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Polar Animal Pattern Activity for First Grade

November 18, 2019 by Selena Robinson 5 Comments

We’ve been having an unseasonably warm winter down South this year. But that changed drastically this week.

Last week, we had highs in the 70s. This week, we woke up to 25 degrees in the morning. That’s nothing to Northerners and Midwesterners, but us Southerners panicked.

I think it’s safe to say that winter has finally arrived.

And that means it’s a great time to talk about polar animals! So I’m sharing a fun Arctic Animal Pattern Activity for first grade!

These are so fun to use at math centers, especially in the winter!

If you like this activity, don’t miss this fun snowflake math factors craft for kids and our printable Polar Animal notebooking pages!

Simple Polar Animal Pattern Activity for First Grade

Recognizing and creating math patterns are a key concept in both kindergarten and first grade. Kids are often taught to recognize patterns according to frequency.

So you might have a ABABABAB pattern (one image, then another, then the first again, then the second) or you might have a AABBAABB pattern (the first image twice, the second image twice, and so on).

Which is where this printable pattern activity comes in handy!

To use this pattern activity for first grade, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer Paper (I used Astrobright paper)
Child-safe scissors
Glue stick
Laminator (optional)
Hook and loop sticky dots

Help students read each pattern by saying the name of each picture aloud.

For example, a pattern row might read “Fox, Igloo, Fox, Igloo, Fox, Igloo, Fox, Igloo…”. Then ask “What picture comes next?”

When students answer “Fox!”, let them cut out the fox picture and paste it on the correct row to complete the pattern!

Do the same with the other patterns.

Since some of the patterns follow an ABAB structure and others follow an ABB or an ABC pattern, it’s good to practice the same pattern structure again and again to attain fluency before trying a different one.

You can use these as a one-time cut and paste activity or laminate them and use them with hook and loop sticky dots at math centers!

Scroll down to get your Arctic Animals Basic Pattern Building Activity!

Take a look at these other math activities for early learners!

$These printable cookie counting to ten worksheets are so fun for math centers or morning tubs!$

$These counting crows addition fact cards are so fun for helping students practice addition fluency! Use them with dry erase crayons at math centers!$

And find more ways to make math fun on my Math Mania! Pinterest board!

To get your copy of our Arctic Patterns! Polar Animal Pattern Activity for First Grade, click the link or the text below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

>>> Arctic Patterns! Pattern Activity for First Grade <<<

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Sequencing Mats for Kids

November 14, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

When I was little, I was a total hot cocoa addict.

My parents drank coffee every morning. But I was in love with hot chocolate.

I had a little microwavable mug and, once I learned to make cocoa on my own (usually with Nesquik), I was off to the races.

As the weather gets colder, I still remember my hot chocolate memories. And that’s why I wanted to share these adorable peppermint hot cocoa sequencing mats for kids!

These would make a perfect winter early learning activity for preschoolers and kindergartners who are working on retelling steps in order.

Read on to see how to get your set – free! And, for more fun with winter learning, don’t miss our winter alphabet and number playdough mats!

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Sequencing Mats for Kids

To use these sequencing mats for kids, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This product includes:

One color sequencing mat
Two sets of color three-step hot cocoa sequencing cards
One line art sequencing mat
And two sets of line art three-step hot cocoa sequencing cards

Once you prep this activity, you’re all set!

Place the cards in random order and let students practice telling how to make cocoa using the cards in the correct sequence.

You’ll definitely want to laminate these for durability. It makes them hold up better for little hands!

You can also use them with sticky hook and loop dots to add them to a busy bag.

Scroll down to get your set of these Peppermint Hot Cocoa Sequencing Cards!

Stop by and check out these other winter early learning activities!

And for more winter teaching ideas, follow my Winter Activities for Kids board on Pinterest!

To get your copy of these Peppermint Hot Cocoa Sequencing Mats, click the image or the link below to grab it for free from my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

>>> Peppermint Hot Cocoa Sequencing Activity <<<

20 Community Helpers Books for Kids to Read

November 12, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Community helpers are such an important theme in early childhood education.

After all, it’s important for children to learn how their local community works and who provides the services we all rely on each day.

So when you’re ready to teach a community helper theme in class, make sure to use some of these community helpers books for kids as part of your read aloud time!

These community helpers picture books are excellent sections!

They’re all beautifully illustrated and they feature simple explanations of each helper’s role in town.

Read on to check out the selections below! And, for more ways to study community helpers, check our our Spanish community helpers printable lesson!

20 Community Helpers Books for Kids to Read

This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.

If you decide to read any of these with your students, I’d love to hear which ones were your favorite!

1. Helpers in My Community by Bobbie Kalman

2. Whose Hands Are These? by Miranda Paul

3. Whose Hat Is This? by Sharon Katz Cooper

4. Look for the Helpers (adapted) by Alexandra Cassel

5. Career Day by Anne Rockwell

6. Jobs Around Town by Stan and Jan Berenstain

7. Let’s Meet a Police Officer by Gina Bellisario

8. Let’s Meet a Doctor by Bridget Heos

9. Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook

10. When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic

11. Whose Tools Are These? by Sharon Katz Cooper

12. Delivering Your Mail by Ann Owen

13. Night Night, Sleepytown by Amy Parker

14. Miss Bindergarten Takes a Field Trip with Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

15. Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry

16. Busy People: Construction Worker by Lucy M. George

17. My Visit to the Dentist by David Lee

18. Teachers in My Community by Bridget Heos

19. Let’s Meet a Firefighter by Gina Bellisario

20. When I Grow Up by Mercer Mayer

Did you love these community helpers books for kids? Take a look at these other booklists for young readers!

See more great books for children on my Must Read Books for Kids Pinterest board!

Multicolor Mail! Preschool Color Sorting Game

November 11, 2019 by Selena Robinson 1 Comment

Preschoolers love to pretend to deliver mail.

When we took our little ones to a pretend neighborhood, they all wanted to dress up as mail delivery workers and put envelopes in the tiny mailbox. It was adorable.

Since learning to recognize colors and color words is an important skill for toddlers and preschoolers to master, I thought it would be fun to combine colors and mail delivery into a simple preschool color sorting game!

With this simple color recognition activity, kids can pretend to “stamp mail” and work on learning their colors. And, after the initial setup, you can reuse it over and over again.

It’s perfect for preschool busy bags, centers, or morning tubs!

Read on to see how to get your set!

And for more color sorting fun, check out our Colorful Cubes Color and Number Sorting Worksheets!

Multicolor Mail! Preschool Color Sorting Game

To play this preschool color sorting game, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This game includes “envelopes” that feature the color words for:

Red
Yellow
Blue
Black
White
Orange
Yellow
and Purple

Simply cut the envelopes out, fold them in half, and laminate them.

Add a loop sticky dot to the square in the upper right corner of each envelope.

The color stamps are all printed on one page. Laminate the page, then cut out each stamp.

Add a hook sticky dot on the back of each stamp.

Then you’re ready to play! Show the kids how to attach the correct color stamp on each envelope.

Since the color words appear in the color they identify, this is a simple color recognition game for little ones.

You can work on primary colors first, then add secondary colors and neutrals, if you like.

Divide up the colors and see who can match their stack up first!

This would be a wonderful busy bag activity. You can just store the stamps and the envelopes in a resealable bag and let the kids practice anytime!

Scroll down to get your copy of this Preschool Color Sorting Game!

Don’t miss these other preschool learning activities!

$These printable ladybug math activities are perfect for sharing with the kids this spring!$

And see more ways to make early learning fun on my Learning for Little Ones Pinterest board!

To get your copy of our Multicolor Mail! Preschool Color Sorting Game, click the image or the link below to visit our Store! Or you can pick it up in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

>>> Multicolor Mail! Preschool Color Sorting Activity <<<

Printable Spanish I Have Who Has Game for Kids

November 7, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Early foreign language learning tends to focus on numbers, letters, and basic sentences. Which is great!

But it’s also cool when you add in a little fun as you go, right?

We’ve already shared printables to help kids learn to count in Spanish, but that’s not quite the same as learning to interact with others in the language.

Which is why this super simple printable Spanish I Have Who Has game is so great for early learners!

With this simple Spanish vocabulary game, kids can have fun, practice counting, and work on their Spanish vocabulary – all at the same time!

Read on to see how to get your copy for free!

And, for more help with teaching Spanish to children, take a look at A to Z Español – our Spanish Alphabet Learning Kit!

Printable Spanish I Have Who Has Game for Kids

To use this printable Spanish I Have Who Has Game, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

The rules of the game are simple.

There are 20 cards in all. Divide them up evenly among players (no more than four).

Each player reads what is on their card, which includes naming the number on their card and asking who has another number.

Except in Spanish.

The player with the most matches at the end wins!

If you need help to teach kids how to read the numbers in Spanish as well, pick up our Spanish number 1-20 flashcards too!

Scroll down to get your copy of our Spanish I Have Who Has Game!

Take a look at these other Spanish language activities for kids!

See more ways to teach Spanish on my Foreign Language for Kids Pinterest board!

To get your copy of this Spanish I Have Who Has Game, just sign up for our email newsletter!

You’ll get access to this printable, and lots more, in our exclusive Subscriber Library!

You can sign up using the widget below. Watch for the welcome email with instructions on how to access the library.

$Practice number recognition and Spanish vocabulary with this printable Spanish I Have Who Has Game! So fun for early math and literacy practice!$

DIY Origami Fox Bookmark Craft for Kids

November 5, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

When I was little, one of my very favorite movies was Disney’s Robin Hood. You know, the one with the foxes.

Actually, I think fox Robin Hood might have been one of my very first crushes. (Please tell me I’m not alone in this.)

Ever since then, I’ve had a soft spot for foxes.

So I thought this adorable DIY origami fox bookmark craft would be a fun paper craft to share with you and your kids!

Just in case you also have a soft spot for foxes, especially British ones.

These would be adorable DIY gifts for kids who are book lovers! Just make up a few and hand them out with a copy of their favorite book.

You could even write a little note on the back!

These easy origami corner bookmarks would also make great reading rewards for students!

Read on to get the full project instructions. And, if you want to make more fox crafts, don’t miss our Simple Paper Bag Fox Craft!

DIY Origami Fox Bookmark Craft

Personally, I’ve been known to use just about anything as a bookmark: a popsicle stick, a paper clip, a piece of yarn. My current one is a used school field trip badge folded in half.

In fact, the library checkout receipt is my usual go-to.

But it is nice to use an actual bookmark, instead of just something you can find lying around. Especially if you’re giving a gift to a friend.

To make this DIY origami fox bookmark craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Lay the origami paper flat diagonally.

Fold the paper in half, bringing the top corner to the bottom corner.

Fold the top triangle up to meet the center fold line. Leave the bottom layer in tact.

Fold the left and right sides of the paper down to make a diamond. This time, you’ll fold both the top and bottom layers.

Fold the bottom triangle inward to tuck it inside the “pocket”. Do the same with the top triangle.

You’ll have a folded triangular pocket shape when you’re finished.

Use scissors to trim the top of the bookmark pocket into a rounded shape.

Use a pencil to trace the fox head template pieces from the printable fox bookmark template onto colored paper.

Cut out ear (inner and outer colors) and fox head pieces.

Glue the beige paper pieces to the fox head and ear pieces.

Glue the fox ears to the left and right sides of the top of the bookmark.

Use a black marker to add the eyes and nose and you’re done!

We used orange origami paper for our fox origami corner bookmark, but you can use any color you like!

Gather up several colors and see how many you can make with the kids in half an hour!

Then have fun sharing them with friends or as random acts of kindness in your neighborhood!

And, of course, don’t forget to use yours as an actual bookmark. No more library checkout receipts needed!

Take a look at these other fun crafts for kids to make!

Get more ideas for fun things to make with little ones on my Simple Crafts for Kids Pinterest board!

Preschool Worksheets: Cookie Counting Worksheets for Preschool

November 4, 2019 by Selena Robinson 3 Comments

One of the wonderful things about preschool is that you don’t have to teach a whole lot of math. After all, you’re working with kids that are four to five years old.

So it’s really a time for introducing the very basics of mathematics: shapes, sizes, counting, numbers, and so on.

I thought we’d add a fun twist to working on counting with Piglet with these cookie counting worksheets for preschool!

These printables include practice for counting to ten and matching like objects – two skills that are important to cover in preschool.

Read on to see how to get a copy of these for your students!

And, if you enjoy this printable, check out our Ice Cream Preschool Shape Sorting Activity to practice shape differentiation with early learners! Don’t miss our other fun preschool worksheets and activities too!

$These printable cookie counting to ten worksheets are so fun for math centers or morning tubs!$

Cookie Counting Worksheets for Preschool

To use these cookie counting worksheets for preschool, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links provided here for convenience. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Pencils
Laminator (optional)
Dry erase crayons (optional)

This product includes two worksheets – one set featuring color cookies and one set with line art cookies (if you want to save on ink).

Students count the chocolate chips in each cookie and then draw a line to match it to a cookie with the same amount of chips on the opposite side.

Each worksheet has five rows, so kids only have to match one cookie on the left side to another cookie on the right side.

With Piglet, we started by counting the number of chocolate chips in the first cookie.

Then we went to the right side to find the cookie with the same number of chips. Then she drew a line to match them up.

After that, there was no stopping her!

A full answer key is provided for these worksheets as well.

If you want to reuse these cooking counting worksheets at math centers, just laminate them and let students use dry erase markers!

Scroll down to get your cookie counting worksheets for preschool!

Be sure to try some of these other preschool learning activities!

And find more ways to work with early learners on my Learning for Little Ones Pinterest board!

To get your copy of our Cookie Counting worksheets for preschool, click the image or the link below to pick it up free in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

>>>>> Cookie Counting Worksheets for Preschool <<<<<

$Practice counting to ten with these fun cookie themed counting to ten worksheets! Laminate these to use at math centers or place them in morning tubs!$

Delicious Donuts ELA Activity Set

October 31, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Donuts are life.

Okay, maybe not life-sustaining. But definitely life-enriching.

Nothing gets my kids up and out of the bed faster than me shouting “Alright, let’s go to Krispy Kreme!”

So when I wanted to share a fun ELA activity set to keep them practicing creative writing, parts of speech, and more, I knew this Delicious Donuts Activity would be a winner!

This is a fantastic activity pack for National Donut Day, which is usually in early June. But it’s a good fit for winter time, since most of us (myself included) start baking as soon as the weather turns cold.

Since these activities are low-prep, you can just print them once, laminate them, and use them at centers if you like!

Read on to see how to get your copy! And for more ELA fun with donuts, take a look at our Donut Colors Sentence Writing Activity!

Delicious Donuts ELA Activity Set

To use this donut themed ELA activity set, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer Paper (I like Astrobright paper)
Pencils

This product includes five different donut-themed writing activities, plus an answer key.

On the Donut Adjectives page, students can brainstorm adjectives they’d use to describe donuts.

On the Delicious Donuts page, kids can try to find as many individual words in the phrase as possible.

The Design A Donut page allows students to create their own confectionery masterpiece!

Then they can practice unscrambling donut-related terms too!

Finally, there’s a donut code breaker activity students can complete to decode donut flavors!

Scroll down to get your copy of our Delicious Donuts ELA Activity Set!

Take a look at these other ELA activities for early grades!

See more ways to teach ELA on my Fun Language Arts Ideas for Kids Pinterest board!

To get your copy of this Delicious Donuts ELA Activity Set, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

>>> Delicious Donuts! ELA Activity Set <<<

Easy Scrapbook Paper Pumpkin Craft

October 29, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Have you ever gone on a craft supply shopping spree? And then realized that you have way too much of something?

I have.

When we first moved into our present house, I learned about a simple way to add color to your bedroom walls – scrapbook paper!

Naturally, I bought tons of it.

Which left me with packs and packs of scrapbook paper to do…something with.

Enter this easy scrapbook paper pumpkin craft!

If you’re looking for a simple way to add easy fall decor to your home or classroom, these scrapbook paper pumpkins are perfect!

And they’re simple enough that kids can help you make them!

Get the full project instructions below!

And for more pumpkin-themed activities, take a look at our Pumpkin Size Sorting Game and our Pumpkin Pie Fraction Clip Cards!

Easy Scrapbook Paper Pumpkin Craft

What I love about this simple paper pumpkin craft is that you probably already have everything you need to make it.

But if you’re not a craft supply hoarder (like…ahem…someone I know), here’s a list of what you’ll need to make a paper pumpkin craft.

To make this scrapbook paper pumpkin craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

2-3 sheets of autumn-themed scrapbook paper or patterned cardstock in complimentary colors/patterns
Brass paper fasteners
Hole punch
Scissors or a paper cutter
Ruler or yardstick
Pen or pencil
Leaf template (I made this free download) or you can buy these leaf tags on Amazon
Ribbon in complimentary colors/patterns
Beads, buttons, or other decorative accessories

Using a ruler or yardstick and pen or pencil, measure and mark 1-inch increments across a piece of scrapbook paper, about two inches from the edge.

Repeat about 3/4 of the way above the first set of marks. Connect the lines and cut.

If you have a paper cutter, you can use this instead.

Approximately 1/4” from the end of the strip, punch a hole in each end of the strip.

Repeat until all strips have holes in both ends.

Place the cut pieces of paper in the order of pattern/color you want. Line up the holes and place a brass paper fastener in one end.

Place a brass paper fastener in the other end. Fan out the pieces to fashion it after a pumpkin.

Print out the template and cut out the leaves. Trace the leaf outlines onto a piece of scrapbook paper and cut them out.

Tape or glue the paper leaves to the top of the pumpkin. Add ribbons, buttons or any other decorations you’d like.

Ta-da! We’re all done!

Make your scrapbook paper pumpkins in several colors and place them everywhere: on the mantle, on a coffee table, or even hang them over a window!

In a classroom, you might want to tape a few around the whiteboard or on the corner of your desk.

Let the kids make one and place them on their desks too!

Don’t miss these other fall themed crafts!

See more ways to make the most of autumn on my Fall Activities for Kids Pinterest board!

Vowel Houses! Short Vowel Sounds Activity for Kids

October 28, 2019 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Learning about short vowel sounds is part of a great foundation in early literacy.

After all, when we teach early readers to decode CVC words, the short vowel sound in the center is what separates the two consonants.

But early learners tend to remember concepts best when they get to incorporate movement in each lesson.

So these interactive vowel houses make a wonderful short vowel sounds activity for increasing phonics skills!

This is a fantastic activity for literacy centers or morning tubs! You can reuse the vowel houses and let students practice matching up the correct sounds again and again.

Read on to see how to get your copy! And for more fun with short vowels, don’t miss our printable short vowel flashcards!

Vowel Houses! Short Vowel Sounds Activity

To use this Vowel Houses! short vowel sounds activity, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This product includes five different vowel “houses” – one for each letter.

Each house contains four CVC words with short vowel sounds, as well as matching pictures for each word.

Students can color the houses and pictures and then practice placing each picture above the correct CVC word.

You can use these with scissors and glue if you’ll only be using this activity once.

Or you can laminate the houses and pictures and attach hook and loop sticky dots for a reusable phonics activity!

Scroll down to get your copy of this Vowel Houses! CVC Short Vowel Sounds Activity!

Stop by to see these other fun activities for ELA!

See more ways to teach language arts on my Fun Language Arts Ideas for Kids Pinterest board!

To get your copy of this Vowel Houses! CVC Short Vowel Sounds Activity, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Simple Polar Animal Pattern Activity for First Grade

>>> Arctic Patterns! Pattern Activity for First Grade <<<

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Sequencing Mats for Kids

>>> Peppermint Hot Cocoa Sequencing Activity <<<

20 Community Helpers Books for Kids to Read

Multicolor Mail! Preschool Color Sorting Game

>>> Multicolor Mail! Preschool Color Sorting Activity <<<

Printable Spanish I Have Who Has Game for Kids

DIY Origami Fox Bookmark Craft

Cookie Counting Worksheets for Preschool

>>>>> Cookie Counting Worksheets for Preschool <<<<<

Delicious Donuts ELA Activity Set

>>> Delicious Donuts! ELA Activity Set <<<

Easy Scrapbook Paper Pumpkin Craft

Vowel Houses! Short Vowel Sounds Activity

>>> Vowel Houses! CVC Short Vowel Sounds Activity <<<