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+.

Fairy Tale Shape Castle Building Mats

July 15, 2023 By Deirdre

Shape castle building mats would be a great part of a fairy tale unit. However, you can use them any time you want. Most of the mats invite children to add doors and windows that are specific in shape. One mat doesn’t have an assigned shape. Children will be able to decide what shape they want the window shape and door to be.

Getting the Shape Castle Building Mats

First, you download the set.

Fairy Tale Castle Shape Building Mats Download

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

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

Ways to Use the Building Mats

There are two ways to use the building mats that I have come up with. First, children can use building materials to create shapes on the mats. Second, children can use drawing materials like dry-erase markers, washable markers, or washable crayons to draw the shapes.

Laminating the mats or placing them in Wipe and Write pockets will make them reusable. You will be able to clean off the shapes and use the mats over again.

Hint: You can print the mats out on a poster printer to create a larger creation space. The mat that has open spaces for shapes would be the best one to create a poster with.

Children can use whatever shapes they want for the windows and doors on the blank shape mat. However, pattern blocks can be placed in the blank spaces to show what shapes should be used if you want them.

Building Materials

Playdough snakes bent to make shapes
Solid playdough shapes
Pipe cleaners bent into shapes
Wood paddles for ice cream cups
Small buttons to build shape outlines
Small twigs to build shape outlines
Wikki Stick sections or whole sticks to make outlines
Small pebbles used to create outlines
Glass pebbles used to create outlines
LEGO used to make shape outlines
Straw sections used to make shape outlines.
Pattern blocks used to create windows and doors.

Exploring the Shape Castle Building Mats

While the original idea was to use the mats in a STEM building center or Maker’s Space, you can use them anywhere you want and however, you want. Although with younger children it may be better to work one on one with them to give them guidance on how each shape is created.

Building Background

Before starting to work with the shape castle building mats, you may want to review shapes with them. One way you can do that is by reading them a book about shapes. Below you will find some of my favorite shape books.

The links below are affiliate links.

Tangled is a fun book about shapes. It is a book about how a line helps a shape that has become tangled in a jungle gym.

Mouse Shapes explore learning out shapes and using them to build. Of course, it is mice that get to do the building.

More Shape Activities

Build a Shape Fire Pit Mats

Building Cards with a Magic Theme

Woodland Animal Pattern Block Building Mats

August 2023 STEAM Activity Calendar

July 14, 2023 By Deirdre

The August 2023 STEAM Activity Calendar is filled with challenges that celebrate the August holidays. While some of us will head back to school in August, some of us won’t be back in school until September. Due to that fact, the September calendar will share Back to School-themed challenges rather than the August 2023 STEAM Activity Calendar.

Here is the August 2023 STEAM Activities Calendar

National Mountain Climbing Day
August 1st
National Coloring Book Day
August 2nd
Watermelon Day
August 3rd
The Coast Guard’s Birthday
August 4th
Work Like a Dog Day
August 5th
National Disc Golf Day
August 6th
Sea Serpent Day
August 7th
National Happiness Happens Day
August 8th
National Book Lover’s Day
August 9th
S’mores Day
August 10th
Presidential Joke Day
August 11th
National Bowling Day
August 13th
National Financial Awareness Day
August 14th
Relaxation Day
August 15th
Roller Coaster Day
August 16th
Black Cat Appreciation Day
August 17th
National Aviation Day
August 19th
World Honey Bee Day
August 20th
National Tooth Fairy Day
August 22nd
Ride the Wind Day
August 23rd
Pluto Demoted Day
August 24th
Banana Split Day
August 25th
National Cherry Popsicle Day
August 26th
National Chop Suey Day
August 27th
Beach Day
August 30th
National Trail Mix Day
August 31st

Downloading the August 2023 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.

August 2023 STEAM Activities Calendar Download

Exploring the Activity Calendar

You will be able to access the directions needed to explore each activity when you click on each of the August 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 different types 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 August Holidays

The book Adventures with Barefoot Critters would be fun to read for National Trail Mix Day. It mentions trail mix as a good snack to have while doing activities outdoors.

A Place for Pluto shares the story of a demoted planet looking to find its place in the universe. It would be great to read on Pluto Demotion Day.

More STEM Activities

Patriotic Eagle STEM Challenges

Flower STEM Challenges- Build with Pattern Block Mats

Outer Space STEM Challenges

4th of July Scavenger Hunts

June 29, 2023 By Deirdre

4th of July Scavenger Hunts are fun to explore on or around the 4th of July. These scavenger hunts are fun ways to learn about symbols and items associated with the 4th of July. Whether children search for actual objects or pictures of objects you hide for them to find, they will learn more about the holiday when they have completed it.

If you are looking for more 4th of July-themed activities, please explore the More Activities section at the end of this post. First, you will find a Flying Eagle Glider and Straw Rocket activity set. Next, there is a fireworks-themed straw rocket. Finally, there is a sensory bag activity with a fireworks theme.

Getting the 4th of July Scavenger Hunts

First, you will need to download the set.

4th of July Scavenger Hunts Download

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

Third, you must go to your download file and open the page. You may be asked if you want the file to open right after you download it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.

Exploring the 4th of July Scavenger Hunts

There are three different versions of the hunts available in the set. Two of the three versions are available in color and B/W. Let’s look at each version.

Hunts with Words and Pictures

The words and pictures hunts allow children to read and see what objects they need to find. Hunt items like The Number 4 are made clear because of the words. Children will understand that they need to find an object with a 4 rather than 4 objects. Although you could have children look for 4 objects if you want them to.

This set is available in B/W and color.

Hunts with Pictures

The 4th of July hunts with just pictures are a little more open-ended. Children can look for words or objects that are or display the feature shared in a square. An example would be that children could look for the word blue, an object that is blue, or even a blue crayon.

This set is available in B/W and color.

Hunt with Words that Need Pictures

The final hunt features squares that display words and need to have pictures added to them. Children will have fun replicating the objects they have found in simple pictures.

This set is available in B/W.

Conducting the 4th of July Scavenger Hunts

Children can just mark each object as they find it on the scavenger hunt page. However, children could have to place each found object in a paper bag or take a picture of it. Being able to show each object or a picture of each object will give proof that the actual object has been found.

Marking Items Found

The scavenger hunts that don’t have a drawing section will need to have a way for children to indicate that they have found the object. Below you will find some ways that you can mark off the items.

Color the pictures on the B/W hunts.
Circle each object when it is found.
Placing an X over each object.

Building Background

If your children don’t know a lot about the 4th of July, you may want to read them a book about the holiday. It will give them more information on the object and symbols that they are hunting for.

The links below are affiliate links.

Children will learn why we celebrate the people, places, and things America is known for when they read the book A is for America. It will be fun to see what the authors have chosen for each letter of the alphabet.

The book America The Beautiful also explores famous landmarks, people, and symbols. The pictures and maps in this book are gorgeous!

More 4th of July-Themed Activities

Patriotic Flying Eagle Challenges

Fireworks Straw Rockets

Fireworks Display in a Sensory Bag

July 2023 STEAM Activities Calendar

June 14, 2023 By Deirdre

Summer is the perfect time to work on messy STEAM activities! This month’s calendar features a few building activities and several decoding riddle activities. Most of them tie into the July holidays.

Getting the STEAM Activities Calendar

First, you will need to download the set.

July 2023 STEAM Activity Calendar Download

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

International Joke Day July 1st

Fourth of July July 4th

National Air Traffic Control Day July 6th

National Measuring Tape Day July 14th

Gummi Worm Day July 15th

National Personal Chef Day July 16th

World Emoji Day July 17th

Football Day July 19th

Moon Day July 20th

National Junk Food Day July 21st

Causal Pi Day July 22nd

National Cowboy Day July 23rd

Amelia Earhart Day July 24th

National Merry Go Round Day July 25th

National Sleepy Head Day July 26th

Beatrix Potter’s Birthday July 27th

Rain Day July 29th

World Snorkeling Day July 30th

National Mutt Day July 31st

Exploring the Activity Calendar

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

Books Based on the July Holidays

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

More July Activities

Summer Popsicle Shape Mats

Fish and Ocean Shape Building Mats are available in my TPT shop. They are available in color and B/W.

The Shape Fish Bowl Building Mats are also available on my TPT shop. Children can build in and around the fish bowls. They can also build fish inside each bowl that are the same shape as the mat.

Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats

June 8, 2023 By Deirdre

Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats are part of a collection of shape mats I have offered here on the blog and in my TPT shop. You will find a list of the rest of the collection at the end of the post. Most if not all of the sets feature color and B/W versions of the mats.

Exploring Math Concepts with the Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats

Children will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of learning concepts when they explore these mats. Below you will see some of the concepts I think you could explore.

First, they will learn about the area or outside edges of a shape. Children can outline the shape with a variety of objects.
Second, the perimeter or inside of the shape could be explored. Children can fill the object with objects. While not every part of the inside area may be covered, it will give kids a feel for what the word area means.
Third, many of the shapes are symmetrical. Children discover whether a shape has horizontal, vertical, or diagonal symmetry with yarn, tape, or string.
Fourth, children can use various pattern blocks to try to build the shape on top of the shape displayed.

Getting the Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats

First, you will need to download the set.

Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats Download

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

Great Manipulatives To Use With the Set

Buttons
Unifix Cubes
Glass Pebbles
Counting Bears
Craft Sticks
Beans
Plastic Soda Caps
Wooden Cubes
Q-Tips
Bread Tags

Getting Ready to Use the Seed Packet Shape Building Mats

Making the Game Boards Reusable

If you plan on using the game boards 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

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

Scotch 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)

Color Versus Black and White

While the color version of the mats is fun, you can print the black-and-white version on brightly colored paper. A package of brightly colored paper will probably be cheaper than a colored ink cartridge.

More Sets of Shape Mats

Fish and Ocean Shape Building Mats are available in my TPT shop. They are available in color and B/W.

The Shape Fish Bowl Building Mats are also available on my TPT shop. Children can build in and around the fish bowls. They can also build fish inside each bowl that are the same shape as the mat.

This Seed Packet Shape Set was created as part of a five-day series on gardening activities.

While this earth-shape activity was created for Earth Day, it could be explored at any time of year.

The center of the snowflakes features a variety of shapes. While they display smaller shapes, they will still be fun to fill and surround.

Building a Shape Fire Pit is fun to explore during a camping or fall-themed unit.

These Farm STEM Challenge Mats invite children to build fences for farm animals.

Patriotic Flying Eagle STEM Challenges

June 6, 2023 By Deirdre

These patriotic flying eagle STEM challenges will be fun to explore. The first challenge invites children to build an eagle that will glide through the air. The second flying eagle challenge explores launching straw rockets. While they are being shared just before the Fourth of July, you could explore them while studying American history, before Memorial Day, or even on Flag Day.

The set shared below includes three sizes of stars and stripes-themed eagles. While the two larger eagles were created for the glider activity, you could use the small eagle to make a mini glider. If you choose to do that, you will probably need to use toothpicks instead of straws as support. However, the small eagle was created for the straw rocket activity.

Both of the patriotic flying eagle STEM challenges have a recording sheet. They display the supplies needed, a distance flown chart, and a place to record their thoughts. It will be up to you to decide if you would like to have your children use them.

Building Background

Before starting the STEM challenges, you may want to read a book about patriotic symbols or the 4th of July. It will give your children some background knowledge on how our symbols came to be.

The book American Symbols: What You Need to Know will give kids an inside scoop on each of the American symbols and how they came to be.

The book America The Beautiful also explores famous landmarks, people, and symbols. The pictures and maps in this book are gorgeous!

Downloading the Patriotic Flying Eagle STEM Challenges

First, you will need to download the set.

Patriotic Flying Eagle STEM Challenges Download

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

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

Supply Lists for the Eagle STEM Challenges

Straw Rocket

Large Straws
Drinking Straws
One Flying Eagle Picture
Scissors
Tape
Measuring Tapes
Pencils
Crayons, Markers, or Color Pencils

Eagle Gilder

Straws
Tape
Flying Eagle
Scissors
Tape
Measuring Tapes
Pencils

Building Directions for the Eagle STEM Challenges

Straw Rockets

Children will need to cut off a piece of the large straw about 2 and a half inches long. They will need to tape one end of the straw closed.
Then children will need to color their eagles.
Next, the flying eagle can be glued or taped to the section of the large straw. The eagle’s eyes should be facing the taped end of the straw.
Finally, the eagle on the straw will need to be placed on the smaller straw so it can be blown off the straw.

Eagle Glider

Children will need to color their eagles.
Then they will tape straws on the back of the eagle in an arrangement that will help it fly the farthest.
Finally, children will explore ways to launch or glide the eagle to get it to go the farthest.

More STEM Flying Activities

Ski Jumping Straw Rockets

Fireworks Straw Rockets

Baseball Bat Straw Rocket Activity

Ladybug Math Facts- Subtraction Roll File Folder Game

May 26, 2023 By Deirdre

Whether you choose to use this subtraction roll file folder game while exploring the Grouchy Ladybug or studying insects, it will be fun to play. The game directions mention using one die to move forward and add to the number landed on. Two or more dice could be used to make the game go faster. It will also give children three or more numbers to add. The directions for playing the game are not on the gameboard. This leaves how you want to play the game up to you.

Putting the Subtraction Roll File Folder Game Together

While it was designed to be placed in a file folder, it can be used a just a printable mat. Each set includes everything you need for the activity except the dice, a file folder, and game tokens. (Below you will find a list of game token ideas.)

Token Ideas

Buttons
Bottle Caps
Small Lids
Small Pebbles
Beads
Old Game Pieces from Other Games
Poker Chips

Downloading the Subtraction Roll File Folder Game

First, you will need to download the set.

Ladybug Math Facts- Subtraction Roll File Folder Game Download

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

Building Background

Before playing the game, you may want to read a book about subtracting. Below you will find several wonderful books that have subtraction theme to read to your children.

The links below are affiliate links.

If You Were a Minus Sign show the impact a minus sign has on the objects that live around it.

The book The Action of Subtraction features rhymes and subtraction equations. Who new math could be this much fun?

Ladybug Math Facts File Folder Game- Addition

May 25, 2023 By Deirdre

This addition file folder game has a ladybug theme. When children land on a space that displays the number card, they will remove a card from the card from the stack. Then they will add the number of dots on both sides of the ladybug together to get a sum. Before they share the sum, you can ask children to share the number sentence represented by the dots. If they share the correct sum, they can move forward with one extra space.

While the directions above are how I thought the game would be played, you can make up your own rules for the game. No matter how you play it, children will have the opportunity to their additional facts.

Getting the Addition File Folder Game Ready

The printable set includes everything you need for the activity except the dice, a file folder, and game tokens. (Below you will find a list of game token ideas.

Game Token Ideas

Buttons
Bottle Caps
Small Lids
Small Pebbles
Beads
Old Game Pieces from Other Games
Poker Chips

Downloading the Set

First, you will need to download the set.

Ladybug Math Facts- Addition File Folder Game Download

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

Putting the Game Together

The file folder game tends to last longer when the gameboard is glued to the inside of the folder. However, you could glue it to the outside.
The gameboards will also last longer if they are laminated. The gameboards can be laminated and attached to the folder or used on their own. It is really up to you.
Library pockets can be attached inside or outside the file folder to hold the game cards. The game cards can also be placed in an envelope glued to the folder.

Rules of the Addition File Folder Game

Children will place a marker (button, bottle cap, bread tag, etc.) on the word Start.
Then they will take turns rolling a single die.
After they roll they will move forward that number of spaces. If the space they land has the word card on it, pick up a ladybug card. Children will share what they think the sum is. A correct sum will be awarded with a move forward one space, If the answer is wrong, it will stay on the card space.
The child who reaches the word End first wins the game.

More Math Games

Jump the Shark Math Games

Ocean Themed Roll and Cover Mats

Grouchy Ladybug Tens Frame Adding File Folder Game

May 24, 2023 By Deirdre

The links below are affiliate links

This Tens Frame Adding File Folder Game includes everything you need for the activity except the dice, a file folder, and game tokens. (Below you will find a list of game token ideas.

This tens frame adding game has a grouchy ladybug theme. While it was designed to be placed in a file folder, it can be used a just a printable mat. This is the third of five ladybug themed file folder games. Please take a moment to explore the other activities in this series. They will be easy to use. Each set includes everything you need for the activity except the dice, a file folder, and game tokens. (Below you will find a list of game token ideas.)

Token Ideas

Buttons
Bottle Caps
Small Lids
Small Pebbles
Beads
Old Game Pieces from Other Games
Poker Chips

Downloading the Tens Frame Adding File Folder Game

First, you will need to download the set.

Grouchy Ladybug Tens Frame Adding File Folder Game Download

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

Putting the Game Together

While file folder games tend to last longer when the gameboard is glued to the inside of the folder, you could glue it to the outside.
The gameboards will also last longer if they are laminated. The gameboards can be laminated attached to the folder or on their own. It is really up to you.
Library pockets can be attached inside or outside the file folder to hold the game cards. The game cards can also be placed in an envelope glued to the folder.

Building Background

If your children don’t know a lot about counting, you may want to read a book or do an activity that features counting before you start the game.

The links below are affiliate links.

Ten Black Dots introduces children count up using objects. The simple illustration are easy for children to count.

One Wider River to Cross is a beautiful counting book based on Noah’s Ark. The rhyming text is amazing and fun to read.

How to Play the Tens Frame Adding File Folder Game

Children will place a marker (button, bottle cap, bread tag, etc.) on the word Start.
Then they will take turns rolling a single die.
After they roll the will move forward that number of spaces. If they space says card, they will pick up a card.
All the cards display a tens frame. Children will say how many dots or squares a filled on the frame. Then they will need to say how many more dots need to be added to equal ten. Finally, they will need to say the number sentence or equation their card represents.
The child who reaches the word End first wins the game.

More Tens Frame Activities

Halloween Tens Frame Printables

Fall-Themed Free Ten Frame Addition Worksheets - This set of ten frame worksheets focuses on adding to ten.

Fall Tree Themed Ten Frame Addition Worksheets

The Grouchy Ladybug Tells Time File Folder Game

May 23, 2023 By Deirdre

This tells time file folder game has a Grouchy Ladybug theme. The focus on this file folder game is telling time to the hour and half hour. However, using just the hour or half hour cards would be fine. It will be up to you to decide what times you want your children to work on.

If setting the hands on a clock helps your children tell time, you can print out the ladybug clock below. It is part of a set of Telling Time Worksheets with Ladybug.

Getting the Grouchy Ladybug Tells Time File Folder Game

First, you will need to download the set.

The Grouchy Ladybug Tells Time File Folder Game Download

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

Getting the Game Ready to Play

Making the Game Boards Reusable

If you plan on using the game boards over and over again, you may want to laminate them. The boards themselves could be laminated or the boards glued to a folder.

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

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

Scotch 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)

Selecting Game Tokens

Any of the following objects would make a fun game token. Most of them are probably in your junk drawer or craft space.

Small Erasers
Paper Clips
Buttons
Bottle Caps
Small Pebbles

How to Play the Grouchy Ladybug Tells Time File Folder Game

Children will place a marker (button, bottle cap, bread tag, etc.) on the word Start.
Then they will take turns rolling a single die.
After they roll the will move forward that number of spaces.
When they land has the word card on it, pick up a ladybug time card. If they get the time correct, they will move forward one space. If the answer is wrong, they will stay on the card space.
The child who reaches the word End first wins the game.