Free Winter Centers/Games - Merry Christmas, Happy Winter!

Merry Christmas, Happy Winter!

You know I was going to put this set for sale on TPT but in light of recent events, I really just want to say thanks to all the Teachers/Parents out there helping our kiddos everyday. Just a small version of pay it forward in the Holiday Spirit.

In this set you will find 4 different center directions for kids.  This is perfect for room moms to use in parties or for teachers to use as quick, fun centers. I created these for my son's first grade class but I really think it could be used for any grade level.

1. Roll a Snowman
2. Cookie Decorating
3. Thumbprint Ornament/Bookmark
4. Create a Snowman Game

Thank you teachers and faculty for all you do for a precious young thinkers each day.
May you all have a blessed holiday.

Click Here For The File

A Message From the Thanksgiving Turkey

Okay, I seriously love this set. :)  It is such a fun poem... Elijah cracked up at it the whole time, which is usually a good test to see if other kiddos will like it too.

This set includes an original poem, differentiated poetry writing sheets, question stems, question cards, question box labels, question (with partner talk) organizer, and inference organizer.  The great thing about all of these organizers is that they can be used with ANY Thanksgiving book. So really, the poem is just an added bonus with this.  :-)

Visit my TPT store to preview the entire set.  
Enjoy!

Young Thinkers Planning For Christmas

Can you believe it's already time to start planning for Christmas?  I decided to let my young thinker help me plan for the holidays in a more organized and focused fashion this year. I found this picture on pinterest that suggested kiddos get four gifts. One thing you want, one thing you need, one thing to wear, and one thing to read (or enjoy).

It was also a good opportunity for us to talk about wants vs needs.  I really like the simplicity of this.  Little E is enjoying thinking and planning for his wants and needs.  :)

Another Great Election Resource for HOME or SCHOOL

I just stumbled across this PBS Website that is great for young thinkers to learn about the candidates.

If you are looking for an more in depth discussion of the BIG IDEAS that each candidate supports then the Time For KIDS website may be your ticket.  

This could also be used with my BIG IDEAS Election Pack.

Mad Scientist "Sensory/Feel Boxes" For Halloween

I remember when I was in school my favorite thing that we did at Halloween parties were the "feel boxes".   So, I have made them a few times for Elijah's parties... Trying to pass on the memories, ya know?

Generally, I use the book There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bat.  Which works great!

However, since I had already done that for him, I wanted to switch things up a bit this year.  I decided to do a mad scientist theme because he is SUPER into SCIENCE right now.   And I wrote a poem to go along with materials I already had for the most part.  

Here's the poem:

The mad scientist is crazy!

The mad scientist is a loon!

He tip-toes from beaker to beaker

In circles around the room.

Always checking concoctions

that bubble, fizz, and pop.

Shelves upon shelves of goodies

In cabinets from floor to top.

Sneak a peek inside?

You may not like what you will find

Some jars green and gooey

Filled with slime of the Ogre kind.

Dig around a little deeper

And three brown boxes you will see

Each labeled “Hazardous” or “Toxic”

To keep out you and me.

But fear not my little friend

It’s not as bad as all that

In box one you’ll find monster fur

And the wings of a bat.

Box two has a most unique surprise

Cold, slippery and thin

Just wiggly little worms 

Touch them and you will grin. 

Box three is last but not least

Reach in and you will be

Feeling something spectacular

The sharp points of werewolf teeth.

But you better be extra careful

Snooping around the room 

The mad scientist is crazy!

The mad scientist is a loon!

The  materials I used for each:

Ogre Slime- Mystery Matter: 2 cups Corn Starch, about one cup of water, 3-5 drops of green food coloring (Great for science lesson too! It exhibits characteristics of both a solid and a liquid depending on how you use it.)

Monster Fur- Cotton Balls, Pulled Apart

Bat Wings- Dried Apricots or Dried Apples

Worms- Cooked Spaghetti (cook it a long time... it will get very slimy)

Werewolf Teeth - Candy Corn
Another tip- wet wipe containers work well for the boxes! :)

This is an example of the labels that I used for the boxes.

* I'll post pictures tomorrow!! :-)

Scholastic Story Starters = WONDERFUL WRITING FUN!!

I just happened across this website called Scholastic Story Starters for our little thinkers in grades K-6.... AND IT IS WONDERFUL!  I can see this working well for parents or teachers.  

Here are some screenshots of possibilities.

Step One: Choose Genre.

Step Two: Name & Grade Level

Step Three: Spin for your prompt.

Step Four: Choose Format.

Step Five: WRITE, WRITE, WRITE.

Step SIX- Share your writing with your friends & family.

Six steps to a fun writing project at home or at school.  

Calling all SUPER HERO SCIENTISTS!

Okay, this is one of my favorite things! I cannot wait to do this lesson with our kiddos (and my son) on Saturday at The Center for Gifted Studies Super Saturday Class.  I am leaving this free for the first 20 downloads.  All I ask is that you either follow/share my blog or follow me on TPT.

I'll post pics of kids doing this activity later this week.

Enjoy!! :-)

Download this Unit FREE FOR THE FIRST 20 followers! :-)