Saturday, April 6, 2013

Odd and Even Numbers

My class just finished a week of noticing patterns in numbers - focusing on skip counting and odd / even numbers.

I have never spent this long on these two concepts, but it went really well.  I had to share the cute things I had found...because these are definitely not my ideas...I'm not that smart!  ;O)


Let me just say that some of these plans have been planned because of our state testing and my school requires that we be absolutely silent on those testing days...so you will see that reflected in the plans on STAAR days.

The Skip Counting Rap video I refer to in the lesson plans is below.  So cute!


And the Odd Todd and Even Steven cutouts and candy distribution lesson (lots of fun) are from the amazing blog:


So, as you can see - I steal ideas from EVERYWHERE!  But here is the end result - my class is awesome at Odd and Even numbers.  So awesome that we made a video of our learning:


Hopefully this will give you some fun ideas about how to take a bunch of different ideas that you find and make them your own!  Happy teaching ~

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

FunPacks

Remember college?  I do...sort of...
 
Some of my favorite parts of college were all the projects that I did in my teacher prep program.  One of those projects was a FunPack.  These were little bags filled with books and activities for students to bring home.  Now that I teach first grade I have 5 FunPacks that I still use.  The hardest part of FunPacks is beginning them: you have to choose themes that you have books and activities, write out the info sheets for parents, figure out how to manage them, etc.
 
If you want to try - here are some of the forms I use.  You can always download them and edit - it's always nice to begin from somewhere.  That way you don't have to start from nothing!
 
 
 
Here are the FunPacks I use:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One other document - I print these labels and put them in the binder on Friday.  Since they are pre-made it makes it easier to put in and keep up with.  Anything to make these more manageable during the very busy times of year is a plus. 
 
 
I love FunPacks and more importantly, the kids LOVE FunPacks!  Hopefully this will give you some ideas make FunPacks a part of your class ~