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 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

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 pages if they like.

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.

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.

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

Ten Frame Activities with Squirrel and Acorn

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.

More Algorithm Game Boards

How to Build a Snowman Algorithm Game Boards

Little Miss Muffet Coding Activity for Preschoolers

Help your child learn coding and the phases of the moon at the same time with this simple STEM activity for space themed learning

Coding the Moon

Awesome Minion Activities for Kids

June 25, 2024 By Deirdre

We love the Minions at my house so much that we have done several crafts and projects that feature them. On a recent visit to Pinterest, I noticed that several others have come up with great ideas featuring them too. While you can visit them on my Pinterest page, I thought I would share them with you here too.

I think you are going to have trouble deciding which one you want to do first.

Despicable Me: Minion Slime by Little Bins for Little Hands

Paper Plate Minion by Here Come the Girls

Toilet Paper Roll Minion by Crafty Morning

Minion Bots by Left Brain Craft Brain

Minion Play Dough Mats Pickle Bums

Paper Bag Minion Puppets by Sunshine and Hurricanes

Minion Sand Buckets by Frugal Fun for Boys

Minion Finger Puppets by Paging Fun Mums

Biking Through Math Addition and Subtraction Facts

June 25, 2024 By Deirdre

Biking Through Math Addition and Subtraction Facts pages feature a number you need to add or subtract from in the center of the wheel. The numbers to be added or subtracted are on each bike’s inner tube. The sum or difference of each fact must be written between the spokes under the inner tube number.

Before each equation can be solved, the answer may need to be worked on on the back of the paper. Not all children will work on the answers in their minds. Some children would rather use counters, a number line, or another manipulative to come up with the answers. It will be up to you or your child to decide the way you want to work through the math facts.

Getting the Biking Through Math Addition and Subtraction Facts Set

First, you download the set.

Biking Through Math Addition and Subtraction Facts Download

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

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

Exploring the Biking Through Addition and Subtraction Facts

Exploring the Biking Through Addition and Subtract Fact Tips

The layout of the pages in this set is different from most math fact pages. Doing one or two of the problems with your child or children will help them understand how to do them.
Some children will be able to find the answers by doing mental math. Others (as mentioned above) may need to use counters, a number line, or the back of the paper to figure the answers out.
Children can work on the pages alone, with a partner, or in a group. It is really up to you.
Placing a ruler beside the inner tube number and the center number can help children keep track of the problem they are working on.

Biking Through Math Addition and Subtraction Facts

My Favorite Counting Objects

Counters
Buttons
Bottle Caps
Pennies
Small Pebbles
Bear Counters
Pom-Poms

More Math Activities

Firefly Number Recognition Worksheets

Bug and Insect Printables and Activities

STEAM Crayon Math Task Cards

Bicycle Learning Game

June 24, 2024 By Deirdre

This bicycle learning game comes with a gameboard and a editable set of cards. The gameboard is only available in color. The cards are only available in black and white. While it might be nice to have the board in black and white, the elements (spaces, bicycle and background) looked a little confusing to me.

The cards can be used to work on addition facts, subtraction facts, and sight words as pictured above. However, you can type in any type of problem or word (synonym, vocabulary, or spelling word) in the editable space on the cards.

Getting the Bicycle Learning Game Board

First, you download the set.

Bicycle Learning Game Download

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

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

Reusable or One-Time Use Game Board

Uncovered Game Board

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

Covered or Laminated Game Board

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

Making the Game Board Reusable

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supplies Needed

Obviously you will need the game board and cards to play the game. Dice and game markers will also be needed. Below you will see a list of possible game markers.

Suggested Game Markers

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

Playing the Game

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