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