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+.

Preschool Sight Word Reading and Writing Pages

November 29, 2023 By Deirdre

Preschool-level sight word pages will be fun to explore. After reading each of the words displayed on a present children will write the word under the gift box. Children can write the sight word anywhere in the box. The goal of the activity isn’t to write perfectly in the box. After reading each word, the goal is to have children write the words.

The pages feature a gift graphic that could be associated with Christmas, they could be used for any holiday that features a gift or a celebration. It will be up to you to decide just when you want to pull them out.

Getting the Sight Word Pages

First, you download the set.

Preschool Sight Word 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.

Exploring the Pages

There are twelve sight words on each page. Working on a few words and mastering them is a good idea. It can be overwhelming to work on a whole list of words.

Children may need to go over the sight words displayed on the preschool sight word pages before exploring the pages. They can write the words on index cards themselves. That would be a great way to create an introduction to the words on the pages.

Children working with an adult or a peer can work through the words as they work through the pages.

How?

Building the words with pipe cleaners and reading them after they are built.
Writing the words with a wet paintbrush on the sidewalk.
Writing the words with watercolors on paper.
Building the words with magnetic letters.
Writing a word and tracing over it with different colored crayons.
Writing the words on a white board.

More Sight Word Activities

Sight Word Eye Chart

Truffula Tree Sight Word Activity

What Letter Comes Next?- Christmas Holiday

November 28, 2023 By Deirdre

What Letter Comes Next? pages invite children to share what letter of the alphabet will come next in a series of uppercase letters. After looking at the letters that come before the missing letter, children will be able to narrow down the missing letter to just one letter.

Clues to the missing letter can also be found by looking at other lines of letters on the page. If you don’t want your children to use the hints, you can cover the other letter lines with paper. That will cause children to focus on just that line.

Getting the What Letter Comes Next? Pages

First, you download the set.

What Letter Comes Next? Christmas Holiday 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, just print them out and give them to your children to use.

Uncovered Pages

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

Covered or Laminated Pages

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 Pages Reusable

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)All Ads by Amazon

More Alphabet Activities

Star-Themed Alphabet Tracing Mats

Building Alphabet Letters- Kids Learning Activity

Fill in the Missing Alphabet Letters

November 27, 2023 By Deirdre

Children can fill in the missing alphabet letters in this Christmas-themed preschool reading set. The set offers missing letter grids that focus on upper and lowercase letters. The fill in the missing alphabet letter grids are missing different letters. This allows children to show how well they know all the letters of the alphabet. Each page features both uppercase and lowercase letters. If you want them just to work on on type of letter you can cut the top and bottom pages apart in the middle.

Children are going to see uppercase and lowercase letters as they go through each day. They will see them in books, computer keyboards, billboards, and so many other places. Getting to practice reading and writing them is so important.

Getting the Fill in the Missing Alphabet Letters Set

First, you download the set.

Fill in the Missing Alphabet Letters- Christmas 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 grids can be laminated so that they can be reused. If you want to use them like a worksheet, just print them out and give them to your children to use.

Uncovered Grids

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

Covered or Laminated Grids

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

Making the Fill in the Missing Alphabet Letters Reusable

If you plan on using the grids 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

December 2023 STEAM Activities Calendar

November 26, 2023 By Deirdre

This December STEAM activity calendar is filled with December-themed activities. The idea behind this calendar was to share with you a variety of STEAM activities that you can explore with your children this month. The activities can be done on their assigned day or several on one day if you like. It is really up to you.

You are going to find that some of the December STEAM activities are from right here on JDaniel4’s Mom. While the other activities come from some of them are my favorite blogs. Most of the activities have to do with Christmas. I have included one Hanukkah and a few New Year’s Eve STEAM activities on the calendar too.

Getting the December STEAM Activity Calendar

First, you will need to download the set.

December 2023 STEAM Activity 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 downloading it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.

Exploring the Activities on the Calendar

You will be able to access the directions needed to explore each activity when you click on each day’s hyperlink. After you get to each activity’s blog post, you will find a supply list and step-by-step activity directions. Some of the activities offer free printables or recording sheets. You can use what they have for you to download or create your own versions of the activities if you like. Remember the idea was to inspire you to explore STEAM activities with your children. You know what they can handle and how they want to explore concepts and activities.

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 who want to complete them independently.

Featured Holidays

1st National Handwashing Day
3rd Make a Gift Day
4th National Cookie Day
6th St. Nicholas Day
7th Letter Writing Day
8th Christmas Tree Day
9th National Christmas Card Day
12th Gingerbread House Day
13th Hot Chocolate Day
15th National Cupcake Day
16th National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
17th Wright Brother’s Day
18th National Wreath Across America Day
19th National Hard Candy Day
21st First Day of Winter
25th Christmas
26th Nation Candy Cane Day
27th Make a Cut-Out Snowflake Day
28th National Mason Jar Day
31st New Year’s Eve

Exploring the December 2023 STEAM Activity Calendar

You will be able to access the directions needed to explore each activity when you click on each of the December hyperlinks. After you get to each activity’s blog post, you will find a supply list and step-by-step activity directions.

Some of the activities offer free printables or recording sheets. You can use what they have for you to download or create your own versions of the activities if you like. Remember the idea was 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 Holiday Activities

Christmas Tree Tessellation STEM Challenge

Christmas Sweater Symmetry Challenge

12 Days of Christmas Gross Motor Activity

4 Days of Free Preschool Christmas Reading Activities

November 25, 2023 By Deirdre

This is the third series of preschool printables shared this month. It focuses on basic reading and letter activities. Each of the sets has a winter holiday theme. They will be fun to put in a reading center, use a morning work, or any time you want your children to review.

At the end of this post you will find links to the other series shared this month. There was a series that explored different types of tracing pages for children to explore. The second series explore preschool math activities pages that look at a number recognition.

4 Days of Free Preschool Reading Activities

Monday

The set invites children to fill in the missing letters in a letter grid. Both uppercase and lowercase alphabet grids are available in this set. Each grid has a fun holiday graphic beside it.

3 Dinosaurs is sharing a Free Ending Blends Coloring Pages. What fun it will be to read and color!

Tuesday

The second set in the series works with alphabet letters too. It is called What Letter Comes Next? Christmas Holiday set. Children will need to write the letter that is missing at the end of each letter sequence. This set only displays uppercase letters.

CVCe Clip Cards and CVCe Recording Worksheet is a great CVCe learning center with kids. These are a fun review for CVCe words that you can use with kids. I love this set from 3 Dinosaurs.

Wednesday

The third set in the free preschool reading series focuses on preschool-level sight words. After reading each of the words displayed on a present children are asked to write in the box below. If you want to encourage your children to write on the line at the bottom of each box, you totally can.

Vowel teams are important to learn. 3 Dinosaurs has a fun way to work on them in the set they sharing today.

Thursday

The last printable set in the series is a roll and trace activity. Children will roll a number between one and give and color in the letter beneath that number. What do they do if they get a six? Well, they roll again. The set features both uppercase and lowercase alphabet letters. Each of the pages features a small holiday graphic!

3 Dinosaurs has a wonderful sight word gumball-themed activity. It is a great way to work on words with your preschoolers.

Surprise!

While I prepared just four activities to share with you, 3 Dinosaurs created five. You are just going to love her CVC word game.

Our Favorite Holiday Books for Read-to Preschoolers

The book Bear Stays Up for Christmas shares the tale of how Bear’s friends help him stay up to find the true meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas Blessing looks at the animals that were in the stable on Christmas night and a message they received.

The Night Before Christmas is a favorite at my house. This version has incredible illustrations I know your children will love.

Other Preschool Series Shared This Month

Please take a moment to visit the other preschool series shared below.

Preschool Tracing Activities

Preschool Math Activities Fireflies and Stars

Star Number Recognition Puzzles

November 17, 2023 By Deirdre

The Star Number Recognition Puzzles have four different layouts. First, some puzzles match objects to numbers in B/W. That same type of puzzle is in color. Second, there is a layout that matches numbers to tens frames. Last there is a set that matches numbers to tally marks.

Getting the Star Number Recognition Puzzles

First, you download the set.

Star-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, just print them out and give them to your children to use.

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 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

More Math Activities

A set of Thanksgiving themed pattern block mats has just been added to my TPT shop.

Building Cards with a Magic Theme

Woodland Animal Pattern Block Building Mats

Firefly Number Recognition Worksheets

November 16, 2023 By Deirdre

The Firefly Number Recognition Worksheets set features the numbers for one to ten. Each mat invites children do a number of things. First, they will color a number. Second, they will trace a number. Third, they will find a picture that displays that number of objects. Fourth, they will search for the number in a row of numbers. Fifth, children will fill out a tens frame with drawing that represent the number. Last but not least tally marks will represent numbers.

Getting the Firefly Number Recogniton Worksheets

First, you download the set.

Firefly Number Recognition Worksheets 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.

Skills Explored

Tracing Numbers
Number Recogning a Number in a Line Up
Creating Corresponding Tally Marks
Working with a Tens Frame

Exploring the Number Recogniton Worsheets

There are a number of ways that you can use this set. While they were orginally designed to be used as single use worksheets, you could laminate them and reuse them.

Why reuse them?

One reason to make them usable would be to use them as a class set. Groups of ten children could each work on their own page, clean it off and trade it with someone else.
Another reason would be that your children may need to work on a particular number or all of them over and over again. It would be easier to pull out a covered page and reuse it than print out page after page.
Finally, a cover or laminated page is sturdier. Your children are less likely to tear it.

Making the Worksheets Reusable

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

More Number Activities

Recycling Truck Number Puzzles

Number Puzzles with Dinosaurs

Roll and Cover Star Themed Game Boards

November 15, 2023 By Deirdre

Children can work on number recognition and addition facts when they explore this set of star-themed roll and cover game boards. Each of star displays a number. The game board is available in B/W and color versions. It will be up to you to decide which version you want to use.

The stars on the mats allows this set of gameboards fit into a summer night, insect, or even nocturnal animal unit. Actually you could probably use them whenever you want.

Getting the Star Roll and Cover Game Boards

First, you download the set.

Roll and Cover Star Game Boards 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, just print them out and give them to your children to use.

Uncovered Roll and Cover Mats

The numbers on the uncovered mats can to 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. 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 counters aren’t something you have or want to use, the numbers could be marked with dry-erase markers. Once your children have rolled each of the numbers, they can wipe off the way they have marked them with a dry-erase or wet cloth.

Making the Game Boards Reusable

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

More Math Activities

Building Shapes with Crayons STEM Task Cards

Greater Than and Less Than STEM Task Cards

More Math Activities

Seed Packet Shape Building Mats

Farm STEM Challenges- Build Pattern Block Animals (Available on my TPT shop)

Roll and Cover Firefly Themed Game Boards

November 14, 2023 By Deirdre

Roll and cover firefly themed game boards give children the opportunity to work on number recognition and addition facts to ten. This theme would be great when children are studying camping, nocturnal animals, or insects. The boards can be used in a file folder, laminated in a center, and used as a single use game.

The set contains black and white game boards along with game boards in color. You can use whatever version of the board will work for you.

If you plan on using the games over and over again, you will want to laminate or place them in a plastic sleeve. Below you will find some wonderful lamination tools.

Getting the Roll and Cover Fire Fly Game Boards

First, you will need to download the set.

Roll-and-Cover-Firefly-Themed-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. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you open it right away.

Material Needed to Play the Game

Below you will find materials and supplies you will need to play the game.

The links below are affiliate links.

Dice

These “>colorful dice will the fun to play with. Children will love the bright colors.

This set of dice keeps the dice contained under a dome. It is a great way to keep our dice from rolling away.

Items to Cover the Numbers

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

More Roll and Cover Activities

Community Helper Roll and Cover Mats

Learning Activities with Dr Seuss Characters

Cat in the Hat Math Mat Activities

Firefly Number Tracing Pages

November 13, 2023 By Deirdre

The firefly number tracing pages explore the numbers from one to ten. One page focuses on all the number from one to ten. The number tracing pages set also includes a page for each of the numbers from one to ten. That layout gives children the opportunity to trace a large version of the number. Then they can color fireflies that match the featured number in the jar. Finally, a row of the featured numbers can be traced.

Number Tracing Pages- Numbers One to Ten

Getting the Number Tracing Pages

First, you will need to download the set.

Firefly Number Tracing Pages Download

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

Third, you must go to your download file and open the page. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you open it right away.

Exploring the Tracing Pages

While the pages were designed to be used as one time use worksheets, but you can totally make them reusable. It will really be up to you to decide how to use them.

It might be a good idea to use the page with all the numbers as a one time use page. The individual number pages might work out well as reusable pages.

Making the Pages Reusable

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