Common Core Math Ideas

I have gone Common Core Crazy. I don't remember a time when I dug into something "new" in the world of education as thoroughly as I have Common Core. I'm not sure why exactly, but it's true. This has been my Common Core Summer. Wow, that's exciting, huh? I need to squeeze in a real vacation sometime soon...

Thankfully, I have you all to share and appreciate my obsession (right?)

First, here's a little activity I picked up at my training.

It addresses these standards quite nicely:
2. OA. 1 Represent and Solve Problems with Addition and Subtraction (including unknowns in all positions.

2. OA. 2 - Add and Subtract within 20

2. G. 1 - Reason with Shapes and their Attributes.

Not the greatest picture, I know. Sorry about that...

The picture makes it pretty self-explanatory, but basically the kids take shapes (they had lots of different ones available) and paste some on the front under a word problem they write and paste some that will be hidden by the black flap.

They also write an addition problem with an unknown to reinforce that skill as well. Then students can switch and try to figure out their partner's problem. My plan is to have the kids all make one or two and maybe laminate a few good ones to keep as a center activity or in a free time basket.

Depending on your kids, you may choose to have all of the students make the same one that you model first so that they get the idea before they make their own. You can also have them write the problem they are planning to use on scrap paper and have you or a friend check before they make their final project. It might also make a good center activity for kids to make together. 

My first thought was there is no way I'm cutting out all of those freakin little shapes! I'm thinking it might be a good job for a volunteer. I suppose you could print out shapes on colored paper and have the kids cut them for their own project. I know I've seen foam sticker shapes which would work well.
You could also do this activity without the focus on geometry. If you have extra little stickers you can have them use those and create word problems, like "I have 12 ladybugs. 2 are shown below. How many are under the black triangle?" Just an idea...

Also on the Common Core front is my newest TpT venture. My blog buddy Jenaya from The Lesson Plan Diva asked me if I was interested in creating a CCSS Assessment pack for second grade based on her first grade version. After some thought and decisions to push some other projects to the side, I agreed. It was a LOT of work, but I'm pretty proud of how it came out.

Each second grade standard is represented with a mini-poster & a printable assessment. Answer keys and student checklist are also included. If you'd like to check them out, click here.  Thanks, my friends!