Monday, July 30, 2012

VersaTiles a Perfect Companion for Common Core and GIVEAWAY


I recently had the opportunity to try out  ETA's VersaTiles. The VersaTiles Math Starter Kit has everything you need to implement the new Common Core standards. I was surprised at how much was in this kit. The puzzle aspect of this program is highly engaging. I'm sure my students would love the pattern puzzles. After a short introduction to VersaTiles, students should be able to manage their own learning. It's as easy as 1,2,3! First, the students answer the questions in the booklet by placing the number tile on the letter in the Answer Case that corresponds to the correct answer. Then students close the Answer Case and flip it over and open the case. Finally, check the tile pattern against the pattern in the Activity Book. If it matches, all answers are correct.  If not, students may remove tiles that do not match and flip case to try again.Watch this video for a quick demo.




The teacher's guide gives a complete list of objectives. This program could easily stand alone. Ideally every child would have their own VersaTile Answer Case for self checking. If you couldn't afford a class set, this would still make a great center activity. My twelve year-old even loved playing around with them.


Here's the best part, they are giving away a Level 4 Math Starter Set to one lucky reader. Simply like their Facebook Page and leave a comment here telling me why you would love this set for your classroom or homeschool. Be sure to leave your email address. On Sunday evening, I'll draw  one lucky winner.Good Luck!



WINNER: Maria Hobson

71 comments:

  1. I've used Versatiles in my classroom and the kids love them! They are great to use as a math station. It would be awesome to have my own classroom set so each child would have access to one rather than having to share.
    celdridge2863@gmail.com

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  2. I would love a set of Versatiles to use in the classroom. Hands on is the way to go with math. mrsmillard.ohs@gaggle.net

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  3. I use math stations regularly in my room and this would be a great addition. I love the level of engagement these provide.
    kacweaver@gmail.com

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  4. i LOVE Versatiles! We used them last year during my student teaching semester. This would be the best thing to start out having a brand new classroom!

    LMGallier@gmail.com

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  5. I would love to have a set of Versatiles to use in my classroom! Using Versatiles would be a great way to reinforce the common core standards taught in 4th grade. Plus, they would engage my students.

    cow_stitcher@hotmail.com

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  6. I would love the set because we will be implementing guided math, and I think it would be a great addition!

    kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net

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  7. I love anything that is fun adn tied to the common core ---- a twofer!

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  8. My students have tried and loved the Versatiles - it would be great to have another set to use everyday in the classroom.

    martha.craft@southmont.k12.in.us

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  9. This would be an excellent addition to a math workshop, which I am implementing this year. I have been looking for meaningful tasks that students could complete independently. Love the Common Core connection!
    gretchenesmith@gmail.com

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  10. Versatiles are so great! I have a few in my classroom and would love to get my hands on some more of them. I use them with small groups and this year I'd like to allow students to use some in independent practice. mwhite@madison.k12.al.us

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  11. I "travel" from room to room during the day and this would be a perfect resource for me to use since I coild carry it wiyh me easily. Love that it can be used independently also.
    jkmatuch@aol.com

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  12. I would love the set for my classroom! I am always looking for ways to engage the kids and keep learning fun so that they aren't even aware that they're learning. I have been trying to incorporate more Math stations in my room and this would be a perfect fit. I teach third grade and that's a great year to foster independence.
    Thanks!

    veggiewoman@comcast.net

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  13. We are just implementing common core this year and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. This set would definitely help me with center ideas and have peace of mind knowing it is common core aligned! Thanks so much!

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  14. I think these are a great differentiation activity for early finishers. Would LOVE a set!

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  15. I teach a special education classroom with 3rd - 8th graders. I try to use hands on centers for practice. Versatiles would be a great addition to my math centers.

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  16. I would LOVE a set of Versatiles! I teach in a 4/5 Special Education classroom with a wide range of academic levels. Using engaging, educational activities such as this is one of the only ways to help my students learn. Unfortunately, finances in the schools make it difficult to get these activities in the classroom.

    Thanks,
    Sandy

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    1. I forgot my email for contact: tiggernpooh55@yahoo.com

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  17. I agree with Michelle Kabdi! As a "new" teacher, I just haven't built up the resources that the experienced teachers have. This would be a great asset to my classroom! Thanks for sharing!!!
    rntn2@hotmail.com

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  18. Please, Please, Please, perfect to use in learning centers!! cfurlong823@gmail.com

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  19. Verstiles would definitely provide versatility to math instruction and enrichment in my classroom! This is a great way to reinforce common core standards in a way that's not only educational but fun! Thanks for the opportunity! phensey@cox.net

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  20. I have used Versatiles in my classroom. They bring maningful and engaging skill practice to ALL learners. They can be used in small group instruction or independently. I would LOVE to have a set for my classroom.

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  21. My students and I love my language arts Versatiles, and know that the math tiles would be a great addition to my program!

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  22. I am always trying to challenge my students using motivating methods! These are perfect. I am licensed in special education and gifted education, so I usually have multiple ranges within my third grade classroom. Versatiles would really help! Thank you for your consideration!

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    1. The email address I used for this blog post was hstephenson89@gmail.com. My Facebook email is different. please let me know if I need to send that too.

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  23. I teach in NJ's largest district, and funds are sometimes hit or miss. I teach 5th grade math, and would LOVE to have these for my kids!

    reganshale@gmail.com

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  24. I teach math to 5th grade students with learning and behavior issues. The Level 4 versatiles would be a great, engaging tool to allow for review and practice of challenging concepts. I would love to have this starter to use in my room! (/fingers crossed)

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  25. I LOVE Versa Tles. I have used them for a long time (about 15* years). My sets are not very useful for Kindergarten. We still use them and it would be fantastic if I could update my sets of versatiles.

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  26. I would love to have a set of Versatiles as a learning center in my classroom.jam28robo@hotmail.com

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  27. Would love this set because I teach in a low-income school and affording kits like this are just not possible. mosorio@bssbronx.com

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  28. I would love a set of versatiles for my students! They are so engaging and really help students to take control of their own learning!

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  29. I used Versa Tiles in my 4th grade classroom last school year. My kids love them! It is an awesome way to reinforce the skills teachers must cover in math, and it's a great way to review for end of grade testing. I would love another set, because I only have a few. kimblong1992@yahoo.com

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  30. I've used these as a tutor. They're great for independent practice while I work with another student! I would love a set of versatiles for my 3rd grade guided reading groups. Love versatiles!

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  31. I teach math to some very inquisitive 4th graders who would bnefit greatly from the use of hands on math learning. I would love a set of Versatiles because they could give my students just that-a fun, hands on way to practice math concepts. I am always looking for ways to foster my student's love for learning math. My kids would be the big winners here! Runnergirl54@gmail.com

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  32. I would love a set of VersaTiles! The highly successful school I worked at for 12 years was closed this year so it could become offices for the school board and the teachers, materials, manipulatives, etc. were scattered throughout the county. Many of us were moved to a school that has not made AYP for the past two years and the pressure is on to "fix" it. I have used VersaTiles in the past and the kids absolutely love them. I would be thrilled to get a set! gayemurphy8@gmail.com

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  33. Would love this set to use as an independent activity, as I'm hoping to do more small group work this year! Most of my kids need more hands on activities to stay engaged!

    pankhurs.jacq@gmail.com

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  34. I grew up with VersaTiles at home (through Discovery Toys) and would LOVE a set for my classroom! They would be perfect for math center time to review important math skills throughout the year to review for our state test.
    capricorn122784@hotmail.com

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  35. VersaTiles are great for kids of all abilities. They challenge each child to use their higher level thinking skills yet still are adaptable to even your most challenged students. I have used these with both special and general education kids and they were perfect for both spectrums. jodee2323@gmail.com.

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  36. I don't own many manipulatives and this would be a great addition to my classroom.

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  37. Would love to have a set of manipulatives to add to our math centres! Teaching in a split grade affords lots of opportunity for reinforcement while I'm working with the opposite grade....

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  38. First of all, thank you so much for posting this on your blog! I watched the video and I am amazed by this program! I would love to have this kit in my classroom this year. This year, I will be co-teaching an inclusion class. I think this would be a wonderful tool to help the students who struggle daily. I love that they can check their own answers. I really think this program will help the to learn and correct their mistakes without feeling embarassed. I think this program will really help each student to build their confidence and have fun at the same time!

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  39. This kit would help me to reach students with various needs in my inclusion classroom. I would love to be able to have another tool to make learning fun!

    Thanks!
    Cara
    cvoll35@yahoo.com

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  40. This would be great for a math center.
    Mary
    mrysilver@att.net

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  41. VersaTiles is new to me. After I watched the video, I was hooked! These look amazing! I would love to add these to my 2nd grade classroom. Thank you. robinayn@yahoo.com

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  42. I am hooked! This would be a wonderful way to implement the new common core math standards!
    Thanks!
    cflake58@yahoo.com

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  43. I had a versatile kit that I used for my 4th grade classroom for four years and LOVED it. Four years ago I left my elementary school, and moved to a middle school science classroom. I decided to break the "teacher pack rat" syndrome, and instead of having stuff sitting in a closet, I left most of my stuff, classroom library, math manipulatives, maps, etc. with dear peers at my old elementary school. Well, I have realized that elementary school is my fit, and I am going back. Unfortunately, my versatile kit is well loved by my old peers, and I don't have the heart to ask for it back. I would LOVE to have a set for my room again. I know what it can bring to my students, how to use it whole class and as a center, and I love the excitement that it brings to the room. I have been struggling the last few weeks trying to decide where/how to spend the personal budget I had set for myself to re-establish my classroom, and unfortunately there were other necessities that I was placing above a versatile kit, but this would be an awesome way to get a set. Thank you for offering this to someone. Whoever wins will be lucky and will have a great resource for their room. stokes.laura.r@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

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  44. I love the versatiles in my classroom. They are great to use with a whole class or in centers. They are a great supplement in reading, math and science. The kids love to use them. They are easy for self checking and easy to monitor which students are struggling. Thanks
    cheryl.ochsner@k12.sd.us

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  45. I've used versatiles for reading, but they belonged to my old school so I had to leave them behind. Would love to have a set in any subject. The kids loved them! But I don't have the budget to buy them on my own.
    lynetteapo@yahoo.com

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  46. I would love to have Versatiles in my classroom! They worked wonders for my daughter when she was in middle school and struggling with algebra. They would be perfect for Learning Choice time and using with small group teaching. I am moving up with my third graders to fourth grade this year. This class has a very high percentage of students with IEPs and the hands on nature of the Versatiles would keep them engaged and learning without even knowing it!
    jwaite8898@gmail.com

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  47. I am a new resource teacher and would love to have Versatiles in my bag of tricks! I used them when I worked at Sylvan and loved them.... They would be perfect for small groups :)
    I especially like Math VTs because the kids love them, and they make any work more fun! :)
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    mcc8@sfu.ca

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  48. Versatiles would be awesome to incorporate into my 4th grade math class this year to work with fractions, especially with the common core integration.

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  49. I am a math Coach for grades K-5 (possibly going to grade 8 this year) and absolutely love VersaTiles! They are so friendly and motivating for students! Being someone that travels throughout 6 buildings and 77 classes, having materials that are easily portable as well as worthwhile is hard! Versatiles in my bag would be great! the grade 4 kit could be used with the lower grade 5 and the upper grade 3! Thanks for the opportunity!
    Terri B
    terria310@aol.com

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  50. I'm a 3rd grade teacher, but would love to challenge my GT students with 4th grade material! Perfect for centers!

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    rpena47@mcisd.org

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  51. I got a sample of versatiles and they were awesome. Would love to be able to use this in school.

    jaw_gjw@yahoo.com

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  52. I would love this set to challenge my students as I teach a lower grade. Versatiles rock, but I can't afford more than a little at a time, so this would really help my collection!! :)

    amyjoy.warren@gmail.com

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  53. I would love a set for my classroom. It is just one more tool/resource that will engage my kids!

    Meg
    Third Grade in the First State
    firststateteacher@yahoo.com

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  54. I would love this set because I would love to have a fun challenge easily accessible in my classroom. Students can really solidify their learning with Versatiles. Math games are such an important part of any math program and I can see this easily fitting into my current curriculum. I can see them being a hit in my classsroom! It could also be used as an positive motivator for those that are unsure of themselves and can use a confidence boost!

    lnwexler@gmail.com

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  55. I would love to use this set for my math workshop. I just know students would be quite motivated to use these, and it takes no extra prep or checking work from me as a teacher. Great!

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  56. These are great! I would love to use them in my special education class to reach a variety of math abilities. I love the built-in reinforcement these have. chillcarrie@gmail.com

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  57. My students would put these VersaTiles to very good use. I love having alternate ways for them to practice the skills they need.

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  58. Oh I would love a set of VersaTiles! I am moving to a new school and not sure what I have at my disposal as far as center materials. I have a few samples I received at CAMT and absolutely LOVE them! My 6 year old daughter loves them too. I tried one out on her when I got one in July and she flipped over it. She thought it was super awesome. mickyewilson@gmail.com

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  59. I loved Versa Tiles as a kid. I would love to have then in my classroom.

    Mrs.rebecca.wright@gmail.com

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  60. I have heard great things about Versa Tiles and would love to try them!
    lillysmom216@yahoo.com

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  61. Wow, I could use VersaTiles in so many ways! I'm taking a years leave from my fifth grade teaching position to homeschool my daughter, who just had brain surgery. She is recovering well, but is not quite ready for a school day. During this time I will also be tutoring students after school, and next year I hope to be back in the classroom. I would love to have them for my homeschooling, tutoring, and to use in the classroom. Thank you for this awesome give away and best wishes to everyone this school year. millerk2@mcsin-k12.org

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  62. I was just introduced to Versatiles this summer, and I am so excited by them! I would love these for rotation time and as an extension for what we are learning.

    ~Stephanie
    Teaching in Room 6
    Teachinginroom6@yahoo.com

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  63. I would love to have this classroom set for my 4th grade students with special needs to be able to work in their LRE within their gen. Ed. Classroom with their peers. The gen. Ed teacher and I would set up math stations that would include these VersaTiles. Thank you! Gardnerrachelle@gmail.com

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  64. I would love to have a set for center activity. Thank you.
    Toni Nicholson
    chief9937@Yahoo.com

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  65. I would adore a classroom set of VersaTiles. VersaTiles are an astounding tool to erect students' confidence and would be a huge way to work on expanding their skills while still keeping them motivated and engaged. Tremendous resource! jennycotton1@gmail.com

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  66. I HEART VTs... we used them at a homeschool convention - and I would love them to flush-out my math in our classroom at home. I have wanted them for years!!!!
    We tried the Think-it Through Tiles from Discovery from a friend - the kids sat working on core skills for 2 hours independently....now ETA sells it as VERSA TILES!!!! I use ETA for our homeschool math.... x fingers I in! My fourth grader could use this to strengthen her math skills.

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  67. I LOVE Versatiles! I had a whole classroom set at my last school, but sadly had to leave them behind when I moved. I would love to introduce my new students to Versatiles! c_wiedle@yahoo.com

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