Bones for Base Ten

We've had a busy past couple of weeks in first grade. Last week, we visited the Corn Maze for a field trip. It just so happened to be on my birthday (October 24th) and the kids were convinced that's why we were going. It was a lot of fun and they enjoyed seeing animals, getting lost in the maze, and decorating their own pumpkins.

This week, we've been busy doing a variety of activities. In math, we're pulling all of our recent place value lessons together. On Monday, I pulled out a new activity for the kids that they simply loved! I heard a lot of "This was fun." when we finished the activity. It was such an easy lesson to plan that I was surprised by how much they loved it!

The first thing I did was create bones of various sizes on the computer. (I'll be uploading these to TPT soon for those who don't want to create their own.) Then, I printed them on cardstock and had them laminated. The largest of the bone had to be taped together after lamination because it spanned two pages.

Next, I set each bone (several of each) on a table. There were five different bones. I gave them each a number. Then, the students used their recording sheet and went to a table. They used base ten blocks to "measure" the bone. They wrote down how many tens and ones it took to go from tip to tip. Then, they had to write the expanded form of the number and draw a picture of the blocks.

 

This lesson could easily be adapted to other objects as well. We haven't covered measuring yet, but I felt this was a good way to pull it into our lesson just a tiny bit.

Want to Motivate Your Little Writers?

Every November, I attempt to complete NaNoWriMo, which is a challenge that is put out to writers everywhere to write a 50,000 word novel in a month. Every year I get distracted and don't meet the word goal. I'm giving it another shot this year.

To go along with this challenge, they have a Young Writer's Program. We're starting a unit on nonfiction writing in November, so I'm unable to give it a shot this year. However, I thought I'd share the Young Writer's Program with my followers. It is set up to work with ALL grades. They have lessons and activities across the grade band!

Learn more here:

 

You never know - it might be the motivating factor your students need!

The Sub Plans Were Worth It

As you may recall, I went AWOL last week as I took a few days to go see my long distance boyfriend (which is a whole other story for a totally different blog).

The time away really made me appreciate my class in several ways when I saw what I returned to. I'm going to quickly share my top three things about returning to work this past Monday.

1. It was the first time I ever returned from having a sub and saw "You have a good class." among the notes left by a sub.

2. I had former students and current students welcoming me back with giant hugs, smiles, and even small gifts. I even had a couple parents drop a "Welcome back" and "How was your trip?"

3. My students made my first day back relatively easy by behaving quite well. (Then, the power of the full moon hit on Tuesday...)

All in all, I think this was the first time I returned to a neat room, pleasant note, and happy kids. This teacher certainly can't complain and you can bet I will save the number of this sub. (This was the second time I've used her...she was amazing!)

Keep an eye out for several posts coming in the next few weeks with goodies and new products just for you!

Temporary Break

I'll be away from the blog for the next few days, so you won't be seeing my smiling face and crazy ideas hanging around the blog.

When I return, there will be lots of fun ideas to share! I have several projects that I'm currently working on for ya'll!!  (Including some freebies!)

Mischief, our classroom mascot

 

SLANT Box Reveal & A Sale!

My buddy for the September SLANT box exchange was Lindsay at Flipping Over Fourth Grade. Although we didn't get as much time to talk as we both would've liked, I still enjoyed getting to know her! September was a very busy month.

Here's what she sent me:

I loved every bit of it! You can be sure the colorful pens will be put to good use in my classroom. I also love the sticker sets - one is full of quotes (I love quotes) and the other is a nautical themed set that's way too adorable! I also adore the necklace - in fact, I wore it to school the very next day. (I even switched away from my pre-planned outfit to find something it would go with!) I'm not sure how she managed it but this box is absolutely perfect!!

Also, for those of you that don't follow me on Facebook (they found out yesterday), I'm hosting a 10% off sale in my TPT store through Monday!!

Stickers - Awesome Motivators

I have once again discovered the joy of using stickers to increase motivation. Every year I forget the power of them and then rediscover them.

My kiddos this year have been enjoying them and we've been collecting them on the front of their writing journals. It excites them that they have a place to store them where they won't get lost.

Discovering the power of stickers meant I also discovered I needed new ones. I got lucky and found two adorable sets at A.C. Moore that are appropriate for October. My kids are going to love them! (I may even have to keep a few myself.)

 

(For some reason, Blogger is turning this picture even though it's correct on my camera and computer. I wanted you to see the adorable owls and mustaches that were in the sticker pack!)

 

My Falling into Fall unit in action. My kids are loving the sorting game!