Ways to Make a Number

Our states new Math Standards are really difficult but in the end I truly believe my students will be more prepared then ever!  We adopted a great series called GO Math that is completely aligned to the new standards. I try to make each lesson fun by adding some math/art project to Centers.  Here is one that was for standard Operations and Algebraic Thinking.

"Ways to Make a Number" 

Since it was Valentines time I made a bug using 8 V-color legs and students had to come up with 8 different ways to make a number.  They really liked it. I let them pick any number they wanted.  

A Dr. Seuss one will be posted soon...just in time for his Birthday!


Can differentiate since students get to pick their own number.  I urged some to choose more difficutl numbers.



Again, students had to come up with their own facts. Was impressed with this one. I also encourage three addends for some.

Fabric Tutu Tutorial

You'll need fabric, scissors, and elastic for the tutu. First cut strips.  I made it for a 9 month old so my measurements were about 18 inches long for the fabric, 2 inches wide. The elastic I wrapped around her waist and measured because she's a little thing.  You can sew the elastic together but I just tied it in a knot as shown. 

Next I cut the ends on a diagonal.

Wrap the elastic around a paper towel roll to hold it in place as you begin to make slip knots around the entire elastic.  Fold fabric in half and place under the elastic and then take the two pieces and form a slip knot. Tighten and continue all the way around.

Here are a few done!

With the left over fabric I made a headband to match. My next tutorial will be how to make these.

I'm very pleased with how it came out. Hard to see the beauty of the tutu since she can't stand!

Happy Valentine's Day!

                                      Happy Valentine's Day!

Make it Monday Tuesday!  


Mickey Mouse Water Bottles



I like the thick ribbon

We celebrated Disney Day in our class last week!  One of my parents decorated these water bottles.  So simple yet so cute for the occasion.  The grosgrain ribbon is wide which really makes it pop. She wrote the childrens' names on the Mickey foam ears.  I will definitely use this idea again for other events at school and home.  

Happy Freebie Friday!  
At the Science Center students had to choose items to write about using these sentence frames.  One wrote "I see a plant.  It probably was from a plant." So cute!  

*Email me for the files! itsfuninfirst@gmail.com