Math is a series of patterns and understanding these patterns can help those light bulbs go off for elementary math students. Help kids understand the Rules for Adding Even and Odd Numbers and make math school work and homework easier today.
August 31, 2011
Tips & rules for adding of even and odd numbers
August 30, 2011
Teen talk: Taking your cell phone to school
Does your teen take their cell phone to school? Why or why not?
Times have changed quite a bit at my teenager daughter’s high school. I remember just a few years ago I would have to worry about my son “sneaking” and taking his cell phone to school. During those years, the school would confiscate any cell phone that they found and parents would have to go to the school to pay a fine and retrieve the cell phone. They would also get a “slap on the wrist” with a not so friendly reminder that cell phones were prohibited. It’s not so today, and in many ways I am glad because now my daughter can carry her cell phone to school.
Why would I allow my daughter to take her cell phone to school?
- There is no rule against it. However, there are several disciplinary measures in place if students are caught using their phone in any manner different from the stated rules. For example, students may use their cell phones in the hallway, at lunch or even during study hall, however, they cannot use it during any class time. If students are caught using their cell phone during classroom sessions there are disciplinary measures that range from a warning and having their phone taken away for the rest of the day to a three day out of school suspension and even expulsion.
- My oldest daughter is a teenager in high school and very involved in athletics. Practice schedules, game times and transportation arrangements sometimes change and it is necessary for her to contact us to inform us of changes. Sometimes she wants to stay after school for other extra-curricular activities and a quick phone call to a parent is all that is needed to get permission.
To be honest, she doesn’t always carry her cell phone to school with her. She worries about the consequences and the possibility of getting in trouble. However, during basketball or track season it is as much a part of her equipment as her uniform. Continue Reading …
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August 29, 2011
Teaching even & odd: 15 Math Games & Activities for Home
A strong foundation in basic math skills and concepts is such a plus for young students. Try these fun and easy games and activities you can do in and around the house to reinforce math skill in 15 Games & Activities for teaching even & odd.
August 29, 2011
Kindergarten writing prompt for this week – My name is
Now is a good time to start your Kindergarten Kid’s journal. You may want to purchase a spiral bound notebook for this project or you can print one directly from here.
Today’s writing prompt, “My name is (insert name here). Your child should write this out phonetically, without help. There is plenty of room so they can write it more than once.
Advanced K students could go ahead with writing it out correctly – but not “copying” your print, but following your verbal instructions.
Next your child can draw a picture of themselves to illustration their “story” writing prompt.
Visit our printables page for more free printable activities in PDF form.
August 27, 2011
Teaching Odd/Even Numbers
Even and odd seems pretty elementary at first glance but find great Tips and Tools for Teaching Even and Odd Numbers here. Find out what common mistakes kids usually make and how to avoid them.
August 25, 2011
5 Math Manipulatives for Kindergarten & First Grade
Preschool math is all about recognizing numbers, reciting numbers and basic correspondence counting but in kindergarten and first grade math skills will really start to add up. Counting money, telling time, patterns and place value are just a few of the skills on the math path when children start elementary school. Having a few good math manipulatives and learning toys in your home can be a step in the right direction.
A good hands-on clock toy can help speed up to the hour until your young child can tell time.
A manipulative clock toy is a math must have for five to Continue Reading …
August 24, 2011
Review: Snip it, by Mead
Mead’s Early Snip It Stage 1 is a workbook containing sheets of paper with outline drawings for your child to use to learn to cut and practice their cutting skills.
Learning to cut is an important skill for children to master, but what I really like about this workbook is that it also teaches:
- eye – hand coordination (as they learn to cut straight on the lines as well as assemble to “crafts)
- fine motor skills including prewriting skills
- learning visual boundaries
- and learning or enforcing shape recognition
To be honest, the first couple of time I used the Snip it workbook I didn’t really appreciate it. Since then I have had some more time to explore it and there are several different ways to use the book.
- Choose a sheet (say a rainbow).
- Have your child cut the picture out.
- Then cut some strips of colored paper from the back of the book. Cut them into tiny squares (more practice)
- Peel from the original picture and you will discover a sticky sheet. Fill in the sticky sheet with colored squares.
Other activities include cutting shapes out to assembly a picture (such as a caterpillar, boat or train) or cutting out shapes and finding where they belong in other scenes.
There are 34 activity sheets.
Now that I have spent some more time with the Snip it workbook by Mead I actually do better appreciate exactly what it can teach your child to do as well as reinforce some basic skills. Because it’s in a nice workbook and some project require no glue we can even take it on the go to use at Grandma’s or at a restaurant while we wait for dinner and it makes a nice distraction that doesn’t make a great big mess.
August 23, 2011
Make a Prayer Bear Craft
A prayer bear craft is a great way to help young children add names or photos to create their own prayer list. Learn how to Make a Prayer Bear Craft from materials you have on hand.
August 22, 2011
Kindergarten site words and tips for learning them
Learn site words through these exercises:
- Flash cards
- Recognize and read them as you read along together
- Pick them out randomly wherever you may happen to be – make a game of it at the grocery store or while running errands.
Instant recognition of site words helps with reading readiness and success!
Visit our Free Printables page and download your list of Kindergarten Site words and get started on reading success!
August 21, 2011
Cool Summer Snacks for Kids
Kids really dig DIY snow cones.
Snow cone stands pop us across the country every summer but this sugary, sweet syrup isn’t the healthiest choice. Kids can make their own snow cones by crushing ice in a blender and adding fruit juice or sports drinks for flavor and color. Serve homemade snow cones in a fancy cup for sipping or with a teaspoon for digging in.
One yogurt plus one stick in the freezer equals a too cool treat.
Frozen yogurt dozen just have to come in a cone. We love to freeze individual yogurt and make yogurt pops. Simply make a slit in the top of a yogurt container and insert a craft stick. After about half an hour in the freezer, gently massage the container until the frozen yogurt separates. Remove the top and pull out a cool and refreshing homemade yogurt pop.
Fruit kabobs are the trick to a smart snack on a stick.
Any fruits you would add to a fruit salad are perfect for a frozen fruit kabob. Chunks of pineapple, grapes, strawberries, slices of kiwi can all be added to a wooden skewer kabob style. Place the fruit kabobs in a freezer bag and freeze for up to an hour. Kids love munching on this naturally sweet treat to beat the heat.
Get mellow with individual cups of Jell-O.
Sugar free Jell-O is made with water and it’s a fun way to stay hydrated. Have kids follow the recipe for Jell-O and then pour into individual cups. Kids can even add non-citrus fruits for mini gelatin salad. Place the cups and in the refrigerator according to directions for a sugar-free snack that is colorful and cool.
Everybody stops for homemade juice pops.
From dollar stores to grocery stores you can find sets of homemade popsicle makers. Use your favorite fruit juices or sports drinks for DIY popsicles. Most will freeze in about an hour. Submerge below the tops in warm water to help release the pops and kids can enjoy a refreshing homemade frozen treat.
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