Spelling and Math Mats

Ok...this is an idea out of the "Green Light Classroom" book from the awesome, Rich Allen. My school (we stayed after work one day and all us teachers made many different mats) used these this year. The one we made for first grade was a "Spelling Mat" and a "Math Mat" out of 1 tarp. One side we use for spelling and the other side for math. It is just a tarp (size ???...I'd have to ask my team mate who would know) lined off by masking tape and then a letter board and number board. The spelling board should have 2 different colors of tape for the consonants and vowels. The math board we made a reflective image of numbers. Here are a couple of pictures for those who need visuals (me, me me!!!)

These 2 mats can be used for MANY different things! The ideas are limitless. We used the alphabet mat to practice our spelling words this year. We didn't do it everyday, but tried to used it once a week. As I'm sure you know...the kiddos did LOVE it. They were all engaged, participating, actively learning, etc. The math mat was used to practice addition and subtraction facts. Again, you could come up with a zillion ways to use both mats.

Some of the other grade levels made 100 charts and times tables. In Rich Allen's workshop, he also has examples of periodic tables, a treble clef and lines taped to the carpet for a music teacher, and the best idea yet...a clear shower curtain with sheet proctectors taped so you can switch out cards for whatever you want to practice. We have a clear one in 1st grade, but it's not in my classroom so I couldn't take a picture to post. If anyone is interested, I can make that happen so you can see what I'm talking about. You could tape these grids to the floor in your classroom, but on a tarp it can travel outside, in the hallway, or lots of room in the cafeteria. Change of scenery is good for the munchkins!

Ok...that's all I've got for now! How'd ya like that?!!? : )