Paper Mache Clownfish

When I taught first grade we used to transform our classroom into an ocean wonderland. This is one of the main things I miss about teaching first grade. Now that I am in second grade I think I may focus my attention to creating a rainforest wonderland, or perhaps a second grade version of the ocean wonderland my firsties and I loved so much!

I have had some questions about my paper mache clownfish that have been posted on the blog and Instagram. I thought I'd take this opportunity to post a "how-to" guide to help those of you wanting to create these adorable sea creatures with your class.

Here are the supplies you will need:

- Balloons (and pump if you want to make it easier on yourself!)
- Newsprint Paper
- Elmers Art Paste
- Small Containers for the paste
- Pitcher or Bucket
- Paint- Orange, White, and Black- My favorite brand is Jazz Gloss
- Model Magic
- Plastic Bowls
- Google Eyes
- Orange Foam
- Fishing Line
- Glue gun and hot glue

Step One: The first step is blowing up the balloons to your desired size and cutting or tearing the newsprint into pieces. Then make the art paste in a pitcher according to the directions. I find I usually need two boxes for a class of 24 students.

I like to do this project in small groups of 4 or five students, but it also works as a class. The easiest way to protect tables is to get plastic tablecloths to line the tables with. Towels are also great for spills and sticky hands.

Step Two: Pour a little paste into the containers and provide each student with a handful of newsprint. They will need more later, but give them a pile to start. I like to write their names on a bowl and put the balloon inside so it doesn't roll around all over the table. Have the students dip a paper into the paste and use two fingers to wipe off the excess into the bowl. They will then spread the paper onto the balloon. They will cover the balloon with one layer to start. Once the first layer is complete have the students cover the balloon with two more layers. You may take a break between layers and even complete layers on separate days (if you are willing to deal with the mess on multiple days!). Tip: sometimes the students' balloons get extra wet. Have the students just place dry newsprint on the overly wet parts without dipping back into the paste if necessary.

Step Three: Place the bowls with the paper mache balloons in a good place to dry. You will need to rotate the balloons so all sides dry.

Step Four: Pour paint into containers and have students paint the balloon orange. One balloon dries, I have them paint white stripes on the balloon. Sometimes it looks great to line the white with black marker or black paint.

Step Five: Pre-cut dorsal fin, and pectoral fins out of orange foam. Roll rings out of Model Magic for eyes and let them dry overnight.

Step Six: Call students over one at a time and have them show you where they want you to attach fins, eyes, and mouth. This needs to be hot glued, so adult help is necessary. Glue on the pieces according to student directions. At this point I also write student names on the bottom of the fish with permanent marker.

Step Seven: Poke hole in top fin with end of fishing line, knot the top and add a glue dot with glue gun to hold. Fish can be hung from the ceiling to create your ocean wonderland!

Please comment with any questions you may have about these adorable clownfish!

Here are some other resources for your Ocean Wonderland Transformation!

Clown Fish Diagram Freebie!

Ocean Animal Draw and Write 

Octopus Art Freebie

Sea Turtle Unit

Sea Turtles Unit

Whales Unit

Video Resources!

Happy November! I can't believe it is here already! Yesterday my class had a wonderful day. Our school is one of the lucky ones… we are still able to have a costume parade and a party for Halloween! The students were so excited and my room parents and volunteers did a wonderful job arranging fun and engaging activities for the students. I decided to join the fun and dress up as Snow White. What I wasn't expecting was to be practically tackled with hugs by the girls (and some boys) when they saw me!

Speaking of fun and engaging… I wanted to share some of our favorite videos we use in class. These videos are great fillers before going home, as transitions, and as brain breaks. I have enjoyed all of the KidTv123 songs I have come across so far. Warning… they are addicting! You will be singing them at home, at the grocery store, and while cooking dinner.

This first one is a great supplement for math. It is all about shapes.

This next video is great for counting big numbers… my only wish is that they counted up to 120 before going higher.

The next video has been great for reinforcing the magic e rule with my class.

These have been helpful for my students and I hope you enjoy them too!
Happy Teaching!

Creating a Giant 120 Chart!

One of our first grade math standards is reading, writing, and counting numbers to 120. As I was racking my brain attempting to find ways to make this standard engaging, I realized that sidewalk chalk could bring a little pizazz to this otherwise tedious task. These photographs are from last year's Giant 120 chart, but I am really looking forward to completing one this week with my current class! All you need: pavement, sidewalk chalk, and students!

After planning out the lines during my computer prep time (the four square lines helped!), I brought the kids out and we had a blast taking turns writing the numbers to 120. When we were finished writing the numbers, the learning did not stop. We practiced jumping into squares that were 10 more and 10 less. We skip counted and literally skipped from one number to the next. We counted by tens starting from all sorts of numbers and hopped to numbers called out by peers. This lesson was one of my students' favorites and I am so excited to do try it again this year!
Happy teaching!

Main Topic Hokey Pokey!

Welcome! To get things started I would like to share a fun song that I have created to help my first graders with the complicated task of understanding Main Topic and Key Details. The Common Core Standards use the language "Main Topic" instead of "Main Idea" in first grade. In order to ensure consistency, I decided to use this CC language for my song.

The song is called The Main Topic Hokey Pokey. I created silly gestures to go with each section (the kids love it!). For example when we say "Main Topic" we create a rectangle with our hands above our heads. Then for "Text" we make a book with our hands. When we say "Key Details" we create starbursts with our hands while turning around. Then we clap our hands for " The most important thing" and put our hands on hips for "Learn about".  This song loops around so the ending sentence is "The most important things we learned about the… Main Topic."

This has been an excellent resource for my students while we grapple with the main topic of many texts we encounter. Not to mention it is super engaging! Enjoy this resource... Stop by my TpT store for a freebie of the lyrics! Main Topic Hokey Pokey Freebie!