Teaching Place Value: Tens and Ones

 A tens and ones place value board is a visual and interactive tool used to teach students about the concept of place value in two-digit numbers. It helps students understand how digits in a number represent different values based on their position. The board typically consists of a grid with two columns: one for the tens place and one for the ones place. Each column contains slots to place manipulatives, which are physical objects representing tens and ones. Common manipulatives used are base-10 blocks, where a rod represents ten units (tens) and a cube represents one unit (ones).

Here's a step-by-step explanation of how to use the tens and ones place value board: 

Introduction to Place Value: Start by explaining the concept of place value to the students. Emphasize that each digit in a number holds a different value based on its position in the number. 

The Columns: Point out the two columns on the board. Label one column as "Tens" and the other as "Ones." 

Representing Two-Digit Numbers: Begin with a simple two-digit number, like 27. Explain that the first digit, 2, goes in the "Tens" column, and the second digit, 7, goes in the "Ones" column. 

Using Manipulatives: Show the students how to represent the number 27 using base-10 blocks. Place two rods (representing 20) in the "Tens" column and seven cubes (representing 7) in the "Ones" column.

Regrouping: Now, demonstrate regrouping with a larger number, like 45. Place four rods (representing 40) in the "Tens" column and five cubes (representing 5) in the "Ones" column. 

Addition and Subtraction: Use the place value board to demonstrate addition and subtraction with two-digit numbers. For example, to add 27 + 15, place 27 on the board, then add 15 (one rod and five cubes) to it. 

Expanded Form: Show the students how to write numbers in expanded form using the place value board. For example, for the number 34, they should write it as 30 + 4. 

Word Problems: Introduce word problems that involve place value. Use the board to help students understand the numbers and the operations involved. 

Independent Practice: Give the students exercises or problems to solve independently using the place value board. This will reinforce their understanding and application of place value concepts.

Assessment: Finally, use the place value board for assessment purposes. Ask students to represent numbers, perform operations, or solve problems using the board to gauge their comprehension. The tens and ones place value board is an effective tool to make abstract concepts more concrete and help students build a solid foundation in understanding place value, which is crucial for further mathematical concepts.

You can download this FREE resource from my TpT store by clicking the picture below!

Until next time...

Unleash Lunar Learning: A Resource Review for Phases of the Moon Lesson

Calling all primary educators! Are you searching for stellar resources to boost your lessons on the phases of the moon? Look no further because we've discovered a celestial gem that will take your teaching to new heights. Get ready to explore the wonders of "Phases of the Moon Science", a comprehensive resource that will skyrocket your students' understanding of lunar phases. Join us as we embark on an educational journey filled with lunar excitement!

Prepare to launch into an in-depth exploration of this lunar-themed teaching aid. Developed by an experienced educator, "Phases of the Moon Science" is an invaluable resource that brings the moon's phases to life. This versatile toolkit has an exciting booklet and a hands-on phases of the moon clock that will illuminate your lessons like a supernova.

Eye-catching visuals in a student-friendly booklet not only stimulate curiosity but also facilitate comprehension and retention of the moon's different phases. Your students will be over the moon as they engage with this captivating visual aids.

Ignite your students' passion for learning with interactive and tactile experiences! "Phases of the Moon Science" offers this hands-on phases of the moon clock that will transform your classroom into a lunar laboratory. This immersive activity will make learning a multisensory delight. Watch as your students' understanding blossoms through their active participation.

Unleash the power of "Phases of the Moon Science" and witness your classroom transform into a lunar wonderland. Fuel your students' curiosity, ignite their imaginations, and guide them on a cosmic journey that will leave a lasting impact. Embark on this astronomical adventure today and elevate your lessons to celestial heights!

Let's Learn about Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo is a special holiday celebrated in Mexico and the United States on May 5th every year. It commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Here's a resource for primary grades that can make learning about this holiday fun and engaging for young students.

You can start with this short 8-minute video explaining Cinco de Mayo.

Then you can use the activities in this downloadable activity pack that includes a variety of fun and educational resources to help children understand the history and cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo. The pack includes a stack and staple informational text with embedded text-dependent questions that students can read and answer to learn about the holiday.

One of the activities in the pack is a compare and contrast page that compares the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the US and Mexico. This activity can help students understand thecultural differences and similarities between the two countries. The pack also includes a mapping activity that teaches children about the geography of Mexico.

Another exciting activity included in the pack is a Cinco de Mayo sombrero crown that students can color and wear. This craft activity is an excellent way to engage students and get them excited about learning.

The pack also includes a Cinco de Mayo fiesta acrostic poem craftivity that allows students to write their own poems using the letters in the word "fiesta." This activity is a fun and creative way to teach language arts skills while also learning about the holiday.

Finally, the pack includes a color-by-Spanish-color-word activity that teaches children Spanish color words. The activity also comes with a reference chart for color words to help students learn and review.

These activities mentioned above are excellent tools for teaching young students about Cinco de Mayo. They are are engaging, informative, and culturally relevant. With this resource, students can have fun while learning about the history and significance of Cinco de Mayo.

The Ascension of Jesus for Little Learners

 Teaching young children about religious concepts can be a challenging task, but it can also be a fulfilling experience. The Ascension is a significant event in the Christian faith, and it is important to share its message with young learners. In this blog post, we will explore some ideas on how to teach about the Ascension to first graders.

First, it is essential to understand what the Ascension means. The Ascension refers to the event where Jesus Christ rose into heaven after his resurrection. This event is significant as it represents Jesus' ultimate victory over death and sin. It also signifies Jesus' return to his heavenly father and the promise of his eventual return.

One way to introduce the Ascension to first graders is to use visual aids. Pictures, videos, and other multimedia resources can help make the story more engaging and memorable for young learners. You can also use storytelling techniques that incorporate actions and gestures to make the story come to life. 

Another approach is to use age-appropriate language to explain the story. Use simple, straightforward language that children can understand. You can also incorporate storytelling techniques that help children make connections between the story and their own lives. For instance, you can ask questions like, "What does it mean to go home?" or "Have you ever felt sad when someone you love had to leave?"

It's also important to emphasize the positive message of the Ascension. Talk about the hope and promise that Jesus' ascension represents, and how it relates to our own lives. You can discuss how the Ascension is a reminder that Jesus is always with us, even if we can't see him. It's a reminder that we can always rely on his love and guidance, no matter what happens.

Teaching about the Ascension to first graders requires creativity, simplicity, and sensitivity. By using visual aids, age-appropriate language, and positive messaging, you can help young learners connect with this important event in the Christian faith. 

Here Comes January

 And just like that, winter break is nearly over.  Teachers' thoughts start turning towards planning for January and that first day back from vacation.

It's the New Year!
I like to welcome the children back from winter break with a day celebrating New Years!  We make hats or crowns to wear in class.  I update this resource yearly to reflect the upcoming year.

We read and learn about New Year's Resolutions.  We listen to Squirrel's New Year's Resolution read aloud on YouTube.  

Then we discuss our resolutions and write about them.

We also integrate our New Year's studies into math and social studies.

You can check out this PAID resource by clicking on any of the pictures above.

Celebrate Martin Luther King
To go along with our Martin Luther King studies in January, we make this peace dove craft.  It's super simple, using only 1 paper plate per student.  It's also a hands-on introduction to fractions 1/2 and 1/4.  After studying about MLK, the students write about a dream they have for the future.  Then they make this peace dove, and we display it in the hallway.  We usually have parent conferences during January, so it's a good opportunity to display the students' writing and fine motor skills as well.  Check out this FREE by clicking on the picture below.

Paragraph Writing

We spent the first part of the year learning to write complete sentences, including using capital letters and end marks.  Now it's time to learn how to put those thoughts together in a 3 to 5 sentence paragraph.  Our goal for the end of the year is a 5 sentence paragraph with a main idea sentence, 3 supporting details, and a concluding sentence.  To give the children a guided scaffold they can use while learning this writing format, I introduce them to paragraph puzzles.  While using these puzzles, we focus on the writing vocabulary of main idea, supporting details, and concluding sentence.  For the first week, we work through organizing the pieces to create a cohesive paragraph together.  In the following weeks, the children put the puzzle together themselves as part of their independent seat work.  

Click here to see this PAID resource

Celebrate the Epiphany

Finally, Epiphany is Friday, January 6.  Epiphany is the official end of the Christmas Season in the Catholic Church, when the Three Wise Men visit the baby Jesus and give their gifts.  Use this great resource to help your students learn more about Epiphany.

Welcome back!  

Busy in December

December - So much to cover in such a short month! Here are some of the things we're working and the tools I'm using to help teach them.

Using Addition Strategies 

We have spent the past few weeks learning addition strategies such as adding 1, 2, or 3, doubles, doubles +1, counting on from the larger number, and make a 10. I like to play this game, first as teacher versus students, so I can model how to play and use think-alouds to model using the stategies to solve. Then, as I'm playing against the children, I have them tell me what strategy they use to solve the problems. The next time we play, I divide the class into two teams, and they play against each other, again having them tell me what strategies they use to solve the problems. Finally, I put the game out at as a math center for independent practice. 

 If you'd like to learn more about this FREE resource, click one of the pictures below.

 More FREE Addition Strategies Practice 

Another fun, low-prep addition strategies prep that could be used as a formative assessment to check your students' understanding of the concept is this Addtion Strategies Scoot game. It also works well with a small group to reinforce addition strategies if you have a few students who are just not "getting it." This resource comes with two answer sheets, one where students put the answer in the strategies column, and one where they just solve the problem (in case you're not reinforcing addition strategies.) If you'd like to learn more about this FREE resource, click the picture below.

Still working on CVC? 

I have these fun CVC tic-tac-toe boards I use in small group for children still struggling to master CVC skills. This PAID bundle includes nonsense words, short vowels in isolation, and all short vowels review. You can also click on the "view bundle" button on TpT to see the individual components. 

Complete Sentence Practice 

In first grade, getting my students to recognize and especially write a complete sentence is a year-long lesson. This PAID resource is a great way to practice putting together a complete sentence. I use it with the whole group at first, then I transfer it to a center. It's perfect to use that way because it's possible to spin many combinations of sentences!

The Nativity Retelling Circle 

This FREE resource is a great way to have your children retell the Nativity Story. In the week before Christmas break, after learning about the birth of Jesus, my students make this wheel in religion class. Then they partner up and retell the story to a friend. Finally, I send it home with a note asking their adults to have them use the wheel on Christmas morning to share the story with their families before the unwrapping begins. Hopefully, this will help keep Jesus in their thoughts as they unwrap presents.  

Religion Christmas Resources 

I have several other free and paid Christmas religion resources available. You can see them by clicking on the picture below.

Wishing you the peace, joy, and love that the Christmas Season brings.

Back to School 2022

 Summer is Flying By!

I hope you've had time to rest and recharge this summer, but we all know how it goes. As July progresses, our thoughts start to turn to back to school.
Some of you, our Southern Hemisphere friends, are about halfway through your school year. Some of you may be gearing up to go back in the next few weeks. And some of you, myself included, are looking at a late August, early Septemer return.

No matter where you are in your school year, July typically brings a lot of sales on quality teacher resources. Right now, there's a #ChristmasinJuly22 sale going on. It will last a week, and every two days the deal changes. It starts with $1 deals today and tomorrow.

click here to see the over 1,000 resources!

click here to see the three resources I'm including.

But wait! There's more!

The annual Summer Sale is back and better than ever! We've got some amazing deals for you!
Over the next two weeks, you'll be able to pick up teaching resources for 50% off, $2, and just $1!
We're also giving away two $275 TpT gift cards each week!
To stay up to date on this sale, we're inviting you to join our Facebook page, Teacher Deals and Giveaways. These deals will start tomorrow. We will have 50% off deals, $2 deals, $1 deals, and giveaways and freebies weekly!

Join Teacher Deals and Giveaways

A Freebie for You!

Wherever you are in your school year or back-to-school mindset, I hope you find some great resources over the next few weeks to help make it the best year ever! Here's a little something I use every year at our Blessings of the Backpacks, which is usually the Sunday before school starts. After Mass, the school is opened up and the children and parents come in to drop off supplies and say hello to me. It's such a joyous event greeting previous years, families and meeting this year's families that we don't mind giving up a few hours on a Sunday to come in.

I always put this little greeting card and treat on the desk for the children. It's a great way to break the ice and welcome them back to school. Feel free to click picture and download your free copy!

Until next time...