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.

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

"Funny Flamingos”  are 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, star & heart.

The packet includes patterns for the above shapes, so that children can make a “Funny Flamingo Friend.”

They turn out absolutely adorable, so I think your kiddos will really enjoy making one. 

Templates come in a large, full-page size, as well as a smaller, two-on-a-page pattern.

Decide what’s most appropriate for your students.

You don’t have to, but accordion-folding the legs is a fun way to strengthen finger muscles. Your students will also enjoy the “boing-boing” effect.

Completed projects make a super-cute display. Dangle them from the ceiling as a border in your hallway. I’ve included a poster to add pizzazz.

The packet also includes 3 sets of game cards, so that students can play “Memory Match”, “I Have; Who Has?” and sorting games with them.

The 3 sets of cards feature: flamingos with a shapely body, plain shapes, plus word cards, so that you can practice a variety of standards. 

I’ve also included a “Spin to Win” game, where students partner up and take turns spinning.  Whatever shape they land on, they color the matching shape on their game sheet that color.

Several other worksheets, help to further reinforce 2D shapes in other ways.

The “Flamingo Slider” is another quick, easy & fun craft, that will help you whole group assess. 

My students absolutely LOVE playing this "I Spy" game. Simply call out a shape.  Students pull on their "slider" strip 'til it appears in the "window" then hold up their flamingo.  You can see at a glance who is having difficulty.

Two graphing extensions add some additional math pratice to the packet as well.

Use the 3 photo posters of real flamingos to introduce your lesson, as well as the “What Shape is a Flamingo’s Body Most Like?” discussion poster.

Since I'm "warping" the true shape of a flamingo, as a fun way to review shapes, I thought it important to discuss this. The poster provides a nice visual.

I’ve also included a list of super-interesting links that I use as part of my introduction as well, which helps me add a bit of science in just a few minutes.

Students learn why a flamingo is pink and other interesting facts. The 2-minute clip showing 1,000s of flamingos all in one place in Africa, is quite amazing!

Today's featured FREEBIE is also a fun activity that involves 2D shapes.

It's a very versatile, "Letter H is for House" craft that you can do when you're working on a letter a day, shapes (12, 2D shapes are included.) or doing social studies & working on communities, families & neighborhoods.

Children can also practice their address by including that as well.
Add a school photo for that finishing touch. Completed projects make an adorable bulletin board too.

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

It's been unseasonably hot this week with scorchers in the 90s, so it's a good day to design some more activities in my air-conditioned office.  Wishing you a  super-de-duper summer.

"Woo Hoo! It's summer! If you're not barefoot, you're over dressed!" -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Pattern Block Activities With Me.  

Pattern blocks are one of my students’ favorite math manipulatives.  We count, sort, pattern, and do all sorts of interesting things with them.

With that in mind, I wanted to design some additional activities that would help practice a variety of standards while they “played” with them. What started out as a game & booklet, turned into a jumbo "Fun With Pattern Blocks" packet.

If you don’t have a wooden or plastic set of pattern blocks, no worries, I’ve included patterns so that you can make your own paper ones.

Pick and choose your favorites and use them as math centers, whole group activities, games, worksheets, homework, and an easy assessment tool.

They’re great for early finishers and something to tuck in your sub folder as well.

The packet includes:

* Anchor charts, pocket chart cards & posters.

* Four, pattern block shape BOOKLETS, with 4-on-a-page patterns, which make a “just the right size” mini booklet:

1. Shape UP: featuring “color me” kids holding a shape.
2. Pattern Block Fun: featuring “connect the dots” and “finish drawing the shape” pages.
3. Spying Shapes Inside Shapes: discovering, counting, coloring and naming the various shapes and …
4. Maze Craze: featuring mini mazes in the various shapes, such as “You’re hung up in a hexagon! Can you find your way out?”

* A set of “Block Heads”, which I use for flashcards, decorative anchor charts, & the “Four Corners” game. I've included a variety of silly eyeballs to mix & match.  Their "mouth" names the shape.

You can also use as a whole-group craftivity & have students pick their favorite and make one of their own, writing attributes, and why it’s their favorite on the back.

* A "trace, write & color" flip-a-strip booklet, as well as a full-page booklet, which can be used for a center, anchor charts or a class-made book.

* All sorts of GAMES, many of which can be used as quick, easy and super-fun assessments, such as the “I Spy A Pattern Block!” worksheets.

* There are a variety of dice games as well, like our favorite “Rack Up a Stack!”

* Other games include: “Trapped in a Trapezoid”, “Hiding in a Hexagon”, “Trapezoid Towers”, “Rhombus Race”, “Fill it Up”, “Spin to Win”, “Two Trapped Trapezoids”, “Triangle Trees”, and a “Which trapezoid is bigger? challenge.

* The “Memory Match” game cards can also be used for, Sorting, Patterning, “I Have; Who Has?” 1-to-1 correspondence, “Kaboom!” and “What’s Missing?” activities and games.

Students practice greater & less than, color words, alphabetizing, strategy, graphing, tally marks and addition.

* The number strip PUZZLES (1-10 & 11-20), help with number recognition, counting & sequencing.

* And finally, a cute pattern block name craft, which makes a colorful bulletin board display, and provides a simple way to review shapes, colors, letters, capitalization, alphabetizing and patterns.

There are several pattern options, including one with the shapes inside square blocks.  Choose your favorite, or give children a choice. 

Today's featured FREEBIE is a simple craft I call, Pattern Block Pals.

The gloved-hands & tennis shoes on their feet at the end of colorful accordion-folded legs add the "Awww-dorable!" factor.

Completed projects make a super-cute "Getting In Shape" bulletin board display.

Besides my featured FREEBIE you may also be interested in these other FREE pattern block activities: 

Holly and Heather over at Prekinders have over 20 free pattern block picture mats in full color, as well as black and white. 
ABC Teach also has a big variety of pattern block picture mats: toys, animals, flowers, and some really interesting and challenging patterns.

I was really excited to find a complete set of FREE pattern block mats for upper & lowercase letters as well as numbers over at Confessions of a Homeschooler.  Erica also has a nice set of "complete the pattern" cards.

Well that’s it for now.  Thanks for stopping by. 

My mom, who is 91, is visiting for the week, so time to do some sightseeing with her. Wishing you a stress-free day.

 "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." -Benjamin Franklin 

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

Since the “Silly Shaped Lorax” and “Slick Shapely Chick” activities were such a huge hit, I decided to make “Funny Frogs”.

These cuties are a quick, easy and super-fun “print & go” craftivity, that will help review 2D shapes.

The packet includes playing cards with frog and lily pad graphics, which are shaped in the various 2D shapes: circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, rhombus, trapezoid, heart, star & crescent.

I’ve also included cards with speckled lime green shapes, plus matching word cards, as well as shape cards with a fly on them.

Use the cards for one-to-one correspondence with little ones, or Memory Match & “I Have; Who Has?” games with older students.

As a math center activity, students can also use the cards to “feed” the appropriate-shaped frog head, by finding all of the matching cards, then placing them inside the frog's open "mouth".

I’ve also included a short “giggle” tale about Ferdinand the frog, and Princess Penelope who was turned into a fly!

I had so much fun writing it! 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 "test for comprehension" worksheet.

There are also 2D "tongue" patterns which feature a fly and the name of the shape.

Older students can also write their shape’s attributes here. 

For further reinforcement, I’ve included a few worksheets, plus a certificate of praise bookmark.

After sharing their frog, scatter completed projects on a blue (pond) background bulletin board.

You could also make some brown cattails to use for your border.

I’ve included 2 posters for the center of your display.

Since these silly shaped frogs have a big mouth, a cute story to read after making this craftivity, is “The Wide Mouth Frog” by Keith Faulkner. It’s one of my kiddos’ favorites.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so today's FREEBIE is a writing prompt craftivity entitled: A Rainbow of Love dangler.

Students write something on each colorful strip, of why their "mom colors their world with love."

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

Wishing you a happy and blessed day.

“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” -Sydney J. Harris

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

Are you studying 2D shapes?  If so, I think your kiddos will really enjoy learning & practicing with these super-fun, hands-on activities, featured in my newest packet: Scarecrow Shapes.

The packet is stuffed with a variety of hands-on fun for learning 2D shapes.

Here’s what you’ll get:

* An emergent reader, “The Scarecrow’s Nose”, which practices a variety of standards, and packs a lot of sight word clout, as I’ve included 33 Dolch words.

Children read the sentence, add end punctuation: (period, question mark & exclamation point).

They trace and write the shape & color word, trace and draw the shape, then color the picture.

There is a pattern with 2-on-a-one-page template, as well as 4-on-a-page to make an Itty Bitty booklet.

On the last page, children draw a scarecrow. The nose is their favorite shape and color.

* There’s a whole-group graphing activity to graph the results.

* I've also included a really cute “My Scarecrow’s Nose” slider craftivity. 

"Socrates" is not only super-fun, but a quick, easy, and interesting way to whole group assess 2D shapes.

I’ve included a full-page size, as well as a smaller, 2-on-a-page pattern.

* There's also 7 shape worksheets that practice a variety of standards, as well as ...

* 6 colorful pocket chart cards, plus a matching black and white set, so students can make a Shape Flip Booklet, plus ...

* 5 shape games along with ...

* 4 assessments using just one worksheet!  And finally,

* A bookmark-size, “color me” certificate of praise. 

This packet is a whopping 63 pages long. 

Click on the link to zip on over to my TpT shop to have a look: Scarecrow Shapes: Emergent Reader, Games, Worksheets & Craftivities and let the learning fun begin.

I hope your kiddos enjoy learning with "Socrates" as much as mine did. 

Today's featured FREEBIE is also another fun way to practice shapes.

Back in 2009, I designed Silly Shaped Penguins. 

Because it's one of my most popular downloads, throughout the years I've added to the menagerie. 

Since it's fall, I thought the Silly Shaped Owls were perfect for a fall FREEBIE.  Hope you enjoy them.  

Well that's it for today.  I have so many projects "in process" and scattered all over my desk , that I'm not sure where to begin. 

October is flying by way too fast! Wishing you an awesome autumn. 

"I craft so hard, I sweat glitter!" -Unknown

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

Ever since Disney came out with Monsters Inc, monsters have gone from something scary to something sweet, helpful and rather loveable.

Because these cute creatures are super-popular with children, I decided to design a few monster things for my October activities.

Thus, "Shapely Monsters" was born, and like Disney, my monsters are adorable.

This emergent reader, packs a lot of Dolch punch, as students practice color and number words, as well as 2D shapes.

Children read the simple sentences; trace & write the shape, color & number words associated with that monster, then color the “shapely monster” the matching color, adding the appropriate number of eyes.

For the last page, students design their own monster, using their favorite color, and draw on as many eyes as they are years old.

To cover another math standard, I’ve also included a graphing extension, featuring Marvin the marvelous monster who is helping to search for, count & color the various 2D shapes.

Besides the full-page booklet, to conserve paper & ink, I’ve also included 2-on-a-page templates to make a smaller emergent reader.  You can use the larger one as a teacher's edition.  

When everyone has completed their booklet, read it aloud as a whole group to practice concepts of print, then encourage children to share it with their family when they get home, to further reinforce colors, numbers and shapes. 

Shapely Monsters is one of Diane's Dollar Deals in my TpT shop.  Click on the link to zip on over.  

Today's FREEBIE also has to do with shapes, and features an assortment of fall-themed pictures.  I hope you enjoy it.  Fall Shape Matching Game.

Well that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by.  There's a huge MOPS sale at a nearby church today!

I'm excited to search for some bargain-priced clothes and goodies for my grandchildren.  Wishing you an exciting day. 

"The monster was the best friend I ever had." -Boris Karloff

1-2-3 Come Pair Up With Me

Welcome to another one of Diane's Dollar Deals.  This cutie-patootie, Pair Pears Packet is packed with versatility.

At the beginning of the year, when children are learning their classmates' names, glue a photo on the top of the pear, and write students' names on the bottom half.

Children can match their friend's photo to their name in an independent "get to know you" center.

Use the puzzle pair pears as a classroom management tool for a fun way to have children partner up.

Use them to play games like Memory Match & "I Have Who Has?"

I have included pairs that review shapes/shape words, numbers/number words, and uppercase/lowercase letters etc.

You can also run the templates off so that each student can make either an alphabet, number or shape booklet.

Covers are included, as well as blank pears for you to program with whatever.

Be sure and grab the "teachable moment" to discuss homonyms. 

Click on the link to grab this super-fun Pair Pears Dollar Deal.

The featured FREEBIE for today, includes another fun way to pick a partner.

"It's Partner Time!"  is an "oldie but goodie" that I made years ago, before all of the cool graphics programs, fonts & clipart that I now use. 

Yet it's still popular & a fun way to practice colors, shapes & numbers while picking a partner.

Well that's it for now.  Thanks for visiting.

I'm busy working on the rest of my letter packets. Wishing you a peaceful & productive day.

 "In the past a leader was a boss.  Today's leaders must be partners with their people...they no longer can lead solely based on positional power." -Ken Blanchard

1-2-3 Come Practice, Review and Assess With a Bunny and Me

Spring has sprung and it's time to review some of those Common Core Standards you've been teaching all year. 

Sigh.... as we all know, just because our little ones passed an assessment months ago, if we didn't continue to practice it throughout the year, sadly, a few of them did not retain that information.

With that in mind, I designed the very versatile  "I'm All Ears" game packet that will make reviewing a variety of standards quick, easy and fun. 

I don't know about your kiddos, but I've found that if I make a game for anything, I've grabbed my Y5's attention and can easily have them focused for a nice chunk of time.

Use the large and small bunny for a center activity, assessment, or game.  Run off the large and small bunny heads on ivory construction paper; laminate and trim.

Program large and small craft sticks with whatever you'd like to reinforce.  Keep each set in their own Baggie. 

I've included a list of synonyms/antonyms and a list of contractions so you can easily program the bunny ears with words that fit your age group.  

Here are some ideas:

• uppercase-lowercase letters
• number-number word
• number-group/set
• contraction-words that make up the contraction
• synonyms and antonyms
• equation-answer
• color-color word
• shape-shape word
• 2 words-compound word
• singular-plural
• long or short vowel sound to a matching word example

As you can see the possibilities are endless!  I hope this makes those end of the year reviews a bit more fun and less tedious.  Click on the link for the "I'm All Ears" For Common Core Bunny Game Packet

Thanks for visiting.  It's hard to believe that the school year is almost at an end.  Aprill and May months always seemed to simply fly, as there was so much to cram into the limited time I had left. 

My timer's ringing, so I'd better check the "No Peek Chicken".  It's one of my favorite recipes and smells delicious.  Wishing you a carefree day.

"Sweet April showers do spring May flowers!" -Thomas Tusser

 1-2-3 Come Do Some Shapely Bunny Activities With Me

Since the other Shapely Animal packets have been such popular downloads, I decided to add another one for spring.  If you missed the Shapely Slick Chick packet  that I published earlier this month, click on the link to grab it.  Here are the links for the other shapely animal packets as well: Penguins and Owls

The Honey Bunny packet follows a similar format. I've included large shapes that students can add details and ears to, to make their shapely bunny, as well as a set with bunny features drawn in.  Make a set, laminate and then use as a sweet spring bulletin board or to use as giant flashcards.

Have children pick out their favorite shape and make one of their own. However, If you want to turn their work into a bulletin board as well, toss the shape cards into a container and have them choose one. 

Whatever shape they pick is the Shapely Bunny that they'll create, otherwise, you might end up with everyone doing the same shape.

I've included a big bunny poster that you can personalize with your name and the caption: "Mr(s) ____________'s class is really shaping up... or "Somebunny" knows their shapes.  Hang this in the center of your bulletin board. 

Use the other poster to make a "What's the secret shape?" game.  Draw a question mark on an index card and tape it to the laminated poster so that it's a "hinged" "flap" door. 

Using a dry erase marker, draw a shape underneath or tape up one of the shape cards.  Call on children to guess what shape is hiding?

There's also an emergent reader booklet that covers quite a few standards.  Students read the simple sentences, underline the capital letters and add end punctuation. 

Children trace and write the shape words, as well as trace and draw the shapes and then draw details on the first shape to make it look like a bunny. 

The last page asks them which Honey Bunny was their favorite.  A graph is provided to record this data.

I've included bunny shape cards in color, along with their matching shape word cards. These are perfect for Memory Match or "I Have; Who Has?" games. 

Add the bunny Kaboom cards to your game to make things even more fun.  

There's also a set in black and white, which includes a cover, so that students can make an Itty Bitty Shape Booklet. 

Students can also play a funny bunny spinner game.  Children pick a partner and take turns spinning. 

Whatever shape they land on, they color the matching shape on their funny bunny.  The child who completes their worksheet first is the winner.  

Finally, I've also included a worksheet with spatial directions, one for listing a shape's attributes, plus a "match the shape to the shape word" worksheet. 

When everyone has completed whatever projects you want them to do, pass out the certificate of praise.  Click on the link to view/download the Shapely Bunnies Packet.  

That's it for today.  Thanks for visiting! My poodle pup Chloe, is demanding some attention, so I guess it's time to quit for awhile and take her for a trot around the block.  Wishing you an amazing day.

"In winter, I plot and plan.  In spring, I move!" -Henry Rollins