Math Madness Wednesday: Money, Money, Money!

Who doesn't like to talk about money!?  I'm joining Krista from Teaching Momster to discuss some tips and tricks for teaching money this week.  I'm including things that can be used at home with your kids, too because I think money management is so important.  I can't wait to see what others do for this topic, too

Of course, I like to start with a mentor text, or at least have some books available at different math centers.  A classic is The Berenstein Bears' adventure with making money.  What I like about this book is that it gives students a purpose for knowing how to count money, earn money, and use money, but it's presented in a fun, humorous way.    

   

This next book, Money Mama & The Three Little Pigs is featured at the website Prosperity4Kids, and explains to kids the concept of 10/10/10/70.  10% giving, 10% saving, 10% investing, and 70% spending.  Although this concept could be challenging for kids, this book gives an excellent visual and explains it in a kid-friendly manner.   

Technology Connection: A+ Allowance App

Yep!  There's an app for that too!  This FREE app allows you to set up chores or jobs and assign dollar amounts to each one.  What I love about this is that it's designed to be used at home, but I think it would be fabulous to use with a classroom economy!  No more keeping track of money in student desks or having to check the board for how much each job is worth.  It can all be done through this app.  The best part is that at the end of the week it automatically divides it into the 10/10/10/70 concept to show them how much should go in each category.  What a great concept and visual for students to start learning!  

And finally, here is a counting money I have...Who Has? game.  The game progressively becomes more challenging with the coins becoming mixed up in the second half of the cards rather than organized from greatest to least.  It's only $1.50, and the kids will love it!

Even though it doesn't have to do with money, I also wanted to celebrate National Math Awareness Month. I made a new game this week and it's FREE for the week!! Hop over and enjoy!

 Alrighty, gotta run for the day!  Happy hump day!

Grumblings of a 10 miler, Proofing a Product, and TBA Freebie

Happy Sunday to everyone!  Well for those of you following my half marathon training, I had a 10 miler this weekend.  Notice the title is called "grumblings"... it wasn't the best run I've ever done, but it's finished!!  Here are my grumblings by the mile.

Mile 1: Alright, let's get going, Mary Beth!  Whoa, legs aren't so fresh, but this is the warm up.  No worries now.
Mile 2: Okay, now I'm settled into a a good speed.  The sun is shining and it is beautiful out here...am I done yet?  When I get to this point on the way back, I'll be sooo close!
Mile 3: Uh oh.  This doesn't feel like a great run.  Am I done yet?  MB, pull it together, this is a great day for a long run.
Mile 4: Really?  I have to run by an amazing breakfast place where people are eating outside, laughing, and enjoying themselves?  Yummm...it smells so good!  Oh man, this just means when I turn around I'll pass this again.
Mile 5: I'm half way there.  Ooooh...livin' on a prayer!  (Go ahead, start singin') Well my half way point was actually 5.1.  By going an extra tenth of a mile before turning around it gives you some walking/cool down time when you get close to home.  Believe me, it's worth it!
Mile 6: Oh man!  That chick is bookin' it.  That was a good time for some motivation, especially as I pass that restaurant again.  Yes, you're past half way, but you still have 4 miles to go.
Mile 7: And I have officially hit a wall.  Why won't my legs pick it up?  Eh, maybe it's payback for going to bed after midnight.  Okay, I promise, I'll treat them better next time, just get me through this run.
Mile 8:  Ugh.  That silly bridge going over the road is going to take so much energy to get over...and it did!  Alrighty, only 2 miles.  So close.
Mile 9: I turn onto a new road to head back toward my house, and whoosh!  Right into the wind.  I'm glad I didn't think about this at the start of my run, but with 10-15 mph winds, it wasn't so fun running into it.
Mile 10: Last mile!  Yes, it's done!  So glad I can cross this run off my schedule, and move on.

So there you have it.  The ups and downs of running.  At least I know that next week's long run can only get better!

Don't you think school is like running sometimes too?  There are days when you feel like nothing can stop your students.  They are doing so well, mastering their learning targets, and getting along.  Then, all of a sudden, on a random day, you think what on Earth happened to them!

Proof My Product
And for those of you who read all the way to the end....you could proofread one of my products! I worked on a counting coins game yesterday, but want to make sure that it's accurate.  I'll pick three people to proof the game, and then I'll send it to you once it's perfected!  All you have to do is follow my blog, leave a comment with your email address so I can send it to you, and be ready to proof it in a timely manner!  Here is the game I need help with!

TBA Freebie

It has been brought to my attention by a couple of TBA blog followers that the freebie I added for the Teacher Appreciation Labels is not linking correctly.  It's linking to someone's store that I don't even know, and it's not free!  Ahh! If any of you are visiting my blog from TBA, you can click here and find it for FREE!  

During Teacher Appreciation week, these labels help you put your own spin on a great time and appreciate those that you work with everyday!  

Don't forget to stop by TBA to find some of my freebies, but also hundreds of others!  What a great little Spring Treat for everyone! :) 

              

Alrighty, gotta run and enjoy this last beautiful day before school starts back tomorrow after a long, joyous Spring Break!! Have a great week!