Part of THEIR WORLD

I learned several years ago that as a teacher of a 6-7 year old, I needed to be 'part of their world'. I had a student write an incredible story one day. I had never seen him write so well. The plot was outstanding as well as the description of the characters. I was talking about it at dinner with my own kids. My youngest looked at me and said, "Umm, mom, that's a cartoon on Nick Jr." Duh! While it had been a wonderful retelling on my student's part, it wasn't HIS original idea. After that, I decided I needed to GET INFORMED and be 'part of THEIR WORLD'! So I have some little helpers now that help me stay current on all the latest TV shows, hit songs, cool fashions, new toys, and movies  (just to name a few).

Here are my experts! My five oldest grandkids. Ranging in the expert kid age of 11 to 5 years old.

We've had a blast going to the latest summer movies for kids. We've seen Monster's University and Despicable Me 2 but we still have 2 more to go- Turbo and Airplanes. We've gone shopping for school clothes and checked out the hit YouTube videos (Taylor Swift is their #1). Ninjago is way cool and Finneas and Ferb are really funny. Needless to say, they've taught me lots!

Now when a kiddo in my class says, "let me be the first to say- ewww". I'll know where that came from. When they start talking about Ninjago I'll know it's a Lego toy. I'll be able to carry on an intelligent conversation with them and maybe, just maybe, be able to connect, bond, or motivate them.

If you can't tell, I LOVE spending time with these cuties! They keep me informed, up-to-date, and 'part of their world! Which makes me a better teacher!

Math Vocabulary Packet Giveaway

I've been working on this new packet for the past 3 days and it's finally FINISHED!!

There are 83 math vocabulary cards with cute, colorful pictures and simple, kid-friendly definitions. It contains the 'common core and more' for FIRST GRADE. I like to place the cards I'm working on for the week on my focus board and then add them to my math word wall. That way the kids can refer to them throughout the year. I also use the snipping tool on my computer and capture a picture of the cards I need and drag them into my Smart board lessons. Then the kiddos can see the cards BIG for the first time. We do the Marzano's 6 Step Process for vocabulary with a few adjustments. You can read all about it HERE from an earlier post.

This is just a sample of some of the words.

I have to give credit to my great team. We had a meeting and went over all the vocabulary from the common core and our new math book. Our district came up with a list of 30 words but we felt like it wasn't complete. So this list is MORE baby!

I'm going to have a GIVEAWAY if anyone is feeling lucky. Just comment on this post, be sure to leave your email address. Then tomorrow at noon (Mountain Time) I will use the random generator to select THREE winners for my Math Vocabulary Packet. I'll be notifying and sending you LUCKY winners the packet.

The lucky winners were Angie, Carol and Kim!!! Congrats! And many thanks to all who commented!!!

Hey, I'd LOVE to hear how you do your math vocabulary.

More and Less Freebie and New Number Charts

Man oh man, summer is flying by at a rapid speed! I only have 4 1/2 weeks left and I have a ton of things I still want to do. Isn't that just how life is though. Why couldn't the school year fly by at a rapid speed?

I've completed my More and Less packet and it is up on my shops. My kiddos need lots of practice with this concept and I hope this will help.

 There are 12 activity sheets on different levels so you can differentiate your teaching or use at different times of the year. They are grouped as one more or less < 50 or > 50 to 120 and 10 more or less < 50 or > 50 to 120. There are find a friend activities, color it and the more/less boxes.

If you'd like a copy of this FREEBIE from the packet click HERE.

There are 2 activities that could be used in math stations or with your whole class. My class absolutely LOVES the Swat It game.

I also added some new number charts with cute new backgrounds.

This one is 'Nautical Theme'

This one is 'Owl Theme'

This one is 'Chalkboard Theme'

And this one is 'Circus Cat Theme' (aka Cat in the Hat but I can't call it that)

Some of the packets are 0-20 and some are 0-30. If you don't see a theme that matches your classroom decor, just email me and I can make one for you. 

You can check out all these and more at my shops by clicking on the my sidebar.

I hope you're enjoying your summer and it is going by very s-l-o-w-l-y!!!

Number Sense

If you teach a primary grade then you know how important number sense is. The main focus in the new common core for first grade IS number sense. Number sense generally doesn't get developed deeply enough in the primary grade because the focus of the teaching is often on facts and skills. That's probably why the change in the core.

I found an amazing book about it.

Number Sense Routines by Jessica Shumway

If you click on the picture, it will link you to Amazon.com for more information.

"This book is about tapping into every child's innate sense of number, providing daily experiences to develop and nourish number sense, and facilitating students' application of number sense in a variety of situations and context."
Have you ever tried to explain to a parent what number sense is? Shumway says "number sense is very complex and there are many layers to it. It is rooted within all strands of mathematics. Number sense facilitates problem solving, reasoning, and discussing mathematical ideas." She then 'unpacks' the term number sense for you which includes subitizing, magnitude, counting, on-to-one correspondence, cardinality, hierarchical inclusion, part/whole relationships, compensation, and unitizing.

Wow! Those are some big words with big meanings. If we are not sure what they are and we are teaching first grade, we need to do a little homework and get with the program. I know I need to and I'm spending my summer studying and trying figuring this all out.

What's great about this book is Shumway gives you valuable information about number sense. Then she goes on to give you the tools to plan effective strategies to facilitate numerical literacy with your students. It's for grade K-3 which helps you see where your students are coming from and where they are going. The routines are warm-ups- quick 5-10 minute experiences at the beginning of your math class. Shumways says, "the 'daily-ness'- the everyday interactions-with numbers, amounts, patterns, and relationships will build your students' number sense."

Some of the specific routines detailed in the book are: Quick Images, Ten-Frames, Rekenrek, Count Around the Circle, Choral Counting, Start and Stop Counting, Organic Number Line, Ten Wand, Ways to Make a Number, Today's Number, Mental Math, Calendar, Collecting Data Over Time, and Counting the Days in School.

Over the years, I've done many of these activities but Shumway goes into depth with thought provoking questions and activities that deepen understanding.

If you want a great book for your summer reading, I'd suggest this one. It would make a great grade level team book study.

Hope I haven't bored ya'll but I get excited when I find a great book.
I'd LOVE to hear your comments.

P.S. I'd LOVE for you to follow me on Facebook HERE.

Happy Independence Day!

I hope everyone is enjoying there holiday in the USA.

Happy 4th of July!

Here's two of my favorite patriotic songs from YouTube. Enjoy!!

P.S. Don't forget I'm having a SALE!!

Best Job in the World

I've got to tell you, I LOVE being a teacher. I LOVE being a wife and mother. But I think the very best job in the world is being a GRANDMA!! I confuse this post is not about school. Sorry.
My son and daughter-in-law just had a new baby yesterday. And I'm loving it!

Here is our newest addition to the Peterson family. Meet Owen Jeffrey Peterson.

He weighed in at 6 lbs 4 oz. He's a tiny one compared to our last grandchild that was over 10 lbs.

I've spent the last 2 days tending his big bro 24/7.

This is Keagan, the #1 Big Bro.

He's not so sure of little Owen yet but he'll learn fast.

It's been fun entertaining a 2 year old.

We've done everything I can think of.

He loves painting with water especially the Gnome. Love the tongue and his concentration. Notice the stickers on his shirt. He LOVES stickers!

 Balloons were a big hit until they POPPED!

 Old Bill, the rocking horse, was one of his dad's favorite.

 He likes my piano and playing his tunes!

But racing the trucks down the table and crashing them into the blocks has to be his favorite.

I'm feeling very blessed. We now have 10 grandchildren, 5 boys and 5 girls!

Oh just a reminder- I'm having a SALE tomorrow.

July's Currently and a SALE!

WOW! Can't believe it's July already. I haven't done a Currently lately because generally it's way into the month before I can get around to it. So here it is July 1st and all ready over 300 blogger have linked up with their Currently. Am I late again? Oh well, here it is-

Yes, it is HOT here in Utah. Generally, we are not this HOT but for some unknown reason we are scorching this year. We've been over 100 degrees for the past week. We broke and set all kinds of records and it doesn't look as if this week will be any cooler. Oh well, I just stay inside and enjoy the AC.

I hope you're enjoying your summer and getting lot done. It WILL be over before you know it.

I'm having a SALE! Check out my shops on the 4th of July for my 20% off sale!

Graphic and Fonts from Melonheadz, Jen Jones, Ashley Hughes, Dancing Crayon, and Khrys Bosland!