Anchor Charts for Interactive Notebooks: Operations and Algebraic Thinking Edition

Wahoo!  I finally finished and uploaded my newest TpT product Anchor Charts for Interactive Notebooks: Operations and Algebraic Thinking for First Grade.

Are you using Interactive Notebooks?  My district requires them for all subjects and all grade levels.  I found it a little hard to adjust to them at first, but now I REALLY love them and see the academic influence they have.

This set covers all the OA standards from Common Core for first grade.  I decomposed the standards as much as possible to make the anchor charts as skill specific as possible.  I've been using these in my class for a few months and love to see students refer back to the poster sized chart and their personal chart in their notebook.

Here are a few examples of the anchor charts included.  Each page has two charts for easy printing, paper saving and perfect placement in any size Interactive Notebook:

I also included 18 vocabulary cards for your math word wall.  The vocab cards have a definition and a pictorial example.

Right now the file is on sale for $2!  After I post all the anchor charts by standards I will create a bundle download.  The sale price reflects this standard's portion of the soon-to-be bundle price.  That way you can save time, save money and get it now!  Go ahead, you deserve it. ;]

Telescopes

Today we learned about telescopes. How do you engage students in the daytime and without actual telescopes? Why construction paper, the Internet and out imaginations of course!

I put pictures from telescopes on the screen and we looked at them through our paper telescopes.  This was probably one of the must engaging lessons of the year and it took about 2 minutes to prep.  Love it.

Pumpkin Project 2013

We wrapped up our Pumpkin Unit last week.  I've got more details about it, but can't get time to sit and type a full post.  Hopefully I will be able to do that later this week.  Until then, check out the Instagram posts and pictures here!

FREE Patriot Day Printable Booklet

Holy moly, mostacoli!  The last month has been a total whirlwind.  I'll have a longer post about the beginning of our school year with pictures of my room and activities.  I am loving my class this year!  They are so clever and fun!

I always find it difficult to teach first graders about September 11 and Patriot Day.  I was teaching first grade on September 11, 2001.  It was just as hard then as it is now.  At the time I had many parents request we not discuss the events at all in the classroom.  As much as I tried to follow their wishes, kids asked questions and I would answer them as simply and honestly as I could.  I still stick to that now.

As a way of teaching, honoring and observing Patriot Day I created a 4 page booklet that simply explains what Patriot Day is, why we observe it and how to celebrate it.  It is a free download on my TpT store.

What do you do on September 11?  How do you teach it to your students?

Wahoo! Back to School Sale on TpT!

I've been filling up my wishlist just waiting for the Back to School sale on TpT.  The time has come, my friends!  Sunday and Monday use the code BTS13 during check out to get an additional 20% off all my already reduced products!  Back to school bargains galore!

I also linked up with K. Almaraz's link party for Firstie Friends (other first grade teachers participating in the Back to School sale).  Check out all the goodies!

The kids start school Monday.  New curriculum in all subject areas and new schedules...wish me luck!

Updated Personal Dictionaries FREEBIE and a Coupon

    

I've updated my Dolch Word Personal Dictionary on TpT and added a Fry Personal Dictionary.  Each file includes 2 pages of alphabetized words with 5 different color backgrounds, a simple black frame and just words.  Go scoop them up for free!

Background examples:

 

Now for the coupon.  I am offering a 10% discount to my Etsy shop valid now through September 7, 2013.  Use it to purchase your own set of handmade chair pockets or any of my other cute products!

Hanging Fancy Frame clip art by Krista Wallden.

FREE CCSS eBook Resource from TpT (and ME!)

 

Can I just say how much I love TpT? I was introduced to it from a teacher I co-taught with during summer school last year and I have been obsessed hooked ever since.

The beautiful, wonderful, thoughtful people behind and involved with TpT have put together amazing resources with Teacher Tips and *free* activities to help implement the Common Core State Standards.  My tip and free download are featured on page 4 of the K-2 ELA e-book available here (or by clicking the graphic above)!  I am so honored to be included in this resource along side some truly amazing educators!

But, don't stop there!  Be sure to download the other subject e-books as well!

K-2 ELA  don't forget...scroll right to page 4 ;) 
K-2 MATH 
3-5 ELA  
3-5 MATH

There are also e-books for 6-12 in Science, Social Studies, English and Math if you want to pass the info on to teacher friends who brave those hormonal creatures day in and day out. I'll take a roomful of 6 year-olds over that! Links to upper grades can be found from any of the links above. Again they are all FREE and include lots of free resources and activities to use in your classroom! Share the news with all your friends and colleagues!