Jellybean Math Fun!

I love mixing food and math together!! I know my kiddos love it, too! So here we go...it's jumpin' jellybean time!!

Provide each student with a bag of assorted jellybeans.

Have students look at their bag and make an estimate. Next, have students count to verify their actual total. As a a challenge for those smarties, have them find the difference between their estimate and total. Students will then sort their jellybeans by color and color their graphs accordingly.

Have students record their color totals using tally marks and finally with numerals. Next, students will analyze their delicious data by comparing quantities using greater than, less than, and equal signs.

Once students have compared quantities, they can write responses about their data. They will identify the jellybean color that they had the most of, the least of, and write equations using two and three addends. Included in this unit is a free response form for students to write about their jumpin’ jellybean graph and jellybean data.

Next, students will embark on a jellybean survey. They will ask their classmates whether they like jellybeans or not, collect, track, and organize the data.

Finally, have students create their own survey. What would they like to ask their classmates about in regards to jellybeans? Students will then collect, track, and organize their data.

Head on over to {TpT} to get your 9 pages of jumpin' jellybean math fun!!

Weather Graphs Freebie

I recently put together my Math Journal Pages download to help you create student math journals throughout the school year! Well, another aspect to my math block is weather observation and graphing. 

So, here's a download for you...

Get your very own set of monthly graphs to record rainy, windy, sunny, cloudy, stormy, and snowy weather. Keep that monthly data posted so students can compare and analyze the weather from month to month. You can also keep track of the weather for the entire school year. School year weather graphs help students recognize and discuss patterns throughout the year. I laminate these graphs and post them on my calendar bulletin board. Students also have a copy in their math journal so they can more actively record, collect, and analyze weather data. Clipart by ThistleGirl Designs. 

Student Math Journals

Oh, my!! 15 more days until Las Vegas teachers report to school. The countdown is really on! With only the tail end of summer left, I am motivated to ready myself for a new group of students! 

My first motivation was to redesign my old math journal templates from years ago. I enjoy teaching with journals of all types. But, I have to say, that I never thought I would enjoy math journals as much as I actually do. It allows students to become mathematical thinkers and reasoners. They have to reflect on their problem solving process and learn how to communicate their ideas. My school site also encourages the use of math journals. A good portion of our state assessment scores come from heavily weighted constructed response questions. 

My students have a monthly math journal that I collect and save to monitor student progress. First grade is such a remarkable year for growth and journals share that story. They are also a great resource to use during parent-teacher conferences to showcase a student's improvement or goals. Journals can even be used in instances where a student needs additional academic support (Response to Instruction). 

From updating my journal page templates, I put together a handy resource for you to create student math journals throughout the school year! My Math Journal Pages {Templates} offer a variety of resources to support students’ mathematical understanding and written expression. Download over 30 pages of constructed response forms and student reference pages. Clipart by ThistleGirl Designs. 

The first 3 bloggers to post a comment will receive my Math Journal Page Templates for free! 

{Make sure to leave your email} 

This product will be on sale until tomorrow (8/10/11)! Create your own student math journals today!! 

Songs That Teach

Hadar at Miss Kindergarten is hosting a Linky Party with the question: 

Do you sing songs in your classroom?

I've found that my students retain information and are more engaged when a concept is tied to a tune. I use songs to teach classroom management routines, math calendar concepts, and reading skills. Here's a download with some of the songs that I use to teach. Enjoy!! Make sure to check out and even join the Linky Party.

Also check out Heidi Butkis' recent post. She gives some wonderful highlights from the “I Teach K! National Kindergarten Conference” from my hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada!! One of the sessions she attended was with author Marilee Sprenger, Ed.D, concerning brain research and its applications in the classroom. Her article called “Wiring the Kindergarten Brain for Reading” discusses the correlation between young children’s physical activity and the increased ability to learn to read.

Just add a little dash of song to that physical activity and you’ve got a recipe for success! Who says we don’t have the best job in the world?   

St. Patrick's Day Fun

What's more fun than celebrating holiday fun while learning! I love using thematic units. In my classroom, I especially like doing math and science activities for the holidays. So, we will have some "St. Patrick's Day Data Fun" by graphing Lucky Charms and conducting the Potato Race Experiment. Check out my unit for sale on {TpT}. 

Lucky Charms graphing utilizes a variety of math skills for first grade. Before receiving a baggie full of cereal, students will make an estimate regarding the number of marshmallows they have. Students will then verify their estimate by counting their total. Next, students will sort their marshmallows by type and then graph accordingly. Now comes the fun part...students will compare quantities using greater than, less than, and equal signs. They will answer questions regarding most, least, and write equations using marshmallow totals.

Data Analysis

In the potato race experiment, students will practice making and testing a hypothesis.

Using two different types of potatoes, students will observe each potatoes' characteristics. The teacher will set up a ramp and explain that the potatoes will be released simultaneously. The race will be conducted 10 times. Based on this information, students must predict which potato will win the race. Students will graph the results, verify if their hypothesis was correct, note observations from the experiment, and make conclusions about the experiment's results.

Hypothesis and Data Collection Page

Want a delicious treat? Make some "Shamrock Shakes"!! Get some holiday themed cups, lime sherbet, and Sprite. Spoon some sherbet into a cup, pour some Sprite over the top...and voila! Don't forget some spoons, straws, and napkins. :)

For more holiday fun, Rachelle from "What the Teacher Wants!" blogspot posted a free St. Patty's Day Mini Unit.