Out of Order: Fun With Numbers

 

I don't have much time, but I must share this with you. It is a great activity, that combines numeracy and hands on learning. The best part is that you could make it , right now.

 

Materials: Tongue Depressors, Markers and Paper.

I started out buy writing number words and numbers, I tried to make them different colors...it really does not matter.

Then, on the back I made a self check system. This is to scaffold independent work.

I thought it would also be cool to add a recording sheet. The children would have to write the number word or draw the picture.



Finally, I put it all together. Five Minutes...tops.

An Abc Sensory Tub

  I  was literally cleaning, when this activity came to me.
It is a reminder that we can make great learning experiences with what we have around us.

 What do you have that is just laying around the house?
How could you use those things to trick the kids into learning?

For this activity I used bears and letters. I found a container, but you can use a bowl. I chose to use the center to promote letter awareness...but this could go so many ways.

As an extension, I laid out white boards and dry erase markers. The students would say the letters  and write them.  After I set this center was set out, I went to the dollar store and added tiny tongs for pincer grasp and fine motor development.

   Need other ideas? Check out these sensory tubs:

                                                              - Plastic bottle tops with letters/numbers written on them.
                                                              - Beans,  and Scrabble Tiles
                                                              - Magnetic Letters, Cups and Noodles
                                                        

Now I Know My Abc's

As you know, I have a little boy. He is super smart. However, at times it is a struggle to make learning fun. I will do anything to reach him where he is at. I think of my students in the same way.

Word Work Without Tears 

As I was leaving school, I was thinking of ways that I could help children with letter identification. I started with a plastic container, you could totally use an old water bottle.

Next, I searched for randomness. I found beans, glitter, beads, buttons and feathers.

For the letters, you could use paper, letter tiles or random beads.

Shake the container and hot glue the top on.

The container can be set out and the children can sit down and search for letters.

You may want to pair the container with paper or note cards. Students can write the letters down.

You can also try: using numbers or  sight words in the jar.

#LearningIsFun



Mommy's Pumpkin Pie Playdough

We are learning all about pumpkins. I was thinking about ideas for our unit. I thought it would be really cool to make Pumpkin Pie Playdough. All you do, is use the recipe that you already have.

The children will love measuring and pouring. It will be interesting to talk about what they observe.


Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
Orange Food Coloring, Pumpkin Spice

1.In saucepan,or large bowl, mix all dry ingredients with a spoon. Next, add a generous amount of food coloring, the oil, and water. Mix well.

2.When all the ingredients are combined, place the pot on the stove. Set the burner on medium heat, stirring constantly!
Once the dough has formed a ball, remove it from the stove.

3.I set the dough on a piece of wax paper to cool. When the dough is cool, I like to add a little flour. Then, knead the dough until it’s a nice consistency.

4. Set out bowls,spoons,rollers and other cool tools to explore with.

Happy Pumpkin Time.

Thrifty Fun: Memory Match Game

This seems to be the Summer of the,"Upcycle". I love the idea of taking something you already have and making it new. Usually,I apply this idea to the house. What if we applied the idea to educational materials? We could save money and find new ways of engaging our students.

For example, check out this vintage match game I found.


We play games with rules all the time...but sometimes you have to change things up a bit. Instead of playing on the floor,I added these small magnets.They came on a roll.


I put them on the side of my desk.




However, you could even put them on a cookie sheet or the fridge.

By the way, match games help students develop math and science skills.Thrifty learning!



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