Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

JDaniel4s Mom

growing & learning with him

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+.

Fill in the Missing Alphabet Letters

By

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- ChristmasDownload

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

More Reading

Reading Center Ideas Create Your Own Matching Activities - This editable ornament printable can be used to create a number of reading center games.

Create Your Own Reading Center Activity- Editable

Click Clack Alphabet Learning Laptop Activity - This activity was created to go along with the book Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type. It includes a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and alphabet letter cards.

Click Clack Alphabet Letter Learning

December 2023 STEAM Activities Calendar

By

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 CalendarDownload

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 Cards

12 Days of Christmas Gross Motor Activity

4 Days of Free Preschool Christmas Reading Activities

By

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

Preschool Reading Activities

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

Preschool Reading Activities

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

Preschool Reading Activities

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

By

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-PuzzlesDownload

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

By

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 WorksheetsDownload

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

Community Helper Vehicle Counting Puzzles - Garbage Truck Puzzle

Recycling Truck Number Puzzles

Number Puzzles with Dinosaurs for Kids

Number Puzzles with Dinosaurs

Roll and Cover Star Themed Game Boards

By

ion

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 BoardsDownload

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

Building Shapes with Crayons STEM Task Cards

Greater Than Less Than Activity 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

By

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-BoardsDownload

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

By

Number Tracing Pages

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 PagesDownload

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.

number tracing pages- the number nine

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

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

Apple Number Representation Bingo

Building Numbers 11-20 with Crayons STEM Task Cards

Learning Numbers 11-20 with Crayons STEM Task Cards

number tracing pages

Preschool Star and Firefly Activities and Worksheets

By

Preschool Star and Firefly Activities and Worksheets are fun to explore when exploring light, summer, or items in the sky. There are five sets in this series and each one explores number recognition. One set will be shared each week day the week of November 12th. Please stop by and check each one out. The posts sharing these activities will be linked to their description below.

Preschool Star and Firefly Activities

This firefly-themed set invites children to count and trace fireflies. There is a page that focuses on the numbers one to ten. The set also features pages that focus on each of the numbers from one to ten.

The firefly-themed roll and cover activity will be fun to explore. Each of the jars on the page features a number and a firefly or firefly that matches that number. There is a color and B/W version of each mat. While it was designed as a number recognition activity, it could be used to work on addition facts.

The Roll and Cover Star Themed Game Boards are also available in color and B/W. They feature the numbers one to ten. Just as you can use the firefly mats for additional facts you can use the star mats too.

The Firefly Number Recognition Worksheets set features the numbers from one to ten. Each mat invites children to do several 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 a drawing representing the number. Last but not least tally marks will represent numbers.

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.

More Number Explore Activities

Counting Apples Mini Book

Valentine’s Day Counting

Counting Bees Algorithm Game Boards

5 Days of Free Math Printables

By

5 Days of Free Math Printables features several math concepts. While number recognition activities will be shared with JDaniel4’s Mom this week. 3 Dinosaurs will be sharing a wide variety of math concepts.

Each day this week both blogs will share a preschool activity. The activities will be posted below on the day they are shared. Please take the time to come back and check out each day’s activity. It will be fun to see not only the pages you have come to expect from JDaniel4’s Mom but also find out what 3 Dinosaurs will be sharing.

5 Days of Free Preschool Math Printables

This series starts on November 13th and will end on November 17th. Please take a moment to visit each of the printable shared each day.

Monday

This counting game from 3 Dinosaurs focuses on numbers 1 to 10. It has a fun candy theme.

JDaniel4’s Mom shares a number tracing set with the firefly theme. There is a page that explores the number from one to ten. Some pages focus on individual numbers.

Tuesday

Children will love the spinning aspect of these place-value games from 3 Dinosaurs.

The set from JDaniel4’s Mom features numbered fireflies in a jar. It was designed to be a roll-and-cover number recognition or addition game.

Wednesday

These Gumball Addition Games from 3 Dinosaurs will be fun to explore. They work with the numbers between 1 and 20.

JDaniel4’s Mom has roll and cover game boards displaying numbers one to 10. They are available in color and B/W.

Thursday

Skip Counting Puzzles are a great way to work on number sequencing! Here is a great set from 3 Dinosaurs.

JDaniel4’s Mom has a number recognition set that features the numbers from one to ten. Each mat invites children to do several 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 a drawing representing the number. Last but not least tally marks will represent the number

Friday

JDaniel4’s Mom has number puzzles that have three different layouts. First, a puzzle layout connects a number to a tens frame that displays that number. Second, a puzzle layout connects a number to that number displayed in objects. The third puzzle layout connects a number piece to a piece that displays that number in tally marks.

More Math Activities to Explore

Butterfly Tangram Mats

I Spy Bee Feelings Pages

Categories

memberships

From the Past