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+.

S’more I Spy Feelings Activity Pages

October 8, 2022 By Deirdre

This is only one of the I Spy Feeling pages I have created. However, it is the first one that could be explored as a part of a camping or marshmallow-themed unit. This set includes I Spy feelings pages that focus on recording data with tally marks or numbers. After each page, you will find an answer key. Finally, you will find feeling flashcards in the set. There are B/W and color versions of the flashcards.

Exploring the I Spy Feeling Pages

Building Background

Before exploring the I Spy pages, children will need you to help them identify the feelings displayed on the pages. First, you could show them the flashcards and have them describe their feelings. Second, you could have them listen to a book about feelings. That will help them focus on feeling words and actions that may cause different feelings.

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

Getting the I Spy Feelings Pages

First, you will need to download the set.

S’more I Spy Feelings 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 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.

Working on the I Spy Feelings Pages

Once you have discussed the I Spy feelings, you can have your children explore the pages. One page invites children to record how many times they find each s’more feeling with tally marks. The other page asks children to write a number that represents the number of times.

You can decide which page is best for your children. Then you can decide if you want them to work on it on their own or partner.

Making S’mores

You may want to make s’more with your children below you will find some fun s’more-making supplies.

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

More I Spy Pages

I Spy Bees with Feelings

I Spy Candy Corn with Feelings

Bird Shape I Spy

Ghostly Cup Stacking STEM Challenge

October 8, 2022 By Deirdre

Cup stacking STEM challenge cards are fun to explore. They invite children to build structures with plastic cups. The twenty-four cards feature challenges that use from three to six cards. The designs on the cards could be combined to create cup stacking ghost towns.

Getting the Cup Stacking STEM Challenge Cards

First, you will need to download the set.

Ghostly STEM Cup Stacking STEM Challenge Cards 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 Cup Stacking STEM Challenge Cards

Explaining the Ghosts

While most children will look at the upside-down ghost and know it means the cup is upside down, others may be confused. The upside-down ghost’s head is narrow. Its base is wide. There may be children that think that means the narrow cup base goes on the bottom. Please take a moment to explain this to them.

If they end up building structures that are the opposite of the card, you can decide if you want to correct them. It may be important to you that you build it just like the card. It may be important that they just practice cup stacking.

Ghostly Cup Stacking STEM Challenge- Card One

Cup Stacking Challenge Card Cup Recommendations

While you can truly use any type of cup that you like, it would be best to use cups that have sturdy sides. It will help the tall structures stay up. The cups you choose to use do not need to be expensive though. The size of the cup doesn’t matter either. I think small cups like shot cups work can well as tall cups. Small cups are easier to store.

More STEM Challenges

Ski Lift Paper Plate Craft

Woodland Animals Pattern Blocks Mats

Building a Hay Bale Kicker Catapult

Scarecrow Math Concepts Activity

September 30, 2022 By Deirdre

Math concepts are explored in this final Scarecrow Week activity. It invites children to illustrate one of three math concepts on yellow paper. The concept that is focused on is displayed on the scarecrow’s hat. The number or numbers focused will be placed on the scarecrow’s nose.

The worksheets were left open-ended so you can tailor them to your children. Young children can use much lower numbers than older children. They can also be worked on together. Your children dictated what they want to be displayed on the scarecrow’s hair. There are so many different ways you can have your children explore this set.

Getting the Math Concepts Scarecrow Set

First, you will need to download the set.

Scarecrow Math Concepts Activity 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.

Wait! How do you explore the math concepts set?

Gathering Supplies

Your children will each need to have a worksheet that features the math concept you want them to work on. Next, they will need yellow paper cut into strips. (Copy or construction paper will work.) Then they will need crayons to color the scarecrow. Finally, they will need a pencil to write the number or numbers focused on the scarecrow’s nose.

Exploring the Worksheets

First, children will need to have you tell them what the activity focuses on. You can have them read the focus displayed on the scarecrow’s hat. Next, they will place the number or numbers on the scarecrow’s nose. Then they will record or draw examples that fit that number concept on strips of yellow paper. Finally, they will glue the strips unto the paper below the scarecrow’s hat.

Wait! What about coloring the scarecrow?

You will need to decide when the coloring needs to happen. However, it should probably be before they glue the hair on the scarecrow.

Books That Feature Math Concepts

Before starting this activity you may want to read a book or two about math concepts.

Decorating a Scarecrow Based on an Algorithm

September 29, 2022 By Deirdre

Decorating a scarecrow is so much fun. Whether you care decorating the scarecrow based on colors I selected or your own. There are two worksheets in this set. The first shares with students the color they will need to color in each section of the scarecrow. It does invite children to show where it lives. They can decorate it any way that you want them to. Next, you will find a worksheet that displays empty circles by each element they need to color. Children will need to place the color they plan to use in the circles beside each element. However, you may want to give them a little color wisdom if they tend to color everything one color.

What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a series of steps needed to complete a task. Computers follow algorithms step by step complete the actions and tasks we ask them to do. We can follow an algorithm too.

Getting the Decorating a Scarecrow Based on an Algorithm Set

First, you will need to download the set.

Decorating a Scarecrow Based on an Algorithm Set 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.

Building Background

Before you start exploring the challenge cards, you may want to read a book that features the life of a scarecrow. It will help your children visualize where a scarecrow lives before they try to draw location themselves.

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

Offline Coding Academy Scarecrow Algorithm Game Boards

September 28, 2022 By Deirdre

Scarecrow algorithm game boards can be used to create algorithm paths around scarecrows, The path will start at the word Start and finish at the word End. Children can build their paths with printable crow-themed arrows or with a pencil.

The set includes B/W and color scarecrow algorithm gameboards, answer keys, and a set of crow arrows. After looking at the set you will need to decide what boards will work best for your class.

Hint: If you plan on using the boards over and over again, you may want to laminate them.

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

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. 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)AllAds by Amazon

Getting the Scarecrow Algorithm Game Boards Pages

First, you will need to download the set.

Offline Coding Academy- Scarecrow Algorithm Game Boards Download

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

Exploring the Game Boards

You will find that some of the game boards offer a number of ways that your children to complete the game boards. Here is how you could introduce your children to the game boards.

First, you can work through a part of a game board with your children. It will help them understand how to place the crow arrows in the boxes. Remember that the arrows they draw or crow arrows should point in the direction they will need to go to move from the box they are in into the next box to connect the numbers in order. They need to begin at the word Start and finish in the box that will lead them to the End box.
Second, children can work with a partner to complete the gameboard. They can take turns placing the arrows in the squares.

Building Background

Below you will find activities and books that will help your children learn more about algorithms.

The links below are affiliate links.

Scarecrows are supposed to scare other animals away, but this one saves one from falling.

My students love building mazes for the mouse to travel through.

It will be fun to build and walk through an algorithm maze your children have built themselves.

This game introduces a number of coding concepts including binary code.

More Algorithm Game Boards

Woodland Animal Algorithm Game Boards

Offline Coding Academy -Muffin Tin Algorithm

How to Make Slime with Liquid Starch Algorithm Coding Activity

How to Make Liquid Starch Slime Algorithm

Halloween Words on Algorithm Game Boards

Color By Code Scarecrow Pictures

September 27, 2022 By Deirdre

Color By Code Scarecrow pictures invites children to find numbers on a hidden picture and color them. The specific color children will need to use is displayed in direction algorithm. There are four pictures in this set.

Getting the Color By Code Scarecrow Picture Set

First, you will need to download the set.

Color By Code Scarecrow Picture Set 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 Ready to Explore the Color By Code Scarecrow Pictures

Building Background

Reading a book before you start this activity is a great idea. Many children haven’t been to a farm to see a scarecrow. Reading a book about one will help build your children’s background knowledge about them.

Below you will find a number of wonderful books about scarecrows.

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

Helping Your Children Know What Color Goes Where

Children who do not know color words yet will benefit from placing a line that matches each color on top of or under the color word. If you are worried they will choose a random color, you can give them only the colors they need for this activity.

More Color By Code Sets

Color By Code Farm Pictures

Five Little Speckled Frogs Algorithm Coloring Page

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

Scarecrow and Crows Number Match Muffin Tin Activity

September 26, 2022 By Deirdre

This scarecrow and crows number match activity features one of my favorite learning tools. Yes, I muffin tin is one of my favorite tools. Many activities feature using the front of a muffin tin and the back of a muffin tin. The scarecrow and crows number match activity can use both.

How to Explore the Scarecrow and Crows Number Match Activity

Below you will find several number matching activities that you can do with the scarecrow and crows sets. After matching the numbers it would be great to have children count from one to ten by touching the cup that features that number.

Using the Front of the Muffin Tin

Either of the crow number circles or the scarecrow number circle can be placed into each muffin cup. The numbers can be arranged in the cups in order or randomly. If your children are at a stage where they are learning numbers sequentially you will want them in sequence. If you are working on number representation, you may want them random. Children will not have the number and objects in the previous cup giving them a hint as to how many objects place in this one.

After the numbers are arranged, you can ask your children to place objects that equal each number into each cup.

Using the Back of the Muffin Tin

Any of sets of scarecrow and crows circles can be placed on a muffin tin cup. Then your children can place each circle match from one of the other sets.

You may find that it is easier for your children to lift the circles off the back of the muffin tin rather than out of a muffin cup. Sometimes it the circles can get bent or ripped while they are being removed from the cups if they are not laminated or your children are rushing.

Number to Picture

Children can place scarecrow circle on each of the muffin cups. Next, they can place one of the crow sets on top of the scarecrow. Once again, you can have the numbers in order or randomly. Finally, you can have them add the corresponding number of objects if you think they will not slide or roll off.

Picture to Picture

The two crow sets can be used to create a matching activity. Children can located the crow picture that matches it. The smaller numbers have only a few objects. They will be easy to match. The circles with a number of crows will require counting the crows to see if they have the same number.

Getting the Scarecrow and Crows Number Match Sets

First, you will need to download the set.

Scarecrow and Crows Number Match Sets for a Muffin Tin 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

Below you will find a number of children books about crows. You may want to read one of them to your children before starting this activity.

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

More Counting Activities

Counting Apples Mini Book

Valentine’s Day Counting

Counting Bees Algorithm Game Boards

October 2022 STEAM Activity Calendar

September 25, 2022 By Deirdre

October is filled to the brim with fun holidays to celebrate. The October 2022 STEAM Activity Calendar celebrates a number of them. You will find a few activities that are not holiday related on the calendar. They will fun to explore too.

Getting October 2022 STEAM Activity Calendar

First, you will need to download the calendar.

October 2022 STEAM Activities 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.

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 each of the activity’s locations on the web.

Here are the October Holidays Celebrated

October 1st
Frugal Fun Day
October 2nd
World Farm Animals Day
October 3rd
World Architecture Day
October 4th
World Habitat Day
October 5th
Astronomy Day
October 6th
National Noodle Day
October 7th
Kids Music Day
October 8th
I Love Yarn Day
October 9th
Fire Prevention Day
October 12th
National Farmers Day
October 13th
International Top Spinning Day
October 14th
World Egg Day
October 15th
Global Handwashing Day
October 16th
World Allergy Awareness Day
October 17th
National Pasta Day
October 19th
World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day
October 21st
National Apple Day
October 26th
National Pumpkin Day
October 27th
Tell a Story Day
October 28th
Plush Animal Lover’s Day
October 29th
National Frankenstein Day
October 31st
Halloween

Exploring the October 2022 STEAM Activity Calendar

You will be able to access the directions needed to explore each activity when you click on each of the October 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.

Scarecrow Worksheets and Activities

September 24, 2022 By Deirdre

It’s Scarecrow Week! Every day this week I will be sharing scarecrow worksheets and activities. This collection focuses on math skills and coding activities. While several of the sets were designed for younger children, others have worksheets for older and younger children.

Recently I heard from a reader who used one of my coding sets with children much older than I had designed them for and they were hit. So, it is really up to you to decide which set fits your needs.

End of a Month of Printable Sharing

Both 3 Dinosaurs and I started sharing a month’s worth of worksheets and activities three weeks ago. Before Scarecrow Week, there was Apple Week, Farm Week, and Woodland Animal Week. Between the two of us, we shared ten worksheets each week. My worksheets have focused on STEM-related pages. 3 Dinosaurs have explored a variety of basic skills.

Scarecrow Worksheets and Activities

The links learning sets for each day will be placed under the day it is shared. First, the set from JDaniel4’s Mom will be listed. The second set for the day will come from 3 Dinosaurs.

Other Scarecrow Worksheets and Activities

First, you will want to check out the new worksheets and activities. Next, I hope you will check out these older scarecrow worksheets and activities. They represent only a few of the activities that fit this theme on my blog. Finally, I hope you will search the blog for other books, coding printables, and math activities. This blog has featured many activities that focus on those themes.

Free Printable Interactive Math Worksheets

Ruler Game- Measuring in Farm Units

Free printable word games - sight word scarecrow

Scarecrow Sight Word Activity

Paper Bag Scarecrow Craft

Building Background

Here is a collection of books with a scarecrow theme that you may want to read to your students.

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

Woodland Animals Code and Color Algorithm Pages

September 23, 2022 By Deirdre

This set of woodland animals code and color coloring pages features code and color pages. The directions for what color to place in each numbered section is displayed on Blockly coding blocks. There are four different woodland animals coloring pages in the set.

Animals Featured on the Woodland Animals Code and Color

Fox
Squirrel
Bear
Wolf

What colors of crayons will children need to complete the pages?

The pages invite children to color with various colors of crayons. While the directions may say to color something orange, your children could use a shade of orange they cha their crayon box. It is up to you as to whether your children color the only with a crayon that displays the color name in the directions.

Getting the Woodland Animals Code and Color Pages

First, you will need to download the set.

Woodland Animals Code and Color Algorithm 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.

Secret Code Books and Resources

Below you will find a number of wonderful books and activities that feature codes. You may want to read one of them to your children before starting this activity.

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