Happy happy Friday!
Is there anything better than a summer Friday? I think not 🙂 .
I hope you have plans that take you outside this weekend. I’m planning on visiting the farmers market tomorrow which is always one of my favorite things. Speaking of favorite things…
…per usual, I’m linking up with my friends Andrea and Erika and sharing this week’s batch of faves.
It’s almost the weekend, friends!
My first Fave this week has been…
…the beach!
We have had a heat wave here in New England which means, we’ve spent three days this week at the beach. I love being in the ocean with my peeps.
If you missed my ALL THINGS BEACH post last week, make sure you check it out if you’re heading there soon.
My favorite sunscreen (that I wear EVERY SINGLE DAY) now has a new…
…GLOW GLOSS which has been going with me to the beach too (because nothing is worse than sunburned lips!).
About a month ago, I shared…
…THESE SHORTS with you because I just thought they were too too cute! I have enjoyed them so much that when this new color was released…
…I bought THIS PAIR too! I wore this to dinner with Kensington with MY TOP and MY SEASHELL SANDALS.
You know I love a seasonal slipper…
…I went with SMILEY FACE SLIPPERS for summer because, hello? I’m always smiling!
This guy is always smiling too. He is the most chill dog I have ever had.
Well this girl is always a “fave” 🙂 . I am trying really hard to be better at making sure my younger two are still reading every day this summer because…I know teachers appreciate it when the students go back not having totally forgotten everything from the year before. My question for you other mamas (and educators!) out there is what are some of your favorite math game apps for kiddos heading into the 5th grade? Madeley’s teacher gave them workbooks at the end of 4th grade to work on during the summer (which is awesome and she’s doing that), but I also know that she would love for me to hand her my phone on occasion to “play a game”.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who would love educational game app recs. Please comment and share if you have any!
My earring game has been strong…
…this summer and inexpensive too! THESE EARRINGS are less than $9, and I get complemented on them every single time I wear them! I rotate between these and…
…MY SHELL EARRINGS. Again, less than $9! I’m on my second season with them and they still look great. I love them too!
And finally, I know, I know, I know…“those shorts” again, but you guys, I CAN’T QUIT ‘EM!
They come in 39 DIFFERENT COLORS, are lined, are a higher rise (so they’re flattering!), a little longer in the back (again, flattering), super comfy and have a zipper pocket large enough for your iPhone and keys. Especially this time of year, they are always a favorite.
One week from today is JULY 4TH! Today, I have 19 FESTIVE & EASY RED, WHITE & BLUE RECIPES to get you prepared for your holiday. From a breakfast ideas to a cocktail, ice cream cones, popsicles and so many desserts, I have simple and delicious patriotic treats for your week! Check them all out HERE!
Before we go today, the winner of this week’s giveaway…
…a STRAW TOTE FROM VINEYARD VINES is ALISA QUESINBERRY!
Congratulations, Alisa! I emailed you this morning. Please email me back ASAP to claim your prize!
I will have another giveaway in tomorrow’s bonus SUMMER SATURDAY post! I will see you all back here tomorrow for that plus more “only seen over the weekend” content.
Have the best Friday! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I love those shorts! They are the best for running!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Katie Stewart says
Fellow teacher here! 👋🏼
I love to use SplashLearn. From a teacher’s standpoint, it gives you quick data on who’s mastering what and who needs more practice (you can assign/reassign standard-based to individual students), but from a student’s standpoint it feels very “game-y”! Lots of fun noises, tokens given, all that stuff.
Now, some kids really like a more assessment-looking platform (I was that kid). IXL is a great one to use, too.
Boddle is another kid fave. They get to personalize these little character things… not even sure what you call them? Standard-based assignments (can assign math or ELA). I don’t love it as much but the kids do. 🤣
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU! This sounds like something Mades would love!
Laura says
Have you tried the face sunscreen from Trader Joe’s? It’s supposed to be a dupe for SuperGoop and I could not love it anymore!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have! I like it…but not as much as the Supergoop!
Kari Miller says
I’ll be checking the comments for math game apps later!! And, also, as a teacher it’s okay to enjoy summer and experience life. Social skills and experiences are so valuable in the classroom. So don’t stress too much.
Karimillerblog.com
Amy Azza says
Hi Kari, thank you for saying that about letting kids enjoy summer and experience life. My daughter is turning 20 tomorrow and will be a junior in college and I never pushed the summer reading and math, I just let her be a kid, and she always did so well in school. My youngest daughter is 9 and going into 4th grade and same thing, I am not really pushing summer reading or math although we read together every night, I am just letting her be a kid and have fun, and she is always at the top of her class. You saying this as a teacher makes me feel so much better!
Gina says
IXL subscription would be great for Madelyn!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you!!
Jess C says
My kids always played Prodigy for math. I bought a subscription and the played at home and school. My kiddos really enjoyed it! I liked how it sent me updates on what they were working on and how well they knew the material.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU!!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Yay for keeping your youngest girls reading over the summer!!! One series that I always try to get my 7th grade girls to read is The Selection Series (but just the first 3 books). Ashby might enjoy that one, and actually, even you and Kensington would love it! Have a great Friday!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU, Sarah!
Laura Holmes says
This is my girls absolute favorite book series! They will love it!
Dana K says
Legends of Learning is for both math and science. Our daughter is going into 6th grade and has used it since 3rd and loves it. Also timestables.com is a good one.
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU!!
Karen says
Hi from Oklahoma! Kids love the math game Prodigy. The kids in my class love it, also Blooket and an oldie but goodie Kahoot, you can find leveled games on both.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU!!!!
Sandra Roberts says
I love a Friday in Summer. We are half through break – only 5 more weeks til school starts back for us!
Sara says
Did you get rid of most of your ear piercings?
Mix and Match Mama says
No, I still have them all! There are 11.
Abby says
They look so cool! You inspired me to get my tragus pierced this weekend! I’m going to pair it with a forward helix I think. That would suit you well too!
K.K. says
Can you believe it’s almost July? I’m floored! It’s going so fast, but I think it’s because I filled it with lots of fun.
Happy almost weekend, Shulls!
Tara G says
Homeschool mom- for us apps were an occasional fine, but the physical act of writing causes the neural pathways to develop differently and cements that info in the brain in a way that pushing a button does not accomplish. Have them make up their own math sheets (a la Miquon Math) for you to do using color and shapes and then let them correct them. They could make flashcards and do timed tests. The better and faster they are at the basics, the easier to get back into things in the new school year.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU!! I love and all ideas to switch things up 🙂 .
Nikki says
The absolute BEST math program for K-5 is Symphony Math. My son has used it from K-5 (he’s heading into 6th grade this year, so we switched to a different summer program) but it’s fantastic. He was in Kindergarten when Covid hit and being in New England schools were closed for a very long time. We used that and kept going with it throughout most of his elementary school years. He is in the advanced math program at his school, and tests at an 8th grade level for math (I believe largely due to this program). You can’t purchase it directly from Symphony math because it’s usually sold to schools, however Family Literacy Centers is an authorized reseller. I think it’s $75/year and worth every penny. https://www.lexiaforhome.com/symphony-math
Mix and Match Mama says
This is so helpful!! Thank you so much!
Amanda says
Curious what you switched to for 6th? My son is also headed to 6th and has outgrown the math program we’ve used for years.
Rachel Conner says
IXL.com – my students love it and I can track everything that they are doing (including the questions they answer and their answer choice). It has every grade level and all subjects. There would be an option to create a home account.
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU!!
Jenn Morris says
Shay,
My 8 & 10yo daughters love to play games at coolmathgames.com on my phone. I’m pretty sure their teachers were the ones who recommended the site. Happy playing!
Jenn
Mix and Match Mama says
I just wrote that down! Thank YOU!
Laura Fredlund says
My kids favorite online math game to play is PRODIGY. It’s fun! They like it so much I pay for the year long membership so they can have the extra perks on there. Im not a math person, but I think this game has helped my kids be math whizzes. Happy Friday!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you!!
Laina Ramsey says
Love those shorts!!! One thing that will help with math skills is playing Yahtzee! Lots of sneaky math skills while playing and having fun! Have a great weekend!
Mix and Match Mama says
Great idea!!
Amy says
Hi Shay! Teacher here…my favorite educational website/app is IXL. It’s not free ($10/month), but you can choose Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies skills from any grade level to work on. It’s user-friendly and organized nicely. I use this website in my classroom to assign certain skills to certain students, to challenge my higher-level students with skills from higher grades, or to fill in learning gaps with skills from lower grades. It’s very versatile! Hope that helps!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU so much!!
Erika Slaughter says
Those paperbag shorts are CUTE!
Kelly Bonner says
Fellow teacher here….IXL math is a favorite, Prodigy, or KomodoMath.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you!!!
Brittan K says
As a 5th grade teacher…..make sure you choose 4th grade skills and let Madeley review! Be careful choosing 5th grade (please do if she feels ready) you can get stuck with math questions that you don’t know how to solve yet!
I had kids in my
Classroom complete IXL assignments first, Prodigy was a reward because it is SO fun and SO cool 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU, thank YOU! Enjoy your summer!
Rachel says
My son likes to play Cross Math. His math teacher recommended it and plays it himself. You can select the level of difficulty. My son enjoys it and I think it has helped him with repetition.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU!
Priscilla says
Hi Shay! I had an idea for a blog post pop into my head last night and wanted to see what you thought ☺️ How about a “Shay’s Ways: Living Faith” post that could talk about how you/Andrew incorporate faith into your daily life? I know I would find it so inspiring and I hope many others would too. I’m trying to come up with new habits myself, and well, I know I can count on you for some fresh perspectives and ideas 🙂 Thank you in advance for any consideration!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I love that idea! I’m writing it down right now. 🙂
Kristen says
Zingo was a game my daughter loved at the age. But definitely prodigy too!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you!!
Mitzi Vincent says
Boddle is game based that works in web browser or app. It has challenges and various items players can acquire based on points. The game practices and provides assessment. It has a free and premium version. It is for grades K-6.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you!!
Lisa says
Love your Friday posts, and your Life Lately posts! Can you link the navy dress (I think it’s navy?) with the white floral pattern in the photo of you showing your earrings? Thank you!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that one! It’s here: https://bit.ly/4e9iNnn
SS says
Shay,
Many have mentioned Prodigy.
https://www.iknowit.com/ Not free but has a 30 day trial. The people who created this also have https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/index.html which is a print a work on math stuff. Pre-K to like 6th grade.
I am going to say CTC math… it is a math curriculum, but has a has a free trial and speed skills game that may be what you’re more looking for. It is not free, but you can set both girls under one account.
I always think even if kids are practicing the basics addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division it will help all math go smoother. Our kiddos loved doing the color and solve. I still print them and “race” our kiddo in the math portion.
Enjoy!!! Hope it’s not too hot there!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU!!!
Lizzy says
On a bike hunt! What kind of bike did you get? It looks cute!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s a Trek! I really like it!
Suzanne D says
My kids are going into 4th and 5th Grade and love to play Prodigy. They have fun math games. But as a teacher myself—I don’t push much but reading in the summer. It’s a great break from technology 😊
Becky says
As a homeschool momma I recommend Adventure Academy. It’s not just math but all areas
Sarah says
Happy Friday! kicking off my 26th birthday weekend with the celebration tomorrow!
Thanks for being such a light to our days, I love your blog!! xoxo from Okoboji, Iowa (the Hamptons of Iowa hahah)
Robyn says
Happy Friday!
So many great suggestions for “games” for your daughter to explore. Every one that I was going to suggest has already been suggested and as a fellow teacher…I even wrote down a couple that I had not ever heard of. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Carol Thompson says
Hi Shay! My daughter who teaches accelerated math for middle school kids and high school recommends Khan Academy. It is an online math resource that teaches and reviews math concepts for all grade levels. There are videos, games, and practice problems and it keeps kids engaged.
Hope this helps!
Alli says
Hi!
4th grade teacher here! Lots of great recommendations so far, the only one I would add would be ABCya! games, my kids loved them when we had a little bit of free time. Lots of great recommendations. I remember meeting you with my sister last summer and talking about Mades going into 4th. Have a great summer!
Brooke Griffith says
Hi! Former teacher and current tutor here. It’s surprising to me how many kids in 4th/5th grade don’t have basic math facts memorized. A couple of sites that are great for just math fact practice are Math Magician and Xtra Math. Math Magician can easily be played on a phone or tablet!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so so much!
Rebecca says
Hi! How did you feel the sizing was with the Sezane shorts!? Havnt ordered from them before- so cute!
Mix and Match Mama says
I think it varies by what you’re ordering. I bought these in a 4.
Carrie says
Check your district website! Our district has website and app links. They keep the student subscriptions over the summer. Prodigy was something we used but also math puzzle books from Amazon. Our district has online review for the current grade and then prep for the next grade up.
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
Ooooo please share all the apps you get recommendations for!!! Thanks!
Beth Elliott says
I’m not a teacher, but I homeschool my youngest 2 (going into 3rd and 5th) and we love prodigy. They have it for both math and language arts! We also love board games in our house. A few math games we love are war, but turning it into a math challenge, you can do multiplication with the numbers and whoever gets the answer first gets the cards. Shut the box, Math blast, and math dice is an easy one to bring to a restaurant while waiting for dinner.
Deb says
Love, love, love Ashby and Madely’s Around Town photo journal- so cute. Also thank you for the 4th of July recipes – I needed some new ideas for this year!
Natasha says
Jumping in late to this conversation but my daughter used Prodigy and CoolMathGames but also recommends Reflex. I don’t know if it’s just for teachers to use with students but she really liked it.
Kelly Westbrook says
What is the water temperature this time of year?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have no idea. There is a difference between the north shore and the south though. It’s much warmer on the north.