Ninja Notes

Let us help you teach like a ninja!

BrainNinjasWP

How to Use Interactive Notebooks to Teach Number Sense

by

Interactive math notebooks are one way we teach number sense in our upper elementary classroom. Math class hasn't been the same since we started using interactive notebooks. Yes, they are work, but the benefits are HUGE! Come see what we do to make it work and get some ideas for yourself.

We use interactive notebooks in our math class as part of a unit on number sense. We have found creating a reference book of concepts and procedures that students can refer to when working in math helps them build confidence and develop independence.

We’re not going to lie. They are a lot of work, but the working is meaningful. We found on average our math grades improved and students were able to retain more of their learning year over year. Read more to find out how we use them in our classroom as one way to develop number sense.

[Read more…] about How to Use Interactive Notebooks to Teach Number Sense

You’ll Love These Exciting Winter Classroom Activities

by

Come see some of the winter classroom activities we do all winter long (and it's always long up here in Canada). We got winter themed math and language arts. Of course we haven't forgotten about going outside for winter activities and winter lessons. We've even included some winter art projects and a digital escape. You can have so much fun during the winter in your upper elementary classroom with these great indoor and outdoor activities.

Winters in Canada are long, so technically, you could be doing winter classroom activities for most of the school year and you’d still be on track weather-wise.

We tend to use winter classroom activities from November through February, especially around Christmas, since many of our students come from different religious backgrounds. Many do not celebrate Christmas, so everyone deserves to do fun activities that aren’t connected to a specific faith or holiday.

[Read more…] about You’ll Love These Exciting Winter Classroom Activities

Energize Your Gym Class With Very Little Equipment

by

Do you have to provide some sort of physical education program? Is all your equipment locked up? Remember when teaching physical education was so much easier?

Well, don’t worry.

We’ve been collecting ideas for your equipment-free classes. We’ve even found a few ideas for online classes. Let’s get started.

[Read more…] about Energize Your Gym Class With Very Little Equipment

How to Communicate with Parents in a Fast-Paced World

by

Are you looking to improve communication between home and school? It is more difficult than ever to reach parents to talk about students. Come learn some of the strategies that help us build strong lines of communication with the families of our students right from the start.

Communicating with parents right from the beginning of the year is critical to smooth sailing for the rest of the year. As they say, “information is power.” When parents are properly informed there will be better parent-teacher communication.

There are many ways to communicate with parents, but before you get started it is helpful to figure out what parents have access to and what form of communication with parents works for them.

You will probably have to use more than one method of parent communication to make sure you reach every family. That does seem daunting, but let us help.

[Read more…] about How to Communicate with Parents in a Fast-Paced World

Easy to Use Remembrance Day Assembly Ideas

by

If you are looking for ideas to organize a Remembrance Day assembly in your school, check out this post full of ideas.

Every school across Canada has held a Remembrance Day assembly since the end of the Second World War. In fact, it is written into the School Act in Alberta as a requirement. Schools must have a Remembrance Day assembly on the day closest to November 11. We’ve got some Remembrance Day assembly ideas for you.

We had to make some changes during the pandemic. These ideas can work whether you’re able to gather together or need to be apart or learning online.

We’ve been rethinking how we’ll honour our soldiers at school. If you are planning a Remembrance Day assembly, we might have a few ideas for you.

[Read more…] about Easy to Use Remembrance Day Assembly Ideas

How to Celebrate Halloween In the Classroom

by

Are you looking for ways to celebrate Halloween in your upper elementary classroom? We gathered up some of our students' favourite activities for you to try. Come take a look!

Halloween is such a special time for many students. In past years, we’ve had parades and assemblies and handed out candy. There was a time when bobbing for apples was a good idea. Now, since the pandemic, the thought of countless students scrambling to bite into an apple floating around in a tub full of mouth germs…ugg.

Our classroom is usually bustling with parent volunteers who help out at different Halloween-themed stations. Still, some years, there might not be as many parent volunteers available as you need, so it’s nice to have easy alternatives in your back pocket.

If your school and students are celebrating Halloween, here are some generally easy ways to have a little fun.

[Read more…] about How to Celebrate Halloween In the Classroom