Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Ice Cream Making 10 and 20

I have been in denial for a few days, but now I admit it ... I'm sick :(  Sinuses, headache, fever, chills ... ugh!  I love my precious firsties, but why do they come with germs????  I'm home eating ice cream and popsicles and sleeping the day away.  I should be working on my new unit, but sadly I just can't get the creative juices flowing today.

The ice cream I just finished eating (did I mention it was chocolate chip mint?) was delicious and made me think of my ice cream make 10 and 20 math stations.

Make 10
Make 20
 
They are perfect to add to your math tubs for either partner or small group work.  Both of these math stations are available at my TPT store by clicking on the pictures.
At the end of the evening (which will probably be early tonight) I'll choose 2 followers to receive a copy of both of these stations.  Just leave a comment with your email below.  In your comment I'd love to know a theme you might be working on soon (other than holidays).

UPDATE: I randomly chose 3 numbers.  Susanlulu, Maria and Michelle, I will be sending you an email shortly with the ice cream math stations!

Stay healthy everyone!

P.S. Don't forget about the FREEBIE blog hop starting on Friday!!!
 

Monday, January 28, 2013

Coming Soon: 14 Days of Love Blog Hop

I am sooo excited!  I have joined forces with some of my amazing blogger friends to help make your Valentine's Day planning easier.  Starting on February 1st we are going to bring you the 14 Days for the Love of Teaching FREEBIE Blog Hop.

We hope to make your planning a little easier, and bring some educational fun into your classroom.
Here's how it will work:
The blog hop will begin on February 1, at Ms. Smarty Pants.

After you download your first freebie follow the link on her post for the second freebie the following day at another blog.  On the eleventh day you'll be hopping right back here for a Valentine freebie from me.

Happy blog hopping!

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Valentine Measuring

Are you getting ready for Valentine's Day?  I've got my Valentine non-standard (you could also use an actual ruler, or candy hearts) measuring work station ready to go for next week.
 
Depending on the level of your students there are 2 different rulers to choose from each with different size hearts.  I have also included colored rulers and black and white rulers.  Last year I used the colored ones, but I think this year I will let them color the black and white version then they can take them home and measure until their hearts content - pun intended!
 
Students choose a card and record how many hearts they estimate the shape to be then they measure and record the actual measurement.  There is an I can.. card included to help students work independently.
 
I've left it at school, but I'll take pictures next week of my students using it and post them here :)
 
This activity is available at my TPT store but I'll send a free copy to the first 2 followers who leave a comment on this post.  Don't forget your email!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Winter Math Freebie!

My firsties and I have been enjoying our winter math stations this week.  Here's a little peek at a few of the stations.
 greatest / least number
 
 skip counting number order
 
doubles plus one (Don't you love the snowflakes?? What did we ever do before a dollar store?)
 
 addition sentence sorting
 
 
My winter math stations include these stations and many more!  You can check them out here.
 
So how about that freebie I mentioned? 
 
This doubles plus 2 math station freebie is NOT included in my winter unit so even if you have purchased a copy you'll need to head on over to my TPT store to download. 
 
Enjoy!
 
 
 
 

 

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Just for fun!

My students were asking for a new place value mystery picture but I wasn't ready to give them the one I made for Groundhog Day or Valentine's Day so I made one just for fun!  Gumballs are good anytime of year, right?  You can find it at my TPT store.
Here's a little peek :)
 
I also added it to my Bundle pack at my TPT store.  So if you have already purchased the bundle go back and download for free :-)
 
Would you like a copy of the Gumball Mystery Picture?  The first 2 followers who leave a comment on this post will get it for free (don't forget your email)!
 
I hope everyone has a good week!
 

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Hundreds Chart Smartboard Game

I've been feeling as if I have been ignoring my blog this week and miss all of you terribly.  I've been busy helping my children in the evenings this week get some of their school projects done.  Between their homework and mine, I've had time for little else.  Let's just say I have some housework to do on Saturday to get caught back up!!

I thought I would stop by with a little share.  Maybe you've seen it, but if not, my students LOVE this game and it's perfect for 100th Day.  We use it on the Smartboard, but it can be used on any computer.

http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/dogbone/gamebone.html

If you haven't seen it, you'll students will love you for checking it out!!


Sunday, January 13, 2013

Groundhog Day ABC Freebie

As a mom of teenage children I spend lots of time WAITING around.  This afternoon I was clever and took my laptop with me.  While I was waiting at her school (yep on a Sunday) for my daughter I created a little Groundhog Day activity that I thought I would share with you.
 
There are four cards that students need to use to put the Groundhog Day words in order.  I plan to use it as a literacy activity. 
You can download a copy here.  If you're in the midst of Groundhog Day planning you might be interested in my Groundhog Day Tens and Ones activity.  Click on the picture to learn more.
 
 
 
I've linked up with Classroom Freebies for their Manic Monday Linky.  Click on the picture to head over and find lots more goodies!
 
Classroom Freebies Manic Monday
PS - I hope it's a cloudy day on February 2nd - I'd love an early spring.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Product Swap

I am thrilled to be part of the Magical Product Swap Hosted by Jessica over at Mrs. Stanford's Class.
MrsStanfordsClass
I am even more excited to be showcasing some great products by Leah over at Learning 4 Keeps
Learning 4 Keeps
I have been a follower of her store and blog for awhile now and was super-duper excited to have been paired with her.
This week I began using two of her wonderful products.  I've only have 3 school days this week to use them and I know I will be using them over and over.
 
First, is a Meet the Fact Family Powerpoint that is perfect for introducing fact families in a creative way. 
The powerpoint takes you through building a fact family step by step. 

The second is a matching Fact Family Fun Packet.
It includes a read aloud, posters and worksheets for students practice.  I haven't had a chance to use much of it yet, but I plan to.  Be sure to take a peek!
 
Leah is using my PB & J Compound Words activity - I am excited to read what she wrote about it. I hope she liked it! 

 

Friday, January 11, 2013

Rainbow Snowflakes

The picture doesn't do it justice, but here's a peek at one of my favorite winter bulletin boards.
I found the poem years ago and have no idea who the author is. (If someone knows I would love to know!) The snowflakes began as simple coffee filters that students folded and cut into snowflakes.  Using cotton swabs students applied water that had been colored with food coloring.  I place a paper towel underneath to protect the table.  They dry within an hour and voila - instant display!!

Have you heard about the unique giveaway Hilary is hosting over at Rockin' Teacher Materials?  She is going to send a jumpdrive full of resources to six very lucky teachers!!!  There is a giveaway for each grade, kindergarten through fifth.  In the first grade giveaway you have a chance to win my Let It Snow Math Stations and more than 50 other wonderful resources.

There are only 2 days left until the winner is announced and Hilary promises that you will not have to jump through hoops to enter so what are you waiting for?  Go enter!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Groundhog Day

Just a quick post tonight as I am EXHAUSTED!  It has been difficult to get back into the swing of things AND my daughter (with my help) is working on a science fair project.  There are lots of good things about science fairs and I tell myself that the bonding time we share is precious!  Right?

So --- are you planning for Groundhog Day?  I have one of my Tens and Ones activities available at my TPT store both individually and in a bundle
 
The first 2 followers who comment on this post with their email will get it for free.
 
 

Monday, January 7, 2013

100th Day - It's almost here

I was right ... it was REALLY difficult to get up and out the door this morning!  I am already missing my lazy PJ mornings.  On the bright side, a co-worker tells me there are only 39 school days until March break :)

Even though we are still a few weeks away I am starting to plan for our 100th day of school.  Just posted at my TPT store is my latest Tens and Ones Mystery Picture.
There are two hundreds charts included for you to choose from.  One requires the students to fill in missing numbers while the other has a complete hundreds chart  - here's a peek.

If you have purchased my Mystery Pictures Bundle I have added it so please head on over to TPT and download the revised bundle for FREE. 
 
 
Would you like a copy of Tens and Ones 100th Day?  The first 2 followers who comment on this post with their email will get a copy.
 
I'm off to watch The Biggest Loser - I cried like a baby last night and can't wait to see tonight's episode!

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Valentine's Day Math Stations

School starts on Monday (need I say more?)  I love my firsties and my job, but I admit I have been really enjoying these PJ days and it will be a shock to my system when the clock goes off Monday morning.  On the upside, every January I am amazed with how mature my students seem when they return from the break.  The next two months are usually the most productive so I plan to dive right in.

As promised, my Valentine's Day math stations are checked, double checked and posted at my TPT store!  I decided to use a Sweet Gingers theme because I just couldn't get enough of the ginger graphics from Scrappin Doodles.  Aren't they just adorable?


There are a variety of skills covered with a focus on addition and subtraction with sums to 20 in a  few of the stations.  As usual I have included an I can... card with each activity.  I find they are essential for keeping students focused and keeps them from interrupting me (as often) when I am working with students. 

The first 2 followers who leave a comment on this post will receive a copy of this unit.  Don't forget your email so I can send it to you!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

I Spy Valentine's Day Words

In December I was sooooo jealous when I heard that some of you were done before me.  But today I am glad we went until the 21st because I still have a few more days of vacay left.  Yay!!!!  I am so enjoying the break and trying to make use of every last minute! 

I've had a few inquiries about my Valentine's Day math stations which I promise I am working on and hope to have posted in the next few days.  Stay tuned!

In the meantime I've created a new I Spy activity to add to my collection. 

My students get so engaged when they are using magnifying glasses so I think they'll enjoy these ones as we get closer to Valentine's Day.  In each picture there are 8 Valentine words printed teeny tiny.  Students need to use a magnifying glass to find the words and then record them on one of the two recording sheets.  They are usually working on this while I am doing guided reading with other groups and they take such pride in finding the words and printing them as neatly as they can - and they are so quiet, who can ask for more? 

This activity is available at my TPT store but I will send a copy to the first 2 followers who leave a comment on this post with their email.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Currently and a winner!

Here's what I am currently up to on this cold January morning:
Let me explain:
Listening: The wind is crazy outside this morning.  The sun is shining on the beautiful white snow, but it's freezing!!  If it were a school day I'd be out in the playground on duty.  Brrrrrr....  (Don't you just love duty - NOT)

Loving: The unscheduled days of winter break.  I (only) have two children.  I seriously don't know how people with more than two keep up with homework, sports, appointments.... My oldest has his license now so that helps a bit (but adds to the worry!).

Thinking: 2012 was a challenge healthwise for my extended family.  I am hoping that 2013 brings nothing but health and happiness for my family and yours.

Wanting: a kitchen backsplash - I just can't decide!  There are so many great ideas out there that I wouldn't want to make the wrong choice.  One of these days I'll see one that I fall in love with and will order it on the spot :)

Needing: I can't bring myself to throw out the extra holiday sweets that I have around.  But I should!

One Little Word:  Time!  Time is so precious!  Spend it wisely!  Doing what you love with the people you love!

Head on over to Oh' Boy 4th Grade to see what other bloggers are CURRENTLY up to!
Before I go I must say congratulations to Kate!  She was the winner of my New Year's giveaway!  Thank you to everyone who entered yesterday.
Kate - I've sent you an email with the entire unit.  Please let me know if you don't receive it.

Have a great day everyone!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Let's welcome 2013 with a giveaway!

I can't think of any better way to start 2013 than with a little giveaway.  I spent some time (as requested by a clever follower) bundling together my Tens and Ones Mystery Pictures.  So I did and I will continue to add my new mystery pictures to my TPT store both individually and in this bundle.  The good news is if you purchase the bundle you will be able to return to TPT and download the update for free each time I add a new one :)


Would you like a copy?  Here is my first attempt at using Rafflecopter.  I will leave it up for New Year's Day and then send the winner a copy of the entire unit!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and Happy New Year to you and your family!