3, 2, 1....Blast Off!  Into a great new school year as you prepare to teach the concept of More Than and Less Than.  Space Mission: One Less-One More Number Sorts focuses on the concept of understanding whether the amount of one number is more or less than the amount of a given number.  

Space Mission More Than Less Number Sorts

Space Mission More Than Less Than Number Sorts Work Mats

Teaching the concept of More Than/Less Than is always a little challenging, but adding some visual pictures with one focus number is sure to help out any little one just starting out.  Check out these printables that start them out with just one focus number rather than too many numbers all at once.

And to add to the experience and support your teaching and their fun and engagement, here are some colorful work mats to use at a center or for independent work time.  

These are the Number Cards that go with the Work Mats. The numbers 1-35 are provided for extended practice although the focus of both of these packets center on the numbers 0-10.

 You can see Space Mission: One Less One More Number Sorts at FirstLittleLessons as well as lots of other great Early Numeracy products!  Please share this Blog Post with your friends.  

Happy Sorting!!!

-Mary Ellen

Heading Off To Second!

It's hard to believe, but our middle child, our sweet little girl, is heading off to Second Grade this fall.  All three of our kids our growing up so quickly, but Second Grade for her just came out of nowhere!  Wow!  It seems like we were just drying her tears as we dropped her off at the 4 Year old Junior Kindergarten room and now, she can do it all herself!  She lets me know that whenever I try to help her!  "I've got this mom. I can do this by myself." I know that's a good thing, but can't she just need me a little bit?  Just a tiny little bit?  Sigh.

I had her, and some of my 2nd Grade teacher friends, in mind, as I was creating some of these goodies for this 2nd Grade Back To School Packet.  I only see the end of First Grade, so I really cannot imagine just how independent those big 2nd Graders really are, but I'm certain that many of these things are going to get you 2nd grade teachers off to a great start that first week of school.  

 Second Grade Back To School Packet FirstLittleLessons

 Here is a list of everything that is included in this packet so you know exactly what you're getting.

 Here are some great First Day activities.  A picture for the first day to keep as a keepsake for that student portfolio you might be making as well as an ice breaker activity that gets everyone up and moving and getting to know everyone.  Most 2nd graders are reading at some level as well or can at least help one another read too, so they will be able to work through this activity with some independence and enjoy one another's company.  What a fun way to start their day together.

 Have you ever asked your student's what their "Hopes" are for themselves for the school year?  This might be something to talk about and come back to later in the week.  This is a nice way to set up some personal goals early on as well and a nice page to revisit again later in the year.

 How cute is that?!  A jelly bean jar craft, and why not!?  The actual craft is a clear jar that the kids color in colors of their own choosing.  Each jelly bean has information to help the children learn more about one another.  What a fun and colorful activity that is sure to keep those bigger, independent kids busy for a few extra minutes those first few days of school.

 We are all establishing Rules those first few days and weeks and 2nd graders needs those rules established too.  Here are two rule booklet options for you to choose from.  One large, one small but both covering important school rules.  An empty page for each rule allows you time to add on and elaborate for a more in depth discussion of the rules as the fit into your own classroom and needs.  This is a week long project for sure!  

And the fun doesn't stop there!  There are math activities galore as well as summer memories that can be saved and set aside to be revisited during Writing Workshop when someone says they have nothing to write about (that never happens!).

You can get all of this here and so much more!

Second Grade Back To School Packet First Little Lessons

And if you have a teacher friend who is looking for a Kindergarten or First Grade Back To School Packet, please share these with your friends too!  I'm all about sharing!!!

Happy School Year to All

-Mary Ellen

First Grade Back To School Packet FirstLittleLessons

Kindergarten Back To School Packet FirstLittleLessons

Oh Snap! It's Almost August!: Almost Back To School That Is!!!

How is it possible that summer is flying by so quickly?  I'm enjoying every last second of it, and all of the ice cream I can on a daily basis, but my goodness!  Can't summer just slow down a little bit?!  Sigh.  

While it seems I still have a few weeks of summer left to enjoy with my own little friends here at home, some other not so fortunate teacher friends out there have to go back sooner, so here are some great things to help you as you venture back into the classroom.  I know you'll find something here to help you as  you start back that first week or two.  

If you've been searching for that perfect Back To School First Grade Packet of Go-To items....look no further!  

I'm so excited to share this First Grade Back To School Packet with all of you! Here are just some of the many things included in this packet!  

First Grade Back To School Packet FirstLittleLessons

How about an adorable picture to remember that first day of school?  Just like a Polaroid from way back when, draw it, color it and tuck it away for Mom and Dad until the last day of school in each child's special portfolio.  Won't that make a a great keepsake? And when they finish draw a picture of themselves on their first day of first grade, how about going around and finding friends who like to to do some similar things as them?  This darling "Get To Know You" ice breaker is sure to put some smiles on faces on ease tensions around the room.  You might have to help out with reading some of the clues, but that will only help you get to know your students more too.  And while they're chatting away and talking with their friends, they'll be learning how to spell their friend's names too!

Now we all know every classroom needs some order and routine, so I know you'll want establish some rules...on Day 1!  This packet includes some options!  You can make a mini Rule booklet or this larger Rule Booklet which includes blank pages for the children to complete one rule on their own.  It's your choice.  This is a project to be revisited over the course of several days!

There are more fun Math Match-Up activities than I can mention!  Enough for the first couple of weeks and several numeracy related math activities to help first grade learners keep busy understanding those teen numbers for sure!

Activities for centers and independent work time when you're trying to teach them how to work in a small group or on their own.  

There is a whole mini-booklet for Numbers About Me!  How fun is that?  Here is just one preview page!  Packed full of a few pages loaded with ideas about numbers about Me! Me! Me!

And as school begins and summer comes to an end, what a wonderful time to remember those fun summer days and write down some of those memories!  Store some of them away in writing folders for story ideas for another day!

 If you're heading back to school soon, I wish you a wonderful start to your school year!  

First Grade Back To School Packet FirstLittleLessons

I also have a great Kindergarten Packet!

Kindergarten Back To School Packet FirstLittleLessons

And a fantastic Second Grade Packet as well!

Second Grade Back To School Packet FirstLittleLessons

 -Mary Ellen