1-2-3 Come Do Some Halloween Shape Activities With Me.
October is filled with all sorts of fun shapes, so with that in mind, I designed this cute, haunted house, 2D-shape review.
I don't know about your students, but my kiddos get super-excited over doing any sort of activity that I can tie in with Halloween.
So when I ask, "Does anyone want to make a haunted house shape booklet?" they are all over it.
“Open the door if you dare” and you will find 6 pages of “spooky-shaped” (real life) things to greet you.
The basic 2D shapes covered are: circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle & hexagon.
I find that while most of my students can identify these shapes, many of them have a bit of difficulty identifying them, when looking at "real" items.
This booklet helps reinforce that in a super-fun way.
There are 5, different page set-ups, for you to choose from, so that you can easily diversify to fit the various skill levels of your students, while still having everyone work on the same thing.
OPTION #1: Students simply color the shapes on each page.
OPTION #2: Students write down the name of the shapes on that page & color them.
OPTION #3: Students get an additional strip of paper with one extra shape on it.
They color the single object on their page, as well as all of the objects on this strip.
Afterwards, they cut the objects out & glue them to the matching shape page.
OPTION #4: Students color all of the objects on their extra worksheet. (This is a half sheet.)
They cut each of the 6 sections out (following the dashed lines), then glue them to the matching labeled page.
OPTION #5: These pages are all blank.
Students write the name of the shape on the bottom line, then draw one “spooky shape”.
As always, I’ve included black & white patterns for your students, as well as full-color templates, so that teachers can quickly and easily make a sample to share.
After students color their haunted house, & the pages you have chosen for them, they trim and collate their booklet.
You decide if you want students to glue the "door" pages together, or simply staple them.
If you're looking for something educational and that “something different” for your Halloween party day, this works well.
I’ve also included several other related activities, so that you can extend the lesson and cover more standards. (Woo Hoo!)
There’s a quick, easy & super-fun “Spooky Shapes on a Roll” dice game, which practices life skills, as well as subitizing.
This is an easy-peasy and fun activity for your Halloween party day too.
The "Tell me an answer" question page is a simple, whole-group assessment, you can use after students complete their haunted house.
To extend the lesson, and practice graphing, I've also included several additional worksheets.
Completed projects make an adorable Halloween bulletin board as well.
I’ve included several posters to add some extra pizzazz to your display.
Today's featured FREEBIE is a set of fall graphing worksheets.
They are great for early finishers, a fun homework assignment, or something for your sub tub.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.
We're having our third day of rain, and while that certainly fits the mood for designing Halloween activities, a little ray of sunshine would certainly boost my energy level.
Wishing you a wonderful week.
"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion." -Henry David Thoreau
1 2 3 Come Do Some Santa-Themed Activities With Me
Each month I like to have a little review of all of the 2D shapes, so this information stays stuck in my students’ heads.
With that in mind, I designed two “Shapin’ Up With Santa” packets.
The first packet is a "print & go" Santa craft, where Santa's "body" is made up of a 2D shape; topped off by his head, complete with a beard, which is cut from a paper plate.
The 2nd packet includes a variety of games and activities that provide a fun way to review these 2D shapes: circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, rhombus, trapezoid, heart and star.
Both packets are perfect for that last week of school before vacation; particularly the quick, easy & super-fun games, which also work well for your Christmas party day too.
First up, The Santa craft: The 2D shapes included are: circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, trapezoid, & heart.
The packet includes patterns for the above shapes, so that children can make a “Shapely Santa” of their own.
Santa's paper plate beard is snipped along the ridges; then every other "tab" is bent up, which is wonderful fine motor practice, that will help strengthen those finger muscles, at the same time providing a cool 3D effect.
There are 3 hat "brim" options. Students can write the shape on Santa's hat, glue on the label, or use the pattern where children trace then write the word.
Use a red and green marker to show an AB-AB color pattern and add some extra pizzazz too.
Another quick, easy and fun way to jazz up Santa, is to pull apart a few cotton balls, then glue on a bit of "hair" for Santa.
Eyes and a mustache are a separate piece and simply glued on. Have a room helper pre-cut them to expedite assembly.
Another "finishing touch" that will add some 3D pop to your display, is to attach a white pom pom to the tip of Santa's hat. I use a glue dot.
As you can see by the photo, once students complete Santa's "head" they glue it to a red, 2D shape.
To help practice the “positional words” portion of the 2D shape standard, I’ve also included a “Christmas present” whole group, assessment game, as well.
The “Shapely Pokey” activity, is also super-fun and helps get the wiggles out.
The packet also includes shape posters and pocket chart cards to introduce your lesson.
For added reinforcement, try some of the activities from the "tip list" for how else to use the posters; such as playing the game "Catch the Claus".
My students actually beg to play this game at the end of the day.
I’ve also included a “Shapely Santa” bookmark for your students.
Completed projects make an adorable bulletin board or hallway display.
I’ve included several posters to add extra pizzazz, plus informational “tags” should you want your students to explain the attributes of their Shapely Santa.
You can hang these next to a child's "Shapely Santa" on you bulletin board.
The other Santa-themed packet which reinforces 2D shapes, is "Shapin' Up With Santa!" and includes a variety of games and other "print & go" activities.
There is an assortment of (12-on-a page) cards which can be used for “Memory Match” and “I Have; Who Has?” games.
I’ve included a 3-page “tip list” of ideas and other games you can use the cards for; such as: “Flip It”, “What’s Missing?” “Speed” “Who’s Got the Coal?” and “Kaboom!”
Games can be played independently or as a whole group, then put in your math center.
There are also 2 sets of black & white game cards, so that students can make a game of their own to take home for further reinforcement.
Game sheets like “I Spy a Shape” are a super-fun way to whole group assess. The same worksheet can be used 5 times!! Woo Hoo.
There are puzzles, dice and spinner games, as well as 2 graphing activities.
An emergent reader booklet, packed with Dolch words, also practices end punctuation, which can be done as a whole group or independent activity.
Children color the Santa, trace and write the shape words, trace and draw the shape, then cut and glue the matching shape to the empty box.
There are also a variety of worksheets which help practice a variety of standards, including two graphing extensions you can do as a whole group.
I hope your students enjoy these activities, as much as my kiddos do.
Today's featured FREEBIE is a writing prompt craftivity, which also makes a sweet, December bulletin board.
I call this craft "Wishful Thinking". Students finish the writing prompt: "If money were no problem and I could have 5 super-fabulous gifts for Christmas, I'd like..."
They glue their final draft to the inside of a construction paper square, folding the corners over to "close" their "gift".
Add extra pizzazz, by having students glue a square of Christmas wrapping paper to the back of their square of construction paper. For that finishing touch, top with a bow.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.
Gotta get going. I'm helping with my granddaughter's Christmas party today.
As you can see I'm all decked out. (Jingle all the way...) Not too good at taking selfies...
Wishing you a blessed day filled with lots of love, hugs and giggles galore.
“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” -Dr. Seuss (From the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.)
1-2-3 Come Do Some Shape Actiities With Me
“Shapin’ Up With Turkeys” provides a quick, easy and super-fun “print & go” craftivity, that will help review 2D shapes in some interesting & engaging ways.
The 2D shapes included are: circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, trapezoid, rhombus, heart & star.
The packet includes patterns for the above shapes, so that children can make a “Perky Turkey Pal” of their own.
There are a variety of turkeys to choose from; for example, the “keepsake” turkey’s head is traced from your students’ shoe, which makes a nice keepsake.
"This turkey's head was made by tracing my shoe! My way to say Happy Thanksgiving to you."
I wrote the poem to be placed on the turkey's tummy. I discovered, that unless a child told their parents that the head was their shoe print, many of them didn't realize this!
There are also 10 other head patterns to pick from. Choose your favorites, or give children a choice.
Shape templates come in a large, full-page size, as well as a smaller, two-on-a-page pattern, allowing you to make just a “shapely head”, or a “full body” turkey.
I recommend making just the head with little ones, as it's the easiest craftivity.
Keep things extra simple by adding just a beak and wattle. However, I've also included two, one-piece feather patterns, which can be glued to the back of the head or body.
Feathers add an opportunity for students to color, while practicing making a pattern: AB-AB, ABC-ABC etc.
Large wiggle eyes add extra pizzazz, but I've also included several pages of other eye patters, including eyeballs where the pupils match the shape of the turkeys head/body.
Check out the photographs to help you decide what’s most appropriate for your students
To add even more variety to your turkeys, there are also 3 wing patterns.
Create different looking turkeys by placing the wings rightside up or upside down. To make the wings "moveable", instead of gluing them down, attach with brass brads.
Hat, shoe, leg & feather patterns also add variety. Pick your favorite pieces, or give students a choice.
Accordion-folding the leg strips, is a fun way for students to strengthen their finger muscles, while adding to the cuteness factor of their turkey.
If your kiddos are like mine, they will enjoy the “boing-boing” effect.
Besides making a turkey with one of the more traditional heads, students can also match their turkey's head to its body shape.
To help practice the “positional words” portion of the 2D shape standard, I’ve also included a “Corn Cob” whole group, assessment game.
Use the shape posters and pocket chart cards to introduce your lesson.
I’ve also included a “Shapely Turkeys” bookmark for your students.
Completed projects make an adorable display.
Dangle them from the ceiling as a border in your hallway.
I’ve included several posters to add extra pizzazz.
To add to the fun, encourage children to name their turkey, then fill out a "turkey tag", which can be glued to the middle of their turkey's tummy, or displayed next to their turkey on your display.
Older students can write down the attributes of the shape that they chose.
Today's featured FREEBIE is also about turkeys.
"It's Turkey Time!" is a set of turkey-themed pocket chart cards, that will help your students practice analog and digital time to the hour and half hour.
I've also included a whole group assessment worksheet, plus a black and white "turkey time" pattern, so that your students can make a telling time booklet as well.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.
I have to put my "Nana" hat on, as my daughter's dropping off my granddaughter for a few hours. She's one of 10; so we are truly blessed.
Wishing you a love-filled and carefree afternoon.
Turkey Talk: "Hey turkey, what are you thankful for?" "Well, this month, I'm especially thankful for Vegans!"
1-2-3 Come Do Some 2D Shape Activities With Me
Most of my Y5s don’t have any problem learning to identify the 2D shapes, however, when I ask them to find an example of that shape in the “real world” many of them have difficulty, particularly with the "toughies" like a hexagon.
I even had one little guy think that in order to be a "real" hexagon, that shaped item had to be yellow because our hexagon pattern block pieces were that color! Sadly, none of my students could think of a "real world" example of a hexagon either.
Simply "regurgitating" vocabulary when you hold up a colorful paper shape, does not mean your students can point to a kleenex box or ruler and identify it as having a rectangular shape.
With that startling revelation in mind, I knew that I needed some "hands on" things to emerse them in. One idea to get the pentagon and hexagon shapes into their heads, was to toss a soccer ball to them. Easy-peasy for me, super fun for them.
Both those shapes are on the ball, so wherever one of their thumbs landed when they caught it, they identified that shape. A bonus for us, was that "catching and tossing an object" is one of our report card standards. Since we were learning 3D shapes as well, I also had my kiddos say "Sphere!" when they caught the soccer ball. Listen carefully, as some of my students were saying "spear".
Since children really enjoy centers as an interesting way to practice, I designed some quick, easy and fun “I Spy!” 2D Shape Wheels.
I use the full color patterns as independent centers, and have the wheels do double duty, when I need a unique assessment tool. My students can't wait for their turn to show me what they know.
Because it's such a successful activity, I've also included a photo-poster of the soccer ball in both the hexagon & pentagon packets.
Depending on the shape and available clip art, there are 2 - 4 INSIDE wheel options, featuring 12 - 24, different images of 2D-shaped things that children will easily recognize.
There are 4, OUTSIDE pattern options for all of the shapes as well.
Since these are shapes in the "real world" one features a global map of the world: "When you're out and about -- and see a hexagon, give a little shout!"; another "wheel cover" depicts the shape being identified: "Hexagons here; hexagons there; I see hexagons everywhere!" while the final option is an "I spy hexagons!" cover, featuring a boy or girl detective.
I’ve also included black & white templates, so that students can make their own “turn & learn” wheel, further practicing this standard.
Choose your favorite, or give children an option. You could also pick one type for your center, and have children choose from the other options to make their own. If they are like my students they'll be excited.
After everyone has completed their wheel, have students pick a partner and take turns identifying the name of the shape and an example.
Make a wheel or two in class, or send home as a super-fun alternative, to a worksheet for homework.
I've made a wheel craftivity for the following 2D shapes: circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, hexagon, pentagon & octagon.
They are sold individually for just $1.95, or save 40% and buy the bundle, then laminate a set and keep in your math center for years of fun.
Since the end of the school year will be here before you know it, today's featured FREEBIE is a little poem that I had fun revamping; it's entitled: "A-B-C Ya!"
I've included templates in color as well as black and white for PreK-4, PK, Kindergarten & 1st grade, so you can read it to your students, tuck it in a summer packet, or have them color their own and include it in their Memory Books.
I hope you find it useful.
Well that's it for today. Amidst the whirlwind of stuff to get accomplished in our all too busy lives, I hope you can find a bit of time to relax, as you start counting down the days 'til summer,
Wishing you a stress-free day.
"The time to relax is when you don't have time to relax." -Sydney J. Harris
1-2-3 Come Do Some 2D Spring Shape Activities With Me
Years ago I drew my first "shapely" animals; and since the penguins were so popular, I continued to design different animals for the various seasons.
Today I'm featuring my newest creation, "Shape Up!" with "Lions & Lambs" packet, along with 3 other popular springtime "shapely critters": chicks, bunnies & frogs.
Whether you're teaching 2D shapes for the first time, or simply looking for a review, these cuties will add some zing to your spring, lion & lamb-themed lessons.
There are 3 crafty options.
Younger students can simply color the lion & lamb-faced worksheet of their choice with no cutting, or draw in their own head on the blank shape, while older kiddos can cut and glue a lion or lamb head to their favorite shape.
There’s a simple “straight-edge” shape pattern for little ones that’s easy to cut, along with a more challenging shape pattern where students cut the lion’s mane and the sheep’s body out for a more realistic look.
Children can glue the lion head to the “shapely” mane, or the lamb head to the “shapely” body of the sheep.
For more pizzazz & to add some 3D pop, students can accordion fold a strip of paper, glue it to the back of the head, so that it ”wiggles”.
The packet also includes posters & games with colorful cards to use as a center activity.
There are black & white patterns so students can make up their own games as well.
There’s also a selection of worksheets, which practice shape words, & attributes, plus a certificate of praise bookmark.
Make a set of your own to use as flashcards, anchor charts, or a “4 Corners” game, (Directions included).
Completed projects make an adorable spring bulletin board or hallway wall display.
I’ve included 2 posters to help enhance your display.
2D shapes included: circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, rhombus, trapezoid, heart & star.
Another springtime animal in this collection is an adorable baby chick.
The "Slick Chick" packet follows a similar format, but also includes 3D shapes, and an emergent reader booket.
Students read, trace and write the shape word, fill in the shapes to look like chicks; trace the shape and then draw that shape.
They also underline the capital letter and add end punctuation.
The bunny rabbit is certainly a symbol of spring as well. I had a lot of fun designing a cute little face for this "shapely" animal friend.
The 2D shapes are easily recognizable, as they are simply topped off with a pair of bunny ears.
To make them especially cute, I've included a pattern for a ladybug & 3D butterfly to add some extra pizzazz.
The spots on their wings match the bunny's various shapes too.
Finally, many of my teacher friends have a springtime, frog theme going on, as they study life cycles; so perhaps the "Funny Frogs" shape packet works for you.
The format is also similar, but also includes a short “giggle” tale about Ferdinand the frog and Princess Penelope, who was turned into a fly!
Read it as an interesting way to introduce the shape craft, then have older students "flip up the mouth" and write their own "fractured fairy tale" on the frog's "tongue".
There’s a set of discussion questions for the story, as well as a comprehension worksheet.
Today's featured FREEBIE is a whopping 41-page, whimsical"Shapely Mouths" packet, which will help you review, as well as assess 2D shapes and shape words. I hope you find it useful.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.
It's a dreary day here in Michigan; rainy, cold & windy. Perfect for snuggling in and reading a good book, or putzing wth my "too long" To Do List.
Wishing you a cozy & cuddly kind of day, filled with all the things you enjoy the most.
"A rainy day is a special gift to readers." -Amy Miles
1-2-3 Come Do Some 2D Shape Activities With Me
Most of my Y5s don’t have any problem learning to identify the 2D shapes, however, when I ask them to find an example of that shape in the “real world” many of them have difficulty.
With that in mind, I designed these quick, easy and fun “I Spy!” Puzzle Pie activities.
Whenever I'm putzing with a project, I test it out on my 4-year-old grandson, to tweak any "glitches" that may occur.
Nothing like "kid-tested & teacher-approved".
He absolutely LOVED putting these together.
Even his 2-year-old sister enjoyed placing pieces on the grid, although she did things willy-nilly.
Each shape packet is sold individually for just a dollar.
There are 14, 2D shapes in all: circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, rhombus, trapezoid, heart, star, semicircle & crescent!
I had a question whether I would consider bundling all of them into one packet. For sure!
I'm always willing to combine a "collection" of something. This bundle offers a 40% savings from buying each 2D shape puzzle pie packet separately.
Use the full color patterns as an independent center.
Simply print, laminate and trim. I keep the "puzzle parts" for each 2D shape in a large, ZipLock Baggie.
Depending on the shape and clip art available, I’ve included 1-4, “bottom” puzzle grids with matching words, as well as a blank template, so that students can pick and choose, which of the 6-24-different pieces of “real world” 2D shape examples, they want to use to complete the picture puzzle.
For example, I found many more graphics of rectangular-shaped items, so there are 4 puzzles and 24 pieces for the rectangle packet, where as there were a limited number of examples for the hexagon, which has 2 grids and 12 pieces to choose from.
Even though they are not part of my report card standards, I included the rhombus and trapezoid shapes, as my Y5s use pattern block manipulatives for a variety of our math centers, and I wanted them to be familiar with the vocabulary to describe these shapes.
Beginning readers can practice their decoding skills with the word-filled grids, while younger kiddos can simply place the pictures on the blank grids.
You can also use the puzzles as an interesting and fun assessment tool. Choose one or 2 picture pieces for each 2D shape.
Hold one up and ask students to identify what shape they see. This will also check that they are using correct vocabulary as well.
Likewise, ask them to point to a hexagon. This way you know they can identify the shape, but not necessarily remember the name of it.
I also run off an extra set of each of the picture pieces for all of the shapes, to use as a sorting activity. This set is kept in a large ZipLock Baggie.
As a whole-group activity, I also use this bag to pass out several pieces to each child. We sit in a circle and they show one of the picture pieces, tell the name of the shape and what the "real world" object is. "Can we spy anything in our room that is also that shape?"
I’ve also included black & white templates, so that students can make their own puzzles to take home.
The pentagon & hexagon packet also have a volleyball, picture poster. Tossing or rolling a volleyball to your students, is a quick, easy and super fun way to practice those somewhat "toughie" shapes.
I think they're a bit difficult to remember because there really aren't that many examples children see or are familiar with, like squares and circles.
The pentagon packet also includes "irregular" pentagons, as seen with a teabag, pocket or baseball's home plate.
I've also included some interesting information about the "why" home base is an irregular pentagon.
Since March Is Reading Month, and many classrooms are celebrating Seuss, today's featured FREEBIE also helps practice 2D shapes; as well as letters, numbers 0-120, contractions, colors and more.
I used a sand pail for one container, as well a "flip up" container from a 10-pack of Mr. Clean "erasers", which is perfect for the Grinch's "mouth".
LOVE the dry sponges too, as they are perfect for getting permanent marker off laminated name cards, so that I can reuse them each year. Several dishwashing containers like Cascade, also use flip up containers.
Click on the link to grab the jumbo, "Feed The Grinch" packet. I hope you find it useful.
Well that's it for tonight. I usually zip off a blog article during the day, but life happened this morning, with way too much on my plate all day.
Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you a stress-free week.
"The greatest weapon against stress, is our ability to choose one thought over another." -William James
1-2-3 Come Do Some 2D & 3D Shape Activities With Me
So that my students are interested and engaged, I’m always looking for different and creative ways for them to practice shapes.
Today's blog showcases my brand new puzzle game, along with the "oldie-but goodie" Lorax craftivity, just in time for a "Celebration of Seuss" for March Is Reading Month coming up.
First up are the 3 & 4-piece puzzles that feature 2D and 3D shapes, their attributes, as well as a “real world” example.
SHAPES INCLUDED:
* 2D shapes: circle, semi-circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, rhombus, trapezoid, heart, star, & crescent.
* 3D shapes: sphere, cylinder, cone, cube, pyramid, rectangular prism & triangular prism.
Simply pick which shapes are appropriate for your students, then print the colorful patterns on card stock, laminate and trim.
I’ve also included black and white templates so that students can make their own puzzles.
Children can put them together in an independent puzzle center. To make this a self-correcting activity, number the back of each piece: 1a, 1b, 1c etc.
Make an extra set to be used for a Memory Match or “I Have; Who Has?” game.
i.e. “I have the triangle word piece, who has the shape and “real life” example pieces?”
Students can also sort them into 2D and 3D shapes. I’ve included 2 sorting mats for this.
For a whole group comprehension activity, toss the shape pieces into a container.
* Children choose one and give the attributes. The color-copies have them listed, where as the BW patterns have this section of the puzzle blank.
OR…
* Children can give 3 clues about the shape card they are hiding; their classmates guess which shape they think is being described.
OR…
* Toss the “real life” picture pieces into a container. Students pick one and tell what shape it is. OR…
* Toss the word pieces into a basket. Children pick one, read the shape word, then draw a picture of that shape on the board.
To practice the “spatial direction” aspect of this standard as a whole group, have children pick a shape piece.
Call out directions for children to follow. i.e “Place your shape above, below, between, on, behind " etc.
You can see at a glance who is having difficulty.
Students can also pick a piece and go on a shape hunt; listing,then totaling up how many items they found in your classroom that are that shape. I’ve included a worksheet for this.
Besides using them as individual puzzle pieces, I designed a variety of covers for both the 3-piece and 4-piece puzzles, so students can make an “Itty Bitty” 2D and/or 3D flip booklet.
These make a fun homework assignment, something for early finishers or struggling kiddos; as well as an interesting lesson for your sub tub.
Next up is "Shapin' Up With The Lorax"; a quick, easy and fun craftivity, with a variety of game options.
It's one of my most popular shape craftivities.
There's also an emergent reader, which practices capitalization and end punctuation too.
I’ve provided both 2D shapes as well as the four, 3D ones.
Make a set to use for a bulletin board display. We always get tons of compliments on ours.
Make an extra set; cut them in half, and use as puzzles for an independent math center and an interesting way to review symmetry.
Play 4-Corner FREEZE; a game that practices a variety of life skills, like listening and following directions, as well as the 2D/3D shape vocabulary, plus recognition, and counting backwards from 10 to 0.
My kiddos absolutely LOVE this game. Easy-peasy for me, and only takes a few minutes, so it’s perfect for the end of the day. I’ve included directions in the packet.
You can also use the Lorax shapes as big flashcards. Hold one up. Children call out what shape it is, along with its attributes, like the number of vertices.
Play “Who’s Missing?” Display a set on the wall. After children leave, take one away. In the morning, children guess which one is missing.
I’ve also included a 2-on-a-one-page template, so children can pick their favorite shape and create their own Lorax.
For a cute keepsake idea, students can use their hand prints as the mustache, and add accordion-folded legs and arms. (Super fine motor practice!)
Have older students write attributes on the back.
There are TWO featured FREEBIES today: a 31-page, 2D-shape poster pack as well as a 10-page, 3D shape set.
They come in a variety of sizes, so you can use them for anchor charts, a bulletin board, flashcards, centers & games.
I've also included a bookmark of the 2D-basic 6, & 3D-basic 4, which students can tuck in their math journals.
Well that's it for now. Thanks for stopping by.
It's 27 degrees out and snowing, so don't think spring will be along any time soon here in Michigan.
Perfect weather to snuggle in and dream up some spring activities as an escape.
Wishing you a cozy day.
"It's only cold if you're standing still." -Unknown
1-2-3 Come Do Some Pumpkin-Themed 2D Shape Activities With Me
Since pumpkins are carved with all sorts of shapely features, I thought it would be fun to make some "pumpkin eye" activities to practice 2D shapes. Today's blog features my "just finished" packet, along with today's featured FREEBIE.
The packet includes:
* 2 sets of picture cards featuring pumpkins with the various shaped eyes: circle, oval, rectangle, square, triangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, rhombus, trapezoid, heart and star.
These can be used as flashcards or for Memory Match, or "I Have; Who Has?" games.
* There’s also an emergent reader craftivity: “Pumpkin Eyes", with 3 options:
* One option features pages with simple sentences using words from the Dolch lists, especially pronouns: “My pumpkin has rectangle eyes.” There is space underneath for students to draw that shape.
* Option 2 includes the sentences as well as the shapes. The 3rd option, for little ones, doesn’t have sentences, just the picture shapes for them to color.
Students cut the pages and staple the "Pumpkin Eyes" booklet to the eye-section of their pumpkin.
* I’ve also included a whole group chant written on a poster. Read and point to the words on it:
“Oh my! We’re wise. We spy a pumpkin with ____________ eyes!”
When you get to the blank, place a shape word card on the poster.
To start the game, pass the various shaped eye cards out to your students. The child holding the called-for shape, puts that eye-card on the pumpkin poster.
Continue the chant ’til you have used all of the shape word cards.
My Y5s absolutely LOVE practicing shapes this way.
* Make an extra set to be used as an independent center. Children place the shape word above the pumpkin, then put the matching eyes on. To make this self-checking, draw the shape on the back of the word card.
* This activity can also be used as a fun tool for individually assessing 2D shapes.
* Afterwards, graph which pumpkin eyes everyone liked the best using the “Graphing Time” poster.
* Another fun way to whole-group assess 2D shapes, is by making a “Pumpkin Eyes” slider craft.
There are 2 pumpkin patterns to choose from, as well as two slider strip options featuring the various 2D shapes.
* I’ve also included 2 pumpkin patterns where students draw a shapely face, which makes for a sweet bulletin board.
Place the “Welcome to our patch” poster in the center of your display. This poster is today's FREEBIE. Click on the link to grab your copy.
* Finally, a great “go along” story to read with these activities is Denise Fleming’s “Pumpkin Eye”.
The story is about all of the things the pumpkin’s eyes see on Halloween, so I’ve included a class-made book activity as well.
Class books are wonderful to share at Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Each child completes the prompt: “My pumpkin’s eyes are ___________. (shape) He sees ____________________.
Students draw those shaped eyes on the pumpkin, then illustrate their page of what their pumpkin saw. Collect the pages, collate, then add the cover.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for popping in.
It's time to put my "Nana hat" on, as I'm watching two of my favorite little "punkins" today. Wishing you giggles galore and lots of warm snuggly hugs.
"There's nothing quite like a grandchild to put a smile on your face, a lump in your throat, and a warm, loving feeling in your heart." -Unknown
1-2-3 Come Do Some Pumpkin Shape Activities With Me
Do you read the story “Spookley The Square Pumpkin”, by Joe Troiano? This cute book has a message of tolerance, acceptance and being kind, which is so important in today’s diversified classrooms.
It’s also a great read if your class follows a “bucket filling” program. I use it to practice 2D shapes as well.
With these things in mind, I designed this “shapely pumpkin packet” which includes an emergent reader booklet featuring words from the Dolch lists, with a full page option teacher's can share, as well as a 2-on-a-page pattern for your students.
Students read, trace, write and color, as well as draw the 2D shapes: circle, oval, rectangle, square, triangle, & hexagon. They also underline the capital letters and include the end punctuation.
There’s also a quick, easy and super-fun "shapely pumpkin" craftivity.
If your school's not into Halloween, but a harvest theme, students pick a shape and make a plain, pumpkin in a pumpkin patch.
Older students can write the name of the shape on the front of their pumpkin and a list of attributes on the back.
My school celebrates Halloween, so we opt for a Jack-O-Lantern "shapely pumpkin".
I've included the blank patterns mentioned above, where students can draw on their own face, plus there's a set with facial features on each pumpkin shape that match the shape of their pumpkin. (Check out the photographs.)
Besides the standard shapes listed above, I’ve also included patterns to make a pentagon, octagon, trapezoid, rhombus, heart and star pumpkin too.
For some extra 3D pizzazz, have students strengthen those finger muscles by wrapping a green pipe cleaner around a pencil to create a vine, which they attach to the top of the back of their pumpkin using a piece of tape.
Completed projects make an adorable, pumpkin patch bulletin board. Use the 3 posters for the center of your display, and the "pumpkin patch" sign for the side.
Afterwards, use the graphing extension to see which pumpkin shape was your students' favorite.
For further reinforcement, there’s a set of colorful pumpkin cards, which feature all of the 12, 2D shapes listed.
Use as a center for an independent sorting activity. You can also make an extra set; cut the cards in half to make puzzles.
The matching pocket chart cards could also be cut in half. (These cards are on the cover photo.)
There are shape word cards for a Memory Match game as well. Children can match picture to word, or picture to picture.
You can use these for an “I Have; Who Has?” game too. “I have the circle shaped pumpkin card. Who has the circle word card?”
The packet also includes several writing prompts based on "Spookley", as well as 2 Venn diagrams, plus several bookmarks.
Because "Spookley The Square Pumpkin" is a rhyming story, I've also included a “Rhyme Time” activity, where students think of words that rhyme with square.
You can do this independently using the worksheet, or list them together as a whole group. As always, I've made an answer key with an alphabetical list of 81 words!
Today's featured FREEBIE, is also a rhyme. Since I don't have time anymore to do a specific unit on nursery rhymes, I try to include matching themed ones with whatever we're currently studying.
Thus "Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater" is perfect for October. Click on the link for a sweet, keepsake craftivity, along with a poster poem of the rhyme.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for popping in.
The trees have just started to turn beautiful orange, yellows and red, so it's time for a nice long walk with Chloe. Wishing you a relaxing day.
"Autumn leaves come falling down; red, orange, yellow and brown." -Unknown
1-2-3 Come Do Some Dr. Seuss Lorax Activities With Me
Ever since the movie came out, my students absolutely love the Lorax. He's such a cute little fluff ball, and the inspiration behind my "Shapin' Up With The Lorax" packet.
This craftivity is quick, easy & super-fun and includes a variety of game options.
There's also an emergent reader, which practices capitalization and end punctuation as it reviews shapes.
I’ve provided 2D shapes (circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, trapezoid, rhombus, heart, star & crescent), as well as the four, 3D ones: cone, cube, cylinder andsphere.
Make a set to use for a bulletin board display.
Make an extra set; cut them in half, and use as puzzles for an independent math center and an interesting way to review symmetry.
Play 4-Corner FREEZE; a game that practices a variety of life skills, like listening and following directions, as well as the 2D/3D shape vocabulary, plus recognition, and counting backwards from 10 to 0.
My kiddos absolutely LOVE this game. Easy-peasy for me, and only takes a few minutes, so it’s perfect for the end of the day. I’ve included directions in the packet.
You can also use the Lorax shapes as big flashcards. Hold one up. Children call out what shape it is, along with its attributes, like the number of vertices.
Play “Who’s Missing?” Display a set on the wall. After children leave, take one away. In the morning, children guess which one is missing.
I’ve also included a 2-on-a-one-page template, so children can pick their favorite shape and create their own Lorax.
There are 2 mustache options: “I ‘mustache’ you a question. What shape am I?” is written on one, the other is blank.
For a cute keepsake idea, students can use their hand prints as the mustache, and add accordion-folded legs and arms. (Super fine motor practice!)
Have older students write attributes on the back.
Next up is a Telling Time With The Lorax Game, which practices analog and digital time to the hour.
There are several ways to use the packet. Make a large Lorax teacher’s clock to use as a whole-group assessment tool.
You can also have children make their own, mini (4-on-a-page pattern) Lorax clock, to whole group assess in another way.
Ask children to show you 11:00 or whatever time. Sitting at their desk/table, they manipulate their paperclips to display that time.
You walk around the room making sure children have the correct time.
Another option: Instead of using paperclips, children can use a dry erase marker to draw hands on their clock, to show you the time, then erase it with a tissue.
The “clocks” can also be used as spinners to play the “It’s Truffula Tree Time!” game.
To use for a math center activity, laminate the full-size truffula trees, and medium-size spinners, and attach a large paperclip with a brass brad.
Using a dry erase marker, children play with a partner, spinning the paperclip to see what time they will trace on the truffula tree trunk.
The winner of the game, is the first one to fill in all of the times, or who has the most times traced when the timer rings.
So that children practice numbering a clock, I’ve also included mini-blank clocks without numbers.
When students spin, they not only trace the time on their truffula tree, they also write that number on their mini clock worksheet.
I’ve included 2-on-a page templates of the game, so that you can play this as a whole group activity too.
Children can play with a partner or in a group of 3-5. Each student makes their own truffula tree, has their own blank clock, and shares the spinner.
Today's FREEBIE also features Seuss's Lorax. It's a super-cute writing prompt. Making a mustache to launch a writing prompt, is an interesting and "Suessical" way of doing things. I think your students will enjoy it.
For an adorable bulletin board, take everyone's photograph wearing their mustache and put it next to their writing. Your bulletin board title could be the same question you are asking: "We mustache you, would you save a truffula tree?"
Flank the board on either side, with 2 colorful truffula trees, made out of strips of neon-colored tissue paper, and rolled up green bulletin board paper for the trunk. Stripe it with brightly colored boarder.
Well that's it for today. I can't believe spring is just around the corner, as it's bitter cold today and the bleak view out my window is still snow covered!
Wishing you a wonderful week!
"Life is like a mustache. It can be wonderful or terrible, but it always tickles!" -Unknown