Ones and Tens...Valentine Heart Style!

I won't even begin to waste time saying how long it's been since I last blogged or explaining why.  In a nutshell, being a full-time mom and full-time teacher is a "full time" job. Who knew?! :) Even though my daughter is almost a year old, (seriously?!)  doing the working mom thing is still not easy for me.  I don't think it ever will be. I struggle with it...a lot. Those of you that make it "look" easy...  I'm in awe! 

 Truth be told, there are STILL more mornings than I'd like to admit that I cry on the way to work and every afternoon is a struggle between wanting to run home to my family and staying at work just "5 minutes longer" to get things ready for the next day.   

Having said that, there are still moments every day that I LOVE my job and know that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.  I seriously miss blogging more and I know that eventually I will find my way back on a more regular basis, but for now I'm not going to worry about it and just blog and share when I can (like when I get 2 snow days in a row! yippee!).

This girl gets her "love" of cold weather from her momma, I do believe!

But we did enjoy our snow days for extra cuddling!  How is she 11 months old already?

If you follow me on Instagram, then you already saw the obscene amount of candy hearts we used last week! Seriously...these things taste disgusting so I KNOW teachers are the only people keeping the lights on in the candy heart factories.  Am I right?

We did probability, estimation, graphing, place value, and dissolving experiments with our matter unit so I got my money's worth out of the hearts!  I kept some "clean" for the kids to eat and we just used the rest for all of our activities.

Every year, some kids struggle with the one more/one less/ten more/ten less concept.  Since we are a little (gasp!) ahead in math this year as of now, I wanted to incorporate candy hearts into some extra practice.  I found these little dressing cups at Target (100 of them for 1.99!) and pre-made groups of ten to use.  We use ten frames and base ten blocks all.the.time.  and I just like for them to see these important concepts in a lot of different ways. 

Plus...I am a firm believer that a little novelty goes a long way!

By the way...We are not playing Race to 100, I just accidentally pulled these mats out instead of my regular place value ones! Pretty sure the ones pictured are from Cara Carroll's fabulous place value unit.

This activity made it easier to "talk" math and see who was still struggling because we could say "Do we need to change the number of CUPS or the number of hearts?"  I even had a few inquisitive minds ask if they could count the hearts in their cups to MAKE SURE there were 10 in each one.  Sheesh...it's like they've seen me make mistakes before or something. ;)  I also made one large tupperware container with ten of the "groups of ten" cups inside as a visual for what 100 looks like.  I forgot to snap a picture.

Even my little friend who doesn't speak any English was able to get in on the action and count some "ones" with his partner! YES!

I did an activity very similar to this that I blogged about here last year if you are working on this concept and it's NOT Valentine's Day. However, I really liked  having a visual "group of ten" so if I did this again I would probably use the little disposable cups again with groups of 10 M&Ms instead of the pretzel rods. Plus, the cups were fun to stack!

Do you notice a theme here with my math instruction?  FOOD! 

Hehe.

If you are looking for more place value and number sense activities, check out my "Making Sense of Numbers" resource HERE.

Happy teaching to you!

'

Money Bugs!

Is anyone else working on counting coins this week??  I just finished making a few activities that I can't wait to use with my kiddos. My laminator is warming up as I type this!

 

My kids LOVE "read around the room" activities this year so I made a "count around the room" money game called "Money Bugs."  Get it? Like money bags? 

 

Get it? Get it?

 

 

I thought I was really clever but Andy just gave me a strange look when I told him.  Sigh.

 

If you are interested, check it out at my TPT store.  It includes dimes, nickels, and pennies but NOT quarters. Just FYI! :)

 

 

 

We have been enjoying an absolutely perfect Sunday.  I've been busy, busy, busy on plans after a long walk with the pooch and a grocery store run. Andy is busy studying for a BIG paramedic test for work tomorrow. 

 

lazy.

Today, I am thankful for the electrical outlet on my screened-in deck because it doesn't make me feel so bad to spend the entire day on school work when I can enjoy the fabulous weather and a cool breeze!

 

I am also thankful that yummy fruit is starting to be in season.  I can hardly stand to buy it in the winter when it doesn't even taste like real fruit!

 

Oh yea...and riesling.  I'm thankful for that too. ;)

 

I am also thankful that you decided to stop by my blog today so I have a FREEBIE for you.  This is basically the game of "WAR" with coins.  I just don't like calling it war...don't ask me why, I just don't...so I call it "top-it." 

 

Students will pair up and take turns turning over the top card on their stack.  The person with the highest amount gets to keep both cards...you know the drill.

 

This is war top-it of the coin variety and it's yours if you would like it!

 

Click Here to Download from TPT

 

This also includes mostly dimes, nickels, and pennies.  The last page does include some quarters in isolation that you can leave in or take out but it does not include a lot of practice with counting quarters. 

 

So if your kids are smartie-pants and already know how to count quarters with dimes, nickels, and pennies...SORRY!  hehe.  We're not quite there...yet...

 

but...practice makes progress!

 

Happy Monday and Happy Teaching to You!

XO

My clock is broken.

Seriously, it must be broken.  I woke up early, poured some coffee in my Bon Jovi mug (Yes...I have one of those.  Don't you judge me.) and watched part of the Today Show.  Then, I went to get my oil changed (wow.  WAY past due.), went by my parents' house, ran to Target, and I swear the next time I looked at the clock it was 6 pm. 

 

Why do spring break days go by so darn fast??

 

I'm going to blame it on Target. 

 

Going to Target on a weekday is a little slice of heaven...and it's possible I may have indulged for a little too long.

 

On that note, here is an ode to Target via Pinterest.  These make me laugh.

 

 

 

 

 

I haven't posted a lot lately because my student teacher took over full time teaching the two weeks before break and her time with us has been FLYING by. Is it seriously April?

I have been a labeling/filing/paperwork doing/grade entering/long-term planning FOOL while she's been teaching.  

 

I did want to drop in tonight and say a belated "HAPPY EASTER"...and of course...drop off a quick freebie!

 

This is such a simple math activity, but one of my (and my kids') absolute favorites.  They have no clue how much they are learning by doing these 100's Chart Puzzles. ;) 

They just think it's fun!

 

I made new ones this year because my originals were showing their age.  I leave these in my regular math tub rotation and keep some handy for early finishers because they learn so much by working them and noticing all of the patterns.  They will get REALLY quick at doing these eventually...but the first few times they are totally bewildered with all of the pieces and feel pretty awesome when they get it all put together!

 

Basically...I just printed this little 100's chart on lots of different colors of paper and laminated them.  (My Scotch laminator at home has a lot thicker plastic than the one at school, so I used that to keep the pieces a little sturdier.)

 

Then, just cut each 100's chart into crazy, zig-zag pieces and stick them in a bag. 

 

Voila! Puzzles!

Click on the picture below to get your free copy!

(By the way - it is supposed to be off-center. I wanted the pieces to be more square instead of rectangular so I squished it to one side.)

 

Also...here's another fun 100's chart just in case you need one!  Feel free to grab it.

 

 

 

I'll be back soon with a brand new packet full of Reading and Writing Ideas to study Main Idea! Check back to WIN it.

 

Happy Spring Break and Happy Teaching to you!

 

 

 

What's Normal??

We have had some cRaZy weather here in Virginia which translates to some crazy schedules at school.  For example, we went to school 2 hours late this morning due to freezing rain.  This afternoon...the dog and I were hanging on the back patio enjoying the sunshine in short sleeves.  Well, I was wearing short sleeves...not so much the dog. 

 

We reserve dressing him up for special occasions. ;)

 

In other news...the crazy schedule means that my plan book is a hot mess!  My poor student teacher has yet to see a "normal" week or hardly a "normal" day since she's been with me. 

 

But I'm not complaining...the extra time off has given me a few extra days to snuggle with the newest sweetie in my life...my brand new niece and goddaughter. 

 

This is Hadleigh. 

 

 

Total sweetness.

 

We are quite smitten with her...obviously.

 

Well, I am off to do a little bit of laminating and watch the Bachelor... but I did manage to finish up my latest math pack and wanted to share with you in case you are getting ready to stock up for the BIG sale on Sunday!  Have ya heard??


All of my goodies will be 20% off and TPT is throwing in 10% off the discounted price as well!



So here it is! 

It's all about making sense of numbers...teens, beginning place value, skip counting, and more!  Check it out on TPT!

*The first 2 people to comment on this post will receive this new math pack for FREE* 


Oh, and before I go...
I know this is all over social media...but if by chance one person reading hasn't seen this, it's worth posting.  If you've seen it and havent clicked on it yet...it's worth it. 

Love him, love his message.  Just plain love!
 

 

"You got air comin' through your nose. You got a heartbeat. That means it's time to do something!

 

We were made to be awesome."

 

I need this little guy in my class every day to "pep talk" me. :)

 

Happy teaching to you!

 

 

 

 

Geometry & Patterns: Hello Winter!

I hope you all had yourselves a VERY merry little Christmas.  Andy and I are at his sister's house in Nashville for a few days visiting with our adorable little niece and nephew....while we patiently wait for a sweet niece (and goddaughter) on the other side of the family (my brother and his wife) to make her arrival!  Exciting times! 

This post will be short and sweet because we are back on the road today, but just in case anyone is being REALLY good and already planning for your return in January, I wanted to share a few  fun math projects that we'll be working on when we get back.  We will take our "short week" to review addition and subtraction strategies before we dive into patterns, geometry, and comparing/ordering numbers to 100.  

My brand new "Hello Winter" math pack includes:

 -a winter story problem book (15 pages concentrating on addition/subtraction)

-backwards story problem templates 

-addition/subtraction independent practice sheets (to 12 OR to 18)

-a geometry book for introducing vocabulary (closed vs. open shapes, sides, vertices, etc.) and attributes of basic plane shapes 

-list of geometry books available to enhance your teaching

-"At First it Was a Shape..."  book (my absolute favorite!) which incorporates creative writing into recognizing plane shapes in our environment

-"Draw Me!" independent practice and/or assessment sheets to monitor students' understanding of attributes of basic plane shapes AND ability to construct them

-pattern block cards

-winter pattern picture cards (to use in centers/stations OR as a whole group/small group)

-Pick the Pattern independent practice and/or assessment sheets to monitor students' understanding of how to extend shape/color patterns

-"Between Teens" partner/small group game and coordinating number cards to introduce and practice numbers 10-20 as well as concepts of one more/one less  

 

Examples:

 

 

 

 

I am really proud of this product and excited to use it with my own kiddos when we return.  I will be back soon to show you more of this pack in detail.  Right now...I think there is a dance party starting upstairs in our nephew's room with a Yo-Gabba-Gabba CD and I don't want to miss it. ;)  

If you're interested, there is a lengthy preview available to download on TPT to see if it's something you might want to use.

Click on over to my TPT store and grab this Hello Winter math pack while it's on sale for $5 through the end of the year!

Happy end of December to you!

Math FREEBIE!

I hope your November has been full of joy so far! I love reading everybody's blog posts and posts on facebook about everything they are thankful for.  I wish we could remember to reflect on how blessed we are all year long!  My list is way too long to type. It is ridiculously long.  I am a blessed girl. 

 

These guys are the top two things on my list!

Another thing that I am VERY thankful for is YOU! I love all my friends who stop by my blog to see what's going on in my little first grade corner of the world.

 

As a little thank you...I'd like to share a free math game I hope your kiddos can enjoy before Thanksgiving break.

 

We have been working on adding 0,1, and 2.  This is an easy game called "Give me Two More" to reinforce "adding on" 2 more.

 

You just need game boards, dice, and something to cover the numbers.

 

Enjoy! Click on the picture to download your copy.

 

 

 

Happy teaching to you! XO

 

THANK YOU for stopping by.

 

 

Math Game Freebie!

So happy that Kristin won my gift card giveaway to do some back to school schopping!!

I also wanted to do a little something for everyone who has stopped by, too! 

Here is one of the games from my Super Simple Back to School Math Games on TPT.  If you haven't gotten a copy...it's still on sale for one dollar for one more day!

Just click on one of the pictures to download it for FREE from TPT. :)

It's called Roll it to the Top and all you need to play is dice! (My favorite place to stock up on those is Dollar Tree...they usually have all different colors...packs of 6 for a dollar!)

It requires very little explanation and EVERYONE can play.  This would be a great game to introduce playing with a partner for the first time.  A lot of my kids choose to play this over LOTS of other games later in the year when we've learned new skills....because they just like it!

I hope your kids love it, too!

Happy teaching to you!

TPT gift card GIVEAWAY and some "Super Simple Back to School Math Games"

Oh my goodness!! Thank you so much to those of you who have taken time to send such sweet, encouraging comments and emails about my new blog.  You have no idea how excited I've been to see that a few people have checked it out!!

Everybody knows about the big Teachers Pay Teachers sale going on right now, right?!?!  A ton of my favorite bloggers have 20% off in their store on ALL their products.  Look at my list of "inspiration" blogs on the right side of the screen to link to their blogs and TPT stores. When you check out don't forget to put in the code: BTS12  for an extra 10% off from the site.  I just went on a little shopping spree myself.  I will post soon and show you some of my favorite products!

The sale runs through tomorrow so make sure you grab your stuff!!!

Guess what?? I just finished creating a little packet of SIMPLE Back to School math games for my first graders! 

Read on or scroll down to find out how you can get all these math games for a buck AND win a gift card to TPT!!

I created these games because I am always SO overwhelmed at the beginning of the year trying to not only teach all the rules and procedures, but also dive into the curriculum and keep my cuties engaged. 

I know they get tired of hearing me talk...but every time we go to do something new it brings up a whole new set of rules and procedures.

A lot of the "back to school" games and activities I have purchased or found are just too involved for the VERY beginning of the year.  I use Envisions Math and the first week or two of lessons are very, very basic kindergarten review topics which is nice so that we can really concentrate on the "other stuff" but I know my students need some "hands on" time too to review some kindergarten skills!

These games are super duper SIMPLE, require very few manipulatives, and do not require hardly any directions...so I can save my voice for teaching them how to walk in the hall, how to go through the lunch line, how to ask to go to the restroom, playground rules, where to hang backpacks, where to turn in work, etc. etc. etc. etc...

I think these games are perfect for the first week or two of first grade (and possibly second grade as well for a beginning of the year review!)  They would be appropriate all year for kindergarten.  (shapes, ten frames, ordinal numbers, one to one correspondence, number recognition, etc.) 

These games are so simple that it will allow me to focus a lot on making sure we are concentrating on taking turns, playing fair, using our materials appropriately, voice level during partner games (and all that good stuff).

Also included in this packet is a tutorial for my absolute favorite math idea for making spinners to go along with games!  I always used to DREAD making spinners to go with games because the paper clips and brads never held up and I detest trying to punch holes through the laminated paper.  Ugh!

I found these little clear spinners on www.EAIeducation.com

They are only 3 bucks for a set of 5 and I received my order in about 2 days!

(They are just overhead spinners so if you have some laying around...you're all set.)

I like to laminate any printable spinners I have for durability. 

Then, all you have to do is stick some velcro dots on.

Then, put the matching velcro dots on the BACK of the clear spinner.

OK...now stick the clear spinner ON TOP of the printed spinner and you have a spinner that works great AND can be pulled off and re-used on another game.

Here is a money game from one of Cara Carroll's fabulous units.  This is the same clear spinner, just stuck on a new game!

Woohoo!

So here's the deal....my Back to School math game packet is in my brand new Teachers Pay Teachers store on sale for $1!!! If you buy it by midnight on the 13th and use the code BTS12 you will get 10% off of your buck! ;)

To celebrate my first packet in my TPT store I want to give someone a $10 gift certificate to the site to buy anything you want!

All you have to do is follow my blog (click join on the right side over there under followers)

and then send me an email OR leave a comment on this post with your email address 

and I will do a random drawing TOMORROW (Monday) at 5 pm. 

That way, if you're quick...you'll still have time to take advantage of the big Back to School sale on the site!

*If you are already following , just shoot me an email or comment and I'll enter you right in the drawing. I don't have many followers so you have a VERY good chance of being the big winner!* 

Hurry!

Classroom pictures coming TOMORROW!

And good luck to you if you are starting back to school tomorrow. I hope this is your most fabulous year yet.

Happy teaching to you!