Inside: Templates for a Santa letter and Christmas countdown Christmas in Grade 1 is so much fun. Yes, it gets a little crazy sometimes, but it’s all good:) Leading up to Christmas, some of the most exciting parts for first graders are the Christmas countdowns and writing their letters to Santa. Especially if Santa writes back, as he does in … Read more
I always start the beginning of Grade 1 with pattern activities. My goal is always to keep things as simple and effective as I can. This activity fits the bill perfectly! Before we begin working with any manipulatives, though, I always give the children 10 to 15 minutes to play with the materials. This is really important with any grade, … Read more
Do you use pattern blocks? I have a huge tub full of them and decided I wanted some mats for the kids to make some designs. They do a great job free-forming it, but I think it’s important for them to also follow puzzle images where they need to figure out the correct shape. I went to my local teacher store … Read more
Here’s what I’ve been doing for several years as a weekly math warm-up. I have a plastic Estimation Jar that the kids take home (1 or 2 different children each week). An email went home explaining to the parents that their child needs to bring in between 20 and 50 objects for the class to estimate. There is SO much … Read more
We’ve been working hard this week on combinations to 10. We spent one math lesson building the combos using unifix cubes in two different colours. The kids worked in groups of 3. It’s so cute and funny how excited they get when the see the staircase pattern forming. Today the kids did the same thing again, except this time they … Read more
I love teaching geometry because it lends itself so well to lots of fun hands-on activities. This cool art project, called “Triangle Within a Triangle”, comes from Jill at Mrs. T’s First Grade Class. It was an absolute hit with my class and was VERY easy to do. Before beginning the activity, we read The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns. Then we … Read more
Inside: You’ll find a gingerbread math game. Instantly download, print and play! In this cute math game you roll 2 dice, add the numbers, and eat the candy. CANDY!! What could be more fun? This game can be played alone, with a partner, or even with 3 or 4 others. The winner is the first person to eat all their … Read more
Inside: You’ll find a description of my Musical Numbers Game and a set of free cards. If you’re looking for a fun, easy and active math game, I have you covered. Building number sense in the early grades is a number 1 priority and needs to be practiced on a daily basis. If the game is low prep and easy … Read more
Inside: You’ll get directions and tips for the best math game ever! Every teacher needs a no prep, exciting game at their fingertips. It just makes life easier. I have a simple, fun math game my kids love to play. It’s called Buzz. They are always asking me when we can play it again! I’ve been playing this game for … Read more