Deirdre, Author at JDaniel4s Mom

Deirdre Smith writes/owns JDaniel4’s Mom. After twenty years as a elementary school and technology resource teacher in Northern Virginia, she became a stay at home mom in upstate South Carolina. Her blog features ways she and her 5 year old are exploring learning, crafting, creating healthy meals and living life to its fullest. Deirdre can also be found on twitter as @jdaniel4smom and on her blog's FB page. You can also check her out on Google+.

Swimming Learning Game Board

June 10, 2024 By Deirdre

This swimming learning game board comes with editable game cards. You can type math facts, sight words, and more onto them. You don’t have to type anything onto the cards, you can print blank cards out if you like. Then you can write or draw whatever concepts you like onto them.

Getting the Swimming Learning Game Board

First, you download the set.

Swimming Learning Game Board Download

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader please download it. The set is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, go to your download file and open the set.

Reusable or One-Time Use Game Board

Uncovered Game Board

Your children can use the game boards for a one-time activity. If you want your children to do that, you will want to print them out in black and white.

Covered or Laminated Game Board

Gameboards that are covered can be used over and over again. They will also withstand children’s use a whole lot better.

Making the Game Board Reusable

If you plan to use the game board again, you may want to laminate them. Below I have suggested products that you may want to use to cover them.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My Amazon Picks

Thermal Laminator, Never Jam…$54.68~~$128.93~~ (11154)

Laminating Pouches, 100 Count-P…$15.98~~$24.68~~ (63556)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99~~$42.99~~ (23612)

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 100% Recy…$17.00 (4917)AllAds by Amazon

Items Needed for the Game

You will need a die and game pieces. Below you will find some game piece suggestions.

Suggested Game Pieces

Buttons
Bottle Caps
Small Pebbles
Pennies
Pom-Poms
Pencil Top Erasers

Playing the Game

Roll to see who will go first.
The first person will pick a card from the stack.
They will answer to what is on the card.
If the answer is right, they will move forward one space. If the answer is wrong, they will stay where they are.
Then it is the next person’s turn to go. (You can decide who the next person will be.)

More Game Boards

Community Helper Roll and Cover Mats

Free Printable Sneaker-Themed Math Game Boards

Sneaker Math Game Boards

Woodland Animal Algorithm Game Boards

Swimming Theme Addition and Subtraction Mats

June 10, 2024 By Deirdre

Here is a set of swimming addition and subtraction mats. There are several versions of each mat featuring various children. Some mats have an innertube spot to place the answer or the sum in. Each mat is available in a black and white version. A color version is also available.

How to Use the Swimming Addition and Subtraction Mats

Two or Three Dice and Counters

Addition

Two dice can rolled to determine the two numbers in the addition sentence. Place one die in the hands of each of the children. Show the answer or sum with counters in the inner tube or on the ride side of the pool.

Subtraction

Place a group of counters on the child on the left’s hands. Roll a die to find the number that will be subtracted. Then place it in the hands of the child on the right. Next, subtract the number on the die. Finally, put the difference or answer can be placed to the pool’s right or in the inner tube.

Dice Only

Addition

Roll two dice. Place one in the hands of the child on the left. Place the other die on the child on the right’s hand. Use the remaining die to display the sum on the pool’s right side or in the inner tube.

Subtraction

Roll two die. Place the die displaying the largest number in the hands of the child on the left. Place the die with the small number in the hands of the child on the right. Another die displaying the difference will be placed to the pool’s right or in the inner tube.

Counters Only

Addition

Place a random number of counters in each child’s hands. After they count the counters in each pile, they will add them together to find the sum. Place counters from the two piles or sum will be placed to the pool’s right or in the inner tube.

Subtraction

Place a random number of counters in the first child’s hands. Next, they will count the number of counters in the pile. Select a number to subtract from the counters. Place that number of counters in the second child’s hands. The remaining counters or the difference will be placed to the pool’s right or in the inner tube.

Flash Cards and Counters or Dice

Select an addition or subtraction flashcard. Display the number sentence on the flashcard with counters or dice.

Dice

Six-Sided Colorful Dice

Large Foam Dice

Dice Poppers for Kids

Covers for Numbers

MathLink Cubes

Buttons

Soccer Ball Erasers

Getting the

First, you download the set.

Swimming Themed Addition and Subtraction Mats Download

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader please download it. The set is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, go to your download file and open the set.

Making the Mats Reusable

If you plan on using the pages over and over again, you may want to laminate them. Below I have suggested products that you may want to use to cover them.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

PRO Thermal Laminator, Never Jam…$54.68~~$128.93~~ (11154)

Thermal Laminating Pouches, 100 Count-P…$15.98~~$24.68~~ (63556)

Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99~~$42.99~~ (23612)

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 100% Recy…$17.00 (4917)

More Learning Mats

Seed Packet Shape Building Mats

Farm STEM Challenges- Build Pattern Block Animals (Available on my TPT shop)

5 Days of Swimming Themed Worksheets and Activities

June 8, 2024 By Deirdre

5 Days of Swimming Themed Worksheets and Activities here on JDaniel4’s Mom focuses on some math concepts. The blog 3 Dinosaurs is sharing 5 Days of Swimming-Themed worksheets this week. Below I will share the post we are both posting. Please take a moment to check out both of our daily shares the week of June 10th.

5 Days of Swimming Themed Worksheets

Monday

JDaniel4’s Mom has a set of addition and subtraction mats. There are several versions of each mat featuring various children. Some mats have an innertube spot to place the answer or the sum in. Each mat is available in a black and white version. A color version is also available.

3 Dinosaurs has created a fun prewriting activity. Children will swim a pencil or other writing tool from one side of the pool to another.

Tuesday

This Swimming Learning Game Board from JDaniel4’s Mom features a board and a set of editable game cards. Math facts, sight words and so much more can be added to the flashcards.

This reading set from 3 Dinosaurs invites children to match CVC words that feature the sound on the pools!

Wednesday

Swimming Themed Number Puzzles are JDaniel4’s Mom’s worksheet set for the day. Along with black and white puzzles, color versions are in this set. Some puzzles focus on skip counting by 2’s and 5’s. The other puzzles count forward and backward from one to ten.

3 Dinosaurs and I didn’t plan to share number puzzles today. I love this set that focuses on counting by fours.

Thursday

These Swimming Around Addition Facts Game Boards from JDaniel4’s Mom. There are two mats in this set. One mat invites children to roll and dice. Then they will find the sum of the equations they land on. The second board board invites children to add the sum of the two or three dice. Then they can move forward a space.

Summer Water Sports Easy Reader Book has 7 summer water sports in the water or on the water in a simple easy reader book with the sight words I can see.

Friday

JDaniel4’s Mom is sharing Swimming Themed Number Counting Game Boards today. Children will connect the numbers from 1 to 10 or 1 to 20 on these boards.

Swimming Spin & Cover Printable from 3 Dinosaurs has three levels. They come in color and black and white.

Fun Swimming Themed Learning Tools

Under the Sea Pencils

Under the Sea Bookmarks

Pool Themed Erasers

Code and Color Soccer Themed Algorithm

June 7, 2024 By Deirdre

This set of code and color soccer themed algorithm pages focuses on numbers and shapes. The directions are displayed on Blockly blocks. Each of the pages in the set has an assigned color and choose your color version of the page. It will be up to you to decide what version of the page you want your children to work on.

The directions on each of the pages are displayed on Blockly coding blocks. That means the pages can be used to introduce children to Blockly coding before they work with them online. Young children can learn about coding offline before they begin to explore it online.

Getting the Code and Color Soccer Themed Algorithm Pages

First, you will need to download

Code and Color Soccer Themed Algorithm Pages Download

Then you will need to open the set with Acrobat Reader.

Next, you will need to decide which coloring page you want your children to work on.

Once you have printed out the coloring page, you will need to gather crayons for your children to color their pages.

Exploring the Code and Color Algorithm Pages

You will want to walk your children through the algorithm steps on the left-hand side of the worksheet before they start coloring.
Then you will need to remind them that completing an algorithm is a step-by-step process. They will need to add one element or color at a time.

Building Background

Your children may benefit from reading or listening to a book about soccer. Below you will find several books I think you will enjoy!

The links below are affiliate links.

Froggy Plays Soccer is a rhyming book that shares how a soccer game is played.

Soccer Sam tells the tale of two cousins who speak different languages. They learn to communicate while playing soccer.

This is the first in a series of early reader books about a summer soccer league.

Soccer-Themed Feelings Puzzles

June 6, 2024 By Deirdre

These soccer-themed feelings puzzles can be used to explore feelings or emotions. Each puzzle features a soccer ball displaying a specific feeling or emotion. The word for that feeling is spelled out across the bottom of each puzzle.

Talking About The Feelings on the Soccer-Themed Feelings Puzzles

Before your children explore the feeling puzzles, you may want to talk about each of the feelings with your children. Taking the time to talk about times they may have experienced that feeling will help them bring more understanding of it.

Getting the Soccer-Themed Feelings Puzzles

First, you will need to download the set.

Soccer-Themed Feelings Puzzles Download

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The set is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, you must go to your download file and open the page.

Getting Ready to Use the Soccer-Themed Feeling Puzzles

Making the Puzzles Reusable

If you plan on using the puzzles over and over again, you may want to laminate them. Below I have suggested products that you may want to use to cover them.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My Amazon Picks

Laminator, Never Jam…$54.68~~$128.93~~ (11154)

Thermal Laminating Pouches, 100 Count-P…$15.98~~$24.68~~ (63556)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99~~$42.99~~ (23612)

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 100% Recy…$17.00 (4917)AllAds by Amazon

More Printable Puzzles

Recycling Truck Number Puzzles

Number Puzzles with Dinosaurs

Election Day Number Puzzles

(Editable)Soccer Learning Game Board

June 5, 2024 By Deirdre

This soccer learning game board can be used to review or learn many learning skills. The set includes editable cards. They can be used to explore a variety of skills. First, you can type addition or subtraction equations. Second, you can place sight words on the cards. Finally, you could review science or social studies terms and their definitions.

Getting the Soccer Learning Game Board

First, you download the set.

Soccer Learning Game Board Download

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader please download it. The set is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, go to your download file and open the set.

Reusable or One-Time Use Game Board

Uncovered Game Board

Your children can use the game boards for a one-time activity. If you want your children to do that, you will want to print them out in black and white.

Covered or Laminated Game Board

Gameboards that are covered can be used over and over again. They will also withstand children’s use a whole lot better.

Making the Game Board Reusable

If you plan to use the game board again, you may want to laminate them. Below I have suggested products that you may want to use to cover them.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My Amazon Picks

Thermal Laminator, Never Jam…$54.68~~$128.93~~ (11154)

Laminating Pouches, 100 Count-P…$15.98~~$24.68~~ (63556)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99~~$42.99~~ (23612)

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 100% Recy…$17.00 (4917)AllAds by Amazon

More Game Boards

Roll and Cover Star Themed Game Boards

Counting Seeds Algorithm Game Boards

Ladybug Math Facts- Subtraction Roll File Folder Game

Find and Count Soccer Activity

June 4, 2024 By Deirdre

Find, Count Soccer Activity is a single page that explores several data-gathering skills. Previous graphing sets have explored counting, recording, and graphing on separate pages. Rather than do that again the skills are combined on one page.

This set focuses on two themes soccer and feelings. The directions ask children to count how many of each of the feelings are displayed on a set of soccer balls. Then they are asked to record just how many of each feeling they have found. Finally, the number of each feeling will be displayed on a bar graph.

Getting Ready for the Find and Count Soccer Activity

Downloading the Activity

The Create a Graph page is a PDF. Once you have downloaded, the set you will need to open it with a PDF reader like Acrobat Reader.

Find and Count Soccer-Themed Page Download

Using the Find and Count Sheet

Children will find out how many of each feeling is shown in the picture at the top of the page. Then children are asked to record how many they have found in the middle of the page. Next, they will need to create a graph of their data.

If you are worried your children may lose count, you can have them cross out, color, or place a number of each object as they count it.

Books About Soccer

Below you will find a collection of books about soccer. Reading a book that focuses on soccer with your kids.
The links below are affiliate links.

The Academy is a fun series. This book in the series focuses on soccer.

Curious George was JDaniel’s favorite book when he was little. I love that there is a Curious George book about soccer.

This non-fiction book explores the facts and some famous soccer players.

More Graphing Activities

Find, Count, and Create a Bar Graph Activity Printables

Count, Color, and Graph Pumpkin Sheets

Soccer-Themed Roll and Cover Pages

June 3, 2024 By Deirdre

Soccer-Themed Roll and Cover Pages include pages focusing on numbers 2-12. The pages can be used to work on addition, subtraction, number recognition and so much more. There are black and white along with color versions of each of the pages.

Getting the Soccer-Themed Roll and Cover Pages

First, you download the set.

Soccer-Themed Roll and Cover Pages Download

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader please download it. The set is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, go to your download file and open the set.

Reusable or One Time Use

The pages can be laminated so that they can be reused. If you want to use them like a worksheet, print them out and give them to your children.

Uncovered Roll and Cover Mats

The numbers on the uncovered mats can be covered with counters or X’s made with pencils. One way is permanent and the other option allows children to play with mats cover and cover again. Dot markers could also be used on the uncovered mats.

Covered or Laminated Roll and Cover Mats

Covered mats will also work with counters. If you don’t have or want to use it, the numbers could be marked with dry-erase markers. Once your children have rolled each number, they can wipe off the way they have marked them with a dry-erase or wet cloth.

Making the Game Boards Reusable

If you plan on using the pages again, you may want to laminate them. Below I have suggested products that you may want to use to cover them.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My Amazon Picks

PRO Thermal Laminator, Never Jam…$54.68~~$128.93~~ (11154)

Thermal Laminating Pouches, 100 Count-P…$15.98~~$24.68~~ (63556)

Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99~~$42.99~~ (23612)

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 100% Recy…$17.00 (4917)

Supplies Needed for the Soccer-Themed Roll and Cover Pages

You will need objects that will cover the numbers and some type of dice. Below you find suggestions for both.
The links below are affiliate links.

Dice

Six-Sided Colorful Dice

Large Foam Dice

Dice Poppers for Kids

Covers for Numbers

MathLink Cubes

Buttons

Soccer Ball Erasers

More Math Activities

Building Shapes with Crayons STEM Task Cards

Greater Than and Less Than STEM Task Cards

June 2024 STEAM Activities Calendar

May 30, 2024 By Deirdre

June STEAM Calendar of Activities features challenges that focus on June holidays and themes. They can be explored on the final days of school or in the opening days of summer vacation. Either way, your children will enjoy them.

Flip a Coin Day – June 1st

I Love My Dentist Day- June 2nd

National Egg Day -June 3rd

National Hug Your Cat Day – June 4th

World Environment Day – June 5th

National Yo-Yo Day – June 6th

National Chocolate Ice Cream Day – June 7th

World Oceans Day – June 8th

Donald Duck Day – June 9th

Ballpoint Pen Day – June 10th

National Make Life Beautiful Day -June 11th

National Red Rose Day – June 12th

Flag Day- June 14th

Megalodon Day -June 15th

Flip Flop Day- June 17th

Go Fishing Day- June 18th

Father’s Day- June 19th

American Eagle Day- June 20th

Seashell Day – June 21st

World Rainforest Day -June 22nd

International Women in Engineering Day -June 23rd

Swim for a Lap Day- June 24th

Catfish Day- June 25th

Pudding Day -June 26th

National Sunglasses Day – June 27th

National Paul Bunyan Day- June 28th

Camera Day- June 29th

Meteor Watch Day- June 30th

Downloading the June 2024 STEAM Activities Calendar

The calendar is a PDF. Once you have downloaded, the set you will need to open it with a PDF reader like Acrobat Reader.

June 2024 STEAM Activities Calendar Download

Exploring the STEAM Activities Calendar

You can access the directions needed to explore each activity when you click on each of the June hyperlinks. After you get to each activity’s blog post, you will find a supply list and step-by-step activity directions.

Many of the activities offer free worksheets or recording sheets. You can use what they have for you to download or create your own versions of the activities if you like. The idea is to inspire you to explore STEAM activities with your children. You know what they can handle and how they like to explore concepts and activities.

A variety of STEAM activities have been included on the calendar. You may find that some are more appropriate for older children while others are great for children of all ages. I think that some of them could be done with a partner or parent. However, some of you may have children that want to complete them on their own.

Books Based on the June Holidays

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My Amazon Picks

My Dad for Father’s Day

Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses for National Sunglass Day

Children’s Encyclopedia of Flags for Flag Day

More Summer Activities

Summer Popsicle Shape Mats

Code Breaking Ocean Riddles

5 Days of Soccer-Themed Worksheets

May 28, 2024 By Deirdre

This week of 5 Days of Soccer-Themed Worksheets will be shared here and on 3 Dinosaurs. Both blogs will share a new set every day. An updated listing of all of the worksheets shared will be placed on this post every weekday starting Monday, June 3rd.

Please take time each day to check out the new sets shared. It will be worth your time. Many of you are getting ready to begin your summer break. When you find a set you like in this series, you may want to pin it when you return to school.

5 Days of Soccer-Themed Worksheets

Monday

Soccer-Themed Roll and Cover Pages from JDaniel4’s Mom- This set includes pages that focus on the numbers 2-12. The pages can be used to work on addition or subtraction facts.

3 Dinosaurs has created a Soccer ABC Matching activity. Children use uppercase letters and/or lowercase letters in this activity. Children will place letters on the workspaces that display an object that starts a particular alphabet letter.

Tuesday

Find, Count, and Create a Bar Graph with a Soccer-Themehttps://jdaniel4smom.com/2024/06/find-and-count-soccer-activity.html is a single page from JDaniel4’s Mom. The page features soccer balls displaying various feelings. Children count how many of each feeling is displayed. Then they will record and graph their data.

3 Dinosaurs is sharing a number matching activity. Each number is represented in tally marks, dice, dominos, and dice.

Wednesday

Soccer Learning Game Board from JDaniel 4’s Mom is a gameboard and editable game cards. Number facts, sight words and more can be typed onto the editable cards.

Matching short vowel words to their pictures will be a slam-dunk with your children. I also like all the fine motor skills they will work on as they complete this page. 3 Dinosaurs created this Free Soccer CVC Short Vowel set.

Thursday

Soccer-Themed Feelings Puzzles from JDaniel4’s Mom is a set of puzzles that explore feelings displayed on soccer balls and in words.

3 Dinosaurs Soccer Addition Clip Card Printables have an addition 1 to 10 on the cards. You have a number line for help, with soccer ball addition and three numbers for kids to clip the right answer.

Friday

Code and Color Soccer Themed Algorithm Pages from JDaniel4’s Mom explore number recognition and shapes. Each page is available in an assigned and choose your own colors format.