Here's a printable with the recipe for your files! Click on the picture to download a copy!
Hope your celebration is lots of fun!
Gooey Green Stuff Recipe
Ready for some good gooey green science fun? Is it a solid or a liquid or something else? This is one of my favorite activities to do for March 2nd and it ties in just beautifully with lessons on matter!
Snowflake Report Freebie
Rain, sleet, snow...we've had it all in just one half hour today! It's looking like a snow (crystal) day for us tomorrow, although I probably just jinxed it by writing about it! Please put your white crayons in the freezer for us!
Speaking of snow...One of my all-time favorite winter units following our lessons on matter~ and before the water cycle~ is a great transition between the two...SNOWFLAKES!
I begin with story Snowflake Bentley. It tells about the life of the man famous for developing a technique to photograph snowflakes.
Then I take my students to the computer lab to research and view photographs of snow crystals taken with modern technology! They absolutely LOVE this! With all of the ooohs and aaahs it sounds like the 4th of July in there!
I have them bring a spiral notebook to jot down some notes. In the past, the students typed up their report and I showed them how to save and insert one of the snow crystal photographs from the site. You can do this as long as the site is credited with the image.
I have a freebie for all of you with a link to the site, some directions and a few cute printable report pages with different line styles. You can grab it at my TPT shop! Click on the picture below to take you there!
Speaking of snow...One of my all-time favorite winter units following our lessons on matter~ and before the water cycle~ is a great transition between the two...SNOWFLAKES!
I begin with story Snowflake Bentley. It tells about the life of the man famous for developing a technique to photograph snowflakes.
Then I take my students to the computer lab to research and view photographs of snow crystals taken with modern technology! They absolutely LOVE this! With all of the ooohs and aaahs it sounds like the 4th of July in there!
I have them bring a spiral notebook to jot down some notes. In the past, the students typed up their report and I showed them how to save and insert one of the snow crystal photographs from the site. You can do this as long as the site is credited with the image.
I have a freebie for all of you with a link to the site, some directions and a few cute printable report pages with different line styles. You can grab it at my TPT shop! Click on the picture below to take you there!
If you download it and check out the link to the site, I'd love to hear your ooohs and aaahs with a comment!
Word Clouds for Kids
I found a fun site for kids to make their own word clouds. I made this one to show my kids as an example. You could have great fun with this typing in vocabulary having to do with any unit. Wouldn't the kids love to type up their spelling list this way?
This is one I made to try it out. You have the option to save or print it. If doing this in a computer lab, be sure to remind the kids to add their name as one of the words!
I recommend playing around with it a little first. You can change the fonts, the background colors and the layout.
The site is ABCya! Have fun with your word cloud!
This is one I made to try it out. You have the option to save or print it. If doing this in a computer lab, be sure to remind the kids to add their name as one of the words!
I recommend playing around with it a little first. You can change the fonts, the background colors and the layout.
The site is ABCya! Have fun with your word cloud!
Read Across America Activities
Kalahari Water Park Resort was a blast and it was great to get away on a mini vacation! I've worked on a few new things since returning home.
I'm getting ready to celebrate Dr. Seuss on his birthday with some fun and silly stuff! This year, it will be celebrated on Friday, March 1st.
I was so sad to have to delete my favorite Dr. Seuss-themed items from my store last year because they were activities for use directly with books, but sure will be using them in my own classroom! These should be safe to post and still look very Seussy!
Let me know which one you might like (the rhyming center or short a word family center) and I'll pick three to get one free like usual! :) I'll need your email too!
By the way, I decided to try out Twitter. I'm not sure about it just yet... but if you want to find me there I could sure use some followers:) If you have a Twitter, let me know. I'll follow you back!
Here's the link (I think!):
https://twitter.com/creativelessonc
I'm getting ready to celebrate Dr. Seuss on his birthday with some fun and silly stuff! This year, it will be celebrated on Friday, March 1st.
I just finished these center activities!
Click on the picture to see the description at my TPT store!
Let me know which one you might like (the rhyming center or short a word family center) and I'll pick three to get one free like usual! :) I'll need your email too!
By the way, I decided to try out Twitter. I'm not sure about it just yet... but if you want to find me there I could sure use some followers:) If you have a Twitter, let me know. I'll follow you back!
Here's the link (I think!):
https://twitter.com/creativelessonc
Common Core Math Vocabulary
I tell my students that I teach them reading all day long, they just don't know it! We teach them during our reading block, sure, but that instruction continues all day long by introducing vocabulary and teaching strategies in content areas too.
Recently, our team reviewed our Little Darlins' test scores on the third grade MEAP test. We sat around saying, "But we taught that...they knew that well..." Does that sound familiar? After analyzing the released test items, we decided that the reason for some poor performance on specific items was that the students were confused by or had trouble reading certain math vocabulary terms. They made reading mistakes on a math test! How often do we see that happen?
Well, that got us going to create a plan to help remedy this. My team will be displaying and teaching math vocab with a math-only word wall. I made this for our rooms with cute graphics for our owl mascot theme.
If this is something you've considered doing, head on over to my TPT shop and check it out! Just click on the picture to take you there.
During each unit, we will teach students to read these words well and understand the meaning of each of them as we go through the Common Core Standards. What if the kiddos are asked to partition something on an assessment? We just won't know. No problem, we've taught that word!
Since this is a transition year, the students will need to have a handle on all of the words from our grade level content expectations too. I researched many reliable sources and compiled a massive list (over 150) of words specific to second
grade.
So, we will get this up and running following winter break. I'm excited because my students are doing a lot of writing to explain their thinking in math and now they will have a word bank to use to help them!
Hey Friends, I am on Facebook (in the cappuccino in the sidebar) and it's a little lonely there at my page. I haven't done much, honestly, to promote my page, but just wanted to let you know that it does exist! I could sure use some Likes if you know what I mean! Thanks for helping out with my self-esteem :)
Recently, our team reviewed our Little Darlins' test scores on the third grade MEAP test. We sat around saying, "But we taught that...they knew that well..." Does that sound familiar? After analyzing the released test items, we decided that the reason for some poor performance on specific items was that the students were confused by or had trouble reading certain math vocabulary terms. They made reading mistakes on a math test! How often do we see that happen?
Well, that got us going to create a plan to help remedy this. My team will be displaying and teaching math vocab with a math-only word wall. I made this for our rooms with cute graphics for our owl mascot theme.
If this is something you've considered doing, head on over to my TPT shop and check it out! Just click on the picture to take you there.
During each unit, we will teach students to read these words well and understand the meaning of each of them as we go through the Common Core Standards. What if the kiddos are asked to partition something on an assessment? We just won't know. No problem, we've taught that word!
Since this is a transition year, the students will need to have a handle on all of the words from our grade level content expectations too. I researched many reliable sources and compiled a massive list (over 150) of words specific to second
grade.
So, we will get this up and running following winter break. I'm excited because my students are doing a lot of writing to explain their thinking in math and now they will have a word bank to use to help them!
Hey Friends, I am on Facebook (in the cappuccino in the sidebar) and it's a little lonely there at my page. I haven't done much, honestly, to promote my page, but just wanted to let you know that it does exist! I could sure use some Likes if you know what I mean! Thanks for helping out with my self-esteem :)
The Best Valentine's Day Party and a Winner!
It was not the most creative party I have ever had, but I got to plan this one alone and it was the calmest and most organized one yet! In the words of one student, "It was the best day ever!" I love when they say that!
Every year, I get wiser and simplify my parties and activities a little. Too much excitement just sets my little ones up for failure with self-control. They really can't help it! The students were much more calm and had just as much fun as when there are a million crafts and games and tons of food and sweet treats.
Valentine's Day was filled with theme-related learning activities and projects. Here are a few things we did:
When this was finished, the students opened, read and sorted their valentines. At their seat was a recording sheet my teammate had shared. This was the best idea ever! I'm not sure of the source, but it was genius! The kids had to record how many of their cards had animals on them, how many came with candy attached, how many were folded in half and a few others too. They loved this!
While all this was going on, a few volunteers ran the activities in the shared area outside of the classroom.
We enjoyed one simple treat. The office provides a tray of these cookies for every class. They were huge, so nothing more was needed. Perfect.
Every year, I get wiser and simplify my parties and activities a little. Too much excitement just sets my little ones up for failure with self-control. They really can't help it! The students were much more calm and had just as much fun as when there are a million crafts and games and tons of food and sweet treats.
Valentine's Day was filled with theme-related learning activities and projects. Here are a few things we did:
an estimation station
candy heart toss for sums to 20
candy heart graphing
These are from my candy math pack.
Each student had a dixie cup I filled ahead of time.
Here's a storage tip~ 30 bathroom cups fit perfectly in this Sterilite container (Walmart). It comes with a lid to keep counters like this clean until you are ready to use them.
This year, we wrapped cereal boxes in white paper (twice) and I added the belly to the pandas to hide the box design that wanted to peek through. In the past I had spent around 30 dollars ( and a lot of time running around to craft stores) on white bags and the boxes worked out just fine with the patterns I had.
A few students at a time passed out their valentines while the others waited with their mailbox on their desk. This went well and gave each child a chance to thank their classmates and actually see what they were getting.
While all this was going on, a few volunteers ran the activities in the shared area outside of the classroom.
We enjoyed one simple treat. The office provides a tray of these cookies for every class. They were huge, so nothing more was needed. Perfect.
We added red and silver glitter to our owls and our room looked very festive!
The students listened to Arthur's Valentine and watched Charlie Brown Valentine while the volunteers and I cleaned up the very little mess afterward.
However... I have to admit, I was envious when I saw this masterpiece!
This was a Dairy Queen ice cream cake donated from a parent for the party in the classroom next to mine. The envy quickly faded to relief. I was thankful I did not have to keep it cold, cut it and serve it or clean it up. But they did share a piece with me and it was THE BEST!
Hope your party was lots of fun too!
Congratulations to Jaime P. who won the owl set and five items of her choice from my shop! Thanks to everyone who played along too! It's always nice to hear your comments!
I'll be gone for a while this week to Kalahari Water Resort! I've never been there before and am looking forward to a fun little getaway with the family! I wish it was sunny and 85 inside the water park :)!
Michigan winter pale skin + bathing suit = trip to the tanning salon tomorrow
I Heart a Giveaway!
Are you all set for your Valentine's Day activities? There are still a few days to get some last-minute goodies for your classroom on Thursday! This is a peek at my plans for the big day:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Congratulations to Michelle! I'll be sending the owl your way!
We are making these hugger panda bear mailboxes or our Valentine goodies and cards. One of these days, I'll get together the patterns to share! It's on my to-do list! It's pretty easy to make your own!
These activities are for writing, word work and math!
We'll be working on our "Owl" Always Love You project to decorate the room! This craft and writing pages to go with it are available at my TPT and Teacher's Notebook Shop!
Use the easy Rafflecopter to enter to win 5 items of your choice from my shop! Good luck! I'll announce the winner on Friday!
Congratulations to Michelle! I'll be sending the owl your way!
100th Day a Snow Day?
Well, we may be celebrating the hundredth day a few days late this year if the big snow arrives as expected! Still our activity packets for the day are ready to assemble. This year, in addition to our own classroom festivities, we are including 20 minute rotations with our second graders through each classroom with fun activities! Many of them were freebies at TPT.
My station will be Dip Dots. The kids will use Q-tips to paint 10 dots inside of ten frames. Another classroom will have 100 second challenges like how many sit-ups can be done in that time, another classroom is running a coin toss activity and another a roll and tally dice activity.
I gave the roll and tally recording sheet a much-needed makeover. You can grab it free at my TPT store!
Sending a big congratulations to Elizabeth at Fun in Room 4 B. She has some great news to share! You may want to head over and congratulate her too!
My station will be Dip Dots. The kids will use Q-tips to paint 10 dots inside of ten frames. Another classroom will have 100 second challenges like how many sit-ups can be done in that time, another classroom is running a coin toss activity and another a roll and tally dice activity.
I gave the roll and tally recording sheet a much-needed makeover. You can grab it free at my TPT store!
If you've already had your 100th Day, maybe you can file it away for next year! :)
Shopping Spree Goodies
Oh-my-word. I had zero self-control and even less power to make a decision on Sunday while shopping the sale at TPT. I spent hours going back and forth between the 300+ items on my wishlist and adding them all to the cart and back to the wish list and again to the cart...Seriously!
I got so many goodies, and far too many to name, but these are a few of my favorites to use for my classroom in the coming months.
Word Work Mega Pack Part 2~ Babbling Abby
American Heroes Common Core Informational Reading and More~Teacher to the Core
I Love Reading-My Favorite Book Opinion Writing Activity~Nicole Shelby
How To Writing Unit Plus Craftivities {Procedural Writing}~ Natalie's Nook
And of course, to fuel my clip art addiction, loads of seasonal graphics and math graphics from Ashley Hughes, Creative Clips and Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Designs
What did you buy that you are just so pleased with you want to share? Consider linking up with
Measurement Stations Freebie!
I had each student bring in a fun item from home for our measurement stations today. They loved it and were much more motivated to measure their own items than when I have selected the objects.
Here's a copy of the recording sheet that I used for the activity. Hope that it might come in handy for you!
Oh did I have a great time shopping the sales yesterday at TPT! I am ecstatic about all of my purchases knowing it was money well-spent! I know that my students will love the activities and I just simply do not have the time to make them myself! I hope you found just what you needed for your classroom there too.
I also purchased some adorable graphics and new licenses to use for my creations. I can't wait to get started with them!
I so appreciate all of my loyal followers and send out a huge THANK YOU for all of you who support my shops with your purchases and great feedback and my blog with your kind words! You're the best!
Here's a copy of the recording sheet that I used for the activity. Hope that it might come in handy for you!
Oh did I have a great time shopping the sales yesterday at TPT! I am ecstatic about all of my purchases knowing it was money well-spent! I know that my students will love the activities and I just simply do not have the time to make them myself! I hope you found just what you needed for your classroom there too.
I also purchased some adorable graphics and new licenses to use for my creations. I can't wait to get started with them!
I so appreciate all of my loyal followers and send out a huge THANK YOU for all of you who support my shops with your purchases and great feedback and my blog with your kind words! You're the best!
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