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+.

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.)

More Games

Ladybug File Folder Games

Halloween Roll and Cover Math File Folder Games

5 Days of Cycling Worksheets for Kids

June 22, 2024 By Deirdre

This is the final 5 Days of Sports this month. The month started

5 Days of Cycling Worksheets for Kids

Monday

This Bicycle Learning Game from JDaniel4’s Mom comes with editable game cards. They can have typed math facts, sight words, and more onto them. Of course, you can print out blank cards and write the facts or words you want on the cards.

3 Dinosaurs has a Bike Skip Counting Number Line Printables that explores skip counting with 2, 5, and 10.

Tuesday

Biking Through Math Addition and Subtraction Facts feature a number you need to add or subtract in the center of the wheel. The numbers to be added or subtracted are on the inner tube. It comes from JDaniel4’s Mom.

3 Dinosaurs has fun prewriting strips. They will be great to take to appointments or while waiting for a meal at a restaurant.

Wednesday

JDaniel4’s Mom has a Going on a Bike Ride Algorithm Game Board set, a fun way to learn about coding. Starting at the word Start a path will be created with arrows around the trees and to the word End.

What a wonderful set from 3 Dinosaurs! I love all the ways each card invites you to work on fractions.

Thursday

This pattern set features three different types of cycling. Mountain biking, road cycling, and track racing are pictured on these patterning cards. This set is from JDaniel4’s Mom.

I Can Ride My Bike Easy Reader from 3 Dinosaurs will be fun to read with your kids.

Friday

Code and Color Bike Riding and Safety Algorithm pages explore following an algorithm to color pictures. The pictures cover hand signals, safety signs, and safety gear. This set is from JDaniel4’s Mom.

Free Cycling Addition Puzzle Printable is a fun 12 piece puzzle that kids work on addition from 1 to 12. The cycling addition puzzle has a puzzle mat and puzzle pieces - 3Dinosaurs.com

Cycling Addition Puzzle Printable is a fun addition puzzle in which kids can solve the addition equation and match the puzzle piece.

Fun Bicycle-Themed Books

The links below are affiliate links.

It would be fun to read a book about biking before starting the activities above.

Duck on a Bike

Adventure Friends: Mountain Bike Day

Bicycle Book

More Sports-Themed Activities

Olympic Passport

Winter Olympic Sports - STEM Snowboarding Halfpipe : This is a fun STEM activity that can be used for creative play.

STEM Snowboarding Activity

5 Days of Soccer-Themed Worksheets

Code and Color Basketball Themed Algorithms Puzzles for Kids

June 21, 2024 By Deirdre

Code and Color Basketball Themed Algorithms Puzzles for Kids are a great way to explore shapes and numbers. They are also are great way to introduce your children to Blockly Block coding. The directions on each page are displayed on Blockly Blocks.

What are Blocky Blocks?

Blockly blocks are a graphic representation of coding directions or an algorithm. They can be found on coding sites that introduce children to coding. Sites like Code.org and Tynker use Blockly Blocks.

Children put together blocks or puzzle pieces to complete a task that you want the computer to do.

Getting the Code and Color Basketball Themed Algorithm Puzzles

First, you download the set.

Code and Color Basketball Themed Algorithm Puzzles 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.

You can have your children work on the basketball feeling puzzles in a variety of ways. Here are some of the ways we came up with.

Exploring the Code and Color Basketball Themed 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.
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.
If they are working on the choose-your-own-color pages, you may want to suggest colors that will work best in the picture.

More Algorithm Pages

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 Board

Basketball Feeling Puzzles for Kids

June 20, 2024 By Deirdre

It can be fun to explore and learn about feeling as you put together the Basketball Feeling Puzzles with Kids. The puzzles in the set are all color. They will be fun to place in a center or work with in pairs.

Before starting on the puzzles it will be important to go over the feelings. Below are some ways to explore feelings with kids.

Have children act out a time they had each of the feelings.
Show how their face would display each feeling.
Read a book about feelings with your children.

Books the Explore Feelings

Below you will see a collection of books that explore feelings. They would be fun to read to your children.

The links below are affiliate links.

The Boy with Big, Big Feelings is a story about a boy who needs to learn how to handle the big feelings he has been experiencing.

The Way I Feel explores identifying feelings and how to express them.

The Color Monster wakes up with feelings that are all over the place. A little girl uses colors to help him understand them.

Getting the Basketball Feeling Puzzles

First, you download the set.

Basketball Feeling Puzzles 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.

You can have your children work on the basketball feeling puzzles in a variety of ways. Here are some of the ways we came up with.

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.

More Learning Activities

Roll and Cover Star Themed Game Boards

Counting Seeds Algorithm Game Boards

Ladybug Math Facts- Subtraction Roll File Folder Game

Basketball Number Fact Sort

June 19, 2024 By Deirdre

The flashcards and basketball number fact sort pages are in the set and are a great way to review number facts. Both addition and subtraction flash cards are available to use on the mats. Subtraction and/or addition facts can be used to complete this activity.

How to Use the Number Sort

Several flashcards can be placed by the number sort page for a child to solve. Place each flashcard on the number that is the sum or difference of each flashcard fact.

The cards selected can focus on just addition or subtraction. They could also focus on a specific group of number facts.

Getting the Basketball Number Sort

First, you download the set.

Basketball Number Sort Set 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 Sorting Page

Uncovered Game Board

Your children can use the sorting page 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 Sorting Page

Gameboards that are covered can be used over and over again. They will also last longer.

Making the Sorting Page 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

More Math Games

Halloween Roll and Cover Math File Folder Games

Debugging Algorithm Pages

Butterfly Tangram Mats

Basketball-Themed Roll and Cover Pages

June 17, 2024 By Deirdre

Basketball-Themed Roll and Cover Pages include pages focusing on numbers 2-12. The pages can be used to work on addition, subtraction, number recognition and so much more. After you have looked over the pages, you can decide how you want to use them. There are black and white along with color versions of each of the pages.

Getting the Basketball-Themed Roll and Cover Pages

First, you download the set.

Basketball Roll and Cover Pages 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

The pages can be laminated so that they can be reused. If you want to use them like a worksheet, print them out and give them to your children.

Uncovered Roll and Cover Mats

The numbers on the uncovered mats can be covered with counters or X’s made with pencils. One way is permanent and the other option allows children to play with mats cover and cover again. You can use dot markers could also be used on the uncovered mats.

Covered or Laminated Roll and Cover Mats

Covered mats will also work with counters. If you don’t have or want to use it, the numbers could be marked with dry-erase markers. Your children can wipe off their marks with a dry-erase or wet cloth.

Making the Game Boards Reusable

If you use the pages 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)

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

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

Supplies Needed for the Soccer-Themed Roll and Cover Pages

You will need objects to the numbers and some dice. Below you find suggestions for both.
The links below are affiliate links.

Dice

Six-Sided Colorful Dice

Large Foam Dice

Dice Poppers for Kids

Covers for Numbers

MathLink Cubes

Buttons

More Math Activities

Roll and Color Big Green Monster

Flower STEM Challenges- Build with Pattern Block Mats

Thanksgiving Tangrams

Basketball Number Recognition Puzzles

June 17, 2024 By Deirdre

This set of Basketball Number Recognition Puzzles includes B/W puzzles your children can color. Numbers are represented in tens frames, dominos, dice, tally marks, and basketballs. All of the puzzles have the same style of connecting edges. Your children will be able to match all of the puzzles focusing on the same number together.

Getting the Basketball Number Recognition Puzzles

First, you download the set.

Basketball Number Recognition Puzzles 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

The puzzles can be laminated so that they can be reused. If you want to use them like a worksheet, print them out and give them to your children.

Uncovered Puzzles

The uncovered puzzles are easy for children to help you cut and are great for one-time use.

Covered or Laminated Puzzles

Covered puzzles can be used over and over again. It will be great to put in the math center for children to explore.

Making the Puzzles Reusable

If you want the pages 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)AllAds by Amazon

More Math Activities

Thanksgiving-themed Pattern Block (Available on my TPT shop)

Building Cards with a Magic Theme

Woodland Animal Pattern Block Building Mats

5 Days of Basketball Worksheets

June 15, 2024 By Deirdre

Earlier this month I shared 5 Days Soccer-Themed Worksheets and 5 Days of Swimming-Themed Worksheets. This week I have 5 Days of Basketball-Themed Worksheets to share. Many skills are covered in this series. First, there is a number recognition puzzle set. Next, there is a roll and cover set and number fact sorting activity. Next, there is a feelings puzzle set. Finally, a code and color set that focuses on numbers and shapes.

Both 3 Dinosaurs and I will be sharing basketball worksheets. Links to each post will be added they will be shared on both blogs the week of June 17th. Please take time each day to check out the new sets shared.

Five Days of Basketball Worksheets

Monday

Basketball Number Recognition Puzzles from JDaniel 4’s Mom. Tally marks, dice, dominos, and tens frames are all featured on the puzzles.

3 Dinosaurs has a set of FREE Basketball Multiplication Clip Cards. This is a great way to practice facts!

Tuesday

JDaniel4’s Mom is sharing Basketball-Themed Roll and Cover Pages. The pages are available in black and white along with color.

What a fun way to explore shapes!

Wednesday

Flashcards and number sort pages are part of JDaniel4’s Mom’s Basketball Number Fact Sort. Flashcards will be placed on the basketball number jersey their sum or difference equal.

This set of place value cards from 3 Dinosaurs is a great way visualize number placement.

Thursday

Feeling words and facial features that illustrate them are on JDaniel4’s Mom’s Basketball Feelings Puzzles. Children will have fun putting them together.