, Math, and Science all this year! While I thoroughly enjoyed helping "translating" the 5th grade math for my district, it's been a real...challenge! :)

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  7. I'm behind in reading, I'm sorry! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this and show more about Calendar Math. I tell everyone I know how great it has been for my students this year. Thanks Stephanie!

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  8. Ok, I do have a question now. Do the students copy the numbers you write down each day? Originally, I was setting up the sheets ahead of time with the numbers all ready for the students. Now I'm wondering if it would be easier to just write the numbers on the Calendar Math board we have, and the students can just record and go. What do you do, oh queen of Calendar Math? ;)

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    1. I have done both ways. But, for time's sake, I honestly just write the numbers out on the paper and copy it for the kids. Some kids were just taking SOOOO long copying the numbers, they never got to the math. It is a personal choice on what you do. Both ways work.

      (and it is actually easier on *my* brain to think of the numbers on the day and write them on the Calendar Board, instead of doing an entire week ahead of time for the kids...something else to think about)

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  9. Do you have this available for third grade?

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    1. Actually I do Lynn! Here is it. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Math-for-Upper-Grades-3rd-Grade-Editable-Version

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  10. Hi Stephanie,

    Love, love, love this idea and will start it next Monday. Next year, I will begin on day 1! My question for you:

    What time of the day do you do this and how long do you give them? Do you grade it or use it as remediation?

    Thanks,
    Amy in 5th

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  11. Do you have this for fourth grade?

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  12. Do you have this for 6th grade?

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  13. Stephanie,
    I teach 5th and am considering buying your packet, it looks amazing. Our school is trying to go paperless and my students will be 1:1. I am wondering how I might do this? Really some math just has to be done on paper. I love that you aligned the problems with Common Core.
    Thanks,
    Kristen

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Please leave a comment! I love to hear what you think about what is posted :)