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March 19, 2017

Learning Using Kinetic Sand in the Classroom

Kinetic Sand, Planet Happy Smiles, Hands-on Learning
Hello Friend!
So glad you are stopping by!
When my class gets their hands on Kinetic Sand they are fully engaged and when you toss in learning materials, it is a win-win!
Read to the bottom and grab a FREEBIE!

Kinetic sand offers a variety of colors and the texture is interesting. It offers the ability for your students or children to be creative when they mold it. Kinetic Sand also has very little clean up when you keep it in a tray or tub.
Kinetic Sand, Planet Happy Smiles, Hands-on Learning
If you have not tried it, please consider it. There really are some great benefits to just putting your hands into the mixture and manipulating it through your fingers.  Kinetic Sand has a calming factor to it. Even adults love the sensory benefits. 

It can also help kids develop their fine motor skills. Adding tools to the sand can improve their fine motor even more.
Kinetic Sand, Planet Happy Smiles, Hands-on Learning
During our animal study, I created a beach habitat using the sandcastles, plastic animals, blue glass blobs, plastic scenery materials, and Kinetic Sand.  The kids were able to create any way they wanted the habitat to look and then write about them. It was so engaging!
All of the materials for this tub came from the Dollar Store!

You can also add letters, numbers, math manipulatives, etc.
So many possibilities ... Be Creative! 
Here are some photos of materials I have added in my classroom.
I hope they give you ideas!
Kids can make letters & words using glass blobs!

 Adding Mr. Potato Head pieces is a class favorite!


 
 
Cookie cutters are a great addition and so cheap! 

Dough tools are GREAT, too!
(affiliate link)

 So many items you would add to your sensory bin, would be great with Kinetic Sand!

You can find Kinetic Sand at Walmart or you can purchase Kinetic Sand from Amazon.
(affiliate link)


The students LOVE these molds! (affiliate link)
Kinetic Sand, Planet Happy Smiles, Hands-on Learning 

FREEBIE: To grab the above checklist of ideas, click on the picture.
It is perfect for a quick shopping list!

We hope you enjoyed this post!
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Happy Teaching!

Planet Happy Smiles is sometimes provided free services, goods, affiliate links and/or compensations in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and options are my own and are not influenced by the company or its affiliates. Read our full disclosure here!

March 6, 2017

March Giveaway ... Feeling Lucky? $75 to Teachers Pay Teachers!

Displaying $75 TpT Gift Card Giveaway An Apple  for the Teacher March 6.jpg
Hello, Friends!
We are so excited to bring this giveaway to you!
You have a chance to win $75 dollars to TPT.
If you are like us, you have a cart full of items you are just wishing you had to help save you time!
Best of Luck!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $75 Teachers pay Teachers Gift Card

Giveaway organized by: Kelly Malloy (An Apple for the Teacher), 
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter.  Giveaway ends 3/13/17 and is open worldwide.
Wishing You The BEST!
Happy Teaching!

March 4, 2017

OSMO is Out-of-this-World!

Planet Happy Smiles, Osmo Learning System
Hello Friends!
Have you seen or used an Osmo?
If you already own one, I am sure you LOVE it!
If not, read on to find out why I LOVE it for my students.

Osmo provides hands-on materials to use with your iPad.  The students really enjoy the variety of games you can purchase to go with the Osmo.

Here are some of my students using the tangrams! They are really excited to make the tangrams match the screen. Once they match it correctly they will receive a check mark. 
Planet Happy Smiles, Osmo Learning System, TangramsPlanet Happy Smiles, Osmo Learning System, Tangrams

Planet Happy Smiles, Osmo Learning System, TangramsPlanet Happy Smiles, Osmo Learning System, Tangrams

Planet Happy Smiles, Osmo Learning System, TangramsPlanet Happy Smiles, Osmo Learning System, Tangrams
Here is a short video on the tangrams:

One of our little boys LOVES the coding so much and he asks to use it daily! He really enjoys creating codes and he is beginning to understand coding so much better because of the system!
Planet Happy Smiles, Osmo Learning System, Coding
Here is a short video on how the coding game works:
I purchased the Osmo Genius Kit for the variety it offers. It has several games I use in the classroom.
Here are a few of the sets I have found to be fun and students are very engaged with them!
(Affiliate Links)

*Note: We do not receive any compensation from Osmo.  We just love their products!

We hope you LOVE Osmo as much as we do!
Happy Teaching!

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