Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Rainbow Candy Investigations

Are you looking for a quick, engaging science activity for your students?  If so, you'll love this!

This quick science experiment happens in minutes and provides students with lots to write about.



 Using a package of rainbow candies (I used Skittles) arrange them on a plate.  Add water and VOILA watch the magic happen!

I have included two templates that work for my outcomes and students but have also included an editable Powerpoint in the download.
Three recording options are included - no lines, lines and primary lines.
Differentiation will be a snap!

The page could also be glued into an interactive science notebook.


You can learn more about this in my TPT store HERE.
As always, I'll send a copy of this new learning pack to the first 3 people who comment on this post.  Don't forget your email!

Monday, July 17, 2017

Aargh! Getting Ready for Pirate Day!

Last year Talk Like a Pirate Day snuck up on me - not this year!  I'm planning ahead!!

First up - a morning message to get the day started.  Students will solve the message using a secret pirate code.  I may put it on the Smartboard and solve as a class, but perhaps I'll print them each a copy.  Once I meet my new class I'll decide.  You can download a copy here for FREE.  :)

Then, we'll do some pirate talking with this YouTube video.  Students will have a chance to learn some pirate sayings.

I've created a new math activity that I think will become a go-to math station.  
I created my game board on a remnant two by four to resemble a plank, but paper would work too!  This race to the treasure game will have students trying to walk the plank.  It is easy to differentiate with dice, spinner or even a deck of cards.  The possibilities are endless once the game is created!  Really, who can resist these pirates?!?
You can find this activity HERE in my TPT store.

I'll also be using my Tens and Ones Mystery Picture for some place value practice that you can learn more about HERE.

Then there's this song for talking like a pirate ...

I have created a new Pinterest board to pin more ideas for Talk Like a Pirate Day.  You can follow me on that board HERE

Did you know that Talk Like a Pirate Day has been celebrated on September 19th since 2002?

As always, I'd love to give away 3 copies of my newest learning pack (Walk the Plank Math Game).  I'll send a copy to the first 3 people who leave a comment with their email on this post.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Gummy Bear Investigations

Two posts in one week? I'm on a roll!!

Just posted in my store ...


If you enjoyed my Candy Cane, Candy Corn and Apples and Pumpkins Investigations, then you and your kiddos will enjoy this yummy activity.
I soaked gummy bears in water, salt water and vinegar and made observations.  You can use these liquids or choose your own.  Students will then write (or draw) their observations in a flip book.
The vinegar bears were GROSS when left overnight - just saying!


I've included an EDITABLE version so you can make the activity fit your curriculum, teaching style and student needs.

You can find it HERE in my TPT store.

As always, the first 3 people who comment on this post with your email will receive a copy so let's see who's on their computer on this summer day!!    That was fast!!  If you missed out, I have it marked down half price for 24 hours. :)

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Scarecrow Math - 8 games in 1!

It seems like summer has just begun, but I'm already thinking about back to school.  Did I mention that I agreed to take a students intern, then found out that due to the needs on my classlist I will be having two (yes two) teacher assistants.  At first I thought, 'We're going to be tripping over each other', but now I'm thinking, 'Wow, we should be able to accomplish a lot!'.  We shall see!!

Anyway, are you enjoying your summer?  I am LOVING this weather and on the weekend saw Zac Brown Band in concert!!!  It was an AMAZING show ... it will be hard to top that show ... EVER!

Since I returned I've finished up a learning pack that I've been working on.  Eight math games played with a single dice.  You prepare it once, then use it over and over!!  It all starts with the adorable scarecrow pieces by Creative Clips.

Print and cut out the scarecrow pieces, print one of the 8 'I can' cards, add a dice and voila! Ready to go.
Easy to differentiate - you choose the outcome from the 8 included.
Roll and Count
Add 1
Add 2
Add 5
Add 10
Doubles 
Doubles +1
Subtract 1

You can find this learning pack at my TPT store HERE.

As always, (and I know it's been awhile!) the first 3 people who comment on this post with their email will receive a copy.

Sunday, July 2, 2017

One in a 'Melon' Giveaway!

I couldn't believe my eyes when I noticed a few days ago that I was approaching 1,000,000 views of my blog!!!  When I peeked today there were MORE than ONE MILLION views!
WOW!  Even though my blogging was infrequent at best this spring you kept coming back and I THANK YOU!!!

Your visits make me smile, so now it's my turn!  I've created a math work station that I'd like to share with you and I've purchased a $25 TPT gift card that I'm excited to give away to one of you!

First, the freebie ... You can find it HERE in my TPT store.  Students will be using dice to add 3 addends.  This game is a perfect introduction to addition and encourages subitizing.


and now for the TPT gift card ...



Good luck!