Hands-on, engaged learning through activities and fun crafts is a staple of grade school classrooms everywhere. This age-appropriate collection of fun ideas, written and vetted by teachers and education professionals, spans the entire school year, including summer. You’ll find activities, games and crafts for kindergarten (and Pre-K) through fifth grade including seasonal and holiday-themed crafts, indoor and outdoor games and activities, classroom decorating ideas, gift ideas and more. In addition to being fun, these educational ideas are always focused on learning too, but don’t tell the kids, as they will be enjoying these creative teaching moments so much, they may not even notice!
I recently had the opportunity to review a new book, Playing with Collage by Jeannie Baker (Candlewick Studio, October 2019). This book is the perfect resource to collage making and teaches the various techniques and the variety of materials you can use for this art. The word “collage" originates from the French word “colle" that …
Collage Making: Learning About This Art Technique Read More »
As we near Halloween, playing games in the classroom is not only fun but also helps to foster important skills, both educational and social. Here are a few activities to engage your students during this fun holiday. Halloween Team Spirit This Halloween game is perfect as an icebreaker and a way for the children to …
Spook-tacular Halloween Games for Parties With Children Read More »
“No peace in the world without peace in the nation, No peace in the nation without peace in the town, No peace in the town without peace in the home/school, No peace in the home without peace in the heart." Quote by – Tao Te Ching The International Day of Peace (Peace Day) is …
International Peace Day: Activities for the Elementary Classroom Read More »
Magnets are magnificent. Their force is invisible, but its effects are found all around us. Magnets are used to hold schoolwork on refrigerators, they can help us find our way on a walk, and we even use them in televisions, computers, and MRI scanning machines where doctors can see inside the human body. How amazing …
All About Magnets: A Theme Unit for Elementary School Read More »
For years before the European explorers came upon American shores, the native nations prospered around the areas of the Southeastern areas known today as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Discover traditional crafts of these tribes (Catawba, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole) –nations of people who lived in a …
Native American Crafts For Kids: Southeastern Nations Read More »
Can you imagine days without crayons? Ever since these artistic tools were introduced in 1903, children have used them creatively. This versatile art material has become a staple on school supply lists and kids look forward to a new box each year. Teachers are finding new ways to create lessons with crayons across the curriculum. …
Most young children have difficulty learning and understanding the concept of time. It’s the passage of time and the use of clocks that plague them. Once this concept is mastered, children experience a feeling of independence and competence. Here are some facts and activities that make time telling a fun adventure. The History of Time …
Whether your theme is patriotic, constellation, holiday, or achievement, stars are the perfect symbol to use in your classroom. It’s iconic shape has been recognized for centuries and so fun to make as a project. Here are a few star crafts to make with your students. Paper Web Star This star is made with colorful …
Conversation Heart candies are those sweet-talking, heart-shaped confections that have kids of all ages enjoying the sayings and munching for years. Loads of colors, flavors, and sayings that change from year to year; these candies are over a century old. The New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) began manufacturing these hearts around the year 1902, but …
Conversation Heart Activities for Valentine’s Day Read More »
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month – a great time to sink your teeth into a study of dental health. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), “cavities are one of the most chronic diseases of childhood in the United States…the good news is that cavities are preventable. “ About 1 of 5 …
Your students will love these ideas for making Halloween containers from recycled materials. They are fun to create and functional. A perfect place for teachers to fill with treats! Here are three to consider with photos and instructions. Monster Halloween Containers Ghouls, goblins, and monsters come to mind during this time of year. Whether it’s …
National Game and Puzzle Week is celebrated from November 21st thru the 27th and National Puzzle Day is January 29th. It’s a time to discover all types of “Arithmetricks" in the classroom by playing games and puzzles in mathematics that stimulate analytical thinking and challenge kids’ problem-solving skills. Below are a few ideas to try. …
Games and Puzzles in Mathematics for the Elementary Classroom Read More »
“Run, run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!" Do you remember this cute story? Role-play this tale and bring spice to your classroom without baking. Make easy gingerbread crafts together to enlighten your students. Paper Plate Gingerbread Man You will need: 2 Small paper plates (not plastic or …
During the holiday season, it’s fun to make unique crafts/toys and learn the history behind them. This weekend I had the opportunity to make vintage crafts at our local historical museum. There were a variety of hands-on projects to enlighten children of all ages – adults too! Here are a few that I felt were …
3 Vintage Crafts to Make in the Elementary Classroom Read More »
Focus on fun as you spotlight one of the season’s favorite animals – the reindeer. Children hear about the famous Rudolph during Christmas and wonder if reindeer can really fly. Teach your students about this animal through reindeer games and other movement activities. Handprint Reindeer Hats Prior to the movement games, invite the children to …
Reindeer Games and Activities for the Primary Grades Read More »
It is easy to become a bit distracted in school during those few weeks between when spring break ends and summer vacation begins. However, history and social studies skills can be honed during spring break using this quick and easy workbook!
It’s hard for kids to get back into the swing of school after spring break, mostly because they know that summer vacation is fast approaching. Keep the skills sharp for that final stretch of school with this downloadable reading workbook.
The second in a series of two, these worksheets are designed for use in the classroom, for home-schooled students, and for any parent who wishes to reinforce skills at home with their child.
The first in a series of two, these worksheets are designed for use in the classroom, for home-schooled students, and for any parent who wishes to reinforce skills at home with their child.
Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate and use technology to design cool crafts for kids to make during the holiday seasons for school or home.
