Number Line Puzzles

I had a couple number lines that I bought when I first started teaching.  I only used them that first year, but I just couldn't part with them.  I don't know why... I think it's because they were among the very first things I bought for my classroom.

I decided that I had to either use them or lose them. I ended up cutting them up to create number "puzzles" for math centers.  I like them in the beginning of the year for a little extra exposure to two-digit numbers.

I just have the students put the numbers in order and record it on a recording sheet.  Since I had two number lines, I did one set with consecutive numbers (20-21-22..) and another set with random numbers (12-29-37...), but the objective is the same.

I know this isn't ground-breaking or particularly special, but I know a lot of us have random things lying around our classroom, so here's a way to make use of some of the junk.  :)

Here is a link to the recording sheet I use, in case you are interested.

xo, Ally

Measurement Activities (Freebie)

These pics are from earlier in the year... from when we worked on non-standard measurement.  Our copier was out of service so I had to whip up a few activities at the last minute that were low-on-ink, and therefore printable on my computer printer. 

First up is a cute little mouse.  I found him on Google Images, erased his tail in Paint, and cut up some pipe-cleaner replacements.   

One of my little firsties is a big J.B. (Justin Beiber) fan.  Oh my...

After the mouse was finished, the students moved on to measuring simple lines.  This activity reviewed some geometry vocabulary (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal).

So that we didn't have any copying going on, I made 6 different versions of this activity sheet.  You can download it here on Google Docs.

Symmetry Sort (Freebie)

Here's a quick activity that I would like to share -- it's a differentiated symmetry sort.  I used this in first grade the past couple years, but it seems that symmetry is no longer a first grade standard under Common Core.  In fact, I didn't see any mention of symmetry until fourth grade.  Still, I'm sure that some of you will find this useful.

The students carefully cut out the shapes, then fold to determine symmetry.  They sort the shapes into symmetrical and non-symmetrical.

There are three sets of shapes.  The most difficult one contains more intricate shapes, and the least difficult one shows the students where to fold.  I told my students that I wanted to have a variety of work to hang up, and that's why their shapes were different.  They thought that was a great idea.  Got to love first-graders!

When they are done, the students complete the word problem and create an addition sentence to determine the number of shapes in all.

You can download the activity HERE for free on Teachers Pay Teachers.