Christmas-Themed Seesaw Math Activities

Some schools are F2F, some are virtual, and some are hybrid. Things are changing day by day. I don't know whether to make copies, break out the glitter, or get a ring light for Zoom teaching. 🤦🏼‍♀️ I truly don't know how to prepare. 

Something that actually occupies my mind and hands is creating Seesaw activities. It's quite time consuming because you have to insert each picture one at a time and I often have to remove backgrounds. I do really enjoy it though. 

Rather than reinvent the wheel I took one of my old products and decided to 2020 it! No, that doesn't mean ruin it, lol. I make it a digital Seesaw activity. I'm letting you know the printable was much easier but it's a good thing my tech skills have also improved over the years. So here it is--Christmas-Themed Seesaw Math Activities!

Click Here

 

Video Previews of 2 of the Activities: 

Computer Cleaning (**freebies found**)

Happy Sunday everyone! I'm getting back into the swing of school. I had a nice first week back with my firsties. I really missed them. I don't know about you guys but nearly half of them lost teeth over our break!!!

I'll say it's nice to do a full week back (after 2 week off then nearly a week off due to weather) and then get a 3-day weekend. Ahhh.

I was looking for a file on my computer this morning to email myself and I found it! Unlike my real life I try to keep my computer pretty organized so it was just a matter of remembering where I put it. I mean, don't you love putting something somewhere safe or in a specific place *just* so you can remember and then you forget where it is. Oh well.

I also found some goodies (or at least goodies to me) that I'm not sure if I shared or not. They are dropbox files. You do not need dropbox to save/open/download them but it's handy to have. I use it on my laptop, online, on my iPad, and my phone.

You can earn more space by referring friends and if they create an account and install it you get storage. (this is a shameless plug because I need more space, haha)

Here's my referral link:
https://db.tt/s6fIcszQ

Here are the files I found:

Use these half-sheet sized cards to practice making numbers with ten. Laminate to use a dry erase marker or use a manipulative such as buttons, beans, or cereal.

click here

After posting this I noticed that all of those cards have a sum of 10....I have edited that so when you download your freebie it will be correct. Sorry!

This is an editable parent letter. I do a middle of year assessment called DIBELs and I like to meet with some of the parents after administering this test. This is in Microsoft Word and is fully editable.

click here

I also found this to go along with assessments (non-editable)

Each year along with the DIEBLs I give a test called the TRC where students read passages and their rate and comprehension are evaluated. I made this to do a quick recording of where each student is throughout the year. You can check-mark where they are or color the box (our scores come out as a letter and that letter is color-coded red, yellow, or green)

click here

September Currently w/ a Freebie

I am loving this linky. I love filling out my Currently page and reading others.

If you want to link up with Farley head on over

Here's your freebie!

click here to get your freebie

Activities include:

-Sorting Odd & Even numbers to 10
-Roll & Cover (addition to 12 or number identification to 12)
-Skip Counting (2s, 5s, 10s)
-Matching tens frames to numbers to 10
-Matching number words to numbers (to 20)
-Number pattern puzzles

Can't believe *I* am talking about organization, lol

I'm linking up with Blog Hoppin' for Teacher Week. I totally wrote and All About Me type post on Monday...I typed it up on my spiffy iPad app....it was tricky typing up a post on the app and there was a learning curve. Yeah...um...well...after all that work it wouldn't flippin' post!

my error message!! 

So, I copied the HTML thinking I could post that way...well, I could but none of my pictures would show. I can't believe I paid (and I'm pretty frugal people) for that app. Urgh!

Today is allllll about organization. I'm just going to let you know I'm not very organized personally or professionally. I'm just throwing that out there. There are a few things that work well for me and they're probably things I picked up from coworkers, Pinterest, or fellow bloggers.

I number my students. So helpful for organization. Papers get their name and number for speedy alphabetizing, it helps me mentally account for every kid (hmm, I have 18 kids lined up and I'm supposed to have 19...who is missing. Well, I start with number 1 and I figure out the missing kiddo), mailboxes get numbers, I number popsicle sticks so I can do random grouping/helpers, and I use numbers for centers. 

One of the most important things I've learned and used are storage containers. Find storage options you like. 

(I forgot to take a picture of this so bare with me)

I inherited a homemade set of cubed cubbies. They're 4 cubbies across and 3 going down. Each spot is filled with one of these baskets that I prettied with ribbon. 

I sort each basket by genre or level. Right now the top row of the cubbies mostly have back to school/beginning of 1st type books. Other baskets include Dr. Seuss, Junie B. etc. That a big part of the reason I made my labels--they help show me which books are in which basket at a glance. I even made labels that were numbered so I can tell kiddos that they can only book shop from basket 2 (for example). 

click here

some other storage I use

These 3 drawer organizers have helped me out a lot. 

I'm not 100% sure about those monthly labels. That's why I haven't posted them or modge podged them. There is a drawer for each month with seasonal worksheets, craft samples, small decorations (like window clings), and seasonal centers. Since my discovery of TpT I have so many thematic & seasonal centers but nowhere efficient to sort them. It'll be so nice to just pull out my December centers and not go hunting around for them. Each one of those 3-drawer things was about $11 at Walmart. They make them in different sizes and even colors, too. I'm loving it so far. I didn't make a June or July one--instead I made one for things I need to file away and the other is for things I need to copy. 

For my daily worksheets, read-alouds, and materials I use stackable trays. Some are starting to crack so I'm thinking I'm going to order some more of the plastic containers that I use for book boxes. My teacher's manuals really weigh down the stackable trays and I love my book boxes (colors & durability)

This summer I made over my student mailboxes. I put notes, flyers, newsletters, and homework in them day-to-day. On Friday I put their special Friday Folder and all of their graded papers in their mailbox and they take them home. 

I color code all of my centers. I have cardboard magazine files that are in varied colors. I put a center or instructions for a center in a magazine file. 

I used to use a pocket chart and clothespins to organize the groups. I made some labels this summer that I like a lot more. 

The kids will stay in that color for the whole week (four days of centers and one day of whole group computer lab). They may choose any activity from their color group. They may do it and redo it throughout the week. We model scenarios of what to do if we don't like a center, if we've done them all, if one is too hard/easy, or if you're waiting on a new center. (no, I don't group them by number, that was just my beginning of the year pic) The color word cards and other center cards are included in my label bundle that I showed above. The numbers are from a freebie I posted about weeks ago. I use the numbers for centers & my book boxes. 

link up or check out more tips

Five for Friday (glad it's back!)

I'm really glad that this linky is back. It's the perfect linky for when I don't always have time to post during the week. I return to school on Monday. Monday will be a day of meetings, finishing touches on my classroom, and then Meet the Teacher from 5-6. It's gonna be a long day. Then on Tuesday I get to meet my firsties. Right now I have 19 but we all know that that number is not set in stone while it's still August.

Without much further ado here's a peek of 5 things from my week.

1. Teacher Blogger Exchange!
I signed up for this teacher blogger exchange thing I saw on Instagram from fellow blogger (and Instagram friend) Covered in Glitter and Glue . It was like B2S Secret Santa. I was paired up with a fellow first grade teacher from Florida. (Shhh, I was a little late sending my package but I had to find just one or two more *just right* items for her.)

I got my package this week.

Isn't that mini-corkboard darling! I also want to put the pink Scotch tape on every single thing I own. It's also hard to see but in the bottom right picture there are some really neat pens and they write lovely...and with pink and purple ink!

2. Working in my room
Like I said...back to work next week. I used to working during the summer and didn't have a lot of free time. These last two years I've decided not to take my summer retail job. Last summer was filled with pool time, road trips, and vacays. (LOVELY) This summer has been hum drum. I've enjoyed the time off, don't get me wrong. Also I hate alarm clocks. I will be happy to be in a routine again though. I've had a lot on my mind and keeping busy has helped.

I went in my room twice this week and got some stuff done (I may have "sneak" in Sunday and do more)

I love these book boxes. My labels fit perfectly, too!! 

I need to make it pretty but these are fake groups for  center time. 

3. Amazon.com
Probably goes without saying but I love www.amazon.com You can find nearly everything on there. I ordered some stuff and got another package this week!!

clockwise: armband for my iphone, gum ball machine, Miss Malarkey books, magnetic staple remover & usb extension cord

I love seeing that smiley Amazon box in my doorway. :)

4. Made some things for my class. 

birthday silly straws with my freebie labels

googly eye pointers for reading

giant clothespins with magnets glued to the back (took much stronger magnets than anticipated!)

5. Teacher Problems

I may have a Scentos problem. The bucket has markers and and highlighters. The little container has Scentos dry erase markers. 

Dice. I also love dice. Letter dice, number dice, fun dice, polyhedra dice. Love them all.

I also have a ton of Sharpies but I forgot to take a picture. What are you hooked on?

Interested in any of my labels? Check them out here.

Okay, I'm off to Staples to get some book binding done! I'm going to try to enjoy my last weekend of summer. 

First Grade Can Be a Circus

The other day I posted about our first grade circus. Well, I finished my math centers!!! I think they're adorable and will definitely give the kiddos something to do while our schedule is rearranged during practice.

I got a little carried away making this preview extra long. Here's what you'll get with your purchase.

click here to get it on TpT

Here's your chance to get these for FREE. (ahhh---one of my favorite words) All you have to do is leave a comment with your email and I'll choose one at random. I'd appreciate a pin but not necessary.

**the QR code center will require access to a smart device with a barcode/QR code scanner app installed and wi-fi (I have an old smartphone that is no longer activated but can access wi-fi with the app for my kiddos--ideas to use are old smartphones, iPod touch, iPad, iPad mini)**

click here to get it on TpT

Marching into Math

I'm still adjusting to my Mac...and yes so far all of the Mac enthusiasts that commented have been right! I really really like it. I'm figuring our shortcuts and things are coming naturally to me.

This Friday marks March 1st and my firsties are showing such growth. I finished my middle of the year math and reading assessments and I saw such growth.

I am trying some new things this year (Daily 5...though I really only do Daily 3 or 4) and I'm doing more engaging centers. Not just buying them from a company that thinks they know where my kiddos should be.

Anywho. Based on what my kids enjoy doing during center time, what we've learned, where we're going, and what they need to work on I created these 8 March Math Centers. Presenting: "Marching into Math"

I'm now happy to present one of the first items I created using my Mac. (Hmm...I don't think I like calling it a Mac or Macbook...I think she needs a name...)

Check them out on TpT

You'll get 8 Math Centers geared toward first graders

1. Number Bonds
Students will write the missing part or missing whole of each equation. Students will have to use missing addend and missing whole properties.
(with recording sheet)

2. Number Patterns
Stack the ice cream scoops to complete a number pattern
(with follow-up worksheet)

3.Sorting true and false addition and subtraction number sentences
(with follow-up worksheet)

4. Concentration--Matching Game
Match the addition and subtraction problems to their answers
(May be played individually or with a partner)
(with number bond recording sheet)

5.Fact Families
Given three numbers the students need to generate the four members of a fact family

6. Money
Matching the coins to their total value
(with assessment worksheet)

7. 10s Frames
Count the total number of items in the tens frames and match them with their number representation

8. Roll and Cover
3 roll and cover pages that require 3 dice

Click here to check them out on TpT

Gearing Up to Go Back

I know...I know...I said it. I don't go back until the 7th but I need to go in and have a little 'work day' for myself. I have plans, copies, rearranging desks, taking down decorations, and gr...grr...grading. (eek)

I'll need some new centers and word work activities for my kiddos when they return. Can't keep doing stuff with Santa and elves on them!

Here's what I finished up from the comfort of my couch in a chihuahua sandwich.

Oh, and yes some are common core aligned but as you all know there are tons of things we need to teach that are not standards.

You'll get 5 reading focused centers and 5 math focused centers

click here to check it out on TpT

click to enlarge

sort words by their real spelling or their sound-out spelling

 

nonsense word game

 

sort the sentences by the punctuation they should have

 

put words in ABC order

 

complete the number patterns (counting forward and backward)

 

fill in the missing part or whole

 

read the number sentence to decide if it is true or false

 

match number sentences to their answer

 

count the coins and match them to their written representation

 

unscramble the sentences

 

If you like this please pin one of my (many) images. Leave the link to the pin and I'll follow you on pinterest and pick someone to get a free copy! 

Get it at my TpT store