Number of the Day
Number of the day is one of the few activities I do every day during calendar time or morning message. I have moved away from a specific set of activities I cover. Some days we focus on the calendar, how many kids are present or the days of the week but most mornings it is just the number of the day and then we move on to Wonderopolis. If you are not familiar with Wonderopolis read more about it here. Number of the day is pretty simple. I use a large 20-sided dice to choose the number and then write that number on the board. The kids figure out different ways to show that number. Another option is to use a number generator app like this one.
I think it is very important that I do not introduce new ideas to the class for this activity. Ever concept is kid generated. The first few days all we write is the number until one kid figures out another way to show the number. Usually it is draw a picture or write the word that they think of first. As we learn new math concepts in the room it is fun to watch them bring those to this activity. Tally marks, counting, adding, subtracting, and grouping are all part of their databank of ideas by the end of the year. Another great aspect of this activity is it meets all levels of ability. My lower kids can contribute easily and my kids that are stronger in math are always challenging themselves to us larger numbers or to think of unique ideas.