"Sometimes You're the Windshield, Sometimes You're the Bug": An Unitentional Linky Party Miss and A Geometry Clubhouse

    Does anyone remember the country song with the line, "Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes your the bug...sometimes you're the Louisville Slugger, sometimes you're the ball..."  Well, last week I was not the windshield, nor was I the Louisville Slugger.  (Tammy- that quote is for you!)  My Maylians are always top notch, however, it was a rough and crazy week.  Let's just say that the staff knows there was a record set! Now though, after a week off I am ready to inspire, facilitate, and enrich my students' knowledge.  (This usually involves some amazing seizure like dance moves, not so funny jokes, and lots of coffee-on my part, not the kids! Don't worry parents; no caffeine was used in the enriching of your child's education!)  I am sad to say that I missed out on several fun linky parties, but I really needed to step away from the computer for the week. 
    I don't know about everyone else, but in our district we finished the state assessment, however we have our district assessment looming closer.  Add to the mix that we have massive amounts of curriculum still to follow, and that leaves me with...renewed energy that this last quarter the students are going to use the skills we have learned in a variety of real life type situations.  (Ok, so it really leaves me with a bit of a stress headache, but I needed a lead-in...work with me people!)
    I grew up with parents that are both master teachers, plus my dad does a variety of construction projects as his teacher stress relief.  This week I am channeling my dad's skills (and I'm not too shabby with a hammer and power tools myself)  and the students will be creating 3D clubhouses out of cardboard.  My Maylians have to create a floor plan, get it approved, then they can build from their plans.  Geometry, number operations, and problem solving will be afoot in my afternoon math group!

Here is a quick example of a floor plan for a clubhouse. (Yes, this is my clubhouse and yes, my students will do a MUCH better job on theirs!)

Notice I did not include any measurements...haha I am the teacher...haha I am on Spring Break...haha I threw this picture together quickly...oh, um.. I worked really hard on the floor plan...



  We only have a week, but with more time the students would also have to use local ads to figure cost to place a bid on the construction of their clubhouse.  (Everyone sing from the tune from "Wizard of Oz".. "If I only had more time...) I am including a link to the NCTM resource page that is similar to what I do in my classroom because I do not have access to my files at this moment.   They have included lesson plans, printouts, etc.  I'll post our examples next weekend.  I am excited to see what the kids plan.
    Well, my little darling is taking his "my chickies" to their permanent home at his grandpa's house.  Which means, I need to get off the computer and pick up the toddler tornadoes path of destruction that I call our home.  Have a great Saturday; and I hope to be on tomorrow to share my fun Vista Print Order and a Choose Your Own Adventure How to.. 
(Sometimes You're The Bug: Written by Mark Knopfler, Sung by Mary Chapin Carpenter)