shape games

1-2-3 Come Do Some Pattern Block Activities With Me

pattern blocks, pattern block activities, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesPattern blocks are a wonderful manipulative for all sorts of activities, and introduce students to a few more geometric shapes, like the rhombus and trapezoid. My Y5s especially enjoyed lying on their tummies and making long lines of various patterns. (ABAB, ABBA, ABC-ABC etc.)

Not that we need anymore "to do" things added to an already overwhelming list, but as long as your kiddos are playing with pattern blocks, they might as well learn the names of them. This is easily done through repetition and simply allowing children to play with them. 

pattern blocks, pattern block activities, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesAdding a few posters, so students can see the pattern block pictures throughout the day, is an easy reminder of these new shapes.  Click on the link to view/download the Pattern Block Poster. 

pattern blocks, pattern block activities, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesI also made a set of Giant Pattern Block blackline templates.  Simply run them off on a variety of colors of construction paper, laminate and trim. 

Punch a hole in the top and hang from the ceiling with paperclip hooks or clothespins, so that you can easily switch their positions.  Choose 4 of the more difficult shapes and hang one in each corner.

The hexagon, trapezoid, rhombus and triangle, were the "toughies" for my kiddos. At the end of the day we played the game 4-Corners, which helped them practice those shapes in a fun way.

 pattern blocks, pattern block stickers, pattern block activities, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesAnother poster is a pattern block optical illusion.  Do you think the trapezoid on the top is bigger?  Chances are your students will think so, but it really isn't.  Both pieces are the same size.  Print and trim the pieces on a sheet of red construction paper to prove it to them.  Click on the link to grab it.

pattern cards and booklet cov copyI've also designed a set of pattern cards for your pocket chart, with a matching blackline booklet your kiddos can make.   

pattern blocks, pattern block stickers, pattern block activities, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesThere's also a set of Counting With Pattern Blocks, perfect for your pocket chart as well.  I've included a blackline template so you can make worksheets, or use as a center.

pattern blocks, pattern block stickers, pattern block activities, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesPractice counting, sequencing, making groups, plus numbers and number words, with the Pattern Block Number Booklet.

pattern blocks, pattern block stickers, pattern block activities, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block booklets,pattern block templatesMake a laminated booklet for your math center and have students use dry erase markers to fill in the information,  or make a booklet for each child and have them work on a page a day. I've included two cover options.

pattern blocks, pattern block stickers, pattern block activities, hexagon activities, hexagon posters, pattern block posters, pattern block worksheets, pattern block numbers, pattern block letters, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesInstead of placing real pattern blocks on the pages, they can draw them, glue (Ellison Die Cut ) paper pieces, or paste on stickers. 

If you'd like some pattern block stickers (They do exhist!) you can find them over at purefunsupply.com They come 900 in a package for just $8.68.

pattern blocks, pattern block stickers, trapezoid pattern blocks, trapezoid activities, pattern block templates,pattern block activities, hexagon activities, hexagon posters, pattern block posters, pattern block worksheets, pattern block numbers, pattern block letters, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesWant to play some games with pattern blocks? Click on the link for a variety of spinner and dice games using pattern blocks

pattern blocks, pattern block stickers, trapezoid pattern blocks, trapezoid activities, pattern block templates,pattern block activities, hexagon activities, hexagon posters, pattern block posters, pattern block worksheets, pattern block numbers, pattern block letters, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesI also made Rack Up A Stack. Students roll the dice to see which pattern block they need to stack on their mat. 

A second roll, tells them how many of that pattern block they need to stack. Stacks can get pretty high if they keep rolling the same number. 

If their stack falls, children put only the spilled pieces back in the pile. 

The child with the most pieces stacked in one pattern block column can be the winner, or the one with the most stacks, or the one with the most total number of pattern blocks stacked. 

To practice addition, give students the point value card, so they can add up the points in each stack, as well as a grand total.  I've made the easier-to-stack pieces worth only 1 point, for easy counting, as well as higher point values for pattern blocks that are more difficult to stack. 

I've purposely given these values of 2, 3 and 5 points, so that students can practice their skip counting skills. There's a recording sheet for them to show their work.   Click on the link to grab it. Rack Up A Stack: Pattern Block game.

pattern blocks, pattern block stickers, trapezoid pattern blocks, trapezoid activities, pattern block templates,pattern block activities, hexagon activities, hexagon posters, pattern block posters, pattern block worksheets, pattern block numbers, pattern block letters, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesAnother game challenge, is to have students use the pattern blocks to see how many ways they can make a hexagon.  I chose this shape because it's a standard for many, and often a "toughie" shape to remember for lots of kiddos.  Click on the link for the Hexagon Challenge With Pattern Blocks packet.

pattern blocks, pattern block stickers, trapezoid pattern blocks, trapezoid activities, pattern block templates,pattern block activities, hexagon activities, hexagon posters, pattern block posters, pattern block worksheets, pattern block numbers, pattern block letters, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesAs with anything we studied, I liked to throw in some hands-on "craftivity" as another way to immerse my kiddos in whatever concept we were working on. 

With that in mind, I made Pattern Block Pals.  (Blockheads!) I think they turned out pretty cute and hope you like them too. 

pattern blocks, pattern block stickers, trapezoid pattern blocks, trapezoid activities, pattern block templates,pattern block activities, hexagon activities, hexagon posters, pattern block posters, pattern block worksheets, pattern block numbers, pattern block letters, pattern block games, pattern block mats, 20 free pattern block mats, fractions with pattern blocks, pattern block pattern cards, pattern block alphabet cards, pattern block number cards, pattern block posters, pattern block math activities, shape activities, shape posters, traceable pattern blocks, pattern block templatesThere are blank pattern block "head" templates, so your students can draw on their own faces, ones with a traceable word on them, plus ones with sweet faces. 

They look great as a border, bulletin board, or suspended from the ceiling against a hallway wall.  As a writing extension, have students list things on the back of their blockhead that also have that shape. 

For example, on the back of a rhombus students could list kites, jewelry etc.  Older students can mark an X on each corner and then count and record the vertices on the back.

A caption for your display could be: "Mrs. Henderson's Kinders Are Really Shaping Up." Click on the link to view/download the Pattern Block Pals packet.

DianeWow! That's a lot of pattern block options.  I hope you found something that's just right for you.  Thanks for visiting today.

The sun is trying to peek out, and dispite the fact that it's snowing again (boo hiss) I may venture out.  It's March and time for Mother Nature to realize that winter weather should make way for springtime!  Wishing you a magical day.  

"Manners are the basic building blocks of civil society." -Alexander McCall Smith

  1-2-3 Come Do Some Super-Fun Cat in the Hat Activities With Me

Since the Grinch Game in yesterday's blog, was such a huge hit, I decided to make one featuring Seuss's Cat in the Hat. "Feeding" cards to the Cat in the Hat, is a quick, easy and fun way to review all sorts of standards.  Simply print, laminate and trim the "food" cards. 

seuss activities, seuss games, seuss crafts, seuss alphbet cards, seuss number cards, contraction cards, contraction actiities, contraction games, shape activities, shape games, shape cards, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, alphabet activities, alphabet games, cat in the hat activities, cat in the hat games, math games, at family word cards, at word family gamesThese 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, 20 at family word cards, and 11 color word cards!

seuss activities, seuss games, seuss crafts, seuss alphbet cards, seuss number cards, contraction cards, contraction actiities, contraction games, shape activities, shape games, shape cards, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, alphabet activities, alphabet games, cat in the hat activities, cat in the hat games, math games, at family word cards, at word family gamesI 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. 

I bought my red bucket from The Dollar Store, printed the cat off on card stock, then taped it to the inside. Easy Peasy. 

seuss activities, seuss games, seuss crafts, seuss alphbet cards, seuss number cards, contraction cards, contraction actiities, contraction games, shape activities, shape games, shape cards, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, alphabet activities, alphabet games, cat in the hat activities, cat in the hat games, math games, at family word cards, at word family gamesI've included 4 little signs that you can use to decorate your container with, or sprinkle on a bulletin board.

Keep each set of "food" cards in Snack Baggies and store them in your container.

seuss activities, seuss games, seuss crafts, seuss alphbet cards, seuss number cards, contraction cards, contraction actiities, contraction games, shape activities, shape games, shape cards, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, alphabet activities, alphabet games, cat in the hat activities, cat in the hat games, math games, at family word cards, at word family gamesTo play, simply pass out whatever cards you want to practice with, then call out a word, letter, number etc. 

The child holding that card comes up, reads and shows it, so everyone can repeat what they said. That student then "feeds" the hungry Cat in the Hat.

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 Cat in the Hat, make extra sets of the cards to play all sorts of games.  I've included tip lists suggesting more activities, plus the "Kaboom!" game.

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.

seuss activities, seuss games, seuss crafts, seuss alphbet cards, seuss number cards, contraction cards, contraction actiities, contraction games, shape activities, shape games, shape cards, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, alphabet activities, alphabet games, cat in the hat activities, cat in the hat games, math games, at family word cards, at word family gamesI've included an at word family worksheet in the packet at well. 

seuss activities, seuss games, seuss crafts, seuss alphbet cards, seuss number cards, contraction cards, contraction actiities, contraction games, shape activities, shape games, shape cards, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, alphabet activities, alphabet games, cat in the hat activities, cat in the hat games, math games, at family word cards, at word family gamesAfter you're done playing, reward your kiddos with a Seuss bookmark

There are 14 different designs in the packet.  Eight of them feature favorite Seuss quotes.

seuss activities, seuss games, seuss crafts, seuss alphbet cards, seuss number cards, contraction cards, contraction actiities, contraction games, shape activities, shape games, shape cards, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, alphabet activities, alphabet games, cat in the hat activities, cat in the hat games, math games, at family word cards, at word family gamesFor more Cat in the Hat fun, click on the link for 14 sweet Seuss-themed puzzles

They will help your students sequence numbers, count forwards and backwards, plus skip count by 10s to 100. 

seuss activities, seuss games, seuss crafts, seuss alphbet cards, seuss number cards, contraction cards, contraction actiities, contraction games, shape activities, shape games, shape cards, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, alphabet activities, alphabet games, cat in the hat activities, cat in the hat games, math games, at family word cards, at word family gamesI also designed a set of larger Cat in the Hat number cards with numbers 0-120.

Use them for different games, or add them to your "Feed the Cat in the Hat" review game.

seuss activities, seuss games, seuss crafts, seuss alphbet cards, seuss number cards, contraction cards, contraction actiities, contraction games, shape activities, shape games, shape cards, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, alphabet activities, alphabet games, cat in the hat activities, cat in the hat games, math games, at family word cards, at word family gamesThere's a bigger set of alphabet cards as well.  There's a separate set for uppercase and lowercase letters, then a set where both the upper & lowercase letter appears on one card, making them "purr-fect" for all sorts of Memory Match or "I Have, Who Has?" games.  

seuss activities, seuss games, seuss crafts, seuss alphbet cards, seuss number cards, contraction cards, contraction actiities, contraction games, shape activities, shape games, shape cards, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, alphabet activities, alphabet games, cat in the hat activities, cat in the hat games, math games, at family word cards, at word family gamesIf you'd like to see more Dr. Seuss FREEBIES, click on the link to zip on over to that section of my site.  I also have a Pinterest pin board of more Seuss ideas and free activities. 

Thanks for visiting.   Since winter is bitterly clinging to February,  I wish everyone a safe and snuggly day. 

"Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind, don't matter and those who matter, don't mind." -Dr. Seuss

34 pages.

Review all sorts of standards with this quick, easy and fun Seuss-themed Cat in the Hat game.  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, 20 at family cards, and 11 color word cards. 

1-2-3 Come Do Some Turkey-rific Shape Activities With Me

Review 2D shapes in fun and interesting ways, with this Thanksgiving "Shape Up!" turkey packet.The packet includes a turkey craft, where the feathers have the various shapes on them. Students write the name of the shape underneath the picture.  Older students can write the attributes of that shape on the back of the feather.

shape activities, shape crafts, 2D shape activities, common core turkeys, common core thanksgiving, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving games, turkey crafts, turkey games, turkey activities, keepsake crafts for kids, alphabet activities, skip counting activities, pocket chart cards with shapes, Note the feet of the turkey are pentagons, his beak is a rhombus and the belly of the turkey is a hexagon.  I've provided a shape pattern for the head, but if you want to turn this into a keepsake craft, have students trace their shoe for this part. 

I've included feathers for the standard 2D shapes shown in the picture, as well as feathers with a trapezoid, rhombus, pentagon and octagon on them as well.

shape activities, shape crafts, 2D shape activities, common core turkeys, common core thanksgiving, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving games, turkey crafts, turkey games, turkey activities, keepsake crafts for kids, alphabet activities, skip counting activities, pocket chart cards with shapes, For more practice, there's a turkey dice game.  children play in groups of 2-4 and take turns rolling a dice.  Whatever number they roll, is the matching numbered shape that they color.  Encourage children to say the shape words as they play the game. 

shape activities, shape crafts, 2D shape activities, common core turkeys, common core thanksgiving, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving games, turkey crafts, turkey games, turkey activities, keepsake crafts for kids, alphabet activities, skip counting activities, pocket chart cards with shapes, There's also a turkey shape slider. Even though this is a shape-themed packet, I've also included "slider" strips for upper and lowercase letters, numbers to 30, counting backwards from 10-1 and 20-1, as well as skip counting sliders for 2's, 3's, 5's, and 10's. 

Sliders are a quick, easy and fun way to whole group assess.  Choose a child to call out a shape, children pull their slider 'til that shape is in the "window" and then hold it up.  You can see at a glance who is having difficulty.

shape activities, shape crafts, 2D shape activities, common core turkeys, common core thanksgiving, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving games, turkey crafts, turkey games, turkey activities, keepsake crafts for kids, alphabet activities, skip counting activities, pocket chart cards with shapes, Use the 10 turkey shape cards in a pocket chart, for your word wall, or as a flashcard review.

Make extra sets and cut them up for puzzles or Memory Match and "I Have; Who Has?" games. 

All of these fun, fall FREEBIES, can be found in the  Turkey Shape Craftivities & Games packet.  I hope you and your kiddos enjoy them.

shape activities, shape crafts, 2D shape activities, common core turkeys, common core thanksgiving, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving games, turkey crafts, turkey games, turkey activities, keepsake crafts for kids, alphabet activities, skip counting activities, pocket chart cards with shapes, Thanks for visiting today.  It's time for a break to go crunch through some leaves and take a hike through the park. 

Chloe, my poodle pup, has been waiting patiently.  Wishing you an invigorating day.

 "Each life is like a letter of the alphabet. Alone, it can be meaningless, or it can become part of the whole, to achieve true meaning." -- Unknown 


 

A 1-2-3 Come Do Some More Haunted House Activities With Me

I'm enjoying a bit of R&R time this weekend, so I wanted to feature 2 "oldies" but "goodies" for today's blog.  They fit in perfectly with the 2 new haunted house FREEBIES from yesterday.  If you missed that article, simply scroll down to check it out.

fact family haunted houses, haunted house activities, haunted house crafts, fact families, haunted house games, halloween games, math games, shape activities, shape gamesThe 17-page Haunted House math packet, is a "craftivity" and game to help reinforce fact families in a fun way.

The Packet includes:

  • Fact Family "craftivity" templates.
  • Fact Family spinner game templates.
  • Directions and link for a home-school math connection, for fact family Online homework skill building practice
  • Directions and sample of how to make mini dry erase envelope boards.
  • Fact Family T-bar "mad-minute" skill sheets +
  • A certificate of praise.

Click on the link to view/download Haunted House Fact Family Fun.

fact family haunted houses, haunted house activities, haunted house crafts, fact families, haunted house games, halloween games, math games, shape activities, shape gamesThe other haunted house activity helps reinforce 2D shapes.  These are quick, easy and fun games for your kiddos to play in an independent center, or as a whole group.

Click on the link to view/download the Spooky Windows Haunted House Shape Games.

fact family haunted houses, haunted house activities, haunted house crafts, fact families, haunted house games, halloween games, math games, shape activities, shape gamesThat's it for today.  Thanks for visiting.  Wishing you a restful and relaxing weekend too.

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore is not an act, but a habit." -Aristotle

1-2-3 Come Do Some Common Core Activities With Me and Spot the Fire Safety Dog

Since the Common Core Scarecrow packet was such a popular download, I thought it would be fun to design a fire-safety themed one. Thus Spot the Common Core Fire Dog was born. 

fire safety activities, fire safety games, fire safety crafts, dalmatian activities, dalmatian coloring page, dalmatian sock puppet, contraction activities, alphabet games, alphabet activities, common core fire safety, color games, color activities, shape games, shape activities, 2D shape crafts, list of 72 contractions, who let the dogs out activtiesThe packet includes patterns to make 4 Dalmatian matching games for: (upper & lowercase letters, numbers, shapes and colors). Students put a fireman's hat on the Dalmatian, then find the matching bone to put in his mouth. 

fire safety activities, fire safety games, fire safety crafts, dalmatian activities, dalmatian coloring page, dalmatian sock puppet, contraction activities, alphabet games, alphabet activities, common core fire safety, color games, color activities, shape games, shape activities, 2D shape crafts, list of 72 contractions, who let the dogs out activtiesFor example, Sparky, the shape Dalmatian has a 2D shape on his fire hat. 

Students find the matching bone with the shape word on it, and slide it under the slit of Sparky's mouth.  For another matching game, and to cover more standards, write the shape's attributes on the back of the bones. 

To complete the CCSS shape standard, and review spatial directions, have students place the dog bone above, behind, under, beside etc. 

I've also included a spotless dog for you to program for other things, as well as a black and white spotted puppy so students can color it. (Use as a topper for writing prompts etc.)

There are also blank fire hats and blank bones for you to program with whatever.  Use them for other games, name tags, or write a fire safety rule on each bone.

i spy worksheets, fire safety activities, fire safety games, fire safety crafts, dalmatian activities, dalmatian coloring page, dalmatian sock puppet, contraction activities, alphabet games, alphabet activities, common core fire safety, color games, color activities, shape games, shape activities, 2D shape crafts, list of 72 contractions, who let the dogs out activtiesFor even more practice, there are 16 "I Spy" worksheets.

Use them as a fun way to quickly and easily whole group assess: upper and lowercase letters, numbers, number words, colors, color words, shapes, and shape words.

I've also included 5 trace and write worksheets to practice writing upper and lowercase letters, plus numbers from 1-100.

fire safety activities, fire safety games, fire safety crafts, dalmatian activities, dalmatian coloring page, dalmatian sock puppet, contraction activities, alphabet games, alphabet activities, common core fire safety, color games, color activities, shape games, shape activities, 2D shape crafts, list of 72 contractions, who let the dogs out activtiesSince so many fire safety rules begin with a contraction like "Don't play with matches."  I've included these Dalmatian-themed contraction action activities: an alphabetical list of 72 contractions, 24 pocket cards with fire-safety sentences using contractions, plus 3 contraction worksheets.

To grab some fun, click on the link to view/download the fall FREEBIE: Common Core Fire-Safety Themed Puppy Packet.

If you'd like to make a Dalmatian sock puppet to use with these activities, or when you read some fire-safety books that feature a Dalmatian fire dog, click on the link. A little square of cardboard inside the toe of the sock, makes the "talking mouth".

Dalmatian sock puppet, fire safety activities, fire safety games, fire safety crafts, dalmatian activities, dalmatian coloring page, dalmatian sock puppet, contraction activities, alphabet games, alphabet activities, common core fire safety, color games, color activities, shape games, shape activities, 2D shape crafts, list of 72 contractions, who let the dogs out activtiesI made these each year with my students.  We used them to show spatial directions and share a fire-safety fact.  My kiddos also had fun showing how to stop-drop and roll using their puppy puppet.  

I've included a copy of our Puppey Pokey song, which was a great way to get the wiggles out! There's also a puppy adoption certificate.  My Y5's enjoyed naming their puppies and then introducing them to the class. 

who let the dogs out fire safety activities, fire safety games, fire safety crafts, dalmatian activities, dalmatian coloring page, dalmatian sock puppet, contraction activities, alphabet games, alphabet activities, common core fire safety, color games, color activities, shape games, shape activities, 2D shape crafts, list of 72 contractions, who let the dogs out activtiesWe really enjoy the song: Who Let The Dog's Out, so we'd finish up our fire-safety day rocking out to that tune.  Click on the link for a You Tube listen.  LOVE the variety of dogs that they use in their animation. :-)

who let the dogs out, fire safety activities, fire safety games, fire safety crafts, dalmatian activities, dalmatian coloring page, dalmatian sock puppet, contraction activities, alphabet games, alphabet activities, common core fire safety, color games, color activities, shape games, shape activities, 2D shape crafts, list of 72 contractions, who let the dogs out activtiesI hope you found something that your kiddos will enjoy.  Thanks for visiting.  Time for a little fresh air. 

I love the crunching sound as I tromp through fallen leaves.  The colors are looking pretty spectacular and there's a crisp coolness to the air this morning.  Wishing you a sunshine-filled day.

"When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time." -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 Make A Multi-Purpose Scarecrow With Me

Since there are so many standards on our plates these days, there never seems to be enough time for everything, let alone a fun seasonal craft that we know our students would enjoy. That's why I spend so much time designing hands-on "craftivities" that revolve around all sorts of standards. 

scarecrow crafts, scarecrow activities, common core scarecrows, alphabet activities, blends, list of contractions, list of compound words, list of words that rhyme with scare, list of words that rhyme with crow, odd and even activities, vowel activities, scarecrow crafts, scarecrow shapes, common core scarecrows, shape crafts, shape games, alphabet games, odd and even activities, common core scarecrowsBecause it's so comprehensive, it took me several days to complete this Common Core scarecrow, and even more hours to make a sample of all 11 scarecrows, but it was time well spent, as they turned out so cute, are easy for your kiddos to make, and reinfore the following: 

Upper and lowercase letters, vowels, sc blend, beginning s sounds, matching words with pictures, numbers 0-30, odd and even, skip counting by 2s, 3s, 5s & 10s, shapes, telling time, colors, contractions, number words, color words, compound words, CVC words, and rhyming words.

Completed projects make a wonderful fall bulletin board, or look sweet hanging back-to-back from the ceiling.

To make this extra special, fold a sheet of white construction paper, have students trace their hand and then cut once, to get two hand prints for their scarecrow's "gloves".  I ran yellow construction paper through a shredder to make the "hair". 

Run off the scarecrow's body templates on a variety of colors of construction paper.  Students trim and glue together. 

For more fine motor practice, cut yellow rectangles with a paper cutter.  Have students snip the bottom portion and glue the "hay" to the back of the scarecrow's pant legs, then crumple.

scarecrow crafts, scarecrow activities, common core scarecrows, alphabet activities, blends, list of contractions, list of compound words, list of words that rhyme with scare, list of words that rhyme with crow, odd and even activities, vowel activities, scarecrow crafts, scarecrow shapes, common core scarecrows, shape crafts, shape games, alphabet games, odd and even activities, common core scarecrowsI purposely made these patterns super simple to cut out, but if you think this is too much for PK kiddos, have a room helper trace once and then cut 3-6 shirts and pants out at a time,  leaving just the head for preschoolers to cut out.  

There's a blank head so children can draw their own scarecrow face, as well as a completed template for little ones to color.

 scarecrow crafts, scarecrow activities, common core scarecrows, alphabet activities, blends, list of contractions, list of compound words, list of words that rhyme with scare, list of words that rhyme with crow, odd and even activities, vowel activities, scarecrow crafts, scarecrow shapes, common core scarecrows, shape crafts, shape games, alphabet games, odd and even activities, common core scarecrowsStudents make their scarecrow and then trim and glue on the appropriate patches.  The vowel scarecrow is especially versatile, as it not only covers vowels, but shapes and colors too.

For extra practice, when everyone is done, play an "I Spy" game and give students a piece of candy corn to use as a manipulative.  Choose a student to call out a "patch". 

scarecrow crafts, scarecrow activities, common core scarecrows, alphabet activities, blends, list of contractions, list of compound words, list of words that rhyme with scare, list of words that rhyme with crow, odd and even activities, vowel activities, scarecrow crafts, scarecrow shapes, common core scarecrows, shape crafts, shape games, alphabet games, odd and even activities, common core scarecrowsChildren locate that letter, number, shape or whatever, cover it with the candy corn, and then raise their hand. 

This is a fun way to practice and review standards, as well as a quick and easy way to whole group assess, as you can see at a glance who is having difficulty. 

I've also included blank patches for you to fill in with whatever, plus ideas and templates to use the number, letter and shape scarecrows for matching games.

i.e. match the lowercase patches to the uppercase letters; match the number word patches to the numbers; and/or match the shapes to the shape words.

For more scarecrow-themed letter fun, click on the link for a set of scarecrow alphabet cards.

The following scarecrows are wonderful for vocabulary building and Daily 5 word work: Carl is the Compound words scarecrow; (Click on the link for an alphabetical list of over 3,000 compound words.)

scarecrow crafts, scarecrow activities, common core scarecrows, alphabet activities, blends, list of contractions, list of compound words, list of words that rhyme with scare, list of words that rhyme with crow, odd and even activities, vowel activities, scarecrow crafts, scarecrow shapes, common core scarecrows, shape crafts, shape games, alphabet games, odd and even activities, common core scarecrowsConnie, is a contraction action scarecrow; (With an alphabetical list of 72 contractions)

scarecrow crafts, scarecrow activities, common core scarecrows, alphabet activities, blends, list of contractions, list of compound words, list of words that rhyme with scare, list of words that rhyme with crow, odd and even activities, vowel activities, scarecrow crafts, scarecrow shapes, common core scarecrows, shape crafts, shape games, alphabet games, odd and even activities, common core scarecrowsSam, is a scarecrow that loves 37, 3-letter words that begin with S; (CVC practice!)

Scott, is the SC blend scarecrow, with a list of 50 words. The packet also includes an entire SC blend section, with lots more activities.

vSophie, is a scarecrow with 47-picture patches, for simple words starting with the letter S

scarecrow crafts, scarecrow activities, common core scarecrows, alphabet activities, blends, list of contractions, list of compound words, list of words that rhyme with scare, list of words that rhyme with crow, odd and even activities, vowel activities, scarecrow crafts, scarecrow shapes, common core scarecrows, shape crafts, shape games, alphabet games, odd and even activities, common core scarecrowsFor a quick review, I've also included 4, Ss word, picture posters.

scarecrow crafts, scarecrow activities, common core scarecrows, alphabet activities, blends, list of contractions, list of compound words, list of words that rhyme with scare, list of words that rhyme with crow, odd and even activities, vowel activities, scarecrow crafts, scarecrow shapes, common core scarecrows, shape crafts, shape games, alphabet games, odd and even activities, common core scarecrowsRodney, is the Rhyme Time scarecrow, with 56 words that rhyme with scare and a list of 274 words that rhyme with crow.

Write the words that rhyme with scare on the front of Rodney, and have children choose some words that rhyme with crow and write them on the back.

In the sample, I chose 24-scare rhyming words and wrote them on the shirt, and then wrote an equal amount of words that rhyme with crow, on the pants.  The alphabetical lists include rhyming words that start with every letter except U & X.  I chose one of each.

Finally, the number scarecrow, has several options and serves double duty.  There are number patches from 0-30, which  I traced in a variety of colors. 

scarecrow crafts, scarecrow activities, common core scarecrows, alphabet activities, blends, list of contractions, list of compound words, list of words that rhyme with scare, list of words that rhyme with crow, odd and even activities, vowel activities, scarecrow crafts, scarecrow shapes, common core scarecrows, shape crafts, shape games, alphabet games, odd and even activities, common core scarecrowsYou can make Odd Todd and Even Steven scarecrows (front and back) or put the odd numbers on the top and the even numbers on the bottom.  (See photo.)

For more math number practice, I've also included skip counting patches.  Children can skip count by 2's, 3's, 5's and 10's.  There are matching worksheets in the packet as well, along with number cards, plus number puzzles in color & black and white.  

For more odd and even scarecrow number fun, click on the link to practice numbers from 1-120, in the Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch packet.

scarecrow crafts, scarecrow activities, common core scarecrows, alphabet activities, blends, list of contractions, list of compound words, list of words that rhyme with scare, list of words that rhyme with crow, odd and even activities, vowel activities, scarecrow crafts, scarecrow shapes, common core scarecrows, shape crafts, shape games, alphabet games, odd and even activities, common core scarecrowsIf your kiddos are familiar with that concept, but need to work on matching numbers to their number words, use the Norman & Nancy number scarecrow patterns, with numbers 0-10, along with their matching number word patches.

Glue the numbers on the shirt and the number words on the pants.  For more practice, have students write the words above their matching number patch.

Click on the link to view/download the "craftivity" portion of the Common Core Scarecrow Packet.

This section will be FREE for an entire year!  After that, you can pick up the whopping 184-page jumbo packet in my TpT shop for just $5.95.  Click on the link for Patches, The Standard Scarecrow Craftivities packet to pop on over.

scarecrow crafts, scarecrow activities, common core scarecrows, alphabet activities, blends, list of contractions, list of compound words, list of words that rhyme with scare, list of words that rhyme with crow, odd and even activities, vowel activities, scarecrow crafts, scarecrow shapes, common core scarecrows, shape crafts, shape games, alphabet games, odd and even activities, common core scarecrowsThanks for visiting today.  I need to unclutter my brain, so we're off to a nearby fall festival.  It's a beautiful autumn-weather day, if the rain just holds out for awhile. 

 "If stars can shine with darkness, so can you." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do A Few More Apple Activities With Me...

I know that I said I was done designing apples for awhile, but I found a few more notes while cleaning off my desk, and one thing led to another, 'til 4 mini apple packets were knocked off.  I hope you enjoy them.  The desk is cleared and just waiting to be filled with all sorts of other fall fun . . . where to begin?

connect the dots worksheets, alphabet connect the dots, apple connect the dots, apple crafts, I spy games, I spy letters, I spy numbers, I spy shapes, shape activities, shape games, alphabet activities, alphabet games, apple games, apple puzzles, name activities, I always get a few requests for some worksheets that connect-the-dots for a variety of things.  Raesha, from Arizona, wondered if I had any connect the dots with skip counted numbers. 

She's reviewing skip counting by 5's and 10's with her firsties and thought these would be fun. 

I chose an apple theme for my template and included numbers from 0-10, as well as numbers from 0-30, plus apples for skip counting by 5's and then 10's. 

Since I had the template designed, I also made a connect the dots for uppercase letters and another for the lowercase letters.  Click on the link to view/download the Apple Connect The Dots packet.

connect the dots worksheets, alphabet connect the dots, apple connect the dots, apple crafts, I spy games, I spy letters, I spy numbers, I spy shapes, shape activities, shape games, alphabet activities, alphabet games, apple games, apple puzzles, name activities, Another request came from Rachel, over in Wisconsin.  She wanted a quick and easy way to whole-group assess a variety of standards, to see where her kinders are at. 

My favorite way to whole-group assess is with an "I Spy!" game.  I designed these with an apple theme.  Students spy uppercase letters, lowercase letters, shapes, and numbers. 

connect the dots worksheets, alphabet connect the dots, apple connect the dots, apple crafts, I spy games, I spy letters, I spy numbers, I spy shapes, shape activities, shape games, alphabet activities, alphabet games, apple games, apple puzzles, name activities, They trace the letter/shape/number called, and then raise their hand.  You can see at a glance who is having difficulty. 

Students enjoy this form of assessment, and you know where the majority of your students are, without a whole lot of time invested testing. 

Another plus for these worksheet-games, is that students can take them home and use them several more times, as they play with their parents, continuing to reinforce standards in a fun way.  

Click on the link to view/download the Apple-Themed "I Spy" packet.

connect the dots worksheets, alphabet connect the dots, apple connect the dots, apple crafts, I spy games, I spy letters, I spy numbers, I spy shapes, shape activities, shape games, alphabet activities, alphabet games, apple games, apple puzzles, name activities, I continued to reinforce name recognition with my Y5's through October, and tried to think of a variety of ways for them to practice finding and writing their names.  With a big apple unit in September, it seemed only fitting to do something with apples.

connect the dots worksheets, alphabet connect the dots, apple connect the dots, apple crafts, I spy games, I spy letters, I spy numbers, I spy shapes, shape activities, shape games, alphabet activities, alphabet games, apple games, apple puzzles, name activities, Print a copy of the apple name game template and then write your students' names on the inside. 

I also include my own name, so that I had a sample to share and show, as I explained what I wanted my kiddos to do. 

Every year some of my little ones were amazed that I had a first name (Diane). They simply thought of me as their teacher Mrs. Henderson. 

I guess it was sort of like asking the question: "What's your mom's name?"  To which most of them would reply: "Mommy." :-)

Students find and circle their name, write it on the bottom and then, because I was teaching them that apples came in three colors, I'd have them trace their apples with those 3 color markers or crayons.  Completed projects make a cute bulletin board. ("The Apples Of Mrs. Henderson's Eyes!" )

connect the dots worksheets, alphabet connect the dots, apple connect the dots, apple crafts, I spy games, I spy letters, I spy numbers, I spy shapes, shape activities, shape games, alphabet activities, alphabet games, apple games, apple puzzles, name activities, I've also included an apple card template for you to use as name tags and/or games. Print a few copies of the apple card master; write your students's names on one set and then run off on yellow construction paper. 

Print another set on white card stock and trim.  Each child colors their own apple and then glues their photo in the middle.  Collect, laminate and trim.  Use the photo apple cards with the name apple cards, to play Memory Match or "I Have; Who Has?" games. 

You could also put both sets of apple cards on a split ring and use them as flashcards, to help your students learn the names of their classmates, as well as how to read their names.   Click on the link to view/download the Apple Name Game packet.

connect the dots worksheets, alphabet connect the dots, apple connect the dots, apple crafts, I spy games, I spy letters, I spy numbers, I spy shapes, shape activities, shape games, alphabet activities, alphabet games, apple games, apple puzzles, name activities, Finally, I made some apple puzzles, that make an easy and inexpensive little gift for the 1st week of school, or whenever. 

connect the dots worksheets, alphabet connect the dots, apple connect the dots, apple crafts, I spy games, I spy letters, I spy numbers, I spy shapes, shape activities, shape games, alphabet activities, alphabet games, apple games, apple puzzles, name activities, I've included 3 different header cards for your treat Baggies, as well as a black and white template, so that your students can color their own puzzle. 

connect the dots worksheets, alphabet connect the dots, apple connect the dots, apple crafts, I spy games, I spy letters, I spy numbers, I spy shapes, shape activities, shape games, alphabet activities, alphabet games, apple games, apple puzzles, name activities, When they are done, have them cut out their puzzle, mix up the pieces and challenge them to be the first one to complete their apple puzzle

I've also included a blank template to help young students easily put their puzzle together.  Click on the link to view/download the apple puzzle packet.

connect the dots worksheets, alphabet connect the dots, apple connect the dots, apple crafts, I spy games, I spy letters, I spy numbers, I spy shapes, shape activities, shape games, alphabet activities, alphabet games, apple games, apple puzzles, name activities, Thanks for visiting today.  The sunshine is calling and I'm happily answering.  See you later apple-gator.

"We can teach from experience, but we cannot teach experience."  -Sasha Azevedo

 

1-2-3 Come Do Some Whimsical Shape Activities With Me

Sometimes when I'm designing something, the initial idea comes from some clip art that I found.  I'll look at it and say: "This is so cute!  How can I use this to make something educational?"

Thus was the case with this whimsical boy and girl done in black and white.  I LOVE DJ Inkers graphics.  I've bought a lot of stuff on her site. You can click on her link to the left of my blog under "Other Resources" to check out the adorable goodies. 

shape activities, shape assessments, shape games, 2D shapesBy adding different shapes for the boy's and girl's mouths, I came up with the Shapely Mouth packet.  Use it to teach, review and assess shapes and shape words.

The packet includes:

  • shape activities, shape assessments, shape games, 2D shapes12 large 8x10 posters of each shape.  Use these to make a border, bulletin board, or for large flashcards.  There's also a  large 8x10 "shapes" title poster to provide a caption for your grouping.
  • 2 posters featuring all of the shapes on one page.  You can run these off and give each child a copy to refer to, or give them a manipulative and have them place it over the various shapes as you call them out. 
  • This could also be done as an "I Spy" game where students would trace the shapes that are called out.  (A quick, easy and fun way to whole group assess.)
  • shape activities, shape assessments, shape games, 2D shapes2 Boy & 2 Girl Face Mats for students to play the "Shapely Mouth" game.  I included lines above one set of head posters.  Laminate these.  Using dry erase markers, students write the name of the shape down for whatever word card was selected. 
  • shape activities, shape assessments, shape games, 2D shapesRun off the other set for students to keep.  Trim off the directions on the bottom.  Children use these to play the shape game at home.
  • 12 mouth-shape pieces for manipulatives.  Laminate red or pink sheets of construction paper.  Trace the various shapes once, and then cut 3-6 shapes at a time. Store in Snack Baggies.  Run off the shape master for students to color, cut and use as manipulatives for their game.
  • shape activities, shape assessments, shape games, 2D shapes12 word cards with no shapes. Use these if you want to whole-group assess your students knowledge of the names of the shapes.
  • shape activities, shape assessments, shape games, 2D shapes12 word cards with shapes on them. Use these to help teach little ones the names of the shapes.
  • They look at that card and then place the matching shape on their head mat.
  •  

shape activities, shape assessments, shape games, 2D shapesThere are also 12 mini shapely mouth cards to use for Memory Match and "I Have; Who Has?" games.

  • shape activities, shape assessments, shape games, 2D shapesshape activities, shape assessments, shape games, 2D shapesPlus 2 trace and write shape booklets with 2 different covers.  Students trace and write the shape words, and then trace, draw and color the shapes
  • shape activities, shape assessments, shape games, 2D shapesFinally, there's a certificate of praise to help encourage your students and build their self-esteem.  There are 2 on a page for easy printing.

Click on the link to view/download the Shapely Mouth 2D Shapes Packet.

shape activities, shape assessments, shape games, 2D shapesThanks for visiting today.  Of course it's raining, because I watered my flowers early this morning.  The down pour did nothing to alleviate the humidity.  It's hot and muggy and a nice day to stay in the cool air-conditioning designing the day away with new FREEBIES. 

Feel free to send any special requests you may have to: diane@teachwithme.com   Wishing you a refreshing day!

"If you’ve told a child 100 times, then it is not the child who is a slow learner." -Unknown

Page 2 of 3