What is this Winter Math Craft?

Let’s start with the basics… This January Math Craftivity with a winter theme to engage my learners in the cold months. It turns foundational math skills into a wintry math adventure! This resource goes beyond traditional worksheets and offers a hands-on approach that covers a range of math operations. These two winter crafts are the perfect way to ease back into learning after winter break. What sets this winter math craft apart from others is that it’s adaptable, covering basic addition and subtraction facts to double-digit division. No matter if you are teaching first grade or fourth grade, kids of all ages will benefit from the differentiation offered in this resource.

Benefits: Unlocking a World of Possibilities with a Math Craftivity

1. Adaptable Mastery

We all know that one size does not fit all in education. As educators, we love that all of our kiddos are unique in their personalities and learning styles. But, it’s okay to acknowledge that this can make planning our lessons a bit tricky. This math craft sets out to make your planning a breeze and is easy to incorporate into your small groups, math center rotations, or sub plans!

This resource was created to meet your students where they are in their math journey. From single-digit operations for the early grades to the complexity of three-digit multiplication and division in the upper grades, this craftivity ensures that each student finds the right level of challenge to grow and offers practice in a fun way.

2. Effortless Differentiation

The overwhelming feeling that blankets us while trying to differentiate our lessons is a thing of the past. This resource takes the headache out of differentiation and offers problems for each skill level. Whether you have students who are just starting to grasp the concept of addition or those ready to tackle multiplication, you’ll find the perfect problems to match their abilities. 

The best part is you don’t only differentiate at the skill level, you can differentiate within the skill! Addition…. no problem! Would you like one, two or three-digit practice?  With grouping or without? You will find all these different activities inside ONE resource!

The math can easily be differentiated while still allowing all students to work on the same final project – the craft. This is an easy way for all students to feel successful despite working on many different levels.

3. Seamless Integration Across Operations

No need to juggle between different resources for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. My math craftivity provides a seamless transition between the operations. Not only is this valuable for teaching time, but it also helps students see how math concepts connect or relate to one another. 

The inclusion of all the operations means that whether you are a classroom teacher, math intervention teacher, or homeschool mom to multiple ages – this resource works for you!  And. . . if you change grade levels you can still use this activity.

How to Use the Winter Math Craft in Your Classroom

Math craftivities are some of the best tools to have in your teacher toolbox! They can fit into your classroom wherever you need them to. Whether it’s adding a dash of excitement to your math centers for hands-on learning or helping to review concepts within a small group, you’re covered. Now, let’s dive into the practical ways to use this resource in your own classroom by breaking down how you can add it to your lesson plans effortlessly! 

First Grade: Building Foundations

For the youngest learners, this is a fun way to focus on math fact fluency using single-digit addition and subtraction printable activities. The craftivity offers engaging snowglobe and snowman designs, which help basic math practice turn into an engaging and creative math experience!

Implementation Steps

1. Allow students to choose their preferred craft. 

2. Distribute problems suited to their skill level. 

3. Before coloring, check over their work for correct answers. 

4. Afterwards, students color, cut, and paste their solutions onto their craft! (Added bonus of working on those fine motor skills!)

Cross-Curricular Extension

Half-sheets of paper are provided for students to write a story problem that goes with one of their number sentences. Two versions are included: One with primary lines and another with intermediate lines. 

Second and Third Grade: Bridging the Gap

As students progress, introduce two-digit addition and subtraction. The math craftivity provides options for regrouping, which, as we know, adds an extra layer of challenge! And. . . if your students are beginning to work on multiplication facts, then pull out the one-digit multiplication problems for some fun winter math fact independent practice.

Implementation Steps

1. Choose a more complex snow globe or snowman design.
2. Tailor problems to include two or three-digit addition with regrouping and two-digit subtraction without regrouping, or both. You can also reach for single digit multiplication problems!
3. Check over students’ work.
4. Watch as students confidently tackle the challenges, turning their solutions into a winter wonderland!

Cross-Curricular Extension

Students can use full writing pages to craft a descriptive writing piece about their math craftivity. They could even create a story where their crafted character takes center stage. The writing lines printable version comes with primary lines that are perfect for those new cursive writing skills and one with intermediate lines that are great for any writing piece. 

Fourth Grade: Mastering Multiplication and Division

The upper grades dive into multiplication and division with a single or multiple-digit divisor. 

Implementation Steps

1. Have students select their craft.
2. Pass out the differentiated problems involving multiplication and division (or addition)
3. Give students time to complete their independent practice of the skill. 
4. Students turn in work to be checked before being given the green light to go be creative!

Cross-Curricular Extension

Just like for 3rd grade, challenge students to write a descriptive story using their craft as an element to their writing! Utilize the two different line options once again for further differentiation and encourage students to get creative! 

Making Teachers’ Lives Easier: A Time-Saving Approach

As educators, time is our most precious resource. I am all about finding ways to “get back that teacher time” and this Winter Math Craft is not just about student engagement, it’s about making YOUR life in the classroom more manageable with less time devoted at home.

1. Providing Double Duty

These winter activities are perfect for a classroom teacher because not only are you providing an engaging and fun EDUCATIONAL lesson, BUT……put these babies up in your room or on a bulletin board to create a beautiful winter wonderland for January!  Your students will be proud to see their work hanging up and as a teacher, you have one less thing to worry about! 

2. Effortless Planning

With clearly differentiated problems and a variety of craft options, planning becomes a breeze! No need to spend hours searching for different resources. This winter math craftivity covers a range of skills, making it an effective tool that adapts to your curriculum. 

3. Simple Implementation

Gone are the days of complex setups. The implementation process is simple: 

1. Print out problems and craftivity pieces. 
2. Students pick their craft. 
3. Distribute the math problems that are easily differentiated for individual learners.
4. Students complete the math work, and the teacher checks it over to provide feedback.
5. The final step involves coloring, cutting, and pasting the problems onto the chosen craft.

4. Cross-Curricular Extensions with a Math Craftivity

My math craftivity enhances math skills and brings language arts to the mix. Using the included writing pages, students can write word problems related to their craft or tackle a creative writing assignment. It’s cross-curricular magic without the added stress of planning separate activities!

Embrace Winter with the Winter Math Craftivity!

Winter isn’t always the most fun time in the classroom. I’ve been there….The inability to get outside due to the weather often makes attention spans run short. Add to that the days seem cold and drab.  But we don’t have to fall into the winter slump.  Instead, focus on bringing the fun and whimsy of winter into your classroom with activities like the Winter Math Craftivity! 

You can also find this math craftivity and more in my Holiday Math Activities and Centers Bundle! Your students will love working on these math craftivities all year long!

Save for Later

Remember to save this post to your favorite math Pinterest board to return to when in need of some winter magic added to your math lesson plans!

The post Favorite Winter Math Craft Activity Perfect for January appeared first on Elementary Island.

Self Care Idea #1: Leave School at School

I know as a teacher it is always easy to take school home with you to grade or plan over the break. I did this so many times and it actually ended up sitting in my car anyways. The bad thing is that it only added stress to my plate because I constantly thought about it being in the car. If you take this self care idea and use it, then it completely relieves the stress of school and clears your mind of school. Once you clear your mind of school it will leave you the ability to enjoy the break. 

Self Care Idea #2: Plan a Day With Friends

As teachers, we do not take enough time for ourselves. Whether you want to plan a dinner, lunch, or maybe even a shopping trip. Either way just plan something that you will enjoy. It is healthy to have time with those that can relate to us and help separate all while doing things that you love. 

Self Care Idea #3: Relax

Teachers are naturally very busy! We are always on the go, so it is important to take at least one day to truly relax. This self care idea will look different for each person. Some may choose to lay on the couch in jammies and binge watch tv, while others may want to go read a book or go to a spa. While some ideas may require doing more work and/or getting out of the house in order to do so, whatever you may choose… JUST RELAX!

Self Care Idea #4: Do Something for Yourself

If you are anything like me I feel amazing after going to the salon for a fresh haircut. I don’t know if it is the weight lifted off my head (literally), or if it is that my stylist just makes it look so good. I don’t know what it is but I always walk out feeling more confident than when I went in. This self care idea is great for your confidence. Maybe you’re not one that’s into something like so, and that’s okay! You may be more into getting a new pair of shoes because the ones you have now just don’t quite offer the support they once did.  Whatever may suit you best is the best self care you can do for yourself.

Self Care Idea #5: Do Something Festive

No matter where you are in the world you can easily find something to do for winter.  In the United States, you can do something like ice skating, baking cookies, or even driving around looking at lights. Whereas if you are in other parts of the world you may choose to go to the beach, or have a picnic, or attend a local festival. Wherever you may be try to do something during the season that will bring you joy. 

Self Care Idea #6: Go on a Walk or Hike

Nature is very relaxing, so a great self care idea is to spend time in nature. For some people going on hikes or nature walks are ideal, but if that isn’t your thing just simply go to a park. You can sit and relax, simply just walk around, or even do some bird watching. It is great for your body and mind to be outside and one with nature. 

Self Care Idea #7: Enjoy Time With Family

Teachers are very busy all the time and we forget to take time for our families. We forget to spend time with the kids because we are just rushing through day-to-day tasks. We forget to go see our parents or even our grandparents because we are always running around taking care of things for others. This self care idea will not only be great for you, but also your relative that is given the time for a nice visit.

Self Care Idea #8: Getting Organized

Get organized so that way when you come home from school each day there isn’t as much clutter in the room as there is in your brain. I don’t know about you but I feel such a sense of peace when I walk through the front door and things are tidy and in their proper place. Getting organized does not have to be a strenuous job. It could be something as simple as cleaning out the junk drawer or even rolling your towels a specific way. Whatever your version of it may look like, this self care idea could be something you didn’t even know you needed!

No matter what self care idea you choose from the list above just promise me one thing! You will take time to enjoy the break and do things you love!

The post 8 Simple and Effective Winter Break Self Care Ideas for Teachers appeared first on Elementary Island.

What are STEM Activities?

1. The problem presented to students
2. Research and plan
3. Build
4. Analyze and reflect

These steps are similar to and go along with the design process in an easy to understand way students love!

Winter STEM Activities

1. Sledding Ramp 

2. Tallest Snowman

3. Igloo Home

4. Marshmallow Shooter

This STEM challenge gets kids excited to build a marshmallow shooter that will launch marshmallows towards an opponent. The catch is, they also have to think about how they will stay out of range of the other team’s marshmallow shooter. 

Try STEM in Your Classroom

Add STEM to your Winter Plans

These easy and affordable winter STEM activities are the key to keeping your students engaged and hitting their learning goals during the busy month of December, or the long month of January when outdoor play is limited. 

Each of these STEM challenges includes materials and supplies that are easy to find and super affordable. You can even ask parents to send in donations of some of the materials you will be using. 

Pin it!

The post 4 Easy and Affordable STEM Activities for Winter appeared first on Elementary Island.

Students are back from winter break – the gifts, food and endless free time are of the past. Now it’s time to dive into the second half of the school year with renewed energy! As we step into the classroom after the holiday season, we know that rekindling students’ enthusiasm for learning can be a delightful challenge. But fear not; I’ve got you covered! Post-winter break can be a memorable time with a few engaging activities those first few weeks back in school.

Use Technology Activities to Engage Students

Another great option for technology is using my new found friend, BOOM Cards.  BOOM Cards are great for centers, group work, or individually.  You can read more about BOOM Cards here and pick up a FREE DECK while you’re over there!

This short video will show you what BOOM Cards are all about! Digital, self-checking, no cutting, engaging……they’re literally PERFECT!!!

I have purchased the VERY CHEAP yearly membership to track my students work and I can assign different decks to each student to help differentiate.    You can also add a membership to create your own BOOM decks so they specifically meet the needs of your students!

If you are interested in some pre-made BOOM decks, you can check out my listings HERE.

Use STEM Activities to Engage Students!

With feedback like this,

“LOVE!!!!! My first graders are BEGGING me to do more of these activities! Thank you!” and “Great hands-on activities for the children to explore and problem solve,” it’s no wonder why STEM has taken over the classroom IF it has meaning! STEM activities are so powerful at the elementary level because it really plays off of youngsters inquisitive and exploratory minds. We want to foster that love for asking questions, creating, developing, challenging, reinventing, and everything else STEM offers so that children can handle problem solving in the “real” world.

The great thing about STEM is that you can come up with an activity by looking around you. Reading Diary of a Spider? Have the students create a spider that flies (ballooning). Reading about animal habitats? Have the students create a habitat and explain their rationale! Anything can be made into a STEM project!

For Halloween, my students created spider webs from my STEM packs! They had to make a web that collected the most spiders. Here are some varieties they came up with!

If you are looking for seasonal STEM activities, I have you covered! My projects also come with planning, recording, and reflective sheets to help build the math skills and critical thinking. Check them out HERE.

Color by Code Activities to Engage Students

Now this one is a little more difficult to create on your own and time consuming! My color by codes are on another level in my classroom! It’s a great way to 1. incorporate the holiday and 2. practice those skills that need to be done over and over again.

Ask my kids to do a worksheet of 30 problems, NOT HAPPENING! But, give them a color by code to complete with 50 problems and it’s all good Sometimes, I don’t get them!!!

Here are some that I have available if you’re interested in checking them out. These are also differentiated for your needs. You can take a closer look by clicking HERE.

      

Skill Swirls Activities to Engage Students

What’s a Skill Swirl you ask?  These are activities that I invented to help combat the basic worksheet.  They are self-checking and have students ENGAGED from start to finish.  One of my students said, “It’s like we are learning!”  Yes little one, you are learning. *face palm*

Basically students will begin with a problem, find the answer on a slip, paste it down, and continue with the next problem.  If the answer isn’t there, then it is incorrect.  Here is a video to help understand the format. You can also snag an Addition to 10 Skill Swirl FREEBIE here! 

Skill Swirls are a great way to keep kids on task and completing assignments.  You can take a look at my list of growing concepts in my store, HERE.

That’s it!  Five activities that I use in the classroom to break the monotonous routine.  I guarantee that these activities will engage your students!  I’m always looking for more ideas!  Let me know in the comments if you have any!

The post Activities to Engage Students after Winter Break {with a FREEBIE} appeared first on Elementary Island.