Showing posts with label monsters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label monsters. Show all posts

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Mostly Math and a little Giggle!!

Hello Everyone!
Yes, it's me.  I survived the last week.  It was parent conference and report card week.  I think I figured out that I put in over 60 hours just at school. I 'm not sure how many hours at home, but you get the idea.  Are you all in the same boat? Phew!  Talk about feeling drained!  Thank goodness for weekends.  I was able to re-energize a bit, but having work to do to get ready for this coming week, there wasn't a whole lot of relaxation.  (By the way...I looooove parent conferences!  I love having time to sit down with parents and learn a little bit more about my little learners.  Those insights are invaluable!!)
Anyway, I thought I'd do a quick post about one of the kids' favs from the week and share a couple of new things for this coming week. In math we worked our way through the Candy Corn Connection unit and practiced greater and less than with our candy corn crunchers.  We also made our large candy corn shapes with the different ways to show a standard number.  Here are a few pics.









This coming week in math we will introduce the concept of estimating to the nearest friendly or landmark numbers. This concept is so important for grasping even more number sense for our littles.  If they can get the idea of landmark numbers, reasonableness during addition and subtraction computation will be made more evident.  In first grade we work on estimating to landmark numbers of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20. (Some people call them "easy" numbers.) Once they can do that, our little learners can use what they know about landmarks to estimate to higher multiples of 10.  I put together a little unit last year to help intro and practice this, but decided to update and add to it this year. The unit is "seasonal" but if you want, let me know and I can send you a generic version.  Please e-mail me or leave a comment in the comment section of this post and leave your e-mail.  Here are some pics.


 














So, everything I've talked about so far has been math.  Next week in ELA we will enjoy a bit of Stellaluna, a bit of Splat, a bit of Runaway Pumpkin...and a little monster fun!
The monster fun will come in the form of a little poem, a little brainstorming, and a little hands on visual!!






I can't wait to do this little bit of monster fun!
If you would like the mini unit... 

Well, gotta run.  We've got Red Ribbon Week coming up, so prep for that need to get under way!! As well as some little sweet treats for my little monsters. October is crazy busy!!
So, till next time have a wonder-filled week and don't forget to giggle once in a while!!
Joyfully!
Nancy



















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Sunday, September 6, 2015

Two Weeks Down! A monstrous start!!

Hello Everyone!
Well, two weeks are in the books!  I have a wonderful group of firsties!  I love them all already!  It is going to be a monstrously fun year!  The kids have loved our Monster theme. Here are a few pics from meet the teacher night and the first day or two!

My Crazy Awesome Team!!  I love these girls!!
Our cute little Monster In My Pocket shirts!


We've got our eye on a Monster Year!

Meet the Teacher Treat!










Straw Paint Blow Monster!








A little bit of Monsterstopper Science

 

A little monster eye color graphing!

Click HERE for the 100 page Monster unit!
Friday was our 10th day of school already!  We celebrated all day. We were so busy, I didn't get a chance to snap any pics, but if your 10th day is coming up, you are welcomed to use this little mini  unit!







(After you click on the link, you have to click the download button, then you are ready to print.)

For now, I'm going to sign off and chill out the rest of this Labor Day weekend.  One of my sweet sons came home for the weekend, and we need to make some memories!! As soon as I can, I'll post about how our writer's workshop is going!  A little hint? We are loving it!!
Till then, have a wonderful 3 day weekend, everyone!!
Joyfully!
Nancy















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Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Writer's Workshop and Me and My School Updated!

Hello Everyone!
What??? Summer's almost over?? How can that be? I will finally get together on the beach with my fam next week...yes, the week before teachers go back!!   I am cutting it close! But before we go I wanted to make sure I shared two updated units.  The first one is my Writer's Toolbox and Workshop unit.  It is totally inspired by my fav. Lucy Calkins, with some tweaks and additions. It includes ways to set up notebooks, some things to include in notebooks, some writing paper temps., letter to parents, and a few other things. You will simply need a composition book and a pocket folder for each kiddo! Here are a few pics!



















Next up?  I have updated my "Me and My School " unit to include some monster stuff in case you wanted to try it! This little unit is packed with learning opportunities dealing with school environment, leaders, rules, bullies, etc.  It centers around some of my fav. books, Chrysanthemum, No David, Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon and The Monster Who Lost His Mean.
Here are some pics from the unit.  




















I hope these two little units help you get your year off to a great start!!  Getting Excited!!!
Have a great last few days!!!
As always, don't forget to leave a comment, as I try to read them all and take your thoughts into consideration as I continue on this journey! Thanks for stopping by and peeking through our little window!!
Joyfully!
Nancy







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