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+.

Polar Animal STEM Challenges – Build Pattern Block Animals

January 17, 2023 By Deirdre

The polar animal STEM challenges in this set invite children to build animals with pattern blocks. Each of the STEM challenge mats has a key at the bottom that show children the blocks they will need. The pattern blocks can be stacked right on their picture on the mat.

Helping Your Children Explore the Polar Animal STEM Challenges on the Mats

Review the Shapes

Before your children explore the mats, you may want to review each of the pattern block shapes. While they don’t have to know each shape’s name to build the animal, it would be a good thing for them to know.

Counting the Shapes

Each of the shape mats indicates how many of each shape children will need. Some children will be able to find and count the shapes on their own. However, there will be some who need you to count the blocks with them.

Building the Animals

The polar animal STEM challenge mats were not designed to have the blocks fit right on each animal. They were designed to have the animal built beside the animals on the page. This way children can refer to the picture while they build.

Getting the Polar Animal STEM Challenges- Building Pattern Block Animals Set

Polar Animal STEM Challenge - Pattern Block Mats

First, you will need to download the set.

Polar Animal STEM Challenges with Pattern Blocks 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. 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.

Pattern Block Suggestions

Below you will see a variety of sets of pattern blocks. Some of them are plastic and others are wooden. While you could print out a set of paper pattern blocks, these sets will be easier for your children to use.

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

More Building Challenges

Build a Bird’s Nest STEM Challenge

Building Challenge Cards with a Magic Theme

Narwhals Explore Words in Binary Code

January 16, 2023 By Deirdre

This is the first of five sets of polar animal-themed worksheet sets. This narwhal set invites children to explore words in binary code. It does this by asking children to write alphabet letters in binary code to build words. Then they are asked to color each letter’s row of narwhal bellies to display the code. Each of the pages in the set focus on narwhal-themed words. After exploring this set, I have more sets available. There are sets that examine parts of a shark, patriotic words and Valentine’s Day words.

Getting Ready to Explore Words in Binary Code

First, Getting the Binary Code Set

Before you download the worksheet set, you will need to make sure you have a PDF reader. Acrobat reader is a popular PDF and is the one I use. Next, you will need to decide which of the words you want to explore with your children.

Narwhals Explore Words in Binary Code Download

You may want to print out two different worksheets for each of your children. One you would do with your children. Then one they could do on their own.

Reading About Binary Code

Here are some books and activities that explore binary code. The links below are affiliate links.

This is an amazing book that looks at computer coding and explains binary code in a way they will understand.

Here is another good book written for children that explore coding.

Explaining Binary Code to Your Kids

It is the code used by a computer to understand letters, numbers, symbols, and commands. The code uses groups of 8 numbers to represent each letter, number, symbol, and command you type in on a keyboard. The only numbers that the computer can use to create the code are 0s and 1s.

Binary code can be confusing. Therefore, you may want to visit Teach Kids Binary in One Simple Step to get more information on how to teach it to your kids.

What Words are on the Worksheets

Narwhal– A medium-sized toothed whale. One of the teeth has developed into a spiraling twisted tusk.

Unicorn– A mythical horse-like animal with a horn protruding from its head.

Blessing– A group of narwhals.

Explore Words in Binary Code

First, you will want to explain what binary code is to your children. A simple explanation is shared above.
Then your children will need to look for the code for each letter in the chart at the bottom of the page.
Next, they will need to write each number for the code on one of the little lines after each letter.
After that, your children must fill in circles next to the number representing a one.
Finally, you will want them to check their work. It is really easy to color in the wrong circle or put a zero in one’s place.

More Binary Code Activities

Christmas Holiday Words in Binary Code (This set is available on my TPT shop.)

Pool Noodle Ideas- Building Binary Codes

Polar Animal Worksheets and Activities

January 15, 2023 By Deirdre

Welcome to Polar Animal Week! 3 Dinosaurs and I will be sharing five days of polar animal worksheets and activities. The sets in my part of the series focus on coding, STEM-building challenges, and binary code. Each weekday a new set will appear on each of our blogs. Please take a moment to check out and download each of our sets.

At the end of this post, you will find several other polar animal-themed activities. These are only a few activities available. Every day, more polar animal posts will be shared at the bottom of the new set of polar animal worksheets. After downloading the recent sets, you will want to check them out.

Building Background Before Starting an Activity

The links below are affiliate links.

You explore one of these polar animal-themed activities or books before working on one or all of the sets. It will help children build a background on themselves.

Polar animals will be fun to find in this 64-piece puzzle.

This game looks at saving the environment for polar animals.

This easy reader is a great way to learn facts about arctic animals.

Monday

Children will learn about binary numbers and how they represent alphabet letters. They will build the codes for the letters in narwhal, unicorn, and blessing (What a group of narwhals is called!).

Free Polar Bear Ending CVC Words sorting activity is being shared by 3 Dinosaurs this week.

Tuesday

This set features polar animals. Children are invited to build the animals using pattern blocks.

3 Dinosaurs is sharing Free Penguin Shape Sorting Printables.

Wednesday

Children can use whatever building materials they have on hand to build the shapes displayed by polar animals on these challenge cards.

After building shapes, you can count penguins with 3 Dinosaurs penguin-themed tens frames.

Thursday

My students love to code and color pages. This set features the coloring directions of Blockly coding blocks.

3 Dinosaurs is sharing a fun way to work on multiplication. Her free arctic animal multiplication clip cards.

Friday

I Spy penguins with a variety of feelings on these data-gathering activity pages.

Yesterday I shared a skip counting activity and today 3 Dinosaurs has shared one.

Polar Animals Activities

Kindergarten Math Worksheets - This set contains a number line, number and picture cards, and muffin tin numbers. They can be used to work on a number of math skills.

Waddling Penguin Song and Action Song

How to Build an Igloo for a Penguin STEM Activity

Penguin Number Activities

Color By Code Snowflake Coloring Pages

January 13, 2023 By Deirdre

Your children will learn about coding and algorithm as they follow the steps displayed on these color by code snowflake coloring pages. There are two styles of coloring pages available in the set. First, there are two pages that have to colors selected for you. The second set leaves choosing the colors up to your children. Despite the fact children can use the colors, you may feel you need to give some color tips. Without color tips you may end up with snowflakes that are dark black or brown. If that okay with you, then you can just skip the tips.

Getting Color By Code Snowflake Coloring Pages

First, you will need to download the calendar.

Color By Code Snowflake Coloring Pages 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 will need to 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. If you are, you won’t have to hunt for it in your download file.

Finally, when you open the calendar you will find hyperlinked activities. When you click on them, you will be taken to the activity’s location on the web.

Deciding Which Color By Code Snowflakes Coloring Pages to Use

It was mentioned above that they are two types of pages. One with the colors selected and one that is open to your children color choice. The set also includes to different pictures. One picture has one snowflake on it. The other has four. Both pages have just about the just about the same number of sections and colors. It will be up to you as to which design you like best.

More Algorithm Coloring Pages

Apple Life Cycle Mandala

Decorating an Umbrella Based on an Algorithm

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Algorithm Page

Snowflake Feelings Patterning Worksheets for Kids

January 12, 2023 By Deirdre

This set of patterning worksheets has snowflake theme. This snowflakes displayed on these worksheet show different feelings. Before you start the worksheets, you may want to go of the feelings flashcards that come with the set. However you can start them without the review of feelings. It does mean that you will need to have the students identify the feelings when they come up in the patterns. Noticing what feelings or facial looks are displayed will be necessary to continue or record the patterns on the patterning worksheets.

Getting Snowflake Feelings Patterning Worksheets

First, you will need to download the calendar.

Snowflake Feelings Patterning Worksheets for Kids Download

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

Finally, when you open the calendar you will find hyperlinked activities. When you click on them, you will be taken to the activity’s location on the web.

Types of Patterning Worksheets in the Set

Find the Pattern– Children are asked to figure out the pattern. Then they will need to continue the pattern by placing a circle around the snowflake that would come next.
Discovering the Pattern– This time they are asked to draw the face that will come next. While the faces appear easy to replicate, you could ask them just to try to draw the mouths on the snowflakes.
Displaying the Pattern– Next, a page that focuses on creating the patterning displayed before each row of snowflakes. There is room to repeat the pattern twice on the line. Some children may benefit from you doing the first pattern in each row with them. Then they can do the second one on their own.
Creating the Pattern– Finally, there is a page that invites children to create their own patterns. While the page displays the snowflakes first, you could have children display their patterns and then color the s’mores in that pattern. It is really up to you.

Building Background

Below you will find some activities and books that focus on patterning.

The links below are affliate links.

This patterning set invites children to create and replicate patterns with beads.

This pattern activity asks children to drill colored disks in a pattern on a board.

I See a Pattern Here is a wonderful book that talks about and displays patterns from our everyday world.

More Patterning Worksheets

Patterning S’mores

Patterning Fire Safety Worksheets (Available on my TPT shop.)

Drawing a Snowflake Based on an Algorithm

January 11, 2023 By Deirdre

Drawing a Snowflake Based on a Algorithm worksheets ask children to add details to a simple lined snowflake. The pages start with having children add a few details displayed on the algorithm directions. Then children are asked to individualize their snowflake by adding their own shapes. Finally, the directions ask children to decorate the background.

While all of the snowflakes start out the same they will end of looking unique. Why? The first steps in the algorithm are specific and closed. After the specific directions end, the directions are open-ended. You may want to ask your children if open ended commands or steps would work on a computer. Many will say that they won’t. There many be a few that will feel that the computer will understand them. It will be fun to see that their reasons are for either answer.

Getting the Drawing a Snowflake with an Algorithm Worksheets

First, you will need to download the set.

How to Draw a Snowflake with an Algorithm Worksheets 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. You may be asked if you want the file to open right after downloading it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.

Deciding Which Worksheet to Use

Once you have download the Drawing a Snowflake set, you will have to decide which worksheet to use. First, you have worksheet that features words and pictures. Giving your children this page will show them what they need to do for the first steps. It will ensure that each child has the the basic snowflake design down. The next page just displays the words. Children will have more freedom to interpret what the directions mean without pictures to guide them.

How to Explore the Worksheets

While many of you will decide to work on these as a group, the worksheets could be done in a center. However rather than just placing the worksheets in a center, the sample page would probably need to go with it. The sample page will help children visualize what their final page might look like.

More Algorithm Activities

Decorating a Scarecrow with an Algorithm

Offline Coding Academy -Muffin Tin Algorithm

I Spy Snowflake Shapes Worksheets

January 10, 2023 By Deirdre

The set of I Spy Snowflake Shapes worksheets invites children to gather data on how many of each style of snowflake is displayed. After counting up how many of each their are, children will then record that data on a chart. There are opportunities to record the data in numerals or tally marks.

This I Spy Snowflakes activity is an opportunity to introduce your children to the words data, gather, and represent mean. It will help them break out each of the steps they will be doing in this activity.

Exploring the Vocabulary Words

Data- It can be facts, observations, numbers, or measurements that can be collected and looked over.

Gather- Bringing together or collecting information or data.

Represent- A sign, symbol, or number that describes something.

Getting the I Spy Snowflake Shapes Activity Worksheets

First, you will need to download the set.

I Spy Snowflakes Activity Worksheets 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. You may be asked if you want the file to open right after downloading it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.

Exploring the I Spy Snowflake Worksheets

Going over the data-gathering terms before you start will queue children in on all they are doing when they work on this sheet.

Next, children will need to count how many of each number appears on the page. You may want to have them color or cross out a number as they are counting.

Then have the children go back to double-check their counting. It is easy to miss a number!

Once they are sure they have the correct data for each number have them record it.

Extending the Activity

After completing the worksheet, you could have your children come up with math facts using the data. Children can be asked one or all of the following questions.

Which snowflake is pictured the most?
Which snowflake is pictured the least?
How many more of the last snowflake are there than the second snowflake?
If you add the number of the third snowflake to the number of the fourth snowflake, how many snowflakes do you have?
What two snowflakes added together will equal ten snowflakes?

More Snowflake Activities

Let’s Build Snowflake Designs

Building LEGO snowflake patterns on a simple snowflake outline gives kids the opportunity to explore symmetry.

Building Snowflakes on Patterns with LEGO

Snowflake Building Mats- Exploring Shapes

January 9, 2023 By Deirdre

This set of snowflake-building mats features snowflakes with a variety of shapes in their centers. Children are invited to identify the shapes. After identifying the shapes, children will need to build them

What can they identify about each shape?

Some of the questions below will be easier for children to answer than others. Children tend to like to at least hear new vocabulary or math terms. It will be up to you to decide if your children are too young for some of these questions and/or math terms.

What shape is it?
How many sides or edges does it have?
Can you tell what types of angles it has?
How many corners of vertices does it have?

Possible Snowflake Building Materials

The links below are affiliate links.

Craft Sticks
Bread Tags
Toothpicks with the Sharp End Removed
Keva Planks
Magnetic Building Sticks and Blocks
Playdough
Pipe cleaners
LEGO Bricks

Getting the Snowflake Building Mats

First, you will need to download the set.

Snowflake 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.

Third, you must go to your download file and open the page. You may be asked if you want the file to open with a particular program. As I mentioned I use Acrobat Reader.

Laminating the Snowflake Building Mats

You can have your children work on the mats uncovered if you like. However, if you laminate the mats you can use them over and over again. Below you will find links for a laminator I recommend. There are also links for laminator pouches and a laminator.

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…$55.99~~$128.93~~ (11009)

Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99~~$42.99~~ (22799)

More Building Activities

Build a Shape Fire Pit Mats

Building Cards with a Magic Theme

Woodland Animal Pattern Block Building Mats

Snowflake Worksheets and Activities

January 8, 2023 By Deirdre

Snowflake worksheets and activities are great to work on even if you live in a place that doesn’t see snow. A series of five flake-themed activities will be shared one day at a time starting January 9th both here and on 3 Dinosaurs. Please stop by each morning to get a free set to download. The collections feature math, coding, and STEM activities.

At the end of this post, you will find several other snow-themed activities. These are only a few activities available. Every day, more snowflake posts will be shared at the bottom of the new set of snowflake worksheets. After downloading the recent sets, you will want to check them out.

Building Background Before Starting an Activity

The links below are affiliate links.

You explore one of these snowman-themed activities or books before working on one or all of the sets. It will help children build a background in building snowmen.

Snowflake Science Activity Book explores activities that focus on ice crystals along with the elements of snowflakes.

This building set features building elements that look like snowflakes. They will be wonderful for building snowy structures all year round.

The There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow book is a great way to explore sequencing with your children. After picking up of the word sequence, they will want to join you as you repeat it.

Getting the Snowflake Worksheets and Activities

First, download each set when an active link has been placed under its picture below.

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

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

Snowman Activities and Printables by Day

Monday

Children will have fun using various building materials displayed on snowflake building mats to explore shapes. Some of the shapes will be easy to replicate and others will be more challenging.

3 Dinosaurs is a set of addition fact flashcards with a snowflake theme.

Tuesday

The I Spy Snowflake Shapes snowflake worksheets invite children to collect and display data. Children can record their data with numerals or tally marks.

Free Mitten Rhyming Matching Activity is shared on 3 Dinosaurs. It focuses CVC words.

Wednesday

Drawing a Snowflake Based on an Algorithm is a set that displays drawing directions on Blockly Blocks. The worksheets combine coding and drawing on one page. There are pages with words only and words along with pictures.

3 Dinosaurs is sharing a Free Snowflake ABC Tracing Cards. I just love the snowflake character on each card.

Thursday

This set of snowflake worksheets explores feelings and patterns. It has several ways that patterns can be continued. The set also includes a set of feeling flashcards.

What a fun way to work on elapsed time! This set from 3 Dinosaurs will be great to explore this winter.

Friday

The final set of snowflake worksheets asks children to color all the sections of a picture with the same number and the same color. There are pages with assigned colors. Some pages ask children to select their colors. You can decide which pages are the best ones for your children.

3 Dinosaurs is sharing a free winter skip counting by 6 easy reader today.

More Snow-Themed Activities and Printables

Below you will find snowman-themed activities and printables that have already been shared on my blog.

How to Make Fake Snow Recipes Featuring Cornstarch Displayed on Blockly Blocks.

How to Make Snow with Cornstarch

Building Shapes STEM Snowman Activity for Kids

STEM Snowman Activity- Building Shapes

Do You Want to Build A Snowman Activity

Drawing a Snowman with an Algorithm

January 6, 2023 By Deirdre

Drawing a snowman isn’t all that difficult. However, this set of Drawing a Snowman Based on an algorithm set will help children to remember everything they need to include. The pages start with the snowman or snowperson’s body on the page. The algorithm or series of steps tells them to add arms and accessories to the picture.

There are three levels of algorithm instructions available in the set. One page had just pictures of what children will need to draw. Then there is a page with words and pictures. Finally, there is a page that had just words on it. You can decide which page will work best for your children.

Getting Ready to Use the Drawing a Snowman Algorithm Pages

Downloading the Shape Coloring Pages

First, you will need to download the set.

How-to-Draw-a-Snowman-Based-on-an-Algorithm 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. You may be asked if you want the file to op

Deciding What Drawing a Snowman Page to Use

While the page with just the picture may seem like it would be best for younger children, there are older children that would benefit from using it. Children will be able to focus on the pictures and not be distracted by the words.

If you have children that will be focused on trying to copy the picture rather than be inspired by it, the page with the words only will be best for you.

The page you decide on is really up to you and or your children. You could always print out a couple of each of them and see what they choose.

Building Background

You may want to read a book about snowmen before starting this activity. Below you will find several books my children have enjoyed.

The links below are affiliate links.

This fun book explores what snowmen do at night.

This book explores the teamwork needed to build the biggest snowman in a contest.

The book below explores trying to catch a run snowman. Children will love hearing this book and exploring its pictures.