Wintery Pattern Block Fun

This week we combined the wintery elements outside our windows with our current unit on geometry for a little project fun.

We have been working our way through reviewing names of common polygons and exploring their attributes using pattern blocks. Thus, in working to take it one step further and embrace the season, I asked my students to make snowflake patterns by selecting at least three different shapes to use in their creation. 

The students traced the patterns on to a sheet of white computer paper with a pencil. They then retraced their finished product with a permanent marker and cut before gluing onto the blue background.

To take it one step further, they each wrote a paragraph about their snowflake. (We sneak writing in wherever we can, right?!) In the paragraph, they had to share the names and how many of each shape was included in their flakes.

And there you have it. Quick, fun project that incorporates math, writing, and the season!

Mobile Peas and 3D Glasses!

Today I thought I would just bombard you all with some of my favorite activity randomness from the week...

We have been working on beefing up our "events" section of our fiction retells by reviewing the whole beginning, middle, end dealio.

I thought the classic "La princesa y el guisante" otherwise known as "The Princess and the Pea" would serve as a good solid story for this activity.

Meanwhile...we are studying balance and motion in science and it was the day to create "mobiles" on Thursday. 

So I thought...why not combine these two fab lessons into one...sometimes I am amazed as to how the "teacher" brain thinks these things through. Thus, "pea mobiles" were invented!

First, we read our story and the students wrote the beginning, middle, and ending events on three different peas. Then I passed out a cup with all "mobile" materials to each group as well as the "mobile making posters" to each student. (You can see a copy of one of these on my little blue-sleeved kiddos desk).

The original mobiles called for the students to hang notecards cut in half on each of the paperclips...but our peas were just way more fun!

It was quite tricky to get them to balance just right...

Here is a final product example. I had a few kids share that they were going to give their mobile to their little bro/sis to hang over their crib. ;). Too thoughtful!

In other super class news...we continued our shape review this week by moving on to good ole' 3D shapes.

We started by creating this quick anchor chart together...

As a quick hook, I asked my students who had attended a 3D movie?..nearly all raised their hands enthusiastically as I asked what was different about these types of movies and what they had to wear to be able to see these special effects successfully.

3D glasses of course they all shared in unison!

I then shared that we would be going on a 3D shape hunt around the classroom...and wearing the aforementioned 3D glasses so that we could do our jobs as mathematicians successfully!

Here is one of my cuties perusing the classroom...

And here is a copy of the glasses we used...(snag them by clicking on the image).

I literally just typed in "glasses printable" that day in school so I am sure there are many others to choose from if these aren't your cup of tea!

The students took them home to do search for 3D shapes around the casa for homework!

Shapes Galore

This past week we have been reviewing 2D shapes. 

We started by working together to create our 2D shape anchor chart

The kiddos also did a variety of sorts to practice distinguising between the shapes, including a 2D Shape Sort, I have previously shared with you all which you can grab a free copy of at my TpT store in English/Spanish, by clicking the cover page image below:

We also sorted shapes according to whether they follow the rules to be a polygon or not in our math journals.

Yesterday, we enjoyed a game of 2D Shapes Memory (my newest product!), which you can grab a copy of at my TpT store as well in both English/Spanish by clicking the image below:

The pack includes 12 different shape name cards and corresponding figures for students to use to practice their 2D shapes! Enjoy!

K-2 Linky Love and Fabulous Freebie

Linking up with Jeannie over at Kindergarten Lifestyle for a little Kinder-2nd linky party. She is trying to get all of us together in one place so we have a plethora of wonderful blogs to peruse! I think she is even going to create a Pinterest board with them all as well- so you don't want to miss out! So link up my K-2 friends!

During our intervention block today, I did a quick shape sort with some of my kiddos that are still struggling with good ole' 2-D shapes. Check out this freebie (in Spanish and English) by clicking on the image below.

Hope your week is off to a wonderful start! Spring is nearly here :)