Main Idea: Snow Camping

In reading the students have been learning how to identify the main idea and topic of a story using details from the text. Because we were learning about camping, we read Snow Camping from Reading A-Z. Using a triangle graphic organizer, the students wrote down key facts about snow camping on the bottom portion of the triangle. After this, they decided what all of the facts had in common to determine the main idea (middle section) and the topic (top section). The triangle graphic organizer can also be used by starting with the details on top.

Birthdays: Making Economic Choices

In Social Studies we have been learning about the need to make choices based on economics. The students made a list of things that they would want to do, want to eat, want to play, and other things they would like to have their birthday party. I then explained that each item would cost them $10 dollars but they only had $40 total. Therefore, they could only choose 4 items. We discussed that they would need to choose just four items. This led to a discussion of choosing all four items from one group versus spreading out the choices across all four categories. They decided it was better to spread out the choices across the categories in order to meet all needs of the party. Each student then chose one item from each category that they would want at their party to illustrate on a foldable.

 

Be a Friend to Trees

During a lesson on natural resources, we talked about the need to conserve and protect trees. We read Be a Friend to Trees by Holly Keller. After reading, the students created a class Circle Map about things we would not have if we did not protect trees. They then wrote one sentence about what we would not have and illustrated it.

Shape Attributes

The students have recently been learning about the various attributes of shapes. They worked on various lessons including sorting shapes into 2D and 3D shapes. They also identified the number of edges, vertices, and faces of 3D shapes using garage sale dot stickers (it helps them identify which they've already counted). Additionally, they sorted cards of various 2D and 3D shapes into categories such as rolls, has 3 or more faces, has vertices, etc. They also made various 3D shapes out of playdough.

Family Math Night

Our school recently had Family Math Night as a way to teach students and parents games they can play at home to reinforce basic math skills. At the first grade table, students played "Place Value War." In this game, each player takes two cards from the top of the stack. They then determine who can build the largest number with their two cards. For example, if I drew a 6 and a 4, I could make 64. Whoever built the largest number, keeps the cards. The player with the most cards at the end wins. You could also play this by adding the two numbers and whoever has the greatest sum wins.

Large Scale Math Mats

Fellow teachers, if you are looking for a way to incorporate movement and engagement into your math lessons, try creating math mats on the floor with painters tap. Here are some examples of some large scale math mats we use in our class. One is a part-part-whole mat and the other is a ten frame. They are large enough that the students can step in them or we sometimes use manipulatives.

Magic School Bus Lunch

As a reward for continual positive behavior, students are occassionally invited to eat lunch in the classroom with the teacher. During their picnic lunch, they get to watch an episode of "Magic Schoolbus."

Time Telling Game

To review telling time, the students love playing Read the Clock! on the Promethean Board. The game can be purchased from Lakeshore Learning. Because some of the questions go beyond the hour and half hour, the students work in groups to help determine the answer.

Making Ten Strategy

As we continue to learn our math facts, one strategy that we continually work on is "making ten." The students practice adding and subtracting from ten so that when they encounter a larger math fact they can use their knowledge of "making ten" to quickly add the larger number. To help them get a strong hold of adding and subtracting ten, they worked over a few day period to build numbers to ten with their corresponding number sentences on Ten Frames. Fellow teachers, you can download these forms from my TpT store.

How to Be President

On President's Day, the students learned about the role of the President from PebbleGo. They then recorded facts learned on a Circle Map. Then using a Flow Map, the students wrote various requirements for becoming the President on a Flow Map. They used their Circle Map and Flow Map to write a modified "how to" paper on how to be the President. After completing their final draft, they drew a picture of themselves as the future President.

Making Economic Choices

In Social Studies the students have been learning about making economic choices. To help them understand the concept of scarcity, the students played "Musical Chairs." As they played, we discussed how everyone wants the same thing but there is not enough to go around. Therefore, the demand is high but the supply is low. We discussed that when there isn't enough of something, in particular money, then choices have to be made between what is needed and what is wanted.

How to Draw a Tent and Tree

While learning how to follow multi-step directions with writing and picture cues, the students learned how to draw a tent. They also learned how to draw a tree. Using our classroom document camera, I was able to show the students step-by-step and in writing how to draw the pictures.As I explained the steps, they performed them. Their pictures turned out great!

Comparing Larger Numbers

When possible, I think students should be able to work together in small groups. It not only adds to their engagement and motivation, it gives them an opportunity to explain how they did their work and why they think something. Recently the students worked in small groups to build various larger numbers with Base Ten Blocks. As they built, they checked one another's work. Once all group members had built the correct number, they drew a model of the number with sticks (tens) and dots (ones). They again checked one another's work and then proceeded to the next part. They identified how many tens and ones, the expanded notation, and then ordereed the numbers from least to greatest and/or greatest to least.

How to Make S'Mores Writing

As I previously posted about, the students made S'Mores as a part of a lesson on how to follow multi-step directions. As a part of writing, they wrote a How To paper about their steps. Here are a few examples of their writings: