back to school bulletin boards

1-2-3 Come Do Some "Getting To Know You" Activities With Me

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsToday I'm featuring 2 quick, easy and interesting craftivities that are a super-fun way to welcome and get to know your students.

Whether you do this activity at the beginning of the school year for a back to school icebreaker, or in fall, for October or November, this owl craftivity is a wonderful way to get to know your students, and for students to get to know their classmates better.

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsCompleted projects make an adorable bulletin boardI’ve included a poster to use for the center of your display.

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsFor those finishing touches, have students cut out their owl, fold the wings inward, add some highlights with crayons and perhaps a pair of wiggle eyes.

Where they place the eyes really changes the personality of this cute little critter.

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsGluing on a school picture adds that sweet, “keepsake-touch”.

There are two writing prompt options: Students can make an owl for themselves: "Owl" About Me…” or have children pick a partner and make one for that student: "Owl" Be Your Friend.” 

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, glyphs, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsAnother interesting way to get to know your new students is with this welcome glyphNo matter what grade I taught, my students LOVED making glyphs.

They are a simple and fun way to practice and assess listening and following directions.

As with the owl above, completed glyphs make a wonderful back to school bulletin board, as each one will be different!

I’ve provided two “Welcome to school” glyph posters to use for the center of your display.

Because this glyph involves letter recognition, I’ve included a preschool version, as well as one for students who can recognize letters.

getting to know you activities, glyphs, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsYou can also simply hold up an unfinished sample and point to the letter you want them to color.

Afterwards, older children can pick a partner, and try to guess which glyph is theirs, by asking them a few key questions, which will narrow down the field.
I’ve included a recording sheet questionnaire for this.

While your students are working on the investigative extension, snap their picture. 
Make a small thumbnail, class composite and print it off, so that students can glue their little photo to the end of the exclamation point to make your “Welcome!” display extra special.

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, glyphs, back to school craftsGlyphs also provide a collection of data, so they’re an interesting way to introduce or practice graphing.
Based on the information in the glyphs, I’ve included 4 graphing extensions you can complete as a whole group activity.

Since my kiddos are practicing writing their name, I read the graph and have them write their name in the blank of the appropriate section. 

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, glyphs, back to school craftsToday's featured FREEBIE (I Made Lots Of New Friends Today!) is a wonderful sanity-saver for the first day of school

Use it as an autograph-coloring page for young children, or a writing prompt for older students, where they write about a few of their classmates that they've made friends with.

If you don't have time for everyone to sign everybody's paper, have children sign the master copy, and run off during recess or your lunch break.  Pass out at the end of the day, to allow yourself a few moments of peace to get things done before dismissal, while students work independently.  

sWell that's it for today. I hope you found something useful.

It's my mom's last day of her visit with us; some of the grandchildren are coming over, so it's time to put my party hat on.

Wishing you a fun-filled day with lots of memorable moments.

"Grandchildren complete life's circle of love." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some More Brown Bear Activities With Me

Do you read the story Brown Bear Brown Bear as part of your back to school activites?  If so, I think you'll enjoy these 3 Brown Bear packets, which practice a variety of standards.

First up is a set of number puzzles featuring all of the characters in the Brown Bear story.

brown bear activities, brown bear crafts, brown bear puzzles, back to school activites, back to school treat bags, back to school bulletin boards, color activitiesNumber strip puzzles, are a quick, easy & fun way for your students to practice sequencing numbers, counting from 1 to 10, counting backwards from 10 to 1, as well as skip counting by 2s, 3s, 5s & 10s.

There are 11 different character puzzles, plus a grouping of all of them.

Each character comes in a 1-10 numbered puzzle, as well as a skip count by 10s to 100 puzzle, plus an assortment of puzzles that count backwards, plus skip count by 2s, 3s, and 5s.

There are puzzles in full color, so you can use them for an independent math center, as well as black & white, so that children can make their own puzzles. 

brown bear activities, brown bear crafts, brown bear puzzles, back to school activites, back to school treat bags, back to school bulletin boards, color activitiesNext up, is  a “Brown Bear’s Colors" booklet.  There are two black & white booklet options, which feature all of the colorful characters in the Brown Bear story.

brown bear activities, brown bear crafts, brown bear puzzles, back to school activites, back to school treat bags, back to school bulletin boards, color activitiesThere’s a blank square with lines in one version, where older students can think of 3 items that are also that color, then write them in the space provided, while younger students can simply trace the words with the matching crayon or maker, in the other option.

I’ve provided pages in color as well, so that you can quickly and easily make a sample to share.

Besides using the patterns to make a booklet, you can also cut the 4 sections out and then glue them on a matching sheet of construction or scrapbook paper.

These can be hung up as a single poster or put together like a quilt

brown bear activities, brown bear crafts, brown bear puzzles, back to school activites, back to school treat bags, back to school bulletin boards, color activitiesFinally, I made a Brown Bear Literacy Packet.  After reading the story, review each sentence using the pocket chart cards.

Don’t have a pocket chart? You can also put magnets or Velcro dots on the back and use on your white board or flannel board.

brown bear activities, brown bear crafts, brown bear puzzles, back to school activites, back to school treat bags, back to school bulletin boards, color activitiesMake an extra set and use these for a sequencing game.

You can also pass this set out to students while you read the story. When you come to that character, the child holding that card places it on the board.

brown bear activities, brown bear crafts, brown bear puzzles, back to school activites, back to school treat bags, back to school bulletin boards, color activitiesFor more word work practice, I’ve included 6 worksheets where students read, trace, write, color, cut & glue, character and color words.

These are great for Daily 5 word work, homework, or early finishers too.  I’ve also included a “Which was your favorite character?” graphing extension.

For an individual center, or whole-group activity, print, laminate & trim the individual word cards. There’s a large set to use for your center, as well as a smaller set, to make for your whole group.

brown bear activities, brown bear crafts, brown bear puzzles, back to school activites, back to school treat bags, back to school bulletin boards, color activitiesChildren play “Build a Sentence” by arranging the cards in appropriate order, which will help reinforce beginning capitalization and end punctuation.

brown bear activities, brown bear crafts, brown bear puzzles, back to school activites, back to school treat bags, back to school bulletin boards, color activitiesWhen they’ve “built” their sentence, they record it on their “construction” worksheet. (There are 5 options, which include BW & color versions).

For a job well done, give children a “We read Brown Bear. I can retell the story” bookmark, as a prompt to share the tale with their families. 

brown bear activities, brown bear crafts, brown bear puzzles, back to school activites, back to school treat bags, back to school bulletin boards, color activitiesThis is also my first packet that I've made a Spanish version for!

The bundle is just a dollar more, so woo hoo if that helps you out too.  

brown bear activities, brown bear crafts, brown bear puzzles, back to school activites, back to school treat bags, back to school bulletin boards, color activitiesToday's featured FREEBIE includes back to school treats and a bulletin board, as it will "o-fish-ally" be that time all too soon. 

brown bear activities, brown bear crafts, brown bear puzzles, back to school activites, back to school treat bags, back to school bulletin boards, color activitiesUntil then, wishing you a super relaxing summer. 

Gotta dash; time to go buy some fireworks! 

"Our nation will remain the land of the free, so long as it is the home of the brave." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Make a Mary Had A Little Lamb Bulletin Board With Me

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambThis cute schoolhouse craftivity, is a quick, easy and fun writing prompt that will make an adorable bulletin board.

I try to design things that practice a variety of skills & standards, so I’ve added the Mary Had a Little Lamb nursery rhyme to this activity.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambThere are 2 writing prompts to choose from: “I like school because . . .” and “My favorite things about school”.

Children color the schoolhouse then cut it in half, gluing the ends to their writing prompt page, in such a way that they flip open, to reveal the writing underneath.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambStudents complete the prompt, add some color & draw a picture of themselves.

For that finishing touch, have them glue their school picture on one of the windows.
I also added my photo to make this a special keepsake for them.

To help explain things, I’ve included colorful completed samples, so you can quickly make an example of your own to share with your kiddos.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambBefore or after this activity, share the Mary Had a Little Lamb nursery rhyme.

I’ve included background information, a poster poem, pocket chart cards, plus some “trace & write” color-me worksheets.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambThe pocket chart cards come in a full-page size, as well as two smaller sets on one template. 

Laminate & cut them apart.  For an independent center, students read the cards and put them in proper order.

The poem fits the schoolhouse writing prompt, and is a nice segue for introducing the nursery rhyme genre, along with rhyming words.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambDiscussion: “What words rhyme in the poem?” (go-snow & school-rule). Can they think of anymore?

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambYou can do this as a whole-group activity and write the words on the board, or have older students make their own lists on the worksheets provided.

To practice another skill, have them alphabetize the words on their list. I’ve included answer keys.

Students can also share their schoolhouse at this time.  Completed projects make a sweet bulletin board.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambTo tie them into the poem, I’ve included a “_______________’s little lambs have found their way to school” poster for the center of your board, the nursery rhyme poster, plus some large sheep to go on each side. The photo shows the start of my bulletin board display.

You or your kiddos write their name on the little lamb cards, which are placed next to their schoolhouse. Add some border & you’re done. 

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambClick on the link to pop on over to my TpT shop for my newest back to school writing prompt craftivity.

While you're there, I would so appreciate it, if you'd follow me.  I just need 11 more people to hit 500 followers.  I love designing milestone FREEBIES and have a really cute one that I'm working on, in anticipation of reaching that goal soon.  Thanks in advance.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambToday's FREEBIE features a variety of popular road signs that are perfect for your classroom.  They are especially fun if you're going to do a transportation theme. 

I've included large as well as small sizes.  Use the bigger ones as posters; I put a few back-to-back & suspended from my ceiling as gentle reminders. 

The smaller ones can be bookmarks, magnets or pencil toppers for your kiddos. Click on the link to grab this fun FREEBIE: Classroom Road Signs

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambThat's it for today.  It's only 57 degrees out this morning, so fall is definitely in the air here in Michigan.  I am so not ready to let go of summer.  Wishing you a warm & wonderful day.

“August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.” ~ Sylvia Plath 

1-2-3 Come Do Some Kissing Hand Activities With Me

My kiddos LOVE the story The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.  Little ones identify with the anxious feelings of Chester the raccoon, when he doesn’t want to go to school.  The warming kiss from his mom, resonates in comfort for them as well.

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementaryWith that in mind, I created a whopping 102-page Kissing Hand literacy packet.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I loved designing it.  

The packet has a ton of super-fun activities to help reinforce a variety of standards and includes the following:

* A note home to parents to provide a family photograph for a special We are loved” bulletin board.
* 2 posters to help create the bulletin board.

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementary* A tiny welcoming note for your students with a place to put a Hershey Kiss. ("Hooray!  Hooray!  So glad you're here today.  To show you that it's true, here's a little kiss for you!")
* Graphing activities

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementary* Parts of a book poster & worksheet
* Pocket Chart cards for: character, setting, events
* Literacy Graphic organizers
* Beginning-Middle-End of the story worksheets & activities

* A who, what, where, when, why worksheet
* Venn diagrams comparing: 2 books, 2 characters, the child with Chester, Chester’s school & their school, plus some completed samples to share.

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementary* Games: “How many words can you make using the letters in raccoon?” Includes an answer key; “Rr is for raccoon and….” race;  plus a Nocturnal Animal Memory Match game.

* A variety of worksheets for various levels.
* Lot of creative & fun writing prompts
* Several class-made books, with covers and inside pattern pages to make them.

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementary* Nocturnal animal activities, including an interesting facts sheet, an alphabetical list of 34 nocturnal animals, a classroom poster, with a matching “color me” one for students, plus several games.

* Sign Language activities (The last page of the story, is a picture of Chester’s hand “signing” I love you.) Includes a poster and worksheet.

* Skidamarink a-dink-a-doo I love you song, poster & bookmarks.  My Y5s LOVE singing this sweet song.

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementary* Retell the story bookmarks
* “Color me” first day bookmarks

* Comfort discussion poster and matching class-made book

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementary* “I had a great 1st day” slap bracelet.
* 12 pocket chart cards for reviewing the story.  They double as a punctuation and capitalization activity too.

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementary* Feelings activities
* Raccoons "Are, Can, Have" worksheet

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementary* Craftivities: A raccoon mask; a hand print fold out note; and a  “red, white & blue I love you” sign language heart.  Both make a wonderful keepsake.

* I also designed a sweet full-body raccoon on a 1/2 sheet of paper, with 2-on-a-page for quick printing.

Little ones can simply color him, then color, trim & glue the tail to the bottom. 

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementaryOlder students can write 3-4 things they liked about school or 2-3 emotions they felt during the first day or week. 

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementaryThe larger raccoon is just a head & tail.  I call it "A Tale About Me!"  With a play on the word "tale/tail".

It's an interesting alternative to the "All About Me" booklets.

The tail of the raccoon provides simple writing prompts for kiddos to finish: name, birthday, an interesting fact about themselves; what they want to be when they grow up, plus favorites: color, candy, activities, animal, foods, & TV show, all written on the raccoon's tail. 

This craftivity is a super-fun way to learn about your new students, and completed projects make an adorable bulletin board

Click on the link to pop on over to my TpT shop to grab this comprehensive Kissing Hand Literacy Packet. 

In celebration of getting ready for back to school, I've knocked 2 dollars off for a limited time, so this 102-page packet is just $5.95. 

kissing hand I survived craft, Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementaryThe featured FREEBIE today, also involves The Kissing Hand. I actually have 2 for you that are featured in the packetThe first one is the quick, easy & fun "fill up the hand with feelings" craftivity.  Click on the link to grab it.  

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementaryThe second one is the Comfort Class-Made Book.  There are two writing prompt options to choose from, a color cover, with full & half page options, plus the discussion poster.  After children share their page, collect, collate, add the cover & place it in your classroom library. 

Be sure and set your student-made booklets out during Open House as well as Parent Teacher Conferences. 

Kissing hand activities, raccoon crafts, raccoon activities, literacy packets, audrey penn, kissing hand crafts, back to school activities, back to school books for elementaryI hope your kiddos enjoy creating this one.  Well that's it for today. 

Thanks for stopping by.   It's a lovely sunny day in the 70's.  My grandchildren are coming over, so it will be especially enjoyable.  Wishing you a love-filled day as well.  

"Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation." - Lois Weis  

1-2-3 Come Do An Icebreaker Craft With Me

What’s On Your Mind?  Is an easy and interesting way to get to know your students.  Use it as a fun icebreaker for the first day or first week of school.

back to school ideas, back to school lessons, back to school activities, september bulletin boards, september bulletin board ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school bulletin board ideas, ideas for the first day first week of school, lessons for the first day first week of school, activities for the first day first week of school, craft activity for the first day first week of school, getting to know kids activities, icebreakers for the first day first week of school,No matter what the age group, I've always found that everyone seems to like sharing a little bit about themselves.  This is a creative and entertaining way to do that.

If you have the time, do these in class, or send them home to be done as a home-school connection.

back to school ideas, back to school lessons, back to school activities, september bulletin boards, september bulletin board ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school bulletin board ideas, ideas for the first day first week of school, lessons for the first day first week of school, activities for the first day first week of school, craft activity for the first day first week of school, getting to know kids activities, icebreakers, icebreakers for school, all about me, icebreakers for the first day first week of school,Older students can draw their own self-portrait (head) outline, or use one of mine.  I've included two boy options, as well as two for girls to choose from.

I find young children do much better if they have some sort of pattern, as they tend to draw rather small circles that items would not be able to fit into.

If you’d like to have a ready-to share activity for the first day of school, include the directions and a template in your “Welcome to school” summer letter or tuck it in the packets you give out during Open House or Meet & Greet the Teacher  Night.  

whats on your mind craft, back to school activities, icebreakers for school, first day activities, getting to know you activities, back to school bulletin boardsExplain to students to fill their "head" with "stuff" that's always on their mind.

  • Filling it with favorite things, hobbies, interests, people; things that they're always thinking about. 
  • You can fill it with dreams and hopes for the future too.
  • These will mostly be positive things, but if something is always on your mind that’s bugging you or that you’re worried about, feel free to include those too.
  • You can show these things by drawing them, clipping out & gluing symbols/logos or pictures from magazines, using stickers, clip art, and photographs.
  • Writing down thoughts, words, a quote or an idea is also OK.

back to school ideas, back to school lessons, back to school activities, september bulletin boards, september bulletin board ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school bulletin board ideas, ideas for the first day first week of school, lessons for the first day first week of school, activities for the first day first week of school, craft activity for the first day first week of school, getting to know kids activities, icebreakers, icebreakers for school, all about me, icebreakers for the first day first week of school,Completed projects make an awesome back to school bulletin board too. In my directions, I let students know that they will be sharing their minds with their classmates, as an interesting way to get to know each other. 

Be sure and make one for yourself to use to introduce the activity and explain what you want students to do.  No matter what grade I taught, my students always liked learning a little something about their teacher.

I really enjoyed making my sample; it only took about 15-minutes. I used clip art , a photo of my husband and poodle pup Chloe, and added in a few words, plus my favorite quote. 

whats on your mind craft, back to school activities, icebreakers for school, first day activities, getting to know you activities, back to school bulletin boardsMaking a list of things they want to include in their mind, then looking for pictures to represent those things, provides an excellent pre-writing activity, and helps students organize their thoughts. 

This fun getting to know you craftivity, is a special FREEBIE in my TpT shop.  Click on the link to pop on over and grab your copy today, and let the thinking begin!

whats on your mind craft, back to school activities, icebreakers for school, first day activities, getting to know you activities, back to school bulletin boardsThanks for stopping by.  Time to take a break and unclutter this mind, which is a bit overwhelmed with all the back to school things I want to get done.  

Wishing you a stress-free day and a mind filled with peace.

"A negative mind, will never give you a positive life." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Whale-Themed Craftivities With Me

Ever since I visited Sea World, I've become a big fan of whales.  I know that an ocean-theme is really popular with a lot of teachers, and since children of all ages love whales, I decided to design a whale-themed writing prompt craftivity packet. 

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, It took a lot longer than I thought it would, but I truly believe that making an example of everything that I design, plus including samples, great directions and lots of photographs, really helps teachers and parents.  What say you?

Any hoo, this packet serves double duty, as I included writing prompts for back to school, as well as the end of the year.  The poor gals across the street from me, who teach in a charter school, go 'til June 23rd!   Maybe some of you late-vacation bloomers, can use a few of these activities now. 

This packet is very versatile and uses the idioms “I had a whale of a great . . .” and “Spouting off about . . “ where students complete the writing prompt, with something appropriate for back-to-school or the end of the year.  Such as ”I had a whale of a wonderful summer because . . .” or “I had a whale of an awesome year in ________ grade!”

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, The simple prompts make these activities suitable for little ones, as well as older kiddos, whose writing will be longer and more descriptive. Choose a whale topper for your students or give them a choice.  These activities make terrific independent literacy centers and plug in nicely with Daily 5 or your writing block. 

Students really enjoy the “craftivity” portion of their writing, which makes them really want to get started and keeps them focused.  Completed projects make beautiful bulletin board displays too.

The packet includes:

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, 9 bookmarks: 5 are “writing prompt bookmarks” where this year’s students write a note to your in-coming students, or pick a partner and make one for their current classmate, or “spout off”.  

There are also 4 “from the teacher” bookmarks, appropriate to welcome your new students, or say farewell to this year’s bunch.

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, Create a “teachable moment” about homonyms/homophones with the “Whale of a ‘Tale’” whale’s tail topper.  Students can write a tale about anything they find interesting, or you could narrow things down and have them write a tale about school or summer.  

The “Tiny ‘Tales’ of School” as well the “Tiny ‘Tales’ of Summer” are mini-flip booklets. The “tiny tale” could be the most exciting, embarrassing, fun, scary, or funny thing that happened to them during the school year, or over summer vacation.

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, Another booklet option, is “Wally”.  He’s the “standing tall” blue whale. Behind his “face” are oval pages.  This too could be done individually, in a small group, or as a whole group activity.

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, Run the silhouette whale off on a variety of colors.  Students trim and complete whatever writing prompt you choose right on the whale.  For that finishing touch, add a school picture.

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, There are also 4 “Spouting Off” activities: a writing prompt "color-me" worksheet, a writing prompt bookmark, a writing prompt craftivity. and a definition-anchor chart poster. 

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, For one of the activities, I made a "speech bubble" that represents the water being squirted from the whale's blow hole."

As with the other prompts, I've included a sample for you to share.

 

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, 4 different whale toppers, with 7 different writing prompt worksheets to go under them, make especially cute bulletin boards. 

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, Caption Ideas: “We’re Going to Have a Whale of a Great Time!”  “Having a Whale of a Wonderful Time in PK.”  “Making a Splash in Kindergarten!”  “So Glad You Swim in our School.”   "____________’s 'Fintastic' 1st Graders."  “Fintastic” Writing or "Looking Forward to a Whale of a Super Summer/School Year".

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, I’ve included black & white, as well as full-color worksheets, so that you can easily make an example to share.  Don’t have time? I’ve included samples too.

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, There are 5 cover options for a full-page class-made booklet, with 6 inside page options for students to choose from.

A simple, “color-me” writing prompt worksheet, is easy-peasy for little ones.

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, Finally, I’ve included several pages of my top picks for kid-friendly websites, which have interesting information, games and facts about whales, plus links to video and audio clips of real ones.  These sites offer a quick, easy & fun way to toss in some science & geography that there never seems to be enough time for.

I play the whale sound “music” while my students are working.  It’s soothing and they are amazed by the sound that whales make while communicating with each other.

Just like a whale, this whale-themed writing prompt packet is “whopping”, with 80-pages, and on sale today (June 9th through Friday the 12th) for just $3.19.  Click on the link to pop on over to my TpT store to check it out. Sales help support my clip art & font habits, as well as pay bills to run my TeachWithMe FREEBIE site.  (It's averaging a little over $200 a month to do so, thus the need for a bit of income).

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, And now for the FREEBIE, as I always like to provide at least one with each packet.  I chose “Walter” because he was my first attempt at whale drawing, and my personal favorite. Click on the link to take Wally home.

 He comes complete with a large and small wave pattern (write your prompt right on the large one) or glue the smaller wave to one of 4 traceable-writing prompt worksheets.  

whale activities, ocean activities, whale crafts, summer activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, whale crafts, writing prompts, bookmarks, Well that’s it.   Thanks for visiting today.  Apologies for being long-winded.  Whether you’re winding down the year and counting down the days, or making your own vacation-splash in the ocean, I’m wishing you a whale of a wonderful summer!

"We owe it to our children to be better stewards of the environment.  The alternative?  A world without whales.  It's too terrible to imagine!" -Pierce Brosan

1-2-3 Come Do Some Frog-Themed Craftivities With Me

Woo hoo for some of you lucky duckies who are now basking in the sunshine, enjoying the start of your vacation.  For those of you who are still in school for a few more days, or even weeks, boy have I got a super-fun, frog-themed packet for you! 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesEven the vacationers can enjoy it, as this whopping packet not only features end-of-the-year stuff, but matching back-to-school activities as well! 

The versatility continues because it includes templates for Pre K4 through 3rd grade, so you can make things specific to your grade level! 

Getting students to WANT to write and really enjoy it, is one of my hot buttons.  With that in mind, I stuffed the packet with lots of creative writing prompt choices with an adorable frog theme that encompasses "leaping" into summer, a new grade, and a new year in school. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesThere are 18 writing prompt craftivities in all, with lots of options for both the end of the year, as well as for back-to-school.   I enjoy drawing frogs; and had a fun time creating some real cuties.  "Ferdinand" is a fat and sassy frog that's a "peek-over". 

Run him off on lime green construction paper.  Students trim and add colorful details with crayons, then glue him to the top of their "I'm leaping" writing prompt for the end of the year, or choose another topic and use the blank frog pattern, for back-to-school.  I've included a "Look Who's Leaping" poster to use in the center of your bulletin board when you display your students' finished projects.

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pages"Fred" is another fun-frog craft.  Here the writing prompt is written on his "tongue".  You can display Fred with a "flat tongue" or include some great fine-motor practice, and have students curl it, by rolling the paper strip on a crayon. 

For that finishing touch, I've included some "flies".  There's a "This stuff stuck. Look what I learned!" end-of-the-year pattern, as well as one that says: "I had a delicious summer.This is what I did..." for back-to-school

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pages"Jose'" is a "belly flipping" writing prompt frog.  There are 8 cover options.  Four for the end-of-the-year, and 4 for back-to-school

Jose' can be done as a whole-group, class-made book, where everyone contributes a "belly page"  or as an independent writing prompt, where each child makes their own booklet.  The "Before We Go We'd Like You To Know" booklet gives advice to next year's kiddos. 

The "Frogtastic Memories" can be turned into a quick, easy and fun end-of-the-year Memory Book, by simply having students write pages about the favorite things that they did in school or during the summer.  

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pages"Frankie" and "Fern" are the cute Frog Face Flip book twins.  Frankie sports a bowtie, while Fern wears a bow on top of her head.  Their "face" flips up to reveal a writing prompt. 

hoppy to b meThere are 5 to choose from, plus a blank one to program with whatever, and a sample for you to share to help explain to your students what you want them to do. 

As with "Fred" this too can be done independently, or as a whole-group, class-made booklet.  The back-to-school "I'm 'hoppy' to be me" writing prompt is a personal favorite.

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI've also included a "We're flipping over leaping into a new grade!" poster that you can use for the center of your bulletin board display

There's a poster for pre k4 through 3rd grade, plus a blank one to fill in with whatever. 

If you've followed me, you know that I like to incorporate things with a play-on-words.  It's a fun way to expand horizons and build vocabulary. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesSince a frog says "Ribbit!" I decided to make a "Ribbit, Write It, Read It" writing prompt using the word "riveting" as the twist.

Students write about their "ribbiting" summer or "ribbiting" things that they enjoyed during the school year, inside "Rodney's" circular-frog belly. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI've included a definition-poster for introducing the word riviting, along with a "Ribbit; Write It; Read It" poster for the center of your display. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesIf you're not into "craftivities" I've also included lots of quick, easy and fun coloring-page, writing prompt worksheets. Simply print and go.

There's a sampling of some of them in the photo.  The "So long school, hello summer" or "So long summer, hello school" worksheets, where the froggy is opening a 3D school door to reveal the writing prompt are especially cute. 

Tlook whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pageshere's a similar writing prompt with a different frog, that may be more appealing for older students. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI've included samples for both, and each one has prompts for both seasons. Completed projects make darling bulletin boards too.

One bulletin board display that's especially adorable, is the frog on a lily pad.  I made the water lily flower out of a coffee filter.  In the top photo I simply scrunched the filter. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesIn the bottom picture I folded it into 1/8ths, then folded it one more time, snipping the end to create scallops. When you open it, it looks just like a large flat water lily. 

I edged it with a pink watercolor marker, then spritzed it with water so it smudged into the paper.  Easy-peasy with awesome results. 

You have a nice teachable moment to discuss fractions, while children are following your step-by-step directions and folding their filter.   The final writing prompt craftivity features "Fritz".  This frog sits on a pail of sand. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI cut an oval out of sandpaper and glued it to the bucket, so that it looks filled!  Children write things they'd like to do over the summer.  The back-to-school writing prompt option tells what they've done during the summer and what they'd like to do in school. 

I realize this "bucket list" idea is all over Pinterest, but I've been doing it way before TpT or Pinterest came into being.  Click on the link for my original "Summer Bucket List" FREEBIE. It's in a FREE summer writing prompt packet with 6 other fun "craftivities".

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesBesides writing prompts, there are lots of end-of-the-year AND back-to-school themed "goodies" stuffed into the packet, with templates for Pre K4 through 3rd grade.

One group features another play-on-words using "toad-ally" for totally, which fits in perfect with my frog/toad theme. 

I had fun designing a few writing prompts, as well as goodies using this fun word.   There are color, as well as black & white covers for the mini-flip booklets and notes, as well as 2 posters and some labels.  

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pages "Brag Bracelets" are another "goodie". They are super-fun to make and wear.  I designed one that says: "I'm Leaping!" and another with "Welcome!" on it. 

Simply run off the pattern and trim using a paper cutter.  Slit a toilet paper roll up the side and cut it into sections, the width of the pattern. Children glue to their "slap bracelet" folding the edges under.  It's the perfect size for little ones, and the bent shape keeps it on their arm!  When other kiddos ask them about their bracelet, they can "brag" that they made it and are "leaping" into a new grade. Nice little self-esteem builder! 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesIf you're looking for a quick, easy and inexpensive little end-of-the-year, or back-to-school treat to give your students, take a look at my "tiny tags"

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesThese are sweet little notes from the teacher, that you can attach to a "Flavor Ice" Popsicle (They sell them 50 to a pack for only $2.95!).

Putting them on a  Fruit Roll Up (sticky frog tongue!) or attaching to a Snack Baggie is also fun.  The Dollar Store sells a package of 12 gummi rainbow frogs that would also work.

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI've also created a cute, keepsake-photo magnet.   Laminate them for durability.  The Dollar Store also sells magnet strip.  (I'm a frequent shopper there; can ya tell?) 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI've also included a variety of bookmarks suitable for the beginning, as well as the end of they year.  They come in color, as well as black and white. 

One is a writing prompt that students complete (nice bucket-filler activity), while another they color for one of your in-coming students.  

My personal favorite is the keepsake photo bookmark, but the foreign language (Hello-Goodbye) ones are also really cute. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesAnother "goodie" in the packet are the "color-me" certificates for pre K4 through 3rd grade, (there are 4 styles to choose from, or give your kiddos a choice), plus there are 2 word-art frog-shaped posters that I created using Tagxedo.com.  I've included my silhouettes, so that your kiddos can also make their own.  

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesWell that about covers this frog-themed packet, which is a whopping 201 pages (!) and on sale now for just $6.95 (regularly $8.95).  It took me a zillion hours to finish, but I think it was well worth the time. Click on the link to pop on over to my TpT shop and let the fun begin. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, welcome banners for back to school, frog banners, pennant templates, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesAs always, I try to include a few FREEBIES from the packet as well.   You can get the frog-word art posters, the word-art certificates (for pre-K4 through 3rd grade) stars and labels, plus the brag bracelets by clicking on the link: frog-themed end-of-the year mini packet.

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, welcome banners for back to school, frog banners, pennant templates, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesTo grab the FREE frog back-to-school banners, click on this link. The end pennants come in color as well as black line, and have templates for Pre K4 through 3rd grade.  The frog-face pennants spell out "Welcome" and are in black and white, so that your kiddos can color them, taking ownership of helping to decorate their new home-away-from-home classroom.

This year's kiddos can make the banner to welcome your new students in the fall, or the new kids on the block can do it.  Either way, it's kid-made and will look awww-dorable. Well that's it!  Whew! That's a lot of frog stuff! 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, welcome banners for back to school, frog banners, pennant templates, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI apologize for such a long post.  Thanks for hanging in there if you've read to the end.  I'm just so excited to share my latest "mess-terpiece".  You should see my office; it's a pile of craft supplies and samples...everywhere! 

Thanks for visiting today.  It's clean up time.  Maybe I'll hum the "clean-up song" that my Y5's used to love singing.  On second thought, the sun is shining and a warm breeze is beckoning to me to come play.  I think I will. Wishing you a delightful day, crammed with creativity.

"For life to get easier, you have to get better." -Billy Cox

1-2-3 Come Do Some Super-Fun End-of-the-Year Stuff With Me

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersMy students LOVE Laura Numeroff’s books: “If You Take A Mouse To School” and “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.”  With those stories in mind, I designed the “Nice Mice Advice” packet.

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersIt will help you check off some “To Do” activities for next year, with the help of this year’s kiddos!

The packet is loaded with fun end-of the-year activities that will keep your students happily engaged, while helping you make some special things for the fall.

There are 4 class-made “Advice” booklets for you to choose from.  
Pick one and have your students write advice to the in-coming children.  Collect & collate.  

 end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersThis year’s kiddos can share their page when you read the book aloud, then tuck it away to share with your new class in the fall. 

My personal favorite is the circle-shaped Cookie Book. 

It's a perfect go-along with the "If You Give A Mouse a Cookie" story, and includes advice from the teacher, principal and each student.  For that finishing touch, add a school photo.  I've included a sample page to help explain things to your kiddos.

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersIf you'd like each of your students to make a mini-advice booklet for your new students, then you'll like the small, advice- flip booklet, with 2 different cover options in black & white, plus color, with 4 inside writing-promt pages. 

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersThe other two class book options feature the creative clip art of Scrappin Doodles and D. J. Inkers. 

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersAs you can see there are plenty of options.  You can choose, or show the samples and have your students vote on which one they'd like to do. 

Since a lot of advice has to do with following the rules, this is an interesting and fun way to present them.

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersCheck another thing off your list.  I've included a set of 25 "Advice Rules!" pocket chart cards that you can use as well, plus a blank set for you to program with whatever.

 end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersI've also included an advice definition poster incase your students are not familiar with this word, along with a sweet "If you give a kid some advice, they should take it." poster to start things off.

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersDo you give your students a little treat on the first day?  Cross that off your list too because I’ve included several “treats” they can make as well. 

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersThere is an assortment of bookmarks and a lollipop-nosed mouse: (“A sweet treat for someone they’d like to meet.”)
The bookmarks come in black and white, as well as full color.

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, bookmarks, rule postersThere are several for this year's kiddos, as well as one for them to color and give to the in-coming cuties, along with a sweet "peek over" mouse bookmark that you can make and use as a pointer when you read Numeroff's stories.

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersThe mouse, writing-prompt craftivity makes an adorable back-to-school bulletin board. so check that off your list as well. 

Simply run off the super-simple mouse pattern on a variety of colors of construction paper.

Students trim, fold the "head" section over and write some "nice mice advice" under the "flap". For that finishing touch, add some ears, wiggle eyes, a pom pom nose, and a yarn "tail".

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersThe packet also includes:

  • A “Hip Hip Hooray! We’ll follow the good advice each day” poster contract. Students feel important signing their name, which makes them more accountable too.
  • A “Tips and Tidbits” poster.  Review what students have learned and jot down the highlights.
  • 2 “If you take a mouse to school he’ll want to give you some advice!” posters. And . . .
  • A mouse, reading pointer bookmark craft.

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersFinally, there's a "welcome card" that everyone signs. What fun ways to help your in-coming students feel special and chase away those first day jitters.

This 58-page packet is on sale in my TpT store for just $3.95.  Click on the link to pop on over to my shop.  I still can't believe that I have a little store.  Hopefully I'll make enough to help pay for all of the clip art and fonts that I buy!  That would definitely make my husband happy. 

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersAnd now for the FREEBIES  from this packet.  I've included the "Mice Advice" writing prompt mouse craft, several bookmarks, and a poster. Click on the link to grab them.

end of the year activities, activities for if you take a mouse to school, activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, Laura numeroff activities, advice for next years students, end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year writing prompts, mice crafts, mice activities, back to school treats, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, rules for school, class made books, classroom rules, rule postersWell that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by. It's going to be in the 80's this afternoon, so it's time to take my grandbabies swimming. 

Wishing you a delightful day filled with everything you enjoy the most. 

"Sometimes you never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do An Apple-icious Writing Activity With Me

apple icebreaker activity, icebreakers, back to school activities, getting to know you activities, apple craftsBecause many teachers decorate with an apple theme, and a lot of children study about apples in the fall, I decided to design a back to school apple icebreaker.

apple icebreaker activity, icebreakers, back to school activities, getting to know you activities, apple craftsIt's a quick, easy and fun way to get to know your new students.  Be sure and make a sample to help explain what you want them to do, as well as an interesting way, for them to get to know you too.

apple icebreaker activity, icebreakers, back to school activities, getting to know you activities, apple craftsStudents complete the writing prompts and then color their apples in an ABC pattern. 

I chose this pattern, because apples come in 3 colors, and I wanted to toss in a bit of science as well as math, plus it helps younger students to use more than only one color, which they are notorious for.

By having them cut their apple out, you provide an opportunity for practice, and can see at a glance who is having difficulty with fine motor skills.

apple icebreaker activity, icebreakers, back to school activities, getting to know you activities, apple craftsIf you take a first day of school photo, make copies and trim, so that students can glue one to their leaf, for that finishing touch. 

Completed projects make a sweet bulletin board. (A new crop of kids, Kindergarten is a bushel of fun, The apple of Mr(s). ______'s eye, apple-icious work are just a few captions.

apple icebreaker activity, icebreakers, back to school activities, getting to know you activities, apple craftsI've included 3 samples to give you some ideas of what children can share.  An example will help jumpstart their minds and set them in the right direction.

apple icebreaker activity, icebreakers, back to school activities, getting to know you activities, apple craftsThere's also a blank apple for you to fill in with whatever information you'd like to learn about your students. 

apple icebreaker activity, icebreakers, back to school activities, getting to know you activities, apple craftsClick on the link to view/download the Apple Icebreaker Packet. 

apple icebreaker activity, icebreakers, back to school activities, getting to know you activities, apple craftsThanks for visiting today.  It's Friday and that means garage sales! (Woo hoo.) 

I'm off in search of more treasures to fill up my already too-full basement!  As a teacher, you can probably relate to suffering from the Pack Rat Syndrome.

"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow." -Anthony J. D'Angelo

1-2-3 Come Make A Writing Prompt Craft With Me

Summer is an especially wonderful time to ride a bike, so I thought I'd make a "craftivity" using a bicycle.  If you're a frequent visitor, you know that I enjoy designing things involving a "play on words". 

back to school ideas, back to school activities, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, bicycle activities, bicycle crafts, back to school crafts, writing prompts for september, summer writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year crafts, icebreakers, As I putzed with a writing prompt I thought substituting the word "wheel" for real would be fun.  Thus "I had a 'wheel' great summer!" was born. 

There are two templates to choose from.  One is for back to school, the other for the end of the year. Use as an interesting icebreaker for the first week of school, where students write about the places they went and the things they did over vacation. 

This is a fun way to find out about your new students, as they complete the prompt inside the spokes of the wheel. 

For added pizzazz, and to learn a bit more about your kiddos, have students write using their two favorite color markers.

Simply run the bike off on a variety of colors of construction paper. 

Students trim and glue to the wheels. (I ran off on white card stock.)  If you want them to spin, poke a hole in the center and attach with a brass brad. 

For that finishing touch, have students attach a school photo.  Children read one or two items from each wheel, as they share it with their classmates. 

You can do these in class; as an activity for open house; or send home on the first day of school for children to complete with their family.

cWhile I was at it, I thought this idea could also be used at the end of the year, where students wrote about their favorite things, activities, subjects, etc. 

There are six wheels they can choose from, including a blank one to fill in whatever prompt you want. 

back to school ideas, back to school activities, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, bicycle activities, bicycle crafts, back to school crafts, writing prompts for september, summer writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year crafts, icebreakers, Completed projects make a sweet bulletin board

Click on the link to view/download the bicycle writing prompt craftivity. 

back to school ideas, back to school activities, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, bicycle activities, bicycle crafts, back to school crafts, writing prompts for september, summer writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year crafts, icebreakers, Thanks for visiting.  Feel free to PIN away. 

Do you have a back-to-school activity you could share with us?  I'd love to hear from you: diane@teachwithme.com  or leave a comment below.

 

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela

 

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