Map Landforms Project: Create an Initial Island

My students love this culminated project for our map unit. After a study of maps and common landforms I assign students the task of creating an island out of the initial letter of their first name. Then, they are challenged to add a certain number of characteristics like landforms, bodies of water, animal species, human made features (bridges, houses, roads) and more. In addition they need to create an accurate map key and name their island. Finally, they complete the writing task where they are to write a persuasive commercial to entice others to vacation on their unique island. It is a BIG hit and is a great way to assess students' understanding of maps and geography. I hope your class will enjoy it as much as mine do. You can find it in my TPT store. 

Stop by and visit

My TPT store

I recently started a Facebook Group for teachers to share ideas, questions, and inspiration. 

Come Join the group!

 

Rounding to Nearest Place Value with Vertical Number Lines

Are your students on the struggle bus when it comes to rounding? By far, every year, my students need extra reinforcement to help them with this difficult concept. I've tried every trick in the book...all the cute rhymes, place value and more. Then I tried the visual concept of a ladder as a vertical number line to help solidify the number sense needed when rounding. I reinforced the idea of climbing up the ladder to the higher number or stepping down the ladder to the lower number once the mid point number was identified. It clicked with my students. My Rounding Ladder templates are my "Go To" tool now when I teach rounding. I can easily project the template I need to guide and model problems. In addition, I copy a blank template on cardstock and laminate as a resuable mat for each student to use as a learning tool.

Give it a try and see if it helps your class! You can get a copy from my TPT store.  

I also have a Rounding Bundle available too.

Stop by and visit

My TPT store

I recently started a Facebook Group for teachers to share ideas, questions, and inspiration. 

Come Join the group!