Aim to Be Awesome, Not Perfect

My students are learning about integer operations this week.  I have read that integers are where a lot of algebra students struggle, so I wanted to make sure that my students got some good integer practice.  I did some searching for something technological (and I do have a Blendspace lesson for review, which we did use) but most days, I did not have access to the computers we would have needed. So I needed a new plan - and came across Integer War! We played it for addition and multiplication and my students loved it! Some played in groups of 2, and others, to extend their learning, played in groups of 4! Here are some photos of my students: They loved it! They were so loud and crazy and engaged that I videotaped my classes for about 30 seconds and showed them the videos at the end of class. It was amazing. It reminded me that some days technology is not needed for learning.  Just imagination.

In my Alternative Certification Program, they always talked about 'hooking' your students.  You know, getting your students interested in whatever lesson you are about to teach.  I fully admit it is one part of teaching that I am not very good at. In my quest to find and use technology in my classroom, I came across something that might help me with my 'hooking' problem.  It is called Powtoon ! So far I am just using the free version, but it is giving me what I want.  It took a little playing with to get comfortable with it, but I started with one of their templates to see what did what.  The biggest bonus for me is that uploading to YouTube is so easy! Here are a couple that I have used (including the one I am using tomorrow). Anyone else used Powtoon?  I am hoping to have students create their own next year :)