Making words is a perfect literacy activity that allows for differentiation of instruction. Longer words challenge students who need the challenge, while students who need a slower pace and more hands-on instruction also benefit from making words activities. Making words, in my experience, is one of the few literacy activities that is truly multi-leveled without […]
Valentine’s Day Heart Doodle Mobile Using the Elements of Art: Line, Shape & Space
Holidays, like Valentine’s Day, are a big deal in my household. I gave my neighbor Liv, a set of simple instructions on how to doodle using line, shape, and space (she is seven). This Elements of Art activity challenged her mind to think and view objects in an unconventional way. Her amazing mind created this heart […]
Valentine’s Day Classroom Party Idea: Love-A-Book Day (with a free printable)
Back when I was teaching first grade, many moons ago, I threw an epic classroom Valentine’s Day party, that didn’t focus on store-bought treats. Let’s not discuss how old those kiddos of my are now, ok? I’ll give you a hint. They can vote. Holiday celebrations, of course, are a very BIG DEAL to kids. […]
DIY Teepee Reading Nook
I have fond memories of my parents reading to me when I was a child. Now, as a parent, I want the same for my children. That is why my husband and I created a DIY teepee reading space. I think the reading nook is a creative way to foster a love for reading. I […]
Presidents’ Day Bulletin Board Ideas and Resources
February bulletin boards do not have to be all about Valentine’s Day! Why not honor our forefathers with a great Presidents’ Day bulletin board? We’ve also sourced some great free printable writing prompts for Presidents’ Day that would make a great classroom display and writing activity. Follow the Leader via PE Central Hats off […]
Poetry Activity for Valentine’s Day with Free Printable Shape Poem Template
I’m one of the rare teachers who has taught almost EVERY grade level. This is both a blessing and a curse, but I’m glad at this point of my life to be a “teacher of all grades, master of none”. This poetry activity worked for my years in first and second grade classrooms, and in […]
Cardboard Mailbox Craft for Valentine’s Day
As I was digging through my photos from my first grade classroom the other day, I saw a cardboard mailbox I made with my students for our writing center. Ah, the nostalgia. My youngest son loves his wooden mailbox, but of course, he busted one of the legs. I swear, nothing lasts in my house. […]
Valentine’s Day Fine Motor Lacing & Tying Activity
My son wants to wear shoes that lace, but he doesn’t know how to tie them. I guess it is time to teach him how to tie! Considering the time of year, I designed this Valentine’s Day criss-cross lacing and tying activity. Fine motor is an area that most kids need a great deal of […]
How to Make Recycled Crayon Valentines
Every teacher or parent has a bin of broken and sad crayons. Making recycled crayons out of these broken pieces is a great way to introduce our kids to the concept of recycling. Even better, save some money and make your kids’ valentines for their classes with this simple and frugal craft! The past three […]
Valentine’s Day Keepsake Handprint Art
It’s almost February and I had to dig up the kids Valentine’s Day books. We read, The Day it Rained Hearts and Happy Valentine’s Day Mouse. After I read to them, I started to think about a craft the kids could create for Valentine’s Day for their dad and grandparents. We created a Valentine’s Day handprint art keepsake, something […]
