tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57825861182898642842024-03-19T16:01:36.392+11:00From the PondClassroom ideas and activities for kindergarten and first grade.Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comBlogger1818125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-88143087234958577852024-03-18T21:29:00.004+11:002024-03-18T21:29:45.167+11:00Let's draw an orange!<div>Drawing is always fun but it is esepecially important in the early years of school.</div><div><br /></div><div>Drawing can help:</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Develop fine motor skills:</h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Drawing requires children to use the small muscles in their hands and fingers, which helps develop fine motor skills. </li><li>These skills are essential for writing and to complete other tasks in the classroom - playing math games and engaging with hands-on learning for concepts like measurement, space and geometry.</li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Enhance creativity:</h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Drawing allows children to express themselves creatively and to explore their imaginations. </li><li>It helps children develop problem-solving skills, as they experiment, make choices and decisions to represent their ideas.</li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;">Promote self-expression:</h4></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Drawing gives children a way to communicate their thoughts and feelings without using words. </li><li>It can also be a therapeutic activity for children who are struggling with difficult emotions.</li></ul><div>Here is a project you can do easily with paper, crayons and watercolors - an orange! </div><div><br /></div></div><div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Rhyme-and-Activity-Pack-Orange-Tree-11278565" target="_blank"><img alt="how to draw an orange" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JqKvRxyna9-kQrOdMnTZbH6b3CpY5Bvvike6Uh2SpEZOduCIA_5ElGRpHVgNDQTK-lkLZbG0WSFDOGiYlUYyko49wqrCVsgfcTO6_wd4Gxon0_npFPeLiTY0IfBPQ_xQvJWsiUCc9JFOTffUQEXc7R8uemyIn4VfAwlh2aGUq7CNvVRynKs1C62PRUA/s16000/orange%20tree%20action%20rhyme%2005%20blog.png" title="kindergarten orange artwork" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the steps:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2QdcZGXDd5M" width="320" youtube-src-id="2QdcZGXDd5M"></iframe></div><div><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Rhyme-and-Activity-Pack-Orange-Tree-11278565" target="_blank"><img alt="art project crayon orange" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlthCJrj8oR3SBStiDt5dxdaQ3YFR8Jv-qFXfHy6ZUMddlGY5U_yjfnfIT_KVROAYL2e-9vpvQwJCc5MAWQ0sSM3hj69fiNR5N6aovmlw1snjLXjrR6szE0O70KlbuFo0tBR7F8goR-ZjS_68AJcC6sumSBegwYVNUX9oxR0TlFyY2JT4SLmUVXzqblE/s16000/orange%20tree%20action%20rhyme%2004%20blog.png" title="draw and paint an orange" /></a><br /><br />After drawing one your students can draw a whole page full and then add a tree foliage background or cut them out for display. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Rhyme-and-Activity-Pack-Orange-Tree-11278565" target="_blank"><img alt="orange drawing in kindergarten" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv1Vbxt4JDjtbPmoA2uQh7u_QnB5KkiUSiqGGiqf0ZSn-wjz24RuCapsAqT5ZjWTA_kkR91FVihrRYEPnOC9mqjBpVwucEYo16H2wsJbJV54clzOGFJk_eOtP1ilsxHTk4nv3YfaVnDgTmVBjuwI9Pq-kwGjpscd2f6aySdsRyi5Rse6Q1cX4tOaHVOI/s16000/orange%20tree%20action%20rhyme%2003%20blog.png" title="kindergarten orange drawing" /></a><div><br /></div><div>If you love teaching action and counting rhymes in your learning program, you may also like <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Rhyme-and-Activity-Pack-Orange-Tree-11278565" target="_blank">my new rhyme: Orange Tree</a>. It's included in the bundle of rhymes and is a valuable tool for math while integrating reading, language and listening. </div><div><br /></div><div>This rhymes combine rhyme and actions in a fun and engaging way to explore numbers to ten and counting forward and back.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Rhyme-and-Activity-Pack-Orange-Tree-11278565" target="_blank"><img alt="orange action rhyme" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclIAjCr4O9vPOrZohZjpfpMa5iHgMn5GQXuhZ797rEDovN1H2ZJf6C-SLMShPEHoumeY3KsJbrp0qeYPWk-txbO_cBZGpS2kFdT7j1pnjlIX0qnAGlG-SugVFbq07w_U99-V7wyZz9vDcT1c2hnhp_9SyFtKwOga-xvFncgc5PKLUIgYQ4jV3V_wJLRs/s16000/orange%20tree%20action%20rhyme%20blog.png" title="orange fruit counting rhyme" /></a></div><br />I hope you have a great day at school today and you hear your students say things like:</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>"Yay, I love art!"</li><li>"What are we going to make?"</li><li>"Do I get to use the glitter?"</li></ul>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-25686413299506509462024-03-15T22:06:00.000+11:002024-03-15T22:06:03.056+11:00Butterflies Warm Up<h4 style="text-align: left;">Fun Butterfly Fact:</h4><br />Butterflies rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. When you see them basking in the sunlight - they're warming up. Encourage your students to warm up for math today with a quick place value game using the new butterfly cards in the Math Kit! <div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Butterfly Ten Math Game</h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>butterflies have special scales on their wings that help them absorb sunlight and convert it into energy - tell students they will collect ten of these scales on their butterfly before lift off and flight (scoring a ten block for the center of their card)</li><li>students roll a 1-3 dice and add the matching number of blocks or counters to a wing on their card</li><li>they keep rolling and adding cubes until they reach 10</li><li>stop them periodically and ask them to tell you how many they have so far and how many more they need to make ten</li><li>when ten cubes have been collected, they trade for a ten</li><li><b>extension idea:</b> keep playing to build a 50 or 100 (switch to a 6 sided dice)</li></ul><div><span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Place-Value-Activity-Mats-11230483" target="_blank"><img alt="butterfly place value game" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdx0k0vttuSQ_ihFCLbW4tO4cNo_bGc6CjW0M267kpRM9YXuagZUrNlE5IroCt-jkF9kzMU2LXQmla5GHczHYi6WDXREvTrdcmFZH165Z4KZpolOFdtFahsu2YDqIx-UwprG772rGDamG7GJV0LxbnaUa_kafbOcyvM1IKecUaE3NVYKzZYv-ehchtROw/s16000/math%20kit%20butterfly%20pv%2003%20blog.png" title="butterfly place value game" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Place-Value-Activity-Mats-11230483" target="_blank"><img alt="tens and ones in kindergarten" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmZxtmxlxFGiVWEVEb1MSdqSTM5E5PE0W6v0NuMw-oGOMJsdFY9SWbvn-qNAuDK9zgAoN0ltBWfrIJJvSfcbS8zVEKh9jcrxt6oY2K7rMhjcmfj5e9JEStc7Wz5bOMho0NjNAGRF8gdPnHiPo3aQSzgsd-mGiYHAA5AaSJ4aQNjAxY1spDxM-SWIfjG8/s16000/math%20kit%20butterfly%20pv%2004%20blog.png" title="tens and one sin first grade math" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Place-Value-Activity-Mats-11230483" target="_blank"><img alt="butterfly math warm up" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNu4umZjr-EfHgzg4T96X807iXu_Ii80TqfReHZqlHDIL9ATs8ZtaNm7B1Hx2TtML95_9wOzXPaAsnD5KtYp_JgUE3y4rdRtlMeU7zFsRChQcq7BAIN8nP-xpCyIDufIiECipScjWMLn11MbHFWaLd5i2soPHruhH-hcyAgrjcNn1dOhkz-L9dMJUaBaw/s16000/math%20kit%20butterfly%20pv%2005.png" title="butterfly math games" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>To further your children's learning in place value - have them:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>count objects in groups of tens and ones (take a scoop of counters or buttons and sort them into tens with the remainder being ones - find the total)</li><li>match numerals to groups of objects (use the number cards from the math kit to label a set made from place value blocks)</li><li><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/place-value-activities" target="_blank">engage in more fun printable card games and worksheets</a></li></ul></div></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-82310198973504457582024-03-14T22:16:00.002+11:002024-03-14T22:16:36.392+11:00St Patricks Day Craft - At the end of the rainbow!<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Craft-Rainbow-Hat-With-Writing-565628" target="_blank"><img alt="St Patrick's Day Crafts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRDQMnC4km8G2DqXAUq0qOIRcDwMIXPdtlrGI3IP6OpxbtEy_fOZ8J2UG7MaJDAXeSKl41XD52ZNp6ssSjXkMshOrnVsEfBU-e9wOTabwZ1G9Kxt9pBtGMX8YlNJn-p-1e3oYRNnetsO3qyvhNwP6Kyai6HlhdENI3P1G2IjCVDJRpEVe4gd4rHafOwI/s16000/st%20patricks%20day%20hat%2006%20blog.png" title="St Patrick's Day Easy Craft" /></a><div><br /></div><div>St. Patrick's Day provides many opportunities for engaging and hands-on activities. Children can participate in art projects such as making shamrocks for a classroom banner or rainbow decorations - like these ones! They can color and cut the rainbow rectangles on a page provided in the file or you could use party streamers or crepe paper. </div><div><br /></div><div>Along with the craft (color, paint or print on colored paper) your children can write about St Patrick's Day after reading some books. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Craft-Rainbow-Hat-With-Writing-565628" target="_blank"><img alt="Hat St Patricks Day" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSBG7Q7HWVkg5uBNCAtm5GcsXsMmG53s38gBQvfGnxwa_QdSX_2UV7CyaZTp341GMAgsNTdZWriEteabM1WNfyVkKWeh1oA-qKnoLpBVULpiXP8wmODH67fjC-hm4qPyRsFpE6dtG6X5VJUjItzVd_1_Xovh4U2o8vluLDII0_kk9c_kHB7CErtcqnt8/s16000/st%20patricks%20day%20hat%2005%20blog.png" title="Writing for St Patrick's Day" /></a></div><br />The tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick's Day is said to date back to the 17th century, when people would wear green shamrocks on their clothing as a way to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Over time, the green shamrock evolved into the big green hat that is now a popular symbol of the holiday! Talk about what your students would love to find at the end of a rainbow and make a list together. Teach your students how to make a list as you write. <div><br /></div><div>From this collaboartive list they can draw or write a short response to the sentence starter. A plain option is provided in my file if you'd like to create your own writing task. <div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Craft-Rainbow-Hat-With-Writing-565628" target="_blank"><img alt="Craftivity in Kindergarten for March" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw-n7l8pyEB6sy1igNtkuaWUncQs1Cw2DbJt3bBRBSa1V8_1jlhgeU4zxQSzu7XBD7YEba6wDDDARmiJ0lKTQ2f_-jklTixzqkfhqtH1l_1Kt8EPajd2TdNh48GDLbnkVfNOPv1o_DErVDzAnSbA9GLvFQJaPyg69A-b1HmjbG7BbclrnaRr3OOqhItM/s16000/st%20patricks%20day%20hat%2004%20blog.png" title="Craftivity in Kindergarten for March" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Craft-Rainbow-Hat-With-Writing-565628" target="_blank">What a beautiful bulletin board or display</a> you'll have with all the colors of the rainbow and your students drawing and writing! </div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to the craft activity, you may like a sensory bin activity in your classroom for engaging your students while others finish their craft. Here is one idea:<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Create a Pot of Gold Sensory Bin</h4>This is a fun and easy way to explore textures and sensory input. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>fill a bin with rice, beans, or sand</li><li>add some gold coins</li><li>let your children use their hands or scoops to dig through the bin and find the gold</li></ul></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-37459317719440325152024-03-13T08:11:00.004+11:002024-03-13T08:11:38.358+11:00Fine Motor Mats for St Patrick's DayLet's get creative with play dough during March! St Patrick’s day gives you the ideal theme to get a rainbow assortment ready and have some fun! I have some <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Fine-Motor-Activity-Mats-11236052" target="_blank">new shamrock funny face play dough mats in my store</a>. You can combine them with dough and small equipment and have your children cover the shapes and lines on the mats. Use:<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>dough</li><li>buttons</li><li>counters</li><li>small blocks</li><li>pom poms</li><li>dry erase markers and more!</li></ul><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Fine-Motor-Activity-Mats-11236052" target="_blank"><img alt="fine motor activities in kindergarten" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxNoiZEGXId7BZn3ivXrYVAzzHgALjgHmOXOhau_30FYX2VY-ZB-pnkVaNMuLaEdp09MWg6qbFpLwHLxrPEgA5MJqnux8eEnps1vsl6EyVEdiEfcJqaw3nIlfHe-cEycf2MOYWk7nmQoZqwd1y0ATJBhqyfjcU_0z30tPWMpYlLDKWJVepVmz3X873_Y/s16000/st%20patricks%20day%20play%20dough%2004.png" title="shamrock play dough mat from the pond" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Your children learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. Hands-on activities allow children to explore and interact with their environment, which helps them to make connections and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Play dough and fine motor activity mats are perfect for hands-on learning in your classroom. They help with:<h4 style="text-align: left;">Increased engagement: </h4></div><div>Fine motor activities are engaging and allow your children to use their senses to explore and interact with materials, which helps to keep them interested and motivated.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Development of problem-solving skills: </h4><div>Play dough shape-making activities often require children to solve problems, such as how to create a shape or arrangement to fit a space or cover an area. This helps them to develop their problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in school and in life.<h4 style="text-align: left;">Development of fine motor skills: </h4></div><div>Working with dough, buttons, counters or markers on the activity mats help develop your students fine motor skills. They will use hand-eye coordination and dexterity. This is important for tasks such as writing, drawing, and playing musical instruments.<h4 style="text-align: left;">Development of social skills: </h4></div><div>A play-dough or fine motor mat learning center can serve to support the scial development of your students too. They can work at a small desk together and share equipment, talk about their work, listen to one another, be cooperative and communicate their thoughts and feelings. </div><div><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Fine-Motor-Activity-Mats-11236052" target="_blank"><img alt="play dough mats from the pond" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGE8UKhGh-SCnikVavT-mSyN10zYQGpZ5eYn0cFqxBfOVqdex1KWGVPrB7hIRK4UT1PU0bJ97vTKhQqm9v1yr8xZSVdhP9VD3NzpcjQbVt9VRq5zA4iAh-zDy72O7l-1iDoDGBulK9ifn-WQuhG1OwDBMZm5jBztR1MDBvJg7bEt5Mc1UQYmhjGjivu8/s16000/st%20patricks%20day%20play%20dough%2002%20blog.png" title="shamrock fine motor mat for fine motor activities in march" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Fine-Motor-Activity-Mats-11236052" target="_blank"><img alt="fine motor activities" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36NtTBbE92cwzGsTOBgVRzA5t61FyNRjysyR2YlheWxSTF3ScXAOnxPmDTH5x6glPDm2WLQ8qKyN2yE0jFwpso-3QOnJWqRRcHfG1AuqRJfEqSodtjWPLN4vrHScIjS6NAhvWR2HxpwAeM2efFEEejntbM5RexkO-L6r7cFVi9wn9Qogc5Q5syr3yISE/s16000/st%20patricks%20day%20play%20dough%2001%20blog.png" title="march learning center ideas for kindergarten" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Fine-Motor-Activity-Mats-11236052" target="_blank">Find the mats over in my store</a> ready to print and play!</div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-8697037780559632062024-03-11T22:27:00.007+11:002024-03-11T22:32:40.501+11:00Ordering Shamrocks for St Patrick's Day Integrating a <a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/st-patricks-day-activities" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day</a> theme into kindergarten math in March can make learning more engaging and enjoyable. By using hands-on math games and activities your children can develop important math skills such as counting, sorting, and patterning in a fun and interactive way. <div><br /></div><div>You could:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://frompond.blogspot.com/2023/03/3-ways-to-play-with-pot-of-gold.html" target="_blank">count gold coins</a> (counters)</li><li>sort <b>shamrocks</b> pictures by size </li><li>reinforce the concept of ordering and sequence by reading about <b>rainbows </b></li></ul></div>Remind your students that rainbows follow an order. The colors of a rainbow always appear in the same order. Red is on the outside, followed by orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. This consistent order helps us to identify rainbows and distinguish them from other atmospheric phenomena.<div><br /></div><div>Play some number order games too! <br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Number Lines:</h4>Draw a number line on a long strip of paper using markers that follow the rainbow order. Count the number line with your students and have them watch as you snip it up into single numbers. Shuffle the number cards and have students help you put it back into order.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Number Coins:</h4>Write numbers on circles of yellow card. Shuffle the cards and pass them out to your group of students. Have students put them in order from least to greatest. They will all need to watch and count to see when their number is needed for the sequence. <br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Dry Erase Cards for Number Ordering and Writing</h4></div><div>Use my Shamrock Number order Cards for students to practice counting and writing numbers. They will start at random positions in the range 0-120 and write the missing numbers. They can do this directly onto a laminated card with a dry erase marker or use the recording page to copy the existing numbers and fill the missing numbers. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can use all the cards to 120 or just pull a smaller selection - e.g. 1-20 for a refined focus. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Math-Activity-Number-Cards-210650#show-price-update" target="_blank"><img alt="St Patrick's Day Math Activities for Kindergarten" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIob10WObw7DWGkmPa9kmVRu2NPfQwwCUk4HmKEto6dg5mRqjkEBtxQNhvpZ5JGrbo0Sp-P-VDAQ8EuLQekjRMepkH3GMGGz3dcQypuBNhwi07JSqHSwQZhzQZLMoIou4LlJlKu-VJvjbstvH1D3bTjLp5eG_nJlLayqOJkP3ccmts41HBD6TN2e4JgOs/s16000/shamrock%20number%20order%20st%20patricks%20day%20activities%20blog.png" title="Ordering Numbers in Kindergarten on Shamrocks for Math" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-14517497301612541102024-03-10T20:34:00.002+11:002024-03-10T20:34:12.179+11:00Two Turtles Pattern Math Warm UpVisual memory plays an important role in math by helping in various mathematical tasks and concepts. Here are just 3 of many ways visual memory supports mathematical abilities:<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Visual Memory Supports Number Recognition:</h4>Visual memory helps in recognizing and identifying numbers quickly. It supports the ability to recall the shape and structure of numbers, making it easier to read and understand them.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Visual Memory Supports Mental Calculation:</h4>Visual memory assists in performing mental calculations. It allows individuals to hold numbers and mathematical operations in mind, enabling them to solve problems without the need for physical aids.<h4 style="text-align: left;">Visual Memory Supports Geometry and Spatial Reasoning:</h4><div>Visual memory is essential for understanding and manipulating geometric shapes and spatial relationships. It aids in visualizing and mentally rotating objects, identifying patterns, and solving spatial problems.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Play Two Turtle Math Warm Up </h4>Here is a math warm up to play with the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/9-Grid-Activity-Cards-for-Math-Games-and-Warm-Ups-9867471" target="_blank">Turtle Grid Cards</a> from the <i>Math Ki</i>t. As well as helping your students with counting and number sense (seeing numbers in different arrangements and counting them quickly) it can support your children's emerging visual memory.</div><div><br /></div><div>To play:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>make a pattern with 5 counters on your turtle</li><li>give students a short time to look at the pattern - encourage counting etc</li><li>conceal the turtle with a square of paper or similar</li><li>have students copy the arrangement from memory on their own turtle card</li><li>reveal your first turtle and have students correct their own arrangement if needed </li><li>play with different numbers and different arrangements</li></ul> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/9-Grid-Activity-Cards-for-Math-Games-and-Warm-Ups-9867471" target="_blank"><img alt="turtle math warm up" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBY9PtwrBdlIzw_NP8zFvFtcd22MXlXo6yCsRWSsm9lXZ2UKgGu22VZhdV9qaUZQ_u3UIF-Lkw6vi3UNuYZz6cFM_V7XwYWMlvBNEBFjXbespej2y47b0Say73neK5xo1Ymj2Ze6T816qV-YpyKR-Skpj2kfhK_VNXs8YynAVCHTRFgtgt_HRHUSeC-8/s16000/turtle%20pattern%20math%20warm%20up%2001%20blog.png" title="visual memory math warm up" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/9-Grid-Activity-Cards-for-Math-Games-and-Warm-Ups-9867471" target="_blank"><img alt="number arrangement math warm up" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv4DMx1WNmsX4KIvw4IS1a9BHemdb8O80rD-jqcmZuWwnrtw-oIJQ7d7k7C9l7kX7TpobDoqvazbpRiyxEvliBjHDVoNn0SOJrDxUE2W4mEnXBt9h7TK7AOnxqXE6ZWj6w_29WtxphuD8Oqs3FhScbhTElUN-DaaOh8y8zjibpst8CFtYB382PvKHTXE/s16000/turtle%20pattern%20math%20warm%20up%2002%20blog.png" title="number math warm up turtle" /></a></div><br />Have fun playing in math today! Play is an essential part of learning in the early years - and it is especially important in mathematics. By providing children with opportunities to play, we can help them to develop a positive attitude towards math, learn math concepts in a meaningful way, develop important math skills, and become successful learners.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know if I can help you in math or leanring in the early years!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>find the math grid cards for your Math Kit <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/9-Grid-Activity-Cards-for-Math-Games-and-Warm-Ups-9867471" target="_blank">in my store</a></li><li>find more math activities in the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Kit-for-Kindergarten-and-First-Grade-Math-Play-9806825" target="_blank">Math Kit Bundle </a></li><li><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/five" target="_blank">find more for number 5</a></li></ul></div><p></p></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-29148064868215114292024-03-07T17:03:00.002+11:002024-03-07T17:04:03.576+11:00Adding 3 Numbers with Bears<p>Use a bear theme to engage your students in a math warm up! This one is ideal if your students have been working on addition and you'd like to see them use their knowledge to <b>identify a good strategy</b> to use. It will also help them begin to learn to add 3 numbers. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="adding 3 numbers math warm up" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVHjt_F5j4le6vw2F2wGB-HQRdgHPJpmEq6nW2yMp-OPONbUlnqlWJHjN0nYq9l89Cth_tAJZNDZDb6H1sp-1o1EDlCU0fAEiTCKIpEZn-Iv61UwTkB5nakG9KFlno0J5NYWMyjyz-ZyvNfj_gOwxM9AyDGy4wrOoXZjDN_10Z5LrpmelX2Kv6B2aK10/s16000/bear%203%20card%20math%20warm%20up%2002%20blog.png" title="adding 3 numbers math warm up" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Perhaps you can integrate some listening, literacy and language and learn a rhyme before you start:<br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Bear Math Rhyme</h4><blockquote>A little brown bear went out walking for some fun,<br />He found three juicy berries, growing in the sun.<br /><br />How many did he eat? We’ll have to wait and ask,<br />He wants you to focus on your math-play task! </blockquote><h4 style="text-align: left;">Math Warm Up: Bear Adds Three</h4><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>use the bear frame, number cards and dot cards from the <a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/math-kit" target="_blank">Math Kit</a></li><li>shuffle the cards and let students take 3 from a face-down pile </li><li>students find the total - using addition strategies rather than counting from 1</li><li>for example - in the picture below, a student may total the dots (2+1) by subitizing before adding 5+3=8 as a known fact</li><li>another student may quickly total <i>5 and 2 - 7</i> and then <b style="font-style: italic;">7 and one more</b><i> - 8 (count-on one</i> strategy<i>)</i></li><li>this is a slower paced math warm up with a focus on math talk and discussing different addition strategies to find the total of 3 numbers</li><li>it could be best for your group to all focus on the one bear mat that you have as the teacher and work together to listen and suggest strategies before they attempt it independently</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="addition games in kindergarten" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFu5lWbl74vSuHCw9yxWVC13g6k2nJsUW83BgKoh9elofdkdz9lJhh5YR6jPa8ay8bldcios298_wAD0KpBr8zb_iJ_s-M_c6l7LM4fuSvkUwnwKWWZRy5MEXKW2tvyA6D_NJ2aZ0Wd7YoHkPrLh5kN5NQtBj9tdnxAcChM6xZFTdC5Lpon5cx2Ly5VE/s16000/bear%203%20card%20math%20warm%20up%20blog.png" title="addition games in kindergarten" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the math warm up you can teach an addition mini lesson. To follow up on another day or at the end of your math session, why not draw a bear math picture (for listening too). </div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Draw a Bear Walk math picture:</h4><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>students draw as they listen to the math story</li><li>at the end of their drawing and your story they will count the berries (dots or circles) they have drawn - perhaps using some of the addition strategies you've explored together</li></ul><blockquote><blockquote>The bears have been in a deep sleep, hibernating during the winter. It is time for them to wake up. It is spring and they will emerge to see plants beginning to grow leaves. The bears will be on a feeding frenzy. Let’s draw some berries they have found.</blockquote></blockquote><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Give instructions for students to draw berries in small batches - e.g. let’s draw 4 berries, now bear will keep walking to find more, let’s draw another 5 berries. </li><li>Keep this going and have students draw berries along the path on their page.</li><li>At the end of the story, have your students total the berries, looking for ways to easily add them (addition strategies) - for example they might find 6 and 4 remember that this makes ten.</li></ul><br />I hope your students have fun with the bears at your math table! <p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>find the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Before-and-After-Activity-Cards-for-Math-10469032" target="_blank">bear cards here</a></li><li>find the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Kit-for-Kindergarten-and-First-Grade-Math-Play-9806825" target="_blank">Math Kit bundle here</a></li><li>find some <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Bear-Numbers-to-10-Worksheets-10195974" target="_blank">math bear tracing number pages here</a></li></ul><p></p>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-41626516371699728942024-03-05T21:29:00.001+11:002024-03-05T21:29:15.338+11:00Let's Draw a Giant Panda<i>World Panda Day</i> on March 16 is a special day to celebrate and protect pandas, a beloved and unique animal from the forests of China. It's the perfect time for learning all about them and for being creative - with writing and drawing! <br /><br />Pandas are fascinating creatures, known for their black and white markings and their love of bamboo. But did you know that pandas can also teach children valuable lessons about art?<br /><br /> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Informational-Writing-Worksheets-Pack-11200609" target="_blank"><img alt="How To Draw A Panda" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE18dtUX1yh4kXeZqugYFiqmDJF2-KjXkrYCrc_G9yUitZgAEwbcWbAVeY3Gdk-J9fYZ6w-VRP2300L71aueouqi0uqL4LVlMBEGhVxq6n2smrQ6nOf5cuMRkl5xj-Cg9oDGKzKrU5OWBIgrVfw9bj61ehKYcCSroNsWzi9xeDQsPVnkrnNsmfBSDpfok/s16000/draw%20a%20panda%2002%20blog.png" title="How To Draw. Panda" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Be like a panda in your art-making:</div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Take your time:</h4>Pandas are known for being slow and deliberate movers, this allows them to conserve energy and be more efficient. Similarly, when being creative, it's important to take your time and not rush the process. Give yourself time to think and explore different ideas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Your class can first draw a panda following my steps, and then have a few more attempts after some research or reading about pandas. They can take their time to choose their favorite panda to paint and display.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Be playful and curious:</h4>Pandas are naturally curious and playful creatures, and they often engage in activities that seem to be just for fun. This sense of playfulness can be a powerful tool for creativity. When you're not afraid to experiment and try new things, you're more likely to come up with original and innovative ideas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Encourage your students to experiment with some different materials after the paint dries on their panda. Perhaps they could add some extra crayon detail, some fabric scraps or some pattern lines in the background.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Be patient and unique:</h4>Pandas are very patient and unique creatures. They can spend hours sitting in one spot, eating bamboo. </div><div><br /></div><div>Remind your students that it’s OK for their drawing ability to take time and for their work to be unique and look different from others.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">How to Draw a Giant Panda</h4><div>Here are some basic steps if your children would like to draw a panda for World Panda Day!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Informational-Writing-Worksheets-Pack-11200609" target="_blank"><img alt="Directed Drawing Panda" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo06WvEbngvWQFsJSe4YaV5eq-9pCURcUJ3vyNQYY91KY9_0QOLnZ3ArwWbTQmXZRL4fUbvyRad2wOawfgRrAXAtTs4cxUjyLahEjnOD5DkLlE6h1Vqv6-szg8-yQEAUEtJ8-_CEAWRQgv1vFbaZkyogV3D_KjV90WaxinTP1IRolUZKC5ht72xjPGs44/s16000/draw%20a%20panda%2001%20blog.png" title="Directed Drawing Panda" /></a><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P1k9mEiDsss" width="320" youtube-src-id="P1k9mEiDsss"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Animal Informational Writing</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After drawing encourage your children to write about pandas too. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Informational-Writing-Worksheets-Pack-11200609" target="_blank">My writing worksheet pack</a> has a variety of different scaffolds to support your emergent-writers in completing a short informational text. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You could:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>read together</li><li>talk about pandas to review the information you've read</li><li>make a list of quick facts</li><li>have students share their favorite fact and talk about it (with extra detail) to a friend </li><li>model how to use a writing scaffold (project it onto the electronic board and complete it together as a class)</li><li>provide a paper worksheet for each student and have them independently write about pandas - they can retrieve information from teh list of quick facts you wrote together</li></ul><div>This writing activity can be broken down into steps with each part on a different day of the week. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are 3 samples from the pack:</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Informational-Writing-Worksheets-Pack-11200609" target="_blank"><img alt="Panda Informational Writing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQQGuLHElIxtSStOOj5zis1MVDPJScwtZjLTo_6ANlVlV1o5ODF88SGBuJ7mlSZShS9LAtMZOHeGpZOcTkJl_2zazKulcEzvDvzFGxfvyzBambhdhj2kyigDlVqYrbgKBHMTmrjr4T3g1xrAnInlOueRleACN5P7GRtQ6xqGZpWNEyvduBZJJFMwa6Vg/s16000/draw%20a%20panda%2003.png" title="Writing Information Reports In Kindergarten" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Informational-Writing-Worksheets-Pack-11200609" target="_blank"><img alt="panda writing facts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCtt-FvPF49_bThRNVKl9PyR6wpuZIUXE3mptH-Q_-RxpDc9Td7vdef0j3NC2u5JrhHmZWazqmr62C-Y-VGIKNNnD0rIB8yw8X3qSAWePNnnphiVO8Uy1RmOKPo61tKpwmT3hxbfvrQeQrJGGd2YLan_MRMUP4daCh59HFZeczPvwmSF0CXnCgGa9MkI/s16000/draw%20a%20panda%2004.png" title="facts about pandas for writing in kindergarten" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Informational-Writing-Worksheets-Pack-11200609" target="_blank"><img alt="writing worksheets for kindergarten" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsPdBgbYwCTD41gTMrTQtmIsep0tF5qCHxO7gnZXU2UbiGotHYh-E1sW96uvUd3uM73M0dl1zC7hQbJ-NeI4_p67610F9mzxPay88xxdzOD537AJ4bCS3VJ3X8AfDjp7wrqfHT_2JnbecEtdtHZv77_f9P9Y3BHiiFSr8iA5SjZDqv245nsvgS3dToDc/s16000/draw%20a%20panda%2005.png" title="writing worksheets with structure for writing" /></a><br /><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>It will be so much fun for your students to be creative like a panda - I hope they love completing their art project and seeing it up on display in their classroom. </div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-12718560226445217232024-03-05T08:19:00.006+11:002024-03-05T08:19:42.249+11:00Turtle Craft and Writing <br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sea-Turtle-Craft-and-Writing-Activities-11172993" target="_blank"><img alt="turtle craft" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvbbE1FSob0yuRcU_zAjXvId60NHttQy8BYL0f1PnONkzoJ87Ypbm7K91ilTQFADTUzQ6-eXWGHsODt1O2NZbMOPeGmgpjzGbT45LU7smS4tpREz5HzNKwWLzoPm32-1Sm5lEyr20DcD9SZx7wokBbp_SobQeHzAvshSGLlwwVhJrnMFwDzPe1-qb9tk/s16000/turtle%20writing%20informational.png" title="turtle art" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br />Do your children love learning about animals? Here is a craft they can make after they've done some reading and research on sea turtles. Perhaps they'd like to write about them too. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sea-Turtle-Craft-and-Writing-Activities-11172993" target="_blank">3 ways to make them</a>, and each has 3 shell options - a detailed trace, a simple trace and one where students can draw their own. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Draw a Turtle</h4><div><br /></div><div>You could even have your children draw their own turtle and then:<br /><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Use a sponge to paint the turtle's shell. </h4><br />Dip a sponge in paint and then dab it all over the turtle's shell. This will create a textured look.<br /><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Use a paintbrush to paint the turtle's body. </h4><br />Use a small paintbrush to paint the turtle's head, legs, and tail. Be sure to paint the eyes and mouth.<br /><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Use a cotton swab to paint the turtle's details. </h4><br />Use a cotton swab to paint the turtle's toes, claws, and shell markings.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sea-Turtle-Craft-and-Writing-Activities-11172993" target="_blank"><img alt="turtle writing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j30FJMfXHlXy-EnVWGvGp1h84Yzyq5f45tT4gcQm5dDk6yz_2BgSNB1dg4IWG1iyKS6BEtDw6tLjBwKGS3U_wgURh0WACofqkkiVLkjRdN9acJc08aUiU6pJv-eTQMOa2QOzK9V-y2kw2Zp0sjByAWwL1OMe6i8_9U_ZsBFSV6TRP4sLXgdyBpUgeZM/s16000/sea%20turtle%2018%20blog.png" title="turtle writing" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sea-Turtle-Craft-and-Writing-Activities-11172993" target="_blank"><img alt="turtle writing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxfEj613IG4NXrKUVoEyvjCJCavc6mksNZ9wpW_8XREy7ghnQ9TKSHyVnikT-roYAH7LGRwv_vdKqLILLB_hGtSji1OOOvsl8n0zC_u0giqBO_wX5TLlLBKP70Mix37T9MtboYQNS73qCJtOoAZ2NY7_cvVqPS3yJNNLW1hmlaLWVfL_hgnRfYZrx7Xk/s16000/sea%20turtle%2012%20blog.png" title="turtle writing" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sea-Turtle-Craft-and-Writing-Activities-11172993" target="_blank"><img alt="turtle craft and writing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uZXQ-gJ7YyJGBwbl9TU7O_1IdgFQu3mE1Pjts3HeHI0NlnUsoBy_iS1MrxhHGpdgTbjzMYFJzCE3usbB1ON-xghDsDOpFceCe7tGGykL3VPVZZEoVUpwe6fYunyxaKNA-vpzJYETvzRLFZ2rMhpFokoPfUZDjiPDH0VYk_1tO4RGjnsml3XxL4OLs3U/s16000/sea%20turtle%2010%20blog.png" title="turtle craft and writing" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sea-Turtle-Craft-and-Writing-Activities-11172993" target="_blank"><img alt="turtle kindergarten craft" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAc-tQz7lCXefALF_Wh3IcrpfNtw-qTnnYg7-zyIQqqWKfAs3t0vQUkcJyoa2TPGQ77_MZjroIBnRAh6YxRgqjroVioOS30dP5gr6HF_AIixZmp_BVZMpDCVd88-SqRtOgftvFS4Q06J9I9Ev6wQEvYG9L63e1AGPbRQyoSF4aUWgvJJswcLiV-yhyphenhyphen6M/s16000/sea%20turtle%2001%20blog.png" title="kindergarten fine motor craft ocean" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br />Classroom Turtle Display</h4><div>Once the turtles are made - display them!</div><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">On Bulletin Boards: </h4><div>Bulletin boards are a classic way to display children's artwork at school. They are a great way to showcase student work and celebrate their creativity. Hang blue paper, twist streamers for seaweed and add the turtles!<br /><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Create an Art Gallery: </h4></div><div>If your school has an art gallery, it is a great place to display the turtles and more ocean art projects. Art galleries provide a more formal setting for displaying student work and can be a great way to recognize students' artistic achievements. A long hallway, big board entryway or teh back wall of a library can be a school 'art gallery'. <br /><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br />Digital Display: </h4></div><div>In the digital age, there are many ways to display children's artwork digitally. You could create a digital portfolio of the turtles or share some pictures on school websites and pages.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-34068280724040306032024-03-03T18:49:00.003+11:002024-03-03T18:49:58.267+11:00Number Card Warm UpPlaying with numbers and numeral cards in math warm ups and games helps children to learn math concepts in a meaningful way. <div><br /></div><div>When children order numeral cards in play, they are exploring the concept of <b><i>how we order numerals</i></b> (placing them in a line, in a set position) in a hands-on way. This physical handling of numerals can lead to a deeper understanding of teh order and position of numbers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a quick math warm up to play with cards you may already have - it will also encourage fluent numeral identification too. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Cards-for-Math-Games-0-100-9807050" target="_blank"><img alt="matching numbers to 15" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5q4Ti7R4DVHNQS5AwbTMH04CMnFSnWvc_TbEjLxKQiVu4-fJutvEPPmeYyMhVq23lgybyxT2C5h1icakdSNJFRjxVhbVI8tERBuVrbwC6u2BACZO60aMf5vAfcvoT0KULCbimWfmI0T-eHK18yr4QRUimqkdnPZUcpj7HO6BkvU1EEEBWshKDBIZ-ME/s16000/4%20in%20a%20row%20number%20card%20match%2002%20blog.png" title="math warm up matching numbers" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4 in a Row Numbers to 15 Math Warm Up</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>print 2 pages of numbers 1-15 from the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Cards-for-Math-Games-0-100-9807050" target="_blank">Number Cards set</a></li><li>cut one set into cards and use the other as a play mat</li><li>shuffle the cards and place them in a pile face down</li><li>have students flip a card on their turn and find the match</li><li>encourage them to say the number and also identify the numbers before and after (for extra practice)</li><li>cover the number once found</li><li>when the group (or individual student) covers 4 in a row, the warm up is complete</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Cards-for-Math-Games-0-100-9807050" target="_blank"><img alt="Math Kit Warm Up" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrnGloZTTWuYNpPSM3r_wkSlrQsEqJOMVGJDb8BZGzELpk5H3sxJGPq76L1UQ8C56qf1AMtOjy637uoxQDNDQZftFNxCZZm2rsz6bhU8gnW8eHgQDQIg_rAU0Wv1uKjBcIutQURqgHpqfssegmTFJASVyOATJviVAu3DrFGQhrJ8bAspOyg8wdOOZvOU/s16000/4%20in%20a%20row%20number%20card%20match%2003%20blog.png" title="Number Cards for Math Kit" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I hope your students love this math activity and it gets them ready for their mini lesson or you whole class lesson.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Cards-for-Math-Games-0-100-9807050" target="_blank"><img alt="Learning Number to 20" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYr_4ZZndoysP6i9Hs7dxOwvzKcpPw03aFukdgiu38Lt_zxbOzwbzvDEHVXQ5MfwMEOCsiirrgr9wwjxkkTGv4XdvLbxLekpKXFXfSwSVj_cl7jITZTJENhtBt4dOKvYzn9w7KEiTEBKRxrl2r2LLsOCEqui5ADJ9FObTyO-pqQ2G4TKiIT4Q0kf0IWY/s16000/4%20in%20a%20row%20number%20card%20match%2001%20blog.png" title="Learning Numbers to 20" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Kit-for-Kindergarten-and-First-Grade-Math-Play-9806825" target="_blank">find the Math Kit bundle in our store</a></li><li>find <a href="https://frompond.blogspot.com/search/label/math%20warm%20up" target="_blank">more ideas for math warm up games</a> and activities</li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teen-Number-Worksheets-to-11-20-Printable-Activities-for-Kindergarten-150055" target="_blank">find worksheets for numbers to 20 in our store</a></li></ul><p></p></div></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-30754397966137663532024-03-01T08:08:00.004+11:002024-03-01T08:08:48.614+11:00Koala Number Display<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="koala number cards" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlYvhIiWWmJUAheTX3fXd0J0b3hvyOkESUi3fBsxdo8INOHPCk5pwzW8WZrtVJNrrw6Yyxu21R8-7SQIhumXRldv5ClYuOJ1p7zc91o9WJOLLAPaKVvCqem7XeyBkfayxd86FaQX8PWJF5XObPfIbp1FwW5z1t2WGN89Mj7ucyyUMZT3Riyfggw9-4Pk/s16000/koala%20number%20display%2002%20blog.png" title="koala number cards" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Quick update! I added some koalas to the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Numbers-to-20-Math-Posters-Bundle-9280510" target="_blank">Number Display Bundle</a>!</div><br /><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Some tips for Classroom Posters </h4><h4 style="text-align: left;">Use visuals. </h4><div>Posters with images and graphics are more engaging and easier to remember than text-only posters.<br /><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Make them interactive. </h4></div><div>These poster cards can be pulled down from your wall or display and used in games, activities and warm ups. On this koala, students can add more single digit numbers (with counters) to practice place value - developing the understanding that we just add a ten to single digits.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br />Change them regularly. </h4></div><div>Keep your posters fresh by changing them out every few weeks or months. This will help to keep your students interested and engaged. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Numbers-to-20-Math-Posters-Bundle-9280510" target="_blank">The bundle is perfect </a>as it provides you with consistency in learning with fresh new themes and topics to play with. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-77866307046982780052024-03-01T07:58:00.001+11:002024-03-01T07:58:09.185+11:00Rainbow Race for Making TenStudents can learn to be faster at recalling the pairs of numbers that make ten by playing games and activities from our Rainbow Addition Bundle.<div><br /></div><div>Here is one of teh games - Rainbow Race. I recently update sit to included mini game mats as well as the standard large page sized game mat. </div><div><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-Addition-Facts-Math-Game-11093690" target="_blank"><img alt="making ten addition game for kindergarten" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmVl8ptpZLGt9fffRzKqNyb_cM010oSGCayuDcKAxwcNb2zZLezT0NYHGCEQSGRk1EGORXWuKMRevS-4I9QrYsIxPHj0CgjEFg7XwCxnmLqr-VqDVnHgyj004xFKSJ5lKOT0hd6Rvw-kq0ARdz8iC4oQ7cD7OFvE30HISDNy6zJYfUH29Vyq3eZP5oII/s16000/rainbow%20race%20math%2003%20blog.png" title="rainbow facts game" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Students will roll or spin a number and find the pair that makes 10 to cover. <br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-Addition-Facts-Math-Game-11093690" target="_blank"><img alt="rainbow friends of ten game" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrvczdYIs2ZcNBS76Hfz-GcpRFHEbW-MCaRRLV9hZH4qVvt5SwFmEXOin3PcbDYWm7sjOtXzHwhIA_K3IwdtDFzQE1ZNR6-GHrtSoJBEexWPf7gb0hRmhulu-1M4ZCETq1omdRF2YulMFiuCq3QAKFnOMWakqTGSzXu2mnNIEY219dAfXtoIV1ALTnKA/s16000/rainbow%20race%20big%20mat%20blog.png" title="playing games for addition in kindergarten" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Included also is a <i>Quick Math Craft.</i> After playing your group can color, cut and record some numbers for a classroom display of their learning. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-Addition-Facts-Math-Game-11093690" target="_blank"><img alt="Make 10 Games" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUmGSzzPyiRu_S0lk23BEB8b9zxmOpHkjqHxcM_d41SLGISSbGDVuLS5jRoBpJ6zprSiUfa1o6lMbwK2TtjCD1Rn88TtaKkqQm_13xSDL0f_Rjm31ff_S-hryfU_JD0ve970rAPHDKk5VE1OKg9wfXSgg1jl_S_ipCwkq7mr1LncrkcqRwOoJ3NZ-Tno/s16000/rainbow%20race%2001%20blog.png" title="Make Ten Games and Activities" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div>Ten things that quickly disappear are bubbles, shadows, shooting stars, rainbows, snowflakes, sunsets, fogs, whispers, dreams and some memories - but hopefully by playing games like this one regularly, number facts will be steady and lasting in your children's minds to support their work in math.<div><br /></div><div>Find <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-Addition-Facts-Math-Game-11093690" target="_blank">Rainbow Race</a> in our TPT <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-10-Rainbow-Addition-Games-Bundle-2037795" target="_blank">as well as the bundle</a>. </div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-91643010610610403392024-02-28T22:21:00.003+11:002024-02-28T22:21:29.426+11:00Leap Day Frog Directed Drawing I have great news! If you have the Directed Drawing Fun Bundle, I added another 12 projects (3 drawings) to it today for you! A Leaping Frog will be ideal to draw to help celebrate Leap Day or when you're encouraging students to write abount animals.<div><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Directed-Drawing-Art-Project-Fun-Bundle-7737045" target="_blank"><img alt="leap frog art project" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUbHCOdo-PPX7IMd0DLiogFyIDx091-UOPgUsYF6rgPuyjF9VWhXjLgDr7euH7FEKAbLH4dRx4c68bT3V3fzRGYznI71UGM449qXTthgq98717AXVylzFjPlnLZF1Oy2FXMu0gE7gIc0QYzJz1Wvl-382C6rZS612WTNfxMQpZ19Ys6i3t_6l2pzWytk/s16000/leap%20frog%20art%20project%20blog.png" title="leap frog art project" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Leap Day is an extra day (February 29) added every four years to keep our calendar in sync with the Earth's orbit around the sun. When I think of Leap Day I think of frogs and their remarkable leaping ability. Did you know that some frogs can jump up to 20 times their body length? That's like a human jumping over a two-story building!</div><div><br /></div><div>Research some more facts about Leap Day, the sun's orbit or frogs and encourage your students to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Day-Activities-Frog-Directed-Drawing-11163700" target="_blank">write after they've drawn their frog</a>. Use a writing page from the printable pack or from t<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-Worksheets-Pack-for-Kindergarten-Set-3-10831808" target="_blank">his set of writing scaffolds</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to give your students more structured direction - set them a writing task:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The Life Cycle of a Frog</li><li>Fun Facts About Frogs</li><li>How Frogs Help the Environment</li></ol><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Directed-Drawing-Art-Project-Fun-Bundle-7737045" target="_blank"><img alt="leap day art project" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bpw9QzeVkqmpd_UTdXx8zHgy8tdW06LWJgdx5RbzTwd0U_vlnHX04KGbSBHl0-3sjXrz4DDnZGfMhoFfocW0TvvlYQsxntCcQUcTAkWoQNsmOUQcilyp7hA1NDPoUOYDvGsn0CxtjgV6SI_UAY1fTppUuwNkjL-z2y0WZi0RrDYH6SZy6s_PAtfJ_E8/s16000/leap%20day%20frog%20art%20project%20blog.png" title="leap day art project" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Directed-Drawing-Art-Project-Fun-Bundle-7737045" target="_blank"><img alt="leaping frog art project" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSawr47DsgM1CDIO5pkoWk9UH075f_gOXBeYVEOPYUpsYS_Mrc38VtcH6Y7V5yYN7JZzzHhb0umM9sctTwiO4Qa3PMDP_Nlk0xtFLyAKwQJ19ufbyFXUvxcD9JnR4e_1OU_3RhCXfXNX4qFz4PvHlBHRFSAGlIBIyKyo4XYP3HiRUOwGJOJX9db56YX4M/s16000/leap%20day%20art%20project%20frog%20blog.png" title="leaping frog art project" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Directed-Drawing-Art-Project-Fun-Bundle-7737045" target="_blank"><img alt="how to draw a frog" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpBxT4svtFLrJMafMX86U8vmXy7tQ-UaWgLn5lZao-5OryV97mTnkrSgDkhKZENRh3GbCjQRhsTAR5QSscMlh4YH2n5tI4_C9Qp1jtPw3owqmMeQOohTYE7E7tmN-8MbxWVG0T6A4trlnv5XY0AHirTFo-6LNCFkaX4dHUjsKfDNi1x10F0tQLT_AWNI/s16000/frog%20leap%20art%20project.png" title="how to draw a frog" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The frog drawings can also be used as the beginnings of art projects too. Provide big art paper, crayons, pencils or paint and guide your students through the basic shape sto start their project. They can add more detail, change aspects or create a unique background as they become more confident. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">More tips for drawing activities with kindergarten:</h4><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>demonstrate some simple and age-appropriate background elements - spirals, waves, clouds etc</li><li>let your students select their own choice of drawing materials, including crayons, markers, pencils, and colored pencils</li><li>provide a dedicated drawing time on your timetable and keep consistent expectations to help make students grow in confidence over the weeks </li><li>encourage children to explore different drawing techniques, such as scribbling, coloring, and shading to add to their art project</li><li>use additional open-ended prompts to stimulate creativity, such as "What else could be in the pond with frog?"</li><li>display children's artwork on a classroom bulletin board or display area, to boost their confidence</li><li>offer positive reinforcement and praise children's efforts</li><li>encourage children to tell stories about their drawings and model how to begin writing some of their ideas down - display these with the drawings and art projects</li><li>make drawing a regular part of your classroom routine and week</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>I hope you love this new pack, added to the bundle today!</div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-46312847823484833682024-02-28T21:28:00.004+11:002024-02-28T21:31:19.897+11:00Frog Leap Game<p>Here is a math game for counting and working with numbers to 30. </p><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Frog-5-Frame-Counting-Cards-11158762" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglU7HwfXtAhbEPJRbH_iJn308qSVYuMkVVys8rKGcE-3sS7NATz-mgg85SqewQaK3bHbzAcOQJYRkTXOEFIbQ73y-asRToIh3g6mzVj1HMtddDLPuSkyXM-UBSEjEs0QbW-T_QohPVZz5GBK64klyqaumv5EJ1lohgcGZrmPl3wpI4uVuW66FcZ1IUeYM/s16000/frog%20leap%20math%20game.png" /></a><br /><p><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Frog-5-Frame-Counting-Cards-11158762" target="_blank"><img alt="number game frog pond" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUVHLvqw2MT_38StpiP_DVQqxOFCtBCvndcCeQPYSY5zDK1HpcJ14UK-2aTTZLHW8-ydYxzVyAG0lHcShEYV2Uv6r7KHMjS9O2aw_3n_0XsOazsqbpzX26L8HVIXdQZAn_u7ZWCYezog6yMOCH34sFPAFwcWS15WuMFDgIjDwuXXM5jw67nFqdwNahx4/s16000/frog%20leap%20math%20kit%20game%2002.png" title="number game frog pond" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Small Group Math Game: Leap Frog</h4>Play with a small group of students, each has 30 counters to start (in a pond - round table sticker or piece of paper).<div>The winner is the student who has the number closest to 30 when finished.<br /><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Roll this special frog dice: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jvi6gL-r_Ywub-sERZAWvQtk6CY_jnmU/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Leap Frog Dice in Google Drive</a></li><li>Each player has 5 rolls.</li><li>Counters move in and out of the pond. </li><li>They follow the instruction on the dice roll -removing or adding counters to their pile. </li><li>On ‘your choice’ they can choose any of the sides of the dice to follow.</li></ul>After everyone has had 5 rolls, count and compare numbers - putting each number into position on a large classroom number line to see who has won and compare the totals. </div><div><br /></div><div>Optional:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>use the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Frog-5-Frame-Counting-Cards-11158762" target="_blank">Frog Leap Five Frame</a> to score the 5 turns - each time a student has a roll they can put a cube on their frame, keeping track of how they are progressing in the game. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Frog-5-Frame-Counting-Cards-11158762" target="_blank"><img alt="math game frog pond" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojK3ny17_QqK2AyhyphenhyphenXpObLtvuV1xjSfTsNF3i3iFYJIMwg6ubrwpvUTWRjgck4aoATKIPb7W7_LKmYSNHg1GCg0TuhTe-gL2-fEsy6wlkbhut7zmoIFKjx962a-i2t1GyK3BA98OphG1B1rNDBK2NeMbGQEHBtZDR7fCp8yVn9Pah16GcOD67doNI7nM/s16000/frog%20leap%20math%20kit%20game%2001.png" title="math game frog pond" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Frog-5-Frame-Counting-Cards-11158762" target="_blank"><img alt="frog dice math game" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxrgu8Hb9utk43VCH0DDQjVuK0OjAxn9HwvpEYFdxRa5IkzL07supijsRk3G0lQFhAWWS5ttUyd5cWVZaVoXuEasuicjNRrhLRe0FnakC3Tnz3A60x0ZUlAb61e1LS7V_KMFnXbzjvdczaoAb0xFPhAneYQKklgZVq3RWg22zGb9kXpax-HkhruPYpCw/s16000/frog%20dice%20game%2005.png" title="frog dice math game" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you enjoy playing this fast-prep and engaging math game with your students!</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Kit-for-Kindergarten-and-First-Grade-Math-Play-9806825" target="_blank">find the printable five frame frog leap cards and more in the Math Kit here</a></li><li><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/math-warm-ups" target="_blank">find more ideas for Math Warm Ups here</a></li><li><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/news" target="_blank">get my free newsletter</a> to stay in touch with new resources for sale, extra ideas and exclusive free resources</li></ul><p></p></div></div></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-61252002054450926972024-02-26T07:37:00.005+11:002024-02-26T07:37:52.470+11:00Fraction Robot<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="fraction robot" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1ftyAK2eRuumt-fsuIz8YbNflUhfC7e-gCnA9gvQ9rxG59tZWgZPQzC26PdydRaNZHL3PoXcdrgqd78LWMLH0NhGjcwpIK-KhRj8X_Gf77QFL4KjxZW9sisltEjDU2dSCdi4Kch-r7S5fY4YC4ibolzOsbDRYf7Gj_NhBvsKKZW1gJ6R1YYVlW8FzXU/s16000/fraction%20robot%2003%20blog.png" title="fraction robot" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Are you looking for ways to make lessons on fractions more engaging for your students? Here are 3 easy ways to get started:</div><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Use manipulatives</b>. Fraction circles, fraction bars, and other manipulatives can help students visualize and understand fractions.</li><li>Connect fractions to <b>real-world examples</b>. Have students find fractions in their everyday lives, such as in recipes, on clocks, or in measuring cups.</li><li><b>Make fractions fun</b>. Play games, sing songs, read stories and do crafts that incorporate fractions.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="fraction math craft" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN54DUst9DKvGMGtYvz_qAeWnnbFXHleUOiDt99HLbbq2-IweUTlue0FAJyQ26imsU4K3nnaUUCNLTDnlZvlByY7waS1Rv40SgB0b3-xSldEnmGPl1Mo1ZY6lUURUzqbycVcrFKTXuy8vcj5INBnGldFbVSr17dobhVgvGc6BHTTcJ3hopEBbSxCBjUo/s16000/fraction%20robot%2002%20blog.png" title="fraction math craft" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">3 Reasons Why Visuals Are Important in Math</h4><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Visuals help children understand abstract and often-difficult concepts. For example, a child might have difficulty understanding the concept of <i>addition</i> until they see a visual representation of two sets of objects being combined to make a larger set.</li><li>Visuals help young children develop spatial skills. Spatial skills are important for math and other areas of learning. Visuals can help young children develop these skills by providing them with opportunities to see and manipulate objects in space. For example, a child might play with fraction blocks to help them understand how parts combine to make a whole. </li><li>Visuals help young children make connections between math and the real world. Math is often seen as a subject that is separate from the real world. However, visuals can help young children to see how math is used in everyday life. For example, a child might create a picture that combines shapes or separate parts to make a whole or a new shape. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fraction-Robot-Mathtivity-Craft-2340258" target="_blank">Find our fraction robot craft in the store HERE</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Introducing-Halves-A-Fractions-Math-Activities-Pack-3974183" target="_blank">Find sequenced learning games and activities for introducing halves HERE</a></div><br />Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-60977909082596985092024-02-25T16:18:00.006+11:002024-02-25T16:18:53.173+11:00Shamrock Craft Update for St Patrick's Day Activities Your children may like to learn more about <i>St. Patrick's Day</i> during March. It’s a day to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, and all things Irish. It is a day to remember the history and culture of Ireland, and to have some fun! <div><br /></div><div>If you have the shamrock craft from my store for some of your activities, please know that I have revised it to include another option for you! </div><div><br /></div><div>The new option has no cute face to cut and paste, but a line pattern to trace - providing you extra fine motor practice and a new dimension for a classroom display. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="st patricks day craft" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1i_8FE6eLFfB-vdY5fHtDO0bcZV0OiuPOOWkBigfN56SHfZjXIYWyC9IDgAgXVrFQkphp4juEdnEgfeBn4I5xP6kZziDTxatonfX6jkhlGU8z8gyupqxucByybSjD8ElYcxuTeB0M9GFYh4Ww2OLL_c2i8Olyf3OE2FkC62NxGz88QBVaLBOPd6a_ZY/s16000/shamrock%20st%20pat%20day%20craft%2001%20blog.png" title="shamrock craft" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="shamrock craft in kindergarten" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNISpCKG_4cvS8iw-b3mGlbdq5nMmpLgv9oom42uh4EUjrMsn4npoNY9dH0_wIFMS0k8zRvPWHBZJX4mkhMJS_RnTnbzih2PVB1gHcbn0qOD2ev6OEvAO6P-ExYBscokj3Ga78Pq7ZJp9mnaFB1pKTl_7eYrK4qkx2BLU1ILa_i3SkjqNo9fsceSAnMQ/s16000/shamrock%20st%20pat%20day%20craft%2002%20blog.png" title="march activities" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="green clover craft" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm_khWFyVZgxxMSYlGMRejPaIchROcPvtnmFAJQ7JLlcdZJqm1dir4jlhdvxPh8WhScO4Slkrh6dMDcT6IiDxIFEUc_aGz3_bzeXafvxDrwsruCcOSZpFN9joroqbZlnxP2DJJPI4pL6MngeNCDtlceirEHS-m19j8FIy0m-gd_SPTTNPTOYPIYbeO1k/s16000/shamrock%20st%20pat%20day%20craft%2003%20blog.png" title="fine motor for March" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I hope you love this new update!</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>find <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Activities-Shamrock-Craft-and-Writing-5324958" target="_blank">the craft in our store</a></li><li>find <a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/st-patricks-day-activities" target="_blank">more ideas and resources</a> - including worksheets and math games</li><li><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/contact" target="_blank">reach out if you'd like some help</a></li></ul>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-54247584186464876802024-02-22T23:46:00.005+11:002024-02-22T23:46:41.069+11:00Writing Letters of the Alphabet <br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-Letters-of-the-Alphabet-Activity-Cards-6650763" target="_blank"><img alt="writing letters of the alphabet" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sZRQBbcEDvDKC0qO4gtFuMESUFLiYE2mOUVWmH2TjPIaxSWl5SqRctz7uC3gZ0Wi-VedtYXVqI2t0ejAqxH0AqdHsvJjLjWEQKncTyLVV8mCDfZCClMvhmsmqquxCFOp4MUSmQRaYkamhRb3aC7aO2qWrIDcUo6WBdvmJf-xQKrqW-77EA5NgZ98QG4/s16000/sound%20street%20cards%2005%20blog.png" title="letters of teh alphabet in kindergarten" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Are you teaching your children the letters of the alphabet? Three pracrtical activities to start include:</div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Using magnetic letters. </h4></div><div>Magnetic letters are a fun way for children to learn because they can be easily manipulated and arranged. They are easy to hold, switch around and incorporate word making into activities. Children can use magnetic letters to spell their names, talk about the sounds, and for playing games.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Singing the alphabet song. </h4></div><div>The alphabet song is a classic way for children to learn the alphabet and order. It is a fun way to start your day of learning and there are many health benefits of singing too!</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Reading alphabet books. </h4><div>Alphabet books typically feature a different letter on each page, along with pictures and words that begin with that letter. Keep them in your home or classroom library to talk about letters and the order they appear in the alphabet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once you've completed some <a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/alphabet-activities" target="_blank">initial letter formation activities</a> and your children are ready to practice writing neat letters for handwriting practice, you may like to use our <i>sound street</i> activity cards.</div><div><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/alphabet-activities" target="_blank"><img alt="alphabetical order activity cards" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl-b6J6_MhAp83vjurZBqyqUjo3S2-wIKjcX_5h6PKRcOvS5itSYoilxATszKKnQQoNfUOpztmPyB_qslv3_vPTYfOiVm29zAS2Y5ti23bfO4nU_3xjEgB65jBEVsRkkbYJVQPaKaNKVD6hYEw-EvvHbkR1YCparYGg-MZ73JKIAqAwILefRurp0drN0/s16000/sound%20street%20cards%2004%20blog.png" title="alphabetical order" /></a><br /><br />On each card students will write letter in upper or lower case and practice alphabetical order from different starting positions. They can use dry erase markers directly on the cards or copy the line into a writing journal or book. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-Letters-of-the-Alphabet-Activity-Cards-6650763" target="_blank">Find them over at TPT</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/alphabet-activities" target="_blank"><img alt="lower case letter cards" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicl4GgFM7cXZCYhKPhcQ7P7YzszGDTa3Mh9di6IjtnD6TbzzT0RBjRx8gT07hX8hq77NOPkgC_7RL37D8GeZ6AcQQrL1NMgdu7Dff2mfNhb9AqRVYmNEKV7POPM7CcndGCSv3z9sa1NM7yRoCaoWzTMJBkjkvirKXIF9NFab7ryv_UEfMpykDRLrGB5AM/s16000/sound%20street%20cards%2003%20blog.png" title="lower case letter cards" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Learning the letters of the alphabet is a fun and exciting adventure. Children can explore the world of words through books, songs, and games. Have fun with these cards and let me know if I can help create another activity perfect for your classroom!Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-35535461199505517422024-02-22T08:19:00.006+11:002024-02-22T08:19:59.266+11:00Ten Frame Tracing PagesNew to our store are some School Koala Tracing Pages. The set includes 10 school themed pictures to trace and color along with ten 10 frame pages to ignite some leanring about numbers, counting and making ten. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Koala-Tracing-Coloring-and-Making-10-Pages-11122459">Hop over to TPT to learn more</a>!<div><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/School-Koala-Tracing-Coloring-and-Making-10-Pages-11122459"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjjdWJWFzXemPMvA59U5hgTXy8mYgZDfq9Axs2BA6YnL8T9PpbVrvzWSq0A0yIfmxIwxp01SpJBVXQORgtc5bDVOSz7tTN-hoSdM79gL7lEA2ROOG1rmw8UevPB49-OBImGCXJyU2P5bJcsHYbql18ksR0bXdUC5Fit9iM2ZlU9QyMCDaNBQkt6tsI7Y/s16000/koala%20ten%20frame%20tracing%20blog.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Here is a koala rhyme your students can say for counting to ten:</h4></div><div><br /><blockquote>Up in a gum tree. Look! A furry sight,<br />Let’s count koalas in the moonlight.<br />One, two, three, up so high,<br />Four gray koalas looking at the sky.<br /><br /><br />Five, six, seven, counting in a row,<br />The eighth asleep on a branch below.<br />Nine and ten, counting all night,<br />Funny little Koalas dreaming of daylight. </blockquote><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-49505400495044715312024-02-20T22:53:00.003+11:002024-02-20T22:55:17.323+11:00Pattern Page for Practice - Turtles in the OceanDo your students know that turtles can swim backwards! Their <b>powerful</b> legs and webbed feet allow them to move backward as quickly as they can move forward. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="turtle in the ocean craft and handwriting" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsvGkdZhjAdfT8ANKVIEUbRHBY4Sdw-M1TmNxbJ8NH0NN4HIC5PATQnZF9-ha9Tlqa147MPIgj6DELco9mzdtB1umZdUr3PsmZd2T9vIt-Xw0-XBH6IwFN_sp48yj9-PQdCd7CqrnIMy1q7v0Invnj0_bX1xzWVlQhiGnvo5tLipIeysIucip2D4o198/s16000/turtle%20handwriting%20practice%20blog.png" title="turtle in the ocean craft and writing" /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>They have <b>stamina </b>too - turtles can hold their breath for a long time. Some turtles can hold their breath for up to 10 hours. This is because they have a special adaptation that allows them to slow down their metabolism and conserve oxygen. </div><div><br /></div><div>If those two fun facts aren't enough they will love discovering that turtles <b>don't give up easily</b>. They can swim long distances. Some turtles, such as the green sea turtle, can swim over 1,000 miles in a single journey. These turtles use their flippers to swim and can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.</div><div><br /></div><div>Turtle have <b>power, flexibility, stamina and persistence - e</b>verything your students need to practice for writing too! Daily pattern, fluency or handwriting practice not only supports the overall writing program you teach (students learning to write), but it will help:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Develop Fine Motor Skills for other areas</b>: practicing for writing requires the use of small muscles in the hands and fingers, essential for many other everyday activities.</li><li><b>Enhance Cognitive Skills</b>: writing encourages children to think critically, organize their thoughts, and express themselves effectively, all of which contribute to cognitive development.</li><li><b>Promote Creativity and Imagination</b>: as they draw and write, encourage them to verbalize, talk about what the patterns look like or describe the movements. They can build on these ideas for writing words, a sentence or story eventually. </li></ol><div>Here is a page of line practice for your students to complete - in a writing journal or as a background for a turtle craft or art project. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_etTyRBRYu4" width="320" youtube-src-id="_etTyRBRYu4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can have your children make a turtle craft using this page from the <a href="https://www.pondcoloringclub.com/" target="_blank">Pond Coloring Club</a> - it's available to <i>Premium Club </i>members. They will </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>trace</li><li>color or paint</li><li>cut and glue to make their turtle</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.pondcoloringclub.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="turtle craft" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG724kxO4imEy-woY7dy88937wtu1N6W74liu59qbPoxEpEqKaJv06yZqApn1a7tjq5b4l3NGRnxlIC2U5HJPzR8ZaUE-OojP8IcmE0jaJ8JHChPKmzrd1pLM2KQ62VtXyM0w5Q-t9Fo6K8QL8KbkyOv9DMa35Qiciw6KEYoDk-URQcVRzZBULMdeF70Y/s16000/turtle%20coloring%20page%20craft%2002%20blog.png" title="turtle crafts" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.pondcoloringclub.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="kindergarten craft" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6b1Yo6VbG0Us-eCIsKL0SuL2xtM4grpxSLxgqacIhd7m1pVAdvFZujPUP-vsG1yogUOGpsa-PZTn8XoWej-26Ocel_kSK_4c_2Vxf6mV83OCliyPVAJoXkseevvJ_ZIapK3L0oHwH6Ca-s-wX2HMEYw_39I7CV660swOYEw-2_1V-aSihutLIv9mw_M/s16000/turtle%20coloring%20page%20craft%20blog.png" title="kindergarten craft" /></a></div><br />While turtles are often known for their slow pace, you can remind students in their daily writing practice that they are actually quite strong creatures. They have powerful jaws and claws that they use to crush food - and so they will too develop a strong pencil (or crayon) grip for writing.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like more page ideas for developing pre-writing and handwriting movements and skills <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhQ-bjAStHJQTTTVg3xvcrZIdYsQe0-B8" target="_blank">follow along on my Youtube channel</a>. </div><div><br /></div></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-1070596828985006002024-02-20T07:40:00.007+11:002024-02-20T07:40:59.459+11:00Making Ten With Turtle<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Make-10-Puzzle-Activity-Cards-Rainbow-Facts-Turtle-11093628" target="_blank"><img alt="addition making ten kindergarten math game" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1DtgK9zWpvh5MeVzk1D_kuC8nP70U1XmvkF9WFn3-6eJEe_4pbBN4l79q7EWFUfmzu9ND7UcHnwiqegRwe4altDOwXG2bv2L-TZQOND80wHaBfhA08yjIrRhB9gAlDpkIkGaOfMxnh-E-sbOeyopmEQS_wwDGnbrqsyj43VoTno67YLXFqAmh6S4n5U/s16000/turtle%20make%2010%2002%20blog.png" title="math game for addition teaching in kindergarten" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Rainbow Turtle is a math puzzle-style game in our Rainbow Addition number bundle. Students will match 2 sides of the turtle to make 10, reviewing the paired combinations that they need to know well as they progress further in math. </div><div><br /></div><div>Along with the puzzle cards I've included a math craft where students can draw shapes on the turtle shell to show an addition. </div><div><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Make-10-Puzzle-Activity-Cards-Rainbow-Facts-Turtle-11093628" target="_blank"><img alt="addition math craft" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1_ZUL0sFMoaddDJheiBfOqAJmSiCsWA1nvFib3ZLic8EnCZQo0BlbY95ae_SzJ4kyY4ltfCtawtmqFgO0_G3rX9n8ZGykASk8edri5UIvBCfQh-SYWhaoONLFe6jcUFpF5avGaKL43AFZ0AeL3qIu1e8lGRx9rb2KhiWFLWFZSoTkH3Vwm1cV9-lnds/s16000/turtle%20make%2010%2006.png" title="addition math craft" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Playing games that use pictures of numbers is ideal for kindergarten because: </h4><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>It helps them understand the <b>concept of numbers</b>. When kindergarten students see numbers as pictures, they can more easily understand what they represent. This is because they can visualize the numbers and connect them to real-world objects.</li><li>It helps them develop <b>number sense</b>. Seeing numbers as pictures also helps kindergarten students develop number sense. This is because they can see the <b>relationships</b> between numbers and how they can be used to create different amounts.</li><li>It makes <b>math fun</b>. Kindergarten students are more likely to be engaged in math when they can see numbers as pictures. This is because it makes math more concrete and <b>relatable</b>.</li></ol><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Make-10-Puzzle-Activity-Cards-Rainbow-Facts-Turtle-11093628" target="_blank"><img alt="addition games in kindergarten" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhox0_1WJ3q2NqGDDlUe1mTaILlo0NCLntyKzFwQy0-KnmadeLkd3hc5PWiPGzQe-r6OL5GvVruvfcuAm4DWxPyOAT2PUac_JCkU-0P4iDmSs23D5G50I20ofhwN0JJWH9isMatcToLyc08VvcBMLuOplsgaqt3wvt_maXVrPa7fJxwtaKmj9iyqJgYtVw/s16000/rainbow%20turtle%20math%20game%2002%20blog.png" title="addition games in kindergarten" /></a><br /><br />You can use the cards in structured turn-taking math games or add them to an independent learning center and let stduents complete them like regular puzzles. Print a few sets so there are lots of options to look through. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Make-10-Puzzle-Activity-Cards-Rainbow-Facts-Turtle-11093628" target="_blank"><img alt="turtle cards kindergarten puzzle for addition to 10" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9E_SnVk04rdZDSKGi_KHoBrrlePd64VFuVP76I5kBEHNtcd0hg8ou3ZJRPtcH88C0RblXFLPWWH-6ccz4uGWUNsvZMCBF8IhspwbyI_2ONM3BSHBb73oR0QBWvOtq5s1xYLZ64UPLS94DoPLd7PYPhmpPCJv-7lNCPw7Q4MlH8uV0KEKm_0FQiCMWPE/s16000/rainbow%20turtle%20math%20game%2005%20blog.png" title="puzzle cards for addition to ten" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>As a kindergarten teacher, you have the power to make math fun and engaging for your students. By using games and play, you can help them develop a strong foundation in number sense, make math enjoyable, and promote social and emotional development.<br /><br />So don't be afraid to let your students play with numbers! It's one of the best ways to help them learn. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-10-Rainbow-Addition-Games-Bundle-2037795" target="_blank">Find this game in the addition bundle over in my store</a>. Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-34068774430877479162024-02-13T17:14:00.005+11:002024-02-13T17:14:41.721+11:00Scribble Hearts <br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Heart-Tracing-and-Coloring-Pages-11067502" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQU0xaXMPZHvwtLds86t7wNduEDO2_G2gkGjwqCF2ZvndvQNZ1EEI_PHM1G2_TM076K6_CQxPy0TzdeP0ATye_EXlcpPMm-IjWYi2taForhSZWup-a0cULJcgscQdyqp8kfAUSzzt6gWPZxwvUKldlf239NVaSKEZ8PtjnJdhRrqmyPLq0aTmEykToujA/s16000/scribble%20hearts%2001%20blog.png" /></a><br /><br />For Valentine's Day your children might like to draw some hearts and scribble them with crayons or paint them to create a lovely artwork. <div><br /></div><div>First show them how to draw a simple heart - using some handwriting fluency movements - an 'm' (2 hops) and a 'v' (down and up):<br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Heart-Tracing-and-Coloring-Pages-11067502" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEgxk5VmQakFrviR5Zd92L9o_hEfMEjKvzDoKPd5dFUFR8gBWCGD4GPjj9oOlV-k-Bj2hy01LcP9UtGUgC0GHPzZ_ShKWHpG1RSbg41VTL1UWfe8PJvbERGqdmI2dr855SoHHLRVQl1t-C4dfJyLRER1mv9tGgfIRu7Xn0a_Fej0jDVYr2R4CAlL9Rj8/s16000/scribble%20hearts%2002%20blog.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Heart-Tracing-and-Coloring-Pages-11067502" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLC5uZCqvo69fh7sUXntbyFAQLSELHDC68hh5O0YHQriadDD2Lw0x8QRJNYv8Qw4dMJmqW83pshdx7xdG-hb8sp3rhoEV3MBpkG8S_KQWa6hfBU2LDy2Vu25pk9iq84j-0gyxZnLA28SUJwT_QFZHlzx28YLc54YcVsLrbB9qu6COX-lZVNGAHLa4T820/s16000/scribble%20hearts%2003%20blog.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Heart-Tracing-and-Coloring-Pages-11067502" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3wI91uZ0di0-dYdwq0x3iw92xIusElpSoFj2NUh5a7X6sOaUm7aA1I9ywRkOCeQrPK-fDaAZTamKnXqDxYu6as9V2M7FMtBlZ3K0zGeU_3NsvQe0kXoR5iflYsEUHvUKzmBDGnk1QfRg140dOhLPFDZjtZDG7WDebeFXCHQR1mhYaxx-L65LrEh7kF8/s16000/scribble%20hearts%2004%20blog.png" /></a><br /><br />For more fine motor practice in February use our <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Heart-Tracing-and-Coloring-Pages-11067502" target="_blank">heart tracing pages</a>, available in a printable pack of 25 over in our store:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Heart-Tracing-and-Coloring-Pages-11067502" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2maIuDHAVxF9BJrrMXdd6z7kebCDIGVYOqmfhXokwzmn3dkG0e7TPCb3-ucJ9TqiEPrfILtBqAAZplWDAJMk9Bo1Kfwb2MaQol09BY3DI2fqPxtOGeX-6nVv3LnejpUnO3HAzZQ2KFnIDiLUrLtYpCKkGJSfeyY7WttkVIsUkoVznzEfBPobqLQTyLzQ/s16000/heart%20tracing%20pack%2001%20blog.png" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Heart-Tracing-and-Coloring-Pages-11067502" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6Hh2N0H0SRoIQpWUHgkMlH3m9Y4tNISpf7gBR_rjJ0K2DvbSwMj44e4XnwG8dp0sg6df6cW7jJML1OrCfFRQa6bQEZBkizZbgCsVwUmvIoGWq-KNePRLdkOhRjkwRzMh0AvwJmt-hbEsQ3iZ-k3Y1LmQeMl7vjrif2Y3Kwikdg4dGu3EomA3KdraOC4/s16000/heart%20tracing%20pack%2003%20blog.png" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Heart-Tracing-and-Coloring-Pages-11067502" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-vOK8xkqA5_76rp88lS0OEBW4OQELMYRvKF5lnYe-fxl2KP4sgkBQxIg3DyfcqJTGC59IULoaGuaO7NfSSw7__U2LTX3SVriaMNcch1mSQdkfkz14IQlkjNNbMnp-WYclTwBqYS5YtkSYezJxUQplmlaeKHKjOdfFbXEkiOJ1vd4pME4KryYmd1QNvM/s16000/heart%20tracing%20pack%2004%20blog.png" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Heart-Tracing-and-Coloring-Pages-11067502" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQR0tuGJQfaNmEaVBw5clxwDXGWcBXoNzC6J-npuBG6jpIbrQ9h_wKr0N9wObHf0_Uf3EOSPGiAmnM4X0RyoBF-HgIwjREuClnnOOblo33ZmhxRnridq4rvd_aI6kUBpnnsTpKA1-EgmKS41FZul7B4cBIjQSvseeGgrljFTdzufUWQOTzYe8JqpdDSw8/s16000/heart%20tracing%20pack%20blog.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-58259460740935540542024-02-11T22:18:00.003+11:002024-02-11T22:18:28.963+11:00Play to Ten - with CupcakesYour students can discover more about numbers within 10 with the engaging play mats in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-10-Play-Mats-11018163" target="_blank">our printable resource pack</a>. With 20 different game mats and 16 play ideas - there are so many ways to play. Your students will build essential math skills and be excited to play each day!<div><br /></div><div>Here is one idea for using the cupcake themed mats. Choose from the mat with white dots or colored.<div><div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-10-Play-Mats-11018163" target="_blank"><img alt="counting to 10 math game" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-DbGq_TtRbDVUSw-0fOAIbukRJ5zo4BXZAjCjm5a0JuFsN7t5Cc_AfrxvOOo2pxxljWLgI1WCpCNqcgFaRaD54c3NF6HUtP2FBh4pB0b1CuzE38eBn7oo6lAxmmWOYAPe2K4Gr7V_6ptIEJiYYog7lEytsms7lQWQzlEsKlKLmZVPd7-2OEUEMUBzMI/s16000/cupcake%20play%2010%2000%20blog.png" title="kindergarten math game numbers to 10" /></a><br /><br />Your students will make numbers on their mat to match a roll on the dice (use a 10 sided dice), from a set of counters featuring only 2 colors.</div><div><br /></div><div>After making their number, encourage your students to talk about </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>what 2 numbers combine to make the total - e.g. 5 blue and 4 pink make 9</li><li>how many left to make 10 - e.g one more would make 10</li></ul></div><div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-10-Play-Mats-11018163" target="_blank"><img alt="making 10 math game" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHwPRvcUFnctQ5xWVNEBDKFL6hqCaC5A6msScN-4NyKBezGwdMpOVSzzbXb1UjRbbGLHut0AwrGgtHNorP9ZCCAGDvpR3ANNfI12J_snlTZ7OO49Ct-irzIz7czQlsBISeJNb53uMFfoIZue2Qsys7jFMbeD6LOmBMdFlLMZJydIuufo3Wy-Q-wKN4lc/s16000/cupcake%20play%2010%2002%20blog.png" title="making 10 math game" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-10-Play-Mats-11018163" target="_blank"><img alt="kindergarten number sense" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFuZ_NGeetU1mAmW7ZJYejMAaFblTAA4NvDdPPOLh6TblRNUYKKMIX8m2m6RmTmRoD88GiDL4hmVlQLhcXPtIpLnMspWIPJx013nzIYt6Q6mYEAMbqvTQvux0hG9ZDnDOQLB8g_ndUY0bhBFeRIroeEuRIuWKB66FsVoh7n2JwqA8dktX4TuheyjlWJk/s16000/cupcake%20play%2010%2003%20blog.png" title="kindergarten number sense" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-10-Play-Mats-11018163" target="_blank"><img alt="number sense kindergarten" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiB6T1zjN3aq9zwrQGrJ6tIYOWEmAJqsbBiFA7QUgJmUuvriuqP2neUxoSRXHOU0d_ytIBj9K_2FRaQhlZLM4mH-wBkq_khqrneQf_Q7yGSzqrXKHqanYQdhbvBYk98s3zzpMPc3_-OP0YqNccbi-LDClYRTkVLSJIMbtLXML7bD65WAxW6N_HNo49llE/s16000/cupcake%20play%2010%2005%20blog.png" title="number sense kindergarten" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-10-Play-Mats-11018163" target="_blank"><img alt="kindergarten number sense" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9qu2j_vZENrAIWxmuYi5-rwh-9LM5uz7dBbcItNSEqaL0p08xT6ZDVDdLmpJ3C4PNn9QnQMfEsvjZMpl5CA_ZKeyRHQS2SH5Ao0rYJU7bv_5JEQhbUu9nM6-8_aIJx4I14JYvtqpgYEKffKR58Q-FliVwwXopAfVlcA21WwdfMNJ42WRF4t_22LdQUM/s16000/cupcake%20play%2010%2006%20blog.png" title="number games in kindergarten" /></a><br /><br />After playing this math game several times, your students may be ready for making numbers to 20. Simply play with 2 cupcake mats and a 20 sided dice. <ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/math-warm-ups">Find some Math Warm Up ideas here</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-10-Play-Mats-11018163" target="_blank">Find the printable game mats over in my TPT store</a></li><li><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/news">Learn about my newsletter community - it’s free</a></li></ul></div></div></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-52461016471188588942024-02-07T07:34:00.001+11:002024-02-07T07:34:14.781+11:00Valentine's Day Crafts <br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/valentines-day-teaching-ideas" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentines Day Crafts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFCvlB2MgCl9-uIQ70njPwGOTzaspPicA_TTiE2NiD-_-wr61U6pLUjk3IoIv7HW_2VuFlbXjRrBp9GldHL4tu_mkcUJEOI0wQwL9xsln-9gqLLru2PV2_0RiMtHYdtVdQUEwXDetfyWHYBF1coNRSi8-RDyOTZlPYc1GqIuJeBola5OFUlo20SOMKEI/s16000/valentine%20one%20page%20craft%20page%20blog.png" title="Valentines Day Crafts" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Find 11 lovely craft projects for Valentine's Day that can be printed on just one page each in our <i>Sweet Hearts One Page Craft</i> pack! </div><div><br /></div><div>All the crafts include a heart shape to cut and use to create. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>choose your project</li><li>print one page per child</li><li>provide pencils, crayons, scissor and glue</li><li>decorate your classroom for February!</li></ul><div>Writing papers are included too! <a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/valentines-day-teaching-ideas" target="_blank">Find this pack in my TPT store today</a>.</div><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/valentines-day-teaching-ideas" target="_blank"><img alt="Bee Craft Valentines Day" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44bOmvu2eOnHNIwvFGJVe6C4n_zBTMxj-RxTL2AfjlNtiCb-a_f6U4z1bi6lKS25AcGUsJrRN_edIwYDR8XcGFRdzn-JDnHtljcenMdWKL4Ih9yfKMDi7FSOgGAhRaAzH9fzcKRJsdtDU1jK0FJlFEl1PRhrJFmARDsHF9QtxGj8qbPSwUnhA3T-WQxY/s16000/valentine%20one%20page%20craft%20%20bee%20blog.png" title="Craft for kindergarten" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/valentines-day-teaching-ideas" target="_blank"><img alt="Heart Shapes Crafts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkbV-qldTMUHQiSkdLRp3plrboxlbxo0u2qBMLApCusVXSfpIEzGFnrZg91N3SfR_koZKFV-rRakVmEus_3dMMUmKIxRncl-_fOIquKzew-J18DgHfCBTs4yKM6q2pUqhGyrHNFgQ335eGS4u4-yN1lpdViipi-tdLQM0kUNredLmeGIR_z3Q1AOMGAM/s16000/valentine%20one%20page%20craft%20%20fish%20blog.png" title="Fine Motor Activities for February" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/valentines-day-teaching-ideas" target="_blank"><img alt="Heart February Crafts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQsT20PX6d-oJ5VoIVAH1iocR0NF6C-nyPJmhi672xiEBgd-fZMRhrU2rZRKJSha0Q5uVrSlqbLWs0aCOzqFufDzBv13-tPkpB9eIZ5zOrpVkCwMK4OVT31aib6ZrNNP2IChmv9cuxL481lccpgwaThJZUpMHYgw_80DV3CNnqerx7OFpUCcf_taNgaQ/s16000/valentine%20one%20page%20craft%20%20heart%20man%20blog.png" title="Paper Craft in Kindergarten" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/valentines-day-teaching-ideas" target="_blank"><img alt="Owl Heart Crafts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CK2LBDIJYZT5X44aC37GibTpGQqcLh_Fv_FUZceWvQGcJs9HpmEmr0es8zRzjRZzBfwu8t36m86GQit_RGjPutdxYp_CURtv2w3ItGQOrXNv9_JBK5wMThcmcpADiVZMklo9ZWRh7RIBsFC7NmvKcYLhP7AeWlchGet86VdOVK5tNmxV0IrJ-XpWWxw/s16000/valentine%20one%20page%20craft%20%20owl%20blog.png" title="Owl Heart Craft" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/valentines-day-teaching-ideas" target="_blank"><img alt="Butterfly Heart Craft" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc71tU56tHTRVFe8kQmM4zFtghnoT__jxdxuGAjCMF7S1Y2bcOGO1pEJzbqxDOkaUUGpkX4rkmBworkCeDTqbxqdVGy1sABlGiYLjaFCGJMufE2kPFjOamJ55HNn_UOKGvIB7tpQBtrn1pZuM_rM7UiNy7hyphenhyphen57sA_pezNSyG9fhvvkUesweSWE61-4dRA/s16000/valentine%20one%20page%20craft%20butterfly%20blog.png" title="Heart Craft Kindergarten" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/valentines-day-teaching-ideas" target="_blank"><img alt="Valentines Day Crafts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjbNQGPSBdml6UfViQfVUBpWVZWMu5hhSk9gGr4wmEakVaS5Cgp7gLlTJv9LvcdySMXkXvBtHSnq1Ycc-pzMTUGjdMIdl3XaMcCmB9tRVzBYo0hJMqyeaaAoXnL-NFLZyBCEvCfXtS2-JoGdtE3GqfZiZHQtT3yZitHJ6q14perNGUy3ZgI8mNE2dtRQ/s16000/valentine%20one%20page%20craft%20heart%20stick%20blog.png" title="Valentines Day Crafts" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/valentines-day-teaching-ideas" target="_blank"><img alt="Craft in February Kindergarten" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BK2Zdjkc2QbCkHktfZVyklL468UhQPp8yBU_f5-lQ4IXKVhv78AwobGqT2-QL9-red7YqZYFs1o7wel4UaZVek3qm2ZJYuslrW0RO2kd3wSPOTP6RjC3W47s-hUU1BMZPlvQU4Gk0lahVxQ4UpuikEaZ8-djdbX2CYtPu3zs-9Vz8zOwkE10A_CYWbg/s16000/valentine%20one%20page%20craft%20walrus%20mouse%20blog.png" title="Kindergarten February Bulletin BOard" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-36592882676689922162024-02-05T20:52:00.001+11:002024-02-05T20:52:52.971+11:00Hug-a-bug Math Warm Ups<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hug-a-Bug-Math-Warm-Up-Cards-10972778" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB0g-3j1jlN2tkoyBUN42nNaHoEDbchSiW7Uh_voETqoFOjRuU5CitMaiI6fM5YUdgobtefrfPI6gjhsO03deBtDEYFVVfWZU15K5Ey_64jKH6t3NJKggUJzS8mwEyDdZcXpd4_DOtHsst99hLkmOL0CUJOw2gZBpwGUzqrQNJafFOXNi2VP5fpOQJ7g/s16000/hug%20bug%20math%20kit%20cards%20blog.png" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Use the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hug-a-Bug-Math-Warm-Up-Cards-10972778" target="_blank">Hug-a-Bug cards</a> from your Math Kit to play this exciting number warm up.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>each student has a bug card and a set of counters</li><li>write a number from 1-6 on your teacher bug card</li><li>reveal the number briefly to your students</li><li>close the wings to cover the number</li><li>have students count a set of counters to match the numeral on their bug card</li><li>open your bug wings and have students check their counter collection and that it correctly matches your numeral </li></ul>I hope your students are excited for math today and that this math warm up idea helps you feel supported and excited to teach. If you’d love more ideas for math and early-years learning <a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/news" target="_blank">be sure to join my newsletter so you don’t miss out</a>! <p></p>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782586118289864284.post-37630989238626123292024-02-02T07:43:00.001+11:002024-02-02T07:43:05.279+11:00Time to Play <br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/math-kit" target="_blank"><img alt="math table" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NZ-StmbTB19EYhEZFd2zoM6bNwWcgreNZXFAkQI78aDdbUsiZQJWAnkio5AdHi55XvIhyZUon3rusUs1Ahso5rzABczZc2ZZHaLcOqrq0Bhf0oHeQ0uNLEBK2f7nNQb9IRVZI5cOLJWbAVnRyIyL5dfg9JWToWk__hKO4TnRzNPiCUjyR8tzbRpvFOc/s16000/small-group-math-cat-stick-math-kit.jpg" title="small group managament" /></a><br /><br />Math warm ups are ideal for using small pockets of time to layer additional learning into your math program. Review previously taught concepts, consolidate understanding and build fluency with extra practice. To make warm ups and mini lessons practical, classroom management is essential. <div><br /></div><div>While your small group (4-6 students) are working with you at a focus table with <a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/math-kit" target="_blank">Math Kit</a> equipment, have the rest of your class working on independent activities or at centers. Remind them not to interrupt your table with a signal. </div><div><br /></div><div>Add a <a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/math-kit" target="_blank">Math Kit cat</a> (included in all the resource files) to a craft stick and put it up when you're at play. Tell them </div><div></div><blockquote><div>When the cat is straight, we wait. </div></blockquote><div>Place it down flat on the table when you're available again. <div><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/math-kit" target="_blank"><img alt="managing students in small groups" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFriVtD-0tHg__mXT9SmiyssJiCA8CamT0b6Jlqz6YPKqyWrk8XR4Y-4L6l31znhEnWwBMgXOmILKoK3-ln27Lu6I8bNAQfqB3iaHWht5Iqxhs2A0LHxBiw6NuHPOwXQiYjATVAunmXls9rkJLdibj2Yd29e98DzHlLvXMESYhAZF5AVzNklH38MgmxE/s16000/math%20kit%20cat%20stick%2002%20blog.png" title="time management in the classroom" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/math-kit" target="_blank"><img alt="math play" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38mCxU2sNetbt88as-Myc6-xFPcYIIC86pEbR6Z2kscy0Rb3UAYjTJocjZQyDfVMSi1AYa3gpLT4RYHV9S1ag_AjtGOHX3q-YHxOfcitUzWowroZy2EBHdkbtFI6WKKmEcOM5Z1BgeRpWi2GP5IqAGIF6Olm3XTgVTZ03Wc8EPDe4oqhYMM7g8eU9LVI/s16000/math%20kit%20cat%20stick%2003%20blog.png" title="math play" /></a><br /><br />Having the ability to manage your class quickly and with a regular routine will help you get more of these play times (and important math work) into your day. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/math-kit" target="_blank"><img alt="small group learning" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMRQRlknlS4qTxjqrgHHpfgZF-vq9TbnvJYMHGprOEOPh1Y7rc2XxJKYAadU3MWjfUkeGBoBFGmSrSqkxidXBTX2TFJpgcdXFHlP1Xa-DFeALE1rE-X7gy6z3dagy3RxHzg1kmnKjNtgWJ5RJyUZGxShuc9TztSBiwffYIn8QFSS0EnphqFHjmO0rIRg/s16000/math%20kit%20cat%20stick%20blog.png" title="small group learning managing students" /></a><br /><br />I love helping get your children excited to learn - I hope this math warm up idea has helped you! <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>find more <a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/math-warm-ups">math warm ups here</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/From-The-Pond">follow my teacher store</a></li><li>let’s stay connected - <a href="https://www.fromthepond.com/news">consider joining my free newsletter</a></li></ul></div></div>Melanie Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565462983179749989noreply@blogger.com