Winter Break Homework Tic-Tac-Toe

Today was our class party and it was a hoot and a half! We had a great time but, it sure did get me excited about winter break. : ) I thought I'd share how my team keeps our little firsties learning while they're gone.

I found this great idea on a blog a couple of years ago. I wish I could remember what the blog was called. I adapt it a little each year to meet the needs of my students. A homework tic-tac-toe is a great alternative to  making hundreds of copies for winter break homework packets. Students can choose their activities and get a little bit of learning time in over the break. I copy a hundreds chart to the back of each sheet in order to meet the requirements of one of the activities. Click on the picture below to download my version of holiday homework.

Polar Express Pajama Day

Tomorrow is our Polar Express Pajama Day and I am super excited! I bought my team pajamas for the big day and made this cute little note to remind the kiddos:

Click on the picture to download the note.

We'll spend the day doing activities from the fabulous Deanna Jump's Polar Express Unit. Then in the afternoon we'll watch The Polar Express!

Math Journal Monday (Christmas Word Problems)

Holiday Bingo

I've spent the last few days planning our class winter party with my room parents. We're going to have four stations. The stations are food, holiday bingo, friendship bracelets, and a Christmas craft. Students will spend 12 to 15 minutes at each station and then rotate to the next one. Click on the picture below to download my holiday bingo game.

This game was created using clip art by KPM Doodles.

Holiday Book Exchange

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in my classroom! : ) Next week we're going to have a book exchange and I thought I'd share the letter that I sent home with my students. Click on the picture to download the letter. 

I asked parents to send the books the day before we exchange them so I can donate books for my little sweeties who forget. We usually label them with numbers and then draw numbers to get the present that matches. One of my teacher friends asks her students to sit in a circle. They then pass the books around in a circle while a song plays. When the song stops they keep the book that's in their hands. I think I may try that this year.

What are y'all getting/making for your students for Christmas? I usually buy my students books but, I wanted to try something a little different this year. Any ideas?

Math Journal Monday (Gingerbread Word Problems)

This week's math journal problems feature characters from some of my favorite gingerbread tales. My students love the rhythmic, repetitive way in which these stories are written. Deanna Jump just posted a precious freebie that would be a perfect complement to these problems. Click HERE to check it out.