Monday, January 25, 2016

I Can Build A Snowman STEM


https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Regina-Davis

I love when the first snow falls.

The crispness in the air,
the taste on your tongue,
the sweaters and coats, gloves and scarves
are all things that I love.
Hold.
the.
phone.
So why am I living in Florida 
for the past 15 years?
Ok, there it is.
Huh.  Good question.
DUDE!  My heat is on here in Illinois.
I'm under a blanket.
I don't question why you're in Florida.

When we moved here,
I thought that we'd stay maybe 2-5 years.
And then I blinked. 
Two more babies and a
decade and a half later...
I'm still here!
Well....here's to wishful thinking: 
 This is FREE for our faithful blog followers
for the next 24 hours. Enjoy! 
If you missed it, you can find it on tpt by itself,
or in a discounted bundle of Snow STEMs. 
STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Snow BUNDLE


20+ years ago when I began teaching in Texas,
I used to make the cutest snowmen with my 
class where the students would follow my directions
and we'd all end up with the same
cookie cutter (doughnut) snowmen.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Snowman-Building-1934080//

Times have changed!

We are STEMming it up now,
and my kids are creating their own snowman plans.
In Florida.
Where there is no snow.
Not one flake.
In fifteen years.
OK, knock it off.
Now you're just bragging.
And yes, people...
I know that it snows on
occasion in the northern
part of Florida.
But I don't live there.
I live where the sun always shines,
and the sea breezes blow.
Except when it's the rainy season,
when we kick off our flips and
run through the rain.
I digress.
Snow.
17 years ago I told King Common Sense
that I wanted to live somewhere that had four seasons.
We moved to Colorado.
It was absolutely gorgeous.

I learned that mountains really ARE purple...
just like in the song.
BUT...it didn't have four seasons.
It had 2.
Fall and Spring were just there long enough
to bring on the summer and winter. 
Then we moved to Florida.
My two seasons turned into one (again).
Back to one little season.
Remember me?
I'm the one from Texas?
Who has now lived in Florida for fifteen years?
They kid you not,
when they call it The Sunshine State.
One season.
Blah, blah, blah.
Your one season has the SUNSHINE!
We're under one big gray cloud here for months.
London fog?
It should be called Midwest fog.
Just go outside (in your flip flops)
look up (at the sun)
and smile.
You are blessed my friend.
 
Just call me One Season Annie.
Unless you count the rain.
Which.I.don't.

Side Note: Rain...You are NOT a season.
I don't care that people call
you "The Rainy Season".
I am Queen Chaos, and in my realm...
I hereby decree that "The Rainy Season"
doesn't count as an official season. 
You know, Rain, you could very easily
turn into SNOW if you were EVER around
on the 2 days of the year that are below
freezing.  Come on Rain, come visit us!
Golden Boy has wished that you'd hang around
with us on those days.  I can't tell you how many
times he's said, "Mom! It's below freezing....if it just
rains....we'll have snow!  Look!  I see rain clouds!"
Snow is over-rated.
Just saying...
Ask anybody in New York and they'll agree
Day 1.  Snow day...wooo hoo!
Day 2.  Oh man, we need to go to the
store to buy milk...but we can't get 
out of the driveway.
Day 3.  Has it melted yet?!
And then the sea breeze blows.
Good-bye clouds.
Good-bye Rain.
Good-bye snow.
This STEM activity was one of my students most favorite
activities last year....hmmmmm....
I wonder why???????

Here's a little tidbit:
Do NOT think you're clever
and play the song
"Do You Want To Build A Snowman"
(while your students read and sing the lyrics)
from the Disney movie Frozen before you
start this activity,
or you're going to end up
with a class discussion
about how the characters' parents died,
and why, and where, etc. etc. etc.
It will be an uncontrollable explosion
of little voices discussing death.

You won't be able to stop
those who've seen the movie
from explaining how the parents died
in great detail to those who haven't.
Then someone will get teary eyed
as they contemplate their own parents possibly dying.
Little chins will wobble. Sniffles will start.
So then you'll try to deflect and talk quickly
about the natural life cycle--throw some science in quick!
Think bugs and flies and ladybugs....
No...that's not working....we LIKE ladybugs.
Regroup! Regroup! Thank goodness there
are doughnuts here! Focus! Focus!
Pass out the M&Ms.
Everyone chew and think
about building a snowman!
Not that I'd know anything about that.
Because that did not happen to me.
Fairy Tales And Fiction people....Fairy Tales And Fiction.
Huh-larious!  Nothing like sugar to get
the short people's minds re-directed.
By the way, this is one of
The Darling Diva's favorite movies.
I have to put my plug in for Disney...
after all, we do live in Florida!
Again, you're just rubbing it in!

Talking about favorites...
click here if you want to see one of MY favorite STEMs.
Why? Because it was so super simple,
and easy-peasy for ME.
The materials were all in my class,
I got to write on my students' desks,
AND it still had to do with snowmen.
Snowmen.
Snow.
Wishful Thinking. 

It was in the 80's my entire winter break.
It was so warm that I had to
lower my air conditioner a notch or two...
Just trying to keep that holiday spirit! 
Seriously?  You're killing me!
Rootbeer floats just didn't have the same
holiday feel as hot cocoa and marshmallows. 

It's been so hot that Karate Ballerina
has lost her mind and gone shark fishing.
She actually caught one with her boyfriend, Captain Snook.

   

That is just cray cray!
Karate Ballerina, Captain Snook, AND the shark
all survived and have a tale to tell thanks to the Florida heat.

Whatever happened to the good (c)old days,
when my oldest daughter was happy just making snowmen?

One Season Annie
signing off.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Regina-Davis

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Natural Resources

Natural Resources
Here is a collection of youtube videos
explaining Natural Resources for children.







Enjoy!

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Pumpkin Art and Bats Take Flight S.T.E.M. Activities


Halloween is almost here!
How is it that November is near?
I know right?!

Where did the time go?
Do you know?
Not sure because it feels like just yesterday
we were in the "August in Kindergarten is like
childbirth:  So painful you block it out."
#truth

I have no clue!
I've just been following all my Lists To Do!
If you're OCD like me,

you'll actually add things to your list
that you've completed that weren't originally on your list.

Teaching, teaching, makes time fly fast!
Blink your eyes and 2 months have passed!
For sure!

I feel like it was just yesterday
I opened my door for the first school day.
That was forever ago now!

Now that October is coming to an end,
I have something special for each blogging friend.
Of course you do.  You're cool like that.

To all of our blogging pals
Who are prepping for this week...
Here is a STEM freebie
that won't last long....
so quick! Take a peek!


STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Math: Pumpkin Art 
This freebie will be available for the next 24 hours only.
Thanks for following our blog!
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Pumpkin-Art-2157102

Have your students create a pumpkin
Out of paper, ribbons, and tape.
Just give them the materials,
And see what they create!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Pumpkin-Art-2157102

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Pumpkin-Art-2157102


https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Pumpkin-Art-2157102

If you like this STEM, 
Here's another you may like to try:
Instead of making time fly....Let's make BATS fly! 
My kids are going to LOVE this one!

 STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Math: Bats Take Flight
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Bats-Take-Flight-2168444

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Bats-Take-Flight-2168444

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Bats-Take-Flight-2168444

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Bats-Take-Flight-2168444

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Bats-Take-Flight-2168444
 My students love their bats so cool,
We had to mount and hang them at our school.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Bats-Take-Flight-2168444
If you missed these freebies, I'm sorry!
Be sure to follow our blog and TPT stores to get future freebies!
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Science-Technology-Engineering-Math-Bats-Take-Flight-2168444
Happy Creating!



Sunday, August 9, 2015

The Wheels On The Bus



I am so excited to share with you my new
Wheels On The Bus Homework Enrichment S.T.E.M. Activity!
I just finished it yesterday and had to post 
it free for the next 24 hours
for all of our blogging buddies!
Very cool!

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, Math: The Wheels On 
If you missed this Freebie...I'm sorry!
Become a follower here to catch future blog freebies,
and a follower on TPT to catch store freebies!
It is very similar to my Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater STEM
that I posted free (for a short time) last year.
My favorite part is that my kiddos who need enrichment
will definitely get that, and all I have to do is:

                       1.  Print
                       2.  Choose a date for our classroom's Bus Race
                       3.  Wait for fabulous buses to show up!
Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy!

My parents who are always looking
for enrichment activities for their children
 LOVED my Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater STEM last year.
I'm sure they did!

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Peter, Peter P

I taught 3 rotating classes of first graders.
Each class of 18 students,
brought in an average of  6 pumpkin houses.

 Keeping that in mind,
our Bus Race Day will be
comprised of small teams.
Whoever brings in a bus
will have a group of classmates
on his/her team.
The students will see if the bus has
wheels that "go round and round,
wipers that "go swish, swish, swish"
and a door that "opens and shuts".
Then they'll see whose
bus can roll the furthest.
They'll measure the distance,
and compare numbers
using inches, paper clips, or unifix cubes.
Fab, fab, fabulous math day!
You're like the STEM guru.
And I know you.
Just saying...

The teachers going to school say,
"Yay, yay, yay!
Yay,yay, yay!
Yay, yay, yay!"
The teachers going to school say,
"Yay, yay, yay!
I'm making plans for a fabulous day!"

Enjoy!
Thanks for sharing!

And then...
Update: 9/22/15

Holy Toledo Batman!
I have GOT to share these pics
with all of you!
Seriously?!  Is there a little comic book
loving little boy trapped in your head?
You have GOT to be the only one I 

hear use that phrase!  LOL
I sent this Homework Enrichment STEM
home with my first grade students.
They came back
with the cutest buses....
with wheels that went
"round and round",
wipers that went "swish, swish, swish",
and doors that went "open and shut".
This was an optional homework activity,
and the majority of the kids (and their families)
decided to participate!  Woo-hoo!
Awesomesauce!!!



The buses that look like they don't have
wheels....do...they actually DO roll...
the wheels are just underneath.



See the smiley face bus?
It's my favorite! One of my 6 year old students
made it with his 14 year old sister.
Notice the wipers?
Two striped paper clips did the trick!
So super cute...and 100% kid made!



 I hope your students and families
enjoy doing this activity as much as mine did!
Happy STEMming!
:) Regina



Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Alphabet Letters & Sight Words


I'm so excited about
making some new 
language arts materials!
That's right.  You math
teacher you!
I just have to share some
sprinkles with our blog followers!
Here are some pages from my
Alphabet Handwriting Practice in Print:
Super cute!
How about I give you the letter Q page for Queen?
Thanks for sharing!

 and the letter C page for Chaos.

Here are some
Gray Scale Line sheets.
Angela these are for you!
Here's a letter A page for Attagirl....
Thank you my friend.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4eT25nc0dfdjNYZWs/view?usp=sharing
  and a letter F page for Funnies.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4eT25nc0dfdjNYZWs/view?usp=sharing

The last style is Modern Manuscript.
The first 2 schools I taught at ages ago
in Texas required this type of print:
I'm giving you a letter R page for Regina....
When I first started teaching,
I seriously struggled with writing this way!
I'm such a block printer that I was

so NOT used to these fancy tails!  LOL
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4eT25nc0dfdjNYZWs/view?usp=sharing
  and finally a letter D page for Davis.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4eT25nc0dfdjNYZWs/view?usp=sharing

I feel like a cheerleader!
Give me a Q!
Give me a C!
Give me an A!
Give me an F!
Give me an R!
Give me a D!
What does that spell?
Q C A F R D

Which could mean:

Quick! Call a friend!
-or-
Quick! Catch a fast ride! 
-or-
Quick! A frog is there!
-or-
Quack! A friend rode a duck!

Don't you love reading your kids sentences
at the beginning of the year and seeing how much
they grow by the end of the year?
Teaching Kindergarten at the beginning
of the year is a lot like childbirth.
It's unpredictable and can be pretty painful.
Your brain allows you to forget this pain so
that you'll do it again another year.

But yes, it is very rewarding to see how much
progress your kids make from the start
of Kindergarten to that last day.
In that regard, our jobs are pretty awesome.
Just saying...

If you liked these pages,
check out the entire alphabet
available on Teachers Pay Teachers.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Alphabet-Handwriting-PracticeA-to-Z-Letter-Sounds-1936608

THEN....let's see...
I have a new
100 Sight Word Sentence Builder.
Here are three sample sheets that
you may want to try out!
I LOVE doing cut up sentences
with my kids!

BTW: I feel like the little, old lady at 
Sam's Club with my cart of cheese samples!
"Here my dear....you'll just love one of these!"
"Why thank you little cheese lady!"

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4eajVkX3R5SGFFeVE/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4eajVkX3R5SGFFeVE/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4eajVkX3R5SGFFeVE/view?usp=sharing
 Here are the answer sheets so that you can
get a good idea of what the expectations are.
Students will count the number of
vowels and consonants
in a word...add them up for the
total number of letters in the word.
They'll trace the word repeatedly with rainbow colors,
they'll cut and glue the words to create a sentence.
They'll write the sentence,
and check their work with
an easy to use checklist. 
 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4eajVkX3R5SGFFeVE/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4eajVkX3R5SGFFeVE/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4eajVkX3R5SGFFeVE/view?usp=sharing

If you like these sight word sentence builders,
check out the entire set of 100 words on
Teachers Pay Teachers!

A+ 100 Sight Word Sentence Puzzles...Building Sentences, Handwriting + Addition

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-100-Sight-Word-Sentence-PuzzlesBuilding-Sentences-Handwriting-Addition-1941421

I'm also working on a set of alphabet books,
but these are seriously going to take me a
while to complete....I don't know...maybe years.
I.kid.you.not.
Girrrrl, you have WAY more energy than I!
There is a reason that I have shied away
from committing to alphabet books....
I just keep adding and adding and adding.
I must have some kind of disorder that prevents
me from keeping it S-I-M-P-L-E.
It's called over-achiever!
But....here's  small sample from my letter Aa book.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjylOkfka4ebzk2ZEwwRTY3UzQ/view?usp=sharing


There are actually 27 different words
that can be found in the download
on Teachers Pay Teachers.
This set also has all of these words in
black and white, small books,
in a word wall, syllable counting,
with word finds and word puzzles.
SHEESH!!!  Did you not sleep or what?!
Whew!  See why this is going to take me a while?!
So far I have the Letter Aa Book:

A+ Alphabet Book: Aa ...Word Wall, Syllable Count, Word Search, Word Puzzles

 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Alphabet-Book-Aa-Word-Wall-Syllable-Count-Word-Search-Word-Puzzles-1881799
The Letter Bb Book (Set 1)

A+ Alphabet Book Bb Set 1: Word Wall, Syllable Count, Word Search, Word Puzzles

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Alphabet-Book-Bb-Set-1-Word-Wall-Syllable-Count-Word-Search-Word-Puzzles-1907669
The Letter Bb Book (Set 2)

A+ Alphabet Book Bb Set 2: Word Wall, Syllable Count, Word Search, Word Puzzles

 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Alphabet-Book-Bb-Set-2-Word-Wall-Syllable-Count-Word-Search-Word-Puzzles-1912865
The Letter Bb Book (Set 3)

A+ Alphabet Book Bb Set 3: Word Wall, Syllable Count, Word Search, Word Puzzles

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Alphabet-Book-Bb-Set-3-Word-Wall-Syllable-Count-Word-Search-Word-Puzzles-1916415
The Letter Cc Book
A+ Alphabet Book Cc: Word Wall, Syllable Count, Word Search, Word Puzzles
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Alphabet-Book-Cc-Word-Wall-Syllable-Count-Word-Search-Word-Puzzles-1922212

Did you happen to notice that
there are THREE letter Bb books?
What is wrong with me?
Maybe there's a pill I can take.
Now do you understand why the complete
alphabet  may take me years to complete?
I have issues.

I hope you enjoy your little taste samples.
As always, thanks for being so generous!

Enjoy!