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!

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.

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.