Free Science Journal: States of Matter for Grades 1-2

I have a NEW science journal freebie for your first and second graders (and older kiddos too!)

This science journal is just like my others - Journal 1 and Journal 2.

It follows the Quebec Progression of Learning for Science and technology, but can be used by any homeschool or classroom teacher anywhere! 

This journal is all about the 3 states of matter and how water can change into all 3 states.

It's a simple way to cover the basics without being boring, and it would make a great portfolio addition for homeschoolers trying to cover 'explores the world of science and technology

In this journal I have included some posters that explain the states of matter. You could use only these posters as your main lesson or a review, or you could add in some videos on youtube, or some books.

They're all in backline too so your learners can colour them if they'd like to!

For each state of matter, there is a hunt that your kids can do to identify those things in their own environment. You could just use these in your home or classroom, or you could bring them along to the park or on a walk and do them together.

There is also a very simple experiment you can do to show your learners the 3 states of matter. But if you don't want to do that I have included an explanation poster showing how water can be in all 3 states (solid, liquid, and gas). You can take pictures while doing the experiment to include in your learners' portfolios.

I have also made some worksheets you can put in your portfolio that show your child's learning. There is a simple cut and paste, and a labelling page that goes along with the water experiment.

I really hope you and your learner(s) find this journal useful and FUN!

You can download the free science journal below. Just be sure that if you share this journal with others online to share the link to THIS BLOG post or to my blog. NOT the google drive link, please! This helps me see how many people are actually putting my resources to use!

Download The Free States of Matter Science Journal Here

 

Writing an Opinion Unit - Freebie for Beginner Writers

 Free Opinion Writing Unit

For beginner writers

I am getting busy making things for our homeschool for the coming year, and one thing we always love to do is write! My youngest especially loves writing and always looks forward to sharing her opinion. But one thing that I always find tough to do is to sort through the writing my kids do during the year and pick out pieces for their learning portfolios. That is why I started making these units!

This one is ideal for kids who are just starting to write down complete sentences. Of course,e you could also help them out by writing their thoughts down for them, or by writing it down for them and having them copy what you wrote. 

I have included a few different options for kids on different levels of handwriting too. 

You'll also find guides throughout the unit that help you practice separating facts from opinions and adding reasons or 'why's' to their opinion statements.

There is one part that can be done at the beginning of the year and is fairly simple. It just involves discussing the difference between a fact and an opinion (I've included some practice questions you can do out loud together too!) and writing two opinions on a topic. 

The second half is meant to be done at the end of the year, or whenever you feel your learner is ready. It involves writing an opinion and why they have that opinion - in very simple terms of course!

There are optional covers you can use to keep their work organized or put it into their portfolios in this way. 

I really hope this helps you in your homeschool or classroom! You can download it below for free! all I ask is that you share the link to this post or my blog, not the google drive link when sharing. Thank you!

Download the FREE Opinion Unit Here

 

Freebie: My Best Book Awards - A Fun Way to Record Reading

Free Printable Best Book Awards

A Fun way to record reading for grades 1-6!

 Have you ever tried keeping a book log with your kiddo? My oldest used to LOVE doing this and so I always thought that my younger kids would naturally want to do it too. If you're a parent you can probably already tell what I am going to say next...they absolutely did NOT want to keep a reading log!

So this year when I was making my kids learning portfolios I kept trying to think of something different to do. Every year in their portfolios they are required to comment on something meaningful to them. It can be how far they've come in their learning, a favourite project or subject. But my kids always choose to talk about their favourite books - probably because in our homeschool it's one of their favourite things to do - read together!

So I thought it would be fun for us to have favourite book awards! Not only could they give them to favourite books throughout the year, but we could hold a little ceremony at the end of next year to celebrate our favourites and remember them!

I made these sheets with all ages and abilities in mind. I have included drawing-only pages, primary lined pages, and some regular-lined and wide-lined too. You could use these throughout your child's entire elementary journey (and even into high school if you wish!) 

I think it would be SUCH a fun tradition to have - end-of-year book awards! This could also be done in a classroom at the end of the year, or a fun display to make for parent-teacher nights.

If you are a Quebec homeschooler, this is a great way to show something for the competency for 'Reads and listens to literary, popular, and information-based texts" too.

I really hope you and your learners enjoy this one and that it starts some new traditions in a few homes or classroom homes! You can download it at the link below the image...

Download the FREE book award unit here!

Situational Math Problem for Grades 5-6 Free Math Curriculum

 

Free Situational Problem related to Mathematics

Printable

Have you seen my other Situational Problems? You can find them on my math freebies page under problem-solving!

Ready for another great math problem for your learners?

Great!

This one is aimed at older kiddos in grades 5-6 or cycle 3 elementary. It's a fun project that you can spend a few days or an afternoon doing with your learner to practice some math skills in a different way!

If you have never tried a situational problem with your child before you may want to start with an easier problem for  younger grade - they can be fun too! I have others for grades 1-2 and grades 3-4 on my Free Math page. 

Situational problems are a part of the Quebec math progression of learning, but they are fun to do even if you don't live in the province. They help your kids use their math skills in different ways - and use many skills at once. They are made to copy real-life situations and help prepare students to use math in everyday life.

In this situation, kids will design a pamphlet for a candy shop. They will need to follow specific criteria to complete it, but there are many ways they can find a solution to the problem.

I have provided a sample solution for you to get a look at :)

Kids can get pretty creative with this one too, so if you have a crafter then they are going to love it!

I have written before about how to solve a situational problem with your kids, but here is a simple breakdown:

• Take it one step at a time. Encourage your kids to use the "What I Need to Do" page to make a list of what they will need to do to solve the problem. They can check the things off as they do them.
• Go slow. Encourage your learners to go slow. If you're solving at home there is no reason to rush! 
• Turn it into a theme! The week you solve the problem, have a candy week! Learn to make some candy or visit a fun candy store. Watch videos about candymaking or read about it. Introducing the problem then will make it a lot more interesting to them.
• Guide, but don't interfere. Let your learner try to solve the problem on their own as much as you can. Re-read the problem and steps together, help them check off what they do as they go, but don't stop them if they're making a mistake. Learn from mistakes gently and improve the next time.
• Practice skills. If you find your learner is missing out on any of the skills in the problem, take some time to practice them. 
• In situational problems, the answer only counts for a small portion of the score. The process and thinking of your learner is the most important part. Guide them through it gently and slowly let them become more and more independent in solving the problems as you do them. It's not a race!

I hope you and your learners enjoy this problem together, and it helps you in your homeschool or classroom!

Find the link below - all I ask is that you do not share the drive link, but the link to this blog post or my blog! Thank you!!

Download the Free Situational Math Problem Here!

More Math Freebies!