Part Part Whole Spider Web Math

This is a differentiated post for working with part-part whole.  One of the concepts children need to understand is that numbers can be decomposed into other sets of numbers.  So 5 can actually be decomposed (taken apart) to make a set of 4 and a set of 1.  Learning this concept will help children understand basic addition and subtraction facts by developing number sense first.

I like to make easy games that can be used at different levels of instruction.  This one works great at any time of the year, but October is a great month to play it too.  I give my children paper plates and let them draw a web out of 2 different colors.  Why not throw in some finer motor drawing at the same time?

There are different levels of playing the following game to meet the diverse needs of your students.

MATERIALS NEEDED

• small paper plates
• 2 different colored markers
• flies or spiders from the dollar store

LEVEL 1

Playing this helps children learn they can take a set of objects and separate them into different sets.  This is also a great way to introduce story problems through play.  I call this game SOME HERE-SOME THERE.  I start by putting all 5 flies above the spider webs (in the air).  This represents the whole number of 5.  Then we say the story problem below.

This can be played over and over again by having the children play with different scenarios of the the flies getting stuck in the web.  They are learning that the number 5 represents 5 flies and the 5 flies can be separated into different groups. For example: 5-0, 4-1, 3-2, 2-3, 1-4, 0-5  This also lays the foundation for understanding the basic addition facts of 5.  

LEVEL 2

After your children have played SOME HERE - SOME THERE, add a die to the game. 

• Put 5 flies on the left web.
• Roll the die.  If a 6 is rolled, roll again.
• Move the number of flies from the left web to the right web.
• How many flies are on the left web?
• How many flies are on the right web?
• Say the number sentence.
• 5 flies (total flies on the left at the start) - 3 flies (flies on the right now) = 2 flies (what is on the left web now).

LEVEL 3

Children need many experiences manipulating objects within a set BEFORE they begin recording their information into more formal equations and drawings.  After your children play this game several times, add some recording sheets (plain paper) or fold 4 sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper in half.  Staple on the left side to make a book.

• Children play the Level 1 game first.
• They draw 2 circles on each page to represent the web. 
• Play SOME HERE - SOME THERE.
• Children draw a picture of the flies in the web to match the hands-on game.

I LOVE fall and teaching.  Have fun playing this game.

Thanks for stopping by!

DIY Rekenrek

Rekenrek is the buzz word today but has actually been around for quite some time.  You can buy them or attempt to make them as a DIY project.  I've tried several ways of making them including craft foam and 4X6 laminated cards.  They work fine for a while, but are flimsy and don't last as long.

Up front, I'll just admit it.  I am a paint stick hoarder.  I love to make activities and games with paint sticks.  Put paint stick in my search box and you will see :)  So it makes sense that I turned paint sticks into rekenreks.  And the jury is out, after one year, they have held together nicely and are easy to store in a bucket.  When the children need their math tools, they grab a stick.  It's hands on and the paint stick gives them a handle to hold while they manipulate the beads.  

The post is part of the BRIGHT IDEAS LINKY PARTY.  Keep on reading for links to other amazing ideas.

These are the drilled-hole version.  I slide the pipe cleaner through the holes and used a glue gun to secure the ends.

I also use BIGGIE BEADS!!! instead of pony beads.  My secret is OUT!  I discovered BIGGIE BEADS in a craft store 4 years ago, and it just hit me that these would be much better than pony beads. And even better, they are cheaper in the long run.  You get tons - 1200 beads for $8.99 at Amazon or you can use your 40% off Sunday coupon at Michaels.  They are used to make crafts where you iron them down to make different shapes such as butterflies.  But I digress, they are AWESOME!!!  In fact, sign up by email at the top right corner so you don't miss out on any of the posts I have about using these in the classroom for math manipulatives. 

MATERIALS NEEDED

• Paint stick
• 2 black pipe cleaners
• 20 Biggie Beads consisting of 2 colors 10 each
• Glue gun

DIRECTIONS

You can choose 2 different methods for making these rekenreks.  In the picture above, I had my husband drill 4 small holes in the paint stick - two at each end.  Don't have a drill?  No worries. I went all of last year doing it with this method as seen in this picture.

These are the glued version.  I glue the pipe cleaners to the ends.

Glue the pipe cleaners down at the ends.  They work the same.  The main thing to be aware of is that you want the ends to be equal, so when you slide the beads they line up.

• Cut pipe cleaners to the desired length.
• Glue down the pipe cleaners on the left side making sure they line up evenly.
• Slide 5 beads of the same color on each of the pipe cleaners.
• Slide 5 more beads of a different color after the previous step.
• Pull tight or stretch the pipe cleaner tightly.
• Glue the pipe cleaners on the right side.
• Let cool.
• Ready to learn!
• If you have children who are left-handed, you can make the hand holder on the opposite side.  Just make sure the bead colors will be in the same placement as the right handed version, which actually means the opposite.

Where can you store them?  I store mine in a tub and then pass out as needed during whole group instruction. They are also used during small group and during independent math stations.

Where did I get my paint sticks? Originally, I asked. You can ask Walmart, Lowe's or Home Deport to donate your paint sticks or you can buy them separately which is what I do now since I use them for other projects.

What do you do with a rekenrek?

HERE is a great resource website with explanations and activities for using a rekenrek with your students.  

HERE is a FREE 2.0 Tool (as of this post) called the Number Rack for an online computer model for a rekenrek.

HERE is a FREE iPad App (as of this post) of a rekenrek. 

If you liked these ideas please consider following me on FACE BOOK, PINTEREST, or TEACHERS PAY TEACHERS.

Now here are the links to the other teachers participating in the Bright Ideas Linky.

Have fun!  If you have any comments or questions, please leave them at the end of the Linky Posts.

Thanks for stopping by!  The linky goes live at 9:00 a.m. CST on Saturday, October 18, 2014.

An InLinkz Link-up

Math and Literacy DIY Manipulatives

Counting sticks can be used when teaching phonemic awareness skills and math skills too.  About 4 years ago, I was walking through a craft store looking for pony beads to make counting sticks.  Down the aisle I saw something that caught me eye. Biggie Beads!!!! Have you seen them?  We made them during one of my math sessions at a conference in Illinois on Wednesday, and I said I would share them on my blog as a reminder too.  

They are absolutely my favorite counting manipulative.  Hands down.  They are great for fine motor, slide easier, and line up to compare and contrast with friends.  Here are a few ways that I use them to teach and assess  in whole group, small group, and independent centers.

Disclosure:  Amazon links are included in this post.

COUNTING

I make a counting stick for each child.  These are similar to rekenreks, except they just have one row.  They are a great way to have your children working within 10.  Be sure and sign up by email at the top right corner of my blog, so you don't miss how I make rekenreks with paint sticks. I will be sharing that in my next post.

MATERIALS

1. Large craft stick
2. 1 pipe cleaner
3. Biggie Beads
4. Choose 2 colors and use 5 each.
5. Refer to picture above.
6. Glue gun

DIRECTIONS

I've shown 2 different samples to illustrate how they can be made.  You can drill a small hole in each end of the popsicle stick as above or use a glue gun to glue the pipe cleaner at the ends as in the picture below.  I've used the ones below for several years then talked my husband into drilling the holes in the ones above.  Either way works just fine.

TEACHING TOOLS

The beads are divided into groups of five.  After lots of practice counting the beads one by one, children will transfer over into understanding that the first set is 5 and then they add on with the other.  

For example, in the picture above there are 5 orange beads and 1 blue bead representing the six on the card.  Subitizing is the ability for children to know the number (how many objects in a set) without counting.  These counting sticks give our children meaningful experiences that will help with subtilizing.

LEVEL 1  COUNTING

• Slide the beads to the right to begin.
• Slide the beads to the left to count.
• Choose a number.
• Slide one bead for each number counted.
• This helps children with one-to-one correspondence.

LEVEL 2 NUMBER SENSE

Young children learn to recognize numerals.  Number sense is when they understand that a number represents a set of objects counted.  For example, the numeral 6 could represent 6 buttons counted. Use a deck of cards or write the numbers 1-10 on small pieces of paper.

• Slide the beads to the right to begin.
• Children draw a card.
• Children say the numeral.
• Children slide the number of beads to the left to match the numeral on the card.
• Most children will count one-to-one as they represent the number.
• After lots of opportunity to practice, they will understand that they can move 5 beads over at one time and then count on one more to get to 6.

LEVEL 3 ADDITION GAME

• Roll a die. If you roll a 6, roll again.
• Slide the number of beads to the left to match the number on the dice.
• Roll the die again. 
• Slide the number of beads to the left.
• What is the answer?

LEVEL 4 SUBTRACTION WORKING WITHIN 10

• Slide the beads to the left.
• Draw a card.
• Side the number of beads to match the number on the card to the right.
• What is the answer?  
• For example. Child draws a 6. 
• Child slides six beads to the left.  
• 4 beads are remaining. 
• The answer is 4.

LEVEL 5  STORY PROBLEMS

I pass these out during whole group time when we are working on story problems.  It keeps all of the children engaged and gives them a hands-on tool for adding and subtracting.

• Slide the beads to the right to begin an addition problem.
• Slide the beads to the left to begin a subtraction problem.
• Example:  Kathy had pumpkins. (Children slide 2 beads to the left.)
• Josh had 4 pumpkins.  (Children slide 4 beads to the left.)
• How many pumpkins did they have altogether? (Children count the total).

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

• Use the sticks to check for understanding.  
• Make all the sticks the same so you can quickly check to see if the children have the correct answer.
• Adjust as needed.
• Have the students turn and share their sticks to compare their answers.
• Children can record their thinking drawing a line for the counting stick and  putting circles on the sticks to represent the beads. 
• Children can color in their beads to match their story problem or to represent a number.

PHONEMIC AWARENESS STICKS

I make separate phonemic awareness sticks as show in the picture above.  I choose 5 different colors from the Biggie Beads and put them in the same order.  This way you can teach and quick assess too to check for understanding of the concepts being taught by looking at the color to match the count.

SYLLABLE STICKS

Gather objects to use for syllable counting.  I like to use shapes too as it is a bonus for working with shapes and counting syllables.

• Slide the beads to the right.
• Touch the object and say the word.
• Children repeat the word and slide a bead for each syllable.
• Example:  square, heart = 1 syllable - Children would slide the purple bead to the left showing one syllable.
• Example:  circle, oval = 2 syllables - Children would slide the purple bead for the 1st syllable and then the pink bead for the 2nd syllable.
• Example:  triangle, hexagon = 3 syllables - Children would slide the purple for the 1st syllable, the pink for the 2nd syllable, and the yellow for the 3rd syllable.

SEGMENTING AND BLENDING PHONEMES

Uses these sticks to work on blending and segmenting phonemes.  I use concrete objects that have 3 phonemes to put on my teaching table or in a literacy tub.  You can use picture cards too.

BLENDING

• Slide the beads to the right to begin.
• Say the individual sounds of a CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) word.
• Children move a bead to the left for each sound.
• Children blend the sounds together to make the word.
• For example:  "c" move the purple bead, "a" move the pink bead, "t" move the yellow bead.

Here are some examples of CVC words:

• bat, hat, mat, pat, sat
• top, mop, hop
• bug, rug, dug, hug
• wet, vet, get
• dip, hip, lip, sip

SEGMENTING

• Slide the beads to the right to begin.
• Pick an object or draw a card.
• Name the object.
• Children stretch out the word by moving one bead for each sound.
• Example: cat = c-a-t
• Using the picture above they would have moved the purple for the "c," the pink for the "a" and the yellow for the "t."

Perler BIGGIE Fun Fusion Fuse Bead Bucket-Assorted Colors

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Pumpkin Games Pumpkin Books

What can you get at the Dollar Tree for Halloween?  Orange loofahs and treat bag sacks for fun learning!  Loofahs (seen in the picture below) make perfect balls for kid's activities at school and home.  I keep several different colors on hand to play all kinds of learning games to teach letters, sounds, phonics, and math skills too.

You can cover the orange loop at the top with green masking tape to make it look like the stem on a pumpkin. Or you can color regular masking tape green with a marker.

PASS THE PUMPKIN - LEARNING GAMES

These games can be played whole group, small group, or individually.  If playing individually, your child can toss, catch, and say instead of passing around the circle.  If you are playing with your child, you can pass it back and forth between you.

For whole group and small group, begin with passing the pumpkin.  When they have learned this procedure, you can teach the children how to gently toss the pumpkin to the next person to help work on gross motor skills while playing the games too.  The bath loofah is easy to catch because the children can grip it more easily.

1.  Pass the Pumpkin Letter Sounds - Pass around during circle time. Children say a word that begins with the letter p.

2.  Pass the Pumpkin Rhyming - Pass around during circle time.  Say a word.  First child says a word that rhymes with it and then passes the pumpkin to the next child.  Game continues until you run out of rhymes or you can choose a new word and keep going.  Words given can be nonsense or pretend words too as long as they rhyme.

3.  Pass the Pumpkin Phonemic Awareness Segmenting - Pass around during circle time.  Say a word.  Children segment the word that was said.  For example, the teacher or adult says cat.  The child would toss and catch the sounds "c" "a" "t".

4.  Pass the Pumpkin Phonemic Awareness Segmenting - Pass around during circle time.  Say a word.  Children will segment the word using the pumpkin as a prop.  Pumpkin on head for first sound, pumpkin on shoulder for middle sound, pumpkin on knee for last sound.  For example, the teacher or adult says cat:  Child puts pumpkin on head and makes the sound of "c." Child puts pumpkin on shoulder and says "a." Child puts pumpkin on knee and says "t."  Child puts the pumpkin in both hands and says the word - cat,  then passes the pumpkin to the next child. Each child can segment the same word all around the circle (practice, practice, repeat) or you can give each child a different word.  I usually give the same word as we are learning to segment.  This helps reinforce the skill.  Children can retain the word in their head if they see the picture of the word.  Use CVC words with picture clues to help children that are struggling with this activity.  CVC words are consonant-vowel-consonant words such as hat, cat, bat, pig, dog, top, mop, etc.

First This: CVC words - cat, bat, sat, hop, top, mop, pig, wig, dig, lip, dip, bug, rug, sun

Then This:  CCVC words (working on letter blends) - stop, clap, frog, flag, crab

And Then This:  CVCC words (HARDER to hear the CVCC) - bump, jump, tent, band, hand, camp, lamp

5.  Pass the Pumpkin Vocabulary - Pass around during circle time. Children say a word that is associated with fall.

6.  Pass the Pumpkin Vocabulary - Pass around during circle time. Children say a word that is associated with Halloween.

7.  Pass the Pumpkin Nonfiction Learning - Children name a fact or something they've learned about pumpkins.

8.  Toss the Pumpkin Counting - Have one pumpkin for every two players.  Have the children toss the pumpkin back and forth and count how many times they can keep it going (toss and catch).  You can set a predetermined amount of times they can start over again, give them a sand timer, or play music.

9.  Toss the Pumpkin Counting On - Students toss back and forth counting as above.  When they drop the pumpkin, they start off where they left off (counting on).  For example, they toss and catch to 9.  The next time they start with 10 and count up.

10. Toss the Pumpkin Skip Counting - Students toss back and forth counting as above except they count by 5's, 10's, or 2's.

11.  Toss the Pumpkin Greater Than, Less Than, Equal  - Students toss back and forth counting as above. Children can record each count on a piece of paper.  When the game is over, have them circle the largest number and underline the smallest number. If they write the numbers in a horizontal line, they can go back and put greater than, less than, and equal signs between the numbers.

12.  Pumpkin, Pumpkin Turn Around Rhyming and Language Fun(AKA - Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around) Here are some rhymes to say using the pumpkin as a prop.  You can add to or take away lines.  The goal of this game is following directions and practicing rhyming words. The teacher/adult can say the first line, then the student says the next rhyming line.  Or they teacher/adult can say the rhymes leaving of the last word.  The children say the rhyming word at the end.

Pumpkin, pumpkin big and round.

Pumpkin, pumpkin touch the ground.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on a sprout.

Pumpkin, pumpkin punch it out.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on the vine.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my spine.

Pumpkin, pumpkin in a patch.

Pumpkin, pumpkin toss and catch.

Pumpkin, pumpkin in a pie.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my eye.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my hair.

Pumpkin, pumpkin in the air.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my nose.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my toes.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my hand.

Pumpkin, pumpkin I will stand.

Pumpkin, pumpkin you're so bumpy.

Pumpkin, pumpkin you make me jumpy.

Pumpkin, pumpkin turn around.

Pumpkin, pumpkin sit back down.

PASS THE PUMPKIN - PARTY GAMES

1.  Hot Pumpkin (AKA Hot Potato)
Turn on some Halloween or fall music.  Children pass the pumpkin around the circle.  Stop the music randomly.  Whoever is holding the pumpkin goes into the pumpkin patch (middle of the circle).  Game continues until one person wins.

2.  Toss the Pumpkin
Have one pumpkin for every two players.  Turn on music. Have the children toss the pumpkin back and forth and count how many times they can keep it going until the song is over.

3.  Toss and Catch
This game requires more room.  Divide children into pairs.  Have them face each other.  Have them toss and catch.  If they catch it without dropping, they take one step back.  If it drops, they toss again. Make a predetermine ending mark for when the game is over.  For example when you reach this line or you reach the wall.  Remind them of safety procedures as always.

4.  Pumpkin Basketball
Have the children use the pumpkin loofahs as basketballs to throw through small hoops or into baskets on the floor.

PUMPKIN TREAT BAG BOOKS

Purchase seasonal bags from the Dollar Tree.  They are packaged 10 to a bag and make great covers for books.

• Cut the paper sack down the ride side of the bag.
• Cut off the side as seen above.
• Cut off the bottom of the bag.
• Open up paper sack.
• Fold in half.
• Take 2-4 pieces of 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper.
• Fold in half.
• Place inside paper sack cover.
• Staple book on the left side.
• Your book is ready!

IDEAS FOR BOOKS

1.  Make a Pumpkin, Pumpkin What Do You See book modeled after Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle.

Pumpkin, pumpkin
What do you see?
I see a scarecrow looking at me.
Scarecrow, scarecrow
What do you see?
I see an owl looking at me.
Owl, owl
What do you see?
I see a bat looking at me.

Children can write the words and draw the pictures, or they can be wordless books or label books for younger children.  Children can still read their story being guided by the pictures.

2.  Trick-or-Treat Halloween Book
Children write a story about Halloween.

3.  Fall Sticker Book
Children use stickers to illustrate their stories.  Add background scenery to go with stickers.

Disclosure:  Amazon links included.

4.  All About Autumn/Fall.
Children write a story about the things you see during autumn.

5.  Life Cycle of a Pumpkin book
Read a book about the life cycle of a pumpkin.  Children make their own book about the life cycle of a pumpkin.

6.  Children write a story about topic of their choice.



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Five Little Pumpkins Fall Activities

Children build number sense when they have activities that include manipulating and working with objects.  Children learn language by singing, saying rhyming poems, and talking with their peers.  The poem Five Little Pumpkins is a great way to incorporate language and math with our young children.  Here is the traditional version of the rhyme.

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate.

The first one said, “Oh my it’s getting late.

The second one said, “There are witches in the air.”

The third one said, “But we don’t care.”

The fourth one said, “Let’s run and run and run!”

The fifth one said, “I’m ready for some fun.”

Then woooooo (sound effects) went the wind and out went the lights.

Five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.

Of course I have my OWN version to the rhyme.  Keep on reading for my new version, a free printable, and directions along with the hands on activity.  Also included in this post are ideas for counting, ordinal position, adding, subtracting, working within 5, and working within 10.  This activity is a win-win because it incorporates all of these skills while providing our children with fine motor practice too.

Five little pumpkins talking happily. 

• Point to smiling faces.

The first one said, “Look! What do you see? 

• Point finger to one side.

The second one said, “I think it is a cat.” 

• Make whiskers with hands on both sides of face.

The third one said, “I think it is bat.” 

• Make flapping wings.

The fourth one said, “I can't it see from here!” 

• Look through binoculars.

The fifth one said, “It's getting close. Oh dear!” 

• Cross arms across chest and shake as if afraid.

Then flap went the wings as they heard this sound. 

• Flap arms and make sound effects of bat after the word sound. 
• See internet link for bat noises below. 

Five little pumpkins jumped to the ground.

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5! 

• Children take turns jumping in order while counting.

FREE PRINTABLE FOR THIS VERSION IS HERE.

Kathy Griffin Copyright 2014

Here is one of my favorite books for the 5 Little Pumpkins with the traditional version.  The Amazon link is included for your convenience.

BUILDING THE PUMPKIN GATE

Materials Needed

• 2 paint sticks
• 5 jumbo craft sticks
• 10 pumpkin pieces 
• Click HERE for FREE pumpkin cards.
• glue gun or craft glue

Directions

• Lay the 2 paint sticks horizontally lining up the ends while leaving a space between them. 
• Lay the 5 jumbo craft sticks vertically across the paint stick, lining up the craft sticks at the top.  
• I laid my paint sticks on a large piece of paper and used tape as a marker for where I would glue my vertical craft sticks to help keep it even.
• Glue the 5 jumbo crafts sticks to the 2 paint sticks using a glue gun or craft glue.
• Glue the pumpkin pieces onto clothespins.  Refer to the picture in the 10 frames version to see how I glued the pumpkins.  
• Glue 5 to the bottom of the clothespin facing down and 5 to the bottom of the clothespin facing up.
• Ready to play!

I like to use paint sticks because the have a natural handle for young children to hold.  If you have a child who is left handed, you can make one with the handle on the right side. My youngest daughter is left-handed and that always helped her.

I found these pumpkins at Michaels Craft Store and glued the backs to the clothespins.  

After the children have learned the poem and played it whole group, model how to use the fence to act out the poem.  They can touch each pumpkin in ordinal position as they same the rhyme.  For example: The first one said . . . They touch the first pumpkin.  The second one said . . . They touch the second pumpkin and continue through the 5th. 

Math Conversations to Have with the Children.

First This

• How many pumpkins are on the gate?
• How do you know?
• Let's touch and count.
• Point to the 1st pumpkin.
• Point to the 2nd pumpkin.
• Point to the 3rd pumpkin.
• Point to the 4th pumpkin.
• Point to the 5th pumpkin.

Then This

• Can you touch the first pumpkin?
• Can you touch the last pumpkin?
• Can you touch the pumpkin in the middle?
• Which one is the 2nd pumpkin?
• Which one is the 4th pumpkin?

And Then This

• Can you take off one pumpkin?
• How many pumpkins are on the gate?
• How do you know?
• Let's count and see.
• Can you take off another pumpkin?
• How pumpkins are on the gate now?
• How do you know?
• Let's count and see.
• Continue until they are all gone.
• Some children will figure out the pattern that each time the number is one less. Other children will need to recount each time.  This is developmental as they build number sense.
• The best way to build number sense is by providing opportunities to count real objects they can touch and not on a worksheet.

These pumpkins are actually cake toppers with the toothpick gently removed.  They make great game pieces.  Sign up by email, as I will be blogging about other ways to use cake toppers for learning games next.

Let's Play a New Game

First of all, counting the pumpkins in the previous  activity is the first step of developing number sense.  The next step is using a ten frame to help them visualize the number in an arrangement.  Both skills are equally important and should be used to complement each other.  The ultimate goal is that children can recognize smaller numbers without having to count whether they are in a line, circle, or spread apart in a different arrangement.  All of these activities and games will help build this number sense.

Working with 5 Directions

For this game you will need one die or number cards 1-5, the gate, and 5 clothespins.  

• Place clothespins on the top part of the gate.
• Child counts the pumpkins.
• Child rolls the die.
• If a six is rolled, child rolls again.
• Child removes the number of pumpkins to match the number of the die.  
• Always have the child remove the pumpkins from the right side of the gate first.  This keeps it in a 5 frame pattern and will help with visual recognition.
• Place the clothespins back on the gate.
• Roll again.
• Repeat.  

Working with 10 Directions

For this game you will need one die or cards with numbers 0-10, the gate, and 10 clothespins.  

• Place 5 clothespins on the top part of the gate.
• Place 5 clothespins on the lower part of the gate.
• Child rolls the die or draws a number card.
• Child removes the number of pumpkins to match the number of the die or card.  
• Always have the child remove the pumpkins from the bottom right side of the gate first.  This keeps it in a 10 frame pattern and will help with visual recognition and concepts of 10.
• Place the clothespins back on the gate.
• Repeat.  

Here are the links to hear the different sounds that a bat makes so the children can add bat sounds to my version of Five Little Pumpkins.

Bat Sounds

Itsy Bitsy Spider Language Fun

The itsy bitsy spider is one of my favorite nursery rhymes.  It's about a spider who never gives up. No matter how many times the rain washes him down the waterspout, he always climbs back up the spout again and sees the sun.  I am sure everyone has felt like that little spider at some point in life. I know I have. So maybe that's why I smile when I sing this song.

Being a Nana K has given me the chance to enjoy nursery rhymes all over again. After all, I sang them with my own children when they were little (seems like yesterday). When I started teaching, I sang them with my students.  I sing them with teachers at conferences while we talk about how to incorporate emergent literacy skills such as phonemic awareness and rhyming.

Now I get to sing them with my grandchildren.  So this post is dedicated to my little H who squealed, "Do it again Nana K! Do it again!" as we played with our waterspout and spider.  And in the blink of an eye, my other 3 grandchildren will be old enough to play too.  Right now all 4 benefit from hearing nursery rhymes over and over again even from birth.  It's never too early to read and sing to your child.

                                     

MATERIALS NEEDED

• 1 paint stick 
• 1 doll clothespin
• 1 regular clothespin
• 1 milk jug plastic lid
• 4 googly eyes
• small piece of red yarn
• yellow craft foam
• silver craft foam
• blue craft foam
• glue gun

These are the paint sticks that I purchase from Amazon.  I like them because they are smooth and cheaper to buy in bulk.  I've also add a link for the wooden craft clothespin after requests from those who have read this blog post.   You can click on the pictures below to get a better description of both.  Amazon links are included for your convenience.

I created a FREE PRINTABLE at the end of the blog post if you prefer to use clipart on card stock.  It also includes a song sheet of The Itsy Bitsy Spider with rebus pictures to read with your child along with some sight word cards.

DIRECTIONS FOR SPIDER

DIRECTIONS FOR SUN AND RAIN CLOTHESPIN

• Use a larger lid to trace a circle on the yellow and silver craft foam.  
• Cut out the circles and hot glue them onto the regular clothespin.  
• See picture above for placement on clothespin.
• Cut out raindrops and glue to silver circle.
• Your clothespin is ready!

DIRECTIONS FOR PAINT STICK

I used silver glitter spray paint to paint my stick, doll clothespin, and regular clothespin.  You could also use children's washable paint, or gray markers as a substitute or leave them in their natural wood finish.  Another option is to let your child mix washable children's black and white paint to make gray.  Let your paint stick dry.

READY TO PLAY

1. Clip the clothespin with the sun side showing on the top of the paint stick.
2. Slide the spider onto the stick.
3. Sing the song.

The itsy bitsy spider went up the waterspout.

• Child moves the spider up the waterspout.
• Child takes off the clothespin and repositions so the rain shows.

Down came the rain and washed the spider out.

• Child slides the spider down the waterspout.

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.

• Child takes off the clothespin and repositions so the sun shows.

The itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.

• Child moves the spider back to the top just under the sun.

IDEAS FOR LEARNING

This activity can be modified based on the age and needs of the child.  As always, be aware of any choking hazards with very young children.

Children and parent/teacher can sing the song together and adult manipulates the spider as above.

Teacher or parent use props to tell or sing the nursery rhyme.  

Children can use the props to tell or sing the nursery rhyme.

FINE MOTOR  PRACTICE

This FUN kid's activity helps young children build fine motor skills when they open the clothespin to change from the sun to the rain and when they slide the spider up and down the waterspout (paint stick).  Some younger children will need help holding the paint stick while they switch from the sun to the rain and back again.  Be patient as they build their fine motor skills.  It's all about having fun, singing, and playing.  Practice, sing, play, repeat.

BUILDING ORAL FLUENCY

Young children build oral fluency and increase their spoken sentence length when they say or sing nursery rhymes.  This helps with reading fluency as they get older. When the children have learned The Itsy Bitsy Spider, try leaving off the last word, and let them fill in the word.

FIRST THIS

The itsy bitsy spider went up the waterspout.

Down came the rain and washed the spider ______.

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.

The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout ______.

THEN THIS

The itsy bitsy _______ went up the __________.

Down came the ______ and washed the _________ out.

Out came the _______ and dried up ______ the rain.

The __________ spider went up the ______ again.

PHONEMIC AWARENESS

Identify the rhyming words in the nursery rhyme.

• Can they think of other words that rhyme with them?  sun-fun, rain-pain, out-shout, down-town

Count the syllables in the words.  

• Clap 1 time:  went, up, down, rain, sun, out, spout
• Clap 2 times:  itsy, bitsy, spider, again
• Clap 3 times:  waterspout

VOCABULARY

As the children become familiar with the rhyme, use the props as an opportunity to teach new vocabulary.  Here are vocabulary words to teach when playing with props.

• up, down, on, off, out - positional words
• sun, rain, waterspout, spider - nouns or people, places, things
• washed, dried - verbs or action words
• itsy, bitsy - adjectives or describing words 

Use these positional words to have the children show the meaning.  

• Say up and have the child move the spider up the spout.  
• Say down and have the child slide the spider down the spout. 
• Say off and have the child take the spider off the spout.  
• Say off and have the child take the clothespin (sun or rain) off the paint stick (waterspout).

READING SKILLS

DOWNLOAD FREE PRINTABLE HERE

1. Read the FREE PRINTABLE with your child or student. 
2. Point to where you start reading.
3. Model how we read from left to right and return sweep or start back again on the next line. 
4. Children can highlight letters they know or look for letters in their names.
5. Children can highlight words they can read.
6. Children can draw a picture to match the nursery rhyme which helps with comprehension or understanding the text.
7. Use the FREE PRINTABLE to make cards to use as sight words.  

• Show the word up.  Have the child read the card and move the spider up the spout.  
• Show the word down.  Have the child move the spider down the spout. 
• Show the word rain.  Have the child put the clothespin to show the rain.  
• Show the word sun.  Have the child put the clothespin to show the sun.  

Here are 3 versions of The Itsy Bitsy Spider on YouTube.  Remember to sign up by email at the top right corner of my blog, so you don't miss any posts or updates.



 


Questions or comments?  I would love to hear from you in the comment section.

Thanks for stopping by!

Fall Leaves Activities for Teaching

Here is a fun fall activity to do with your kids at home or in the classroom that includes working on language, vocabulary, and math concepts while building those crucial fine motor skills.  Throw in some creativity and your children will have lots of fun too!  And if you are wondering why I chose turkeys to put in the trees, keep on reading for links to explain why turkeys roost in trees.  It's always great when you can add some nonfiction real facts along with a fun math activity.

I love to use paint sticks to make games. In fact, my next few posts will be on making games and activities out of paint sticks and crafts stick.  Be sure to sign up by email at the top right corner, so you don't miss any of the fun.

If you are a teacher, you can make a tree to model in whole group and then make 2 trees for small groups.  I have my students work in pairs.  One builds the math tree and the other provides the "math conversations."  Then they switch roles.  If you are a parent, each child can have their own tree or they can work together.  Are you having a fall party?  This would make a fun craft to make that has a learning object too.

As with any activity, free play is so important.  Children need lots of opportunities to play as they learn. And remember this game builds fine motor skills because the children will use their pincer grasp (squeezing their thumb and pointer finger) to open and close the clothespins.

Materials Needed

• 1 paint stick 
• 10 jumbo craft sticks
• Elmer's glue or equivalent
• Fall color leaves
• Clothespins
• Animals

I bought my leaves at the Dollar Tree.  They came in a small package, and we had a few left over.  You can also use felt or construction paper leaves.  

I purchased the felt owls and turkeys at Michael's craft store (remember Michael's 40% Sunday coupons), but they also had turkey shapes at the Dollar Tree.  I included turkeys and owls in the FREE PRINTABLE.

Holding the tree with one hand while putting the animal on the branches requires fine motor skills.  If your child is younger, you can help hold the tree while he puts the animals on the tree.  Practice, play, practice, play, repeat. 

Directions

For older children,  let them make their own tree from beginning to end by using the Elmer's glue and allowing the sticks to dry.

For younger children build the base of the tree using a glue gun to attach the branches to the tree.  Then they can build the rest.

• Place the paint stick vertically.
• Place jumbo craft sticks in the arrangement desired.
• Use glue or a glue gun to secure branches.  See above for older or younger children suggestions.
• Let tree dry.
• Place drops of glue on the branches.
• Lay leaves on top of the glue.
• Let dry.
• Glue animal shapes on clothespins with a glue gun.
• READY TO PLAY!

LET'S PLAY

CHANGE THE GAME BASED ON YOUR CHILDREN'S NEEDS

Level 1

Goal:  Fine Motor, Counting

• Children play by putting owls or turkeys in the tree.
• Children count as they add animals.
• Children say, touch, and count or use one-to-one correspondence.  
• Children say one number for one animal and count in sequence (1, 2, 3, 4 . . .).

Level 2

Goal:  Fine Motor, Number Recognition, 

• Add number cards or use playing cards. 
• 10 clothespin animals.   
• Number cards are included in the free PRINTABLE.
• Put numbers in a small container or sack.
• Children draw a card.
• Children put the number of _______ on the tree to match.
• Children remove animals.
• Repeat.

Level 3

Goal:  Addition

• Add a die to the game.
• Roll the die.
• Name the number.
• Put that many _______ on the tree.
• Roll the die.
• Put that many _______ on the tree.
• How many ________ are on the tree?

Goal:  Subtraction

• Put 10 animals on the tree.
• Draw a card.
• Take that many ______ off the tree.
• How many _______ are left on the tree.

Glue animals on both sides of clothespins to provide a balanced tree and to give both hands fine motor practice.

Math Conversations to Have with Children

Tell me about your tree.

How many ______ are on your tree?

Do you have more _______ or _________ on your tree?

Do you have fewer ______ or ________ on your tree?

Are they equal?

LINKS ABOUT TURKEYS 

I've included some internet sites that explain more about wild turkeys.
Click HERE for a website that tells more about turkeys and listen to the different sounds that a turkey makes.  There is also some video of turkeys.

Click HERE for an explanation about why turkeys sleep in trees.

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Did you like this post?  I can wait to share the next post with you - more paint stick fun!

I purchased a box of these paint sticks to use with my children. I like them because they are smooth and without any markings.  I'm a paint stick fan and Home Depot and Lowe's can't keep up with me :)

Amazon links are included for your convenience.