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Halloween brings an incredible buzz of excitement to the primary classroom. The costumes, candy, and spooky stories are all kids can think about, which often makes it difficult for them to stay focused on their usual lessons. But instead of fighting against that energy, why not harness it? By weaving fun, Halloween-themed activities into your literacy and math routines, you can keep students engaged and learning while still embracing the festive atmosphere. The key is to balance the excitement with simple, effective activities that capture their attention without overwhelming them—or you!  Managing Excitement And InclusivityOne of the challenges of Halloween is managing students’ excitement while ensuring that those who may not celebrate the holiday still feel included. To balance the two, focus on fun, skill-building activities that fit within your regular literacy and math routines. You can incorporate fall or pumpkin themes to engage everyone, regardless of their personal participation in Halloween.  Low Prep Literacy Activities For Halloween1. Halloween Parts of Speech Silly Sentences This hands-on activity allows students to create spooky, silly sentences by practicing parts of speech. Students choose from a variety of Halloween-themed nouns, verbs, and adjectives to form sentences that are both funny and educational. It’s a great way to practice grammar while keeping the mood light and festive. Teacher Benefits: - Low-prep: Just print and cut the cards. - Minimal instruction: Students can work independently or with a partner. - Differentiation: Include fewer cards or use the numbers on the cards to create sentences. - Use the Fall themed set to include those who don't participate in Halloween.
2. Vocabulary Games And Activities For Halloween Word games are a fun way to build Halloween-themed vocabulary. This resource includes multiple games and activities that can be played individually or in groups. Students can sort words, play matching games, or use vocabulary cards to build sentences. Teacher Benefits: - Low-prep: Ready-to-use vocabulary cards. - Engaging: Students enjoy the playful, interactive nature of the games. - Differentiation: Choose the different card options (words and images together, or words and images on separate cards) for different reading levels. - Use the Fall themed set to include those who don't participate in Halloween.
3. I Was So Scared: Poetry Writing Activity In this scaffolded poetry activity, students describe a time when they were scared, using descriptive language to reflect on their feelings. This activity ties into the Halloween theme of spooky emotions but remains inclusive for those who do not celebrate the holiday. Teacher Benefits: - Low-prep: Printable templates with clear writing prompts. - Emotional engagement: Students can connect personally with the topic. - Differentiation: The scaffold can support different writing levels, from beginners to more advanced students.  Simple Math Activities For Halloween1. Pumpkin Glyphs: A Data Activity This glyph activity is perfect for integrating math into a fun, seasonal theme. Students create pumpkin glyphs by answering questions, with each answer determining a part of their pumpkin’s appearance (e.g., color, number of eyes, etc.). Once completed, students can analyze the class's pumpkins to compare data and identify patterns. Teacher Benefits: - Engaging data activity: Combines art and math in an interactive way. - Low-prep: Simple printable templates. - Differentiation: Tailor the questions to match students' abilities and interests.  2. Fall And Halloween Odd And Even Tallies This activity helps students practice identifying odd and even numbers through fun, fall-themed tallying. Using pumpkins and other Halloween imagery, students work to tally numbers and then classify them as odd or even. Teacher Benefits: - Low-prep: Print and go! - Minimal instruction: Students can work independently once they understand the tallying process. - Differentiation: Offer larger or smaller number ranges to challenge different students.  3. Halloween Math Activities This resource includes a variety of math activities, from counting to addition and subtraction. The Halloween theme keeps students engaged while they practice core math skills, and the worksheets are perfect for math centers or small group work. Teacher Benefits: - Quick setup: Print-and-go worksheets. - Engaging visuals: Halloween-themed graphics keep students interested. - Differentiation: A range of difficulty levels ensures all students can participate.  Why These Activities WorkThese Halloween-themed literacy and math activities are designed to make your life easier. They require minimal preparation, allowing you to spend more time supporting students rather than planning and prepping. Plus, the variety of activities means you can cater to different learning levels while keeping everyone engaged.  By incorporating these activities into your classroom, you’ll not only manage the excitement of the season but also ensure that learning continues in a meaningful, fun way. And for students who may not celebrate Halloween, the inclusion of neutral, fall-themed tasks like **Pumpkin Glyphs** and math games ensures that everyone can participate.   Related Posts
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a great opportunity to blend festive themes into our classroom activities, encouraging students to focus on the spirit of giving and gratitude while reinforcing important academic skills. This blog post will provide ideas for Thanksgiving-themed literacy and math centers, with suggestions for differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners. By focusing on hands-on, thematic learning, students will be able to engage more deeply with literacy and math while reflecting on the values of the season.  The Importance of Thanksgiving and Gratitude in the ClassroomThanksgiving is more than just turkey and pie—it’s a time to reflect on the importance of giving, sharing, and being grateful. By incorporating these themes into the classroom, students learn valuable life lessons about community and appreciation. A great way to begin a Thanksgiving unit is with a class discussion about gratitude. Ask students: What are you thankful for? How can we show gratitude every day, not just on Thanksgiving? This sets the tone for deeper reflection during the activities that follow, as students think about the importance of giving and sharing.  Thanksgiving-Themed Literacy CentersIntegrating Thanksgiving themes into literacy activities provides students with the opportunity to develop reading, writing, and vocabulary skills in a creative and festive way. Below are some differentiated activities designed for varying ability levels: 1. Word Work Center: Turkey Scramble In this fun center, students unscramble Thanksgiving-themed words like "turkey," "harvest," and "gratitude," then use those words in sentences. Differentiation: For struggling learners: Provide simpler words and a word bank for support. For on-level learners: Use medium-difficulty words and ask students to create complete sentences. For advanced learners: Introduce complex words like "celebration" or "bountiful" and have students write a paragraph incorporating multiple words. 2. Creative Writing Center: Story Starters Using Thanksgiving-themed prompts, students create their own short stories. Prompts like, "On Thanksgiving morning, I found a talking turkey..." spark creativity and narrative skills. Differentiation: For struggling learners: Provide sentence starters and picture prompts to help with writing. For on-level learners: Focus on developing a clear beginning, middle, and end. For advanced learners: Challenge students to include dialogue, advanced vocabulary, and detailed descriptions.  3. Reading Comprehension Center: Thanksgiving Close Reading Students read a Thanksgiving-themed passage and answer comprehension questions about themes like gratitude and giving. Differentiation: For struggling learners: Provide shorter, simpler passages and picture support. For on-level learners: Ask more inferential comprehension questions. For advanced learners: Introduce more complex passages and ask open-ended questions about the theme.  Thanksgiving-Themed Math CentersMath activities can also be tied into the Thanksgiving theme, offering students a chance to practice problem-solving, estimation, fractions, and measurement while keeping the holiday spirit alive. These activities are differentiated to challenge all levels of learners: 1. Math Relay: Turkey Trot Students work in teams to solve Thanksgiving-themed math problems, such as calculating the total cost of a feast or solving multi-step word problems about the holiday. Differentiation: For struggling learners: Use basic addition and subtraction with single-digit numbers, offering manipulatives like counters for support. For on-level learners: Incorporate two-digit problems and simple word problems. For advanced learners: Introduce multi-step problems that involve multiplication, division, or larger numbers. 2. Fraction Center: Pumpkin Pie Fraction Matching Students match pie visuals divided into different fractions with the corresponding numbers, practicing their fraction skills. Differentiation: For struggling learners: Focus on simpler fractions, like halves and thirds, and use visuals to support learning. For on-level learners: Compare and order more complex fractions, like fourths and eighths. For advanced learners: Introduce mixed fractions and have students place fractions on a number line or convert between fractions and decimals.  3. Data and Graphing Center: Thanksgiving Graphing After collecting data on favorite Thanksgiving foods or traditions through a classroom survey, students create graphs to represent the data. Differentiation: For struggling learners: Provide pre-made tally marks and help students create simple bar graphs. For on-level learners: Let students create their own graphs and analyze the data. For advanced learners: Encourage students to collect more complex data and create multiple types of graphs, such as pie charts, asking them to infer and analyze their findings. 4. Measurement Center: Thanksgiving Feast Estimation Students estimate and measure the weight, length, or volume of Thanksgiving-related items, like toy turkeys, cranberries, or pumpkins. Differentiation: For struggling learners: Use simpler items to estimate and measure, such as measuring length with a ruler or counting objects. For on-level learners: Have students measure multiple items and compare estimates to actual measurements. For advanced learners: Challenge students with unit conversions or multi-step problems, such as finding the total weight of a group of items. Emphasizing Gratitude and GivingTo tie everything together, create a Thanksgiving Gratitude Wall where students can post things they are thankful for. This can be incorporated into your literacy center by having students write their responses on paper leaves or feathers and attach them to a large tree or turkey display in the classroom. Encourage the children to think about ways they can give back during this season of gratitude. Perhaps as a class, you can take on a community project such as collecting canned goods for a food drive or creating thank-you cards for school staff or local first responders.  Thanksgiving provides a wonderful opportunity to engage students in both academic learning and life lessons about giving and gratitude. By incorporating these Thanksgiving-themed centers into your literacy and math instruction, you can create a dynamic classroom environment that is festive, educational, and meaningful. And by offering differentiated activities, you can ensure that all students are challenged and supported, making the Thanksgiving season a memorable learning experience for everyone.  Here's a sampler of a writing and math activity that you can try out. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving season.  Related Posts
As the excitement of Thanksgiving and Halloween approaches, the classroom is buzzing with anticipation. These festive holidays provide the perfect opportunity to engage students in meaningful learning while celebrating the season. Whether it’s teaching gratitude through Thanksgiving or sparking creativity with Halloween, here are some fun, educational activities to bring these holidays into your classroom.  Thanksgiving-Themed Activities: Focusing on Gratitude and KindnessIn Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October, while in the United States, it falls in late November. Regardless of the date, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to encourage students to reflect on gratitude, kindness, and giving back. Here are some engaging activities to make Thanksgiving learning both fun and meaningful.  Thanksgiving Poem TemplatesOne of the most impactful Thanksgiving lessons is teaching students to recognize the things they are thankful for. With my Thanksgiving Poem Templates, students can create heartfelt poems that express their gratitude. This activity allows them to reflect on their lives while practicing creative writing skills. Displaying these poems around the classroom or sending them home as a keepsake is a beautiful way to celebrate Thanksgiving together.
Acts Of KindnessThanksgiving is the ideal time to spark conversations about kindness and empathy. Organize a class discussion about simple ways students can show kindness at school or at home. They might offer to help a friend, share a toy, or brighten someone’s day with a compliment. You could even start a "kindness challenge," where students keep track of their good deeds throughout the month. These small acts encourage positive behavior and teach students the importance of giving to others.  This Kindness explosion poster helps kids see what can happen as people share acts of kindness. Get your free copy here. Thanksgiving Themed Math And Language ActivitiesFor an academic twist on Thanksgiving, integrate math and language skills with the theme of gratitude. Students can work on word problems, addition, subtraction, and sentence-building activities, all centered around giving thanks. This resource makes it easy to incorporate both seasonal themes and academic learning into your classroom.  Turkey GlyphsTurkey glyphs are an excellent way to teach data collection, analysis, and following directions. Using my Turkey Glyphs resource, students answer fun questions and create a unique turkey based on their responses. This activity combines math, critical thinking, and creativity, and the finished turkeys make for a festive classroom display!  Halloween-Themed Learning FunHalloween brings a burst of excitement and creativity. With costumes, pumpkins, and spooky stories in the air, it’s the perfect time to engage students in fun, Halloween-themed learning activities.  Halloween Parts Of Speech Silly SentencesHalloween is a fantastic opportunity to get creative with language! Using my Halloween Parts of Speech Activities: Silly Sentences resource, students can create hilarious, spooky sentences using themed words like "witch," "ghost," and "spider." This activity reinforces grammar and sentence structure while giving students the freedom to be as silly and creative as they like. It’s a fun way to turn language learning into a game!
Halloween Math FunBring the Halloween spirit into your math lessons with Halloween Math Activities. This resource lets students practice important skills like addition, subtraction, and number activities using Halloween-themed worksheets. Whether it’s working with spiders or solving pumpkin problems, students will love practicing math in a fun and festive way. Using the resources from **Diamond Mom’s Treasury**, you can help your students celebrate these holidays while reinforcing key academic skills. Whether you're in Canada celebrating Thanksgiving in October, or the U.S. in late November, the spirit of kindness, creativity, and fun can be incorporated into your teaching all season long.  Thanksgiving and Halloween are the perfect times to bring meaningful, engaging activities into your classroom. From expressing gratitude through Thanksgiving poetry and math activities to having fun with Halloween-themed sentences and pumpkin glyphs, these holidays provide endless opportunities to make learning fun. Happy teaching, and enjoy the festivities! 🦃🎃
Teaching young students how to write descriptively can be a fun and creative process, especially when using the five senses as a guide. By focusing on what they see, hear, smell, taste, and touch, children can learn how to "paint a picture" with words, helping someone visualize what is happening.  Why use the five senses?For beginning writers, telling them to "describe something" can feel overwhelming. But, if you ask them to think about their senses, it becomes easier to break down descriptions. Describing what they see, hear, feel, smell, or taste is something every child can do. This method also helps them focus on details, making their writing more interesting and engaging. Descriptive writing using the five senses not only builds students' vocabulary but also helps them develop observation skills and emotional connection to what they are describing.  Simple sensory exercisesStart by introducing the senses one by one. Here are some simple ways to help children practice using each sense to describe the world around them. 1. Sight: Ask students to describe what they can see. Consider color, size, and shape. You might hold up an object like a stuffed animal or show a picture of a yellow flower. Instead of just saying, "It's a yellow flower," encourage them to add more detail. - Example: "The flower is bright yellow like the sun, with long, green leaves that are as tall as my hand." 2. Sound: Play common sounds—like clapping hands, a dog barking, or the sound of rain. Ask students to describe what they hear and how it sounds. - Example: "The rain sounds soft. It goes 'tap, tap, tap' on the window." 3. Touch: Let students feel different objects, like a soft blanket, a rough rock, or smooth paper. Then, ask them to describe how the object feels. - Example: "The blanket is soft and warm." 4. Smell: Bring in simple scents, like an orange peel or a cinnamon stick. After they smell it, ask them to describe what it reminds them of. - Example: "The orange smells sweet and fresh." 5. Taste: If possible, offer small samples of different tastes, such as something sweet or salty. Ask them to describe how it tastes. - Example: "The candy tastes sweet like sugar.”  Combining the sensesOnce students are comfortable describing individual senses, encourage them to combine two or more in their writing. This will make their descriptions richer. You can explain that they are "painting a picture" with their words for someone who can’t see what they’re talking about. For example, if they’re writing about a sunny day, they can describe what they see and feel: "The sun is bright. It makes me feel warm. I can see the blue sky and hear birds singing." This paints a picture for the reader, who can imagine the scene even if they can’t see it.  Describe what would be on a screenAnother helpful idea is to teach students to describe something as if they were explaining what’s on a TV or computer screen. If they were telling someone about a favorite cartoon, what would they describe? They might talk about the colors, the sounds, or how the characters move. For example, if they’re describing a dog in a cartoon, they might say: "The dog is big and brown. It is barking loudly, and its tail is wagging fast." This encourages them to focus on simple but clear details that help the reader imagine the scene.  Visual aids and templatesTo help beginning writers organize their thoughts, you can use graphic organizers or templates. These can guide them to think about each sense. For instance, you can provide a worksheet with spaces for sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. This helps them make sure they’ve used more than one sense in their description. My Using The Five Senses For Descriptive Writing: Graphic Organizers And Templates resource offers a great starting point for young students. These tools make it easier for children to think through their ideas and build their writing skills step by step.  Make it fun!You can turn sensory writing into a fun game. For example, take your students outside and have them describe what they sense on the playground. Ask them to notice what they see (like flowers or trees), hear (children playing), or feel (the wind). You could also create classroom “sensory stations” with different objects and sounds to inspire their writing. For instance, one station might have soft fabric, while another plays sounds of rain or birds chirping. By using the five senses, you can make descriptive writing accessible and fun for younger students. With a bit of practice, they’ll be able to "paint pictures" with their words, describing their world in ways that help others see, hear, feel, smell, and taste it too.   Through hands-on activities and a little creativity, descriptive writing can become an exciting and engaging part of your classroom! Related Posts
As the school year gets underway, you’re likely beginning to get a sense of your students’ reading abilities. This is the perfect time to start organizing your reading groups to meet the diverse needs of your learners. Setting up effective reading groups involves thoughtful planning and a variety of engaging activities that cater to different reading levels. Let’s explore some strategies and center ideas to help you manage multiple groups and create a dynamic learning environment.  Assess Your Students' Reading LevelsBefore diving into reading groups, it's essential to assess your students' reading levels. This can be done through a combination of formal assessments and informal observations. Pay attention to their fluency, comprehension, and ability to decode words. Understanding their current abilities will help you form groups that are homogenous in their needs but diverse enough to encourage peer learning.  Creating And Managing Reading GroupsOnce you've assessed your students, you can form groups based on their reading abilities. Each group should have around 4-6 students, allowing for manageable group dynamics and individualized attention. To effectively manage multiple groups at once, consider a rotating system where each group spends time at various literacy centers. This structure allows for a balanced approach to literacy instruction, incorporating different skills and activities.  Phonemic Awareness CenterPhonemic awareness is a critical foundation for reading success. At this center, students can engage in activities that help them recognize and manipulate the sounds in words. Use games like "Sound Matching" or "Rhyming Bingo" to make learning fun and interactive. Include auditory activities, such as listening to sounds and identifying the beginning, middle, or ending sounds in words.  Phonics And Word Work CenterPhonics instruction helps students understand the relationship between letters and sounds, enabling them to decode new words. In this center, provide hands-on activities like letter tiles, magnetic letters, and word-building games. Interactive activities, such as "Word Hunts" using decodable texts, can help students apply their phonics skills in a meaningful context. Word work centers focus on building vocabulary and understanding word patterns, which are essential for reading fluency and comprehension. Use word sorts, flashcards, and word-building games to help students practice sight words, spelling patterns, and prefixes/suffixes. Incorporating technology, such as educational apps or online games, can also engage students in word work activities.  Reading For Comprehension CenterComprehension is the ultimate goal of reading. This center should provide opportunities for students to practice their comprehension skills through guided reading activities and comprehension questions. Include a variety of texts—fiction, nonfiction, poetry—to expose students to different genres and styles. Encourage discussions and provide graphic organizers to help students visualize the text’s structure and main ideas. Listening CenterA listening center is a great way to develop students' listening comprehension and vocabulary. This center can include audiobooks, recorded stories, or listening activities where students follow along with a text. Equip the center with headphones and devices pre-loaded with a selection of leveled audio materials. Consider using listening response sheets where students can draw or write about what they heard, identify key details, or make predictions about the story. This not only improves listening skills but also reinforces comprehension and vocabulary in a fun, engaging way.  Independent Work CenterAn independent work center allows students to practice skills at their own pace. Provide a selection of leveled readers, comprehension worksheets, and response journals. This center can also be a place for students to listen to audiobooks or use tablets for reading apps that match their reading levels. The goal is to develop independence while reinforcing skills learned in other centers. Direct Instruction With The TeacherDirect instruction time is your opportunity to provide targeted support based on each group’s needs. Use this time to introduce new concepts, review previously taught skills, and provide immediate feedback. Small group instruction allows you to differentiate your teaching and offer personalized guidance. Rotate groups every 15-20 minutes to ensure that all students receive focused instruction a few times a week. Those that need the most help should receive instruction daily, if possible.  Managing Multiple Groups SimultaneouslyManaging multiple groups can be challenging, but with clear routines and expectations, it can run smoothly. Use visual schedules and timers to help students know when to rotate. Assign a student leader for each group who can help with transitions and ensure everyone is on task. Establish clear signals for quiet attention, such as a chime or hand signal, to maintain order without disrupting other groups. Have several different centers ready and select the ones that will be used for each day. Ensure that students know where their group will start and what the rotation for the day will be.  Assessment And AdjustmentRegularly assess your students' progress and be prepared to adjust groups and activities as needed. Use formative assessments, such as running records and comprehension checks, to monitor growth and identify areas needing further support. Flexibility is key; some students may progress more quickly or slowly than others, and groups should be fluid to reflect these changes. Communication With Parents And GuardiansKeep parents informed about their child’s progress and the goals of your reading groups. Send home regular updates or newsletters highlighting the skills being focused on and suggesting ways to reinforce these at home. Engage parents in the process, and consider hosting a literacy night to share strategies and resources they can use to support reading at home.  Organizing and managing reading groups can seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and a variety of engaging centers, it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your students. Remember, the goal is to create a supportive environment where all students can develop their reading skills at their own pace. By incorporating diverse activities and creating a love for reading, you’re setting your students up for lifelong literacy success. This diverse approach ensures that all students are actively engaged in meaningful literacy activities, allowing you to cater to the diverse needs of your classroom while keeping everyone on task and progressing in their reading abilities. Happy teaching! Related Posts
As the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and gold, fall presents the perfect opportunity to take learning outside before the chill of winter sets in. For primary classrooms, outdoor activities can be a refreshing break from the regular indoor routine while also offering rich, hands-on learning experiences. Here are a few engaging outdoor activities that can make the most of the fall season.  1. Leaf Scavenger HuntTake advantage of the changing foliage by organizing a leaf scavenger hunt. Provide students with a list of different types of leaves to find—based on color, shape, or size. Not only does this encourage observational skills, but it also introduces students to different types of trees, helping them to appreciate nature’s diversity. Bonus points for integrating a science lesson on photosynthesis or the life cycle of trees!  2. Outdoor Storytelling CircleFall’s crisp air and soft breezes make it the perfect setting for storytelling. Gather students in a circle and encourage them to create or share stories inspired by the season. You could also bring in books with autumn themes and read them aloud in the natural setting. Being surrounded by nature can enhance the storytelling experience and spark students' imaginations.  3. Nature ArtEncourage students to explore their surroundings and gather natural materials like acorns, pinecones, twigs, and stones. Then, let their creativity flow as they use these objects to create nature-inspired art. Whether it’s building tiny structures or arranging materials into patterns, this activity encourages both artistic expression and appreciation for the environment.  4. Counting And SortingIncorporating math into outdoor activities is easy and fun! Ask students to collect a specific number of items—such as 10 pinecones, 15 leaves, or 5 sticks—and then sort them based on characteristics like size, color, or texture. This hands-on activity can help reinforce counting, sorting, and grouping skills while connecting math to the natural world.  5. Outdoor ScienceThere’s no better time to engage students in science experiments than when they can get a bit messy in nature! For example, you could explore how animals prepare for winter by studying birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, then encourage students to observe and record what they see. Or, explore wind and weather patterns by making simple wind vanes or kites and observing how they react in the breeze.  6. Fall-Themed Movement GamesTurn traditional outdoor games into fall-themed fun! Play a game of “Pumpkin Patch Tag,” where students pretend to be pumpkins trying to avoid being "picked." Or, set up an obstacle course with stations that involve jumping over “logs,” crawling under “branches,” and balancing on “fallen leaves.” These activities help kids stay active and engaged, while enjoying the fresh air.  7. Outdoor JournalsEncourage students to find a quiet spot outdoors and spend some time reflecting on what they see, hear, and feel. Provide them with journals where they can draw or write about their observations of nature. This can be a calming and introspective activity, helping students develop mindfulness and a deeper connection with their surroundings.  Taking advantage of the fall season with outdoor activities allows primary students to learn and explore in ways that engage their senses and imaginations. As the weather starts to cool, these activities can provide memorable learning experiences that enrich your curriculum while also connecting students to the natural world. So, grab your jackets and head outside—the fall air is calling!  Related Posts
As summer winds down and fall begins to make its mark, it's the perfect time to transition students into a new season filled with exciting learning opportunities. The changing colors, cooler weather, and unique traditions of fall offer endless inspiration for engaging classroom activities. Here’s how you can use the theme of fall to help primary students adjust to the new school year while making learning fun.  Science activityFall provides a natural opportunity to dive into hands-on science learning. From observing changes in the environment to exploring how plants and animals prepare for winter, young students can become scientists by observing the world around them. Activity Idea Take your students on a nature walk to collect fallen leaves. Back in the classroom, have them examine the different shapes, sizes, and colors. Use magnifying glasses to study the veins and texture of the leaves, and discuss why they change color in the fall. You could even create a leaf identification chart, teaching children about different types of trees. Indoor Alternative If collecting real leaves isn’t possible, print out pictures of different fall leaves, or use templates for students to cut out. They can sort these paper leaves by shape, size, or color, and discuss different tree species. Math activityMath skills can be reinforced through the abundance of natural materials found in fall. Pumpkins, apples, acorns, and pinecones can all serve as tools for learning counting, patterns, and basic addition and subtraction. Activity Idea Bring small pumpkins or gourds into the classroom and have students practice weighing, measuring, and estimating how many seeds are inside. You can expand this by cutting the pumpkins open and having students count the seeds, comparing their estimations with actual results. Indoor Alternative: Instead of using acorns or pinecones, gather common objects like buttons, counters, or beads in fall colors (orange, yellow, brown). Use them for counting, pattern-making, or sorting activities.  Story telling and creative writingThe cozy, reflective nature of fall lends itself to storytelling and creative writing. Encourage students to create fall-themed stories or practice their writing skills by describing the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn. You can spark children’s imagination for storytelling or creative writing even if they don't get outdoors. Activity Idea Have students use descriptive words to write a poem or story about fall. Provide them with a list of fall-themed writing prompts, such as: - What do you see when the leaves change color? - How does the air feel on a chilly autumn morning? - Imagine you’re a squirrel preparing for winter. What do you do? - If the trees could talk, what would they say when their leaves change color? - Write a story about a fall adventure at a pumpkin patch.  Fall art activityFall is full of rich colors and textures that make for engaging art projects. Incorporating nature into art allows children to express their creativity while celebrating the season. Activity Idea Provide students with a variety of leaves and have them create leaf rubbings using crayons and paper. They can combine these rubbings with other natural elements like twigs and pinecones to create a fall collage. Indoor Alternative Instead of using real leaves, students can create fall leaves using tissue paper in autumn colors (red, orange, yellow). They can tear or cut pieces of tissue paper and glue them to leaf templates, creating a colorful and textured piece of art.  Harvest festivalsFall is also the time when many cultural festivals and holidays are celebrated. This provides an excellent opportunity to teach children about different cultures and traditions. Activity Idea Share stories or short videos about harvest festivals and traditions from different cultures. Afterward, have students draw pictures or write about how their families celebrate fall or create their own unique fall traditions.  Sensory activityYounger students thrive with sensory activities that engage their senses while developing fine motor skills. The fall season provides plenty of opportunities for these types of activities. Activity Idea Create a sensory bin filled with fall-themed items like dried corn, small pumpkins, acorns, and cinnamon sticks. Encourage students to explore the different textures, scents, and shapes. You can add small measuring cups or scoops to let children practice measuring and pouring. Indoor Alternative Fill a bin with dried rice or pasta, and dye it in fall colors using food coloring (orange, yellow, brown). Add classroom-friendly tools like small cups, spoons, and funnels for pouring and measuring. You can also hide small toys or objects in the rice/pasta that students can search for, adding an extra layer of fun.  Physical activityPhysical activity and play are crucial for primary students. You can create fall-themed games that help them develop gross motor skills and teamwork. Activity Idea Set up a simple obstacle course using hay bales, pumpkins, and autumn leaves. Students can race through the course, balancing things on their heads or jumping over piles of leaves. This will not only be fun but also help with coordination and movement. Indoor Alternative Create a "Leaf Hop" game by cutting out large leaf shapes from construction paper and placing them around the classroom. Students can hop from leaf to leaf, practicing motor skills or answering fall-related questions (like naming something they see in fall) each time they land on a leaf.  As we transition from summer to fall, there are countless ways to incorporate the beauty and richness of the season into your classroom. These activities not only engage primary students but also help them make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them. By embracing the season, teachers can create a warm, welcoming environment that sparks curiosity and excitement for learning. Let the colors of fall inspire your classroom!  Related Posts
Managing a classroom for primary students requires a blend of creativity, structure, and empathy. Young learners thrive in environments where they feel secure, understood, and engaged. Here’s how to adapt ten essential classroom management strategies to meet the unique needs of primary students.  1.Create a classroom constitutionA classroom constitution or set of rules for younger students should be simple, clear, and visual. Use language that is easy for them to understand and include illustrations or symbols to represent each rule. Tip: Start by reading a story or showing a video about teamwork and respect. Then, guide a discussion on why rules are important. Have students suggest rules, and write them down using simple phrases like “We use kind words” or “We raise our hand to speak.” Create a large poster with the rules, and let students decorate it with drawings or stickers to make it their own.  2.Classroom Jobs and ResponsibilitiesPrimary students love to help, and assigning jobs gives them a sense of purpose and responsibility. Keep the tasks age-appropriate and rotate them frequently to maintain interest. Tip: Create a colorful job chart with pictures representing each task, such as “Line Leader,” “Desk Inspector,” or “Snack Helper.” Use clothespins or Velcro with students' names to easily switch roles. Introduce each job with a demonstration and explain why it’s important, using positive reinforcement to encourage them.  3.Classroom Expectations Role PlayRole-playing is especially effective with younger children because it allows them to practice behaviors in a fun and interactive way. Tip: Use puppets or stuffed animals to act out different scenarios, such as how to ask a friend to play or what to do when you’re upset. After the puppet show, let students take turns role-playing with each other. Reinforce learning by discussing what was done well and what could be improved, always focusing on positive reinforcement.  4.Goal Setting and ReflectionFor primary students, goal setting should be simple and visually supported. Use pictures and short phrases to help them understand and track their goals. Tip: Begin by setting a class goal, such as “We will all listen during story time.” Use a chart with stickers or stamps to track progress. For individual goals, have students draw a picture of what they want to achieve, like “I will learn to tie my shoes.” Provide time for them to color in a star or add a sticker each time they make progress, and celebrate successes with a small reward or praise.  5.Circle Time SharingCircle time is a key part of the day for primary students, offering a structured time for them to express themselves and listen to others. Tip: Start each day with a short, themed circle time. Use a “talking stick” or a special object that students hold when it’s their turn to speak. Topics can range from “What’s your favorite part of school?” to “What made you happy yesterday?” Keep the sessions brief and engaging to match their attention spans, and always end on a positive note.  6.What Makes A Great Classroom? activityThis activity helps primary students visualize what a great classroom looks like, using simple ideas and creative expressions. Tip: Give students large sheets of paper and ask them to draw or collage images that represent their idea of a great classroom, such as friends helping each other, a tidy space, or having fun learning. Afterward, have a “gallery walk” where students can see each other’s work and discuss their ideas. Compile their ideas into a big classroom poster that reflects their shared vision.  7.Classroom Culture CollageA classroom culture collage for primary students should be a hands-on activity that celebrates the unique qualities of each student. Tip: Provide a variety of materials like magazines, colored paper, glue, and markers. Ask students to create a collage that represents who they are—favorite colors, animals, foods, or activities. Then, combine these into a larger mural on the classroom wall. This ongoing project can be revisited throughout the year as students add new elements that reflect their growth and experiences.  8. Classroom Reflection JournalsFor primary students, reflection journals can be a mix of drawing and simple writing to help them express their thoughts. Tip: Provide small notebooks with prompts at the top of each page, such as “Today, I felt…” or “My favorite part of the day was…”. Encourage students to draw pictures and write a few words. For those still developing writing skills, consider using sentence starters they can complete. Have a sharing time where they can show their work if they choose, fostering a sense of pride in their reflections.  9.Classroom Meeting AgendaClassroom meetings can be simplified for younger students to focus on key issues and give everyone a chance to participate. Tip: Keep meetings short and focused on one or two topics. Use a visual agenda with pictures to represent each item. For example, you might discuss “How to be kind” or “What to do if you’re feeling sad.” Rotate the role of “meeting helper” who assists in leading the meeting or passing out items. Conclude with a group activity like a song or game to reinforce a positive community spirit.  10. I Am, We Are ActivityThis activity can help primary students understand their individuality and their role within the classroom community. Tip: Start with a simple art project where students draw a picture of themselves and write (or dictate) words that describe them, such as “I am funny,” “I am a good friend,” or “I am helpful.” Next, create a large poster where everyone contributes to a collective statement like “We are a team” or “We are kind.” Display the “I Am” and “We Are” statements side by side to show how individual strengths contribute to the whole classroom.  By tailoring these strategies to the developmental levels and interests of primary students, you can create a classroom environment where young learners feel valued, capable, and ready to engage in their education. These activities not only help manage the classroom effectively but also create a sense of belonging and community among your students.  Related Posts
Back to school time can be exciting, or stressful and overwhelming. Kids are full of energy and not in routine mode any more. Some will be excited and eager to get back to school, but others may be anxious or unmotivated to be back. Nowadays teachers often do some basic planning to get started the first few weeks, but with all the possible changes to class configurations due to budgets and enrolment, it doesn't always work to do extensive planning too early. Here is a roundup of some resources that can help with first weeks planning for primary grades. They cover several different subject areas.  Back to School First Weeks ActivitiesThese 6 different resources help with getting started and engaging kids while reviewing some basic skills. They are a collection of games, worksheets, task cards and activities.
Back to School Classroom ManagementEffective classroom management is key for creating a positive and successful learning environment. Here are some tools for helping to create a caring and respectful environment in your classroom.
SELBack to school SEL activities are important as well. Here are a few different resources that might help to promote a positive attitude in your classroom. For more specific SEL resources, check out these social stories and activities.
Back to School MathThis set has basic fact sheets for addition and subtraction, place value activities, glyphs, fact family worksheets, and several other review activities to help kids review basic skills and concepts.
Back to School ScienceScience experiments are fun to do and help develop the different components of the scientific method. This kit includes experiments, a scientific method poster, some amazing weather facts posters, a plant life cycle and needs resource, a bean plant journal, a life cycle of an apple resource and animal research templates.
Back to School LiteracyGet literacy activities that focus on word development, parts of speech, vocabulary, idioms, writing using the five senses, and looking for evidence when reading with this kit. These are fun activities and task cards that are sure to engage students as they practice these skills.
The Ultimate Primary Teachers Ready To Go KitIf you would like to have a resource that contains all the above items you should check out the Ultimate Primary Teachers Ready To Go Kit. It has 65+ resources to make your prep easy and can be used to jumpstart your new school year. It can also be a go to kit for unexpected situations when you need to have someone take over your class.
The Ready To Go Sampler KitIf you aren't sure about getting the whole kit or you only want a few items from a variety of subjects, try out this sampler kit. It gives you a few activities for back to school, classroom management, literacy, math, science, self esteem, team building, and brain breaks.
If you are wanting a good start to your year that doesn't have you stressed out or overwhelmed with planning give one or more of these resources a try. The previews also have some sample pages to use. Check them out in my TPT store. I wish you a happy and successful school year. Happy teaching.  Related Post As the new school year approaches, many teachers are already feeling the familiar pangs of stress and overwhelm. Balancing lesson planning, classroom organization, and administrative tasks can feel like a juggling act. Fortunately, there’s a solution that can help you tackle these challenges head-on: this “Start of the Year Resource Bundle” from Teachers Pay Teachers. Here’s how this ultimate kit can make a significant difference in easing your back-to-school stress and setting you up for a successful year.  Engaging and Interactive MaterialsResource Highlight: Ready To Go Lesson Activities The bundle includes ready-to-go lesson activities that cover a range of subjects and grade levels. These activities provide many different back to school review skills and concepts. They are interactive activities and worksheets designed to engage students and support their learning from day one. How It Helps: By using these pre-made lesson activities, you can save hours of planning time and ensure that your day is well-organized and effective. This helps reduce the stress of starting from scratch and allows you to focus more on engaging with your students. By having access to engaging materials, you can quickly capture your students’ interest and make learning enjoyable. This helps reduce the stress of creating new activities and allows you to focus on delivering dynamic lessons.  Efficient Classroom ManagementResource Highlight: Classroom Management Tools This kit features tools for managing classroom behavior and organization, including behavior charts, routines and schedules cards, calming strategies, behavior posters and task cards for accommodating different physical abilities in the classroom. How It Helps: Implementing these management tools can streamline your classroom procedures and create a positive learning environment. This reduces the stress associated with behavior issues and helps you maintain order and focus in the classroom.  Back To School Forms And NoticesResource Highlight: Back-to-School Forms and Notices The bundle offers a variety of forms and notices to help you organize your classroom setup, track student information, and prepare for the first day of school. How It Helps: These ready-to-use forms and notices help with organization and back to school preparation. This reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed and helps you start the school year with confidence.  Communication ToolsResource Highlight: Parent Communication Templates The kit provides templates for communicating with parents, including getting acquainted with the students and how to do home reading. How It Helps: These templates facilitate clear and consistent communication with parents, which can ease the administrative burden and help build strong home-school connections. Effective communication reduces misunderstandings and supports a collaborative approach to student success.  Flexible Use Across Grade LevelsResource Highlight: Adaptable Resources The bundle is designed to be flexible and adaptable for different grade levels and classroom settings. How It Helps: Whether you teach kindergarten or primary grades, the adaptable nature of these resources ensures that you can find materials that fit your specific needs, saving you time and effort in customizing resources.  Immediate UseResource Highlight: Ready-to-Go Kit One of the standout features of the bundle is that it’s a ready-to-go kit, meaning you can start using the resources immediately without additional preparation. How It Helps: The immediate availability of these resources allows you to hit the ground running and tackle your back-to-school tasks with ease. This reduces the stress of last-minute preparation and helps you start the year on a strong note.  By leveraging this “Start of the Year Resource Bundle,” you can tackle the common pain points of the new school year with confidence. From lesson planning and classroom management to communication and organization, this comprehensive kit provides the tools you need to reduce stress and enhance your teaching experience. Embrace these resources to make the start of the school year smoother and more manageable. Here’s to a successful and stress-free school year ahead!  Related Posts |
About Me Charlene Sequeira
I am a wife, mother of 4, grandmother of 9, and a retired primary and music teacher. I love working with kids and continue to volunteer at school and teach ukulele. 
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