1-2-3 Come Do Some Number Puzzles With Me

I'm always looking for intersting and fun ways for my students to practice numbers.

With that in mind, I designed these circular number puzzles.  Easy-peasy for you; fun for your students.

They have just 8 pieces for numbers 0-20, so you can easily differentiate for your students’ various skill levels. 

So that you can practice a variety of standards all at once, each piece has a different way to show that particular number.

Being able to differentiate is particularly helpful for struggling students, as well as those who need to be challenged with higher numbers, this is easily accomplished without additional work for you, as everyone is working on the same thing, just using different numbers.

The puzzles are also a simple way to get in some extra practice for those toughie teen numbers too.

There are two “frame” options for the “ bases” which students place the pieces on. One has numbers 0-10 around the edge, while the other has numbers 1-20 framing the circle.

There are also two base options as well. One is labeled, the other is not.
Puzzles can also be put together without using a base.

For a super-fun math center, which students can work on independently, simply print, laminate & trim the full color puzzles. Once you've done the work, you're set for years to come!

I keep each puzzle in a separate ZipLock Baggie, then place numbers 0-10 in one tub and numbers 11-20 in another, which is located in our math center.

So that students can easily select a puzzle for their level, I’ve included labels for the front of your Baggies and two tubs.

The labels look like little cards so that you can print extra sets and use them for sequencing or a “Memory Match” or “I Have; Who Has?” game.
You can also use the colorful center circle puzzle pieces in the same way.

I’ve also included black & white versions, which you can use for interactive math notebooks, homework, small group instruction, early finishers or intervention.

The black & white patterns are very versatile.
Besides students making their own puzzles, you can also use the templates as a worksheet or assessment tool, as students fill in each section with the appropriate answer.

Besides number recognition, the puzzles will also help with +1 and -1 simple addition and subtraction, greater & less than, subitizing, making a group/set and number word recognition.

I also challenge students to count by 5s when they are figuring out & recording their tally marks for that puzzle piece.

We also practice counting by 5s, 1s & even 10s throughout our day when we are transitioning, standing in line while students use the bathroom, or on our way to recess or lunch. We do this in whisper quiet voices, tiptoeing on "marshmallow feet". 

For another center, children can choose two puzzles and do them side-by-side, which will allow them to compare and contrast, as well as see math patterns emerging.

As your students become adept at putting the puzzles together, have them pick a partner and race to see who can complete theirs first. 

Today's featured FREEBIE is another way that I help my students learn numbers. Hang the posters up as anchor charts or use them as large flashcards.

Their graphics depict even more ways to show numbers 1-10.

I hope you find them useful. Click on the LINK to grab your set of 1-10 number posters.

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

My poodle pup Chloe, is demanding attention, so it's time to take a much-needed break.  Wishing you a carefree day.

"Don't just count the days.  Make the days count!" - Unknown

1-2-3 Come Have Some Fun With Chrysanthemum And Me

I thought I had finished up designing some quick, easy and fun activities to go with the story "Chrysanthemum", 'til I had a request from Erin in Idaho.

Her preschool has adopted the "Bucket Filling" program and she wondered if I could tie that concept in with the "Chrysanthemum" story. 

Great idea Erin, and easy-peasy to do, as the theme of "Chrysanthemum" is all about being kind, and careful with the things you say.  Thus "Bucket Filling With Chrysanthemum" was born. 

After reading the story, children transition to making a list of “bucket dipping” moments in the story, as well as “bucket filling” times on the 2 worksheets.

I’ve also included color copies so you can do this as a whole group activity as well.

The packet also includes several posters: “We are a bucket-filling classroom”, “Easily Fill A Bucket By . . .” plus a “Please Don’t Be A Dipper”.

The “Chrysanthemum’s ABCs of Bucket Filling” worksheets help build vocabulary while practicing letter sounds.

These can be done individually, or use the colorful ones with a whole group.

I’ve included answer keys with lots of alliterative options: “Aa: aid, applaud, ask, award, advise, affirm, acknowledge…”

Finally, students can use the little Chrysanthemum "bucket cards" to encourage each other.  There’s a set in color so that you can leave your students a compliment or note as well. 

I was now in the Chrysanthemum mode again, so I also designed some Chrysanthemum-Themed Alphabet Number Puzzles.

Because the story is all about this little mouse’s name, I like to transition my kiddos to some name writing activity afterwards.

These puzzles provide a super-fun way to do that, plus children get in some uppercase alphabet practice too.

They're a real “sanity saver” as children are happily engaged coloring, cutting, then putting their puzzle together.
While they work independently you are freed up. Woo hoo!

The puzzles mix math with literacy, as they help practice sequencing numbers from 1-10, working on those toughie teen numbers, as well as skip counting by 10s.

Simply choose which number concept is most appropriate for your students.

For a fun back to school bulletin board, have children mount their puzzle to a sheet of construction paper leaving a little gap between each strip, which will create an interesting mosaic effect.

I’ve included 2 “ABC 1-2-3 Look Who’s In The Class With Me!” posters to use for the center of your display. (Plus preschool, kindergarten and 1st grade as well).

There’s also a colorful Chrysanthemum puzzle (1-10, 11-20, & counting by 10s) to use as an independent math center, plus an additional name writing worksheet where children finish drawing Chrysanthemum.

Finally, while I was putzing with this, another name activity popped in my head, so I created a quick, easy & fun "color, cut & glue" name craft, which provides wonderful fine motor practice, plus assists children in learning how to spell their name as they begin to recognize those letters.

Completed projects make a sweet back to school bulletin board too.  Besides the name craft, the packet also includes:

* Separate upper & lowercase letter cards, as well as a set of cards with both the upper and lowercase letter on one card.

Use them for Memory Match and “I Have; Who Has?” games. 

I’ve also included a 4-page tip list of other ideas for the cards, including the “Kaboom!” game as well as . . .

* A variety of letter worksheets plus…
* Some simple letter games like "What Letter Did Chrysanthemum Hide Today?" and "What's Missing?", as well as several dice worksheet games.

Today's featured FREEBIE is a set of 10 Classroom Management Posters.  I hope you find them useful.

Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by. Time to move on to another theme. 

Hmmm... shall I start working on "Chicka Boom" or "If You Take A Mouse To School" stuff? Stay tuned.  I'll be doing both before August disappears.

 Wishing you a carefree, happily lazy kind of relaxing day.   

"Children must be taught how to think, not what to think."-Margaret Mead

1-2-3 Come Do Some More Chrysanthemum Activities With Me 

Since my students absolutely LOVE the story "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes, I've made an assortment of Chrysanthemum-themed activities to practice a variety of standards. 

Today I'll be featuring 3 of my newest creations. First up, are some Chrysanthemum Number Puzzles.  

They are a quick, easy and super-fun way for your students to practice sequencing numbers from 1-10, counting backwards from 10-1, as well as skip counting by 2s, 3s, 5s & 10s, plus I’ve added a template for those “toughy teen” numbers as well.

There are 7 different Chrysanthemum-themed patterns, each has an example of all of the above templates, with 97 puzzles in all.

Some are vertical, while others are horizontal.  Pick and choose your favorites to make a collection of choices for your students.

Print, laminate & trim the full color options and use as an independent math center.
Use the black & white ones, so that students can color & cut up their own puzzle.

For an interesting “craftivity” have children glue their puzzle to a sheet of construction paper.

Remind them to leave a little bit of a gap between each numbered strip, to create an especially cool mosaic effect.
Completed projects make a cute back to school bulletin board.

Next up is a set of "Fix the Sentence" cards. These 27, Chrysanthemum-themed sentence cards, are a quick, easy and fun way to review and sequence the story, while practicing capitalization and end punctuation.

Read the cards together as a whole group to practice a lot of sight words.

Choose a student to come up and using a dry erase marker, circle letters that should be capitalized and then add end punctuation. (period, question mark & exclamation point).
You can do this on a whiteboard, with a pocket chart, or pass a card out to each child to correct.

For more practice, as an individual activity, have students choose X number of mini cards and rewrite the sentences correctly on the worksheet provided.
Afterwards, students can swap their paper with a partner to correct.

I've included 2 sizes of mini "fix the sentence" cards for this, which make a nice Daily 5 word work activity too.

There are 27 mini cards on one sheet of paper.  Simply print, laminate and trim several copies for a class set

As an independent center activity, have children arrange the cards in sequential order.  To make this activity self-correcting, number the cards on the back. 

Finally, since my students absolutely LOVE glyphs (Didn't matter what grade I taught and that's lots!) I designed a Chrysanthemum-themed glyph, as a quick, easy and fun way to get to know your new students. while assessing listening and following directions.

Since this is one of my report card standards, glyphs also provide a "hard copy" to use as proof that a child does or doesn't.

Completed projects make a wonderful back to school bulletin board, as each one will be different!

I’ve provided two, Chrysanthemum-themed glyph posters to use for the center of your display.

Afterwards, have children pick a partner, and try to guess which glyph is theirs by asking them a few key questions, which will narrow down the field.

The featured FREEBIE today is also based on one of my all-time favorite back to school books ("The Kissing Hand", by Audrey Penn).

Chester, a little raccoon is apprehensive about going to school 'til his mom kisses his hand, so he can continue to feel her comforting presence, so I thought it would be fun to give my students a few Hershey Kisses in a Snack Baggie after I read the story.  

I designed 3 "header" tags for the top of your sweet treat.  There are patterns with 5 on a page as well as 10.

Click on the link to grab your copy and let the smiles begin.  The Kissing Hand-Inspired Snack Bag Tags.

Well that's it for today.  Thanks for popping in.  I hope you found something useful. 

We continue to melt here in Michigan with unusually hot 90 degree temperatures. PTL for air conditioning, so I have energy to get the mountains of stuff done I need to.  Wishing you a relaxing day. 

"Dear Weather, Stop showing off.  We already know you're hot!" -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Constitution Day Activities With Me

Holy Moly where is September flying off to?  Constitution Day is this Thursday the 17th! Boy did that ever sneak up fast! 

Are you looking for something quick, easy & fun that your kiddos can do on Constitution Day that they can wrap their brains around?

How ‘bout a patriotic number puzzle? It’s a great way to fulfill the “Do something related to the Constitution on September 17th” requirement.

Later, you can still use these puzzles for any other patriotic holidays that roll around.

I’ve included a variety of puzzles that count by 1s to 10, count backwards from 10 to 1, as well as skip count by 10s to 100.

Print, laminate & trim the full color ones and use as an independent center.

I’ve included portraits of some of the “Framers”, so when you discuss the men who worked on the Constitution, you can show them a picture puzzle that they can assemble.

I’ve also included black and white options, so that students can color and cut up their own puzzle.

Be sure and give them some background facts to go with the various puzzles, so that they can share this information when they get home.

For an interesting “craftivity” have students glue their puzzle to a sheet of red or blue construction paper. Remind them to leave a little bit of a gap between each numbered strip to create an especially cool mosaic effect.

For an awesome “Look what we did on Constitution Day” bulletin board, scatter completed projects on a white background, trimmed with a patriotic stars & stripes border.

Older students can complete a writing prompt on the back of their puzzle. Share then suspend from the ceiling. This 58-page packet is just 2.95.  Click on the link to pop on over to my TpT shop to take a peek and let the fun begin. 25 Constitution Day Number Puzzles

The featured FREEBIE today comes from the packet.  It's my personal favorite patriotic puzzle in the packet, and features the adorable clip art of Laura Strickland. 

Click on the link to grab your copy just in time for Constitution Day: Patriotic Number Puzzle FREEBIE

Well that's it for now.  Thanks for stoppin' by.  My brain is fried from doing research about Constitution Day. 

Time for a much-needed break.  Wishing you a carefree day.

"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." - Benjamin Franklin

23 pages.

These 100 Day puzzles are a quick, easy and fun way to help students count and sequence numbers 1-10, count backwards from 10 to 1, as well as skip count by 10s to 100. 

1-2-3 Come Play Some Number Games With Me

As things are winding down, for a much-deserved Thanksgiving break, you may want to plug in a few educational, yet quick, easy and fun games on that last day.

The Easy As Pie Learning packet, reviews all sorts of standards, with a cute little turkey game that's easy to differentiate, for a variety of learning levels. 

Use the 10-sectioned pie pattern, to simply make a 10 piece puzzle, for younger students to practice counting and sequencing numbers 1-10. 

Older students can practice numbers and their number words, if you cut the puzzle slices into numbers and number word pieces, making a 20-piece puzzle.

You can also review colors with your little ones, by running off the number wheel pattern, on 10 different colors of construction paper; mixing and matching pieces 'til you have 30-mini puzzles, each with 10 different colored pie slices.  It only took me a few minutes to make 10.  Store them separately, in Ziploc Snack Baggies.

 Reinforce life skills, by playing with the puzzles as a partner game.  You can use dice and practice addition, or use the spinner (3 are included) to play that way. 

Students take turns rolling one dice, to fill in pie slices numbered 1-6, then use two dice and add them together, to play puzzle pieces 7-10.

If your kiddos are also studying fractions, they can play Memory Match or "I Have; Who Has?" games, with the turkey's pumpkin pie fraction cards. There's also a larger set to use as flashcards.

For more fraction practice, I've included a set of black and white pocket chart cards that you can run off, so your students can make an Itty Bitty fraction booklet.  Click on the link to grab this fun fall FREEBIE:  Easy As Pie Learning Thanksgiving Game packet.

Thanks for visiting.  It's really started to snow outside, so I'm off to go find the snow shovel, as it is tenaciously sticking to the ground. 

Sigh... I am so not ready for winter yet, but then I don't think I'm ever happy when it truly arrives either. 

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

1-2-3 Come Do Some Fall-Themed Activities With Me

I just love fall.  It's my favorite season, not only because of the spectacular fall colors and wonderful weather, but because of the super-fun themes that we get to teach.

In this blog article, I  want to feature some of the fall groupings I did to cover numbers (1-10), skip counting by 10's, number words and shapes. 

Using the adorable clip art of Laura Strickland over at mycutegraphics.com as well as Dianne Hook at djinkers.com, I whipped up 24 number puzzles. 

There are a dozen for sequencing numbers 1-10, as well as another 12 for skip counting by 10's.  Print, laminate and trim and then store in Ziplock Baggies.  To help little ones, I've also included blank templates. 

Besides using these as independent centers or something "early finishers" can do, choose 3 or 4 and make a flip book.  I give directions in the packet.  (A sample is pictured at the bottom of the photo.)

Click on the link to view/download the 24 Fall-Themed Number Puzzles.

If you want to reinforce shapes as well as shape words, then I think you'll enjoy these fall-themed, shapely matching games.  Simply print, laminate and trim. 

Students place the colored shape tile onto the matching shape on the leaf, spider, bat, owl, or turkey card.  

I've included a blank template for each theme, so you can program with more shapes or whatever. If you like this set, be sure and check out the apple and pumpkin ones.

Finally, to practice number word recognition, click on the link for some fall-themed clothespin number games. Students clip a clothespin to the number that matches the number word on the card. 

Pinching a clothespin, is great for strengthening a little one's finger muscles.  Children also seem to really enjoy this activity, so it's a win-win. :-)

To make the cards self-checking, mark an X on the back of the card where the correct number lies on the front. These are something different for your kiddos to do for their Daily 5 word work activities too.

I've included a blank set of cards for each theme, so that you can program them with higher numbers or whatever else you'd like your kiddo's to practice.  If you like this set, be sure and check out the apple and pumpkin ones.

Thanks for visiting today.  Fall is in the air; the sun is shining and a lovely breeze is blowing through my office window.  The weather is calling me, so it's time for a much-needed break.  Wishing you a refreshing day filled with everything and everyone you enjoy the most.

"Success: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

1-2-3 Come Make Some Back To School Things With Me

While I was working on the coloring-autograph page: "I made a lot of friends today!"  for a first day of school activity; I thought making some number puzzles that students could color, cut and glue, would also give teachers a little bit of "sanity" time, to get some of the zillions of trivial tasks done, that must be accomplished before dismissal, on that hectic first day.

The "friends" coloring worksheet was a very popular download.  It's so simple, but such a great way to give your kiddos something they can do independently, which frees you up.  When you're working with energized little ones, some of whom don't even know how to write their name, the word "independently" is imperative.

The number puzzles also double as a quick, easy and inexpensive little gift that you can have lying on your students' desks.  Be sure and write their name on the puzzle (after the word Hi or Welcome! to make things extra special for them. 

The puzzles can be pre-cut to expedite things for preschoolers.  To give yourself even more time, have students cut their own puzzle pieces (after they have colored the picture) then tell them to mix up the pieces and put their puzzle together.

To make a cool looking mosaic, have children glue the pieces to a sheet of construction paper, leaving a little space in-between the pieces. 

After they share their creation with the class, mount them on a bulletin board.  Caption: Mrs. Henderson's kinders stick together, or fit in just fine, or whatever else you deem appropriate. 

If you take a first day of school photo for a future memory book, make an extra copy and cut it into the shape of a puzzle piece, then put it along side that child's completed puzzle.  Adding a puzzle border, or scattering some real puzzle pieces through out your bulletin board, adds the finishing touches.  The Dollar Store sells a huge variety of puzzles that you can use to jazz things up.

The Back To School Puzzle packet, includes 30 puzzles.  Some of them are vertical, others are horizontal.  They come in black and white, so that students can color them, and others are in full color, so you can print; laminate and trim, then use in an independent center for early finishers. 

Make a game of it by having children choose a partner to see who can complete their puzzle first. Some of the puzzles use numbers from 1-10 for little ones, others skip count by 10's to 100, for first graders. 

I've also included little "Welcome" tags.  (There are 16 on a page.) Write in your students' names and then paperclip one to their set of number strips and lay them on your kiddos' desks as a sweet surprise. 

So that I had quiet time to check bus numbers and "going home" tags that needed to be changed,  I always had some sort of independent activity towards the end of the day.  My Y5's were exhausted, the room was usually hot and stuffy, so they were happy to simply veg-out a bit.  This puzzle packet is perfect for that. 

If you decide not to precut the strips, you may want to lay out a selection of black and white puzzles, and allow your students a choice of which one they want to color, cut and glue.  Put a variety of colors of construction paper out as well.   If you're all set for your first day, the puzzles also make a great Open House activity. 

Click on the link to view/download the First Day Of School Puzzle Packet.  For more number puzzle FREEBIES, click on the link.

Thanks for visiting today.  As always, feel free to PIN away.  Do you have a first day or back to school activity  you could share with us?  I'd enjoy hearing from you.  diane@teachwithme.com  or leave a comment below. 

Time to go water my flower garden.  I hope you're enjoying summer and making time to rejuvenate.  Blessings to you from my little corner of cyber space. 

"Your life is your garden.  Your thoughts are the seeds.  If your life isn't awesome, you've been watering the weeds." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Make Some Autumn Activities With Me!

Since the apple puzzles and flip-to-find puzzle-booklets, were such a huge hit, I decided to make them for each season and major theme.   I just finished 12 fall puzzles and have included leaves, spiders, owls, scarecrows, pumpkins and Halloween in the pictures. 

As with the apple puzzles, there is a set using numbers 1-10, as well as a skip count by 10's set.  I design every day and welcome suggestions, so if there's a fall theme I've missed, that you'd like a puzzle for, shoot me an e-mail: dianehen@teachwithme.com and I'll whip something together.  

The puzzles are a quick, easy and fun way to get your kiddo’s sequencing numbers. One of my Y5 report card standards, was to be able to put a puzzle together, so these are especially beneficial.

Print off the puzzles on construction paper, or card stock, laminate and trim.  Keep each puzzle in its own Ziplock Baggie. Pass them out to your students and set a timer.  See who can complete their puzzle the fastest.  When they are done with one, they may exchange theirs, with another student, who has a different puzzle.

You can use these each year, or skip the lamination and give each child a puzzle to take home. They can cut their own strips, mess them up and put them together.

Another thing you can do with the puzzles is make a puzzle flip book.  I used 3 puzzles for the booklet in the photo. Print the puzzles, and cut into strips.  Alternate the 3 different puzzles, so that when you make your flip book, the puzzle picture is now all jumbled. 

Glue just the number portion to the top of the 1-10 or count by 10’s puzzle template, gluing all of the #1 strips, onto the #1 square, the 2's onto the 2 square etc. Children decide on a puzzle to "flip and find" and then flip the puzzle strips up 'til they find a match. Click on the link to view/download the Fall Number Strip Puzzles.

Thanks for visiting today.  Feel free to PIN away.  If you'd like to see all of the terrific educational items that I pin, click on the big heart to the right of the blog. 

I try and blog every day, and post the newest FREEBIES that I've just designed, so I hope you can pop by tomorrow.  As always, I enjoy reading any comments you wish to share.

"One of the secrets of teaching, is to appear to have known all of your life, what you have just learned this afternoon." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Make An Apple Puzzle With Me!

A quick, easy and fun way to get your kiddo’s sequencing numbers is via a number puzzle, which is also great for fine motor and higher level-thinking practice.  One of my Y5 report card standards was to be able to put a puzzle together, so this was especially beneficial.

Here's How You Make A Puzzle: Choose either apple puzzles with number strips from 1-10, for younger students, or skip counting apple puzzles, with number strips that count by 10's to 100.  Print off the apple puzzles on white construction paper or card stock, laminate and cut out the individual numbered strips. 

Keep each puzzle in its own Ziplock Baggie.  Pass the Baggies out to your students and set a timer.   Challenge them to complete their puzzle before the timer rings.   You can also partner students up, who have the same puzzle, so they can play "Speed" against each other, to see who can put their puzzle together the quickest.

When students are done with one, they may exchange theirs with another child who has a different puzzle.  You can use these each year, or skip the lamination and give each child a puzzle to take home.   They can cut their own strips, mess them up and put them together.

Another thing you can do with the puzzles, is make a puzzle flip book. I used 4 apple puzzles for my booklet.  Print the puzzles and cut out the strips. Each puzzle should have a pile of strips 1-10.  Lay the number strips for each puzzle on top of each other, so that the number one strip is at the top.  Now make piles of all of the number ONE pieces, then a pile of the number TWO pieces etc. 

Arrange the pieces so that when you make your flip book, the pages will show a mixed up puzzle. (See photo.)  Glue just the number portion of each strip, to the top of the 1-10 puzzle template.  Children flip the pages, to find the matching pieces, to complete each puzzle.

Click on the link to view/download the Apple Number Puzzle Packet.

Thanks for visiting today.  Feel free to PIN anything from my site.  To ensure that "pinners" return to THIS blog article, click on the GREEN title at the top; it will turn BLACK; now click on the "Pin it"  button located on the menu bar at the top.  To see all of the awesome educational items that I pin, simply click on the big heart to your right.  I have a separate board for Apple Activities.

"There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds." -G.K. Chesterton