You know how some students (especially in the first weeks of school) just sigh when you give them writing or math jobs because what they really want to do is play with blocks or Lego all day?
Here’s how I got those students excited to do some writing and math (while still letting them build and use their imaginations.)
Just add a writing or counting task after they build! Create a recording page similar to those pictured below (or you can see the ones I use by clicking HERE.)

All you need is a bin of ANY building materials and the recording sheet!
You Can Use:
Blocks
Lego
Cubes
Playdoh
Pipe cleaners,
Pattern blocks
Beads
Colored pasta
Colored paper shapes
or…anything, really!
DIFFERENTIATION
To differentiate for your students, there are several levels that you can work with. Just choose how complex to make the task:
1. Build something.
2. Draw a picture of it.
3. Count and record how many of each color was used.
4. Add up the total number of blocks and compare it to the original.
Because not all colors are represented on the sheet, there are further thinking challenges that you could assign to more advanced students, such as….how many blocks were not on the recording sheet? What color are they?
5. For the writing task, describe what was made in as much detail as possible. Depending on the abilities of your students, you can extend the writing task to include more descriptive language and detail. For example, one student of mine wrote a story about a spaceship he made!
6. More advanced students can fill in the colors and numbers FIRST, then work to create something according to that criteria. A partner can be responsible for checking that it’s done properly!
While students work, I used my iPad or iPhone camera (connected wirelessly to my projector through my Macbook) as a traveling document camera. Projecting images of their creations was a great way to share inspiration!
I can challenge the students more as the year goes on and, best of all – no prep at all! Great for assessment, too. Because of integration of subject areas, you’re covering a lot of core skills at once, and everyone is engaged!
You can make your own simple template, or see the one I use with my students by clicking HERE.
Looking for art integration?
If you’re having trouble finding what you need for math, literacy or clip art, you can grab the Clickable Resource List seen below! It’s a comprehensive, always updated list of everything in my TPT store – a big time saver when you need something fast! Download it for free, and tuck it away for when you need it!
Click here to download the clickable resource list to keep for later.

While I do not have a blog, my email is [email protected].
Thank you for this awesome giveaway!
Toni Nicholson
Wow! What an amazing giveaway! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win your entire set of graphics!!!!!!!!!!!!
[email protected]
http://www.funtimesinfirst.com
Thanks!
Nancy
I love your grapics! Great giveaway!
[email protected]
I don't have a blog but my email address is [email protected]. This is a great and generous giveaway!
Wowzers! What an awesome giveaway! I also love the freebie. Thanks! 🙂 Good luck to all who enter!
Heather
2 Brainy Apples
http://2brainyapples.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for the awesome freebie! What a wonderful way to expand on the children's exploration. Thank you for sharing.
Julie
[email protected]
What an awesome giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win! My email address is [email protected]
Congrats on 1,000 followers! I shared this giveaway on my blog! Amazing giveaway…thanks!
A Teaspoon of Teaching
[email protected]
I love your clip art, and only just found your blog. What a great giveaway! Congrats on 1,000 followers.
Kirsty
[email protected]
I love your clipart! What a great giveaway!
teachergonedigital (at) gmail (dot)com
Teacher Gone Digital
Fantastic Giveaway!!! Thanks for offering it! :)Congratulations on 1000 followers!
Congratulations on your new milestones. This is an incredible giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity to win your clipart. I love it.
Charlene/Diamond Mom
Diamond Mom's Treasury
Love the giveaway! Thanks! http://kidsbibledebjackson.blogspot.com/
Congratulations on your success! What a GENEROUS giveaway!
Kristen
Aspire to Inspire
Congratulations on your milestone. What an incredible giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity, all of the clip art looks fantastic!
Best wishes,
Becky
http://educatingprimary.blogspot.com
Congratulations, Susanna! You SO deserve this! 🙂 YIPEEEE! The freebie is such a fabulous idea. Thank you so much. I cannot wait to use it! Happy Weekend!
Carolyn
Kindergarten: Holding Hands and Sticking Together
Katie Nussbaum [email protected]
I don't have a blog 🙂
Congratulations, way to go. My blog is in design and not quite ready for release yet but would love a chance to win this awesome give-away!! My email is [email protected] Thank you so much.
Robyn
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rfts-preschool
I'm ready and waiting for victory! 🙂
A Teacher's Idea
Congrats! http://laughterandlearninginfirst.blogspot.com
[email protected]
Love your clipart!
[email protected]
Life As I Know It
Congrats to you!! I don't have my own blog ~
Cindy
[email protected]
Please be me, Please be me …. I am saying this over and over. I just started on TpT and this could really help me out. Keeping my fingers crossed and sending a little prayer to the giveaway gods!!!!!!
Jamie
teachingtidbit.blogspot.com
Congratulations to you! Thank you for the freebie, the kids will love it!
[email protected]
Email addy is [email protected]
Your products are fabulous. I use something of your almost daily.
The giveaway is soooooooooo great!
Pat
[email protected]
Ooh! I would love to win! What a great giveaway 🙂
Rae
Mindful Rambles
[email protected]
I love all the bright colours in your clipart. They really stand out! I would love to win this prize for sure 🙂
Cheers,
Terri
[email protected]
http://terristeachingtreasures.blogpot.ca
Wow! The graphics look adorable! I love the holiday owls!
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/Tennisluvr4lyfInFirstGrade
Thanks so much!!
Melissa Mize
Creations by Mrs. Mouse
[email protected]
Love the graphics! Thanks so much.
[email protected]
Rose
Love your graphics!
Mrs. Brown Loves Bookworms
Wow! What an awesome giveaway. I hope I win! Thanks for the chance!
Hilary ([email protected])
Second Grade is Out of This World!
[email protected]
Great graphics!
They are so cute!
Love your clipart! [email protected]
Congratulations! Amazing giveaway! [email protected]
Love your work!
I just added a few things to my wishlist on TpT yesterday. Congrats on 1,000! That's fantastic!
🙂
Carolyn
Nurturing Noggins
This is so awesome!!
Diane
Fifth in the Middle
I don't have a blog, but my email is [email protected].
Christine
my blog is Speechercize and Gluten Free. My email is [email protected]
I think the clip art images are so cute.
Breana
Love your products! LOVE this giveaway!!! Thanks for the opportunity! [email protected]
Hi! Ive only just discovered your page & I love your clipart! So cute!
I have a wordpress page: http://reliefteachingideas.wordpress.com/
& my email is: [email protected]
I'd love to win! My blog is colormekinder.blogspot.com & my email is [email protected]
Love your clipart and I hope I win!
Teacher Tam's Educational Adventures
teachertam2(at)gmail(dot)com
i would love to win this prize package! Your clip art is so cute!
Patti 🙂
A Series of 3rd Grade Events
Oh My Goodness this is one fantastic giveaway! Love your clip art!
tokyoshoes at hotmail dot com
Congrats!
My email is [email protected] and my blog is:
http://mrspspecialties.blogspot.com/
This is a great giveaway! My email is [email protected] and my blog is http://ataleoftwokteachers.blogspot.com
Christina 🙂
Wow! Love your things! My email is [email protected]. My name is Christine DiOrio and my blog is at cdiorio.blogspot.com Phenomenal First Grade Phonics and Reading.
Super Giveaway! Thanks so much,
[email protected]
Wow! What an awesome giveaway. I love the freebie. My email is [email protected]
My blog is new and just getting started. My blog is laurasnaborhood.blogspot.com .
This is fabulous! http://lifeinspecialeducation.blogspot.com/
[email protected]
I don't have a blog but my email is [email protected] or [email protected] Thank you so much for the opportunity to win!! 🙂
yipeeeee! Congrats to you. Thank you for the amazing freebie!
Wow! What an amazing opportunity! Thank you so much! 😀
Teacher's Toolkit
What a amazing accomplishment and giveaway. I do not have a blog.
How do you set up an iPad as a wireless document camera? I find this interesting too! Please share.
Jeanne
[email protected]
What an amazing giveaway!!! Congratulations on 1k!!!
Thank you so much for support!
Mathematically yours,
Jamie aka MissMathDork!
[email protected]
So generous! Thanks. [email protected] My blog is Line Upone Line
My fingers and toes and crossed!! 🙂
Thanks so much. This is so awesome!
[email protected]
I don't have a blog, but my email is [email protected]. Thanks for the giveaway!
I don't have a blog but my email is [email protected]. Congrats on your followers!
Congrats on your followers!! What a wonderful giveaway! Would love to win!
Lori
Conversations in Literacy
What an amazing giveaway! Hop I win 🙂
[email protected]
http://www.OvertheMoonBow.com
Dee:)
This is awesome and your products are amazing.
http://bloomingin4thgrade.blogspot.com/
Congrats on your 1,000 followers and thank you for this amazing giveaway!
Kim
[email protected]
I love your clipart! The facial expressions are adorable!
So many possibilities with this giveaway!!! It would open so many doors for me:)
[email protected]
Love your Clip Art!!
I discovered you today through a link promoting this giveaway. What fantastic products!
What an incredible giveaway! You are so talented. 🙂
Your clipart is adorable!! Would LOVE to win!!
Becca
foxwellforest {at} gmail {dot} com
First Grade in Foxwell Forest
I am in love with your creations and would love to win!
Storie
[email protected]
Stories by Storie
this is freaking awesome! 🙂
Hi Susanna!
Thanks for the great giveaway and freebie!
Shelley
[email protected]
The Perks of Teaching Primary
Congratulations on your milestone! What an amazing giveaway! I would love to win 🙂
[email protected]
Congratulations on an awesome milestone…times 2! I'd be happier than a kid in a candy store if I was the lucky winner! My email is [email protected] or you can find me at https://www.facebook.com/crayonscutiescommoncore
Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to win!
Best wishes and much success!
I'd love this!!! I have no blog yet but my email is [email protected] Thanks for the opportunity!
What an AWESOME giveaway!! Congrats on your milestone, as well. That's huge 🙂 thank you for the chance at this!!
Sara
Miss V's Busy Bees
[email protected]
What an AWESOME giveaway!! Congrats!
Christy & Tammy
no blog 🙁 thank you for this amazing giveaway :O) [email protected]
Susanna,
You are right, if I won this giveaway I would be set for life!
Sidney
[email protected]
You are awesome! I don't have my own blog but I love yours and am impressed with all your abilities. I wish I was as creative! I could look creative with your help if I won 🙂 Thanks!
Laura
[email protected]
This is an incredibly generous giveaway! 🙂
msmakinson.blogspot.com
[email protected]
Congrats on getting 1000 followers! Your giveaway is awesome!! 🙂
Sharon
[email protected]
Thanks so much for the awesome giveaway! Fingers are crossed.. and toes and arms and legs!!! 🙂
Daina
Sticky Notes & Glitter: A Second Grade Adventure!
[email protected]
Thank you so much for offering this opportunity! Your work is exceptional! Professional! Amazing!
Always prints crisp and clear!
I'm your biggest fan!!!
What a fabulous giveaway! I love your work and would be thrilled to win it.
Your Style always makes me smile. Someday I will decorate my classroom with 4 seasons and lots of birds!
Peggy
I absolutely love your creations. They are so cute and cuddly. I would love to win your store.
[email protected]
I love your clipart!! I'm already dreaming up cute units I can make with your amazing clipart 🙂
[email protected]
~Lacey
The Fabulous Life of an Elementary Teacher
I own some of your stuff already. Congrats girly!
[email protected]
Journey Of A Substitute Teacher
Love your art! http://missperronsecondgradestars.blogspot.com/
[email protected]
What an amazing giveaway!
teachingjoys.blogspot.com
[email protected]
Oh my word! How am I just find you?? I LOVE your clipart style!! Crossing my fingers….this would be a great one to win!
Amanda
[email protected]
Teaching Maddeness
awesome – this is beyond spectacular!!! LOVE your stuff and thanks for sharing your talents… [email protected]
Congratulations! I love your clip art! Thanks for sharing.
Rachel
[email protected]
Great giveaway – I was hoping to be comment 100 but I think someone just beat me to it 🙂 I love your artwork!!
Lynn
Fun in the Fours
I love the giveaway. Fingers crossed 🙂
Thanks, Su'Anna
[email protected]
Wow! 1000 followers! Congratulations and thanks for the giveaway! Me email is [email protected] and my blog is The Littlest Superheroes
Amy @ The Littlest Superheroes
Wow! This is an amazing giveaway! Congrats on 1000 followers! My fingers are crossed!
Amanda
[email protected]
This is one of the best giveaways ever!! I already have a few of your sets, and would LOVE all of them!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your talents with us!
Nicole
All Things Apple in 2nd
Sorry!! I forgot to leave my email!
[email protected]
All Things Apple in 2nd
Thank you!!
Nicole
LOVE your clip art! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
i dont have a blog, but here is my email: jenniferweberman at hotmail.com
this is an amazing opportunity, thank you!
Wow! These are awesome!! Thanks for this opportunity!
[email protected]
I left my email and posted on my blog as well.
I would love for you to stop by!
Thanks again!
I have just started learning/practicing with creating my own classroom resources and I LOVE your clipart! Thanks for sharing the freebie and the giveaway!
[email protected]
I don't have my own blog, but I wanted to enter a comment for the fantastic giveaway. I find your clipart so amazing. I have one of your forest sets. I also think you chose a perfect name for your blog–I love the word "whimsy"!
[email protected]
What an amazing giveaway!! Congratulations!
Nicki
[email protected]
Mrs. Thigpen's Kindergarten
What an awesome giveaway! I love clip art and yours is too cute! Thanks for the great products!
Love your clipart!
Lori
[email protected]
You always have such great products!!
http://hangingoutinfirst.blogspot.com/
[email protected]
Jessica
Awesome giveaway! Thanks so much. 🙂
Katie
[email protected]
I Want to be a Super Teacher
Wow, this is amazing!
Angelia
[email protected]
I currently do not blog, but I plan on it sooner or later. Here is my email: [email protected]
Love the giveaway! Thank you so much!
Stephanie B
Erika Bell, [email protected]
This is, in one word, amazing! Congrats on your 1000 followers!! And thanks for the super awesome giveaway. Crossing my fingers 🙂
Ashley
http://www.primaryteacherhood.blogspot.com
[email protected]
I am so in love with your clip art!! The facial expressions are just precious!! I would love to win your shop. My little bitty neglected blog is http://www.georgiagrownkiddos.com. My email is [email protected]
Thanks so much for such a great giveaway!!Hope I am the lucky one.
Bobbi
[email protected] I do not have a blog.
Congrats on your followers. It is much deserved.
[email protected]
Kinders on the Block
I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your clipart. Absolutely precious!!! What a fantastic giveaway, the winner will be one lucky, lucky person 🙂 My little blog has not had much TLC lately, but I would love for you to visit: owlinavoweltree.blogspot.com
My email is owlinavoweltree at gmail dot com 🙂
Congrats and thank you! What an amazing giveaway! I love you graphics! [email protected].
How exciting!!! Yes, the incredible give away… But more so the 1000+ followers milestone!! I know you must be THRILLED!! Your quality of work and creativity is such a gift to each of us who have purchased your items as well as a gift to the precious little lives that learn because of your talent and passion for education! Congrats and THANK YOU…. From all of us!!! :))
I absolutely adore you're by Build Count Tell activity. I'm sure it was tons of fun. I hope I can win some clipart!
Excited!
Excited!
Wow! What an amazing giveaway!!! Thanks for the opportunity:)
What a great giveaway Susanna! Thank you for the oportunity 🙂
Sea of Knowledge
Amazing giveaway! Fingers crossed!
Lisa
Always an Adventure in Kindergarten
This is incredible!!! Thank you!
jan
You have NO IDEA how badly I want to win this giveaway! I LOVE your products and would be such a HAPPY GIRL if I won!!!! My blog is: http://luckylittlelearners.blogspot.com and my email is [email protected]
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
I would love to win! Your graphics are too cute!!!
[email protected]
I love your art! Thank you for offering this giveaway. you are incredibly generous!!
maestra.kirra(at)gmail.com
Oh my goodness! I would absolutely LOVE to win! Thanks for the opportunity!
Karen Rowland
Adventures With Firsties
[email protected]
I'm crossing my fingers! Congratulations to you!
[email protected]
Wow, what a great prize!
[email protected]
Teaching Products
I am crossing my fingers that I win this! You are so sweet to give away all of your clip art in your store! Amazing!
butler . erica @ gmail . com
Blooming In First
This is awesome! I am just learning how to use clip art and where to even find it! This would set me up for life!
What a wonderful giveaway and a huge congratulations! I love, love, love clipart, but you know that!
Thanks!
Andrea
Reading Toward the Stars
[email protected]
Holy smokes – what a fabulous week you've had! Incredible giveaway, Susanna! Thanks for the chance! Your freebie is awesome – SO doing that very soon!
Molly
[email protected]
Lucky to Be in First
Mt Blog addy is http://mrsadamskinderswsn.blogspot.com/ My email is [email protected] or [email protected] What a fantastic giveaway!!! fingers are crossed.
Wow! I hope I entered this correctly!
My email is [email protected]
Love your clipart! Hope I win! 🙂
I love your Build, Count and Tell!!!
Thank you so much for helping make my Math Centers more fun!
🙂 Your Clip are is adorable!!!
Congrats to Shuna!!! 🙂
Cheryl
Crayons and Curls