1-2-3 Come Do Some 4 Seasons Activities With Me #2
If you've read Part 1, of this now "4-Part Seasonal Series", you know that I began with a "4 Seasons, Look Out the Window" writing prompt craftivity.
As always, my brain kicked into hyper-drive & I had a zillion ideas jotted on sticky notes, that literally covered my desk!
(Not quite as crazy as the photo, but right up there!)
They were notes for all sorts of additional (4 seasons) fun activities, which included an assortment of games & puzzles.
Striving not to overwhelm anyone (including myself), I decided to make a separate packet featuring just games.
Well... after 56 pages I still had enough sticky notes left for (can you believe) 2 more packets! Thus a 4-part series.
"4 Seasons Fun Games & Activities" includes 25, quick, easy & super-fun games & activities, all with a 4 seasons theme.
You’ll find graphing activities, puzzles, center activities, real photographs of the 4 seasons & posters; as well as 30, mini picture cards for each season, plus lots of games.
The "Looking Out Of A Seasonal Window" center, pairs perfectly with the matching, writing prompt packet from my 1st "4 Seasons" blog article.
Here I've printed the "empty" windows on card stock, then before I laminate them, I cut out the window "pane".
After laminating, the cellophane acts as a glass-like, see-through "window".
Children have 2 sets of "seasonal views" that they place behind the windows.
One features clip art graphics, while the other is a photo of a real season.
This can be one, easy-peasy center, where children match the view to the appropriate window, as each window sill is designed with some seasonal graphics to give children a clue.
Another way to use the windows is with the "seasonal sorting" activity.
There are 120 mini, picture tiles, (30 for each season), which depict seasonal items.
Print on card stock, laminate & trim.
Children pick X number of tiles, sort them, then put them in a "pocket envelope" under the matching window.
I keep this game in a file folder (patterns included), then tuck everything into a large, ZipLock Baggie.
Besides these center games, I've also included a list of 21 other games, along with directions & additional playing pieces for more, 4-season fun.
If your students are like mine, they will love playing “Flip It”, “Feed the Monster”, “Tally Ho”, “Graph It Up”, “What’s Missing?” and “Who Took the Season?” to name just a few.
Use them for table top, early finishers, partner games, whole group activities, a sub tub, or centers.
After I designed the "photo windows" for the initial center, I diddled around for several hours making a photo collage for each season.
I think these posters turned out pretty amazing, if I do say so for myself.
You can use them to introduce your lesson, then incorporate them in a 4 seasons bulletin board or seasonal display.
For a fun review of the seasons, hold up a photo poster & ask students which season is being depicted. Continue with a discussion of what the photographs in the collage have in common, what types of weather is happening, and how should people dress during this season.
I also made a specific header card for each one. These can be used in a matching game, or use the "dashed line" patterns to make puzzles. They are also great for your word wall or pocket chart.
Since it's winter, I thought a penguin activity would be fun for today's featured FREEBIE.
These "shapely penguins" are one of my students favorite activities, and such a fun way to teach shapes. Completed projects turn out absolutely adorable.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.
"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." -Albert Einstein
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1-2-3 Come Do Some 4 Seasons Activities With Me #1
Sometimes when I sit at my desk with a simple idea, my mind morphs it into a bajillion others.
These ideas often come so fast, that if I don't quickly jot them down, my senior brain loses them a moment later.
After working over a week on my newest "4 Seasons" packet, which involves glancing out a window, I realized that this could easily be divided into two packets.
One with the writing prompts, the other with extra games & activities.
Concentrating on just the writing aspect, would be less overwhelming; so Woo Hoo here's packet #1: "4 Seasons Window Craft Writing Prompt".
No matter what the age, the 4 seasons are a super-fun topic.
We all have glanced out of a window, often succumbing to daydreaming a bit, especially if the view before us, is a summer beach scene, or one filled with gently falling snow.
With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to design a seasonal window, where students could write about what they saw, and then illustrate their thoughts.
This activity is very versatile and easy to diversify your lessons.
Option #1. A booklet: Depending on your students'writing ability, your seasonal booklet can be 5-9 pages long.
For younger kiddos, I simply staple the 4, seasonal window pages to the cover to make a 5-page booklet.
They write one sentence under the window, then illustrate & color their windowpane.
I've included my sample on the left, which you can use to explain what you want your students to do.
During the beginning of a season, we complete that page. I start with fall and end with summer.
This makes a nice keepsake at the end of the year, which should show improvement in coloring, penmanship & writing ability.
For older students, include the additional writing prompt page, which features seasonal graphics.
Students begin writing under the window worksheet, then continue on the additional graphic-themed page.
There are blank, as well as lined templates to choose from.
Students can either illustrate their window FIRST, then write sentences about what they drew; or they can think about various fall things, then write their sentences on the separate seasonal paper.
Then, afterwards, they go back and illustrate their window, referring to their writing.
You can include these extra writing pages, to make a 9-page booklet, or simply use each of the 4 seasonal windows as a separate activity, then hang up the completed projects on a bulletin board or hallway display.
To display, students glue their illustrated window, to the top of their completed writing paper.
I’ve included a cover if you want to make a booklet, plus several posters to enhance your display, if you choose to do 4, separate writing prompt craftivities.
So that teachers can quickly & easily make examples to share, I've included colorful scenes for each seasonal window, along with a completed writing prompt for each one.
Also included, are checklists for students to jot down ideas, as well as 4-part graphic organizers, which will help students organize their thoughts.
There's also a rubric.
A 3-on-a page, BW one for students (boy & girl options to make it more personal) as well as a colorful poster to introduce the lesson, then hang so students can refer to it.
I use these all the time, as they truly help jump start and improve writing.
Today's featured FREEBIE is also about the 4 seasons.
It's a sweet set of seasonal posters, one of which combines all of the seasons in one silly picture, which students can label.
I hope you find them useful.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.
"One of the most beautiful things about learning, is that no one can ever take it away from you." -B.B. King
1-2-3 Come Do Some 4 Seasons Activities With Me #4
"4 Seasons Writing Prompt Circle Puzzle Craftivities" is the final packet in my "4 Seasons 4-Part Series".
I hope you enjoyed learning about the new things I've been designing, to help my students have fun with the 4 seasons.
This Packet Includes:
- 5 circular PUZZLES
- WRITING prompts, with lined & unlined patterns
- 2 GRAPHING extensions
- “4 Seasons Scoot to a Corner” GAME and …
- “Are You Listening?” Whole group ASSESSMENT activity.
* Puzzles:
To immerse little ones in becoming familiar with the 4 seasons, I’ve included a 4-part circle puzzle. There’s a puzzle piece that represents each season.
Children place the appropriate piece on the labeled base. In no time at all my students are able to actually "read" these words!
As always, I’ve included a black & white version, so that students can make their own 4 seasons puzzle.
Besides this puzzle, there’s also a colorful collection of 4 puzzles depicting each season separately.
For example, in the photo on the right, each of the 4 pieces have items that are seen in the fall.
* Just For FUN!
My kiddos actually beg to play the “4 Seasons Scoot to a Corner” game. It’s a perfect “calm down” activity for the end of the day. Super-easy, a ton of fun & takes only a few minutes. Bonus: Students are really quiet! Woo Hoo.
* Are You Listening?
I designed this because “Listening & Following Directions” is one of our report card standards. This is a quick, easy & fun way to leave a “paper trail” proving if your students do or don’t.
This whole group activity also acts as an assessment, checking students' understanding of the 4 seasons.
* Let’s WRITE!
“Winter? Spring? Summer? Fall? Which is your favorite season of them all?”
My kiddos absolutely love sharing their opinions, so when I turn those into a writing prompt, they are excited to get right down to business.
Students have a choice of writing about their favorite or least favorite season (you could also do both & use one as a homework assignment).
I’ve included a “seasonal circle” to use as a “topper” where students can draw a picture, which represents some part of their writing.
There’s also a graphing extension you can do afterwards.
* More Options:
Instead of, or in addition to, students can complete the “I like to…” writing prompt, which involves all 4 seasons.
As you can see by the photo on the right, I’ve included “toppers” as well as “banner bottoms” to add extra pizzazz to their work.
The photograph also shows the various levels of writing. Younger students can write or dictate simple sentence answers, while older kiddos can add more descriptive words.
Students can also choose to use the circular puzzle pattern for their "topper" or a square version, pictured on the left. Note that I've topped the square off with a semi circle, which can be seen in the middle picture to the right.
Completed projects make a cute bulletin board or hallway display.
I’ve included a “Sensational Seasonal Writing!” poster to highlight children’s work.
Today's featured FREEBIE is a 100 Day "Rip & Tear" craftivity.
Completed projects turn out quite amazing. My Y5s really enjoy creating this colorful 100.
We do it as one of our many 100 Day centers.
Well that's it for now. Thanks for stopping by.
We have about a foot of snow here in Michigan, which puts me in the mood to design some wintry stuff.
Wishing you a creative & cozy day.
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin
1-2-3 Come Do Some Christmas Writing With Me
I love diddling around with a “play-on-words” and since my students especially enjoy Pete the Cat stories, I thought it would be fun to make some writing prompts using the word “Purr-fect”.
Whenever I toss a bit of craftiness into a writing prompt, my students can’t wait to get down to business.
With that in mind, I designed 6 cat-themed picturesinside a semi-circle.
As always, patterns come in black & white for students, as well as full-color, so that teachers can quickly & easily make an example to share.
Five of the six patterns feature a blue cat, while the 6th is a brown-colored cat.
Children of course can color their cats however they want.
The semi-circle shape makes it easy-peasy to cut, then glue to the top of their writing prompt once they color it.
A semi-circle may be a new concept for some students, so be sure & grab that teachable moment to explain this interesting 2D shape.
I’ve included 2 sizes of paper, with lined & unlined options.
Both are trimmed with a snowflake border.
There are 3 writing prompts to choose from.
Pick your favorite or give students a choice.
I've also included a blank template, so that students can write about something else.
"A List of Things for a 'Purr-fect' Christmas" is especially simple and provides practice for the "make a list" writing standard.
I've included my sample in the packet.
Younger students can simply make a Christmas card using the “Wishing you a purr-fect Christmas” greeting topper, which they glue to their snowflake-bordered paper.
This paper becomes the center portion of their craftivity where they write their name.
For that finishing touch, they can color, cut & glue a "dangler" to the bottom.
To add even more variety, there are 5 different “danglers” for students to choose from.
These are glued to the bottom of their writing prompt paper.
These too, come in black & white, plus color.
I've featured 3 different creative font options as well.
Besides the “humped” toppers, I’ve also included a “chimney cat”.
He’s peeking out from the rooftop.
The writing prompt papers for this craft are blank, allowing students to write whatever they want.
Students could also pick one of the writing prompts that are part of the other craftivity.
In my sample, I kept things simple and made it a sweet Christmas card.
For that finishing touch, students can add a single set of bricks (left photo) or a double stack (right photo) to the base of their writing paper.
Because they are so different, you could stretch the lesson and have students do a semi-circle writing prompt craftivity, then for another day, have them make the chimney cat Christmas card.
Completed projects make a sweet December bulletin board or hallway display.
I’ve included a poster to add some extra pizzazz.
This activity pairs really well with my quick, easy & fun, cat-themed Christmas ornament packet. Click the LINK to take a look.
Today's featured FREEBIE is also a Christmas card activity.
Since Christmas Around the World is a super-fun way to get some geography into your December lessons, I thought making a "Christmas Around the World" greeting card would be fun. Click the LINK to grab your copy.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.
December is flying & I still don't have all my decorating or shopping done! Do you?
My feet have certainly hit the floor running this morning. Wishing you a fun-filled & stress free week.
"Heal the past; live the present; dream the future." -Unknown
1-2-3 Come Make a Christmas Ornament With Me
If you’re looking for a quick, easy & super-fun little craft for your students to make, I think you’ll enjoy these cool cat ornaments to help wish someone a “Purr-fect” Christmas.
My Young Fives love anything with animals, especially a cool blue cat, so I thought making a Christmas ornament would be entertaining.
You’ll love the versatility of this activity as there are 5 options, which fit a variety of ages, grade levels & abilities.
With 20 cat-themed balls to choose from, there is plenty of variety too.
As always, patterns come in black & white for students, as well as full color, so that teachers can quickly & easily make an example to share.
Making a sample, not only helps you explain what you want your students to do, it acts as a catalyst for excitement.
If your students are like mine, be prepared for many of them to ask, "Can we please make another one." Woo Hoo!
Besides the pictures, I’ve also included two “greeting” ball options, plus a blank version, so that students can draw their own picture, glue on a school photo, or write their own greeting.
The options?
1. Keep things super-simple & have students color & cut out a single cat ball, then flip it over and add a greeting to make 1 flat ornament.
I always like to tuck a little something in my students’ back packs as a surprise.
“Paper love” is an inexpensive but truly thoughtful gift, and this simple flat ornament is really easy to make a class set of.
I made 20 in just half an hour. You could also add their school photo & then laminate.
Pick one of the designs for their ornament from you, then run off the other cat pictures for them to make one of their own.
Punch a hole in the top, and tie with a yarn loop. Voila! You're done.
2. Another option is to make the ornament a “flip up”.
Here you choose a cat ball to color & cut out, then add a dab of glue to the top of a "greeting" ball, then press the cat ball on top.
You could also include a blank ball as well, or instead of the greeting.
3. The third option is an “Ornament Dangler” involves 3 ornaments glued together vertically, with a greeting centered on the back.
Grab that teachable moment for vocabulary building, as some children will not be familiar with the terms vertical & horizontal.
Completed projects look amazing swirling & twirling from the ceiling.
Plus the dangler, still neatly folds up for safe travels home in a back pack.
4. My personal favorite option is the three-part, 3D ornament.
Although a 3 dimensional ornament looks a bit tricky, I think you'll find that after you make a sample of your own, you'll see that they are really quite simple to put together.
I twirled the ornament around, so that you can see all 3 cat pictures, which make one-3D ornament.
Whenever I want to do something a bit more complicated with my Y5s, I enlist the help of our 3rd grade reading buddies.
My littles get the one-on-one help that they need, plus it's a great experience & self-esteem builder for the older students.
If you do this, make sure you have ornaments for the older kiddos to make one right along with their younger partner, for they will be just as excited to make a cool cat ornament of their own.
5. Finally, a four-part 3D ornament, is assembled just like a three-part one, so it's pretty easy too.
A 4-part ornament involves just one more step; gluing the 4th ball to the ornament. Here I added a "greeting" ball to 3 cat pictures.
I had an absolute blast designing this craftivity & making my samples. I hope you enjoy making some ornaments too.
Today's featured FREEBIE is a sweet "Rip & Tear" snowman craft.
Ripping and tearing strips of paper is not only fun for your kiddos, it's a terrific way to help strengthen their finger muscles.
Completed projects turn or amazing and make a "snow" special bulletin board or hallway display.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for popping in.
Gotta run and get ready to watch this evening's Christmas parade. Several of our grandchildren will be in it!
Wishing you and yours a “purr-fect” holiday season, brimming with a ton of fun.
"Try to learn something about everything and everything about something." -Thomas H. Huxley
