1-2-3 Come Do Some 2D Halloween Shape Activities With Me!

Halloween 2D Shape Games, is perfect for your October math centers, table top, early finishers, or a sub tub.

This is a terrific companion to my matching “Spooky Shapes in a Haunted House” booklet, as children practice the same 2D shapes: circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle & hexagon.

There are over 20, easy-peasy games & activities!

Do them as a whole group, with partners or as an independent center.

If your students are like mine, they will absolutely LOVE games like “Flip It!”, “Clip It” and “Slap It!”, which makes them perfect for your Halloween party day too.

My young fives actually beg to play “Flip It!” so I tweak it a bit to use a version of this game each month.

Likewise, "Slap it!" is another whole realm of fun, where children use a flyswatter. Again, because they love the game so much, besides the shape cards, I also use letters, numbers, & word cards throughout the year.

Besides practicing 2D shapes, I’ve included activities that help reinforce graphing, making tally marks, patterning, ABC order, as well as “listening & following directions”.

Attributes of the shapes are practiced in “Dump It”, “What Shape is Hiding?”, “Let’s Sort!” and more.

“Where’s the Shape?” Witch Hat game, is a super-fun way to practice & whole group assess the “spatial directions” standard.

Use the “Shape Up!” extension activity, to assess how well your students listen & follow directions, as they create & color their own witch hat, which they later use to play the game.

Another favorite is "Shoe-bie Doobie": “What shape is in the shoe? Please take a peek and give a clue.”

It’s a whole group-circle game, which reviews a variety of standards.

The witch’s shoe is an easy-peasy craftivity, teachers can whip together in just a few minutes.

“Grinning Pumpkins” is another quick, easy & fun whole-group activity, which is a simple way to assess students ability to not only “shape up!” and identify the shapes, but reinforce their listening skills in an interesting way.

Completed projects make a cute bulletin board display, so I’ve included several posters to add some extra pizzazz.

My students also enjoy playing a file folder, cauldron game "Pick it and Put it in the Pot" in our math center. 

I know your students will have a great time with these activities, as they are "kid-tested".

Teachers will enjoy the low prep, selection, diversification & the fact that you can use them each year in a variety of ways. 

There are two featured FREEBIES today, as they both have to do with shapes. The first is a collection of 2D shape posters; the second is a set of 3D shape posters.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Hooray it's a sunny day, so time for a much-needed break to go on a nature walk.

The leaves have just started to change color too, one of the many reasons that autumn is my favorite season. 

"Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen ad thining what nobody has thought." -Albert von Szent-Gyorgrji

1-2-3 Come Do Some More 2D Shape 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 the "Shape Up!" turkey-themed packet, with a variety of games and activities that provide a fun way to review these shapes: circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, rhombus, trapezoid, heart & star.

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” & “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!

There are puzzles, dice & spinner games, as well as 2 graphing activities.

An emergent reader booklet, packed with Dolch words, practices a variety of standards.

The booklet can remain a whole page, or students can cut in half on the dashed line, creating a "just the right size" smaller booklet for little hands. 

There are cover options for both. Students read the sentence, underline the capital letter and add end punctuation.  

You can do this as a whole group activity, with "monkey see-monkey do" directions.

Children also trace the shape word then write it, then trace the shape and draw it.  Afterwards students cut and glue the appropriate shape to the empty box, then color the "shapely turkey" at the top of the page. 

This is a fun activity for the week of Thanksgiving, where you can do one or two pages each day; or send home over the holiday, as an interesting homework assignment.

This packet pairs perfectly with last week's “Shapely Turkeys” craft. Click the LINK to take a look.

Today's featured FREEBIE is "Oh Feathers!" a turkey-themed spinner game, which is also a fun way to practice 2D shapes.    

Thank you for stopping by. 

A dusting of snow has put me in the Christmas mood, so time for a little early shopping. 

Wishing you a peaceful day filled with wonder.

 "When snow falls, nature listens." - Unknown

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 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 Spring Things With Me

During spring, it’s a good idea to once again assess things like colors, color words, and shapes. 

With that in mind, I designed the “Bunny Tails & Tales” packet as a super-fun way to practice, assess, or teach.

Add a bit of “crafty” to writing practice, and your students will be excited to show off their writing skills, with the “Bunny Tale” shape booklet.

The cover flips up to reveal their bunny tale. Add a cotton ball for that finishing touch.

I’ve included my silly story about the “Magic Carrot”, so that you can easily make an example to share with your students.

Review thirteen, 2D shapes with the “Shapely Bunny” game.

Students match the appropriate shaped tail to the matching bunny with that shape word.

I used glue dots to add a mini, white pom pom to each piece.
This not only makes manipulating the tails easier, but the pinching aspect, is a great way to strengthen finger muscles.

If you’re making this center for PK, simply trace the tail shape onto the bunny, so they can practice one-to-one correspondence.

The packet includes patterns for these 2D shapes: circle, oval, triangle, rectangle, square, hexagon, octagon, pentagon, rhombus, trapezoid, star, heart and crescent. Choose those appropriate for your group.

Besides writing and shapes, the packet also practices colors and color words.

I’ve included mini word cards for all of the basic colors, which are placed over the matching rectangle on that color bunny. Children then place the matching colored pom pom “tail” underneath.

There are word cards in matching ink colors for little ones, as well as cards with black ink, so you can use this as an assessment tool as well. 

I wanted to see if you could do the games with a 3-year-old, so I tested them out on my grandson Kaiden, and he absolutely loved playing them.

When he got done matching the color words and pom poms he proudly exclaimed, "I did it!" 

He also enjoyed the shape matching game, so you're good to go with a preschool group.

Finally, the packet includes a sweet “just the right size” Itty Bitty Shape booklet.

Children read the shape word, write it on the bunny’s head, then draw that shape for a tail.

There’s a booklet with the standard 2D shapes, as well as optional pages for the rest.

When children have completed their booklet, graph which shaped tail they liked the best. 

Continuing with the bunny theme, I designed a packet called "The Shape Of My Bunny's Nose", which is a center activity, game and Itty Bitty booklet, that reinforces thirteen, 2D shapes.       

The pattern comes in color on a full-page size, as well as a two-on-a-page size to use as a center activity.  I've also included shape word cards, so that older students can practice matching a shape to its shape word.

There's a smaller, 3-on-a-page size to use for games, where children pick a partner and play “Show me the shape.”  I’ve also included black & white patterns, so that children can make their own shape games.

* To play the game as a large group, attach a soft Velcro dot to the nose section of the bunny, as well as the word section, then scratchy Velcro dots to the pieces.
* Pass out the pieces and call for a shape.
* The child holding that shape, comes up and attaches it. Everyone says the shape as the child points to the nose, then repeats it by reading the shape word as they point to it.

There’s also a black and white “My Bunny’s Nose” booklet, with options for additional pages which feature other shapes.

Children read the word and draw that shape on the bunny’s face, then color, trim and collate their shape booklet.

I’ve also included a graphing extension to practice another standard. 

Finally, since April showers bring May flowers, and Mother's Day is just around the corner, I designed this 3D tulip writing prompt craftivity.

PK kiddos can simply make the craft, while older students can choose from 2 writing prompts.  Use the blank pattern to program whatever.

I've also done a "two lips" play-on-words, for a sweet Mother's Day card.

Cutting on a spiral to make the "stem", is wonderful fine motor practice. I've included a pattern for "lefties" as well.

Completed projects look wonderful suspended from the ceiling.  There's a "Spiraling Into Spring" poster for the center of your display. 

The FREEBIE today, also reinforces colors and color words.

Since the "mustache craze" continues, I thought it would be fun to make an "I 'mustache' you about colors" game, with two versions, one for PK kiddos, plus another for older students.  

Well that's it for today.  The snow has finally melted here in Michigan, and although the sun is shining, temperatures are still in the 40s, so I'm looking forward to when spring truly arrives.  

Wishing you a stress-free, happy day.

"In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours." -Mark Twain

1-2-3 Come Do Some Snowflake Activities With Me

My kiddos absolutely LOVE snowflakes. The entire month of January, finds us in a flurry of snowflake-themed activities. I'm featuring two of our favorites today.

The snowflake word family craftivity packet, is a quick, easy and super-fun way to practice and review word families.

The activities are great for a whole group, independent center or Daily 5 word work.

Completed projects make a simple, yet awesome winter bulletin board .

Put the two word work posters in the center, then scatter students’ snowflakes on a blue foil background (I use wrapping paper.)

The packet includes:

* 4 large snowflake templates
* 70 snowflake word family cards
* A list of the 70 word families, with 987 word examples!
* A word family sentence worksheet
* A word family bookmark, which students can use to write word family words on the back, plus . . .
* A cover to make a word family booklet 

Another snowflake activity that I think your students will enjoy is the 2D snowflake shapes game. 

It's a quick, easy and fun snowflake matching game, with several ways to play.

Students can play independently as a center activity, or pick a partner and play a game. They match shape to shape card, shape card to shape card, shape to shape, or shape card to word card.

There's a "color the shape" spinner game as well. I often use these activities as an interesting and fun way to assess.

The featured FREEBIE for today, also has a snowflake theme.

If you're looking for an awesome winter bulletin board or fun writing prompt that your kiddos will get excited about, then this "snow" special family snowflake craft's for you.

It's a quick, easy and fun "homework" assignment, which even PK kiddos can do with the help of their families.

Completed projects make a lovely bulletin board. Suspend a few from the ceiling above the board for that finishing touch. Caption:  "Brrrrr-illiant Work!"  

Well that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by.

We have huge fluffy flakes gently falling outside my office window right now. PTL I don't have to shovel.  

Wishing you a warm and snuggly day!

"Advice is like snow-the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind." -Samuel Taylor Coleridge

1-2-3 Come Do Some Gingerbread Activities With Me

Looking for some gingerbread-themed activities that practice a variety of standards?  You've come to the right place. Hopefully you'll find something useful in today's assortment.

No matter what grade I taught, my students LOVED making glyphs.
They are a quick, easy and fun way to practice listening and following directions.

They also provide a "hard copy" to use as proof that a child does or doesn't.
Completed projects make an adorable bulletin board, as each one will be different.

To practice data collection & analysis, as well as process of elimination, have students try and figure out who made some of the gingerbread glyphs. 

Click on the link to zip on over to Diane's Dollar Deals in my TpT shop to have a look:Gingerbread Glyph.

Another Dollar Deal is this 6-piece gingerbread man puzzle.  It's a quick, easy and fun way for your kiddos to practice numbers 1-6.

Print off the numbered, "color me" gingerbread pattern, along with the base.  Students color, cut him apart, then choose a partner to play the puzzle game.

Children take turns rolling a dice. Whatever number they roll, they glue that piece of their gingerbread man to their worksheet.

You can also skip the gluing part, so that students can continue to play the game at home, or make this a center activity that you can use every year and run off on brown construction paper, laminate & trim.

Are you studying digital and analog time to the hour and half hour? Then "It's Time For Gingerbread" might interest you.

Use the clock cards as flashcards, puzzles & games. 
There are also 3 options for an analog gingerbread clock to use as a spinner game, or for whole-group assessing.

If you're going to use the gingerbread man as a clock, have children attach a large and small paperclip with a brass brad.

Simply call out a time. Children manipulate the paperclips to show that time.
I've also included an assessment worksheet, a "Kaboom!" game, plus 2 cover options to make an Itty Bitty "My Telling Time" booklet. 

Finally, since 2D shapes is also a standard for us, I designed a gingerbread house craftivity, as well as a gingerbread cookie game and put them in a "Shaping Up With Gingerbread" packet. 

For that finishing touch, we sprinkled colorful confetti on the rooftop. 

Today's featured FREEBIE also has a gingerbread theme.  It's a set of number puzzles.  I hope you find them useful. 

Well that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by. My grandchildren are due any minute, so it will be a day filled with crafts and giggles.

Wishing you lots of love-filled moments. 

"Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting." -Unknown