Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Take Home Math Kits

So I was scrolling on Facebook and there was a post, Casey Turner over at Second Grade Math Maniac, was looking for 1st and 2nd grade teachers to try out her Take Home Math Kits.  Who wouldn't JuMp on that train!?  So, I made a comment that I would definitely be interested!  I filled out a short questionnaire and a few days 
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I WAS ONE OF THE 16 SELECTED!!  YAY!!

So...On March 31st, Casey sent me the EnTiRe (287 pages) thing to use for the month of April!  All I have to do is use it and give an honest review/blog post on April 30th -- Okay (said in my BEST Monica voice)!  Love Friends!  That night, I went through the whole pack and wrote down what I wanted to print. There are some 2nd grade activities that I did not want to use at this time.  I also sent an email to my parents and asked them if they would like to have this sent home Monday - Thursday or Thursday - Monday.  The weekend WON!

On Monday afternoon, I began printing my lists - to save on color ink, I printed most of the activities on colored cardstock.  There are some game boards that needed to be in color :).  I also printed the cover and instructions to one page and glued them to large mailing envelopes and numbered each one.  We have this wonderful print-room volunteer, she laminated ALL of the pages for me on Tuesday, I wish I would have taken a picture of the roll - huge!  Then on Thursday, My two wonderful Parent volunteers cut them out for me.  Over the weekend, I got the materials together for the kits so we could begin using them in room 9!



After asking several parents, I elected to send them home on Thursday through Monday.  I sent home a parent letter to get permission for check out.  Students are totally loving it! I am very pleased with the enthusiasm the kids have when they take them home.  I have had several parents ask me if I am going to do this for ELA too!  Hmmm... 

I created a check in/out list that has the games I printed for my use.  The Kit comes with a couple choices; but I wanted one with only the games I chose.  I have also made reminder slips for the games I chose to remind students they have the games out.  
 If you are looking for a way for your students to be engaged in math practice at home, then this is the product for you!  It is fantastic!  I am so grateful that I got to participate in this review!! Thank you so much, Casey Turner for the opportunity!