1. Lessons I used this past year: I like to supplement—and sometimes replace—certain textbook materials with lessons that are more engaging, relevant, and easier to digest for my students. Each binder is divided into sections for lesson plans, classwork, homework, tests, and real-world activities.
2. Lessons I meant to use but didn’t get to: Some activities I’ve used in the past didn’t make the cut this year, because I ran short on time and focused on being mindful of my students’ needs. But they could still be useful next year, so I make sure to include them.
3. Video lessons and songs: This year, I put video lessons and songs on my class website. I print a list of these materials as a reminder of what I used, and as a backup in case anything happens.
4. Professional development material: I just came back from a great summer PD session, and materials I received went straight into the binder. I know I’ll be able to incorporate the techniques I learned into next year’s lesson plans.
5. Online DynaMath content: Earlier this year, I discovered a wealth of content on DynaMath’s website, including skill sheets, games, and videos. I include the skill sheets in my unit binders along with a list of the math skills covered in the games. This helps me remember specific extension activities. Below is one of my favorite games, Build a Line Plot , from the March 2017 engineering issue. Students build a line plot with fractional values (and hear a whale call with a correct answer). It’s fun!