Math and Spelling Free Time

Who said you can't have fun in math and spelling?  I found some of the kids were finishing their math early while others were still working.  So today I made some bins for the kids to play when they finish their work.  I tested the math items today and the kids loved it!

 Here is the bin and I took some pictures of what it looks inside the bins (just incase you would like to make one of your own).

Some basic games: abacus, flash cards (single digit adding and subtracting), crib board.  I figured I would change these items on a regular basis too.

See my post on pattern block dice for the FREE template.

These checker boards are amazing.  My mom found these at yard sales for dirt cheap!  The boards are made from a rug material.  This is probably the kids favourite game to play.

Thanks to my Grandma we have these cool wood puzzles.  They are difficult but fun to try.  One day I remember we even have parents staying in after school trying to solve these.

Achi is a game similar to tic-tac-toe.  My Auntie Shirley made this game for me!  Amazing hey?  This game is great because the tic-tac-toe game doesn't stop when the pegs are placed.  They can continue to move the pieces.

Can you tell I have a lot of help from my family?  haha I sometimes can't believe how much stuff they give me.  I was also thinking of adding a game called Mancala.  Google it!  My family loves this game.

The spelling bin I am still uncertain the games that should be in the bin but it is a start.  I plan to have the games taught one by one and therefore I won't be needed for help or instruction.

A wood game of matching.

See my post on story stones for more information.  I painted these this summer and am very excited to introduce them in the classroom.

Stamp stories is similar to story stones but you use stamps and write out a story.  The Grade 3's really did a great job using the stamps today.

Some basic games for the kids to play: Memory, tell-a-story (sequencing), and colour clowns.

Bananagrams!  I hope everyone has heard of these.  They are great for lots of things!  They can be used like scrabble, letter tiles for spelling, unscrambling words and making new ones, the list is endless.  I love Bananagrams and so do the kids!