Snails in the Math Kit

Do you have the Math Kit bundle? There are some new snail cards ready for you to print and play! Here are some general ideas for using them:

Counting Practice:

Write numbers on each section. Have children spin the spinner and say the number of sections it lands on, counting out a set of matching counters or cubes. This helps reinforce counting skills and number recognition.

Color Matching:

Each section of the spinner is a different color. Children can spin the spinner and then sort or match objects that are the same color as the section it lands on. For example, they spin a green and find all the green bears from a collection.

Shape Sorting:

Label each section of the spinner with a different shape. Children can spin the spinner and then sort a pile of shape cut-outs into the shape that corresponds with the section it lands on.

Number Recognition:

Write numbers in each section. Children spin the spinner and identify the number it lands on, then say the number that comes before or after.

Equal Groups:

Divide objects into the number of equal groups around the snail. For example, children divide a set of 15 blocks into 3 equal groups of 5 blocks each.

Addition and Subtraction:

Use the spinner to create simple addition or subtraction problems. For instance, if the spinner lands on 4 and 2, children can combine the two numbers to find the total or subtract to find the difference.

Pattern Creation:

Each section of the spinner could represent a different pattern (like red, blue, yellow). Children spin the spinner and create patterns with colored blocks or beads based on the section it lands on.

Counting by Groups:

Use the spinner to decide how many groups of objects to count. For example, if the spinner lands on 5, children count out groups of 5 objects from a larger set.

Graphing:

Create a simple bar graph where each section of the spinner represents a different category.

Children spin the spinner multiple times and keep track of how many times each section is landed on by adding a bar to the graph.


These activities not only make math engagingbut also help develop their understanding of numbers, shapes, colors, and patterns in a hands-on way! Find out more about the Math Kit bundle! 

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Math Kit

Back to School Bus

As the school year rolls around, it’s the perfect time to get creative and celebrate the excitement of returning to the classroom. What better way to do that than with a delightful back-to-school bus craft that’s sure to make students smile? This vibrant and engaging project is not only fun but also a fantastic way for kids to express their creativity and get into the school spirit.

What’s Included?

Our back-to-school bus craft comes with a comprehensive printable resource designed to bring out the artist in every student. The set includes:

Template Pieces: 

Students will receive a range of colorful template pieces to cut out, color, or paint. These pieces come together to form a cheerful and eye-catching bus that will brighten up any classroom or home.

Personalization Elements: 

Each child will have the opportunity to make the craft their own by writing their name on the bus. Additionally, they can draw themselves, their friends, or even their favorite school subjects on the bus, adding a personal touch to their creation.

Simplified Option: 

For those who prefer a quicker project, a completed bus template is available. This version requires less cutting and assembly, making it ideal for younger students or busy classrooms.

How to Make the Craft

Color and Decorate: 

Start by letting the students color and decorate their bus pieces with bright, fun colors. Encourage them to use their imagination—this is their chance to make the bus as unique as they are!

Assemble the Bus: 

Once the pieces are colored and ready, students will cut them out and assemble them into a cheerful bus shape. The assembly is simple and engaging, making it a perfect project for young artists.

Personalize: 

Have each student write their name on their bus and draw themselves and their friends on it. This personal touch not only makes the craft special but also adds a wonderful sense of pride and ownership.

Show Off: 

Display the completed buses in the classroom or at home to celebrate each student's creativity and to get everyone excited about the new school year.

Why This Craft?

This back-to-school bus craft is more than just a fun activity—it’s a fantastic way to get students excited about the upcoming school year. The bright, happy designs and the interactive elements make it a joyful project that fosters creativity and self-expression. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for students to bond with their peers and feel a sense of accomplishment as they complete their own unique bus.

Whether you’re a teacher looking for a classroom activity or a parent seeking a fun summer project, this craft is sure to bring smiles and create lasting memories. So gather your supplies, print out the templates, and get ready for a back-to-school adventure that’s colorful, creative, and oh-so-fun!

Happy crafting, and here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!

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Back to School, Scribble Drawings

Boost Addition Fluency with the Frog Five Frame Game: A Fun Approach for Early Elementary Students

As the school year begins, first and second-grade teachers are gearing up to refresh their students' addition skills. Fluency in addition is crucial at this stage, and a fun, interactive approach can make all the difference in keeping students engaged and motivated. One excellent way to achieve this is through hands-on games and activities that reinforce addition facts and strategies.

One such game that fits perfectly into this learning framework is the Frog Five Frame Game, which combines visual aids and interactive play to enhance addition skills. Let’s dive into how this game works and how you can incorporate it into your classroom to support your students' development. You might have seen it over on my Instagram Reel!

How to play the Frog Five Frame Game:

Roll the Dice:

Students start by rolling dice, up to five times. Each roll is recorded on a Frog Five Frame—a visual aid that helps track progress and visualize numbers.

Draw a Card:

After each dice roll, students draw a Rainbow Addition Fact card. For example, if they roll a 3 and draw a +5 card, they will add these numbers together.

Add It Up:

Using their chosen addition strategy (such as counting on), students calculate the total. They can do this independently or in pairs, with one student calculating and the other listening and verifying the answer

Versatile Play Options:

Pairs:

Students can work in pairs where one student performs the addition while the other observes or assists. This collaboration encourages discussion and reinforces understanding.

Independent Play:

Students can play individually, marking their answers on the five frame. This option is great for those who prefer working alone or for reinforcing skills in a one-on-one setting.

Small Group:

The game can be adapted for small group instruction, where the teacher guides each student through the process, ensuring that everyone gets hands-on practice and feedback.

No Special Materials? No Problem!

If you don’t have access to the Frog Five Frame and Rainbow Addition Fact cards, you can easily adapt the game with basic materials. Simply use a whiteboard and marker to draw a five frame, roll two dice, and use counters or marks to represent the numbers. This version provides a similar interactive experience and can be a great backup when resources are limited.

Why This Game Works:

The Frog Five Frame Game integrates visual aids and physical activity, making abstract addition concepts more concrete for young learners. By rolling dice and using a five frame, students engage multiple senses, which helps reinforce their understanding and recall of addition facts. Additionally, the game’s flexibility in play options allows you to tailor the activity to fit different classroom dynamics and learning styles.

Get Started:

To bring the Frog Five Frame Game into your classroom, watch our REEL for a quick review. It provides you an idea of the game in action, making it easy for you to implement right away. Let me know if you need some more help!

Transform your math instruction with this engaging game and watch your students' addition skills flourish! 🌈🐸📚

• find the Math Kit with frog and rainbow cards ready to print in my TPT store
• find more ideas for addition here
• find more support for back to school here

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Addition, Math Kit

Math is Amazing

Are you looking to brighten up your classroom and inspire a love for math in your students? I'm thrilled to introduce our latest printable resource available now in our TPT store—perfect for creating a vibrant and engaging bulletin board or door display!

Introducing: The "Math is Amazing" Bulletin Board Kit

This delightful kit is designed to foster a positive and enthusiastic attitude toward math from day one. With a header that spells out “Math is Amazing,” this resource sets the stage for a joyful and dynamic math environment. Here’s what you can expect:

🌟 Bright and Happy Visuals: The kit includes a variety of cheerful images to decorate your space. Picture colorful dice, cheerful numbers, a playful math kit, whimsical rainbows, and fluffy clouds to symbolize mental math thinking. Plus, don’t forget the adorable math bears that will bring a smile to every student’s face!

🎨 Customizable Student Names: Personalize your display by typing your students’ names onto the colored math counter accents. This feature allows you to showcase each little mathematician in your class, making them feel special and excited about their math journey.

🧩 Skill-Focused Fun: This resource is not just about decoration—it's about creating a space that encourages engagement with numbers, shapes, and more. It’s perfect for kindergarten classrooms where developing a love for math through fun and interactive visuals is key.

Why Choose This Kit?

• Positive Learning Environment: Our design promotes a positive connection to math, helping to alleviate any anxiety and replace it with excitement and curiosity.
• Easy to Use: Simply print, cut, and assemble to transform your bulletin board or door into a math wonderland.
• Encourages Participation: By including student names, you’re actively involving your students in the display, which can enhance their interest and investment in math.

Enhance your classroom atmosphere and celebrate the joys of learning with this engaging and educational bulletin board kit. Head over to our TPT store now to get your hands on this resource and start creating a math-focused space that will make every student eager to dive into their math adventures!

You may also like

• The Math Kit
• Sequenced activities for learning essential math skills and concepts
• Engaging activities for having students practice fluency within 5

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Bulletin Board, Math Kit

Fun Cute Coloring Pages

Hello! As you're planning for the upcoming week, don't forget about the Pond Coloring Club. It's our website dedicated to providing fun, cute, and educational coloring pages for children of all ages.

We know that coloring is not only a fun activity but also a valuable tool for learning and development. That's why we have created a collection of coloring pages that are both entertaining and educational.

Our coloring pages cover a wide range of topics, including animals, nature, cute characters, and more. 

Here are just a few of the benefits of using coloring pages in the classroom:

• Improved fine motor skills: Coloring requires children to use their small muscles in their hands and fingers, which helps to develop fine motor skills.
• Enhanced creativity and imagination: Coloring allows children to express their creativity and imagination by choosing colors and patterns.
• Increased focus and concentration: Coloring requires children to focus and concentrate on the task at hand, which can help to improve their attention span.
• Reduced stress and anxiety: Coloring can be a relaxing and calming activity that can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Improved hand-eye coordination: Coloring requires children to coordinate their eyes and hands, which can help to improve their hand-eye coordination.

Be sure to visit the Pond Coloring Club, we have hundreds of coloring pages to choose from, so you're sure to find something that your students will love!

Happy coloring!

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Coloring Page

Scribble Strawberry

Nurturing Fine Motor Skills Through Strawberry Art: A Fun Kindergarten Activity

Drawing isn't just about creating pictures—it's an essential way for young children to develop the fine motor skills needed for writing. A playful and educational way to practice these skills is by drawing a strawberry in kindergarten. This simple yet effective activity helps little hands build strength and coordination, laying a solid foundation for future handwriting success. Here’s how to guide your students through this delightful activity and make the most of their artistic journey!

Starting with a Triangle

Begin the strawberry drawing with a basic triangle. This simple shape helps young learners practice control over their crayon and start visualizing the basic structure of the fruit. The triangle acts as the base and provides a clear starting point for the rest of the drawing.

Tip: 

Encourage children to hold the crayon with a proper grip and use their whole arm for the initial triangle, which builds gross motor skills before moving on to finer movements.

Shaping the Strawberry

To give the strawberry its distinctive shape, use rounded oval movements with crayons. This technique not only adds dimension but also strengthens the hand muscles required for precise writing. By repeating these movements, children improve their control and develop the dexterity needed for later handwriting.

Tip: 

Remind students to use their whole arm to create the rounded shapes rather than just their fingers. This broader movement helps them develop better control over the crayon.

Drawing the Leaves

The leaves of the strawberry are drawn using repeated hopping lines—an essential prewriting movement. These lines help children practice the foundational strokes needed for writing many letters of the alphabet. As they draw the leaves, they develop a rhythm and fluidity that will benefit their future writing.

Tip:

Guide students in making short, controlled hops with their crayon. Practice the hopping motion separately if needed, and then integrate it into the leaf drawing.

Adding Soft Edges with Watercolor

Once the crayon drawing is complete, introduce watercolor to enhance and soften the edges of the strawberry. This step adds a new texture and visual depth, helping children explore different art materials and techniques. Watercolor painting also improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as children learn to manage their brush strokes and color within the lines.

Tip: 

Keep the watercolor process simple and encourage experimentation. Show students how to control the amount of water and paint on their brush to avoid muddy colors.

Expanding the Artwork

Once the strawberry is complete, encourage students to expand their drawings. They can add more strawberries, a background scene, or additional patterns around their artwork. This not only allows for further practice with shapes and lines but also helps in developing creativity and spatial awareness.

Tip: 

Provide examples of different backgrounds and patterns to inspire students. Allow them to experiment freely and make choices that reflect their personal style.

Displaying and Sharing Art

Finally, make sure to display the completed artwork in the classroom. Create a special art wall where students can see their creations on display. Encourage them to share their work with peers, discuss their artistic choices, and reflect on their progress. This not only boosts their confidence but also reinforces their learning experience.

Tip: 

Use this opportunity for a classroom discussion about the different elements in each student’s artwork. Highlight their efforts and improvements to foster a supportive and encouraging environment.

Drawing a strawberry is a wonderful and effective way for kindergarten students to practice fine motor skills while having fun. By starting with simple shapes, incorporating various materials, and expanding their creativity, children develop essential skills that will benefit their handwriting and overall coordination. 

Embrace this playful activity in your classroom and watch as your students’ artistic and writing skills flourish!

Find more Kinder Drawing projects in my store!

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fine motor, Kinder Art

Ordering Numbers - Using Numbers 1-5

 

Ensuring our young learners grasp the fundamentals of counting and number order is a crucial milestone in their mathematical journey. Here are a few practical activities designed to help your students master counting and number sequencing within the range of 1 to 5. 

These two activities are simple yet effective in building a strong foundation in early math skills and use the numeral cards from one of my bundles.

Activity 1: Number Line Fun

• Use numeral cards (1-5)
• Start by introducing the concept of number order using a number line. 
• Explain to the children that numbers can be placed in order either from smallest to largest (forward) or largest to smallest (backward).
• Shuffle the cards, lay them out and say the numbers together. 
• Flip teh cards face down. Choose a student to select a card at random and place this at the beginning of the number line. 
• Other students then take a turn to flip a card and find the number that comes next (either forward or back)
• Keep flipping cards until 3 cards appear in a row in correct counting order. 

Activity 2: Number Tower

• Use building blocks or cubes
• Write numbers 1 to 5 on building blocks or use stickers to label them.
• Have students build a tower using these blocks in the correct number order. They can start from any number and build up or down accordingly.

Tips for Teaching Number Order:

• Use Visual Aids: incorporate visual aids like number lines or blocks to make abstract concepts more tangible for young learners.
• Encourage Verbalization: Prompt students to explain their reasoning as they arrange numbers. This verbalization helps reinforce understanding and clarity of thought.

Building on Foundations

As your students become proficient with counting and sequencing numbers from 1 to 5, consider extending their learning:

• Progress to numbers up to 10, gradually increasing the complexity of sequences.
• Practice writing numbers 1-5 in different orders to reinforce recognition and memory.
• Introduce sequences of four numbers to challenge their sequencing abilities.
• Start exploring simple addition and subtraction using the "close in counting-order strategy" they've developed.

Feel free to adjust the activities and tips to suit your teaching style and your students' needs. Have fun exploring numbers with your kindergarteners!

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numbers to five, Ordering Numbers

Stretchy Hippo Craft

Embark on an exciting journey to create adorable paper craft hippopotamuses with your students or children! This engaging activity will not only help your little learners practice their fine motor and cutting skills, but also provided a fantastic opportunity to review the letter "H" and introduce informational text writing. Let’s dive into how this craft became a holistic learning experience!

Fine Motor Skills Development

• use scissors and paper to color and cut various shapes to assemble your hippos
• paper crafts are ideal for developing fine motor skills, allowing children to strengthen their hand-eye coordination and dexterity
• watch your students confidence grow as they master the art of cutting and creating 

Letter H Review

• as part of your activity, review of the letter h
• your students can practice writing uppercase and lowercase "H" on their hippo cutouts or on a whiteboard 
• discuss words that start with "h," such as hippo, happy, and house
• write some h words on cards and use them in a bulletin board display along with your students crafts

Informational Text Writing

• once the crafts are complete, channel your students creativity into writing
• each student can write a few sentences about hippos, sharing fun facts they learned during our discussion or class reading of a book or website
• my printable pack includes writing scaffolds you can use
• help stduents understand the structure of informational text and how it allows them to express their knowledge in writing
• model the use of clear and simple sentences while encouraging them to illustrate their work by completing one together as a class collaborative writing project (perhaps the day before students write independently)

Collaboration and Classroom Display

• after completing a hippo craft and writing, let the real magic happen
•  collaborate as a class to organize your beautiful creations into a vibrant bulletin board display
• students can work together to plan the layout, demonstrating teamwork and organizational skills with a stunning showcase of creativity and learning

Showcasing Student Work

Your classroom bulletin board can not only highlighted the students' crafts but also display their writing alongside the colorful hippos. This visual representation of their hard work may instil a sense of pride in each student and foster a love for learning through creativity!

To add a whimsical touch to your display, here are some catchy bulletin board title ideas:

• “Hippopotamus Happenings!”
• “Hippo-ly Awesome Work!”
• “Hooray for Hippos!”

Keep creativity flowing in your classroom with craft and writing!

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Animals, fine motor, Writing Informational Texts

More Cute Coloring Pages

School breaks are a time for children to relax and have fun. But it's also important to keep their minds active and engaged. Coloring pages are a great way to do this.

Coloring requires children to use their fine motor skills, focus their attention, and express their creativity. It's also a relaxing and enjoyable activity that can help kids de-stress.

There are many different types of coloring pages available in our Pond Coloring Club - you can browse the many categories and print the pages you'd like your children to complete.





To make coloring even more fun, use different colors, pencils, crayons, markers, paint, glitter and stickers!

Once your children have finished their coloring pages, you can display them on the refrigerator, in their room, or even send them to friends and family.

Here are some tips for making the most of coloring pages during school break:

• Set up a special coloring area where your children can have access to all their supplies.
• Encourage them to experiment with different colors and techniques.
• Take breaks to stretch and move around.
• Display finished coloring pages to give your children a sense of accomplishment.
• Use coloring pages as a way to talk to them about different topics, such as nature, animals, or transportation.

Coloring pages are a fun and educational way for kids to spend their school break. So grab some crayons or markers and let your child's creativity shine!

I'd love you to use some pages from the club - find out all about it over on the website.

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Coloring Page, Summer

Making Five Color Match Game

Alligator Five is a new math activity for making Numbers to 5 that I've just added to the bundle.

As well as helping your children match and remember colors in order, they will discover ways of making 5.

Using their play mat they add counters in a row to match the card.

Make it more challenging by:

• having students make 2 at a time and see ways to make 10
• have them flip the card over and re-make the pattern from memory
• play a listening game - put 10 alligator cards out and say the color names of one card - students look and find it (e.g. pink, green, green, green, pink) 
• say an addition sentence (2+3) and have students find a colored card that matches

The resource includes a recording page - students can record their work with numbers and symbols. 

• find this printable math activity in our store
• find more activities for learning numbers to five in kindergarten
• find a free alligator drawing activity here

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numbers to five

Time for Sun

3 Fun Ideas to Teach Time to the Hour on an Analogue Clock to Kindergarten Students

Teaching time to the hour on an analogue clock can be a challenging concept for kindergarten students. Here are three simple and fun ideas to help them grasp this concept:

Use a Large Clock with Movable Hands:

• Purchase or create a large clock with movable hands that students can manipulate.
• Have them move the hands to different hours and ask them to tell the time.

Create a Clock Craft:

• Provide students with simple supplies like paper plates, markers, and movable hands.
• Have them create their own analogue clocks, decorating them as they wish.
• Once complete, they can use their clocks to practice telling the time.
• I have this printable sun clock math craft available in my store. Just print one of the 3 versions onto yellow or white paper and you'll be prepped and ready!

Play a Clock Game:

• Divide students into teams and give each team a set of cards with different times written on them.
• Have them race to match the cards to the correct times on a large clock.
• The team that matches all their cards first wins.
• Here are 5 math game activities, sequenced to help your students learn concepts and skills for reading a clock to the hour

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math craft, Telling Time