The Meaning of the Equals Sign - First Grade Math

My students are learning that the equal sign doesn't always occur at the end of an equation. Once they get that each side of the equal sign must be equal, they are on their way. It might seem like a simple concept, but many have only seen an equation with the equal sign at the end. I am starting out with manipulatives and a balance to demonstrate this concept. I am still in the process of completing the unit.

Click here for a free copy of the activity sheets.

Need a technology connection? Check out the Math Illuminations website. It has a great activity showing Balanced Equations. 

I'm always looking for a book to connect to my math concepts.  Have you read Equal Shmequal by Virginia Kroll? Do you have any favorite books to use in this unit?

First Grade - DRA Prep with Reading Graphic Organizers

Do you believe it is already April? The year is flying by. My students are turning into amazing readers. To prepare for one of our reading assessments, the DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment), we have been practicing retelling a story. I have created a few graphic organizers to remind my students to think about the connections they make while they read and to identify the author's message. On a side note, I love to use Leo Lionni's books to teach author's message. More about that in a future blog.
Click here for a  free copy.

Don't forget to check out Manic Monday at classroom freebies! There is always a lot of amazing, and free, resources. 

Adding Nine (Plus 9)

Some of my students are getting good at adding nine to a one digit number. Those that still needed a scaffold used the 2 ten frames to help them visualize how to make that friendly number ten. To play the game they rolled a die and then added nine. If the sum is in the box they can move the counter, if not they lose a turn.   

 Click here for the freebie.

 

 Head over to Mrs. Wheeler's First Grade for more great spring resources.

Money Unit - Top 4 Favorite Videos to Teach Coins

My favorite videos to teach coin identification and value.

Did I miss one of your favorites?

Identifying coins, value, and what is on the heads and tails. 

  Name of coin and its value. Goes with poem Penny, Penny Easy Spent  Show me the money. Students can hold up the mentioned coin.    Some equivalent values - My kids love this one it repeats going faster and faster.

New Blog Design From Honey Bunch

Check out my new blog design. Do you love it? Isn't it adorable? The little girl reminds me of myself as a child. Don't you wish that we all had the sense of wonder and curiosity that a first grader has?

I had a DIY blog design, and I knew I needed help. The ladies over at Honey Bunch Blog Design are wonderful. Erika and Misty made for a great experience. If you are thinking of updating your blog, or giving yourself a bloggy face-lift you should head over there.

Bunny Bump - Add or Subtract

Scrapping Doodles has some adorable graphics. They were perfect for a springtime bump game. In this version, students either add or subtract to catch a bunny. Two versions of the game are included one using 6-sided dice and one using 10-sided dice. Click Here for the free game.

Decorating Eggs - Sums to 10

Getting ready for spring break. Thought I would let my students be a little creative while they practiced their sums to 10. All that is needed for this activity is the attached paper and a die. Students can play against a partner or by themselves. They write a number (numbers 4-9) on each egg. Roll the die. How many more to make 10? Find the correct egg and color it.

Click Here for the file.