Back to School: What's on your Math Wall?

Math Wall . . . 

(Formerly known as just "the calendar", it's so much more now!

I have really grown to love my math wall!  So much that I re-decorate it! In kindergarten we use it every single day. I use it during calendar time, and during math time. The skills that we cover in our "Math Talks" are endless! It's something that I have enjoyed doing so much and I see so much value in, that I add to it every year. We do all of the typical things like calendar, days of the week, etc., but I really love doing number of the day. I use my number sense anchor charts by placing the anchor chart backward in a clear plastic sleeve that I keep hanging on the wall. We do the reveal by them asking questions about the number, but not what it is (this is so cute!). (I have several sets of my Number Sense Anchor Charts printed out so that I can use them in a variety of ways, (then I don't have to bother with the ones that I have posted currently.)

After the big reveal. . . . I have my number talk helper of the day come up to 

help me answer questions about the number. If my helper is able to write, I let them write the answers on the sticky note to place on the Number of the Day Anchor Chart. If they are not able to write yet, I model, talk aloud saying the number formation poem and and sometimes do hand over hand with them. 
(The other students are air writing while I'm writing on the sticky note). 
We answer all the questions the chart asks about the number, and then do a little cheer for the number. It is such a fun, interactive way to involve kids and get them talking and "seeing" math on a daily basis!

My ten frames are on a magnet board from IKEA. I use them ALL the time!

They are such an awesome visual for kids to concretely see number sense.

What is on your Math Wall?

Back to School: BEE Books!

I have to share a one of the best things I have ever implemented in my classroom with you today.  BEE books!

I got this idea from Jessica Meacham years ago and I have pretty much used them the same way for the last 8 years or so. They are that amazing!  In one neat folder there are resources for families, a behavior calendar, a place to keep papers, homework, and a zipper pouch for money and notes so they don't get lost.  I told you....AMAZING!

    The front inside cover has a little sticker with my contact information and a "Left at Home" sticker.  All papers at the end of the day that need to go home go in this side of the folder.  

 The first thing they see inside the folder is a zipper pocket with a little sticker that says "Money and Notes".  I encourage (actually I insist) that parents put any money or notes in this pocket.  I am horrible about being handed a note and then setting it down, sticking it in my pocket, or just burying it under a pile of homework.  (this makes me sound really unorganized but if you've ever been in a primary classroom you know what I mean!)  If they use the pocket I am SURE to see it because I check through them every morning.  It's quick and easy with the clear pocket in the front. 

Also included inside:

You can customize BEE Books to make them fit your needs, that's what I love about them most!  Add as many clear page protectors as you need to make them work for you.   

Here are some labels and an alphabet resource to get you started!  The labels are just good 'ol shipping labels and the cover labels I print on regular paper and tape with clear packing tape (this is needed to make them last all year long). 

Click HERE to get started!

I also have the behavior calendars as a forever freebie in my store too. You can get those by clicking on the picture. 

  Thanks for stopping by Hello Sunshine Teachers today!   Remember we will be sharing fun back to school ideas all month long!