Apple and Pumpkin Investigations

I just spent some time catching up on my favorite blogs and am surprised how  many of you are back to school or almost back.  I still have 4 more weeks before teachers go back and plan to enjoy every minute!!  However, I say that and seem to do a little something school related everyday ;)

I just put the finishes touches on an apple and pumpkin investigation activity and LOVE how it turned out.

There are two different interactive pages, one for apples and one for pumpkins.  Each one has a choice of 3 recording pages to help with differentiation.

I created these to work with my students, but realize your needs might be different, so have included an EDITABLE file as well. (Don't you just love being able to modify for your needs??)

Be sure to check out the preview for a closer look at what's included.

You can find this activity HERE at my TPT store.

And have you heard the news???? ... TPT is having a SALE!!!!  On Monday and Tuesday my store will be 20% off and TPT is offering an addition 10% off.  I don't know about you, but I have been filling up my cart and have some shopping to do!

As always, the first 3 people who leave a comment with their email will receive a copy :)

Happy weekend!!!!!!!!!

a little update ...

Just a quick note to say that I've added a new Mystery Picture to my bundle so if you own it be sure to download it again to get the newest addition. It's also posted on it's own HERE.

so now there are 27 pictures included :)

I'll send a copy of the School Bus mystery picture to the first 3 people who comment on this post.  If you already own the bundle no need to enter :)

using picture prompts for writing

In my classroom 'small moment' writing plays a key role, but sometimes my students have a REALLY hard time coming up with that 'spark', you know the one, the 'idea' that gets the writing started.  Honestly, I was one of those students too... I just needed the spark and could waste so much time just sitting and thinking.

To help, I've been adding to my Writing Prompts Pinterest board (sorry, if I've been adding too many pins, but there are so many great ones!)  Here are a few ...

It's easy to display a picture or two on your Smartboard or you could print them off and have students choose one they like.

Those are just a few of the many I have added (with more to come).  So, if you're on Pinterest follow my board by clicking on the picture below :)

I've also added a few writing pages onto Google Docs that you can download by clicking on the picture.

If you know of any great pins that should be added to my board please let me know!

Building Block Doubles and writing idea

My kiddos LOVE building blocks so I like to tap into that interest and find ways to keep them engaged and learning while 'playing'. :)

The newest addition to my building block math resources has students practicing doubles up to 6+6.  I'm thinking about creating one with doubles up to 12+12, do you think that would be a hit?

Teachers have a choice of using a spinner or dice with this station.  The students in the group are usually my deciding factor!

Students roll or spin then double the number to play this game.  I have included "I can" instruction cards for each option and made it available in both color and black and white.  For added fun I use Lego block as game markers.

You can find it HERE in my TPT store.

If your student love building blocks too I also have the following resources available, just click on the pictures to learn more :)

and this freebie :)

How bout turning those Lego creations into a writing opportunity? The next time you hear "I don't know what to write about" give them this paper and have them write about that Lego creation they made during recess :) Click on the picture below to download for FREE.

As always, I love to give a few copies of my new products away, so the first 3 people who comment on this post will get a copy of Building Blocks Doubles Math Station.

Numbers 0-20

When I meet my firsties at the beginning of the school year the first thing we do in math is review numbers 0-20. I've created a number booklet to add to my math stations that will keep them busy and I'll be able to use it for assessment at the same time :)

Students use either a bingo dabber or crayons to identify different representations of numbers.  I've included numerals, number words, fingers, tallies, dice, objects, dominoes and ten frames.

Each number has it's own page so you can choose some or all and staple them with the cover page for students to have their own booklet to work in.  I've also added 'I can' cards for both bingo dabbers and crayons so you can have a ready to go math station or have it ready for early finisher work.  Here's a little peek at what's included.

You can find this learning pack HERE at my TPT store or by clicking on the picture below.

As always I'd love to give a few of these away.  The first 3 people to comment on this post will get a copy - don't forget your email.

One of my favorite treats!

First off ... I am not a food blogger  or a great cook) ... BUT ... everytime I make these muffins I think that I should share the recipe with you.  They are soooo easy and DELISH!!

I am enjoying one now as I admire (again!) my 2015-16 calendar which you can download HERE for FREE. It's also editable so you can personalize the cover and add text on any page. :)

Now, back to the treat, these muffins are made with a can of mandarin muffins making them so moist!

Mandarin Muffins

1 1/2 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup sugar

1 3/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp allspice

1/3 cup shortening

1 egg (slightly beaten)

1/4 cup milk

1 can mandarin oranges

Directions: Mix dry ingredients and cut in shortening. Mix egg and milk. Add to dry ingredients, along with oranges and juice. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Next time you are craving a little treat I guarantee you these will not disappoint!

Enjoy!

Non-Standard Measurement with Lego and a Freebie :)

Do your students love Lego?  Mine do and I love to find ways to use them in learning activities.

My newest learning pack which you can find HERE has students using building blocks to measure items in the classroom.  I have included an anchor chart to show how to use the blocks to measure, an 'I can' students instruction card, 16 task cards and a recording page.  All the pages are in both color and B&W.  Just print, add some building blocks and your math station is ready to go!

I've posted about building blocks (including a freebie) before.  You can read more about it HERE.

As always, I'd love to give a few of these away. The first 3 people who comment on this post with your email will receive a copy.

Are you getting ready for back to school?  If so, you might be interested in my editable 2015-2016 calendar that I have just posted in my store.  

Did I mention that it's editable? and free?

You can download a copy HERE.

Have a great weekend!

Dice Activities for Back to School

I hope that you are all enjoying some much deserved rest and relaxation.  Since school ended last week I've painted my kitchen and living room and gone to half a dozen appointments that I just never have time for during the school year.
Today I spent some time finishing up my newest addition to my Dice Activities Bundle.  It has a Back to School theme and focuses on skills for early in the year.  Each activity has an 'I can' card so if you choose to use it in a center or as early finisher work students can use them with some independence.  You can read more about it HERE.  You'll find more details in the preview.

The bundle now includes 13 learning packs so if you own it be sure to download the newest addition.

As always, I'll send a copy of my newest learning pack to the first 3 people who comment on this post.