Inside: A winter writing activity and some math.
We did a couple of activities today that I thought were blog-worthy :)
Winter Writing
The writing activity is very simple and was inspired by Savvy Teaching Tips (a fellow Canadian!) and her wonderful winter mini booklets.
We brainstormed all sorts of winter words (weather, clothing, objects, food) then orally rehearsed how we were going to write them, using the frame " ____ is here" or "_____ are here". The children then wrote 8 lines using the words of their choice (see the pic below).
I felt this was a worthwhile activity because everyone was successful (even my neediest child completed this writing independently).
The kids had practice spelling "are" and "here" (two sight words) and were able to put their own creative stamp on it.
Most of our writing is journal writing, where the children choose their own topics. But for a directed writing activity, I thought this one was particularly worthwhile. Have a look!
Here's our writing template.
DOWNLOAD: WRITING TEMPLATE
Subtraction Bingo
In Math, we played subtraction bingo. The kids had LOTS of meaningful subtraction practice and were fully engage for 25 minutes!
They sat at their tables in groups of 4. Each child received a different Bingo sheet (I made 4 different kinds). A rekenrek sat at each table, plus a bunch of counters, and a set of Power of 10 cards (10-frame cards).
One child had the cards and another child held the rekenrek. The first child turned over two cards and said "I have a 4 and a 6. 6 minus 4" and the child with the rekenrek worked out the difference and said "2".
Even with the easy ones I insisted the kids use the rekenrek just so they'd have more practice seeing how numbers look in reference to 10.
When the answer was solved everyone put a counter on one of the square with the matching number (in this case 2) and the play rotated one child.
It continued around the circle like this until there was a Bingo! Some groups played the game several times.
I love that writing idea! So easy and it might get my weak writers out of the "I like ___. I like __. I like __." funk that they are in! lol. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
First Grade Garden
Oh, thanks for the writing activity! I have been doing DRAs and Running Records and need to help my Ed Tech have something to work on with the kids. This is perfect!
ReplyDeleteFirst in Maine
Thanks for the freebies! I love the writing ideas and my kids like any kind of game, so the subtraction bingo is perfect!
ReplyDelete-Megan
First Grade Magic
Oooh! I love to grab subtraction things whenever they come up! Thanks so much!
ReplyDelete❀Beth Ann❀
Taming My Flock of Firsties
bakteach16@gmail.com
Both of these are terrific! Thanks so much! I love hands on math, so the math game will be just the thing.
ReplyDeleteDee
First Impressions
Great activities!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
Love the ideas. Grabbing a copy. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePetersons-Pad
This is awesome! I can't wait to use it this week! Thanks Barbara!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Rebecca
Teaching First
Love the freebies- they are so cute and I cannot wait to use them!!!
ReplyDeleteMarcy
Buzzin’ on Cupcakes!
busybeesandcupcakes at gmail dot com
Love that writing! Such a fun worthwhile activity! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePeace, Love and First Grade
Thanks for all your great comments! Glad to hear you can use some of this :)
ReplyDelete