Fun Food and Games Friday — July 20, 2012 — Ocean Life

Go Fishing!

Use magnetic fishing poles for learning new concepts or reviewing old ones. Cut fish out of paper, program with information and attach a paper clip to its mouth. I have used this to sort by size (small, medium, and large fish), do math problems (problem on one side, answer on the other) and to review sight words. If the child gets the answer wrong, I threw that fish back in so we can have another try at it later!

Shark Attack!

Melon Fish
Cut a shark face, complete with teeth out of a watermelon. With the remaining watermelon and other melons, cut out fish forms to put in the shark. You can either use a fish cookie cutter or a knife and do it freehand.

Please visit my shop on Teacher’s Notebook to purchase the entire Ocean Life unit:

http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/educatorsdesktop/pre-kunder-the-sea-on-the-beach-and-ocean-animals

Mad Math Monday — Insects!

Greetings, all!!

Here are a few math ideas for use with the unit, Insects, at a Pre-K level.

Small group or individual — Caterpillar Measurement Comparison
Click on the following link for the caterpillar measurement comparison worksheet PDF. You can either copy one for each child, let them color it, cut out and arrange in order or you can make one and have it as a center activity. If each child gets one, they can take it home and do it with their parents for continued practice.

Caterpillar Comparison

Small or large group — Bug Bingo

Bug Bingo

Depending on age and ability, either you can create the boards or they can. Print out as many as you need, reserving one full set of insects for the caller. Cut off the insect pieces and cut them apart. Glue them onto the board in various arrangements. Laminate, if desired. Use regular markers or insect markers, such as gummy worms.

Small or large group — Ladybug Spots

You will need a large, round,  red,  plastic tablecloth, a set of black paper plates and a large die. The tablecloth is a ladybug. Each child rolls the die, while the class chants: Ladybug, ladybug, where are your spots? You look funny without any dots. How many spots will you get? 1,2,3,4,… Each child lays out the required number of paper plates as spots.

Insect Counters

Lakeshore has a counter set that has ladybugs and ants. Others in the set can be used for themes at other times of the year. My students love these.