MATH + LISTENING – 2 BIG OLD BIRDS 1 STONE

Word up peeps.  Get out the record books, I am bloggin’ two nights in a row during the school week.  Whoop . . de whoop!!!  I wanted to quickly share a little something awesome with you tonight.

Have you all heard of Kim Sutton??  Well, she is the coolest math guru around. And, if you haven’t checked out her stuff, you really should!  Her games and ideas keep kiddos engaged, working hard, and learning for extended periods of time.  It’s magical I tell ya.  

Although I use tons of her books, this early in the year, I like to bring out her Math Drills to Thrill Book.  This ditty provides countless activities that not only target common core standards, but also work on listening skills! 

My crew is as sweet as all get out this year, but so many of them have trouble opening those ears.  Sound familiar??  Well, this has been my afternoon math warm up answer.  It’s engaging, fun, and it helps me see who is ready to listen and learn. 

Here’s how this rolls.  The kids get a game sheet that targets a specific standard.  Then, I slap on the random numbers CD (it’s included folks) and watch my kiddos go to town.  As numbers are called out, the kiddos perform certain tasks (find the number that comes after, add one, double it, etc.).  It’s DINO-MITE!!!!!!!

The write up for this handy dandy book reads:  This book is filled with practice ideas through the important teaching of computational strategies and is designed to be used K-5.  K-1 teachers will be thrilled by the “Getting Acquainted with Numbers” section.  All of the addition and muliplication strategies are included with appropriate practice pages.  There are also ideas for practicing number vocabulary.  Watch your elementary students improve their listening skills as an added benefit.  

Now that I have used this booky-book for the past couple of weeks, I am a true believer.  My kids love these activities and I LOVE using them.  So far I have used the color the number pages as well as the “what comes before” and “what comes after” sheets.  Next week we will be moving into the addition pages. Check out my kids in action on the “Number Identification” pages.

Be sure to check out Kim Sutton’s web page when you have a moment (simply click on the image below).  If you haven’t used her stuff before, you are in for a REAL treat.  She is delightful and her ideas are amazing.  

Alright folks, I am out of here.  Have a wonderful evening and I will see you soon.  Don’t forget that you have less than 24 hours to enter our “Write” Stuff Giveaway.  We’re talkin’ 5 fantastic writing packets from . . . First Grade Blue Skies, TGIF, Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade and little old me!  Click on the image below to find out more and to get yo-self entered!