Visual Plans: Field Day Freebie

I can't believe it's the last month of school. This will be our last full week of school.  After this week we'll have three short weeks until summer vacation!  I'll be so sad to see my Firsties leave but they're ready for the challenges of second grade!  

Here are my plans for the week ahead as well as some highlights for the week ahead!!

This week we're going to begin reviewing first grade skills.  We're finished with spelling patterns and homework for the year and we only have a few small topics in math to cover.  I'll be giving our end of year math test this week and then we'll dive into coins and money.  We use coins each morning during our calendar time so I feel as though this unit will be more of a review than anything else.  

Friday is our field day.  First grade will participate in events early in the morning so I really wanted to continue the field day theme throughout our morning... figured I'd capitalize on the enthusiasm from the mornings festivities!

I created this "Field Day Workout Review" to go along with our field day activities on Friday.  There are 16 task cards that I will place around the room.  Once the kids are buddied up I'll send them around the room to complete each task card and record their answer on their recording sheet.  

What makes these task cards different from other task cards is that each card has an exercise the kids must complete before moving on... just another way to keep the kids moving and exercising on field day.  I can't wait to use these... these cards are in my TPT store for free this week if you'd like a copy.  

This week we'll also be planting sunflower seeds.  This was something we were going to do last week but we never got around to it so we'll be doing it first thing Tuesday morning.  I just love sunflowers... I might plant a few to bring home as well!

We'll also be tie dying this week.  I've never tie dyed in school before.  The last two years I have brought the shirts home and done them on my own.   A ton more work for me but I was too scared of what could happen.  Last year I worked at a summer program and we successfully tie dyed 80 t-shirts over 4 days so that gave me some confidence.  Knowing my kiddos this year I'm ready to try it in school.  I figured field day would be a great day to do it... everyone is already crazy!!  

I found this kit at Walmart a few weeks ago and I was so excited.  I can never find squeeze bottles for the dye and I end up spending a ton of money on tie dye kits.  This kit was about 14 dollars and it does 20 shirts... the perfect amount!  Wish me luck on Friday! 

Stopped by the dollar store today looking for white coffee mugs for our Father's Day gifts.  I did not find the mugs... may need to think of a plan B.  But I did find a ton of great things for the classroom.  My husband kept giving me the evil eye as I stopped to look at different things.  The only saving grace is that everything is $1 so even if you buy a few of everything you're not spending a ton of money.  I can't wait to use these treasures in the classroom.  

Have an awesome week... hang in there if you're still in school this week!  

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Five for Friday

Today I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday!

Here are some highlights from our week!

ONE: Telling Time

We worked on telling time to the hour and half hour this week.  We used all the usual manipulaitves to learn how to tell time, i.e. a large Judy clock as well as individual Judy clocks.  I think the most engaging thing we did this week was play this game on our Promethean Board.  All the kids were engaged and they loved seeing who could get the high score.

The picture is a bit hard to see but the kids need to read the analog clock and tap the digital clock that matches the time.  Here's the link to the game if you want to try it out.  There's also a great game on ABCya that my kids enjoyed this week as well.  

TWO: Morning Calendar

I love our calendar time each morning.  We get so much accomplished in 15 minutes and we review a ton of skills each day.  I truly believe this has been one of the reasons my kids have made so much progress this year.  

This time of the year the kids know the routines and expectations and instead of hearing me talk and ask questions about the calendar pages (ELA and math pages) I decided to have my kiddos work together to check their work.  We've done this from time to time and the kids always beg me to do more of it.  They are so willing to help or "coach" each other without giving away any answers and today was no different!

THREE: Sight Word Group Work

This week we worked in groups to sequence our sight word sentences.  We do this throughout the year but towards the end of the year when you think this would be "easy" for the kids it tends to be harder.  We had a few challenges this week while working together! We even stopped at one point to discuss and model how to work with others... this teaching moment proved important as they kids were able to work together successfully for the rest of the day!


FOUR: Polyhedral Dice
I ordered these dice and they finally came in this week!  I am so excited to use these and I have a ton of ideas I'd love to try!  This morning we played a quick game of adding three numbers as we sat around our carpet.  The kids worked together adding the three numbers and we were able to discuss the different strategies we use to add... I was so proud of my kiddos!!

 FIVE: New York Rangers 

Game 7 is tonight... I'm so nervous!!  It seems like the Rangers play some important games on Friday night when I'm writing these posts!  My kiddos and I love the Rangers and we had a few extra minutes this afternoon so we quickly put together this graph... looks like my kiddos have faith in the Rangers and King Henrik!   

Let's Go Rangers!!

Have a great weekend.  Don't forget to visit Doodle Bugs Teaching!

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Problem Solving Practice: Part 2

I've been blogging about my attempts to add more meaningful problem solving practice into our daily routines.  On Tuesday I blogged about the whole group problem solving practice we do each day.  Today I'll be showing you how I incorporate independent problem solving practice into our math workshop block.  

I love the whole group practice we get each day because it allows for some great modeling and math talk as we work through various word problems.  However, I wanted a more individualized way to assess where kids are.  I wanted to see how each student was progressing as we tackled more complex word problems throughout the year.  I wanted to see what each child's strengths and weaknesses were related to problem solving and I wasn't sure I was getting a true sense of their abilities during the whole group time.

So I decided to create some problem solving printables that I could use at the end of each workshop block to see how my kids were doing.  I saw how motivated the kids were by word problems that included their names and interests so I knew I needed to incorporate that some how.  

Knowing I wanted to put these printables on TPT I knew using the names of my kiddos might not be that meaningful to others so I decided that I could incorporate themes and scenarios any first grader could relate to and would be by motivated by.  I began looking through my clip art collections and came up with some different themes I thought could work as problem solving printables.  

Thanks to the wonderfully talented artists on TPT I was able to create these printables that my kiddos have enjoyed using at the end of our math block.  The kids know to grab an office and find a place to work independently to solve a word problem each day.

.  Typically I have the kids solve on problem per day.  I check the word problem right away and I like the instant feedback... I can send kids back to their seats to make corrections right away or I can pull some kids to the side if they need some extra help.  If we need to finish the other side the next day I'll save the worksheet for the the following day.  

The same steps are used as they work through these problem independently... they read the problem twice, circling what they know and underlining what they need to solve for.  This strategy has really worked for them this ear.    

Each printable has a question as well as a work space box, number sentence box, and an answer box.  Some of the printables have either a number bond or part-part-whole model.  I have also included some word problems without a model to allow my kids to choose the model they want to use.  They know that if there isn't a model they need to draw one and fill it out correctly.  

In each problem solving pack I have included a table of contents indicating which pages include the different kinds of word problems... result unknown, part unknown, or start unknown.  I have found this helpful because it is easy to print and copy exactly the pages my kiddos need practice with.  

While I typically print out the black and white versions of the word problems and then copy them back to back, there are other ways to use these printables aside from end of workshop block mini-assessments/practice.  

The colored version of these printables could be printed and laminated or put in page protectors.  Then the pages can be put in a tub for math tub time.  The colored version can also be displayed on the Promethean board for whole group problem solving practice.  There are many different ways to utilize these printables.

Some of the themes currently in my TPT store include Construction, Pet Shop, and Rainy Day.  I have a ton of ideas for new problem solving printables that I'm hoping to get to over the summer!  

If you are interested in these printables and would like to try them, I have two freebies available in my TPT store.  The Rainy Day Printables as well as a small Construction Pack are available in my store to try.  

Happy Problem Solving!!

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Wordless Wednesday: Assessments

Today I'm linking up with Miss DeCarbo for Wordless Wednesday.  

Here's my picture for the week!

We've started end of the year assessments!  I can't believe it's that time already.  We have a little over a month of school left.  After my running records I have a long list of math and reading assessments to go... 

What assessments do you still have to do?

Be sure to check out Miss Decarbo at Sugar and Spice to see more Wordless Wednesday posts.

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Problem Solving Practice: Part 1

We all know that problem solving is a large part of common core and this year I made it my mission to add as much problem solving practice into our daily routines as I could.  As we have progressed through the year I have been impressed by my kiddos ability to problem solve in math and I'm so excited to share with you the different ways I incorporate problem solving into our daily math workshop block!

Today I will show you the daily whole group practice that I incorporate into our math block.  On Thursday I'll show you the independent practice my kids get each day with some problem solving printables I have created!!

Each day we begin our math workshop with problem solving practice.  Even if our math block has to be shortened I always include a word problem at the beginning of the lesson.  

On a good day we do two word problems... the first word problem we solve together as a class.  I like to use the first word problem to model "math talk" or "math thinking" and I try to make sure the word problems match what we've been working on in previous days.  For example, if we learned about doubles the day before then the word problem would includes a doubles fact in it.  The second word problem is used for independent practice.  The kids either work on it independently or in a small group.  

To begin we read each problem twice, the first time to get the "gist" and the second time to determine what we know. Then we go through the word problem to circle what we know as well as underline the question.  We do this every time and I expect the kids to do it when they are working independently as well.  

We are lucky enough to have Promethean boards in our classrooms and this allows me to display our daily word problems on the board. If you don't have a Promethean board you can always write the word problems on a white board or even chart paper.  Any way to make it big so your kiddos can see it and interact with it is a good idea!

After reading the word problem twice we use what we know (what we circled) to fill in a model.  We have been using both a part-part-whole model as well as a number bond model. This has transformed problem solving this year!  The kids really "get" how to solve the word problem when they see what they have... whether they have two parts and need to solve for the whole, or have the whole and a part and need to find the other part.  When they are working independently at this point in the year I let them pick which model they want to use.  During the beginning of the year I have them use what we introduced to give them some practice with both before allowing them to choose.      

After filling in a model we solve the word problem.  If this is the first problem we solve it together on the board.  If it's the second problem there are few different ways we go about working on it.  

Sometimes I have the kids turn and tell their learning partner how to solve the problem.  I love hearing the "math talk" during this time.  We used this especially when we were adding and subtracting tens.  The mental math was easy for the kids and I loved hearing them talk about the different ways to solve the problem.  

Other times I have the kids use their work mats to solve the problem.  This allows me to visit the few kids I think may need some help.  My fast finishers know to turn their work mat over and practice doubles facts or other addition and subtraction number sentences.  

After I can see everyone is finished we review it on the board.  I usually have a kid come up to "teach" the class.  Then I ask for other ways to solve the problem... the kids are always fascinated by the fact that the word problem can be solved in different ways.

When it comes time to label the answer we always go back to the question we underlined ... this has helped my kids understand how they need to answer the question and how they need to label their answer.  

This work mat is available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store for free.  I print the mats on card stock and then put them in sheet protectors so they can be reused.  I like using the sheet protectors rather than laminating because expo marker erases much easier from sheet protectors than from lamination.  To erase expo marker from lamination the eraser needs to be wet... this gets messy!!

 The word problems I create always include a students' name or our class in some way and I make sure the scenarios in the word problem are related to something the kids know or something that could happen at home or at school.  The kids love seeing their names in word problems and it keeps all the kids engaged and involved.

I have truly enjoyed this time during our math block each day.  It's the culmination of everything we've done and learned each day and I truly believe this daily practice has helped them become strong problem solvers.  

Check back on Thursday for the second part of this post... independent problem solving practice!

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Visual Plans: Short Week

Here is a look at what we'll be working on this week.  We are in the home stretch now so we're finishing up a ton of projects and units!

Click on my plans for more details and hyperlinks.

  

This week we're working on the au and aw patterns found in the words autumn and paw.  These are the last spelling patterns we'll be working on for the year.  We will also review the oi and oy patterns from last week.  We had a 

short week and a field trip last week so I don't think my kiddos had enough practice with these two patterns.  

This week we'll focus on using these scrabble pages during our word work rotation.  The kids are writing such great sentences at this time of the year and I've been so impressed.   

During our sight word rotation the kids will be playing this game this week.  They seem to love this simple, no prep game.  I love having the kids play games during rotations because it keeps them honest... they both make sure the other is reading the sight words correctly.  

In math this week we'll be learning how to tell time.  The kids have been patiently waiting to learn all about the clock and telling time!  We have touched on telling time over the last few weeks but now we'll be diving into telling time to the hour and half hour.   

I will also continue with report card assessments this week.  I have one more running record to finish and I hope to get to that tomorrow morning so I can check it off my list!!  This year I began putting word lists on my iPad to assess for report cards and I am so thankful I did this.  It's so much easier than flipping through cards!!

I've also begun putting together my end of year gifts for my Firsties.  I found these sand pails at the Dollar Tree this weekend.  

Now I have to start peeling off the tags... I wish they put the tags on the bottom!!  Best option is to use a hair dryer to melt the glue.  Then it's on to putting together all the things I want to put inside.  At least this year I'm getting a head start... last year I was doing this during the last week of school!!

Happy Memorial Day!

Have  a great week!!

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Five for Friday

Today I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday!

Here are some highlights from our week!

ONE: End of Year Assessments

I can't believe it's almost June and we have a month of school left!  The year has flown by and I'm so sad to think of my Firsties moving on.  I'm gonna miss each and every one of them!  I was blessed with an amazing class this year and I am so proud to call them my students.  

I've started our end of year assessments and I have only one more running record to go.  Thank goodness... running records feel as though they never end!!  We actually did a bunch of smaller assessments this week as well so I can begin report cards over this four day weekend!  I'm hoping to get a good chunk of the report cards done but who knows if that will actually happen.  

I'm always amazed by the progress each kid makes from the beginning to the end of year.  I love looking at the first report card assessments to compare them to what the kids are capable of doing know... first grade is such an amazing year in a child's development!  I am so thankful to be a first grade teacher!

TWO: Shapes

This week we worked on 2D and 3D shapes.  To finish the unit on geometry we used marshmallows and toothpicks to build both 2D and 3D shapes.  The kids had so much fun with this and they were so proud of the shapes they created. As I walked around the room I loved to hear the kids talking with one another to name their shapes and to give each other ideas to help them create a new shape.   

After building the 2D and 3D shapes I had them use tangrams and shape blocks.  After using the tangrams I encouraged the kids to create their own patterns or shapes.  They came up with some great shapes... a rocket, a BIG ice cream cone, and a flower.  Another great way to end the geometry unit.  

THREE: Simple Machines

We started a short unit on simple machines this week.  It's going to be fun over the next few weeks to develop the kids' schema because as you can see they have very little prior knowledge of simple machines so we have a lot of learning to do!  I can't wait to get started next week leaning about each of the different simple machines!

FOUR: Problem Solving
We began these pet shop themed problem solving printables during our daily math workshop and the kids have done an awesome job with these! They eagerly wait for me to pass out the new page to see what animal at the pet shop is on the daily practice page.  Anything to keep them motivated and engaged! 

 FIVE: Memorial Day

We had a great discussion about Memorial Day and why we celebrate it.  I had my kids write about what the day means to them and they each had a unique take on this very special and important day!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend.  Don't forget to visit Doodle Bugs Teaching!

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Peek at my Week

I'm linking up with Mrs. Wills Kindergarten for a Peek at My Week! 

Click on my plans for more details and hyperlinks.

  

This week we're working on the oi and oy patterns found in the words soil and boy.  Only a few more patterns to cover before the end of year.  I can't believe it!

  During our word work rotations this week my kiddos will be working on clipcards to build our spelling words.  Then they'll need to use each spelling word in a quality sentence. 

I'm so impressed by the quality of their sentences.  I think using our spelling and sight words in sentences each week has really given them meaningful practice and has helped them learn how to write quality sentences.  I challenge them each week to write better and more detailed sentences and they have truly stepped up to the challenge!

We are currently using this recording sheet and the kids love illustrating each of their sentences! 



In math this week we'll be learning about 3D shapes.  I love the geometry unit because there are so many great real world applications.  I hope to have enough time to take a short "field trip" around our school to locate different 3D shapes.  I'm sure the kids will enjoy this!  

4 bags of marshmallows and toothpicks can only mean one thing... we're building 2D and 3D shapes this week.  I can't wait for my kids to try building shapes at the end of the week!  

For our daily problem solving practice we'll be finishing up the printables in the Rainy Day practice set I created.  The kids have done such a great job problem solving this year and I'm blown away by their ability to  solve all different types of word problems!  I have lots of different themed problem solving printables planned for the summer... can't wait to get started creating!



After our field trip on Wednesday we'll be working on this writing prompt.  I can't wait to see what my kiddos name as their favorite part of our field trip. 

We have a short week this week as well as next in honor of Memorial Day.  To celebrate and honor all the Veteran's that have worked for and sacrificed all for our country we're going to be writing about what Memorial Day means to us.  I have a short book the kids and I will read and discuss together and then they'll write about this important day of remembrance using this writing prompt.  

Have  a great week!!

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