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+.

Jack and the Beanstalk Number Puzzles

September 3, 2024 By Deirdre

Jack and the Beanstalk Number Puzzles for Kids offer children the opportunity to explore number patterns and sequences. Children will explore the numbers from 1-10 by counting up and counting down. Skip counting by 2’s and 5’s puzzles are also in the set. These colorful puzzles will be fun to explore with your children.

Downloading Jack and the Beanstalk Number Puzzles

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

Jack and the Beanstalk Number Puzzles Download

Before Exploring The Jack and the Beanstalk Number Puzzles

It is important that your children understand how to sequence the numbers and skip counting patterns on the puzzles. Before using the puzzles, you may want to use a 100’s chart or number line to review the number sequence you are focusing on with your kids. Even if your children have appeared to master all the sequences it is great to see what they remember. 3 Dinosaurs has some wonderful number line bookmarks that would be perfect for reviewing.

Exploring the Puzzles

Children could glue the pieces to a piece of construction paper in order.
You can print them on the tag board and have your children work on them in a center.
You could laminate them and have your children work on them with a partner.
Children can place the pieces in order on a metal pan if they place magnets on the back of the puzzle pieces.

My Favorite Laminating Tools

If you choose to use the puzzles over and over again, you will want to laminate them. Below you will find my favorite laminating tools.

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)

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

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

More Sequencing Activities

Ten Frame Activities with Squirrel and Acorn

Acorn Tens Frames

Election Day Patterning Cards

Jack and the Beanstalk Themed Number Counting Gameboards

September 2, 2024 By Deirdre

The Jack and the Beanstalk Themed Number Counting Gameboards invite children to connect numbers and events in the correct order. There are six gameboards in this set of B/W boards. Your children can color their page if they like.

Gameboard Event Sequencing

Jack and His Mom
Cow
Bean
Beanstalk
Castle
Giant’s Wife
Giant
Coin Bag
Golden Goose
Harp
Axe That Chopped Down the Beanstalk

Getting Jack and the Beanstalk Themed Number Counting Gameboards

First, you will need to download it.

Jack and the Beanstalk Themed Number Counting Gameboards Download

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

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

Once you have printed out the gameboards, you gather crayons for your children to color their pages.

How to Use the Jack and the Beanstalk Themed Number Counting Gameboards

While there are many ways that you can use the gameboards, let me walk you through how I would use them with my students.

The link below is an affiliate link.

Begin by reading a traditional version of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Give each of your children the version of the gameboard you want them to work on along with a pencil.
Before starting the sequencing activity, you can have your children color the objects on the page if you like.
Have the children connect the box containing the word Start and Jack with his mom to the first object mentioned in the book (a bean) with an arrow.
Continue connecting the events and numbers in order.
After box ten is reached, draw an arrow from box ten the word End.

Wait! Isn’t This Like Building a Coding Algorithm?

Yes, it is. An algorithm is a series or sequence of steps that need to be completed in order. Sequencing the story events from Jack and the Beanstalk is very much like creating a coding algorithm. If the events are not in order, the story may not make sense.

More Sequencing Activities

Very Hungry Caterpillar Number Sequencing

Swimming Number Puzzles

Election Day Number Puzzles

September STEAM Activities Calendar 2024

August 31, 2024 By Deirdre

The September Activity Calendar for 2024 features a variety of fun September holidays. It will be fun to explore the selected holidays and the STEAM-related activities that go with them. While you can celebrate each, you can focus on one or two a week. It is really up to you as to how you explore this September STEAM calendar.

Here is the September STEAM Activity Calendar 2024

What fun you will have exploring the activities and challenges selected for this month’s calendar!

World Letter Writing Day -September 1st
Spaulding Baseball Day -September 2nd
Skyscraper Day -September 3rd
National Pet Rock Day -September 4th
National Cheese Pizza Day- September 5th
Great Egg Toss Day -September 6th
Grandma Moses Birthday -September 7th
Star Trek Day -September 8th
Teddy Bear Day -September 9th
Swap Ideas Day -September 10th
National Programmers Day -September 11th
National Day of Encouragement -September 12th
Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day -September 13th
National Coloring Day -September 14th
Make a Hat Day- September 15th
National Pay-doh Day -September 16th
Pet Bird Day- September 17th
U.S. Air Force Day -September 18th
International Talk Like a Pirate Day -September 19th
National Fried Rice Day -September 20th
Miniature Golf Day -September 21st
First Day of Fall -September 22nd
National Blue Bird of Happiness Day -September 24th
International Rabbit Day -September 25th
Johnny Appleseed Day -September 26th
National Family Day -September 27th
Read a Child a Book Day -September 28th
Inventors Day- September 29th
National Chewing Gum Day -September 30th

Downloading the September STEAM Activity Calendar 2024

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

September 2024 STEAM Calendar Download

Exploring the Activity Calendar

You can access the directions needed to explore each activity when you click on each of the September 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.

More Fall Activities

Jumping Apple Seeds

Exploring the Density of Apple Parts

Jack and the Beanstalk Math Activities

August 28, 2024 By Deirdre

Jack and the Beanstalk Math Activities will be fun to explore. Starting September 2nd a new Jack and the Beanstalk math activity will be shared right here on JDaniel4’s Mom. A new activity will be posted for five days. The blog 3 Dinosaurs will also be sharing Jack and the Beanstalk activities. You will definitely want to take a moment to check theirs out.

Jack and the Beanstalk Math Activities and More

The Jack and the Beanstalk activities for both blogs will be linked below the day that it is post.

Monday

3 Dinosaurs is sharing a wonderful ABC-themed mini book. This will be fun to explore with your children. I love the letter tracing portion of this little book.

Tuesday

Jack and the Beanstalk Number Puzzles for Kids offer children opportunities to explore number patterns and sequences. Children will explore the numbers from 1-10 by counting up and counting down. Skip counting by 2’s and 5’s puzzles are also in the set.

Coin counting can be challenging. This set of Jack and the Beanstalk Coin Counting Pages from 3 Dinosaurs walks children through how to count coins.

Wednesday

Various story elements from Jack and the Beanstalk appear on the pattern strips in this set. When you look over the pictures on the strips, you will find beanstalks, castles, golden eggs and so much more. Children place objects of their choice in the same pattern on the card.

What fun it will be to explore these fraction puzzles from 3 Dinosaurs. The beanstalk visuals will help your children see what each fraction looks like.

Thursday

This Jack and the Beanstalk activity focuses on even and odd numbers. The set includes bean cards featuring numerals and number words. After selecting a few numeral or number word cards, children will need to place them on the even-number or odd-number beanstalk.

Measure the Beanstalk set from 3 Dinosaurs is a fun way to measure. Children will use unfix cubes to measure each beanstalk.

Friday

The Jack and the Beanstalk Muffin Counting set explores a number of themes from the story available in this set. Each theme has a paper muffin tin and muffin tin counting circles in B/W and color. The set comes with a themed paper muffin tin and theme circles that can be put in an actual muffin tin.

Children can place each theme number circle on or in the muffin tin, using real objects instead.

Counting to ten is also explored in this fun ten-frame activity from 3 Dinosaurs.

My Favorite Versions of Jack and the Beanstalk

Below is a selection of my favorite Jack and the Beanstalk versions.

The links below are affiliate links.

Trust Me, Jack’s Beanstalk Stinks! tells the story of Jack and the Beanstalk from the giant’s perspective.

Jack and the Baked Beanstalk features baked beans and a friendly giant who likes to cook.

It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk lets Jack tell his own story rather than a narrator.

This version of Jack and the Beanstalk has a southwestern theme and has fun twist.

More Fairy Tale Activities

Fairy Tale Shape Castle Building Mats

Three Pigs Blockly Blocks Worksheet Activity

August 2024 STEAM Activities Calendar

July 29, 2024 By Deirdre

The August 2024 STEAM activities calendar is part of a series of monthly calendars that feature STEAM activities, monthly holidays, and themes. This month’s calendar features activities that mostly explore August holidays.

If you are looking for Back to School STEAM challenges, they appear on the September calendar. School starts at many different times. Some schools start in August and others after Labor Day. Rather than focus on school too early those activities have been saved until most of us are back in school.

August Holidays Explored

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 Holidays 2024 STEAM 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 STEAM Activities Calendar 2024 Download

Exploring the STEAM Activities Calendar

You can 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 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.

More STEAM Activities

Flower STEM Challenges- Build with Pattern Block Mats

Outer Space STEM Challenges

Code and Color Olympic Water Sports Themed Algorithm Pages

July 27, 2024 By Deirdre

This set will be perfect for celebrating Olympic water sports or just want to have a water-themed learning week. This set features swimming, synchronized swimming, canoeing, and diving.

There are two versions of each page. One features assigned colors and the other is a choose your colors. You can decide which sports you want to explore and how you want your children to explore them.

The directions on each of the pages are displayed on Blockly coding blocks. 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 start coding online.

Getting the Code and Color Olympic Water Sports Pages

First, you will need to download it.

Code and Color Olympic Water Sports Algorithm Coloring Pages Download

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

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

Once you have printed out the coloring page, you 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.
Reviewing the sport and how it is played is a good idea.
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.

Code and Color Olympic Medal Algorithm Pages

Decorating an Umbrella Based on an Algorithm

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

Bike Safety Code and Color Pages

July 2024 STEAM Activities Calendar

June 30, 2024 By Deirdre

The July 2024 STEAM Activities Calendar features July-themed holiday challenges and experiments at the beginning and middle of the month. At the end of the month there are several Olympic and sports themed challenges! It will be fun to explore all of them as you move through the days of July.

Getting the STEAM Activities Calendar

First, you will need to download the set.

July STEAM 2024 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 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.

Holidays and Events Celebrated on the July 2024 STEAM Calendar

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

Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics July 26th

Celebrate Olympic Medals July 27th

Explore Shot Putting and Catapults July 28th (Shot Putters will compete August 2nd and 3rd.)

Create an Olympic Flame in a Bottle July 29th

Code a Bike Algorithm July 30th (Cyclers will compete July 27th- August 11th)

Create a Skateboarding Ramp July 31st (Skateboarders will compete July 27th- August 7th)

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.

Olympic-Themed Books

This section usually features books that fit a few of the July-themed holidays. This month I am sharing some of my favorite Olympic-themed books. It will be fun to read about the Olympics during the month.

The links below are affiliate links.

Olympic Pig follows the trials and tribulations Boomer goes through as he competes in the Olympic games.

She’s Got This fictionalizes the lessons learned by Laurie Hernandez as she made her way to the Olympics.

G is for Gold Medal is a wonderful alphabet book that explores the Olympics.

More STEAM 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.

Code and Color Bike Riding and Safety Algorithm Pages

June 28, 2024 By Deirdre

This Code and Color Bike Riding and Safety Algorithm Pages focuses on bike safety rules, safety signs, and pictures of children riding bikes. That means your children can work on coding and bike safety on the same page.

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 start coding online.

Getting the Code and Color Bike Riding and Safety Algorithm Pages

First, you will need to download

Code and Color Bike Riding and Safety Algorithm Pages Download

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

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

Once you have printed out the coloring page, you 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.
Going over the safety concepts covered on each page will need to happen too.
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.

More Algorithm Pages

Code and Color Olympic Medal Algorithm Pages

Decorating an Umbrella Based on an Algorithm

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

Bike Riding Patterning Cards

June 27, 2024 By Deirdre

This bike riding patterning card set features mountain bikers, road racers, and track bike riders. Children can use any small objects you have on hand to recreate the patterns that appear on the cards.

While children can work on these cards on their own, if they do they may not pick up on the actual pattern. If you take time to discuss each card’s patterning it will help them see and understand its pattern.

Getting the Bike Riding Patterning Cards

First, you will need to download the set.

Bike Riding Patterning Cards 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 need to go to your download file and open the page.

Getting the Bike Riding Cards Ready to Use

If you plan on using the cards 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)

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

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

Exploring the Patterning Strips

Whether you use these in a center or with a small group, they will be a fun way to look at patterning. Some children will benefit from working on one with you or a partner to ensure they are completing the pattern accurately.

More Math Activities

Acorn Math Activities

Acorn Tens Frames

Election Day Patterning Cards

Going on a Bike Ride Algorithm Game Boards

June 26, 2024 By Deirdre

Going on a Bike Ride Algorithm Game Boards ask children to create a path with arrows that will take them from the word Start to the word End. The set features black and white along with colored versions of the game boards. It also includes answer keys for each of the pages. Although the answer keys only share one way to complete the path. There are several ways that paths can be created on them.

Getting the Going on a Bike Ride Algorithm Game Boards Pages

First, you will need to download the set.

Going on a Bike Ride 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.

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

Getting Ready to Use the Counting Seeds Algorithm Game Boards

Making the Game Boards Reusable

If you plan on using the game boards 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)

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

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

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

Exploring the Game Boards

You will find that some of the game boards offer many ways for 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 arrows in the boxes. Remember that the arrows they draw or the printed arrows should point in the direction they need to go to connect to the next step. 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.