Groundhog Day is a silly but fun holiday to celebrate in the classroom. Even though there is no science to back up the groundhog's predictions, it is a fun tradition to bring into the classroom. I've created a new resource that is full of groundhog activities that are fun and academic at the same time. From a groundhog mini book, groundhog writing pages, how-to-draw a groundhog, to a hat and crafts, these activities are sure to be loved by your students! Click here for the 24 page pack!
Valentine's Day is always one of the favorite days for elementary students. It is always a high energy day with lots of excitement! It is always a challenge to keep the students focused on learning on this day so I created an activity pack that will combine the fun of valentines day while aligning with writing skills.
Not only will students be learning how to follow step-by-step directions, but they will be practicing writing skills while engaging in fun Valentine's Day drawing.
Be sure to check out my How to Draw Valentine's Day Directed Drawings. Included in the pack are eight fun valentine images from valentine animals to a valentine mailbox. Click here to grab the set!
Some of the fall projects I like to incorporate into my classroom are 3-D pumpkin life cycles, October Directed Drawings (Draw and Write), as well as 3-D Spider Reports and 3-D Owl Reports. Some years I pick either spider or owl reports, and some years we do both! I will create separate posts describing the different activities so everything stays organized!
Check out the fun we have with our fall projects!
Up first is the 3-D Pumpkin Life Cycle. Life Cycle learning is big in primary and the pumpkin is such a fin one to explore. Of course carving a pumpkin is a great way to learn about the parts of a pumpkin. This is a fun activity to do to complete the life cycle unit. These look adorable surrounding the room and students love taking these home at the end of the unit/fall/month. Click here for the project. I love using orange paper for this project as it looks so good and cuts down on the degree of orange coloring the students need to do (it can be daunting). It also makes the inside of the pumpkins look amazing! Check out this affiliate link for the orange paper I like to use. I also have an instagram video to show how to put the pumpkins together if you would like to view the process!
Picking out a classroom theme is always been so much fun and most of my themes revolve around fun bright colors. One thing I switch up each year is the "All About Me" posters that my students complete to become part of our beginning of the school year classroom decor. Not only do I learn a lot about each student, but our classroom community is built with wonderful student work adorning our walls and ceilings.
I have gone chosen many designs over the years, but no matter the choice for the year, my students always love making these 3-D posters and ask frequently when they can bring it home to hang in their bedroom.
Here is a variety of classroom All About Me Posters that I have used throughout the years....
Check out these adorable flowers! The students color and cut the flowers, then add reasons they love their mom on the petals. The flower then is assembled to stand independently and is such a cute way to show appreciation for mothers.
I also have a tutorial video with steps to assemble the flower. Check out the Mother's Day 3-D Flower here!
Each year I pull out these adorable Halloween Directed Drawings and my students get so excited! They are always a fun addition to our writing center and the students love learning how to draw October related items! Included in the pack are two versions of directed drawing/writing formats for the following: Cat, Bat, Owl, Witch hat, Pumpkin, Jack-O-Lantern, Leaf, Candy Corn, Ghost, and Spider!
