Addition Stamping Centers

The following are printables that I use for some of my math centers. Since Louisiana switched to the Common Core, I wanted my centers to reflect the new curriculum our parish(district) uses. 

Originally, I posted a printable called, "Stamp a Story Problem." I loved this activity because students differentiate the complexity of each problem because they create it. However, it was not organized.  Since we focus a lot on the tens frame, I decided to alter the recording sheet. You will need a variety of small stamps and ink for this activity.

Students create their own story problem using picture stamps.  The tens frame makes it easier for students to organize their thinking.  My students are more fluent when it comes to addition because of the tens frame.  (*Helpful hint: Ice cube trays are a great way to keep track of your stamps. I can glance at the tray and see if I am missing any.)

Also, I created a "Stamp a Number Sentence" recording sheet. You will need number stamps and ink for this activity.

Students create their own addition problem by placing dots in the tens frame.  Next, they stamp the number sentence.   (For beginners, you could already place the dots in the tens frame.)

Click Here for the Tens Frame Stamp a Story Problem and Stamp a Number Sentence Recording Sheets.

Happy Stamping!

Happy First Day of School!

I made a First Day of School picture frame for the kiddos to hold as I take a picture. I attached the big star labeled "1st" with velcro on the back.  By using velcro, I can change out the "1st" star with "100th" or "Last", so I can use it for those important dates.  I am still in the process of making those. Three more days before I meet my first graders! :)

First Day of School Picture Frame
I used Velcro to attach the star labeled "1st", so I can change it out with "100th" or "Last"

Spring Cleaning the Classroom

It is that time of year, again.  Towards the end of the year, I start getting anxious for the next year and start to think what I could do to improve.  Starting things ahead of time, will allow me time to get out all the "kinks" since I still have students to test my new ideas on.  The following is how I have kept busy...


Thanks to the inspiration of Mama Jenn, I revamped my Calendar Math area.  I lack bulletin board area in the front of my classroom, so I used corkboard (from Hobby Lobby) and covered it with cloth.  Then placed it over the white board to create a makeshift bulletin board. 


Underneath the Calendar Math area, I have added a Nonfiction section to my classroom library.  I used to store all my books in boxes and told myself I would regularly switch them out.  Unfortunately, I would find excuses as to why I couldn't switch them out, so I decided I would try to put all of the books out.  The kids love this section. 

New Calendar Math Area, New Non Fiction Library Area,  New Read/Writing Easel

Also pictured above is my new Reading/Writing Easel.  I am in LOVE!  I took on a second job teaching morning tutoring and Saturday school so I could purchase it.  Arriving to school at 6am everyday was totally worth it! 

Fiction Picture Book Section

Above is my Fiction Picture book section.  Collecting those blue containers from Dollar Trees was no easy task.  I still need more to accommodate all my books.  So for now, this will have to do.  All of the books have stickers on the cover that match the sign.

Fiction Book Area

I have decided that next year, I am going to use more of the Sterlite Plastic Shelves because they are easy to assemble and store.  I think my days of buying bookshelves are over.  I purchased white and gray, but I think I like the gray ones better.  I may just spray paint the white or use it somewhere else since it looks out of place.


My camera was not cooperating.  I was only able to get 3 shots before it stopped working.  When I get a new camera, I will post more pics from different angles.  My library has actually changed since I last took these pics.....ha....a teacher's work is never done =)  

Place Value Center Printables

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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.

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!

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***

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!

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.