A Sprinkle of Winter

I've been finding my way through the twisting, winding road that is Tpt as well as the world of creating things.  I'm enjoying it....most of the time.  It's difficult when you don't have anyone to turn to when you're trying to figure out how things work, but I'm getting there. 

The good news for anyone reading this, is that I keep having ideas of things I'd like to do and make for the kids in my own classroom and have been trying them out and am sharing with you!  I get a lot of feedback from those little people I spend my days with, and it's almost always positive!  Win-Win!

I've been piloting a great Math program this year in my room, but still like to give my First Graders varying experiences in math while having those experiences be meaningful at the same time.
This is the time of year when everyone is enjoying the middle of winter but needs to have a pick me up since we're all stuck inside so often.  My Winter Workout packet of printables is not only fun, but engaging and differentiated.   That's something to smile about!      

Check out this great Winter themed packet of print and go pages.
It's full of varying stages of development so you can differentiate with
ease.  Check it out in my TPT store HERE!

Several pages include sorting facts that equal a particular number. The numbers get progressively higher so you have options over several days.  And the kids love this because they're already excited about winter and the cold snow!

Sort the equation pages encourage children to use varying strategies to
solve the equation and then sort into appropriate columns.
There are several printable pages to choose from.

Now, if you're class is like most, you've got little ones with varying abilities in all curricular areas.  Math is the same.  I've got kids who need to sort equations to 5 and kids who can sort equations in the hundreds!  It's amazing to say the least.  This packet includes several pages like this one.  The child has to figure out how to sort the equations and then be able to explain her thinking.  This might be perfect for a few of the kids in your class and certainly something all of the kids in all of our classes should be working toward.

How are these equations the same or different?
Students have to solve and make decisions and then explain their thinking.

This next printable takes some thinking on the part of the child.  They are presented with two numbers and need to make equations that will correctly equal either number. Then, they cut and glue their snowball in the appropriate place.  For some, this will become an successful and independent activity, but others will gain confidence the more they practice this concept.  

You've got the answer!  Now create equations that are true and match the answers.
 Solve, sort and glue.

I know that each morning in my classroom, we're solving a number story.  We're constantly checking our answer to be sure it's correct.  Children need to be able to determine if an equation is true or false.  In this case, they need to determine if the equation on the mitten is equal to the number on the penguins tummy or not and color the mitten orange or blue, accordingly.  They love this!  Several of my kids got out double ten frame boards and unifix cubes to solve each equation while other counted on or back in their minds.  It's fun to see their varying stages of understanding progress.

Solve and determine if the equations match the number on the penguins tummy.

We haven't enjoyed outside recess in a week.  Afternoons can feel long.  These are great options to give your kids to make the long, cold winter engaging and fun.

Visit my Tpt Store, FirstLittleLessons, to see this and other fun-filled products to help you put a little sparkle in these long winter days!

Visit FirstLittleLessons here.