FIVE FOR FRIDAY (SATURDAY STYLE)

In an attempt to be a better wife last night, I kept the computer powered down when I finally strolled in the door at 5:30 with the realization that I will have to go in on Sunday to finish up (don't even get me started on my post-kid afternoon . . . sigh).  The hubster and I rented Pain and Gain, ate a yummy backed chicken and artichoke dish, and laid on the couch with the pup by our side.  With this said, here's my tardy version of Five For Friday :)

It was one of the LONGEST weeks I have ever experienced as a teacher, but by the time Friday finally appeared, it truly turned out to be a golden one with my sweet kiddos.  I absolutely adore my class and we had a blast together.  Here are just a few of the adventures we shared . . .   

RAZ
The babes and I were in football themed heaven this week.  From a Kickoff Craft (days of the week) and fun sight word center games to goal writing and quality teamwork talks, we were in our glory.  The cool thing is that my crew is really getting the whole classroom "team" thing that I have been sellin' . . . and we are functioning like one too!  #coachdollingishappy
 

Kickoff Craft - Days of the Week

Interception - Sight Word Game (above)
Much More than a Field Goal - Goal Writing Flip Book (below)
Find these activities and more HERE.

Look at Ms. Cupcake's sweet Football Buddy Craft.
I modified it just a bit to fit our team's needs.
Thanks so much for another wonderful activity my friend!!

DVA

Speaking of teamwork, I showed my babes how "players" can support their teammates in a rather roundabout and pretty crazy way this week.  Just as they are on a team with their classmates, we talked about how I am on a team too - with all the teachers.  Then, we chatted about ways in which we can help and show kindness to our teammates.  Well, it was one of my teaching buddy's birthdays on Wednesday (September 11th . . . sigh . . . such a tough day).  So, they helped me support a teammate with a top secret mission.  We made/wrote cards in the morning and made a surprise delivery after lunch. Now, if you know me and my style, you know we didn't do this quietly.  All the kids got to pick something from my prop box to don.  I grabbed my iPod, portable speaker, and my trusty can of silly string.  We pumped the Beatles' Birthday Song as we burst into the room screaming, cheering, and dancing . . . it was classic.  The kiddos each wished Mr. B a happy birthday and handed him their special card.  It was an unforgettable moment for our team and it really helped them see the value in being kind and showing support.  

TRI

My kids were so good this week - despite it being picture day and 102+ degrees for 3 out of the 5.  We're talkin' way good . . . they filled the marble jar AGAIN (third time this year)!  Sure, I am workin' them right now and they are "working" me right back.  However, if they keep this up, I am going to be broke by the end of the second trimester . . . but, I'll be happy as can be :)

Popsicles make your tongue look funny!!!

CHETYRI

I am really working on teaching the fundamentals of number sense in meaningful ways.  I want my babes talking about numbers, experiencing numbers, and playing with numbers as much as possible.  However, I still want it to be FUN . . . they are babes for goodness sakes.  First, we had a snowball fight.  They wrote an assigned number on a paper, crumpled it, and we threw them at one another (they handled this so well and the giggles were contagious).  When the music track stopped, they grabbed a snowball, opened it, and ordered themselves.

A pre-fight picture.  

Next, we got into the whole part/part/whole addition thing.  We moved cereal on the desks (nothing new here), but to up the ante a bit we had "car crashes." They would take the two parts and drive them together . . . crashing into a whole.  The whole room was revvin' engines, squealing tires, and screeching brakes.  It really helped "drive home" the concept.

Our hands were cars  . . . over the top of the two parts (cereal groups).
This little babe was doing a great job of crashin' his parts into a whole.

We followed up by writing the equations on the table.
They freak over this and you can hear a pin drop during such lessons.  
Sure, it leaves a little smudge, but it wipes off with simple cleaner or water.

Finally, we worked our hearts out with a number line this week.  I really wanted them to get familiar with this math tool . . . what it looks like, how it works, and how to use it.  So, we played a fun game called In Between during rotations.  It was pretty easy for most but it laid the foundation I was looking for as we are jumping into number line addition strategies next week.  

For this three player game, you need one 20-sided die, one game mat, three different colored chips, and a treat to stick in the bank.  

Players take turns rolling the die and placing a transparent colored chip over the corresponding number on the game sheet.  Once all three players have rolled and placed their chip, the player with the number "in between" is the winner.  This player gets to take a treat from the bank.  I used student bucks in my bank, but you can use candies, cereal, or other goodies.  My rock star mommy helper was so great at asking questions throughout this game too . . . greater than, less than, how do you know, etc.  

Snag this FREEBIE math game HERE.
Be sure to run this one on legal sized paper!!
Thank to Melonheadz, Moffatt Girls, and KG Fonts!!!

Pyat'

I worked every night when I came home (as most of you do) . . . breaking just long enough to make dinner.  Thankfully, I found a little extra joy on Thursday night.  A gem of a program kept me company while I was correcting, laminating, and cutting :)  Although Big Top Pee-wee ain't got nufin' on Pee-wee's Big Adventure, this made my night.  It's the little things in life . . . 

Mmmm . . . chocolatey!!!

Alright friends, I am off to edit my punctuation pack, finish up the postcard exchange, and get my forms ready for parent conferences next week.  I hope you have a merry Sunday.  See you tomorrow.