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JDaniel4s Mom

growing & learning with him

Coloring Ghostly Numbers with an Algorithm

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This set of coloring pages invites children to color ghostly numbers with an algorithm or set of directions. There are Blockly blocks that display each of the directions on the coloring pages . Children will use Blockly blocks when they code on Code.org and many other coding programs. The ghostly numbers with an algorithm pages help children visualize how online blocks will be arranged to complete a task.

Getting the Ghostly Numbers with an Algorithm Pages

First, you will need to download the set.

Ghostly Numbers with an Algorithm PagesDownload

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 will need to 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. If you are, you won’t have to hunt for it in your download file.

Finally, when you open the calendar you will find hyperlinked activities. When you click on them, you will be taken to each of the activity’s locations on the web.

Understanding the Directions on the Algorithm Page

If you are having a non-reader work on the pages, you may want to help them highlight the number they need to color for each step.

Building Background

You many want to explore a ghost themed counting or number book before starting this activity. Below you will find some wonderful ghostly number books.

The links below are affiliate links.

Ten Little Ghosts is a fun book about disappearing ghosts.

Boo! Spooking Counting Book invites children to count all kinds of Halloween creatures. Yes, you will even get to count ghosts.

More Algorithm Code and Color Pages

Apple Life Cycle Mandala

Decorating an Umbrella Based on an Algorithm

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

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

Ghost Tracing Cards

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This set of ghost tracing cards is a fun way to work on tracing. Tracing is a great way to work on fine motor skills, pre-writing skills, and concentration. It also helps children focus on visual-spatial skills and eye-hand coordination.

Each of the ghost tracing cards displays a starting and end place. The starting place is on the inside of the ghostly spiral. The ending spot is close the one the each ghost’s hands. While the starting place of the line is tight inside the spiral, children should be able to use a dry-erase marker to trace the line. Of course, you will want to laminate each card if you want to use a dry-erase marker on the card. Instead of laminating the card and using a marker on the line a pencil or crayon could be used.

Getting the Ghost Tracing Card

First, you download the set.

Ghost Tracing CardsDownload

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. 

Getting the Cards Ready to Use

If you plan on using the cards 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)

Tracing Tools

Unlaminated Cards

  • Color Pencil
  • #2 Pencil
  • Crayon
  • Marker
  • Pen

Laminated Cards

The links below are affiliate links.

Exploring Ghost Tracing Cards

The cards can be placed in a writing or fine motor center for children to use. Of course, you could have children work on tracing in morning or seatwork if you prefer. It will really be up to you.

Some of the tracing cards have tighter or more challenging lines to trace. You may want to have your children start with one of the easier tracing cards. After that, they can move to one of the more challenging ones.

More Fine Motor Activities

Slime Themed Duck in a Truck Activity

Arts and Crafts Fine Motor Octopus

Arts and Crafts Fine Motor Paper Plate Octopus

Ghostly Shape Building Challenge Mats

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Ghost shape building is great fun. The ghostly shape mats can be used to explore the outline of shapes. It is also a great way to introduce shapes, edges, and corners. The set could also be used to work on the perimeter of shapes.

The set includes mats that are both B/W and color. The B/W versions of the shape mats could be used as coloring pages or printed on colored paper.

Getting the Ghostly Shape Building Mats

First, you download the set.

Ghostly Shape Building MatsDownload

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. 

Great Manipulatives To Use With the Set

The links below are affiliate links.

Exploring the Shape Mats

There are several ways to explore the set of mats.

  • Great center or small group activity.
  • Can be used in a free exploration or to do non-standard measurements.
  • The mats can be filled with objects that are that shape or be taken a shape scavenger hunt.
  • Finally, can fill the shape or cover the outline.

More Shape Activities

Seed Packet Shape Building Mats

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

STEM Challenge- Build an Earth Shape

Farm STEM Challenge- Building Shape Fences

Spider Cup Stacking STEAM Challenge Cards

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Spider Cup Stacking Challenge Cards are fun to explore. This set of challenge cards was created to introduce children to cup stacking. There are other sets available here on my blog and on my TPT shop that share more elaborate cup stacks.

The ideas was that the Spider Cup Stacking Challenge Cards could be given to the students with a stack of ten to twelve cups. After they have completed the stacks on the cards, they could come up with larger and complicated stacks.

While this set of cards feature a small spider, they don’t have totally Halloween theme. You could use them while studying insects or the outdoors rather than at Halloween if you like.

Getting the Spider Cup Stacking Cards

First, you will need to download the set.

Spider Cup Stacking STEM Challenge CardsDownload

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

Third, you will need to 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. If you are, you won’t have to hunt for it in your download file.

Finally, when you open the cards you will open the cards and decide which ones you want to print.

Getting the Cards Ready to Use

If you plan on using the cards 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)

Explaining the Cups on the Cards

While most children will look at the upside-down cup and know it means the cup is upside down, others may be confused. The upside-down cup is narrow. Its body is wide. There may be children that think that means the narrow cup base goes on the bottom. Please take a moment to explain this to them.

If they end up building structures that are the opposite of the card, you can decide if you want to correct them. It may be important to you that you build it just like the card. It may be important that they just practice cup stacking.

More Sets of Cup Stacking STEM Challenge Cards

Ghostly Cup Stacking Challenge Cards

Fire Hydrant Stacking STEM Challenge Cards (These are for sale on my TPT shop.)

Halloween Pattern Block Mats- Primary

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Halloween Pattern Block Mats are fun to explore with children. They allow children to slide, rotate, and flip shapes to get them to fit the patterns. Thinking through what they need to do to each shape is a great brain exercise.

Reviewing the Shapes

Before giving the mats and pattern blocks to your children, you will want to review each of the shapes displayed. The following shapes are on one or all of the mats.

Blue Parallelogram- This shape has four sides and four corners. The opposite sides of the shape are parallel.

Orange Square- A square has four sides that are the same length. It also has four corners that are the same.

Green Triangle- Triangles have three sides. They may not be the same length. The mats feature triangles that have sides that are all the same.

Yellow Hexagon- A hexagon has six sides. The hexagons on the mats have all the same length sides. They also have six corners or vertices.

Red Trapezoids– A trapezoid has four sides. Two of the sides are parallel to each other.

Tan Rhombuses- A rhombus has four sides. The opposite sides are parallel to each other. The opposite corners or vertices are the same.

Getting the Halloween Pattern Block Mats

First, you will need to download the set.

Halloween Pattern Block Mats- Primary VersionDownload

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 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.

Getting the Halloween Pattern Block Mats Ready

If you plan on using the mats 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)

More Pattern Block Activities

Building Cards with a Magic Theme

Woodland Animal Pattern Block Building Mats

Pattern Block Fish Shapes (TPT)

Halloween Building Activities

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This mini series features three Halloween building activities. The first activity focuses on building shapes with pattern blocks. The second activity features cup stacking challenge cards. The cups displayed have spiders crawling on them. The third and last building of the Halloween building activities asks children to build shapes with everyday items. Ghostly shapes can be found on each mat.

Each of the Halloween building activities in the series is free. Other Halloween activities mentioned in each activities post. Some of those activities are available for sale on my TPT shop. Free activities posted in the past on the blog will also be shared.

Halloween Building Activities

Two versions of each of the eight Halloween Pattern Block mats are available in the set. Both version feature outlines of each Halloween object. The first version displays each of the blocks in their actual color in the object. You will find that the second version features all the blocks as white. Children will have won’t have hint as to what color they need to look for on those mats. All of the mats display each of the block in color along with how many of each block they will need at the bottom of the mat.

The spider themed cup stacking cards feature simple stacks. More complicated stacking challenge cards on available both here and on my TPT shop. This set is a great way to introduce children to cup stacking. After exploring these challenges, children may want to create more elaborate stacks.

Ghostly Shape Building Mats are a fun way to learn about and explore shapes. Children can use everyday items you have a home to create each shape. After building a shape, the number of corners and sides each shape has could be shared.

The set includes two version of each shape. The first version is in full color. The second is B/W. The B/W version looks great when printed on color paper.

More Halloween Activities

Roll and Cover Big Green Monster Activity

STEM Challenge Task Cards for Halloween

Cat Shape Coloring Pages

Fairy Tale Castle and Tower Shape Building Cards

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There are 24 cards in the set of fairy tale castle and tower shape building cards. They can use them with the blank shape fairy tale castle mat or free build. The blank shape fairy tale mat does not have a shape assigned to the windows and door. Free building as a chosen card suggests will take a little more building. First, children will have to create a flat or standing castle or tower. Then the windows and doors will need to be created. You can decide for your children or ask them which way they want to build. However, younger children may find it a challenge to build a castle or tower on their own.

Getting the Shape Castle Building Mats

First, you download the set.

Fairy-Tale-Unicorn-Shape-Building-CardsDownload

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. 

Getting the Cards Ready to Use

If you plan on using the cards 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)

Building Material Suggestions

  • Playdough
  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Wood Paddles for Ice cream Cups
  • Craft Sticks
  • Small Buttons
  • Small Twigs
  • Wikki Stick
  • Small Pebbles
  • Glass Pebbles
  • LEGO
  • Straw Sections
  • Pattern Blocks
  • Building Blocks
  • Bristle Blocks

Exploring the Shape-Building Cards

While the original idea was to use the cards in a STEM building center or Maker’s Space, you can use them anywhere you want and however, you want. Although with younger children it may be better to work one on one with them to give them guidance on how each shape is created. They may also need help with castle and tower building.

More Building Activities

Seed Packet Shape Building Mats

STEM Challenge- Build an Earth Shape

Farm STEM Challenge- Building Shape Fences

Fairy Tale Shape Castle Building Mats

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Shape castle building mats would be a great part of a fairy tale unit. However, you can use them any time you want. Most of the mats invite children to add doors and windows that are specific in shape. One mat doesn’t have an assigned shape. Children will be able to decide what shape they want the window shape and door to be.

Getting the Shape Castle Building Mats

First, you download the set.

Fairy Tale Castle Shape Building MatsDownload

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

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

Ways to Use the Building Mats

There are two ways to use the building mats that I have come up with. First, children can use building materials to create shapes on the mats. Second, children can use drawing materials like dry-erase markers, washable markers, or washable crayons to draw the shapes.

Laminating the mats or placing them in Wipe and Write pockets will make them reusable. You will be able to clean off the shapes and use the mats over again.

Hint: You can print the mats out on a poster printer to create a larger creation space. The mat that has open spaces for shapes would be the best one to create a poster with.

Children can use whatever shapes they want for the windows and doors on the blank shape mat. However, pattern blocks can be placed in the blank spaces to show what shapes should be used if you want them.

Building Materials

  • Playdough snakes bent to make shapes
  • Solid playdough shapes
  • Pipe cleaners bent into shapes
  • Wood paddles for ice cream cups
  • Small buttons to build shape outlines
  • Small twigs to build shape outlines
  • Wikki Stick sections or whole sticks to make outlines
  • Small pebbles used to create outlines
  • Glass pebbles used to create outlines
  • LEGO used to make shape outlines
  • Straw sections used to make shape outlines.
  • Pattern blocks used to create windows and doors.

Exploring the Shape Castle Building Mats

While the original idea was to use the mats in a STEM building center or Maker’s Space, you can use them anywhere you want and however, you want. Although with younger children it may be better to work one on one with them to give them guidance on how each shape is created.

Building Background

Before starting to work with the shape castle building mats, you may want to review shapes with them. One way you can do that is by reading them a book about shapes. Below you will find some of my favorite shape books.

The links below are affiliate links.

Tangled is a fun book about shapes. It is a book about how a line helps a shape that has become tangled in a jungle gym.

Mouse Shapes explore learning out shapes and using them to build. Of course, it is mice that get to do the building.


More Shape Activities

Build a Shape Fire Pit Mats

Building Cards with a Magic Theme

Woodland Animal Pattern Block Building Mats

July 2023 STEAM Activities Calendar

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Summer is the perfect time to work on messy STEAM activities! This month’s calendar features a few building activities and several decoding riddle activities. Most of them tie into the July holidays.

Getting the STEAM Activities Calendar

First, you will need to download the set.

July 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 you download it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.

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

National Sleepy Head Day July 26th

Beatrix Potter’s Birthday July 27th

Rain Day July 29th

World Snorkeling Day July 30th

National Mutt Day July 31st

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.

Books Based on the July Holidays

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

More July 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.

Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats

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Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats are part of a collection of shape mats I have offered here on the blog and in my TPT shop. You will find a list of the rest of the collection at the end of the post. Most if not all of the sets feature color and B/W versions of the mats.

Exploring Math Concepts with the Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats

Children will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of learning concepts when they explore these mats. Below you will see some of the concepts I think you could explore.

  • First, they will learn about the area or outside edges of a shape. Children can outline the shape with a variety of objects.
  • Second, the perimeter or inside of the shape could be explored. Children can fill the object with objects. While not every part of the inside area may be covered, it will give kids a feel for what the word area means.
  • Third, many of the shapes are symmetrical. Children discover whether a shape has horizontal, vertical, or diagonal symmetry with yarn, tape, or string.
  • Fourth, children can use various pattern blocks to try to build the shape on top of the shape displayed.

Getting the Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats

First, you will need to download the set.

Summer Popsicle Shape Building MatsDownload

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.

Great Manipulatives To Use With the Set

  • Buttons
  • Unifix Cubes
  • Glass Pebbles
  • Counting Bears
  • Craft Sticks
  • Beans
  • Plastic Soda Caps
  • Wooden Cubes
  • Q-Tips
  • Bread Tags

Getting Ready to Use the Seed Packet Shape Building Mats

Making the Game Boards Reusable

If you plan on using the game boards 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)

Color Versus Black and White

While the color version of the mats is fun, you can print the black-and-white version on brightly colored paper. A package of brightly colored paper will probably be cheaper than a colored ink cartridge.

More Sets of 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.

This Seed Packet Shape Set was created as part of a five-day series on gardening activities.

While this earth-shape activity was created for Earth Day, it could be explored at any time of year.

The center of the snowflakes features a variety of shapes. While they display smaller shapes, they will still be fun to fill and surround.

Building a Shape Fire Pit is fun to explore during a camping or fall-themed unit.

These Farm STEM Challenge Mats invite children to build fences for farm animals.

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