Classroom Callouts

Where Education Meets Fun!

First Grade Map Skills

Will you be teaching cardinal directions and map skill to first graders this year? Do you have a sense of direction? My husband is one of those people who uses North and South when giving directions.  I'm a right and left girl so that makes no sense to me!  😆 Probably because I was never taught map skills or cardinal directions in first grade. So... let's not let that happen to our first graders today.  Let's teach them map skills and cardinal directions so they don't get lost.  Also, so they can talk intelligently when it comes to directions. Cardinal Directions Whole Group Activity To read a map, students first need to know cardinal directions.  So let's start by labeling the classroom with the cardinal directions. First, using a compass, find the "North" wall of your classroom and place the "N" label there.  Continue until you have all of the walls labeled. (Don't have labels, you can make them quickly your self, or sign up for the resource below.)   Now that the walls are labeled, you'll need to do a variety of activities to practice using the cardinal directions. Sign up to get the free resource that's load with fun activities for teaching cardinal directions.  There's even an … [Read more...]

First Grade Math Activities Teaching Number Relationships & Patterns in First Grade Math

Welcome to the Breaking Down the Standards Series.  In this post, we will cover the teaching of Number Patterns in first grade.  This can mean counting forward, backward, and skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s.  It can also include determining a number that is 10 more and 10 less than a given number.  Mastering Number Patterns Are you tired of teaching number patterns in the same old way? If you're looking to engage your students and help them build strong mathematical skills, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll explore creative strategies for using algebraic reasoning to identify and apply relationships between numbers. From skip counting with base ten blocks to problem-solving activities, we'll provide you with a roadmap to mastering number patterns.  First Grade Number Patterns Standards: First Grade Common Core Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120. In this range, read and write numerals and represent a number of objects with a written numeral Given a two-digit number, mentally find 10 more or 10 less than the number, without having to count; explain the reasoning used Subtract multiples of 10 in the range 10-90 from multiples of 10 in the range 10-90 … [Read more...]

Fun Crack the Code Activities for Math and Spelling

  Are you struggling to find fun math and spelling activities that are also engaging?  Look no further than Fun Crack the Code Activities for Math and Spelling! These engaging activities are a magical tool to help your students master important skills while having fun. Read on to explore the benefits of secret code worksheets, and how you can incorporate them into your classroom. From mastering tricky E and R words to adding and subtracting within 20, your students will feel like secret agents as they unlock the power of these codes. Get ready to unleash the magic of learning and watch your students become confident and motivated learners! What Are Crack the Code Worksheets and Why Your Students Will Love Them Students will use a code that is created by pictures.  Each picture represents a letter or a number.  The set of pictures creates a word or equation. Students will write the word and say it or create an equation then solve it.  Such an easy teaching tool that brings fun into your students' day! See the example below.     Whether you're looking to introduce new concepts or review old ones, secret code worksheets are an unbeatable teaching tool. Students will love the … [Read more...]

First Grade Math & Literacy Bingo Dabbers for First Grade Learning Centers

Using Bingo Dabbers in your First Grade Learning Centers might just change EVERYTHING!  You know why?  Because kids love them so much that they'll even work during recess!  Honest! What are Bingo Dabbers? Have you ever played BINGO?  Bingo is a fun and easy game.  You simply "dab" the number that the caller yells out.  The object of the game is to complete a line horizontally or vertically.  To play, you need a bingo dabber.  As shown above, they are bottles with a sponge on the top which releases the colored ink when pressed down.  You will also find it spelled "dabber" and "dauber."  Also, you might hear bingo markers.   How do I use Bingo Dabbers for Learning Centers? In the classroom, we don't use them for BINGO, we use them for First Grade Learning Centers!  There are games specifically made for using these fun dabbers.  Math and Phonics games are very popular! Check out is video! These basic addition and subtraction Bingo Dabber games are fall-tastic! Students only need a dabber, a pencil and a paper clip for a spinner. No colored ink required. Click here to check them out.   What makes Bingo Dabbers so much fun? I've never asked a child why they like them so much, … [Read more...]

First Grade Math Activities Super Fun Crafts

If you like to entertain and educate, you'll love these Fun First Grade Math Crafts for teaching Counting and Place Value with Ordering Numbers. Because they are easy to create, your students will love them too! Paper Crafts are so easy! Count Forward and Backwards Math Crafts Who Let the Dogs Out??  🐶🐕🐩🐕‍🦺 The first Fun Math Craft created was this cutie right here. The Math Hound helps first graders (and kindergarteners) practice Counting Forward. In the same resource you'll find the Math Shepherd that focuses on Counting Backwards. Both have options from 10 and 20 with just numbers or ten frame options.  Worksheets Included to Practice Counting Forward and Backwards Fun on the Farm Math Crafts The Skip Counting Chicken - Skip Count by 5's to 120 Ready for a Clucking Good Time? 🐔 Meet the Skip Counting Chicken and practice counting by 5s to 120!  Students will have this fun craft to take home for continued practice. Differentiated: Count by 5s to 50 Count by 5s to 100 From 25 to 70 From 25 to 120 Blank Version - Teacher Assigns Numbers Nine Skip Counting by 5 Worksheets Included More Fun on the Farm Math Crafts The … [Read more...]

First Grade Math & Literacy Mystery Picture Puzzles Fun!

Mystery Picture Puzzles Make 1st Grade Fun!  They can be used in a variety of subjects to practice skills such as addition, subtraction, place value and phonics. Your first graders will love these fun and engaging activities. They can be used as cut and paste worksheets or full color math or literacy centers. Why Mystery Picture Puzzles? Have you tried Mystery Picture Puzzles in your First Grade Classroom? If not, you're in for a Fun Treat for your students. They are also an engaging way to practice many different skills! What's a Mystery Picture Puzzle? They are a scrambled picture with answers placed somewhere on the pieces. There is a skills board in which students glue the correct answer. Once all of the answers are glued to the board, the mystery picture will reveal itself if the answers are correct! A great self-checking activity! Are they easy to use? Yes! And kids love them, too! Just copy the puzzle pages and follow the step-by-step instructions on the page. Your students will be begging for more. Here's a free puzzle to try these out for yourself.  How can I best utilize MPP? That's one of the great things about Mystery Picture Puzzles! They can be used in … [Read more...]