number word activities

1-2-3 Come Do Some Number Puzzles With Me

I'm always looking for intersting and fun ways for my students to practice numbers.

counting activities, number cards, number games, number centers, number puzzles, ways to show a number, math centers, math games, number postersWith that in mind, I designed these circular number puzzles.  Easy-peasy for you; fun for your students.

They have just 8 pieces for numbers 0-20, so you can easily differentiate for your students’ various skill levels. 

counting activities, number cards, number games, number centers, number puzzles, ways to show a number, math centers, math games, number postersSo that you can practice a variety of standards all at once, each piece has a different way to show that particular number.

Being able to differentiate is particularly helpful for struggling students, as well as those who need to be challenged with higher numbers, this is easily accomplished without additional work for you, as everyone is working on the same thing, just using different numbers.

counting activities, number cards, number games, number centers, number puzzles, ways to show a number, math centers, math games, number postersThe puzzles are also a simple way to get in some extra practice for those toughie teen numbers too.

There are two “frame” options for the “ bases” which students place the pieces on. One has numbers 0-10 around the edge, while the other has numbers 1-20 framing the circle.

There are also two base options as well. One is labeled, the other is not.
Puzzles can also be put together without using a base.

For a super-fun math center, which students can work on independently, simply print, laminate & trim the full color puzzles. Once you've done the work, you're set for years to come!

counting activities, number cards, number games, number centers, number puzzles, ways to show a number, math centers, math games, number postersI keep each puzzle in a separate ZipLock Baggie, then place numbers 0-10 in one tub and numbers 11-20 in another, which is located in our math center.

So that students can easily select a puzzle for their level, I’ve included labels for the front of your Baggies and two tubs.

counting activities, number cards, number games, number centers, number puzzles, ways to show a number, math centers, math games, number postersThe labels look like little cards so that you can print extra sets and use them for sequencing or a “Memory Match” or “I Have; Who Has?” game.
You can also use the colorful center circle puzzle pieces in the same way.

counting activities, number cards, number games, number centers, number puzzles, ways to show a number, math centers, math games, number postersI’ve also included black & white versions, which you can use for interactive math notebooks, homework, small group instruction, early finishers or intervention.

The black & white patterns are very versatile.
Besides students making their own puzzles, you can also use the templates as a worksheet or assessment tool, as students fill in each section with the appropriate answer.

counting activities, number cards, number games, number centers, number puzzles, ways to show a number, math centers, math games, number postersBesides number recognition, the puzzles will also help with +1 and -1 simple addition and subtraction, greater & less than, subitizing, making a group/set and number word recognition.

I also challenge students to count by 5s when they are figuring out & recording their tally marks for that puzzle piece.

We also practice counting by 5s, 1s & even 10s throughout our day when we are transitioning, standing in line while students use the bathroom, or on our way to recess or lunch. We do this in whisper quiet voices, tiptoeing on "marshmallow feet". 

For another center, children can choose two puzzles and do them side-by-side, which will allow them to compare and contrast, as well as see math patterns emerging.

As your students become adept at putting the puzzles together, have them pick a partner and race to see who can complete theirs first. 

counting activities, number cards, number games, number centers, number puzzles, ways to show a number, math centers, math games, number postersToday's featured FREEBIE is another way that I help my students learn numbers. Hang the posters up as anchor charts or use them as large flashcards.

number postersTheir graphics depict even more ways to show numbers 1-10.

I hope you find them useful. Click on the LINK to grab your set of 1-10 number posters.

counting activities, number cards, number games, number centers, number puzzles, ways to show a number, math centers, math games, number postersWell that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.

My poodle pup Chloe, is demanding attention, so it's time to take a much-needed break.  Wishing you a carefree day.

"Don't just count the days.  Make the days count!" - Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Thanksgiving Activities With Me

turkey crafts, turkey games, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving games, thanksgiving centers, thanksgiving activities, skip counting activitiesI think you’ll really like the versatility of the Turkey Feathers number packet, as you can pick and choose what’s appropriate for your students PK-1st.

turkey crafts, turkey games, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving games, thanksgiving centers, thanksgiving activities, skip counting activitiesWhat’s especially nice about the variety, is that you can easily differentiate the activities to suit various student levels.

Use them as table top worksheets, independent centers, whole group activities, something for early finishers, homework, interventions, or a sub folder.

turkey crafts, turkey games, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving games, thanksgiving centers, thanksgiving activities, skip counting activitiesThe packet includes a trace & write counting booklet, a variety of worksheets, games, puzzles, several assessments, odd & even activities, plus a graphing extension.

turkey crafts, turkey games, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving games, thanksgiving centers, thanksgiving activities, skip counting activitiesThere's also a turkey slider “craftivity”, with “slider strips” for numbers 0-10, 0-30, counting backwards from 10-0, as well as 20-0, plus skip counting strips for 2s, 3s, 5s & 10s.

Click on the link to zip on over to my TpT shop to have a look see: Turkey Feathers. 

While you're there, I'd so appreciate it if you'd follow me, so that you'll know when I post the latest FREEBIE or am throwing a sale.

Speaking of FREEBIES, today's is  my "Tasting Feast" packet.  It's filled with everything you need to throw a Thanksgiving Tasting Feast for your students: signs, ingredients, letters and notes home + tips.

tasting feast for thanksgivingThe packet is one of the first Thanksgiving activities I posted years ago, before all of the clip art, fonts, and graphic design programs that I use now, but I think you'll still find it helpful.

A tasting feast is a fun and easy alternative to help celebrate this historical event.  My kiddos absolutely loved it. 

Half of them chose to be Wampanoag Native Americans, the other half were Pilgrims.  They especially enjoyed making hats and headbands, as well as collars and paper bag vests to wear.

turkey crafts, turkey games, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving games, thanksgiving centers, thanksgiving activities, skip counting activitiesWell that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by. The carpet cleaners are coming tomorrow to do the whole house. 

Babies, toddlers and a puppy have taken it's toll,  so it will be a busy day getting ready. 

At least I feel energized to get things spruced up for Thanksgiving. Wishing you a carefree day.

"Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received.  Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling.  Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse." - Henry Van Dyke

 1-2-3 Come Do Some Super-Fun Grinch Activities With Me

There are so many activities out there for Seuss's Cat in the Hat, that I wanted to design some things with another popular character. 

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, number words, color words, We usually think of the Grinch in December, because after all, he tried to steal Christmas, but I felt he was the perfect "creature" to "munch and crunch a variety of standards for lunch!" so I created the "Feed the Grinch Game".

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, rhyming activities, Seuss crafts, common core Seuss, Seuss writing prompts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, "Feeding" cards to a Grinch-topped container, is a quick, easy and fun way to review all sorts of things.

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, rhyming activities, Seuss crafts, common core Seuss, Seuss writing prompts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, Print, laminate and trim the "food" cards. 

These are mini cards that include upper and lowercase letters, numbers from 0-120, 11 number word cards, twelve 2D shape cards, twelve 3D shape cards, 35 contraction cards, 94 "GR is for GRinch" gr word blend cards, and 11 color word cards!

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, rhyming activities, Seuss crafts, common core Seuss, Seuss writing prompts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, I chose bright neon-colors, for that extra touch of Seuss-pizzazz. There's also a set of blank tiles for you to fill in with whatever else you want to review or practice. 

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, Besides "feeding" the Grinch, make extra sets of the cards to play all sorts of games.  I've included tip lists suggesting more activities, plus the "Kaboom!" game.

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, rhyming activities, Seuss crafts, common core Seuss, Seuss writing prompts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, There's also a set of math symbols as well, so you can use the number cards for other math activities, like making up equations and solving them, plus showing greater & less than

Students can also sort the number cards into odd and even piles and sequence them.

Play Memory Match or "I Have; Who Has?" games with the number word cards and their matching number cards.

The shape cards, as well as the color cards, work in the same way.  You can also play these games with the letter cards, matching an uppercase letter to a lowercase one. 

There are a number of options you can use for the container.  I bought a green bucket from The Dollar Store.  Currently, they have all sorts of pails and buckets for the Easter season.  

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, rhyming activities, Seuss crafts, common core Seuss, Seuss writing prompts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, Print off the Grinch on green construction paper then cut around the edges.  If you want his eyes to pop, print another Grinch on yellow construction paper then cut out just the eyes and glue them on.

So that the Grinch’s face, easily fits over the top of the bucket, I glued it to half of a sturdy paper plate. Fold his “mouth” on the dotted line so that children can flip it up and drop the Grinch “food” cards inside the bucket.

Add a green "hair" feather at the top, for extra pizzazz, and hold the plate down with some glue dots.  The packet includes labels to decorate your container.  Store each set of “food” cards in their own Ziploc Baggie inside the bucket. 

To play, simply pass out whatever cards you want to practice with to your kiddos, then call out a word, letter, number etc.  The child holding that card comes up, reads and shows it, then "feeds" the hungry grumpy Grinch.

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, rhyming activities, Seuss crafts, common core Seuss, Seuss writing prompts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, Besides using a bucket, you can also use a dishwashing-detergent, flip-top container, to make your hungry Grinch.   Only the front section lifts up, making the perfect “mouth” for “feeding”.

The container in the photo, is from a 10-pack of Mr. Clean erasers that I bought at Sam’s Club. Cascade, as well as other dishwashing detergents, also use this type of container.  (It's the detergent that comes packaged in little pillows.)

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, rhyming activities, Seuss crafts, common core Seuss, Seuss writing prompts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, Finally, celebrate Seuss with these two Grinch "craftivities" that I just finished today. 

Both of them are in the  Rhyming & Writing Are a Cinch With the Grinch packet. 

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, rhyming activities, Seuss crafts, common core Seuss, Seuss writing prompts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, One features two writing prompts.  Students think of things that make them grin like the Grinch. 

They jot these down on the left side.  On the right side, they list things that make them "Grinchly and grumpy".  

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, rhyming activities, Seuss crafts, common core Seuss, Seuss writing prompts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, The other craft is a "doorknobber".  Children fold their paper in half and glue it together, cutting the slit and hole at the top.

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, rhyming activities, Seuss crafts, common core Seuss, Seuss writing prompts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, On the front, students glue their photo face over the Grinch's, after they color it. 

On the back, they list all of the words that they can think of that rhyme with whatever word you assign.  I chose Grinch and Seuss

Samples of both are included, so you can easily show examples to your students, to help explain what you want them to do.

Grinch activities, grinch crafts, rhyming activities, Seuss crafts, common core Seuss, Seuss writing prompts, grinch games, how the grinch stole christmas, GR word blends, word blend activities, contractions, contraction cards, list of contractions, contraction games, Daily 5 word work for March, Daily 5 word work for Seuss, Seuss common core, common core seuss, alphabet games, alphabet cards, alphabet activities, number cards 0-120, shape activities, shape cards, 2d shapes, 3D shapes, shape cards, shape games, number words, color words, Well that's it for today.  It felt good to get a few more things checked off my too-long "To Do" list.  Feeling overwhelmed, definitely makes me feel "Grinchy". 

My feet have hit the floor running, as there's lots to do today.  Wishing you a "Seuss-tastic" day, filled with giggles galore.

 "So be sure when you step, step with care and great tack, and remember that life's a great balancing act!" -Dr. Seuss

1-2-3 Come Do Some More Math Core With Me

Yesterday, I published a huge 70-page Common Core Thanksgiving Math packet.  It met with rave reviews and became one of my top downloads this month.  If you want to read that article, simply scroll down to yesterday's blog post. 

Thanksgiving commopn core math packetAs with most of my ideas, I have a zillion going on at the same time.  When a packet starts to get pretty big, I try to sort through items that can be used as a separate file, such as a particular craftivity, game or assessment. 

Such was the case with today's posting.  Initially, these activities were going to be part of the Common Core Thanksgiving Math packet, but didn't quite fit that worksheet and game format, so I pulled them to make the following separate activities that I hope you'll enjoy.

mayflower math game, pilgrim activities, november math games, math games, Pilgrim activities, Mayflower activities, turkey activities, fact family activities, turkey crafts, whole group assessing, alphabet activities, november sliders, skip counting by 2s 3s 5s 10s, counting backwards activities, assessing listening and following directions, thanksgiving crafts, Mayflower Mayhem is a quick, easy and fun counting game.  The mayhem comes in, because in order to win the game, you need to use critical thinking skills and a bit of strategy, as there are several "routes" your Mayflower can take.  Some of them include shortcuts, so there's that to consider as well. 

Children pick a partner and take turns rolling the dice.  A roll of 1, 2, 3, or 4 moves your ship forward, where as a roll of 5, has you going backwards one space. A roll of 6, puts your sails in "irons" and your turn is skipped.

There's more fun to be had, if you land on the same square as your opponent; one of the perils of going in the same direction as your partner chose.

This simple and quiet game, is perfect for that crazy last day before Thanksgiving break.   Click on the link to view/download the Mayflower Mayhem Math game.

mayflower math game, pilgrim activities, november math games, math games, Pilgrim activities, Mayflower activities, turkey activities, fact family activities, turkey crafts, whole group assessing, alphabet activities, november sliders, skip counting by 2s 3s 5s 10s, counting backwards activities, assessing listening and following directions, thanksgiving crafts, Fact Family Feather Fun, is a cute turkey craftivity that your students will enjoy making, while they practice fact families, writing them on the turkey's feathers. 

I added a "real" feather to the top of the turkey's head for that finishing touch. 

mayflower math game, pilgrim activities, november math games, math games, Pilgrim activities, Mayflower activities, turkey activities, fact family activities, turkey crafts, whole group assessing, alphabet activities, november sliders, skip counting by 2s 3s 5s 10s, counting backwards activities, assessing listening and following directions, thanksgiving crafts, Turkey Talk, is a quick, easy and fun way, to whole-group assess: listening and following directions, numbers, number words, ordinal numbers and colors.

Because the teacher reads the directions, you can omit various steps for younger students, who may be at different levels.

Completed worksheets are really quite cute.   Click on the link to view/download the Turkey Talk Whole Group Assessment Tool.

mayflower math game, pilgrim activities, november math games, math games, Pilgrim activities, Mayflower activities, turkey activities, fact family activities, turkey crafts, whole group assessing, alphabet activities, november sliders, skip counting by 2s 3s 5s 10s, counting backwards activities, assessing listening and following directions, thanksgiving crafts, Finally, I had a request for some Thanksgiving sliders.  Cindy, from Virginia, has used a few of my other seasonal ones, with her young kinders, and wanted to know if I had any with a Pilgrim or turkey.  (Didn't - - but do now.)

Sliders, are also a quick, easy and fun way to whole group assess a variety of standards

I call them "sliders" because children slide the paper strip up or down, to locate an answer in the "window" of their manipulative.

mayflower math game, pilgrim activities, november math games, math games, Pilgrim activities, Mayflower activities, turkey activities, fact family activities, turkey crafts, whole group assessing, alphabet activities, november sliders, skip counting by 2s 3s 5s 10s, counting backwards activities, assessing listening and following directions, thanksgiving crafts, I've included a boy and girl Pilgrim, a boy and girl Native American, as well as a turkey slider pattern in the packet. 

I made black line ones so your kiddos can color them, but also included ones in color, so teachers can easily make samples to share. 

There are slider strips for upper & lowercase letters, counting to 30, counting backwards from 10 to 0 and 20 to 0; skip counting by 2's, 3's, 5's and 10's, plus one for shapes.

mayflower math game, pilgrim activities, november math games, math games, Pilgrim activities, Mayflower activities, turkey activities, fact family activities, turkey crafts, whole group assessing, alphabet activities, november sliders, skip counting by 2s 3s 5s 10s, counting backwards activities, assessing listening and following directions, thanksgiving crafts, The packet also includes a 10 frames spinner game.  These completed projects, make a nice bookmark.

Click on the link to view/download the Thanksgiving Sliders & 10 Frames Game packet.

mayflower math game, pilgrim activities, november math games, math games, Pilgrim activities, Mayflower activities, turkey activities, fact family activities, turkey crafts, whole group assessing, alphabet activities, november sliders, skip counting by 2s 3s 5s 10s, counting backwards activities, assessing listening and following directions, thanksgiving crafts, That's it for today.  Thanks for visiting.  Winter has hit Michigan earlier this year and everything is blanketed in the sparkly white stuff this morning. 

About 8 inches, so it's time to trudge outside to try and unbury my car.  Wishing you a snuggly, warm-fuzzy kind of day.

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~W.T. Purkiser

1-2-3 Come Play Some Number Games With Me

As things are winding down, for a much-deserved Thanksgiving break, you may want to plug in a few educational, yet quick, easy and fun games on that last day.

fraction activities, fraction games, colors, sequencing numbers 1-10, 10 piece fraction pie, number words, number word games, number word activities, math games, number puzzles, turkey activities, thanksging activities, thanksgiving games, turkey games, fraction flashcards, The Easy As Pie Learning packet, reviews all sorts of standards, with a cute little turkey game that's easy to differentiate, for a variety of learning levels. 

fraction activities, fraction games, colors, sequencing numbers 1-10, 10 piece fraction pie, number words, number word games, number word activities, math games, number puzzles, turkey activities, thanksging activities, thanksgiving games, turkey games, fraction flashcards, Use the 10-sectioned pie pattern, to simply make a 10 piece puzzle, for younger students to practice counting and sequencing numbers 1-10. 

Older students can practice numbers and their number words, if you cut the puzzle slices into numbers and number word pieces, making a 20-piece puzzle.

You can also review colors with your little ones, by running off the number wheel pattern, on 10 different colors of construction paper; mixing and matching pieces 'til you have 30-mini puzzles, each with 10 different colored pie slices.  It only took me a few minutes to make 10.  Store them separately, in Ziploc Snack Baggies.

 fraction activities, fraction games, colors, sequencing numbers 1-10, 10 piece fraction pie, number words, number word games, number word activities, math games, number puzzles, turkey activities, thanksging activities, thanksgiving games, turkey games, fraction flashcards, Reinforce life skills, by playing with the puzzles as a partner game.  You can use dice and practice addition, or use the spinner (3 are included) to play that way. 

fraction activities, fraction games, colors, sequencing numbers 1-10, 10 piece fraction pie, number words, number word games, number word activities, math games, number puzzles, turkey activities, thanksging activities, thanksgiving games, turkey games, fraction flashcards, Students take turns rolling one dice, to fill in pie slices numbered 1-6, then use two dice and add them together, to play puzzle pieces 7-10.

fraction activities, fraction games, colors, sequencing numbers 1-10, 10 piece fraction pie, number words, number word games, number word activities, math games, number puzzles, turkey activities, thanksging activities, thanksgiving games, turkey games, fraction flashcards, If your kiddos are also studying fractions, they can play Memory Match or "I Have; Who Has?" games, with the turkey's pumpkin pie fraction cards. There's also a larger set to use as flashcards.

fraction cardsFor more fraction practice, I've included a set of black and white pocket chart cards that you can run off, so your students can make an Itty Bitty fraction booklet.  Click on the link to grab this fun fall FREEBIE:  Easy As Pie Learning Thanksgiving Game packet.

fraction cardsThanks for visiting.  It's really started to snow outside, so I'm off to go find the snow shovel, as it is tenaciously sticking to the ground. 

Sigh... I am so not ready for winter yet, but then I don't think I'm ever happy when it truly arrives either. 

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

1-2-3 Come Do Some Leaf Activities With Me

There are so many themes that I incorporated into my October lessons, that it was sometimes difficult to get to them all.  I think one of my favorites though, was leaves.

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesProbably, because of all the fond childhood memories I have of raking up big piles of colorful leaves and then playing in them for hours.

A leaf theme is an easy way to toss in a little bit of science, and build vocabulary with words like chlorophyll and photosynthesis. Leaves also work well with math and language arts too.

Here are a few of my favorite leaf-themed activities:

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesTo help practice all sorts of math skills, (addition, subtraction, odd & even, greater than and less than) click on the link for the Leaf Counting Games.

Students can play the math games and do the center activities independently or with a partner. 

There are also leaf cards with number words on them, to help reinforce reading skills.  I've included a 3-page tip-list of ideas.

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesThe 10 frames leaf packet is also a fun way to practice a variety of math skills.

Are you working on ordinal numbers?

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesThe Ordinal number packet not only has a leaf worksheet (2 on a page for easy printing), but other fall themes as well.

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesLikewise, the Fall Graphing packet has similar themes, including one for leaves

Besides graphing, you can also reinforce the various 2D shapes.

I always tried to include some sort of hands-on "craftivity" with any theme that I taught. 

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesWith that in mind,  I designed the leaf dangler.  It's the newest addition to my leaf collection of activities,  and includes a little rhyme: "Red, orange, yellow and brown, autumn leaves flutter down."

Older students can complete the "Leaves are, can, have" writing prompt on the back of their leaves

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesI've included a worksheet for this as well.  Do it as a whole group, or have children fill in their own.  There's a completed sample to share as well. 

Do some of your kiddos still need practice identifying the letters of the alphabet

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesThese leaf-themed alphabet cards will help.  I've included separate upper and lowercase letter cards as well, which are perfect for all sorts of ABC games.  A tip-list of what to do with the cards is also included.

Finally, since the weather is so beautiful during the fall here in Michigan, I liked to take my Y5's for a mini nature walk. 

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesThis was just a walk around the block of our school to look for things on a nature list that we brainstormed before departure. 

I gave each child a paper bag to collect "nature stuff" in, then we'd go back, wash up and design a paper plate "leaf pal". 

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesAs you can see by the photographs, they turned out absolutely awesome. 

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, the leaf man by ehlert, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesClick on the link for the leaf man craft. After everyone was done, we'd read the Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert. 

Also in this packet is a quick and easy chlorophyll leaf craft.  Simply run off the leaf template on a variety of colors of fall construction paper. 

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesStudents trim, fold in half and glue only one side to their matching green leaf, so that the other side flips up to reveal the green leaf underneath. 

This was an easy way to show that leaves were green when they were filled with chlorophyll, but changed to their natural color once it was gone. 

By the end of the activity my little ones could tell you about chlorophyll, as well as photosynthesis.  (Their parents were duly impressed.)

leaf activities, leaf crafts, common core leaves, fall writing prompts, fall crafts for kids, ordinal number activities, leaf alphabet cards, fall alphabet games, fall writing prompts, fall centers, leaf graphing, shape activities, alphabet games, leaf science, fall math games, fall math activities, graphing activities, 2D shape activitiesWell that's it for today.  I hope you found something you could use to help your students fall into some learning fun. :-)

Time to go get dinner started.  We're having stuffed red peppers.  Yum!

"Everyone must row with the oars he has." -English Proverb

1-2-3 Come Sing A Fire Safety Song With Me

 fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activitiesAlmost 15 years ago, my 1st graders enjoyed singing my version of The Wheels On The Bus Go 'Round and 'Round,  as I'd add all sorts of extra goofy things to the traditional favorite. 

When October rolled around, and we were studying fire safety, I thought it would be fun to substitute a fire truck for the bus.  My kiddos loved it. 

Well it's years later and I decided to build a Common Core packet around this silly little song.  While doing research, I even found a few people who had the same idea. ("Great minds think alike and all that..." )

Any woo, what started out to be just a few things, morphed into a whopping 69-page packet, and believe me, my brain is a bit fried. 

fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activities0-1I had a few requests for some fire safety themed alphabet and number cards, so I threw them into the mix, and one thing led to another...

Take a peek, pick the items that suit your fancy, and let the fun begin. 

The Packet Includes:

  • The song that started it all: Wheels On The Truck Go 'Round And 'Round
  • Poster of the song.
  • fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activities9 pocket chart cards to go with the song
  • Labeled fire truck poster
  • Fine motor Popsicle stick fire truck activity
  • if a fire truck could talk writing prompt, fire safety writing prompts, fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activitiesWriting prompt graphic organizer page:  "If a fire truck could talk it might say . . ."
  • fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activitiesA wheels on the fire truck upper and lowercase matching game, with answer key. 

Students place the uppercase letter circle on the first wheel and then match the lowercase letter circle to the back wheel.

  • Upper and lowercase letter cards, with a 4-page tip list of what to do with them.
  • A Kaboom game to make playing a variety of the other games like Memory Match and "I Have; Who Has?" even more fun.
  • Number cards from 0-120, with a 2-page tip list of what to do with them. (I tried to keep the ABC and number cards small, to conserve ink and paper.)
  • fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activities11 number cards with numbers and their matching number words. (0-10).
  • Ordinal number cards (1-10).
  • Odd and Even Sorting Mat +
  • 20 worksheets, which include the following:
  1. Can-Are-Have
  2. Label the truck
  3. KWLfire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activities
  4. Match the pictures to the words
  5. Unscramble the words.
  6. Graphing shapes.
  7. Trace and write the words in alphabetical order.fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activities
  8. Re telling a story: Beginning-Middle-End
  9. Describing fire trucks (Adjective activity).
  10. How Many Words Can You Make? (Use the letters in fire truck.) I've included my list of 56 that I came up with. Great for vocabulary building.
  11. Two cutting skill sheets.  One difficult with zig zag lines, the other simple with straight lines.
  12. Two dot-to-dot worksheets.  One with all the letters of the alphabet, the other with numbers 1-30.
  13. Two trace the numbers to to the fire. (Skip counting by 5's, the other #s 1-20).
  14. Two trace the letters to the hydrant. (Uppercase and lowercase).
  15. Match the number to the number word and finally,
  16. Fire Trucks On A Roll a dice game to practice numbers, counting and addition. Whew!

  fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activitiesClick on the link to view/download the Common Core Wheels On The Truck Packet.

 fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activitiesWhile looking for fire truck ideas, I came across a super-simple fire truck Make a Vehicle game over at Enchanted Learning

I always liked to give my Y5's some computer time, and this would make a quick, easy and fun independent activity to practice keyboarding skills etc.

 fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activitiesI also found an excellent video on YouTube featuring real fire trucks.  It's only 2:44 minutes long.  My grandson was revited, but then he's only 2 and everything is pretty exciting.

 fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activitiesIf you're teaching numbers 1-10, Monster Fire Trucks is also a rather short video (4:18) that's kind of cute.  Certainly attention grabbing.

fire safety activities, fire truck activities, fire truck books, fire safety alphabet cards, fire safety number cards, fire safety songs, fire safety games, shape activities, skip counting by 5's activities, number word activities, ordinal number activities, label the fire truck, fire safety KWL, cutting practice, graphing activitiesWell that's it for today. (Where has it gone?) I hope your kiddos enjoy learning, as their own wheels start turning.  I'm off for a romp outside to unclutter my mind.  Wishing you a fabulous fall!

"The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places." -Author Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Fall-Themed Activities With Me

I just love fall.  It's my favorite season, not only because of the spectacular fall colors and wonderful weather, but because of the super-fun themes that we get to teach.

In this blog article, I  want to feature some of the fall groupings I did to cover numbers (1-10), skip counting by 10's, number words and shapes. 

fall themed number puzzles, skip counting by 10's, shape activities, shape games, number puzzles, spider puzzle, scarecrow puzzle, pumpkin puzzle, leaf puzzle, fall shape games, fall shape activities, number word activities, number word gamesUsing the adorable clip art of Laura Strickland over at mycutegraphics.com as well as Dianne Hook at djinkers.com, I whipped up 24 number puzzles. 

There are a dozen for sequencing numbers 1-10, as well as another 12 for skip counting by 10's.  Print, laminate and trim and then store in Ziplock Baggies.  To help little ones, I've also included blank templates. 

Besides using these as independent centers or something "early finishers" can do, choose 3 or 4 and make a flip book.  I give directions in the packet.  (A sample is pictured at the bottom of the photo.)

Click on the link to view/download the 24 Fall-Themed Number Puzzles.

fall themed number puzzles, skip counting by 10's, shape activities, shape games, number puzzles, spider puzzle, scarecrow puzzle, pumpkin puzzle, leaf puzzle, fall shape games, fall shape activities, number word activities, number word gamesIf you want to reinforce shapes as well as shape words, then I think you'll enjoy these fall-themed, shapely matching games.  Simply print, laminate and trim. 

Students place the colored shape tile onto the matching shape on the leaf, spider, bat, owl, or turkey card.  

I've included a blank template for each theme, so you can program with more shapes or whatever. If you like this set, be sure and check out the apple and pumpkin ones.

fall themed number puzzles, skip counting by 10's, shape activities, shape games, number puzzles, spider puzzle, scarecrow puzzle, pumpkin puzzle, leaf puzzle, fall shape games, fall shape activities, number word activities, number word gamesFinally, to practice number word recognition, click on the link for some fall-themed clothespin number games. Students clip a clothespin to the number that matches the number word on the card. 

Pinching a clothespin, is great for strengthening a little one's finger muscles.  Children also seem to really enjoy this activity, so it's a win-win. :-)

To make the cards self-checking, mark an X on the back of the card where the correct number lies on the front. These are something different for your kiddos to do for their Daily 5 word work activities too.

I've included a blank set of cards for each theme, so that you can program them with higher numbers or whatever else you'd like your kiddo's to practice.  If you like this set, be sure and check out the apple and pumpkin ones.

fall themed number puzzles, skip counting by 10's, shape activities, shape games, number puzzles, spider puzzle, scarecrow puzzle, pumpkin puzzle, leaf puzzle, fall shape games, fall shape activities, number word activities, number word gamesThanks for visiting today.  Fall is in the air; the sun is shining and a lovely breeze is blowing through my office window.  The weather is calling me, so it's time for a much-needed break.  Wishing you a refreshing day filled with everything and everyone you enjoy the most.

"Success: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

1-2-3 Come Do Some Christmas Writing With Me!


I decided to share some of my favorite December Easy Readers with you today.  These make nice whole-group reading activities or something simple and quick to plug into your Daily 5 writing block.

christmas activities, penguin activities, december writing prompts, december writing activities, december graphing, graphing activities,  color word activities, number word activities, making class books, snow day activities, writing prompts for december, december booklets, writing centers, daily 5 activites, daily 5 activities for december, winter writing activites, winter writng prompts, christmas writingIn My Winter Color Words booklet, students read, trace and write the color words and then color the pictures. The last page has students write about their favorite winter color and draw a picture of something that color.   Click on the link to view/download it.

christmas activities, penguin activities, december writing prompts, december writing activities, december graphing, graphing activities,  color word activities, number word activities, making class books, snow day activities, writing prompts for december, december booklets, writing centers, daily 5 activites, daily 5 activities for december, winter writing activites, winter writng prompts, christmas writingThis easy reader has been so popular, that I decided to make one featuring penguins; this too reinforces colors and color words. 

The last page has students write which penguin was their favorite, as well as draw a picture of something a blank penguin is holding and then color it.  

I did a huge penguin unit in January, but I know many teachers have penguins as a theme for December too, so I'm featuring some penguin activities this month.  I've also included a certificate of praise in this packet.  Click on the link to view/download the Penguin Colors booklet.

christmas activities, penguin activities, december writing prompts, december writing activities, december graphing, graphing activities,  color word activities, number word activities, making class books, snow day activities, writing prompts for december, december booklets, writing centers, daily 5 activites, daily 5 activities for december, winter writing activites, winter writng prompts, christmas writingHurry! Help Santa, is an older easy reader before I had all the software, graphics and fonts that I have available to me now, but it's still a favorite that I think your kiddo's might enjoy too.  In this easy reader students trace and write as well as cut and glue.  I've included traceable word cards and a graphing extension as well.  Click on the link to view/download the Hurry Help Santa Get Ready easy reader.

christmas activities, penguin activities, december writing prompts, december writing activities, december graphing, graphing activities,  color word activities, number word activities, making class books, snow day activities, writing prompts for december, december booklets, writing centers, daily 5 activites, daily 5 activities for december, winter writing activites, winter writng prompts, christmas writingDecember is a Great Month includes many Dolch words. Children use picture clues to help them read the story as they cut and glue the matching pictures to help explain why December is such a great month.

Two graphing extensions, 33 traceable word cards + a certificate of praise are also included.  Click on the link to view/download the December is a Great Month easy reader.

christmas activities, penguin activities, december writing prompts, december writing activities, december graphing, graphing activities,  color word activities, number word activities, making class books, snow day activities, writing prompts for december, december booklets, writing centers, daily 5 activites, daily 5 activities for december, winter writing activites, winter writng prompts, christmas writingLight Up The Tree reinforces numbers, number words (through 10) as well as colors.   Students trace and write the numbers and number words + draw that many light bulbs.

On the last page children guess-timate how many lights are on the tree.  A graphing extension is included. Click on the link to view/download he Light Up The Tree Easy Reader.

christmas activities, penguin activities, december writing prompts, december writing activities, december graphing, graphing activities,  color word activities, number word activities, making class books, snow day activities, writing prompts for december, december booklets, writing centers, daily 5 activites, daily 5 activities for december, winter writing activites, winter writng prompts, christmas writingIn I See Circles At Christmas, students also trace and write.  A graphing extension + traceable word cards are also included. 

As another writing extension you could have students choose a square or rectangle and challenge them to write their own I See booklet.  Click on the link to view/download the I See Circles At Christmas easy reader. 

christmas activities, penguin activities, december writing prompts, december writing activities, december graphing, graphing activities,  color word activities, number word activities, making class books, snow day activities, writing prompts for december, december booklets, writing centers, daily 5 activites, daily 5 activities for december, winter writing activites, winter writng prompts, christmas writingIf you like the idea of students creating their own booklets, be sure and check out the Christmas Class Books, where students write a page to go with 3 different booklets.   Includes 5 graphing extensions, so you can incorporate math skills. The class-made books are:

 

  • In December: (Students choose one of their favorite activities that they do during the month),
  • Hooray! It's A Snow Day:  (Children write about all of the things they did when school was cancelled) and
  • Christmas Tree: (Students share how they will decorate their dream tree and what they will put on the top).

After students share their work, collect and collate the pages into a class book.  Click on the link to view/download the Christmas Class Books packet.

christmas activities, penguin activities, december writing prompts, december writing activities, december graphing, graphing activities,  color word activities, number word activities, making class books, snow day activities, writing prompts for december, december booklets, writing centers, daily 5 activites, daily 5 activities for december, winter writing activites, winter writng prompts, christmas writingThanks for visiting today.  Feel free to PIN away.  I design and blog daily, so I hope you can stop by tomorrow for lots more FREEBIES.

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try and keep it all the year." -Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

123 Come Count With Me!

counting booklet, counting activities, counting flowers, flower activities, flower ideas, flower lessons, counting frogs, frog activites, frog lessons, math centers, math booklets, frog ideas, flower ideas, bug lessons, insect lessons, bug ideas, insect ideas, bug booklet, insect booklet, counting bugs, counting insects, math centers, daily 5 activities for may, daily 5 activities for spring, writing activities for early elementary, math booklet, counting booklet, counting activities, counting flowers, flower activities, flower ideas, flower lessons, counting frogs, frog activites, frog lessons, math centers, math booklets, frog ideas, flower ideas, bug lessons, insect lessons, bug ideas, insect ideas, bug booklet, insect booklet, counting bugs, counting insects, math centers, daily 5 activities for may, daily 5 activities for spring, writing activities for early elementary, math booklet, Since the 123 Count With Me Booklets have been so popular, I wanted to design some with May themes in mind.

I just finished 123 Count Flowers With Me123 Count Frogs With Me and 123 Count Insects With Me!

Click on the links to view/download any or all of the booklets.

These are easy readers that are perfect for an independent math center or Daily 5 activity.

Students really enjoy doing them, and feel empowered.  Their independence, frees the teacher up to work one-on-one with other students, or do assessing.

The booklets review a variety of math concepts and are a great plug-in for when students complete other work, super for a sub folder or to send home with a struggling student.

Children trace then write the number and number word and circle it in the sequence.

Using a bingo dauber they make dots in a ten-frame to equal the number.

Have students use 2 colors and make an ABAB pattern to reinforce yet another standard!

Finally, students cut and glue the matching numbered group/set of objects to the numbered box in their book.

The last page ties everything up and repeats the number 10.

counting booklet, counting activities, counting flowers, flower activities, flower ideas, flower lessons, counting frogs, frog activites, frog lessons, math centers, math booklets, frog ideas, flower ideas, bug lessons, insect lessons, bug ideas, insect ideas, bug booklet, insect booklet, counting bugs, counting insects, math centers, daily 5 activities for may, daily 5 activities for spring, writing activities for early elementary, math booklet, 123 Count With Me booklets include traceable word and number cards, with matching covers, so that students can make Itty Bitty booklets, as well as a +1 more worksheet, a graphing extension and a certificate of praise.

Click on the link to view all of the 123 Count With Me books that are available.

counting booklet, counting activities, counting flowers, flower activities, flower ideas, flower lessons, counting frogs, frog activites, frog lessons, math centers, math booklets, frog ideas, flower ideas, bug lessons, insect lessons, bug ideas, insect ideas, bug booklet, insect booklet, counting bugs, counting insects, math centers, daily 5 activities for may, daily 5 activities for spring, writing activities for early elementary, math booklet, Thanks for visiting today. I hope you can click on over tomorrow for more ideas.

Feel free to PIN anything from TeachWithMe.com that you think others might enjoy.

Scroll down for article #2 today: A helpful Kindergarten Readiness Checklist


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