V is for Vocabulary: Top Ten List Of Games and Activities

Today I am sharing my top ten favorite games and activities used to teach vocabulary. The definition of the vocabulary word can be given as hints or clues for certain games. I also always provide a word bank for younger children. I utilize many of these games and activities when teaching Spanish vocabulary too.

1.) Hangman

2.) Crossword Puzzles, Word Scrambles, Missing Letters, and Word Searches

3.) Vocabulary Menus, Tic-Tac-Toe, or Choice Boards

4.) Charades and Pictionary

5.) Hollywood Squares

6.) Bingo 

7.) I Spy Word Splat

8.) Jeopardy  

9.) Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

10.) Flyswatter Game 

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky. It is Week 22 and the focus is on Letter V if you'd like to join us. I will also link this post up at Year Round Homeschooling Hearts for Home Blog Hop. Thank you for visiting A Learning Journey!

T is for Tubman: Harriet Tubman

We are anxiously awaiting our Harriet Tubman: Freedombound book from YWAM Publishing written by Janet and Geoff Benge. It is part of the Heroes of History collection. Click on the following link to see a chronological list of books in the Heroes of History collection.

We already received the 61-page corresponding downloadable Unit Study Curriculum Guide as part of the TOS Review Crew. Alyssa and I started collecting books from our personal library about Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, Civil War, and Slavery for our Display Corner. We are so looking forward to studying a new history topic.

What are you studying in History?

Are you familiar with the YWAM Heroes of History books?    

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky where posts themed around the "Letter T" are listed. I will also link up at Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop. 

S is for Spanish Suitcase

Alyssa loves learning Spanish. I wanted to share an activity we completed this week. It's an Interactive Suitcase. She's learning about clothing and accessories (La Ropa y Accesorios).

She cut and assembled her suitcase using a brad to hold it together at the top. Her task was to draw and number clothing articles inside her suitcase. Then, she made a corresponding numbered list. She tried color-coding them so I could find and match them up easier. She titled her suitcase, "La Maleta de Alyssa."

The activity was found on Teachers Pay Teachers for FREE. So, if your children are learning Spanish you may want to check it out.

I will link this post up at Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop. I will also link it up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky. This week we are all sharing "Letter S" posts. 

I hope you enjoyed visiting A Learning Journey! Come back again soon. :)

R is for Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project

This post is part of the 2016 Virtual Curriculum Fair. The theme this week is Discovering Patterns in Math, Science, and Logic. Be sure to read this entire post, because there will be links to additional homeschool blog posts related to this week's theme.

The math curriculum that we use is mastery-based. I tend to supplement with online programs, hands-on activities, and math projects to provide variety and fill in any learning gaps.

I am addicted to teaching so one hobby I like to do in my spare time is search for educational ideas. Today's math project was inspired by an old classroom idea I used many, many years ago. Seeing it on the Internet again reminded me of my students' excitement when using this project to explore and learn about area and perimeter.

I want to share with you Alyssa's Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project. We utilized this activity to review perimeter and area.

First, she built a robot using our colorful centimeter blocks. Each body part was a different color. I asked her to include a head, neck, body, legs, and arms. You can definitely extend this activity by adding on more body parts. I also asked her to use only rectangles and squares. We also reviewed the formulas for finding area and perimeter.

Then, she figured out the area for each part separately. She wrote down the dimensions on the mini chart and did the calculations in her head. She had to remember to double (or multiply) the amount for the legs and arms, because she had two of each.

Alyssa also calculated the total area for her robot showing her work on a separate sheet of lined paper.

Next, she colored in her robot using the coordinating colors. She removed the corner blocks and placed a matching color dot on the grid paper so she'd remember the dimension and size of the body part. She wrote a descriptive paragraph about her robot. This is a great time for you to ask your child to compare or combine body parts. She wrote about the attributes and total area of her robot. Her robot's name was Felicity who is named after one of the American Girl dolls.

Finally, we verbally discussed what the perimeter was for each body part.

As you can tell by the photos she truly enjoyed this hands-on math project. She'll have time to explore the blocks next week. I'll ask her to create another robot with specific dimensions and then she'll compare the calculations for both robots.

The grip paper was found at Hand 2 Mind. The centimeter blocks are best to use with younger children or with older children in the concrete stages of learning. It helps them visualize the concept better. You could color in the centimeter grid paper to create your own set of centimeter blocks or print them on colored paper. Keep in mind the pieces will be tiny and you'll have to cut each one so have a place to store them when finished.

Try searching for colored manipulative blocks to see what you can find. In the past, I've used colored one-inch tiles for this and other activities especially when Alyssa was younger as seen at Kent State University Math. Click on the first link under Bold 1" Grid or visit Do 2 Learn and scroll down to the 1" grid paper.

Other Helpful Links
Perim-Bots Game
Robot Perimeter or The Texas Teacher
Step Into Second Grade

Please visit my Skip Counting, Area, Multiplication Oh My post for additional math ideas.

I am participating in the 2016 Virtual Curriculum Fair this year. Come check out some of the topics my fellow homeschool blogging friends have shared this week related to the theme of Discovering Patterns in Math, Science, and Logic. Click on the following links to read their posts.

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses - Thoughts on Math and Science
Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset  - From Counting to Calculus
Laura @ Day by Day in Our World  - How We Approach Math in This Homeschool Year
Annette @ A Net In Time - Struggling with Math, Loving Science
Annette @ A Net In Time  - Lego Pulleys and Levers
Yvie @ Gypsy Road Hands - On Math with Special Needs Learners
Chelli @ The Planted Trees  - Chemistry Using Living Books
Lisa @ GoldenGrasses  - An Appalling Lack of Curiosity
Edie @ Carter Chaos  - Our Favorite Ways to Study Numbers
Tracey @ A Learning Journey  - Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project
Jennifer @ A Glimpse of Our Life  - Math and Standardized Tests
Jen @ Chestnut Grove Academy  - Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science
Sarah @ DeliveringGrace  - Learning Multiplication Tables
Kylie @ Our Worldwide Classroom  - Multisensory Multiplication
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break  - Science and Stuff
Kemi Quinn @ Homemaking Organized  - Math in Our Homeschool for a Later Elementary Organized Reader
Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory  - Math and Logic - Our Steady Path
Laura @ Four Little Penguins  - Math and Science Love

I will also link this post up at Life at Rossmont's Wordless Wednesday, Virtual Refrigerator, Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet, and at Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop.

I hope you enjoyed visiting A Learning Journey. :) Thank you for stopping by today.

Q is for Quadrilaterals

Blogging Through the Alphabet is focusing on "Letter Q" this week. I brainstormed several topic ideas, but seemed to be drawn to the word Quadrilaterals. It must be because I love teaching Math. Here are few activities that Alyssa and I did together this week to help her learn more about QUADRILATERALS.

I LOVE my FREE Teachers Pay Teachers account. I searched for Quadrilateral and clicked on FREE activities. I  found some fun options for our lesson.

First, we watched and discussed a Quadrilateral Powerpoint.
Then, we viewed a Quadrilateral Poster and discussed the Quadrilateral Family Tree Poster.

Next, Alyssa completed a Quadrilateral Search worksheet and a Quadrilateral Shape Practice Color Page.

Finally, she enjoyed the Quadrilateral Cut and Sort activity. This was a simple sort categorizing shapes that are and are not quadrilaterals. She also worked on a more complicated Quadrilateral Sort Geometry Math Center. Alyssa had to sort shapes by the six types of quadrilaterals based on each shape's properties. This activity was a little more time-consuming. I gave her the Quadrilateral Family Tree Map to help after her first attempt. I was able to see what she knew and what she needed more help on.  

 

Tomorrow Alyssa will participate in a Quadrilateral Hunt. I plan on having her take a photograph of each quadrilateral she finds and using them in a PowerPoint presentation. She likes to create PowerPoints in her free time. She'll also complete Inspire Me ASAP's Mix and Match Poster Activity using the definitions, shape names, and pictures.

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet and Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop.

O is for Oreo Opinion Organizer: Persuasive Writing

Oreos can make pervasive writing more fun! I came across a graphic organizer titled "OREO" when researching ways to teach facts and opinions. I ended up getting way off track but in the end found a brand new-to-me teaching idea. I decided to try this method with Alyssa (Age 8). It was something different from our regular routine which provided a little more variety to our homeschool day.

Prior to using the Oreo Opinion Organizer we watched an OREO powerpoint to introduce the method and brainstormed persuasive (opinion) writing ideas. She chose one topic for today's paper.   

O - Opinion (Clearly Stated)

R - Reasons for your Opinion (Valid)

E - Examples that Support Your Opinion (Relevant)

O - Opinion Restated

I added in a little incentive. I told her she could earn an Oreo cookie for each valid reason in her paper that had relevant examples. Single, double, or triple stuffed Oreos indicate how many reasons with examples your child will add to the paper. She wrote a double stuffed persuasive paper on how cats are better pets than dogs. Her final draft was written the next day. We'll discuss opening, closing, and transitional sentences a different day. The lesson was a huge success!

You can find many free graphic organizers if you do a quick Google search. Here are just a few I found available at Teachers Pay Teachers. Sign up for a free account to access the materials while they are still available for free. These links will get you started.

• Tales of a Tenacious Teacher
• Teaching with Crayons and Curls
• 3rd Grade to the Core
• Smart Cookies Difference between reasons and examples

Here are final draft Oreo Opinion Writing papers.

• The Primary Journey 
• Teaching with Tara

A simple presentation about the method can be seen below. We'll definitely use this method again! 

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky and at Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop.

N is for Notes: Baby Shower Birthday Notes

Several of you know that I am decluttering my garage after my most recent move. I was going through some VERY old items when I came across a miniature treasure chest filled with birthday cards to Alyssa. In that box were special birthday NOTES.

I received a baby shower when I was pregnant with my one and only daughter, Alyssa. An activity at the party was to make birthday notes or cards for Alyssa. She had a new card to open with a note to read starting with her first birthday until her 15th birthday.

This was such a sweet activity! If you are planning a baby shower for a friend or family member, I suggest adding this fun activity. Alyssa and I recently read them together because they were lost in storage for so many years. She doesn't want to get rid of them, because she really liked reading the notes from everyone. We also have a special note from her great grandmother who is no longer with us.

 I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky. All posts are themed around Letter N. I will also link up at Life at Rossmont's Wordless Wednesday Linky. Thank you for visiting!

M is for Menu Plan Monday: Dinner Plans

This week on Blogging Through the Alphabet we are focusing on Letter M posts. I really need to get things back in order so I've decided to start meal planning again to help save money and time.

This week I'd like to share my Menu Plan Monday dinner plans. I like having a list when grocery shopping, because it keeps me focused and I'm less likely to splurge when I have one.

Menu Plan Monday for January 25th-30th

Sunday - Southwestern Chicken Fajita Bean Soup

Monday - Crispy Beef and Cheese Tacos and Italian Salad Kit

Tuesday - Crispy Beef and Cheese Tacos and Italian Salad Kit

Wednesday - Italian Sausage with Spinach Cheese Ravioli + Spinach Salad

Thursday -  Italian Sausage with Spinach Cheese Ravioli + Spinach Salad

Friday - Baked Chicken Breast, Au Gratin Potatoes, and Rosemary Asparagus

Saturday -  Chicken Breast, Au Gratin Potatoes, and Rosemary Asparagus

Sorry I don't have any interesting photos or website links this week. I am keeping things simple and quick. 

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky and Menu Plan Monday Linky at I'm an Organizing Junkie. Hoping I will have some time to check out new recipes before my next grocery store visit.

L is for La Luna (Moon): Oreo Cookie Moon Phase Activity

Alyssa has been learning about the moon phases. We were at the table brainstorming Blogging Through the Alphabet blog posts when I remembered that moon in Spanish was la luna.

Today I will share with you a fun hands-on activity I did with my 8-year-old daughter to help her understand the moon phases better. She cut or gently scraped off the white frosting. We used only four Oreo cookies. She started with the full/new moon. She carefully split each one in half by twisting them. She organized them on a paper plate. The activity was super easy to complete and definitely solidified learning.

I think she liked the activity!
But I know she enjoyed eating the cookies more ;)

There are so many wonderful free printables about the moon phases. I recommend using ones that match the diagram of the moon cycle phase. Google Oreo Cookie Moon Phases to explore your options!

I also played Mr. Lee's Phases of the moon Rap as she worked. She enjoyed singing along and used it to review the phases after the activity concluded.  She pointed to each moon phase as she sang.

I will link this post up at Life at Rossmont's Wordless Wednesday Linky and Through the Calm Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky. The focus for Week 12 will be on "Letter L" posts.

K is for Kids Clothes: A Decluttering Project

We recently moved after selling our home. I quickly realized that we could no longer store all of our belongings at the new place so I've been decluttering AGAIN.

This week we brought all the KIDS clothing tubs inside to sort by size. I won't be having any babies any time in the near future, because I am divorced so it is time to "LET IT GO." I saved these clothes for years hoping to have a second child.

My prayer is that I will be able to sell everything quickly so that I can start a new project. I am pulling out only a few items attached to fond memories. I am a bit overwhelmed with this project, because this is just the tip of the iceberg and it's so hard to say goodbye. I know . . . it sounds silly but it is true. Wish me luck!

I will link this post up at Life at Rossmont's Wordless Wednesday. I will also link this post up for the "Letter K" Linky of Blogging Through the Alphabet at Through the Calm Through the Storm.

J is for JUST a Few Great Blogging Friends

I was invited to stay on the Schoolhouse Review Crew team for 2016. I can't wait to review all the new products with my daughter. It is a privilege to be working with so many outstanding bloggers. Today I wanted to share a few crew member blogs with you. Hopefully you'll find new reading material. I know I have found some great content to read over the weekend. Enjoy exploring! I hope you find a few new blogging friends to follow!

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky. Come join the fun - this week we are focused on posts themed around the letter J.