January 11, 2018
Sweet Treat Fractions!
This post may contain affiliate links where I will earn a small commission.
You can read my full disclosure policy here.
You can read my full disclosure policy here.
It’s
that time of year again where fractions begin to make their debut in
classrooms and today I am so excited to share with you how I’ve taught
this unit to my kiddos. Fractions can always be tricky for some kids
because it’s the concept that a whole object can be divided into parts
and how we label those parts.
I’ve found that first, introducing money (a
dollar is divided into quarters, etc.) or time (half past, quarter past,
etc.) makes fractions easier to grasp because students have that schema
from earlier lessons in the year.
Study Jams by Scholastic
Study Jams
by Scholastic is another great resource to add to any lesson. They
provide wonderful visuals and they’re completely free! Scholastic
provides a ton of videos for multiple math and science topics, which
helps make teaching these tougher concepts a breeze.
Introduction (via)
I personally love beginning this unit with a reading of Eating Fractions because it ties in perfectly with our "sweet treats" theme. However, any of these read alouds would be a great introduction of the concept!
After reading and discussing with students what a numerator and denominator represents, discuss how to write a fraction and use examples from the book to reinforce these ideas.
After reading and discussing with students what a numerator and denominator represents, discuss how to write a fraction and use examples from the book to reinforce these ideas.
Guided Practice
Using jellybeans, pour 20 onto a desk in front of the class so everyone can see. Invite a student to come up and count each jellybean - this will be the denominator. Encourage your class, or student, to explain back to you that this number represents the “whole", or the total number of jellybeans. Repeat this step with each same-color jellybeans on the table and practice writing the various fractions that are found. Students can watch or you can incorporate class whiteboards!
Afterwards, add up each of the numerators to demonstrate that it will equal 20, which is your denominator or “whole”. I always share with my kids that adding the numerators is a great way to check their work!
At this point you can play the Study Jams video on fractions or head straight into the craftivity!
Independent Practice
For the independent practice portion of this lesson there are a variety of 'sweet' activities to choose from. Over the course of the week we read a variety of the read alouds outlined above and practice using a different activity from this bundle. Here's a peek at what we complete over the course of the week:
First, students choose four colors, which will represent their gumballs. They will decide how may they want to draw inside their machine. From there, they'll count and represent the colored gumballs as a fraction. Once the math representation is completed, they may design and color their machines and glue to their construction paper for displaying.
Another fun activity to do with the kids is fraction sundaes!
It’s another popular way to have kids demonstrate their understanding of fractions by choosing their flavors and writing out the fractions. The key to this activity (and the gumballs) is to limit the number of flavors your students can pick. The first time I did this activity I kept it open-ended to see where it would take them, but reeling it in helped my kids focus on just a few flavors at a time and focus on writing their fractions correctly. Those higher achieving students can always complete a second sundae in their math notebooks when they finish!
Cookie FractionsIt’s another popular way to have kids demonstrate their understanding of fractions by choosing their flavors and writing out the fractions. The key to this activity (and the gumballs) is to limit the number of flavors your students can pick. The first time I did this activity I kept it open-ended to see where it would take them, but reeling it in helped my kids focus on just a few flavors at a time and focus on writing their fractions correctly. Those higher achieving students can always complete a second sundae in their math notebooks when they finish!
The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchens is a fun story about diving cookies so that all the kids can have an equal amount. This story is a great introduction to this activity where students have their cookie to divide and represent the fractions they create. I’ve made templates for halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, eighths, and tenths as well as a blank one. Students represent fractions both in numerical form as well as tracing the word form too.
I tried this activity a few years ago and I absolutely love how engaged my kids were throughout the entire thing! It was so easy to prep - you just need pink and white marshmallows (or use mini to large) and place them in the baggies that will represent different fractions. I prepped these ahead of time and even created a little cheat sheet that had the fractions I created recorded so it made checking their work even easier.
Fractions can be so much fun and I’m excited to share these activities that have been proven to keep kids engaged the entire unit!
What fun activities do you plan for your kids for teaching fractions?
January 1, 2018
Ringing In 2018 | A NYE Craftivity + Writing Prompts
Getting Crafty
Craftivities really help engage our little learners because it requires them to interact with the lesson in a tangible way. It keeps them working and their brains thinking all the while taking in new skills. This NYE writing unit combines reflective writing prompts with a fun craft for students to create!
Students will create a self-portrait of sorts using any coloring materials you’d like. I personally love using glitter on the 2018 glasses because it really adds a pop of detail and brightens up the bulletin board, hallway, or wherever you’d like to display them. The kiddos design their own party hats (can even be used in math with some kind of glyph!) and attach their writing so that the final product looks like their person is holding their new years resolutions writing. I love this activity every year because it’s a great introduction to writing after a long winter break.
Prompt Variety
This unit also includes a variety of writing prompts that will be sure to get your kiddos thinking about the year ahead. There’s always so much talk about setting resolutions, or goals, and this is the perfect time to introduce, or re-introduce, goal setting. Resolutions don’t have to be cumbersome goals, but rather little goals here and there that are attainable within a reasonable amount of time. Have students think about the areas (both in school and out) where they would like to improve and the ways in which they can take steps towards achieving that goal.
NYE celebrations also look different for each family or culture so why not showcase this classroom diversity? Having your students share how they celebrated will be sure to be a fun discussion and sharing time upon returning to school.
These prompts don’t all have to be used as a whole group writing activity either. Simply place them into a reading center or use as morning work on those first few days back from winter break!
Sometimes students need a little prompting to get their creative minds working! I love this Counting Down To A New Year handout because it gets my kids thinking about specific details they can add to their writing about their new years goals.
Lastly, reflection on our growth is important regardless if you’re a student or an adult. This worksheet has students reflect on the past, present, and future and how they can improve over time. It’s also a great way to show them that although they may not realize it at the time, growth does occur and one should be proud of those achievements. Have students think about where they started, how they’re doing on that goal now, and how they can stretch themselves in the future. Such a great conclusion to this lesson!
November 8, 2017
It's Looking Like Christmas!
Hello and happy hump-day to you! As the holidays approach (Christmas...I know, right?!) I wanted to jump on here and share a little update with you all about my shop, Little Fox Lettering Co.
First off, what is Little Fox Lettering Co?
Well, if you didn't know already, or follow my lifestyle blog, I am currently a stay-at-home-mom and I consider creativity a spiritual gift that God has given me. I try to express this creativity in many ways from creating resources for my TpT store, writing here and at my other blog, and now venturing into small business with my lettering shop. I believe that all of our spiritual gifts are bestowed upon us so that we may use them to bring joy and happiness to others. I definitely have other gifts, but my creative spirit allows me to connect with a lot of people from all over the place and that's pretty amazing!
I first began lettering since I could hold a pen, but it wasn't until around May of this year that I thought to try and start and share my designs. Inspired by my own little fox, Greyson, Little Fox Lettering Co was born! It took some time, and I'm still a small-time shop, but I am excited about creating pretty things for others to enjoy!
Here's a peek at the holiday options that are currently available - and even customize! So, look no further for something more personalized this gift giving season!
Custom Birch Wood Ornaments
One of my most popular listings, next to the custom pumpkin lettering in the fall, are these birch wood round ornaments! I've had the privilege of creating custom ornaments for a group of moms with children that have Down Syndrome, gift ornaments for dog sitters and walkers, for a boyfriend who just accepted a new job, and a baby who is celebrating her first Christmas! And best yet, I've loved creating each one!
Custom Glass Ornament
These glass ornaments are all hand-lettered by me, then packaged safely in a Kraft gift box. Order them in rose gold or navy - they'll be sure to delight any of your loved ones this year.
Gift Wrap & Address Labels
One of the newest additions to my holiday line over at the shop is this succulent gift wrap! Hand-drawn and printed on the best matte paper, you'll be sure to have one of the best wrapped gifts this year! Succulents are everywhere here in CA and have quickly become one of my favorite plants. They come in different colors, sizes, and shapes - so this year why not stand out a little bit?
Also new to the shop, and featuring this same succulent design, are these custom wraparound address labels! I adore these labels and can't wait to use them for this years' holiday cards to our loved ones. Each order comes with a set of 24 labels, too!
Gift Bags!
The OG of the shop have been these custom lettering gift bags! I've had so much fun lettering these for brides, bridesmaids, holiday parties, goodie bags for events, and so many other functions! And now you can order wine gift bags!
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Happy shopping!
November 7, 2017
Matter Matters! | A Science Unit
This packet contains all the important objectives in a fun fill-in-the-blank format, which is perfect for those beginner note taking skills. I incorporated videos from Scholatic’s Study Jams (which are fabulous resource videos if you haven’t already heard of them!) as well as Brain Pop Jr. I also use this packet as a companion to a PowerPoint slideshow I made, which helps me keep my lessons on track.
I made some edits to my original packet, but for the most part all of the content is still the same. If you have already downloaded this unit, be sure to re-download the newest version. For those of you who need it you can pick it up at my TpT store here.
Lesson 1: The Three States of Matter
Lesson 2: Mass & Volume: Measuring Matter
Lesson 2: Mass & Volume: Measuring Matter
Lesson 3: Changing States
Lesson 4: Physical & Chemical Changes
Lesson 5: Experiment: Sugar Cube
Three States of Matter Poems
September 1, 2017
Parent & Teacher Conference Forms FREEBIE
Conferences are upon us and that means having to get organized with
scheduling parents and sharing your student progress up until now. I
love meeting with parents within the first few months of school because
it allows me to touch base with them at least once (it’s not guaranteed
both parents will be present for future conferences) and share what
they’re children have been learning and will learn in the coming months.
However, with that said, conferences can be an overwhelming time too
considering most school districts are gearing up for end of the quarter,
report cards, and fall break if you’re so lucky to have one.
Let’s take a peek at what you’ll get!
Quarterly At-A-Glance Forms
My first year teaching I found myself talking way to much about one particular subject and missing others. Or that dreaded “going over time” and feeling like my schedule was all out of whack! Not anymore! Since using these at-a-glance forms I’m able to slim down my talking points by using this tool, which is also helpful for parents to see everything. District benchmarks and various scores are included so that you can easily discuss where each student is at compared to where your district recommends they be. A strengths, weaknesses, and stamina box helps encourage parents to see what they should be keeping an eye out for when work comes home.
Easily keep records of each quarter’s conferences and allow parents to snap a picture with their smartphone for their own records (or just simply make copies for them). By having the quarter at-a-glance I no longer run into the issue of going over my time and it helps ease those initial jitters by having talking points right in front of me!
Two Templates Of Forms
For other kinds of conferences, such as for behavior, this download also includes a template just for keeping a written record of what was discussed at the meeting. This form can also be used to send home to the parent asking for a conference so they have time to put their thoughts/concerns down and send back to the teacher. That way when conference day happens, both sides are ready to talk and no one is blindsided or fueled by emotions.
I really like the spot just for suggested interventions because it allows the teacher and parent to brainstorm ways they BOTH can intervene so the concern or issue is resolved. A lot of times parents think it’s only the teacher’s responsibility to create interventions for in the classroom, however, interventions at home help a great deal too.
Don’t Forget Slips
We know parents are busy, especially if they have multiple children. It’s easy for conference dates to be forgotten. These helpful reminder slips are perfect to send home even a few weeks before their conference date so all parents are aware of their time and where to meet. I also recommend posting your conference times outside your classroom or online (if you have a class webpage) so that there’s no excuse for a missed meeting. Another helpful tip is to print these slips on bright colorful paper so that it stands out from the other paperwork coming home.
Thank You Slips
After any conference it’s always a nice touch to send a little thank you to the parents you met with. It’s to share the understanding that time is precious and for parents and teachers alike to set aside time in their busy schedules to meet is important.
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