Sunday 6 November 22

 

Welcome to another "Sunday 6," where I share 6 random things from my week.  Enjoy!  

My kids have been working hard on subtraction for Math.  We practiced subtraction sentences with chips before we began doing much else.  I think it's so important to teach kids Math skills in a concrete manner first!  We played "Race to the Snacks," a board game, which can be found HERE.  My class loves "Wander and Write" so we did the easiest version of that activity (4 levels included for differentiation).  Grab it HERE.

We read Leaf Man and created a cute Leaf Man craft.  Grab the craft HERE and the book will be linked at the end of my post...perfect for anytime in Fall!

Here is November's Kindergarten Crate box!  KC is a monthly subscription for teachers.  It's available for grades pre-k through 2nd.  I get the 1st grade box each month.  Use code "WHEELER" at checkout to save $$$.  Such a fun surprise every month!  Also makes a great Christmas or birthday gift!

I have centers up and running this year, even in our hybrid model!  I have it set to where only 1 child is at a center at a time.  I'm mostly using my "LEVEL 1 FUNDATIONS PHONICS" centers games, which you can find HERE.  However, I sprinkle a few other activities in as well, such as the rhyming pack shown below.  Grab it HERE.  

In addition to centers, my kids have also been doing "free time bags."  These activities are for fun and help build problem solving, reasoning, and fine motor skills.  Read about them HERE.  Below is a fun activity that's in one of the bags.  See other, fun activities for the bags by clicking HERE for my Amazon shop (affiliate link).   

I'm introducing the Commutative Property the day we get back to school after break so I crated a little game to go with it.  It's called "Switcheroo."  The name goes perfectly with how I introduce this concept!  Grab the game HERE.

 

xo

Megan 

Math Strategies

We've been working hard on our addition and subtraction fluency in class!  It's such a big part of first grade's learning!  We have been playing games to help us practice!  In addition to partner games, we love Around the World!

In addition to daily practice, I introduce my kids to strategies.  This lets them know that they can use whatever strategy best fits their needs.  I also tell them that by the end of first grade, they are expected to be using mental math...I teach them about the word "fluency," because Math fact fluency is a building-wide goal.

The way I introduce strategies each year is by setting up stations.  I have the following materials out in groups around the room: number lines, dry erase boards/markers/erasers {or pencils/paper}, two-sided chips or manipulatives of some sort, and number grids.  At each station there is a coordinating sign to remind kids of the strategy they are trying.  I place kids in groups and give out addition or subtraction sentences.  Each group solves them using their designated strategy.  We rotate around and try them all.  We talk about how each group got the same answer and that it doesn't matter which strategy we use!  After the lesson, I give out strategy bookmarks to the kids.  They can take these home or you can tape them down to their desks.  I think they are helpful reminders for parents at home.  Grab the strategy set below!  I've also linked to my favorite tools for this below.

                               

 xo
Megan

*This post contains affiliate links.  I own and use the three items recommended often in my classroom.