thanks BirdandMoon.com
The End.
Sarcastic Saturday Love
thanks BirdandMoon.com
thanks BirdandMoon.com
Preschool Math Memory Game
This game is played as a Standard Memory or Matching Game.
Skill Building:
MATH: Counting, Subitizing, Number Recognition
SOCIAL SKILLS: Following Directions, Turn taking, waiting
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. For beginners: Print out 1 copy of each page. Laminate if desired.
2. Cut out cards. Place upside down and spread out on table.
3. Take turns choosing a card, and find the match, like a standard memory game.
4. Play individually, centers, small groups.
5. Add more cards to original deck as skill level increases.
6. Students will need a instructor guidance until they remember the mechanics of the game and are familiar with it. Then, decreased instruction. Repetition of any memory game will aid in learning and retaining information.
Preschool Math Activity Memory Game
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DIY Valentines Day Wreath
My Goals met in DIY Valentines Day Wreath Craft Idea:
Max supply cost 5$, Max time to make 10 min,
A DIY Valentine Wreath I can display before and after Valentine’s Day = lack of clutter. I’m not a fan of wreaths in general, most are unwieldy to store. This one is easy to store.
I added the heart later, I had a leftover wood heart but I would’ve used a paper one if I didn’t have the wood one. Look, no one is going to critique what something is made of-they are only seeing the overall product.
Here’s where I bought my stuff, basically leftover xmas supplies:
Thrift Store: Hoop and wired yarn fur. Substitute: anything that can be wrapped around a hoop, even that thick fuzzy yarn.
Sheer ribbon/printed ribbon: $ store.
Floral Picks: Joann’s discounted Christmas supplies. i picked up whatever they had left and the pickings were slim!
NOTE: I wish our town had a better $tree. The floral picks can probably be found at most $trees, remember my town doesn’t even have a Target.
OPTIONAL: Loop and tie a ribbon around the Valentine’s Day Wreath top for a hanger!
I only made a loop because I was posting this craft. I don’t personally care about a loop. The loop can be glued if you want it to stay in place, but again, I keep it simple. The downside to gluing is if I story it in a tub, the ribbon can be crinkled or ruined. Without glue, the ribbon can be cut and replaced. Plus I don’t like glue spots on ribbon, personal preference ha ha.
Okay friends, Happy Winters-Valentines Day!
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Unlock Creative Block Journal Writing Prompts
I’ve experienced a creative block all week. I usually have ideas going off like Christmas lights. I’ve had ideas, but not INSPIRED ideas. No “AHA” moments. It’s not fun but I remind myself that any kind of creativity is a Process.
Creativity is a process. It’s not a straight line from Point A to Point B. To continue to produce creatively does require discipline, but discipline does not guarantee inspiration.
The Creative Process is like water in a river. Sometimes debris will gather in spots in the river, slowing water down. It is only through repetition and time that the jam will work loose.
While I am tempted to become frustrated, I’ve learned to participate in the process to get the waters flowing.
Regardless of the medium, I’ve found the process is the same.
Ideas to unlock writer’s block, do 1 every day as needed:
- Continue writing what you are already working on. It doesn’t matter if it’s not your best work. Just keep doing it on a regular basis.
- Edit, instead of writing. Re-edit other work.
- Inhale non-writing subject matter. Listen to a podcast, music, or read a photography journal.
- Try Humor in your preferred media. I prefer Liz Climo.
- Look up a list of something: reinterpret that list into your own words.
- Visit a store that you have never or rarely go to.
- Work on the home project you have been putting off.
- Take some photos of inanimate objects. Describe in 5 words.
- Change one thing in your routine, even moving the time forward 30 minutes.
- Participate in an activity to increase mindfulness. Other then the obvious Yoga/exercise/walking- try organizing something, papers or cabinets or junk drawer. Cutting things is mindful. Anything repetitive that you can do without thinking is a mindfulness conduit.
How do you unlock the block of creativity? I’d love to try some new ideas ha ha.
KEEP THESE IDEAS FOR NEXT TIME, RIGHT CLICK AND PRINT BELOW, or PIN.
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Power up Skill Building:Preschool Math Games- Roll and Color a Valentine
I created Preschool Math games with the roll and color format to help my students build subitizing (amount recognition) skills.
I was helping a K student with homework the first year Common Core was implemented. I began making Preschool Math games with different themes- as a way to incorporate hands on math learning.
****I always have these on hand for a flexible, low-prep, time filler activity. (for example no recess due to inclement weather) Any number of players can play this preschool math game so there is no fighting over center participation, it also practices social skills like all great games do- waiting, patience, helpfulness and good sportsmanship. This can even be played with PARTNERS.
In my preschool I had the luxury of using a blank foam die from the dollar store. I filled in the die and allowed students to throw it across the room, then run and retrieve it. In a formal preschool I used this game style for a 1 on 1 activity for a very active preschooler and he understood and enjoyed the game. I used a version for a small group in a formal preschool, they didn’t throw it across the room but they could throw it in our group area. This took the pressure off, none of us had to worry about losing a small die OR hitting anything, so we could enjoy the game.
This game is great for differentiation. In my preschool and at the formal preschools I had a variety of levels and each student quickly caught onto the game. I have not had one student lose interest, even up to 7 years old.
Instructions for Roll and Color Preschool Math games:
1. Pass out one game sheet to each student. I recommend a max of 5 students per game. Decide about this rule: If student rolls a number of a section that has already been colored, does she roll again/or pass?
{ If student passes the game will take MUCH longer to complete.}
2. Choose who goes first, take turns clockwise. If there’s time I allow the students to roll to see who goes first.
3. Student rolls die. Then colors the matching section of the his envelope. I advice instructor to wait until a student rolls a repeat number, then introduce the “rule” for pass/re-roll.
4. The next in circle rolls and repeats. The player who colors the envelope first, wins. Students can keep playing until their envelope is finished based on time limit. I didn’t have a winner, I had student move to next center/activity when done.
An added bonus is the game format provides for number and counting reinforcement as each student counts or recognizes what she has rolled. All the students were observing the other turns, which results in visual and audible number repetition. One round of the game goes by quickly.
DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK BELOW:
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DIY HEART DECORATIONS-Heart Wall Decor
DIY HEART DECORATIONS 
DIY HEART DECORATIONS
The Wood Heart wall hanging was built from a bag of wooden hearts sold at the Dollar Tree.
If unavailable at your Dollar Tree, the Heart Wall Decor Hanging can be built from paper hearts.
(Templates provided at Download link below logo)
SUPPLIES:
*1 Sheet Cardstock
in neutral colors or Red, Pink and White Cardstock
*Markers
(only if you want to color neutral cardstock hearts)
*Twine/Embroidery Thread/Ribbon (when cutting Twine pieces, cut 1.5 more length then you think you need.)
(something that doesn’t tangle easily)
*Dowel/Stick
(I glued 3 small dowels together, which I don’t recommend as it made my decoration very fragile)
*Hot Glue Gun and Glue
Prep: Trace, Color, Cut. Tie 5 pieces of twine onto Dowel.
Design: Play with different Layouts before gluing.
STEP THREE: GLUE LAST ROW ONTO TWINE.
STEP FOUR: GLUE YOUR CENTER ELEMENT ONTO TWINE.
FINALLY, make your hanger. Tie a piece of twine to the farthest left end of Dowel. Then Tie the remaining end of twine to farthest right side of Dowel. (The hanger will look like a U or V when hung, depending on hanger length.)
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Original Journal Writing Prompts- Leaving the Shore
This is your boat. Behind you, are many islands you have already explored. They are far off in the distance. These islands represent experiences, and memories. You are getting ready to get into your boat, leave the old shore, and head off to the next, new shore.
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Preschool Practice Math Games
Preschool Practice Page- Winter Math 
Preschool Practice Page- Winter Math
Where’s the Penguin Positional Practice File Folder Game:
PREP:
Print out Sheet, laminate for durability. Make a penguin or round paper manipulative. Laminate for durability. Attach Sheet to one side of file folder with velcro, and paper manipulative to other side of file folder with velcro.
HOW TO PLAY:
In a small group: Introduce the game explaining the penguin is playing hide and seek. Each student takes a turn to place the manipulative on a penguin. Encourage the student to ask “Where’s the penguin?” Students respond out loud with position. Teacher can reply, “oh we found him!” for example.
Student passes the manipulative to friend and repeat process.
After students are familiar with positions, game can be played with – One student places manipulative, and student’s neighbor says position. Great for review and student confidence building.
Preschool Practice Page Wheres the PenguinDownload
PREP:
Print out Sheet, laminate for durability. Make a penguin or round paper manipulative. Laminate for durability. Attach Sheet to one side of file folder with velcro, and paper manipulative to other side of file folder with velcro.
HOW TO PLAY:
In a small group: Introduce the game explaining the penguin is playing hide and seek. Each student takes a turn to place the manipulative on a penguin. Encourage the student to ask “Where’s the penguin?” Students respond out loud with position. Teacher can reply, “oh we found him!” for example.
Student passes the manipulative to friend and repeat process.
After students are familiar with positions, game can be played with – One student places manipulative, and student’s neighbor says position. Great for review and student confidence building.
Preschool Practice Page Wheres the PenguinDownload
SUBITIZING MEMORY GAME PREP:
Print and cut out cards. Laminate if desired.
HOW TO PLAY:
Play like a memory game, except- each large dice card matches an animal card.
This can even be played independently.
winterpengisubitizingsetprotectedDownload
Print and cut out cards. Laminate if desired.
HOW TO PLAY:
Play like a memory game, except- each large dice card matches an animal card.
This can even be played independently.
winterpengisubitizingsetprotectedDownload
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DIY Valentine's Day Mini-Gnome for President!
Supplies:
- Yarn
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue
- Thick Craft Felt
- Bead for nose (many items can be substituted for bead)
- Mini Party Cups from 1$ store- pictured below
- Cat Helper (optional)
- Embellishments (optional)
Pictured below show DIY Valentine’s Day Gnome using a different base.. The process is the same. Substitute the mini party cup for the base, which is much smaller then the pot. Both the pots and cups from 1$ store.
Find detailed instructions for the hat and beard here:
https://readcountcraft.com/2019/12/01/diy-bent-hat-gnome-in-10-easy-steps/
Below the single DIY Valentine’s Day mini-Gnome is a direct Download which includes:
Mini Gnome Hat Pattern, Supply List, Instruction Steps
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Journal Prompts for Mental Health
Failure= Lack of Success
Success = Accomplishment of aim or purpose
Standard definitions offered up from Google.
Ulysses S. Grant was the Civil War general whose strategies produced Northern Victory. He then served as the 18th U.S. President.
“For much of his life, Ulysses S. Grant failed at every occupation he tried. But in the United States Army, his remarkable talents as a soldier and leader saved his country from falling apart.” (American Experience Online-PBS.ORG)
To aid self assessment objectivity, we’ll define this important U.S. historical figure in terms of personal failure:
- Never became a Math Teacher as he desired.
- Raised to rank of Corporal at West Point, “it was too much for me” he wrote. Demoted and graduated at the lowest possible military rank-Private.
- Failed to bring his family to live with him when he was stationed in the Oregon Territory because his business ventures failed.
- After resignation, failed as Farmer.
- Failed as a real estate partner.
- Rejected when he tried to re-enlist when Civil War started. (someone intervened and gave him a military appointment)
- Caused excessive casualties at Shiloh battle, due to lack of preparation.
- Weakened the American Presidency.
- Politically inept and ineffective, leading to several government scandals.
- After presidency, failed as financial firm partner.
- Declared Bankruptcy and had to live off of personal loans.
- Never overcame accusations that he was an alcoholic.
Even in his success in the Civil War, he still messed up at Shiloh, costing soldier’s their lives. Grant began writing his memoirs as a way to support his family-then was diagnosed with cancer.
General Legacy, other then the Civil War Battle Victories:
- Retained honesty and integrity
- Fought for African American Rights
- Victorious Civil War General
- Completed his memoirs right before he died
Reflection:
Four items on the personal success list.
Twelve – 12, items on the personal failures list.
Well, to me, the lists demonstrate SUCCESS.
The Success of “perseverance”.
The Success of “courage”.
Perseverance takes courage.
What inspired me, was when he wrote “it was too much for me”, as a West Point student with rank, to explain his demotion. To graduate as the most non prestigious rank ever. It doesn’t appear he viewed it as FAILING. Doesn’t failure imply giving up on that aim? His first “job” out of the gate, he failed at.
No matter how much he sucked in business,he kept trying. To the end of his life he chose to seize opportunities. Mark Twain approached him about writing, and Grant didn’t sway from his goal even when he was diagnosed with cancer.
How do you view Grant using the juxtaposition of so-called failures and successes?
Journal prompt pages or the Journal prompt list, can be downloaded at the end of post.
Below is a link to “PERSONAL MEMOIRS OF ULYSSES S. GRANT” the free e–book
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4367/4367-h/4367-h.htm
I did a research Paper on Grant in college and brushed up for this post.
SOURCES:
- http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/grant-biography/
- https://millercenter.org/president/grant/domestic-affairs
- https://millercenter.org/president/grant/impact-and-legacy
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Let the Preschool Memory Games Begin- free printable
Print TWO copies of each page. Each page has six different cards as shown. I made these for children with shorter attention spans.
Purple logo does not appear on cards Preschool Memory Game Snowfaces 
Purple Logo doesn’t appear on cards
Preschool Snow Person Memory Game
DOWNLOADS FOR EACH GAME BELOW:
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There's love. Then there's Preschool Books Love.
Best Preschool Books Practice Pages 
Best Preschool Books Practice Pages Example
I reviewed over 20 preschool friendship books and came up with my top 11 based on specific criteria. Then I created free printables to accompany each book, practice pages for different skills.
I love young children’s books so much that I haven’t stopped adding to my private collection! I love young children’s books SO much, it’s the main goal of this blog. It is the main goal of my pinterest board.
My goal for book lists is to equip myself and other educators to use books as a curriculum basis. When I started developing my own preschool curriculum I always used a book as a base.
However, I found that with most recommended book lists they were often:
Overgeneralized= Applied for the obvious. Z is for Moose can be used for abc’s but also, isn’t kindness showed later to Moose when Moose is FINALLY included?
Silly books are rarely recommended for preschoolers for skill based learning: for example “Rex vs Edna”. Edna is a chicken and wins, and I have tied in this book as a diving off point to study the chicken life cycle.
My Review Criteria:
- Story meets storytelling standards according to my children’s literacy class criteria.
- Story needs to be adaptable for shorter attention spans.
- Pictures need to be easily recognized- for example, not all of my students know what a llama looks like, so I don’t “Llama llama” until, we have talked about real Llamas.
- A board style is preferable for classroom so children have access to “read” themselves.
- Each book demonstrates friendship components by “showing” not “telling”.
- Most books involves a non person character=Inclusive. If I don’t identify with the girl I can identify with the turtle. Or easily identifiable non gendered traits.
Reviews are listed under book, along with a description of its printable.
Books are linked to Amazon Kindle Page.
YouTube link supplied as available.
(I may start an affiliate store, but only because listing books this way are easier for myself and my readers.}
LOOK FOR PINK TO LINKS
https://youtu.be/ThBJCEcvNd4.
https://youtu.be/CmNude8rRD4
DOWNLOAD LINK BELOW
.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr1gm5gIG4Y
https://youtu.be/ucUDAOU9b88
DOWNLOAD LINK BELOW
https://youtu.be/7K3F9r9kcfY
DOWNLOAD LINK BELOW
https://youtu.be/rHPoj53dy8o
DOWNLOAD LINK ABOVE
https://youtu.be/v_7gjA44otA
Preschool Friendship Books Practice PACK ABOVE includes:
SMICK
-BE A FRIEND
-PETE THE CAT VALENTINE DAY
-YOU WILL BE MY FRIEND
-ABC’S OF KINDNESS-
TRUMAN
DOWNLOAD LINK BELOW
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8 Lunar New Year Activities for Kids-Ages Four to Seven
Lunar New Year Preschool Activities
*unofficial disclaimer* We did these activities last year on MLK day and I saved on blog to post later. My blog was only a mo old in 1/19 so the post is a bit rough past the point of improvement. haha**
The goal of my curriculum was to implement the idea of different cultures. Same but Different, and at the root of it, planting seeds to equip student to defy any prejudice they may encounter.
My First Chinese New Year by Karen Katz gave a great foundation. There are other books that we read but this book was so great for this age level, including differentiation. https://youtu.be/iGghkuEMZl
Curriculum Activities Outline:
1. READ: My First Chinese New Year, at least once -3 days that week.
1a. Make Dragon and Chinese Girl for storytelling with book.
2. MAKE: Chinese Red Money Envelopes. (* note: I gave each child 2 plastic coins for their envelopes, which quickly were lost, as expected, ha-ha. To add math to this activity, take some pennies and count how many will fit into the envelope)
3. MAKE: Chinese Red Drums.
4. WATCH: (Short) Lion Dancing Video below, on YouTube.
5. PLAY: Drums (instruments) with eyes closed to focus our sense of hearing, during the Lion Dance Contest Song.( I have coffee cans covered with contact paper and super-glued lids)
6. PLAY: Red Drums and dance during Lion Dance Contest Song.
7. DANCE: Try to roll over at the same time to the music, and copy dance as possible. “I’m a dragon! I’m a Lion”
8. POUR TEA (water): I had 2 real tea sets we used, but I did find & buy a plastic one later to keep in the dramatic play area. As long as I stayed nearby, they did not get crazy with the water and really had a blast. We did this activity during days following as requested.
9. READ AND MAKE: Dragon and Girl Puppets for storytelling with BOOK Would you rather be a Princess or a Dragon? by Barney Saltzberg . This is a great opportunity for an informal compare/contrast literacy discussion.
Other things we talked about:
We talked about how every Chinese New Year is celebrated by Asian Countries and located on our kid style wall map. We discussed how every year has an animal and talked about what our animal is because of when we are born. Some students enthusiastically related to “their animal”.
We did 1 or 2 of these activities a day, and except for the crafts, repeated. The movement activities were great because of in-climate weather.
lunar new year preschool activities 
lunar new year preschool activities 
lunar new year preschool activities 
lunar new year preschool activities
Extension Activity:
.https://readcountcraft.com/2019/03/03/princess-or-dragon-preschool-literacy/ LINK TO DOWNLOAD PUPPETS EXAMPLE BELOW
Chinese New Year Lucky Envelopes
Unable to locate my original envelopes download, below is a free printable for envelopes. Print on white and allow students to cut and color. My students did their own gluing, we used the white printable for the front and red rectangles for a back. using paint brushes and cups with Elmer’s Glue.
https://thriftyjinxy.com/diy-lucky-red-envelopes-celebrating-chinese-new-year/
Chinese Drum Rattle Craft
Recommended for small group or center. I modified a bit: used my circle punch for 2 red circles per student. Students glued each circle on either side of a craft (Popsicle) stick. Each child chose a plastic bead for their instrument. I strung the bead, poked thread through a needle & paper and tied a knot. I glued the knot and allowed to dry.
https://creativefamilyfun.net/chinese-rattle-drum-craf/
Would you rather be a Princess or a Dragon? https://www.amazon.com/Would-You-Rather-Princess-Dragon/dp/1626723583
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DIY Valentine Crafts from Dollar Tree
DIY Valentine Crafts from Dollar Tree 
I spent 6$ so these hearts cost less then 2$ apiece because I have supplies left over.
I hope you will share photos if you make these! Also, stay tuned for more! Next post is “Gnomies for your Homies”! I’m not keeping 13, lol, 13 gnomies! I’m sharing the love with friends.
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Top Pick-Preschool Animal Tracks Book List +Free Printable
Dual purpose visual discrimination page=
Introduce animal knowledge and some track ID, practice discerning visual differences which helps build the skill for future alphabet letter differences.
Recommended books for preschool and Kindergarten specifically about animal tracks in the snow!
For practical purposes I have included TWO printable book lists: 1 as a standard TITLE/AUTHOR list, another page as a list with book covers. I have used others book lists and have wished for a cover reference page as I had 5 minutes to scan through the Preschool Library and grab books for class book rotation!
Not pictured is my short summary for each book… a time-saver when I’m requesting library books!
Wait, what’s in the pack again?
- Visual Discrimination
- Standard Book list
- Image Book list
- 2 Summary pages
DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK BELOW:
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Paint Your Mind: Journal Prompts for Mindfulness
You are going to paint a wall. With your mind. If you choose, you can revisit that wall and repaint it, or observe it on occasion.
This is an exercise in writing, and creativity, and mindfulness. Its a tool to get an internal expression of yourself in a way that you can see “it”.
There are 5 pages in the pack. Four individual pages to print to respond to questions to create your wall. 1 page is a list form with the steps.
EXAMPLE: I chose to paint my mind wall with whites.
Since these are kind of non colors, I decided to paint my mind-wall with strong geometry. Even though I make many styles of things, my personal style is best described as kawaii/minimalist.
DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK IS BELOW MY MIND WALL EXAMPLE:
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Snicker for the New Year
An Electric Eel is: A type of Knifefish. They are being considered for a new type of power source. (all I can imagine is eel’s replacing wire power lines so I don’t wanna know)
A Mountain Goat is: the sole species of its group, and based on DNA, related to an OX. (whaaa…?)
Maned Wolf is: The only species of its group. (Translation: no one really knows anything)
King Cobra: Named because they kill and eat Cobras. (Umm just call it Sir or Maam. )
Peacock Mantis Shrimp: it’s punch at predators breaks aquarium glass. (Don’t even try to eat it.)
I knew the last types so I didn’t research.
Post is a public service message brought to you by PAMAMBGI5YD
also known as:
“Pay attention, many animals may be gone in five years dammit”
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This Preschool practice page is your friend-includes book recommendations
I do not get paid by any affiliates. I review and choose recommended books based upon graphics, appropriate and current use of storytelling, and length which generally summarizes overall appeal.
I build my curriculum for any age around a group of books, with attention to one or two student led favorites.
Visual discrimination practice builds pre-write and pre-literacy skills by:
- Noticing differences in common objects helps notice differences in letter shapes
- Line drawing helps fine motor-like with letter lines
- Reinforces a book story as an extension activity.
Recommended Penguin Theme Books:
This Preschool practice page is your friend book recommendation 
This Preschool practice page is your friend- book recommendations 
This Preschool practice page is your friend- book recommendation 
This Preschool practice page is your friend- book recommendations 
This Preschool practice page is your friend- book recommendations
Direct Download Link Below
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They learn it by playing this Kindergarten Math Game Free Printable!
Good Morning Little Polar Bear book suggestion for Free Ten Frames Math Printable. 
Kindergarten Math Game Free Printable! 
Recommended Book-Kindergarten Math Game Free Printable! 
Recommended Book- Kindergarten Math Game Free Printable! 
Recommended Book Kindergarten Math Game Free Printable!
Combine the Roll and Color the Polar Bear Math Game with a Polar Bear Book to cover both math and literacy areas!
Other Skills:
- Fine Motor
- Science Extension (talking about Polar Bears, hibernation, winter animals)
- Social Skills: waiting and taking turns
- Assists in retention of subject matter as students personalize
- PACK INCLUDES TERMS OF USE SHEET AND THE PRINTABLE SHOWN
Instructions: Roll ONE Dice – match the number on the die to the Number Square on Paper. If portion is already colored, the turn is passed. Everyone wins because each has her own bear page, OR first to finish bear wins.
Roll and Color the Polar Bear Kindergarten Math Game Free Printable Recommended Book Kindergarten Math Game Free Printable! Recommended Book- Kindergarten Math Game Free Printable!
Direct Download Link Below:
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What more could you want? Free Ten Frames Math Printable for Preschool and Kindergarten!
I made this set as Preschool and Kindergarten Math component to include in Polar Bear, Arctic, or Winter Themes. Students can use common manipulatives- cotton balls or white poms to fill in the Ten Frame.
Ten Frame Math Printables Pack includes Ten Frames for Numbers 1-10.
Direct Download Link Below!
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10 Shiny New Year Journal Prompts to start your story
Print out the pages and make your own New Year’s Journal book, or use the New Year prompts to write in an existing journal.
I will be making these journal prompts every month in the same format. This way we can journal each month and have our own story by using the journal prompts!
These journal prompts for the new year are actually transitional prompts to move from 2019 to 2020. Page images below, but the actual size of journal prompt page is 8×10.
New Year’s Journal Prompts Cover Page 
New Year’s Journal Prompts 2020 Cover Page
New Year’s Journal Prompts Page one 
New Year’s Journal Prompts Page Two 
New Year’s Journal Prompts Page Three 
New Year’s Journal Prompts List Page 
New Year’s Journal Prompts 
New Year’s Journal Prompts Last Page
Direct Download the file, link is below the Heart.
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Sunshine Blogger Award! Unintentional B-day Pressie and yes, I am 50 *again* Thanks..
First things First.
I’ve only been following/accidentally unfollowing/following a short time, but her product reviews are super-duper! (my town is so small we have no Target…wahhh, so yeah her Target haul was a fave.)
Since I’m 53-yes I’m still here-Yay, BUT don’t tell anyone 53 waah…I..Sshhh
One Passion
One Pursuit
Living
Through
Learning
OH what am I doing for my birthday you ask? tomorrow after church my husband and I are going to our small town arcade and playing my favorite game..honestly it’s part of my new mindfulness practice…you know..virtually shooting zombies is in my top 5..relaxation techniques *snicker*
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Letter to Santa-Free Printable
Letter to Santa
I made this to give an easy way for beginning writers or even toddlers or preschoolers “writing” with help.
There is only a page in color, but the letter still looks cute with black and white printing. The child can even color the black and white letter for more personalization! MY LOGO STAMP IS NOT ON THE PRINTABLE.
The download has 1 copy of a Santa letter for printing and terms of use. I hope this comes in as useful and fun for many during the holidays!
DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK IS BELOW
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Roll a Snowman Dice Game- play 3 ways!
This Game can be used 3 different ways.
1. Blank Template- Roll and Draw what matches the number rolled.
2. Printable- Roll and Color what is rolled.
3. Printable- Dab and Color what is rolled.
This is the first Roll and Play Game I ever created, it is so popular I continue to make more! I use it for a fill in activity because its NO Prep. Also, I use it when I have a group of children that are different age or skill levels. It has great differentiated applications.
SKILL BUILDING:
– One to one number correspondence
– Matching
-Counting
-Social skills, waiting, taking turns and peer interaction
-Interactive learning,
-Fine Motor
– Silliness!
-Confidence
Pack includes: Blank Snowman Template, Printable Shown Above, and Terms of Use page.
P. S. Please share or link or like if its not a hassle. I am fixing my blog with the purpose of generating income. I am going to try to keep it ad free as much as possible, and no videos. Free printables will increase, not decrease.
okay link below!
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Hanging with my DIY Gnomies, Gnomies at the Christmas Bazaar
Short and Sweet, sharing my Gnome Ideas.
(p.s. I had a blast making gnomes once I got the hang of it!
I spent all of November making Gnomes, to sell at our local Senior Center Bazzar. It was the first time I made Gnomes, and 1st Time I was a Bazaar Seller. I made differently styled Gnomes (and painted wood slice ornaments). My husband took these photos so bear with me, he doesn’t know what photos look good on a blog! haha
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Is it Live, or is it a No-Prep Differentiated Math Game?
This game can be used for a class with students at different level of counting skills. Even 3 year old’s can match with help and color.
I created my “Roll A…. ” games to provide a fun number learning activity for my group of students that were at different skill levels. I have used them whenever I can, the students frequently asked for the game the day after!
A format to target math and social skills for : One delayed preschooler, one advanced preschooler, a Kindergarten and a First grade student.
The game format also builds social skills. Learning to wait and take turns take practice. They game is fast moving because the turns go by quickly. However, it can take some time rolling that dice over and over to get the last number. However the triangles provide enough space so preschoolers can color while waiting for their turn. This prepared my preschoolers for kindergarten structure.
(non affiliate recommend)
Another advantage was I could get cleanup or another activity prepared while the students played. I would check in and comment on pictures with identification “oh I noticed you colored your triangle purple”! Or, “oh did you color your circle decorations orange?” “Cool!” After the game we might look at and compare and contrast all of the awesome decorating, making sure to state the shapes again. Rectangle and Square were frequently confused.
Pack includes: Terms of Use page, Game Instructions Page, Finished Tree Page, Standard Tree Game Page (shown) and No Colors Key Game Page
Above is the Link!
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DIY Bent-hat Gnome in 10 easy steps
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Hangin’ with my Gnomies
1st attempts =Each has own character. I never know what one will look like til the end. I choose the hat/beard style & make along….
2 weeks ago, I couldn’t find anything thrifty for the beard. In true traditional craftish-i used fur off of a worn jacket.
Last week I finally found the right type of yarn at the Sr Center thrift! 🙌
I can make anything, but I’m not going to spend $ more on supplies, then the item costs in the store.
Crafting organically grew from practicality. 1 couldn’t just buy every single thing, OR afford a brand new what ever.
Also, to be a crafter-, was now how we think of artisans or designers today.
In my parent’s day, a well worn couch would be recovered with discounted material, so 1 didn’t have to spend $ on a brand new piece of furniture!!
Being an Oregonian, these reflect my high desert forest mountain home- even if they don’t resemble the popular style.
Crafting -Making- is a passion but also a value that my grandma instilled in me. I remain proud of this & there’s no other feeling MORE satisfying then sort of scavenging materials & creating something OOAK & copying her tradition.
Ironically I’m not a rustic-farmhouse decor person, but I made these to sell locally & most folks here ARE. +gnomes are trendy right now.
I’ll see if this instinct is correct on 12/7. If not, every1 I know is receiving a present gnome bc I can’t have 35 gnomes. Unicorns? Yes. gnomes? GNO!(pun intended. +snicker+)
Below is my favorite gnome inspiration Blog, the writer’s enthusiasm, DIY gnomes are just darling! Many types w/tutorials!
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its never too early to teach critical thinking/thanksgiving and technology in ECE
From perusing Pinterest, if the dated “history” of Thanksgiving isn’t being endorsed in lower elementary, then the dated symbols of turkeys and cornucopias, are used in teaching materials. *roll eyes*
One of my goals is to next year be able to provide complete units for purchase, still with some free printables- and Thanksgiving will be my 1st.
We are a small rural area, and the Klamath Tribe still has a presence here in their ancestral lands. The youth last year petitioned City Council to REMOVE Columbus Day.
When I taught preschoolers none of them even believed they had a turkey for dinner, and while we do have wild turkeys out in our brush areas, it is unlikely they have even seen a live turkey. Let’s keep learning relevant.
That being said, there IS a role for technology in preschool, for example: Turkeys on YouTube. I also encouraged them to ask ?’s and looked it up immediately to promote a phone as a learning tool value.
I love my country, and it’s history, but our education system needs to reflect a different aspect of Thanksgiving- until student brains develop critical thinking. For example, Where the Pilgrims landed as opposed to where we live, or the Mayflower vs modern boats, or different kinds of corn, or my favorite, Thankfulness and what/who makes a family.
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Games for Thanksgiving
I created this game to provide a positive activity during class transition times for a 3.5 yo student who had challenging behavior. This student really enjoyed playing the game.
1. Supplies? dabber,die & printout.(when we played, I forgot the dabber and he used a pen to mark off the dinosaur. You can use a crayon, pencil, chalk, for less cleanup.)
Game relies on action by the players, not the game master. So adult can be cleaning in same room, for example, and “talk” child through the directions. Older children can easily help younger children.
2. Simple format, children can match even if they can’t count.
3. Children who can count will work on their skills to recognize amount # without counting dots.
Besides math skills, it involves using the brain to run the critical thinking motor, deciding same and different.
Below is an example of the game directions, each pack includes themed game page, directions page.
Each pack is set up to download individually by desired theme, to save time and paper, for those who don’t need all FOUR PACKS. I use lots of free printables and spend so much time scrolling through a pack, to print the pages I want, so I believe this is the most user friendly setup.
p.s. legal disclaimer, children playing game need adult supervision -game is not responsible for children.
BELOW ARE 4 DIRECT DOWNLOADS
DOWNLOAD LINKS ABOVE
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Dab A Pumpkin: For Active Learners
I have moved from my own PreK daycare to a non profit preschool. One of our “friends” is very active and expressive emotionally. I made this game to use during a transition or “at need” time. OR in morning when energy is at highest after bus ride.
It allows my friend to throw a soft dice and hopefully this will transfer into the classroom to “think and throw my dice”. Which is safe and won’t hurt other friends or teachers. Additionally, if my friend is practicing getting his dice to throw instead of other things, my hope is to practice “stop and think” – where eventually we can work to reach out with other help then throwing.
I may use this game format in future for small group activity.
DIRECT DOWNLOAD BELOW
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Alphabet recognition; T and I
Below is a direct download of a T and I worksheet that can be done with dabbers. I is one color, and T is the other color- dab a color for Dot I and Dot T on the upper right hand corner.
I find that after both letters have had an initial introduction, students have better success remembering letters after practicing differentiation between similar letters. It encourages critical thinking skills, instead of only memorization.
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Egypt Kids Lesson Plan with activities
I came up with this unit out of a desire to show that language is symbols, just as our alphabet is symbols for sounds-so is hieroglyphics. My goal was to demonstrate the “concept” of the alphabet, as well as incorporate lots of art/engineering and diversity.
Kids love mummies! THAT was the interest “hook”!
We did these over the course of a month, one or two activities a week. I introduced the unit with a scooby doo mummy caper library dvd.
We also built pyramids with Jenga blocks, egg carton cups,sugar cubes (i don’t recommend because they kept eating haha) and a 3d paper pyramid from a template.
Pyramid building and later days these cups became a favorite as they expanded into castle building.
There is a link to an easy pharoah headdress to print and color which the boys enjoyed making and other activities we did not do. There are lots of choices to personalize for students. There is also a complete alphabet pack of hieroglyphic cards included.
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PreSchool Math Sensory Bin
Pour a bunch of different beans into $ store cloth “baskets”. Added tongs. Added each number of object as indicated on card. 1 glass bead-2 pipecleaner shamrocks- 3 puffs, and so forth. This is a St Patrick theme bin, but I have used these cards for different themes. Or no theme, its a great fill in activity.
Laminate the cards, or print off a stack. Attach objects near each die on card. Children find the amount of matching objects indicated.
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Math blog that makes a difference: Math Geek Mama
Sharing an experience, unaffiliated with MathGeekMama.com .
At my daycare, I work with my preschooler’s older Brother. He is entering 2nd grade this year. I have some elementary school training, including a paraprofessional certificate. However not since Common Core was introduced.
Math Geek Mama doesn’t target Common Core, but she DOES target how to teach math. From preschool through elementary grades. So after reading and applying some of her instruction, my student’s execution of all the common core steps IMPROVED.
If you want some beneficial points to improve teaching math in home school, or how to help your child improve his public school math, check out Math Geek Mama.
We are all busy and can only afford enough time for a few subscriptions. Math Geek Mama is definitely a worthwhile resource to follow, beyond free printables.
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House that Jack Built Free Printable Literacy Pack Preschool and Kindergarten
I made this pack to go with the book “the house that Jack built”
With these fun anti worksheets, I introduced the ideas of story structure-charachters and setting. Also, how to write your own version of a story based on another story.
There’s a lot of learning with this pack, but it’s conceptual introduction as a literacy unit while the children have fun with story details.
I did different pieces of this pack/unit at different times. I read the book a few times, leaving a week or so between. Sometimes the children said, “the house that Jack built” after each page. We did all the pack activities as well as a block building activity, over the course of a month.
Below are photo examples, and at the end will be a table of contents and the direct download.
P.S. The unit is versatile, use some or all pieces, integrate your own style, interpration and its easy to differentiate/mixed groups.
Above: these pieces are the only prep involved (cutting)
SO I confess, the draw your favorite character was my fav ha!
direct download link below
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Children quote desktop wallpaper inspired by Dr. Jean & kickboxing
(public use photo; quote by Dr. Jean http://drjean.org/) Her blog is a great resource and we tried out the kickbox letter sound song it was great, AND they got tired haha) DOWNLOAD HERE
If people like to recieve wallpapers or this post style, I will make more. otherwise you can get graphics with quotes on my other blog.
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July 4th Letters and Ten Frames
Free Printable Ten Frames 1-15
Free Printable Upper Case and Lower Case Match Alphabet Letters
Download Link Under Button Pic
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July 4th Games for all ages Free Printables
I made this free pack with 3 simple games:
Memory Game with Patriotic colors and pictures.
“We are America” , add one card to Memory game and play it like Old Maid.”
Roll a Patriotic Popsicle, roll and color.
Instructions for each game are included and fun all kids and kids at heart!
-Patriotic Memory Game Cards: example below:
“We are America” game, like Old Maid, just add a card to the memory cards. Example below
Roll a Popsicle Math Game, example below
Direct download link under the below image
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Preschool emotions activities
Preschool Emotions Unicorn Cards
My preschoolers adore reward and star charts! They color, mark or place stickers on the stars and are very proud doing it!
So, I created this to reward for when emotions are expressed properly. This occurs during free play. A star can also be counted after completing an emotion activity, or identifying emotions, anything about emotions, really.
The star chart participation enables children to recognize and self identify emotions internally, “get in touch with feelings”.
In the pack are 10 unicorn feeling cards, 3 different star charts, and 2 different page “Good Mood” posters (example below).
Direct Download Link is Under the Unicorn Pic:
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Preschool Math Game- Unicorn
The fun thing about this game is we use the color rolled for whatever place on the unicorn we want to. So, even the body can be three or four colors!
We use a big foam dice from the dollar store. The student don’t have to worry about dropping the die, throwing it too hard, or losing it. I have done this type of play learning at formal preschool small group also. This game offers differentiated learning.
Instructions:
- Pass out a Unicorn Page to each student, gathered around a table. Have the coloring tools in the middle of table.
- Each student takes a turn rolling the dice, then passing the dice. If the number has been rolled already, the student takes another turn.
- The game is finished when all of the students have their unicorns colored.
- Students can move centers if they are finished before others. If students like, they can complete their unicorn coloring at home.
DIRECT DOWNLOAD BELOW:
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Have a break, winter scavenger hunt for kids.
This can activity is adaptable for any group size of kids, and unlimited ages, even a mix of ages.
Scavenger Hunt Sticky Collage Activity
There was so much snow that the children were excited to find anything! This was not planned, I grabbed a couple of recycled containers to put their goodies in.
Returning inside, I cut two pieces of clear contact paper and hung them up with magnets on our “magnet boards”. (Oil Pans)
Then, they stuck their collages to the color paper they wanted, and filled in the “frame” with oil pastels.
Creating masterpieces
Finally, they decided to blend oil pastels on the back, which can be seen here.
The backs made the scavenged items easier to see. However the contact paper makes collection easy to hang up directly on windows, although make sure to tape the corners up.
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Literacy Hibernation Activity -Loaded for Bear
2 Week to 4 Week Differentiated Preschool Curriculum.
OVERVIEW :
Books: Goldilocks and the Three Bears and The Three Snow Bears, by Jan Brett. Use these to invite talks about the differences, similarities in both stories. My preschoolers are always interested in exploring a favorite story retelling- leading to similar-but-different discoveries! Literacy Hibernation Activity -Loaded for Bear is built to introduce how animals and people live in the winter, with critical thinking as children notice the differences in how a story is told. I mention frequently that we can take a story and change it to make it our own, which I hope plants the seeds for creative writing , but also gives them confidence in sharing their own stories.
INTRODUCING Literacy Hibernation Activity -Loaded for Bear CURRICULUM:
*Teacher hints: Bears don’t actually sleep-their body metabolism slooowwwss down. Polar Bears don’t hibernate, unless they are pregnant.
Read first: Bear has a story to tell, and Time to sleep.
Introduces the concept of Hibernation. We read interactively as many times as I noticed students understood hibernation concept.
Read second: Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Snow Bears.
Preschoolers may not have attention span for these books. I paraphrased some parts, or read just a few pages at a time. Once both books have been read completely at least two times, I introduced the Hibernation play activities.
At my home daycare I provided different building materials:
stools, towels, small blankets, blocks, a paw patrol train track, boxes of different sizes, small stuffed animals.
At a formal preschool I would have course used the Blocks, Manipulatives, Dramatic Play area or Art Area. Students choose to build out of one of those centers. In the Art area I would lead a small group with the book then offer building supplies to “build a cave”: paper lunch-bags, construction paper, card stock, glue, pipe-cleaners and maybe some paper rolls.
Literacy Hibernation Activity -Loaded for Bear PRINTABLE AT end of post.
Talk about where brown and polar bears live. Do brown bears really live in a people house? 🤣 So silly!
Supplies:
Bear House Printable and any decorations, such as, poms, paper shapes, stickers.
scissors and glue (we used gluesticks)
Piece of Construction Paper
Crayons or any medium.
1 Craft Stick per child
First, after students color house, cut a line in bottom of door.
THEN Cut it out and Glue onto Paper
While teacher is doing this, students can cut out their bear and use glue stick for gluing bear on craft stick. (I reinforced with tape, before they took home but I’m sure it came apart anyways haha.)
OPTIONS:
Discuss, when reading Goldilocks and Snow Bears books, what happens in sequence, using First, Then, Last.
I like to intersperse YouTube clips with subject focused book reading. Some children may have never seen a real photo of a bear.
It’s not very exciting to watch a bear hibernate, these are short!
So, ask where each bear is living.
READ LAST: Over and under the snow. After the second reading, talk about the animals homes, our homes, even where we would hibernate if we didn’t have a house?
By the end of Literacy Hibernation Activity -Loaded for Bear, the children will have practiced:
- Critical thinking
- Engineering
- Art
- Biology
- Observation
- Sequencing
- Fine Motor
- Prewrite
- Pre reading
Most importantly they LEARNED THROUGH PLAY. They understood through using their imagination, dramatization and practical application!
Click the image below to print
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ADHD and the Mindfulness Groove- Practice = Peace.
A new year, a new journey. Join me and practice mindfulness.
My approach to mindfulness, is a DOING. Instead of NOT DOING- It’s niether possible nor desirable to “Not Do” …sit still, be quiet, you get it.
It’s not the “answer” but it’s a practice that switches the light on. Mindfulness soothes and smoothes during the journey.
What is the landscape of your journey? Choose an external environment that you are drawn to the most.
- The Woods?
- The Beach?
- The City?
- The Suburbs?
- Rural Farmland?
- A Neighborhood?
- A Coffee Shop?
- A Mall?
- A River?
- A Trail?
- A Park?
- Childhood Home?
- The Moon?
- If Undecided, find a photo you like and imagine THAT.
Stand and look around your “imaginary” landscape. Visualize it.
This is going to be your place that helps you focus internally and bring awareness and retreat as needed.
Spend moments recalling your perfect landscape, a imagine yourself standing in it. The time you spend doesn’t matter, it can be 2 minutes.
Choose one time a day, to “visit your landscape”. The times can change each day. *Somedays I can sit in my car for 2 minutes and visualize, other days I have to go out into my backyard and sit for 5 minutes, it just depends.
This week, visit your landscape once a day. No time requirement, just picture your landscape in your mind and show up.
Every week we will focus on a different “step” in our landscape using this method. This can also be journaled, using this journey to write your story.
