Teacher Idea Factory: SHAPIN' UP + A FREEBIE TO FLIP OVER

Look out! Ms. D is on a roll in the blogging department. I figured I better squeeze some extra posts in now to help even out those days I'll miss with all the end of the year chaos coming up. I also promised to tell you about my new pack and bring you a little freebie this weekend, so here I be!

For the past two in a half weeks, I have been putting together my 3D Shape Pack. We always do some really "off the wall" activities in our class when it comes to learning about solid figures. Although my firsties come in with a wonderful foundation of 3D Shape knowledge (thank you Kinder), I like to review and build on this "base" with a series of cooperative, hands on, and just flat out "different" activities. Case in point . . . Sphere Races.

After reviewing/introducing all of the figures pocket chart style, we launch into our Sphere Day. The kids all get a piece of clay to roll into the perfect sphere, we set up a course, and take turns launchin' them. We discuss why certain spheres roll better than others and graph our results. It always makes for the most memorable afternoon!

Let me see . . . other ideas in this pack that help the kids conceptualize solid figures?? Team Stack 'Em Up, Ice Cream Cone Relays, "Cube" Games, Solid Figure Snacks, and the 3D Shape Museum are just a few of the activities that my kids get to experience during our 3D week.

We always sing Ron Brown's (Intelli-Tunes) solid figure songs too. These are fun little tunes that the kids love . . . it just brings it on home for the babes. These songs are all available on Ron's Learning Ride CD. However, I managed to talk this genius songwriter into teaming up with me. This 3D Pack contains a free MP3 of Ron's Cone Song. This particular tune always delights my classes. I think it has something to do with selling the "sizzle" a bit more with cone-shaped tracking devices. Yup . . . we break out the Bugles and they use these to track and sing along. Such fun.

Well, I promised a freebie today, so I won't drone on anymore. I put together fun solid figure flip books for each of the shapes. These work well as an independent math center and the kids seem to really enjoy them. If you would like to snag the cylinder version to try with your sweeties, CLICK HERE.