Happy Father's Day
This year for Father's Day our whole family went on an excursion.  My husband has been wanting to go to Harbor Freight Tools for a long time and we surprised him with breakfast out and a shopping spree.  We browsed every isle with all three children, a cart, and a double stroller.  To top off the trip I even found a couple items for my class.  Check out this paper cutter I got for $7.99 and 12 key chains for $0.99!  I'm already brainstorming ideas for the key chains.  I'm thinking addition strategies.  Each strategy can have it's own color.  I'll post the cards I make for the key chains soon.

Half Day Planning

It never seems like there is enough time to plan so last year our school implemented 1/2 day planning at the end of each quarter. It is amazing how much we can accomplish when we work together and are given a big chunk of time. We spend most of our day looking at math for the next quarter and ways we can improve lessons. To make our data unit more hands-on we planned some new line plot lessons. Check them out and let me know how you like them.

Beginning My Blog & Doubles Game

I am so excited to finally have a blog. This is my first and I can't wait to start sharing ideas and activities that I use in my first grade class. I have always loved using Publisher to create new activities and through blogs I have discovered the endless fonts, borders, and clipart out there. It is amazing how many ideas are out there and how much easier they make my job. I hope this blog helps other teachers as much as I have benefited from the incredible blogs already sharing.

Our first graders have been working hard to master addition strategies. Right now they play a lot of Doubles and Near Doubles games. To celebrate this first post I am sharing one of their favorite games...Double Dare. Do you remember this game show from the 80's? In this card game students have to answer double addition problems or complete a challenge. The physical challenges in this game are not messy like the TV show but the kids had a blast trying to do the challenges.