iHeart Math Holiday HOP!

We are fortunate to join some wonderful math bloggers for a superb hop you are sure to love!  Each day in December, through the 23rd, you can hop around and snag some excellent holiday tips and gifts.  Don't worry if you are just getting in on the fun--you can hop back to previous blogger posts by clicking on the calendar image above. You can also use the calendar to hop to one blogger after the next as the days unfold, but please note that you will receive an error message until each day arrives. 

HO, HO, HO! Here goes... 

Holiday Tips: Giving Back

Our first tip is about giving back.  Courtney and I teach in what many call the city with the world's largest lighted parade--the Festival of Lights.  Many moons ago, when I started teaching, each classroom of kids made ornaments to display in the Enchanted Forest.  Some years later, the forest disappeared from the festivities, and we weren't sure why.  It had long been a special place for families to walk and enjoy the lights and handmade ornaments crafted by all of the kids in our district.  Courtney and I were sad to see it go but were pleasantly surprised when it was rekindled this year in celebration of 30 years.  Our kids made some fabulous ornaments to contribute to a tradition that was once long-lived in our community and has returned.  While this is a tradition in our community, think about starting a tradition in yours!

Another tip for giving back!  From when I was young, I have fond memories of making holiday decorations for residents in a nursing home.  This year, my class is making 2 x 4 snowmen for some residents in a care center located just across the street from our school.  Even better, we have coordinated a visit so the kids can deliver the decorations, something I was never able to do as a child.  I was truly touched by the thoughtful words my kids shared when they were told of this opportunity to give back to our community and brighten someone's holiday.  We can't wait to make the visit!

Holiday Tip: Keep Moving!

Courtney and I both love activities that get our kids up and moving, and this is great to do during the holidays.  As Courtney says, we need to just "hold on" and get through this busy time of year for EVERYONE.  Our kids are truly motivated by Gallery Walk or Roam the Room type activities, so we will be using a Reindeer Hide & Seek activity again this year.  We like to make things fun, but not with a lack of substance, as some say... Ha!  So please enjoy this little stocking stuffer!

Some Special Gifts for You!

Unwrap these goodies and enjoy this wonderful season with your students! We can't wait to have our kids make Santa Strategy Sacks and play some games with Santa's Elves. Enjoy!

Now, don't forget to stop back tomorrow to visit the next blogger,  Lucy at Kids Math Teacher!

All the best to you and yours this holiday season!

Makin' It Math! Mid-Month Linky -- November

Welcome to November's Makin' It Math! linky! So glad you stopped by!

In the past month, I have put together some math tool bags for the kids to use at home. Tool bags were sent home after talking with parents at parent-teacher conferences in October.

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The following information is posted on my classroom website for parents, but it also gives you an overview of math tool bags and how they are used at home.

What are math tool bags?

Math tool bags house various math tools, games, and activities for at-home math practice.

What is in my child's math tool bag?

Various tools/items are housed in your child's bag.  Tools may include, but are not limited to---dice, clear colored counters, place value cubes, a number line, ten frame/number cards, and paper base ten tools. Not all bags contain the same tools/items (based on student need).

What should I know about my child's tool bag?

• Tool bags are to be kept at home in a safe place.
• Your child should take pride in caring for his/her tools for extended use. 
• The tools in the bag are to be used for at-home math work and games.
• The tools should not be used in any other way (as toys, for other games, etc.)
• Your child will be able to keep all items in his/her bag at the end of the school year (unless otherwise noted when sent home).
• Math games sent for home practice should be kept in the math tool bag.
• Additional items will be sent home at various times of the year and should be added to your child's tool bag.

When should my child use the items, activities, and games in his/her bag?

Your child can use the items in his/her bag for at-home math practice at ANY time.  Activity/game suggestions will be noted periodically on your child's "My Responsibilities" Sheet and materials will be sent home.  Nothing needs to be returned to class as proof of at-home practice.  It is strongly recommended that your child work with his/her bag on a regular basis.

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The following items were sent home in everyone's math tool bag.  I have included links to various item--where they can be found and freebie printables.

• clear colored counters (2 colors, 20 of each color)--I purchased a multicolored set a few years ago from a seller on e-bay.
• foam dice--Purchased from eNasco.
• paper base ten tools--Download here!
• number cards--Download here! 
• number words card--Download here!
• place value cubes--Download directions for how to make them here!
• dry erase marker and micro-fiber eraser (made from inexpensive micro-fiber kitchen towels cut into smaller pieces).  You can also use socks--I use socks in the classroom. Both are easy to wash!
• several paperclips for spinners
  
• 2, heavy-weight plastic page protectors (to slide activities and games into so they can be used over and over without sending home additional copies)

Additional tools/items were sent home in tool bags depending on need.

• number lines--Download here!
• ten frame cards and/or ten frame/number cards--Download here!
• using ten addition ten frame fact cards--Download here!
• place value discs--Download here!

Bags were purchased at The Library Store--See size and pricing information here!  2 gallon Ziplock bags would be less expensive and work well, too.

Periodically, I send home games/activities. Any games/activities are used in guided math groups/rotations prior to sending them home.

• one page math games
• spinner games
• place value cube activities
• dice games
• card games
• word problems
• etc.

I hope you will find some of the items useful.  My kids LOVE these bags--I often hear comments about at-home activities/game play and have received positive comments from parents. :0)

Please feel free to link up your math made-its!

All the best for a wonderful weekend!

An InLinkz Link-up