Springing Into Science

I am super excited to be teaming up with an amazing group of bloggers to bring you some fantastic science freebies and giveaways!

Our last unit of the year is our animal unit - one of my favorite!  My kiddos LOVE learning about animals.  We start by studying the different habitats - Oceans, Freshwater, Grasslands, Deserts, Woodlands, Rainforests, and the Arctic.  As we learn about each habitat, thru read alouds, informational texts,  and short videos (we love Brainpop Jr. and there are some great Dr. Seuss and Magic School Bus videos), we keep track of the information in a class chart.  Then, students work in groups to become "experts" on one specific habitat.  They create a habitat book and share their information with the class.  

Next, we study the different animal groups - mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.  There are some fantastic leveled informational texts that we love to use from National Geographic.  

After brainstorming all the animals we can think of, students each choose an animal to research and create a "mystery box" for that animal.  We do all of the research at school and the students create the boxes at home.  Here are some examples of some of the boxes my students created last year.

One of the activities my students love are the Animals and Habitats QR Code Cards. It's a fun, interactive way for students to practice their knowledge of animals while using technology.  Students love scanning the QR code with the iPad to see if their answer is correct - instant feedback!!  

So . . . . I have a freebie for you!  You can download my Animals QR Code Cards by clicking HERE or on the picture below.

You can also check out my other animal units by clicking HERE or on the pictures below.

     

Animals and Habitats Unit

 

Animals and Habitats QR Codes

Not only do you get a freebie, but you can win the Animal and Habitats Unit and the Animals and Habitats with QR Codes.   

Be sure to fill out the rafflecopter and 2 lucky followers will win both units!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now hop on over to Fun Monkey Bars for the next stop of on this fun Springing into Science blog hop!  Just click on the picture below.

Happy Spring!

Five for Friday . . . on Saturday (and a Sale)

Happy Easter Weekend!  It was so nice to have yesterday off . . . unfortunately I was under the weather so that's why this is a "Five for Friday . . . on Saturday" post.

But first, we are having an Easter Sale this weekend on TPT!!

Our entire stores will be 20% off Sunday and Monday!!!  I know I have a lot on my wish list and I can't wait to fill up my cart!  Click on the pics below to start shopping.

   

Carrie's Store
Caitlin's Store

Excited to link up again with Doodle Bugs Teaching

This week we started our animal unit - one my favorite units!!!  And as part of our unit, we are taking a field trip to Shedd Aquarium next week.  Our first trip of the year . . . can't wait!!  We are learning about the different habitats first.  After we study each one, the students will work in groups to do more research on a specific habitat and then each student will create a mystery animal box. 

I'm excited to start using my animals and habits unit again this year!

And I just got these new books in from Amazon to use with our mystery animal project.

We started our money unit this week.  My kiddos were so excited to practice counting coins.  They are obsessed with the half dollar!   

I love seeing how my students are growing as readers and writers.  This week, my guided reading groups were focusing on text features in their nonfiction books.  We took a little scavenger hunt thru our habitat books. 

One group was working on writing biographies with the ELL teacher.  I was so proud of each student as they shared the biography they wrote about their partner with the class.  They did such a good job!!  Lots of details and complete sentences - which we've been working on all year!!

I finally finished my Rockin' Out Double Digit Addition Unit and added it to my TPT store!!  This common core aligned unit incorporates both traditional addition with regrouping and the open number line concept. 

My students loved playing the different games.  One of their favorite was the QR Code activity using the iPads.  This unit is full of posters, centers, independent practice, games, practice papers, word problems, and technology.  It is differentiated into four different groups for each activity - without regrouping, with regrouping, both regrouping and no regrouping, and 3-digit addition.

And finally, many things to celebrate this week!! 

First, it's the second installment of Saturdays of Spring Freebies over at The Collaboration Connection.  You MUST check it out!!  There are some fantastic freebies just for you!

I have included my exclusive freebie Spin Me Round - an addition game from my Rockin' Out Addition Unit.

Second, we have reached a major milestone!  We have over 1,000 followers on Instgram!!!  I still can't believe it!!  I am obsessed with IG and love finding new ideas from amazing teachers on Instagram.  I am soooooo excited that we have over 1,000 amazing followers!!!  

If you aren't following us, our user name is tabletalkwithcandc.

I'm also very close to reaching a personal milestone on TPT - 400 followers.  I'm 'this' close!  When I get there, be on the lookout for a giveaway!!!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend and a Happy Easter!

Giveaways, Freebies, and Sunday Funday

So much to share with everyone today!!  There's been a lot going on.  So let's get started . . . 

First, I just finished my newest double digit addition unit - Rockin' Out Addition.  

It includes 2-digit addition with and without regrouping and 3-digit addition with regrouping.  There are several games/center activities, posters and handouts, QR codes, I Spy Around the Room, Scoot Activity, and word problems.  Here is a sample of just a few of the activities included.  Click on the pics or HERE to get your copy!

Next, I am joining Teacher Tam's Educational Adventures for a Hoppin Good (Weather) giveaway!!

You MUST check out this A-MAZING giveaway!!  There are 4 different giveaways to enter and an unreal amount of products to win!!  I have donated my R-Controlled Vowel Word Sorts.  

Now, onto the Freebies!!  The Collaboration Connection is starting a new series on Saturdays for the next few weeks called "Saturdays in Spring".  Each Saturday, we are going to highlight some exclusive freebies just for our readers!!  

This week I have posted my 3D Shapes with QR Codes.  

Head on over and scoop it up!!

Finally, it's Sunday, so that means Sunday Funday with A Burst of First!

As you already know, I'm kinda in love with Dave Matthews Band, so my husband surprised me with tickets to see Trippin Billies - a DMB cover band.  We headed into the city last night to see them play at Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville.  They were really good!  Now I can't wait for summer to get here for our annual DMB concerts!  

One last note . . . I am only a few followers away from 400 on TPT!!  Once that happens, check back for a giveaway!!!!

Hope everyone has an a-mazing week!!