Shapes!

We’ve been working on Envision Math Topic 8: Shapes! My Math intervention group has been struggling with recognizing and naming the shapes. So… instead of completing page after page of shape recognition worksheets (BORING!), we got out the pattern blocks and use them! Genius, right?

Okay, so it isn’t the most original and cutting edge idea in teaching but the kids still had fun!

First I asked them to pull out certain shapes from the plastic box I store them in. Then, I asked them to make hexagons, trapezoids, and rhombuses (rhombi?) out of smaller shapes (another REALLY difficult concept for my struggling firsties!).

After that, the real fun began! I told the students they could play with the shapes and make whatever they wanted! This was a big hit!

Just wanted to share the photos of their “free style” creations! So sweet!

"I made a triangle!"

"I used a hexagon and three little triangles!"

"Mrs. Underwood! I made a pattern!"

I asked her which shapes she used to make the pattern. She replies: "triangles and trapjoys!"

"Do you like my pretty flower?"

"I'm making a puppy!" I am using a hexagon for the head and diamonds for the ears!" Oh, and she also used a "trapjoy". How great is that?!

"I used lots of shapes to make a transformer!" It REALLY looks like one doesn't it?! :)

What do you do to help kids with shape recognition & breaking apart shapes? Anything good on TpT? I'd love the advice!

OH! One more thing...


IF anyone is interested, I made some word work task cards for my students to use at a magnetic white board/chalkboard center. I used Treasures Reading Series Phonics skill words. My kids typically end up fighting over who gets to go to the center when I have it available! It's available on my TpT store for $2.50. Click the picture to visit my store and grab it.

Digraph Dash Game & A FREEBIE! :)

Digraph Dash Game!

I made a digraph game for my kiddos because there are STILL some that are struggling with the concept despite all my AMAZING teaching (heehee!) I hate “pushing” my products without offering a freebie for my blog followers/stumblers!

So here it goes! Click on the picture to grab this adorable freebie from my Digraph Dash game!

Picture of the FREE worksheet. Let me know if my link works! :)

  

Click on the other pic below to view the entire game on my TpT store:

Hope you enjoy this product and the freebie! Don’t forget about the Cyber Monday & Tuesday sale on TpT! Use the code CMT12 for an additional 10% off of already discounted prices! 

I’ve got my wish list items! 

Do you?

An Award!

I received my first blog award! 

What an honor! The Liebster blog award is awarded to bloggers who have 200 or less followers. The goal is to find new blogs and connect with new people!

The rules are:

1.  You must post 11 random things about yourself.

2.  Answer the questions that the nominator set for you.

3.  Create 11 questions for the people you nominate.

4.  Choose 11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers to nominate and link them in your post.

5.  You cannot "tag back" the other blog, but leave a comment on this post with the URL of your Liebster post so I can learn more about you & see whom you nominate.

11 Random Things About Me:

1.      I’m married to my best friend. It’s awesome. J

2.      I love purses. Can’t get enough!

3.      My favorite vacation spot is the ocean.

4.      I’m vegetarian

5.      My husband is NOT! J

6.      A perfect weekend= watching movies & working on activities for my firsties!

7.      I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

8.      Current favorite app on my iPhone: Chicktionary

9.      I love everything Apple: iPhones, iPads, iPods, laptops, etc.

10.    I’m pretty short…no really! I’m 5’ 0”!

11.    Favorite Foods: Pizza & Chipotle!

Questions I was given:

1.  What made you decide to start blogging?

    My amazing friend DeAnne at First Grade

& Fabulous urged me to start blogging!

2.  What was your first job?

    I worked at a small video rental store

called Channel One Video”

3.  How did you meet your oldest friend?

    I met her at school. 

4.  Was there a defining moment in your life when you knew you were meant to teach?

    No. I just always had that “want” to teach!

5.  What is your favorite dish to cook?

    I make a really good vegetable/tofu stir fry with brown rice!

6.  Do you live near your hometown?

    About 20 minutes away!

7.  What is your favorite book to read to your students?

    Cookies Week

8.  Where would your dream vacation be?

    Hawaii

9.  What is your favorite Christmas song?

    Oh gosh! Do I have to choose? Probably “Here Comes Santa Claus” by Elvis Presley. ANY Christmas song that Elvis sings is fantastic!

10.  Are you a cat or dog person?

    I own a sweet cat named “Kitty” but if my hubby would let us, we would own a dog too!

11. What is at the top of your bucket list?

  I guess it would be “Go to Hawaii”? I don’t really have a Bucket List…

11 Questions for Nominees:

1.      If you weren’t a teacher, what else would you do?

2.      What is your favorite television show (past or present)?

3.      What is your favorite fashion accessory?

4.      What state do you live in?

5.      What is the best thing about teaching?

6.      Where do you find the best deals on classroom supplies/games/etc.?

7.      Are you on Teachers Pay Teachers or Teachers Notebook?

8.      How long have you been teaching?

9.      What grades have you taught?

10.    Describe your perfect getaway!

11.    Coffee or tea?

Blogs I’ve Nominated:

·      http://newadventuresinfirstgrade.blogspot.com/

·      http://socalteacherstuff.blogspot.com/

·      http://day-in-first-grade.blogspot.com/

·      http://crazyforkinder.blogspot.com/

·      http://danielsfirstgrade.blogspot.com/

·      http://davisonkindergarten.blogspot.com/

·      http://lisag08.blogspot.com/

·      http://secondgradeperks.blogspot.com/

·      http://sweetlifeofsecondgrade.blogspot.com/

·      http://secondgradefreebies.blogspot.com/

·      http://bloggingteachingandsecondgradeohmy.blogspot.com/