First Grade School Box

Place Value Center Printables

2012-03-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

I received a few requests for the place value templates from this activity which I posted in 2011. Since then, I have revamped the recording sheet and created an alternative template for the Place Value Cards (including pictures).

Place Value Center Printables

I have a Button!

2012-02-05T18:24:00.000-08:00

Slap a Button on my Blog because I am done!

Next step, add all the buttons of those amazing blogs out there to my blog. This will be my next weekend project = )

Using Frogs for Addition and Subtraction

2012-01-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a strategy I use to engage my students in using a number-line.

When I first introduce the concept of using a number line as a tool to add and subtract, we pretend that we are frogs and hop forwards and backwards. We go outside and I tell them to add 1 (they hop forward 1), subtract 3 (they hop backwards 3) etc. Then we use sidewalk chalk to make number-lines. After making our number-lines, we act like frogs again and hop forwards and backwards on our chalk-drawn number-lines. They love this activity.

Now, I have always had the idea in the back of my head to find my own little frogs the students could use in class while they use their number-lines...but no luck....UNTIL, a few months ago while shopping in Walmart for party supplies, I FOUND THEM!

Use frogs when adding (hopping forward) and subtracting (hopping backwards). The students will be excited to use their number-lines!
Frogs were purchased from Walmart in the party/goodie bag section.
Number-Lines were purchased from Lakeshore and laminated for durability so students could write with Dry Erase Markers. (These number-lines were the best thing I EVER purchased!)

We also play a game where all students start their frog on zero and I tell them to add 4 (hop forward), subtract 2 (hop backwards), add 7, subtract 2 etc. The students' goal is for their frog to land on the correct number. They love this game. It is great if you have some spare time.

I hope this gets you excited about NUMBER LINES!

Domino Addition Parking Lot

2012-01-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

I discovered this game on Math Wire (amazing website, check it out). However, I decided to make my own version with recording sheets. My kids LOVED this activity and I was impressed that every student was able to do it successfully. As always, the dots from the dominos make it self-correcting. ;)

Materials

-Cardstock

-Dominos

Directions

-Print Parking Lot on Cardstock and Laminate

-Print Recording Sheet on Cardstock and Laminate

Domino Parking Lot Mat (Version #1)
Students place dominos in "parking spot" if the sum of the dots add-up to that number.

Domino Parking Lot Recording Sheet (Version #1)
After printing recording sheet on cardstock, laminate so students can reuse.
Students write addition sentence using Dry Erase Markers. (when laminated)

Blank Domino Parking Lot Mat (Version #2)
Using permanent marker (you can erase using Magic eraser or hair spray) teacher can write the sum in each parking spot after mat is laminated.
Students place dominos in "parking spot" if the sum of the dots add-up to that number.

Domino Parking Lot Recording Sheet (Version #2)
After printing recording sheet on cardstock, laminate so students can reuse.
Using permanent marker (you can erase using Magic eraser or hair spray) teacher can write the sum in each parking spot after mat is laminated.
Students write addition sentence using Dry Erase Markers. (when laminated)

FREE PRINTABLES

Domino Parking Lot Mats and Recording Sheets

Fact Family Cards

2012-01-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

The following printables are self-correcting, fact family flash-cards you can use in your math centers.

Fact Family Center
Student picks Fact Family Flashcards on family side and writes the numbers (which are printed on their bodies) on the dry erase board's outer corners. Student writes the number sentences. Student checks number sentences by flipping the Fact Family flashcard over, on the house side.
(Pictured Above: Fact Family Dry Erase Board purchased from School Aids, Fact Family Flashcards)

Fact Family Center
Student picks Fact Family Flashcards on family side and write the number (which are printed on their bodies) on the dry erase board's outer corners. Student writes the number sentences. Student checks number sentences by flipping the Fact Family flashcard over, on the house side.
(Pictured Above: Fact Family Dry Erase Board purchased from School Aids, Fact Family Flashcards)

Materials for Flash-cards:

1.) Cardstock (10 sheets)
2.) Avery Labels for Template #5163 (4 sheets of 10)

Directions for Making Flash-cards:
1.) Print "Fact Family Houses" on Cardstock
2.) Print "Fact Families" on Avery Labels
3.) Stick Avery Labels on the back of the appropriate house
4.) Laminate for Durability

Fact Family Houses (Click on Link Below for Printable)

Fact Families (Click on Link Below for Printable)

FREE PRINTABLES!

All ClipArt is Berg Created

Fact Family Houses (Print on Cardstock)

Fact Family_Blue Set (Print on Avery Labels#5163)

Fact Family_Purple Set (Print on Avery Labels#5163)

Fact Family_Red Set (Print on Avery Labels#5163)

Fact Family_Yellow Set (Print on Avery Labels#5163)

Fact Family Triangle (Print on Cardstock)
(Use this if you do not have Fact Family Dry Erase Board. Laminate and use dry erase markers on it.)

Turkey Addition Strategy Center

2011-11-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

I have loved seeing all the amazing Turkey ideas from other blogs. I got this idea from The First Grade Parade. I altered it because I wanted the students to focus on the addition skills: counting on and using a number line.

*Pictured Below- front of turkey/back of turkey*

Supplies

-30 Turkey Cut Outs (with no feathers)

-Feathers (preferably one color)

-Avery Labels Template #5160 (2 sheets of 30)

CLICK HERE FOR LABELS PAGE 1

CLICK HERE FOR LABELS PAGE 2

Directions

1. Print addition problems and number lines. (click on link above)

2. Circle big number in yellow. (number you start with)

3. Put dot on number line in yellow. (number you start with)

4. Draw "hops" on number line in orange. (or whatever color feathers you choose)

5. Put addition sentence on FRONT side of turkey.

6. Put number line on BACK side of turkey. (self-correcting feature)

7. Laminate turkeys for durability.

How to Play

1. Child takes one turkey with addition problem facing up.

2. Puts the number of feathers they are "counting on" around the turkey.

3. Check answer on the backside of the turkey.

4. Record on recording sheet.

Turkey Addition Strategy Center: Count on using the turkey feathers.

Turkey Addition Strategy Center: Students can self-correct using the number line on the back of turkey.
(Number lines are provided on print out above, however, you need add markings and answer)

Ten Little Pumpkins: Subtraction Center

2011-10-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

The following is a subtraction math center activity.

*Special Note:Students have the choice to display Jack o' Lantern OR turn it around for a Pumpkin.*

This math activity is used to reinforce subtraction. Read, Five Little Pumpkins as an introduction to activity. If you are unable to find the Pumpkin Cupcake toppers, use orange, craft POM POMS (from any Craft Store).

Directions

1. Place 1 pumpkin in each section.

2. Roll the die or dice. (Read on for the kind of dice I use.)

3. Take away that number of pumpkins.

4. Write the number sentence and mark out the correct number of pumpkins on the recording sheet.

Supplies

-Pack of Jiffy Strips or if you can find an ice cube tray that has 10 sections(find Jiffy Strips in the flower section at Wal-Mart)

-Dirt, Coffee or beans

-Pumpkin Cupcake Toppers (Party City)

-Dice (Special Note: I make my own dice out of 1 inch foam cubes. This way, I could write in permanent marker any number I want. For this center, I write numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and use 2 dice. That way, the student will not roll 12, since there are only 10 pumpkins.)

-Subtraction Recording Sheet (click on link below)

Ten Little Pumpkins Recording Sheet

UPDATED: Ladybug Addition Center (color-coded)

2011-09-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, I included an addition center/activity printable and a math/art project. Every year, I modify lessons or activities in hopes to (one day) reach perfection. (Although, I know that day will never come.) However, it doesn't hurt to try.

The following are new printables (center-activity recording sheet & assessments) and a link to the first addition activity that was posted in a previous entry. I hope this is self-explanatory and you are able to use! HAPPY ADDING!

Click the link for new printables.

Ladybug Addition Activities & Ideas

Click the link for Ladybug Mats and Flashcards.

Red Ladybug Mat and Flashcards

Yellow Ladybug Mat and Flashcards

Green Ladybug Mat and Flashcards

Orange Ladybug Mat and Flashcards

Tip for Making Ladybug Dots

to Use with Mats

Spray paint counters!

Teaching Tally Marks

2011-09-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Teaching tally marks is one of the first things I do to kick-off the new math curriculum. Why teach tally marks at the beginning of first grade?

-Practice counting

-Practice making groups

-Practice counting groups

-Practice counting by 1's, 5's and 10's

-Practice counting on...

-It is hands-on!

The following are some ideas that I use:

-Students manipulate stick-shaped objects. Students use popsicle sticks, straws, stick pretzels etc. when practicing tally marks.

-Create popsicle stick stories! While you show the children the sticks, tell them a story. When I use the trees, I make-up a story about how I need to cut down the last tree. You can take your hand and make chopping noises as the tree falls down. When I use the people, I make-up a story about the last kid tripping or falling down and the other 4 kids catch him. Get creative and silly because with some kiddos, the stories really do help!

Popsicle Stick Stories- Create trees out of popsicle sticks to represent tally marks. Share a story about the trees and why one of them falls down.

Popsicle Stick Stories- Create people out of popsicle sticks to represent tally marks. Share a story about the people and why one of them falls down.

This is an inexpensive, quick way to teach this concept. The following supplies are all you need...

Click the links below for additional tally mark resources.

Tally Mark Printables

Tally Mark Puzzles (1-10)

Tally Mark Cut and Paste in Order

Tally Mark Houses Cut and Paste

Top Hat Tally Mark Cut and Paste

Star-Themed Classroom Pics.

2011-08-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well, better late than never! As we approach the 12th day of school, I can finally step back and breathe a sigh of relief. We have accomplished SO much: my students are doing a fabulous job following the rules; procedures are becoming more ritual; we are able to go without using the restroom for longer periods at a time (even the teacher, too); my students are masters at cleaning up and keeping our room organized; WE ARE BUCKET-FILLERS; they know their assigned number; they can come to the carpet, walk in the halls using fingers and ducktails, raise their hands (still working on waiting to be called on ;) and SO MUCH MORE! This is going to be an amazing year!

The following are pictures of my classroom. This is the first time I have used SmileBox. The pictures automatically zoomed-in, so some photos maybe unclear. Thank you to all those teachers for sharing your ideas! You may notice some of them in my photos. Enjoy!

Free photo slideshow customized with Smilebox

Star-Themed Classroom Pics-COMING SOON!

2011-08-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the before pictures of my classroom. For three years, I have been teaching in a FEMA trailer. The trailers' original purpose was to accommodate the displaced students from Hurricane Katrina. Since these trailers are designed for temporary use, parts are falling apart but we are making it work. On the plus side, I have my own AC/Heating unit, 7 computers AND get to have the best profession in the world!

This room needs a teacher's touch.

EEEKK!

= (

I'm Seeing Stars

2011-08-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

I'm using "Stars" as my classroom theme this year. I picked stars because it is mature enough for older kids, but whimsical enough for the younger ones (incase I change grades in the future). Also, I am a Dallas Cowboys fan ; ) The following are projects that my mom and I worked on over the summer. Thanks for making my room shine, MOM! =)

Classroom Mailbox- My mom painted a basic mailbox that was purchased from Walmart for $15. She used stencils to make the stars and letters. The stand was made by my amazing neighbor with wood purchased from HomeDepot. I will use it to put our Zero the Hero prize every 10th day.

The moon was unfinished wood purchased for $1 at Dollar Tree. The star attached to the flag was unfinished wood purchased at Hobby Lobby.

Classroom Stool- The stool was unfinished wood purchased from Michael's it was $30 but I used the 40% off coupon they offer online. It is painted similar to the mailbox. My mom painted the stars and swirls. =)

Library Sign- I purchased an unfinished chalkboard from Hobby Lobby then stained the wood and painted the board black. Next, I used a Q-tip to write the letters freehandedly. The stars were purchased unfinished from Hobby Lobby and hot glued on. I wrote,"Berg's Books" on the sign because if a book from the library says this on the back, then it belongs to me.

Picture Frames- I purchased unfinished wood picture frames for $1 each at Michael's. The stars were unfinished wood from Hobby Lobby. The yellow frame is a recycled picture frame. I just spray painted an old frame and added wood decals. These frames will be filled with smiling faces in no time!

Star Basket- I took an ordinary basket, added some paint and a star to transform it. Now, it matches my theme. The star was unfinished wood purchased at Hobby Lobby. The basket was something old.

Star Basket- I added some brown stain and a painted star to this ordinary basket making it match my theme. The stars were purchased at Hobby Lobby and the basket was something old.

Classroom Management that Clicks!

2011-07-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

A dog training clicker for your classroom?!?

*Let me give you some background information.*

My students walk in a straight line through the halls. The Line Leader is the ONLY student who listens to my directions while the rest follow and watch the person in front of them. I will tell the line leader, "Go and listen to my voice" while I stay behind letting my kids pass. Then I will say, "Stop" for the leader to stop.

Instead of using my voice, I purchased a dog training clicker. One click will mean GO and two clicks will mean STOP. I have heard of other teachers using clickers for a variety of things. This idea is nothing new and probably originated with nuns using it in Catholic Schools (or so I heard). I just wanted to share with others who might not of heard of this classroom management technique. I am excited to try it starting the first day of school!

Use a clicker to get students attention, give directions and/or use for transitions.

A clicker in action! You can keep it in your pocket or put it on a lanyard around your neck.

Alternative Big Book Stand

2011-07-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

Reading big books has always been a major juggling production because I lacked a big book stand. If only I had the extra money and room, I would have purchased one long ago. WELL, good thing I didn't because the solution was right in my very own home!!! A music stand was the perfect alternative.

Use a music stand for display and assisting with reading big books. They are inexpensive, adjustable and easy to store.

Name Badges

2011-07-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

I dread getting name tags ready for the first week of school. Normally, I would laminate some decal with their name on it and string yarn through a punched hole at the top.

This would take me FOR-EV-ER!

The kids were to wear this around their neck while I learned their names. However, it ended up not working half the time because the decal would get flipped around displaying the back or the yarn would get so twisted it took two teachers to set the child free.

Here is my solution! I purchased badge holders and badge clips from Walmart. I bought 2 sets of 12 badge holders for $1.88 each and 2 sets of 12 badge clips for $1.88 each.

Reusable First Days of School Name Tags or Field Trip Name Tags

Trash to Treasure

2011-06-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

It's true what they say, "One person's trash is another person's treasure." I can not believe that today was my first visit to Goodwill. Two words can describe my visit," TEACHER OVERLOAD!" My brain was going a mile a minute trying to come up with excuses as to why I needed these things in my classroom. I decided to start small and purchased this metal thing for $1.99. With a quick clean and spray paint, I ended up with a book holder.

I don't even know the original purpose for this metal thing but it was worth 1.99.

Let the transformation begin!

The finished product! I can use this for books or magazines. It is also equipped with a handle!

I can't wait to go back. You never know what Goodwill has in store for you!

Classroom Shopping Linky Party

2011-06-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ladybug's Teacher Files is having a linky party devoted to shopping for your classroom. Link-up to give and get some ideas from some awesome teachers. The following products are things I have purchased over the summer. If you would like to view more products I have purchased in the past, click on the label titled Products.

These containers saved me lots of time when passing out manipulatives to the students. I discovered them at Dollar Tree and bought 5 sets of these 10 mini containers. I quickly discovered that I use them for EVERYTHING. For example, lets say we are going to play bingo, I have a container marked, "Sets of Tiles" and I have a student pass out one container per child. I do this with our coins too. When we do coin sorts or are just learning about the coins. You can use them in your workstation activities too. I basically use these instead of Ziplock bags for smaller things.

For months, Dollar Tree was sold out and the website was sold out of them too. I was growing a little impatient, so when they became available online, I bought them. You can only purchase in bulk on the Dollar Tree website. SOOOO, 480 mini-containers later......I am one HAPPY teacher =)

I am ready to jump-in head first with BUCKET FILLING for next year!
I purchased these tin buckets from the Dollar Section at Target. I was super excited because I will be doing a Star Theme next year.

This is another Dollar Tree find. I purchased the last of the blue and green Locker Bins at my local store. I bought around 14 of each. I will use them in my library. The blue will be for fiction and the green will be for nonfiction. I will be reorganizing my library this year and was searching high and low for an inexpensive bin. I love how they are taller and wider than a typical sized shoe box.

Blog Stalking Linky Party

2011-06-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

Clutter-Free Classroom is hosting a Linky Party to make stalking great teacher blogs easier! I just saved hours searching for awesome blogs and you can too. Add your blog to the list!

Beanie Baby Reading Strategies

2011-06-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

Since my summer began earlier than majority of my teacher friends, I had the privilege of snooping around teachers' classrooms who were still in session. I love getting new ideas! The following is one idea that I can't wait to implement this coming school year.

Click on the link to get more information.

Beanie Baby Reading Strategies

This picture was provided from the Reading Classroom Ideas Website. (link is above picture).
This website is amazing because it gives you all the tools you need to implement this idea (poster print-outs, bookmarks). The only thing you need is the Beanie Babies!

New Treasure Chest

2011-06-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

I have used the same cardboard treasure chest that was left in my room by a previous teacher for a couple of years, now. Although I like the look of it, it is starting to fall apart. Originally, I wanted to go with an authentic looking treasure chest that was made of wood, but I wasn't crazy about the weight and bulk that would come with it.

My recent trip to Ikea ended my search! It is light and can fold-up for easy storage/move. It is big and can store prizes that are oddly shaped. I would of rather something blue, but I have a feeling the kids will love it.

Toy Box from Ikea

ELA&Math Center Activity Resource

2011-05-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

This is a great resource for instant center activities. Print on cardstock, laminate, cut, self-correct with writing answers on the back and GO!

I really like the picture and math sorts. Since they are quick and inexpensive to make, I am thinking about sending these home next year as take-home reinforcers.

Black-line Masters of ELA and Math Sorts

New Storage for Center Activities

2011-05-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am in organization mode the last six weeks of school every year. I like to reorganize my room and set things up the way I want it next year. Even though we have to box up everything over the summer, at least I have an idea and the pictures to help me assemble my classroom for next year.

I hated my old way of organizing my centers (which can be viewed in an earlier post). I wanted my activities easily accessible and quick to view at a moments notice.

I purchased the shoe bins at Walmart for a dollar and spray painted the tubs' lid red for Math and blue for ELA.

I labeled each tub with the skill and then listed the activities that were in that tub. There are about 3-4 activities in each tub. If I were to do this all over again, I would just type the skill, laminate the cards, and then with permanent marker write the activities in each tub because sometimes I add a new activity to the tub. If it does change you can always erase the permanent marker with a Magic Eraser. It comes right off! (So, much for permanent...huh) Each label has a red star that means, "Don't touch" (for the kiddos)

I got smart and applied my label idea to my ELA tubs (since I did these second). Each label just has the skill, I still need to write with permanent marker the activities in each tub. The red star on the label means, "Don't touch" (for the kiddos)

These ELA activities are strictly my Treasures activities. Treasures is our reading adoption. Each tub has a red dot on the label that means, "Stop, don't touch" (for the kiddos)

Spray painted the lids and basket (which was a purple color, not the scheme of my room)

I used spray paint for plastic.

Since I was using a large portion of my shelving for my center activities, I needed more shelving. Instead of buying a bookshelf (that will fall apart in a year), I decided to make my own out of cement blocks and wood. I can easily store this over the summer by taking it apart (unlike other bookshelves I have in my room). When I move schools, cities, states, I can leave behind my cement blocks and just take the wood. Moving from Texas to Louisiana, the bulky bookshelves were a hassle to move.

The tubs with yellow lids have scissors, highlighters, and Magic Erasers. These used to be behind my desk, but I like that they are easily accessible and I don't have to stop my teaching just to get to them. My white tubs have my math manipulatives. I am thinking about spray painting them red to go along with my color coding theme. In my apple basket I have my dry erase markers, which I love that are by my dry erase board. I have "Star Pencils" for kids who are amazing, on top of my stereo is a basket with stickers and then my GONG. Which my mom got for me because we couldn't stop playing with it at Lakeshore.

Primer on wood

Working hard after hours!

I only painted the sides that you would be able to see. I bought wooden stars and tape that will stick to cement to decorate the blocks with. Maybe I will do that next year.

Monkey Math

2011-04-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

The search is over! Lakeshore Learning carries Monkey Math, in store only. After months of searching and people telling me they were sold out and it is only sold online, I found it!!! I got the last 4 in the store. I can't wait to use these next year in Math Centers to teach the concept of equality and reinforce addition.

Hang an equal number of bananas on each hand. If your addition is correct, the monkey's arms will be level and his eyes will look straight. Love this self-correcting feature!

Click for recording sheet!

Beehive Buzz-Addition Style

2011-04-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get a head start on next year. The following activity can be used for an early addition center.

Addition Center Activity
Click for printables!

Fishy Math Facts Activity

2011-04-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

I created another addition and subtraction activity. This one can be played in a variety of ways. At the end of the document are blank templates, so you can create whatever type of game you want.

You might of noticed from previous activities I have shared, that I love color-coding or number coding my activities. This way students can work side-by-side and if they accidently mix-up the cards or if they just happen to find a missing piece on the floor, they know where it goes and what set it belongs. Also, each set is different. If they finish one, they can do another.

There are 4 sets of colored, addition fish and 4 sets of colored, subtraction fish.

Fish Mat

1 Example of a Recording Sheet. There are multiple recording sheet options depending on the kind of game you play.
Click here for Fishy Facts Activity
(*Side note, something weird happened to my cover page when it was uploaded, however, you don't need to print this page or need it to play the game. I was just trying to be fancy;)

Tally Toads Activity

2011-04-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

I am trying to teach myself how to create my own clipart since Copyright issues seem to get in the way of sharing with teachers. In a previous post, I mentioned a gamed called Tally Toads, however, my original game I created years ago needed a serious makeover. So, I decided to test out my amateur clipart “skills” by updating this game. This is the finished product.

CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLES!

Linky Party: Homework

2011-04-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

First Grade Fundamentals is hosting a Linky Party about Homework! This is a great idea because it seems like Homework is something that is often overlooked, in yet, it is one of the most important things.

This is what I do...
Each week students receive a Homework Helper which outlines the concepts and skills they will learn throughout that week. The Homework Helper is a great guide for parents. Parents are allowed to keep the sheets to reinforce these skills throughout the year. I attach additional work that must be turn-in for a participation grade on that Friday.

Pictured above is the ELA, Math and Science/S.S "Homework Helper"

I used to send home weekly readers and students had to complete a Reader's Log. However, I have had difficulty with students misplacing the books and damaging them. Therefore, I tried something different this year. I purchased the following teacher resource book which has reading passages and follow-up questions.

Reading Short Stories with Comprehension Questions

Math Blog Hop!

2011-04-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

Check out the following blog by clicking the button below! She is hosting a "Math Hop" where teachers share their math ideas. Count me in!!! Don't forget to add your math post link to the list.

Ladybug Addition Center (color-coded)

2011-04-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I know everyone has seen how to incorporate ladybugs into addition. I decided to take my ladybug center and color-code it, so students can work side-by-side and not mix-up the addition cards. Normally, I number the cards, but decided to use colors for this one because ladybugs are NOT just red.

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING FOR PRINTABLES!

Red Addition Ladybug

Yellow Addition Ladybug

Orange Addition Ladybug

Green Addition Ladybug

Self-Correcting Math Flowers

2011-04-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

You can never have too many addition & subtraction center activities. I heard of this activity awhile ago (before the era of blogging became popular). You can use this self-correcting concept for pretty much any skill.

I put addition problems on the flower and buried under the pinto beans is the answer. Students can use a recording sheet to write the problem and check themselves with the answer. Surprisingly, my students do not cheat on self-correcting activities where they know how to find the answer. Seeing if they get it right is half the fun!

4 Sets of Self-Correcting Math Flowers featuring 10 different addition problems on one side and 10 different subtraction problems on the other. A grand total of 80 different math problems!!! (Materials= popsicle sticks painted green, foam flowers, pinto beans, glue, maker, Jiffy Strips from Walmart)

Self-Correcting Feature

Workstation Flower Pens

2011-03-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post, I mentioned my love for Flower Pens.

Click for more info. on Flower Pens!

I decided to make some for my kids to keep them motivated to work during centers. It is amazing how a change in a writing tool can make them want to work =)

Kids' Flower Pens at Center Table

Flowers from Dollar Tree, Tub from Hobby Lobby

10 Things I've Learned from Teaching: Linky Party

2011-03-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Rowdy in First Grade is hosting a Linky Party! This was a great idea! It is so funny to read other teachers' little life lessons because we can all relate.

(1)

Your students are the best teachers of Classroom Management. They won't be afraid to let you know if it doesn't work.

(2)

A teacher's work is NEVER done. There is always something you can work on.

(3)

You will spend an unthinkable amount on your classroom.

(4)

Air fresheners should be on EVERY school supply list.

(5)

Take advantage of back to school sales on supplies.

(6)

There will be students who come to school without supplies.

(7)

The quiet teachers have the most control over their class. The loud ones...sometimes have control, but go home with a headache everyday.

(8)

Glue in bottles is a frustrating mess. Teach your kids how to use a glue stick.

(9)

Do not take what your students do personal.

(10)

SAVE and DOCUMENT EVERYTHING YOU DO! Save lesson plans, homework, art projects, student tests, conference sheets, parent notes etc. You never know when you may need these things.

Linky Party: Favorite Part of my Room

2011-03-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

This is my first Linky Party to join, so I hope I do this correctly. It is hosted by the amazing Mrs. Thompson from Adventures in Teaching!

My favorite part of my room is my Small Group Area.

I love how everything is easily accessible and neat. Every year, I felt I was running around my room finding things during small group like a pen, marker, testing material etc. I get a little wiser and less cluttered with each passing year.

I posted all this information in an earlier post.

Click here for more pics and explanations on SMALL GROUP area.

Click here for more on small group SUPPLIES.

Click here for more on FLOWER PENS.

I love my center rotation (grouped homogeneously and heterogeneously) with the pics of my kids faces. My fabric bags hanging on the wall store supplies I need for small group like: dry erase markers, cute animal-hand erasers (see Organization Label), Dibels books, reading witch pointers) I have a phonics flip chart (Mardels,$15), pocket chart with phonics cards (Lakeshore Learning), chair pockets to store students' white boards, a star graph used as a center behavior motivator and my leveled reading books...just to name a few things.

I have a light used as a reminder so the kiddos won't disturb me during small group. I have Flower Pens (see Label ELA Centers) that I use to Dibel students with, so I won't have to search far for a pen. I LOVE my chair cushion and AIR FRESHENER ; )

Long /i/ Fry Sort

2011-03-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU First Grader...at Last! for this AWESOME IDEA!

I painted popsicle sticks and wrote the words with permanent marker. I color coded the phonics rule. This one is blue.

Each set is color coded so when students mix-up sets, they can differentiate. I color coded the back of each fry, too.

Smarty Pants

2011-03-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the first month that I've used the "Smarty Pants" and the kids love this new behavior incentive. I just need to make a sign for them because people always ask me about it.

I got this idea from another teacher. Thank goodness for those "Smarty Pants" teachers out there who think of these things =)

Baby Jeans that are sewn at the bottom to hold the Smarties.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2011-03-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

I felt a little last minute when preparing for St. Patrick's Day. However, everything went great. The kids were able to practice their graphing skills and they were engaged!

I started the lesson by giving groups of students St. Patrick themed erasers. They were told to demonstrate an easy way to compare the erasers. In other words, they graphed the erasers.

St. Patrick's Day Erasers (Party city, $4 a pack)

Next, the students graphed Lucky Charms! Yummy =P

Recording Sheet from http://www.kidscount1234.com/

Contraction Cupcakes

2011-03-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

Yummy!

What a delicious way to practice contractions. I got this idea from multiple teachers.

Cupcake Die-Cuts (Dollar Tree, 6/$1), Cut then laminated for durability. I made 4 sets of 7 contractions. Each set has different contractions on the cupcakes. So, when they are finished with one set, they can do another set.

Reading Baskets!

2011-03-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Students love to sit back in a Reading Basket with a good book =)

Reading Baskets are a great alternative to spending a fortune on building an inviting area for students to read. In addition, it is a great behavior management tool because it gives students a defined reading space, where it is hard to disturb other readers. The laundry baskets were purchased at Walmart for $5 each. I purchased $3 towels at Walmart to make the basket more comfortable.

Student reading in a Reading Basket into a Whisper Phone (PVC Pipe-Lowes)
Funny how they would rather read in a laundry basket than on the couch = P

Don't let the size fool you. Even I can fit into a Reading Basket and they are comfy =)

Place Value Flip Book

2011-03-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

The following is a flip book my kids created on Place Value using Base 10 Blocks.

They are so creative =)

Awesome job!

Spider Addition

2011-03-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Spider Mat (MathWire.com), Foam Dice (Dollar Tree), Egg (Walmart), Mini-Spiders (Party City)

Subtraction Bowling

2011-03-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

Students practiced their subtraction skills by bowling in math centers!

**The following pictures show the recording sheet and two different bowling sets.**

Students record their results.

Mini-Bowling Set (Purchased from Dollar Tree)

Lawn Bowling Set (Purchased from Toys R Us, $3)

Money Centers

2011-03-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

Create a Coin Graph. Students get a purse w/ coins in it and graph them. They record their results on a recording sheet.

Coin Sort/Count. Students sort coins from a piggy bank (from Dollar Tree) on the recording sheet above. They count the coins and add like coins. The recording sheet I got from another teacher's blog....I have spent about an hr. trying to find it again...but no luck. If you remember where I got it from, let me know!

Dollar Tree Deals!

2011-03-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

Foam Dice (2/$1) Whenever I see these dice at Dollar Tree, I always get them. You can use them for anything. Plus, they are quiet.

CVC, Letter Sounds, Number Learning Cards (3/$1) I bought 4 sets and labeled w/ numbers (set 1, 2, 3, 4-So, students will not mix-up the sets)

Foam Puzzle Clock. I bought 5 clocks. Label on the back w/ the number of that set- So, students can work side-by-side and not mix-up pieces.

Big Number-Line to 70. I bought 5 number-lines. I taped this number line together and laminated for durability. Then I cut it up in puzzle piece fashion. This number-line is about 10 ft. long, so you need some space.

Phonemic Awareness Activity

2011-03-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Self-Correcting feature

Purpose
Reinforce beginning sounds
Differentiate between 2 (or more) beginning sounds

Materials+How to Make

Enlarged T-Chart

I used a poster maker and laminated for durability

Pictures w/ same beginning sounds (10 pictures + Upper and Lowercase Letter)

I made this using PowerPoint and laminated

Ziplock Bags Labeled w/ Letter Sound

I have 26 Ziplock bags (26 letters)
Do not put all the bags out at once.

4-5 Separate Bags for Center

I select letter pictures from one of the 26 bags.
I mix 2 letter sound pictures+the Letters in the same bag and LABEL what letters the student will be working with in that center. I use masking tape to write he letters and place on bag (shown in picture).
I change-out the label and pictures w/ new beginning sounds or combinations.

Self-Correcting

I put the answer on the back of each picture, so students can check their work.

Differentiate

You can increase difficulty by putting letter combinations w/ similar sounds (like M/N, or E/I, G/J etc.)
You can increase difficulty by comparing more letter sounds (A/E.I etc.)

This center activity was time consuming making, laminating and cutting but I can use it all year and and continually rotate the sounds.

Word Sort Printables for Treasures!

2011-03-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

The following are Word Sorts I created that correlate with our reading series, Treasures.

CLICK FOR WORD SORT PRINTABLES!

Telling Time Puzzles

2011-03-13T01:45:00.000-08:00

The following are printouts of my Telling Time Puzzles. These are similar to the Base Ten Puzzles. I love using puzzle pieces in centers b/c they are self-correcting.

Print on Cardstock
Laminate for durability
Cut in Puzzle-Piece form
Group pieces according to letter and place in separate, lettered baggie.

CLICK HERE FOR HOUR PUZZLES! (A-E)

CLICK HERE FOR HALF-HOUR PUZZLES! (A-E)

Base Ten Puzzles

2011-03-13T00:21:00.000-08:00

CLICK HERE FOR BASE TEN PUZZLES!

(A-G)

Print on Cardstock
Laminate for durability
Cut pieces in puzzle-like fashion
Separate pieces into baggies labeled w/ its letter (A, B, C, D, E, F, G)*This helps w/ organization.

In the end, you should have bags filled w/ different puzzle pieces.
If a child finishes with "Bag A" they can do "Bag B" etc.

Math Flowers

2011-03-12T17:42:00.000-08:00

Spring is just around the corner and it would only seem fitting that my math centers reflect the new season change. I bought these flower cut-outs from Dollar Tree (2 for a dollar).

Each flower has 6 petals (3 addition facts+ 3 subtraction facts) They are self-correcting on the back of each petal. I made 16 flowers w/ different answers in the center.

Here is a close-up of the self-correcting feature on the back. I put mini hearts on the back of this flower b/c the flower belongs to the heart bag. There are 4 bags (heart, lightning, smiley face, star) with 4 flowers in each. Keep in mind every flower is different, so if a student is done with the "heart" bag, they can work on the "star" bag. This makes the center activity longer and differentiated.

Fact Family Activities

2011-03-10T21:14:00.000-08:00

The following are some fact family activities. Since fact families are a tricky concept to learn, we start by doing this activity in pairs during whole group. Therefore, I can better assist before it goes into their math workstations.

**When you change the counters, the kids think they are playing a whole new game. So, I change-up what we use (tiles, cubes, buttons, etc.) and the number.**

I use this to practice addition and/or fact families.

I use this to practice subtraction and/or fact families.

I use this to practice fact families. I also have the fake, red and white beans that you can buy at any school store. The ones above were no fun to make and I would suggest purchasing them. I learned my lesson the hard way =(

Phonics Stamps

2011-02-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

I love using stamps in centers because they are durable and the students enjoy using them. I purchased these stamps from Lakeshore to use as an extension after they complete the "must do" activity.

I created a recording sheet to help the students organize the words. Each colored stamp focuses on a different phonics skill. (beginning sounds, middle sounds, ending sounds) In addition, I purchased the second kit, Lakeshore sells, which focuses on skills good for the second-half of 1st grade. (digraphs, blends, vowel sounds) I organize the stamps in ice cube trays from Dollar Tree b/c I didn't want the cardboard box the stamps came in to get torn and all inky.

Here is an example of the Phonics Stamps Activity in action. What a great way to practice! The only downside is that it is not self-correcting.

Zero the Hero

2011-01-30T20:31:00.000-08:00

Zero the Hero made his appearance on the 100th Day of School. He brought us donuts to celebrate! Every 10th day of school he would bring us treats that were in the shape of zeros.

Zero the Hero came to visit us!

Zero the Hero brought us treats that were in the shape of zeros!!! He puts them in a bag with a big zero on it.

Permanent ELA Center Activities

2011-01-30T20:03:00.000-08:00

I explained in a previous post rules for implementing center activities. One of my rules is I have center activities that never change but the skill will change. The following are examples of my ELA activities that I teach the kids how to do once and they are good for the rest of the year. Therefore, I am not wasting time teaching them how to do the activity. This leaves more time for them to practice the skill.

If you notice all activities start with something they can manipulate. The follow-up activity is more of an assessment/accountability tool.

Word Work Center- These are Phonics Puzzles that reinforce the new phonics skill we are learning that week. These puzzles show S blends. The student matches the word with the picture. It is self-correcting b/c the puzzles will match. I made 4 sets of the same puzzle. Since I will have no more than 4 students in a center at one time. In case the students mix-up the puzzle pieces, I label them with numbers on the back. All #1 pieces go in the #1 bag etc.

Word Work Center- This is a follow-up to the Phonics Puzzles. When the students complete the Phonics Puzzle, they write the provided sentences in their journal and insert the correct word. The should be familiar with the words, since they are the same ones that were on the Phonics Puzzles.

Word Work Center- This is a broader shot of the Phonics Sentences. The students have a Word Bank of their phonics words on the dinosaur.

Listening Center- The Rhyming Puzzle pieces are similar to the Phonics Puzzles. The only difference is the Rhyming ones only have pictures on them. I make 4 sets of the puzzles and organize them with the numbers just like the Phonics Puzzles. The follow-up activity is a Rhyming assignment which reinforces the same words the students were exposed to in the puzzles.

Reading Center- These are Sight Word Sentence Puzzles. The puzzle pieces focus on the new sight words and phonics skills being taught that week. When the students put the sentence together they record it on a recording sheet. There are 8 puzzles, each one is different. This activity is explained on a previous post.

One Hundred Day Activities

2011-01-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

The following are some activities my students did to celebrate the 100th day.

I made a class set (24 total) of 100s puzzles. Print puzzle on cardstock, laminate and cut into puzzle pieces. Each puzzle has 13 pieces with letters on the back that correspond to its bag. If the puzzle has the letter "A" on the back it goes with bag "A" etc. All the puzzles are cut differently. It is a contest to see who finishes it first.

I purchased 4 sets of 25 piece puzzles. (100 piece puzzles will take them way too long to complete and they will lose interest.) The puzzles are from School Aids.

I printed a blank 100s chart. I purchased finger stamps at School Aids. Students created patterns with these stamps. I stored the finger stamps in ice cube trays that were purchased at Dollar Tree, 2 for $1. I love using ice cube trays to store stamps that didn't come in a handy container.

My Rules when Implementing Centers

2011-01-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know that the "educational political correctness" is Literacy Workstation, but I am still going to call them centers. It saves time to say and I am all about being efficient ; )

The Following is my Center Theory

My rules when implementing centers.

Have the students do the same center activity every week, but change the skill focus. Teaching how to do an activity is a waste of time. Students need to spend more time practicing the skill. These center activities that never change, I call my "MUST DO" activities. This means it is the first thing they must do in the center.
Every station has a "MUST DO" activity and a "FUN NEVER-ENDING" activity. The never ending activity is meant as a reward and motivator for them to finish the "must do" activity. These never change and are differentiated. Examples of possible never-ending activities would be: letter stamps, spelling scrabble (I explained this in a previous post), reading in the library, play dough letter stamps, writing etc. A student will never finish a never-ending center or it is designed to take a long time to complete. This eliminates the problem of students not having anything to do during centers. Their work is never done.
I try to give my students at least two activity choices when they have finished their "must do" activity. One choice will be the "never-ending" activity and the other one maybe an activity that reinforces a past skill. These activities are new and therefore, exciting for the students (since it is something different), so I model it whole group, on Monday, before putting it in the center for that week.
I post simple directions in the center. I number each direction, so they know what to do first and last.
I have two center rotations. At the end of each center rotation, the students put their heads down and I walk around to "inspect" the center supplies. This takes 1-2 min. However, I feel it is a necessity if you want your supplies to be intact and everlasting.
I am super organized when it comes to putting my center activities in their tubs. I have taught my students to place the flat things on the bottom of the tub. Putting supplies in a tub may seem like an easy task, however, spacial awareness must be taught. They need to understand that if you place something in diagonal it will get bent and that if it is awkward in shape, you might want to put it on top of the flat supplies. Teaching how to respect the supplies of the classroom goes a long way.

Directions are posted at each center. Notice I use words and pictures. These direction never change but the skills do in the "must do" activity. The "must do" activity will be #1.

Example of a "never-ending" center activity. These letter dough stampers were purchased at Lakeshore.

Example of a "never-ending" center activity. You can print these mats from Alphabete Avenue. This activity is great for the beginning of the year.

This is an example of a "never-ending" center activity. I love these stamps because they have the lines underneath each letter. So, the students do not accidently stamp them upside-down. I purchased them from School Aids.

100th Day of School Hat

2011-01-26T20:55:00.000-08:00

Students sport these fine hats in honor of the 100th day of school. Each green strip has ten stickers on it.

100th Day of School Necklace

2011-01-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

Here is an example of a student's 100th day of school necklace. It is made out of fruit loops. Students were encouraged to make patterns with the colors, as well as, make sections of 10 by using the dividers to separate the groups.

Weekly Star Student!

2011-01-26T20:42:00.001-08:00

Let the second-half of the school year begin! I try to change-up classroom incentives to keep my kiddos interested. I started selecting a "Star Student". This student is chosen for exhibiting great behavior. As a reward they get to display the following sign on their chair (with their name) and get to use the special star cup. The star cup holds star pencils (with star grippers), twistable crayons, scissors and a glue stick. This cup is placed on top of their desk. It is almost like their little trophy. =)

From LakeShore

Make-shift pencil holder is a coozie from Hobby Lobby (.99), foam stars from Hobby Lobby (couple dollars)

Math Teacher Resources

2011-01-09T05:05:00.000-08:00

These books deserve a post. They are developmentally appropriate and child friendly. I do not like worksheets that you have to explain. These are great for assessments. I am sure this company makes more.

This is my favorite. I like it because it has a lot of cut and paste graphs. Since we focus on graphing at the beginning of the year, it lets them practice their fine motor skills.

This books helps with number sense and place value.

Phonics Activity

2011-01-09T04:50:00.000-08:00

This is a great phonics resource. It has lots of work mat reproducibles. All you need is to copy and laminate. It does come with reproducible letter tiles, but you could just buy your own. Letter tiles are sold at any school supply store.

I make the mats self-correcting by having the answer on the back. At the beginning of the year, the students can use the completed side to place the letter tiles over the letters.

I made a set of vowel work-mats. I color coded them, so each student has all the vowels.

I'm Sick!!!

2011-01-09T04:32:00.000-08:00

Sub. Tub

Last year, I had one tub with a variety of worksheets in it for substitutes to use incase I had to call in sick. However, I felt it wasn't very organized.

I changed this problem by getting a 3-drawer organizer and labeling them: ELA, Math, Science/Social Studies.

Next to my Sub Tub, I have my classroom schedule, list of students, explanation of rules/procedures and 3 days worth of student work packets (incase my students need to be split-up into different classes, if a sub does not show-up).

On top of my Sub Tub, I have a basket filled with incentives (behavior tickets for the Treasure Chest drawer held on Friday and stickers) and a red bag with first aid supplies (band aids, contact solution-for teacher use).

Counting by 5s and 10s

2011-01-09T04:11:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of the year, we learn about what skip counting means. I demonstrate this by having the students trace, cut out their hands and glue them on construction paper.

I laminate them, so I can write numbers on the hands (for counting by fives) and construction paper (for counting by tens).

In addition, you can circle pairs of fingers to demonstrate counting by two.

I leave this up all year to remind them about skip counting.

Calling on Students

2011-01-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

To change-up the routine of calling on students with their hands raised, I draw sticks with their assigned student number on them. The students get excited when I pull these out because it is almost a game to them; if they will be picked or not. I got these sticks from LakeShore Learning. I have also seen them at School Aids.

Center Activity Storage

2011-01-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

I store all my centers under my desk in gray tubs that I purchased from Wal-Mart. I store the individual activities in large envelopes or ziplock bags. (Unfortunately, not everything can fit in the tubs. I store things like large foam dice, piggy banks, bowling games etc. in my file cabinet.)

I write the skill that the activities are in the tub cover.

Wall of Words

2011-01-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

Word Wall

As we learn a new word, it is added to the wall. This is my wall for ELA words. I printed the words out, pasted them on red index cards and then laminated them.

The ABCs are from Mardels. I added a blue dot to the vowels. The letter "Y" gets 1/2 a blue dot, since it is sometimes a vowel.

Pictured: Word Wall, Listening Center, Directions for the Listening Center, Computer Center, Dividers for the Computers (I got the foam boards from the Dollar Tree and spray painted them. This helps with behavior.

Pictured: Close-up of words, notice the blue dots for the vowels

Math Center Tubs

2011-01-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

I use the same Center Rotation Chart for Math as ELA.

The only difference is I will not use the COLOR groups for math so much. (Remember the COLOR group is the homogeneous group-students with the same abilities, students with similar needs).

WHY? With math...the abilities of my students vary with each skill we learn. So, it is harder to group them because one may understand tally marks, and not addition, but they may understand time etc. The groups would change everyday. To fix this dilemma, I will pull random students from each group or I could just pull the whole NUMBER group to the small group table. It all depends on their needs for that particular day.

Here are pictures of our classroom math area. On one side of our rolling storage shelves, we have our math tubs. On the other side, we have our math manipulatives.

ELA Center Tubs

2011-01-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

Here is where my students get their ELA Center tubs. The leader will take the tub to a specific location in the room.

*Pictured Above: Center Crowns, "Think Tub", Center Tubs, Center Mailboxes)*

Tub with a Sad Face= This is called the "Think Tub". When a student is not following directions during center time, they must complete an ELA worksheet instead of having the privilege of working on a center activity. When they finish the sheet, they put it on my desk and return to their center. Students do not ask me if they can go back to centers (b/c I will be in a small group), they know to do it on their own.
Blue tub that says, "Center Crowns"= This is where we store the crowns for the leaders. From 9am-10am we have a whole group reading lesson. At 10am, I pass out crowns to students who were doing an amazing job participating and following direction during that time. One student will receive a crown for each NUMBER group. The job of the leader is to get the center tub, pass out supplies and put center tub away. In addition, they need to monitor the progress and behavior of their group.
Black tubs with pictured labels= Pictured are four of the five center tubs. Centers: Library, Word Work, Spelling, Reading, Listening (not shown-this tub is in the center location already), and Computers (no tub needed)

Last year, the students kept a"Center Folder" to hold all their center work. I did not like that because I had to rummage through the desk to get it, work that had glue on it would get all over and the folder would get torn-up quickly.

This year I tried something different and love it! I got two letter mailboxes from Office Depot. I numbered the slots, so I wouldn't have to rename the slots every year. The students put completed center work in their mailbox.

Flower Pens!

2011-01-07T23:16:00.000-08:00

I felt like every time I started the timer to DIBEL a student, I was racing to find a pen. By putting a basket of FLOWER PENS on my small group table, I always have a pen!

Flower Pens are awesome because you never walk away with them. Plus, they give the whole area a home-like touch.

How do you make Flower Pens?

Get fake flower, green floral tape, pen, hot glue gun, rubber cement (Hobby Lobby)
Cut the fake flower so all you have is the top and a small portion of the stem. You will need this small portion of the stem to attach the flower onto the pen.
Position the flower at the top part of the pen and wrap the green floral tape around the flower stem and the pen. Go over many times for support. Wrap the green floral tape around the whole pen. It should be tight. Leave the ink part showing.
For extra durability, I hot glue the top part, where the Flower and Pen meet and the bottom part, where the green floral tape ends.
For extra extra durability, I take Rubber Cement and lightly glaze the green floral tape which has been spun around the pen.
The green tape will be sticky for awhile, but it will eventually dry.
Start writing with your new Flower Pen!

Supplies for Small Group

2011-01-07T22:46:00.000-08:00

Supplies I Use in Small Group

These supplies are stored in the canvas bags hanging by Command Hooks on the wall. I switched over to the hanging bags (over plastic storage drawers) because it was off the floor and out of the way.

All those canvas bags came in one package at Hobby Lobby.

This bag holds dry erase markers.

This bag holds our Puppet Erasers (You can get them at the Dollar Tree)

This is how you use a Puppet Eraser. It is perfect for cleaning dry erase boards and the kids love them. =)

Since I progress monitor at my small group table, I store my progress monitoring books here.

I keep an ABC chart, Blends and Digraphs Chart, Hand Clappers (working with syllables-Dollar Tree) and Pointers (From ReallyGoodStuff or Party City during Halloween season). We use these fingers to point to the words when we read.

Literacy Workstation Rotation Chart

2011-01-07T22:24:00.000-08:00

Literacy Workstation Rotation

-Six centers

-2 rotations in 1hr. (30min. centers)

-Each student is a COLOR and NUMBER

-NUMBER GROUP: Heterogeneously working in centers
Students are able to assist each other when they are grouped with different abilities

-COLOR GROUP: Homogeneously working in small group
When the teacher calls a color group to her table, there will be one less person in the number group. In conclusion, there will only be three people working in a center at one time. This helps with the behavior. =)

Teacher Rotation Charts

Teacher's Rotation Chart (for Tuesday)
I hang these sheets behind my small group table. I rotate the centers by moving them up.

Teacher's Rotation Chart (for Wednesday)

Teacher's Rotation Chart (for Thursday)

Teacher's Rotation Chart (for Friday)

Map of Classroom with Centers Labeled

Small Group Area

2011-01-07T21:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of my small group area.

Key Components to my Small Group Area (shown in picture above)

Organization Elements
1. Literacy Workstation Rotation Chart
2. Chair Pockets (home for white boards)
3. Canvas Bags on wall (home for teacher's supplies)
Teaching Elements
1. Pocket Chart with Phonics Cards
2. Phonics Flip Chart
3. Sound Boxes with clip (mounted on bulletin board)
4. Vowels Poster
Behavior Management Elements
1. Lamp
**How does this work? When I am sitting with a reading group, I turn on the light. This means the rest of the students (in centers) are not allowed to interrupt the small group lesson by asking me a question.
2. Stars Graph
**How does this work? When the whole class is doing an awesome job in centers they can earn stars. They have 1 hour (that is how long center/small group time is) to earn 20 stars. When they earn 20 stars, they have earned a prize. (Possible prizes: free-time, treasure chest, whole class bingo games)

Parent/Teacher Communication Binder

2011-01-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

Problem?

How do I organize...

~communication with parents?

~conference forms?

~student data?

Solution!

I organize this information in one BIG binder. When I have conferences, this is ALL I need because everything is in here. This eliminates the problem of searching multiple places in your room collecting documents. The following picture is how I keep it organized.

As stated in an earlier post, every student has a number. I purchased dividers that go up to 30. Each student has their conference forms, report card copies, notes and other important documents behind their number.

Organizing Lessons and Copies

2011-01-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

Keeping yourself organized is one of the best things you can do to improve classroom management, in my opinion. I feel like I am constantly learning from other teachers. I accredit most of my organizational strategies to those amazing teachers out there who are always willing to open up their "school box" to a wandering teacher.

The following are strategies I use behind my desk to keep myself organized. The students do not have access to this area.

*Notice*

As you notice in my pictures, I label EVERYTHING. You never know when someone needs to find something in your room.

This table is located behind my teacher desk. Pictured above I have: daily, organizational drawers for worksheets, my treasure chest, "Sharp" and "Dull" pencil cans, staplers, tape, printer, hole puncher, Parent-Teacher Communication Binder and Lesson Plan binders. I use this stuff everyday.

I organize my daily worksheets by days of the week. I get it ready on the Friday before the next week. I feel more prepared this way. I organized it by day of the week instead of subject area because....if I were unexpectedly absent, a sub could easily take the work from the drawer of that day.

If I could only take one thing away from my classroom, this would be it. For the past 3 years, I have saved every lesson plan, worksheet, and art project. Every week I add to my binders. The most valuable thing in my room!!!

I love to be prepared because you can never predict the next paper shortage or next time the printer will break. This is where I store up to 6 weeks worth of lesson plans and copies.

Compound Words Activity

2011-01-06T21:27:00.000-08:00

Compound Word Puzzle by: Carl's Corner

Carl's Corner Compound Word Link!

In order to keep my student's accountable, I created a recording sheet. This is how it works...

There are 6 bags with 8 different compound words in them. You can see the drawings of bags 1, 2 and 3 on this side of the recording sheet (see picture)
If the student starts with bag#2, they write the compound words in the area provided for bag#2.
They continue to put the puzzles pieces together and writing the compound words next to the bag they are using.
The picture on the puzzle piece makes this activity self-correcting!!!

The students love to see the picture come together!

What a Delicious Graph!

2011-01-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

Smarties Graph
I created this recording sheet.

The following is a great website for graphing...

www.kidscount1234.com

100th Day of School

2011-01-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

Check out this website of handcrafted jewelry that not only looks good but teaches too! Click on the link below.

Zero Is My Hero

"Zero the Hero Necklace"
My mom got this for me as a birthday gift :) I wear it every 10th day of school. So, I won't forget I leave it at school. She ordered it from the website above.

Phonics Resources

2011-01-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

These are great resources to review phonics skills!

I have the following two books but Creative Printing Press makes more. Clink on the link to check them out!

Tally Toads!

2011-01-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a math center activity I created to reinforce tally marks called, Tally Toads!

How to Play?

The student places the frog on the correct lilly pad. They match the number on the frog's belly to the tally marks on the lilly pad.
When all the frogs are on the lilly pads, flip them over to see if the tally marks match-up with the tally marks on the back of the frog. (self-correcting feature)

Tally Toads
(I demonstrate the self-correcting feature by flipping one of the frogs over-showing the matching tally marks)
*SPECIAL NOTE: When making center activities, I always make 4-6 games. Each game will vary with its numbers, but the game itself will not change. This way if a student says, "I'm done", I will say, "Play a different colored Tally Toad Game." You can differentiate by making some games more challenging then others.

Some students working hard on practicing tally marks!

Sequencing Fun!

2011-01-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

This is one activity that my students love. Sometimes it is hard to find comprehension center activities that are self-correcting, but here is one that works!

I use these sequencing cards as a quick warm-up or filler activity. You can also use them in centers. For only a couple of dollars you get a lot of sequencing pictures.

You can put these sequencing pictures in centers by printing on card-stock, laminating and cutting. Don't forget to make them self-correcting on the back by numbering them. On the other hand, you can help their fine motor skills by letting them do all the cutting and having them paste it in the correct order for an assessment.

Phonics Activity

2011-01-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a cute activity for ELA Centers. It is great for onset/rime, chunking and differentiating between real and non-sense words. The only downside is that this activity is NOT self-correcting.

The student must match a blue side with the red.
The only downside is they may create nonsense words and not realize it.

Shape Activity using Literature

2011-01-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

This is a great introductory lesson to shapes.

Read the book, "Grandfather Tang's Story"
Give each student a bag with the following 7 tangrams
Challenge the students to make a square out of those tangrams

Preparation: I printed the tangram square design on card-stock, laminated and cut the pieces out. I numbered the pieces on the back (so they will not get mixed-up), and placed them in baggies labeled with the #. I made a class set.

Place Value Activity

2011-01-03T22:51:00.000-08:00

Here is a math center activity used to reinforce place value.

How to Play?

Place the deck of cards with the numbers facing up.
Pick a card and try to stamp what it looks like using base 10 block stamps.
Flip the card over to check your answer (self-correcting feature)

Place the deck of cards with the numbers facing up.
Pick a card and try to BUILD what it looks like using base 10 blocks on a place value mat.
Flip the card over to check your answer.(self-correcting feature)

If you notice at the bottom of the recording page it says, "color bag=."
The student writes what color the deck of cards are on that line.
The next deck of card they get maybe a different color (blue, green etc.)
and therefore, will have different numbers in the deck.
If you have a student who says, "I'm done!"
You can say, "Do a different colored deck."

Place Value Differentiated Assessment

2011-01-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

Students demonstrated their understanding of place value with this differentiated assessment.

Addition Art~Ladybug Style ; )

2011-01-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

Addition Puzzles

2011-01-03T21:42:00.000-08:00

These are easy to make for any skill (addition, subtraction, tally marks, words, sentences etc) and are self-correcting. These are my addition puzzles. Don't forget to number them on the back, so your puzzles will not get mixed-up with each others.

Coin Counting

2011-01-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

This is a Math Center Activity I use to reinforce coin counting.

How to Play?

Student rolls the die (wooden cube w/ plastic coins super-glued on each side)
Student stamps the coin which was rolled
Student does this 3X
Student adds up the value of each coin and puts their answer in the pig

The boxes below each stamped coin (on the recording sheet) can be used to put the value of each coin or then can add the value as they go. Students who have difficulty adding the values can put tally marks or dots instead of the number.

All coin stamps are stored in ice cube trays from the Dollar Tree.
They can choose if they want to stamp the head or the tail of the coin.

Word Families

2011-01-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

After Easter, I bought 200 Easter eggs for $2.00 at Wal-Mart. I am constantly finding new ways to use my Easter eggs and here is one of them...

The students rotate the egg to spell a new word. Then they record the word on their recording sheet. Each egg will have 4 words on it when you twist the sides. They will record all the words from the purple egg next to the word "purple". They will record all the words from the yellow egg next to the word "yellow" and so forth, until they fill the sheet.

At the very top right hand corner of the recording sheet is an egg. They must write a number in that egg. The number should be the same as the bag they are getting the eggs from. For example, all eggs with a #4 on the bottom will go in the bag with a #4 and be recorded on the recording sheet with the #4. I am probably making it more confusing but the kids get it! I do this because bag #1 may have all short /a/ words and bag #2 may have all short /e/ words.

Handwriting

2011-01-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

Handwriting is something I add to my ELA centers as early finisher work. With everything these students are expected to learn, handwriting always seems to get the short end of the stick. Therefore, I try to squeeze in any down time with some much needed practice.

If you do not have time to make your own, you can get handwriting work from Carl's Corner- Alphabet Avenue.

I created these handwriting sheets on PowerPoint, printed them on cardstock then laminated. At the beginning of the school year, we practice using Dry Erase Markers without pressing too hard. They use a character puppet to erase them.

Rhyming Activities

2011-01-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

The following are rhyming activities that I got from the Carl's Corner Website.

Carl's Corner Rhyming Link!

Race for a Rhyme! by Carl's Corner
(I put the words on the back of each card. It is self-correcting because rhyming words have a happy face while the rest have a sad face. I have included a recording sheet for the students to write the words that rhyme. It helps with keeping them accountable for their work =)

Rhyme Time Bingo! by Carl's Corner

(My kids love playing this Bingo game in whole group or small!)

WEBSITE WITH GREAT RESOURCES!!!

2011-01-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

The Following Website is A-MA-ZING!

Alphabet Avenue Website

It is the sister website to Carl's Corner

Alphabet Partner Puzzles by Carl's Corner-Alphabet Avenue
This activity is self-correcting!

Snap that Sound! Beginning Constant Sound by Carl's Corner-Alphabet Avenue
(I created a recording sheet and included the words on the back making it self-correcting!)

Alphabet Work-mat by Carl's Corner-Alphabet Avenue
(The kids use Wikki Sticks to make the letters or Play-Doh)

Sentence Puzzles

2011-01-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

I use this ELA activity to reinforce high frequency words, phonics skills, and build fluency.

I write a sentence on a sentence strip incorporating the new high frequency words and phonics skill of that week. In addition, I incorporate concepts from previous weeks.
I laminate it.
I cut the words apart in puzzle piece fashion.
After I cut it up, I write numbers on the back of each puzzle piece which indicates the sentence and place each sentence in their matching folder/bag.

I have 8 new sentence a week. When students go to this activity in a center, they put the sentence together and record the sentence in their journal. The sentences can be in any order in their journal, however, they must indicate the correct sentence number when they write it, so they do not accidently do a puzzle twice. The best part about this activity...it is self-correcting!!!

Sentence Puzzle

Spelling Scrabble

2011-01-03T19:43:00.000-08:00

This is a fun way to review spelling words. Students try to find the word that is worth the most points. Since it maybe challenging for some students to add more than one addend, they can make dots underneath the letters (as demonstrated in the example). I created this recording sheet on PowerPoint, as well as the Scrabble Pieces.

Recently, I made a new set of Scrabble pieces that are lower-case and the vowels are in red. Since we emphasize only capitals at the beginning of the sentence etc...it only reinforces that idea.

CVC Activities

2011-01-03T19:31:00.000-08:00

CVC Puzzle Cards
(I got these in the toy section of Wal-Mart. They have CVC words on the front and back. In addition, this activity is self-correcting. Don't forget to number the cards, so they will not get mixed-up)

CVC Picture Cards
(I created these cards on PowerPoint. I created 12 cards per vowel letter. This is an easy activity to make. You can get the tile letters at any school store.)

CVC Beginning Sound Cards
(You can download this activity from the Florida Center for Reading Research. Here is the link to this activity. It starts on page#6, Onset/Rime. I made my own letter cards for this activity.)

The following is a link to CVC cards http://mrsdiminnie.com/cvcwords.htm. All you need to do is print, laminate and go! You will need some tile letters, though.

Stamp a Story Problem

2011-01-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

I use this center activity when we are just learning about addition. You can get creative with a variety of different stamps. It is self-correcting and differentiated according to their academic level. (can be challenging or simple)

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECORDING SHEET!

Number Sense Activity

2011-01-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

Here is another activity for building number sense. I purchased the fish cards from Wal-Mart. The students draw two cards from the deck and have to figure out which one is greater or less. These cards are amazing because they are self-correcting. The bigger the fish on the card, the bigger the number. The smaller the fish, the smaller the number. I created the recording sheet on PowerPoint.

First Grade School Box

Place Value Center Printables

I have a Button!

Using Frogs for Addition and Subtraction

Domino Addition Parking Lot

Fact Family Cards

Turkey Addition Strategy Center

Ten Little Pumpkins: Subtraction Center

UPDATED: Ladybug Addition Center (color-coded)

Teaching Tally Marks

Star-Themed Classroom Pics.

Star-Themed Classroom Pics-COMING SOON!

***I'm Seeing Stars***

Classroom Management that Clicks!

Alternative Big Book Stand

Name Badges

Trash to Treasure

Classroom Shopping Linky Party

Blog Stalking Linky Party

Beanie Baby Reading Strategies

New Treasure Chest

ELA&Math Center Activity Resource

New Storage for Center Activities

Monkey Math

Beehive Buzz-Addition Style

Fishy Math Facts Activity

Tally Toads Activity

Linky Party: Homework

Math Blog Hop!

Ladybug Addition Center (color-coded)

Self-Correcting Math Flowers

Workstation Flower Pens

10 Things I've Learned from Teaching: Linky Party

Linky Party: Favorite Part of my Room

Long /i/ Fry Sort

Smarty Pants

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Contraction Cupcakes

Reading Baskets!

Place Value Flip Book

Spider Addition

Subtraction Bowling

Money Centers

Dollar Tree Deals!

Phonemic Awareness Activity

Word Sort Printables for Treasures!

Telling Time Puzzles

Base Ten Puzzles

Math Flowers

Fact Family Activities

Phonics Stamps

Zero the Hero

Permanent ELA Center Activities

One Hundred Day Activities

My Rules when Implementing Centers

100th Day of School Hat

100th Day of School Necklace

Weekly Star Student!

Math Teacher Resources

Phonics Activity

I'm Sick!!!

Counting by 5s and 10s

Calling on Students

Center Activity Storage

Wall of Words

Math Center Tubs

ELA Center Tubs

Flower Pens!

Supplies for Small Group

Literacy Workstation Rotation Chart

Small Group Area

Parent/Teacher Communication Binder

Organizing Lessons and Copies

Compound Words Activity

What a Delicious Graph!

100th Day of School

Phonics Resources

Tally Toads!

Sequencing Fun!

Phonics Activity

I'm Seeing Stars