
783 original hands-on activities for kids (as well as a compiled archive of ideas from all over the web) with a strong focus on inquiry, design thinking, problem-solving skills, imaginative / creative thinking, nature, drama, learning with movement, music, arts integration and PLAY! - Creative Genius Kids! - for teachers and homeschoolers
Showing posts with label role play. Show all posts
Showing posts with label role play. Show all posts
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Alien Tour: Show Me Your Landforms
3 landform projects given to kids by Vladimir the Extraterrestrial! Vladimir sends the kids 3 postcards from Saturn via a space capsule (tupperware). He wants to know a little more about Earth's natural landscape. - No, he does not want to take over our planet! - In one postcard, the alien shows the kids his planet (an alien world with a familiar landform).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17cLQgrcKLVTEuJrJAukLpfD5lPMquRIA/view?usp=sharing
Sunday, October 12, 2014
The Case of the Missing Sides!
Students transform into Perimeter Detectives as they try to solve The Case of the Missing Sides! After they figure out the unknown side lengths of 10 real world irregular polygons, they must infer what they are part of! - Click here to download!
Introduction (Fence for the Vegetable Garden)
Introduction (Fence for the Vegetable Garden)
Students compare and contrast regular and irregular polygons. They are introduced to the term perimeter by relating it to a garden fence. Then, they rap along with Heath: Rap video by Heath!
Next, they investigate real world irregular polygon photographs. They must find the length of the missing side for 10 items! Then, they use their detective skills and infer what the objects are part of! Tell your students to think creatively! Note: Older students could convert side length measurements. - Conversion Chart included in the package! Exit Slip - For reinforcement, students apply their new skills independently by figuring out the missing side lengths of five irregular polygons. Then, they rate their understanding by drawing a checkmark in the box that fits their current knowledge of the content.
Labels:
area / perimeter,
geometry,
math,
measuring,
role play,
scavenger hunt
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Math Secret Agent
Kids become Math Secret Agents. They create a secret word and message using multiplication equations! They hand it off to another agent to decipher! Click here for a printable (blank).
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Action Verbs
Objective: Wearing special verb investigator glasses, children will observe their peers playing, spy an action that represents a verb, write it, and draw a picture of it.
Objective: Students will publish their writing using Little Bird Tales with guidance from an adult.
Objective: Students will publish their writing using Little Bird Tales with guidance from an adult.
Acting Out Action Verbs (whole group)
One at a time, each child goes up to the front of the classroom and draws a card from a paper lunch bag. Next, the child acts out the verb on the card without saying a word. They can only move their body. The rest of the children try to guess what he or she is acting out. (list of verbs)
One at a time, each child goes up to the front of the classroom and draws a card from a paper lunch bag. Next, the child acts out the verb on the card without saying a word. They can only move their body. The rest of the children try to guess what he or she is acting out. (list of verbs)
Verb Investigators (small group)
For small group instruction, children are called over to the work table to become Verb Investigators! They put on special glasses (crazy sunglasses that have the lenses popped out of them) that will help them observe verbs in action around the classroom. Wearing their glasses, they look around the room and observe their peers playing at each center. Once they spy an action verb, they write a sentence, "I spy _____." Then, they draw a picture of the verb.
For small group instruction, children are called over to the work table to become Verb Investigators! They put on special glasses (crazy sunglasses that have the lenses popped out of them) that will help them observe verbs in action around the classroom. Wearing their glasses, they look around the room and observe their peers playing at each center. Once they spy an action verb, they write a sentence, "I spy _____." Then, they draw a picture of the verb.
Digital Publishing
Children collaborate and create a video story using Little Bird Tales with the teacher's guidance to publish their writing to share with their families. Here is a link to the tale we created on action verbs.
Children collaborate and create a video story using Little Bird Tales with the teacher's guidance to publish their writing to share with their families. Here is a link to the tale we created on action verbs.
Reinforcement
Verbs in Space game on the SMART Board: (http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/grammar/verbs.htm)
Differentiated Assessment - This activity can be differentiated based on each child’s developmental level. Higher-level thinkers can act out more complex verbs. Children with difficulty can be given a simple verb to act out. During the small group activity, the students are challenged to find a verb. They must use their problem solving skills. Advanced children might find a verb that is not extremely noticeable. While other children could point out a verb that is obvious. Teachers can use scaffolding to help them find a verb in the classroom if needed. For example, “What is Joe doing in the games and puzzle area?”
Differentiated Assessment - This activity can be differentiated based on each child’s developmental level. Higher-level thinkers can act out more complex verbs. Children with difficulty can be given a simple verb to act out. During the small group activity, the students are challenged to find a verb. They must use their problem solving skills. Advanced children might find a verb that is not extremely noticeable. While other children could point out a verb that is obvious. Teachers can use scaffolding to help them find a verb in the classroom if needed. For example, “What is Joe doing in the games and puzzle area?”
After the lesson, students assess themselves using a rating scale: GREEN = I got it!, YELLOW = I'm getting it!, RED = I need some help! (printable) Click here for a teacher checklist assessment.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Mysterious Books?!?
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To get kids to try reading a book outside of their norm, have them go on a "blind date with a book!" Wrap books up in newspaper so the cover is concealed. They choose one of the wrapped books and rate it after the first three pages. Then, they continue to read and see if they change their mind. Click here for the printable (above) to go along with the activity!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Magic 34
Amaze your friends with the Magic 34 trick! All you need is a grid with numbers 1 through 16.
First, gather an audience and choose a volunteer. Next, say that you are a math mind reader and you can predict the sum of the four numbers they choose. Pretend to think, then, write the number down and put it in your pocket.
Directions:
1. Have them choose a number on the grid and circle it (any number).
2. Then, they cross off the numbers in the same row and column as the number they circled.
3. They keep choosing a number and crossing off the numbers in the same row and column, until they get 4 numbers.
5. They add their 4 numbers and you pull out the number (you wrote down) from your pocket. Is it 34?!
Visit Learn With Math Games for the explanation behind this trick and for more math mind reading tricks!
First, gather an audience and choose a volunteer. Next, say that you are a math mind reader and you can predict the sum of the four numbers they choose. Pretend to think, then, write the number down and put it in your pocket.
Directions:
1. Have them choose a number on the grid and circle it (any number).
2. Then, they cross off the numbers in the same row and column as the number they circled.
3. They keep choosing a number and crossing off the numbers in the same row and column, until they get 4 numbers.
5. They add their 4 numbers and you pull out the number (you wrote down) from your pocket. Is it 34?!
Visit Learn With Math Games for the explanation behind this trick and for more math mind reading tricks!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Line Drawing: Polygon Investigator
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Big Spender or Bill Saver?
This economics project is by Emily Stout at We are Teachers (2nd grade lesson plan). Kids explore wants / needs as they balance money in Kid Town.
In order to have money, they startup a business. They collaborate, design store signage, create a window display (out of poster board), and market their product. However, they have expenses (rent). Plus, their list of needs comes before their wants. Students find that they might not always be able to get what they want with their earnings.
Who's a big spender and who's a bill saver? Click here for the full activity!
In order to have money, they startup a business. They collaborate, design store signage, create a window display (out of poster board), and market their product. However, they have expenses (rent). Plus, their list of needs comes before their wants. Students find that they might not always be able to get what they want with their earnings.
Who's a big spender and who's a bill saver? Click here for the full activity!
Labels:
economics,
money,
role play,
social studies
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Is your number 18?
1. Choose a number, any number!
2. Multiply the number by 100.
3. Subtract the original number from the answer.
4. Add the digits in your answer.
Is your number 18?!
Example:
5
5 x 100 = 500
500 - 5 = 495
4 + 9 + 5 = 18
Now, let's try a larger number!
1,467
1,467 x 100 = 146,700
146,700 - 1,467 = 145,233
1 + 4 + 5 + 2 + 3 + 3 = 18
It's magic!
Check out Is your number 2? for more mind reading magic! For more math magic activities click here!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Dinosaur Place Value
Stomp = Ones
Hop = Tens
For example, you say the number 29. Kids hop two times and stomp with one foot 9 times.
Once they get the hang of it, compare numbers with a dinosaur chomp! Write two numbers on the board. Kids point their body towards the number that is greater and chomp (arms extended out, clamp together).
For another educational movement activity, check out Kung Fu Punctuation!
Labels:
dinosaurs,
greater than / less than,
math,
numbers,
place value,
role play
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Is your number 2?
Magic Math Trick
1. Think of a whole number 1 through 10
2. Double it!
3. Add 4
4. Divide by 2
5. Subtract the original number
Is the numeral 2?!
Also, check out Is your number 18?!
Visit The Math Lab for the algebra behind this math magic!
1. Think of a whole number 1 through 10
2. Double it!
3. Add 4
4. Divide by 2
5. Subtract the original number
Is the numeral 2?!
Also, check out Is your number 18?!
Visit The Math Lab for the algebra behind this math magic!
Place Value Diner
Place Value Burger
Kids construct a burger - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ztfmp9-KqsbIE2khPH2iaCrjiFOkyb09/view?usp=sharing
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photo credit: culinary schools: kids |
Place Value Pizza
Construct a pizza that showcases different number forms! Visit 2nd Grade Ponderings for a free printable.
Place Value Fries
Get a french fry container for each place value you're working with. Kids stick yellow popsicle sticks in each fry box. Then, they write down their number. Click here to see a couple more french fry ideas (and get a visual).
Place Value Ice Cream
Add a sweet treat to your diner - Pitner's Potpourri
Roll Bundle Win!
Make soda jerker hats for kids to sport while playing these activities!
Cut 2 strips of construction paper and staple 2 of the ends together. Then, take two sheets of tissue paper. Glue the bottom edge of the tissue paper along the backside of the paper head band (middle of the band to the top edge of the construction paper strip. Once dry, fit the band on the child's head. The tissue paper should stand straight up! This is really funny looking!!! Finally, tuck the tissue paper down, shape and tape! After you shape it, you will have an authentic looking soda jerker hat!
(Note these hats can also be shaped to look like a chef hat.)
If you know of any more place value games that could fit into a diner theme, let me know!
Labels:
games,
math,
numbers,
place value,
role play
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Casey at the Bat!
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Children's Book featured: Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888 By: Ernest L. Thayer
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MILB (Minor League Baseball) has compiled a packet of lesson plans for active learning. Below are just a few of the activities included:
Math
- Double Play game with jersey numbers
- Create a concession stand to understand money and economics
Language Arts
- Create a baseball card
- Become a news reporter
- Baseball Vocabulary
Science
- Why do baseball fields have grass (and how to maintain it)
- Build a mini stadium
- Nutrition
Visit BSU for character analysis activities and freebies that go along with the poem!
Click here for baseball experiments!
Poem Link - EDhelper
Labels:
comprehension,
poetry,
reading,
role play
Magical Missing Addends
Now you see it, now you don't! Three hands on ways to explore missing addends!
Featured Above:
1. Paper Slider - Mrs. T.'s First Grade Class had fun figuring out the missing addend with a sliding bar! Click here for details, as well as for lots more awesome activities and printables!
2. Paper Peeker - Our Future is Bright created addition sentences with a mini flap for the missing addend. Visit her blog for a free printable!
3. Tell a friend to draw 2 cards and create an addition (or subtraction, multiplication, or division sentence) with a missing addend. Then, magically solve it right before their eyes!
Labels:
addition,
fact families,
magic,
math,
role play,
subtraction,
uno
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Plant Detective: Edible Plant Parts
Mission 1: Learning the basics
Edible plant parts can be super tricky! Kids sign on for an investigation mission and see if they can make an inference about what plant part different snacks are. First, give each child a sandwich baggie with one of each of the edible plant parts featured above (sunflower seed, grape tomato, broccoli, spinach, celery, carrot). Then, kids make an inference about each item based on their observations. They lay each item in the correct box on the sheet below. Afterwards, discuss how they decided where to place each item. Then, ask students if they can think of any other seeds, fruits, flowers, leaves, stems, and roots we eat.
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photo credit: chef meg |
1. As a class, create a list of all the seeds we eat. See how many edible seeds students can think of without any help.
(Examples: pomegranate, corn, peas, peanuts - if no allergies, edamame, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
2. Bring in a pomegranate, cut it open, and eat some seeds!
Set out real edible plant parts and tape labels on the table (Seed, Fruit, Flower, Leaf, Stem, Root). Kids sort the vegetables and categorize them under the correct label. Students check their work with the teacher and earn a badge to glue in their science notebook!
Here are a few examples:
Seed
See examples from seed investigation
Fruit
Apple, Tomato, Avocado, Cucumber (make it tricky!)
Flower
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Artichoke
Leaf
Spinach, Lettuce, Cabbage
Stem
Celery, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Bamboo Shoot, Potato
Root
Carrot, Radish, Beet, Turnip, Rutabaga, Malanga, Celeriac
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Constellation Viewer
Kids transform into mini Astronomers! 2 freebies from Austin Kids (edit: this site is down) and Girl Start (both featured above). Punch (make holes) the templates and stick the printable cards over a flashlight, turn off the lights, and go stargazing indoors! Update: here is another link for a free printable of constellation templates from Playground Park Bench!
Also, check out Moon Phase Viewer and Cloud Viewer!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Car CRASH! Contractions
Two words crash and what happens: a contraction! Integrate contraction surgery with car crash contractions. Two words crash and come together! The word had a minor injury when it magically transformed. Therefore, it's time for contraction surgery! Kids give the word a bandaid where the apostrophe should be and presto: a contraction! Click here for contraction surgery details. Below is a free printable:
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Ewww! POOF!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Halloween Case Files
Can your students figure out what ______ and his / her friends did on Halloween, using their inference skills? Choose different items to put in manila envelopes or paper lunch bags. Kids examine the different items and come up with explanations for them.
Item ideas:
pumpkin seeds - carved a pumpkin
funny glasses - halloween disguise
face paint - disguise
cape - superhero
green nose with a wart - witch
furry, pointy ears headband - cat
vampire teeth - yikes!
apple - bobbing for apples
cracked egg shell - someone played a trick!
toilet paper - a trick or a mummy!
streamers - they were at a party!
red solo cup - punch ;)
empty cake mix box - halloween party cake!
muffin tin - cupcakes!
leaves - they were outside, jumped in a pile of leaves!
thermal underwear - it was cold outside!
candy wrappers - went trick or treating and ate all of their candy!
flashlight - they were out late at night
cob webs - they were in an old, dirty place (haunted house!?)
slime - monster slime?!
do not enter sign - uh-oh!
tombstone - they were at the cemetery!
note that says "be home by 8:00, love mom" - they had a curfew
watch that says 10:00 - they stayed out past their curfew!
fast food wrapper - dinner or late night snack?!
Add anything you'd like!
Based on the items, students guess how many kids went trick or treating and what they were dressed as. Then, they figure out what they did that night, maybe went to a party? Did they play any tricks? Get creative with different items.
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