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🎄December is just around the corner, bringing all the excitement (and a bit of chaos!) that comes with the holiday season. For many primary teachers, this time of year is filled with anticipation, energy, and lots of opportunities to get creative with learning. It’s a wonderful chance to integrate some festive themes while keeping your students engaged and learning.❄️  To make things a bit easier during this busy time, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite resources that combine learning with holiday fun. These activities are designed to keep your students’ minds active and engaged—even when they have sugar plums dancing in their heads! Read on to find the perfect activities for your classroom this season. 🎅 Christmas Vocabulary Games and Writing Activities BundleTurn the holiday excitement into a learning opportunity with these festive vocabulary games and writing activities! This bundle includes a variety of games and writing prompts that encourage your students to practice key language skills while embracing the holiday spirit. It’s perfect for adding a bit of festive fun to your language arts lessons.  🎁 Christmas Writing Using The Five SensesHelp your students become more descriptive writers with this Christmas-themed five senses writing guide. It’s designed to inspire creative thinking while teaching the important skill of using sensory details in their writing. Your students will learn how to "paint a picture" with their words, making their Christmas poems come to life—perfect for those winter writing sessions!  ❄️ Winter Word Work Activities: Vocabulary and Games BundleKeep your students’ vocabulary skills sharp throughout the winter season with this bundle of fun, hands-on activities! This resource is packed with games and exercises that make word practice feel like play. It’s an ideal way to keep students engaged in learning during those colder months when indoor activities are a must.  📚 Winter Guided Reading & Novel Study BundleWinter is a great time to dive into guided reading and novel study activities, and this bundle has everything you need to make reading time a highlight of the season. It’s filled with activities that keep students engaged with their reading while improving comprehension skills. Whether you're reading together or working through individual books, this bundle makes reading a cozy, rewarding experience for all.  🎉 January & February Celebrations: Math and Language Games & Activities BundleIt’s never too early to plan for the new year! This bundle is packed with activities that celebrate January and February events while reinforcing essential skills. With themed math and language games, you’ll have engaging lessons ready for those winter days when students need a little extra motivation to stay on task. Plus, it’s a great way to seamlessly transition from holiday excitement into a productive new year.  I hope these resources help make the transition into December and winter a little brighter and more manageable for you and your students! Happy teaching, and enjoy this magical time of year with your class. May your winter days be filled with learning, laughter, and lots of cozy moments! 🎄    Related Posts
Glyphs are a fun and creative way to collect data in the classroom while engaging students in math and critical thinking. They allow students to visually represent information about themselves or a specific topic, then use these representations for data analysis, comparison, and graphing. If you’re looking for an interactive, hands-on approach to teaching data collection and interpretation, glyphs are a fantastic option.  What Is a Glyph?A glyph is a simple picture or symbol that students create by following a set of directions based on their personal preferences, experiences, or answers to specific questions. Each aspect of the glyph represents different data points. For example, in a pumpkin glyph, a student’s choice of pumpkin shape, stem color, or facial expression may reflect their preferences for different topics, their favorite activities, characteristics, or even survey results about the class.  Collecting Data with GlyphsData collection with glyphs is both straightforward and engaging. Begin by designing a set of questions or prompts, where each student’s answer corresponds to a part of the glyph. For example, in my 'Pumpkin Glyphs resource, students might choose different colored stems to represent if they are left or right handed or different shaped eyes based on the color of their eyes. The result is a unique pumpkin glyph for each student, where each detail represents a piece of information about them. This process turns a typical survey into a creative activity, allowing students to express themselves while generating real, usable data.  Comparing DataOnce students have completed their glyphs, you can begin comparing data across the class. Display the pumpkin glyphs on the board and have students identify similarities and differences in their glyphs based on specific criteria. For instance, students can compare how many chose the same eye shapes, indicating they share the same characteristic. This promotes discussion about similarities and differences, helping students recognize patterns and analyze group data. In a more structured comparison, you can sort the glyphs into categories. For example, in the 'Pumpkin Glyphs activity, students might group all the pumpkins with round eyes together, then count and compare them to those with triangle eyes. This visual sorting activity can easily lead into creating graphs to represent the data.  Graphing Glyph DataGlyphs naturally lend themselves to graphing activities. After comparing their glyphs, students can create bar graphs, pictographs, or tally charts to represent the data they’ve gathered. For instance, in my pumpkin-themed activity, after sorting by eye shape, students could create a bar graph showing how many students chose each type of eye. This helps students connect the abstract idea of data collection to a visual representation, reinforcing both their graphing skills and their understanding of data. You can extend the graphing activity by asking follow-up questions: "What is the most common pumpkin shape in the class?" or "How many more students chose green stems than brown?" These kinds of questions challenge students to interpret the graph and make inferences based on the data. Cross-Curricular ConnectionsGlyphs are a great tool for cross-curricular learning. While primarily a math-focused activity, glyphs can also tie into literacy and social studies. You can create glyphs based on books the class has read, social topics like traditions or holidays, or even science topics such as weather preferences. This provides a meaningful way to integrate data collection and graphing with other subjects.  Here is step by step guide and templates for using glyphs in your classroom.  This baby block glyph was a favorite of mine for student led conferences because it gave the parents and kids a chance to talk about when the kids were babies. Afterwards the class looked at the glyphs and made comparisons and connections.  Using glyphs for data collection, comparisons, and graphing is an exciting way to help students understand the power of data in a visual and engaging manner. The best part is that glyphs provide students with a hands-on, artistic way to express themselves while practicing important math skills like data sorting, comparison, and graph creation.  If you're interested in implementing glyphs in your classroom, check out my Glyphs Bundle in my Teachers Pay Teachers store to add a creative twist to your data lessons. Happy teaching! Related Posts
As the seasons change and holidays approach, it’s a great time to bring a festive twist into your math lessons! Combining holiday themes with essential number sense activities can not only engage students but also reinforce key concepts like addition, subtraction, and understanding place value. Whether it's pumpkins, turkeys, snowflakes, or holiday lights, adding seasonal elements to math practice brings excitement to the classroom while helping young learners build strong foundational skills.  Interactive Games for Building Number SenseHoliday-themed number sense games provide opportunities for active learning. Here are a few ideas that combine math skills with a festive flair: Pumpkin Patch Addition & Subtraction Create a “pumpkin patch” on a bulletin board where each pumpkin has a number. Students can pick two pumpkins and add or subtract the numbers, recording their equations. For more advanced students, include fact families, so they can create four related equations (e.g., 8 + 2 = 10, 2 + 8 = 10, 10 - 2 = 8, 10 - 8 = 2). Holiday Lights Place Value Challenge Use cutouts of holiday lights to represent different place values. For example, red lights can represent ones, green lights tens, and yellow lights hundreds. Have students string together different lights to form numbers, then challenge them to write the number in standard notation, expanded form, and as a written number word. This activity reinforces place value while giving a festive touch to understanding how numbers are composed.  Turkey Feathers Fact Families Create turkey templates with blank feathers. Each student writes a different number sentence (addition or subtraction) on each feather, forming a complete fact family. For example, if the turkey’s body has the number 12, the feathers might include 7 + 5, 5 + 7, 12 - 7, and 12 - 5. This activity emphasizes the relationships between addition and subtraction while allowing students to get creative with holiday-themed crafts. Snowflake Math: Representing Numbers in Multiple Ways Cut out snowflakes with numbers written on them. Students work in groups to represent the number in multiple ways: using base ten blocks, expanded notation, standard notation, and written as a word. You could turn this into a collaborative competition where each group works to correctly finish their snowflake representations the fastest.  Exploring Basic Facts with Fun ThemesHolidays are a perfect opportunity to strengthen students’ understanding of basic facts for addition and subtraction. Here are a few activities to try: Fall Fact Family Sorting Provide sets of cards with different number sentences (e.g., 4 + 3 = 7, 7 - 4 = 3). Have students work in pairs or small groups to sort the cards into fact families. Incorporating fall visuals, like acorns, leaves, or apples, helps make this more engaging. Holiday-Themed Flashcards Decorate flashcards with holiday symbols like snowmen, presents, or wreaths and use them for addition and subtraction practice. Students can work in pairs or small groups, quizzing each other on quick recall of math facts while getting in the holiday spirit.  Winter Wonderland: Number Matching Games Turn number matching into a wintery game! Prepare cards with numbers represented in different ways—base ten form, written words, expanded form, and standard notation. Students can race to match the cards or play a memory game where they flip cards over to find pairs that represent the same number. Representing Numbers in Various FormsUnderstanding how numbers can be represented in different ways is essential for young learners. By integrating these activities with a holiday theme, students are more motivated to explore numbers.  Gingerbread House Place Value Sort Create gingerbread house templates where each house has different "rooms" for ones, tens, and hundreds. Provide a set of number cards, and have students place the cards into the appropriate rooms to match the place value. This visual aid helps them better understand how numbers are built. Winter Base Ten Block Challenge Use base ten blocks with winter themes, such as snowflakes for ones, snowmen for tens, and igloos for hundreds. Students can draw cards with numbers, then use the blocks to represent the number in base ten form. Challenge them to write the number in expanded notation and standard form as well. Festive Expanded Notation Race On holiday-themed cards (like presents or ornaments), write numbers such as 345 or 218. Students race to represent the numbers in expanded form (e.g., 300 + 40 + 5 for 345). This activity helps reinforce understanding of place value while keeping it fun and seasonal.  Using holiday themes in your math lessons not only adds excitement to learning but also strengthens students' number sense and math fact fluency. Whether it’s through hands-on games, collaborative group activities, or interactive challenges, these festive number sense activities are sure to help your students develop a deep understanding of key math concepts, all while enjoying the seasonal spirit.  Base ten blocks are great for visually representing numbers. Here is a set of blocks that you can print out, laminate, and cut out to carry with you when you don't have the real blocks.  As you plan your lessons this fall and winter, consider how you can incorporate basic addition, subtraction, and place value activities into your holiday-themed instruction. You’ll keep students engaged and set them up for success in mastering foundational math skills!  Related Posts
November 11, known as Remembrance Day or Veterans Day, is a time to remember the brave people who have fought to protect our freedom. In school, it’s important to help students understand why we honor this day and teach them about the importance of peace and kindness. It’s also important to make sure all students, including those who may have come to our country as refugees, feel safe and included during these conversations.  Why we rememberOn Remembrance Day and Veterans Day, we often think about the soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II, which happened many years ago. But it’s important for students to know that wars are still happening around the world today, and people are still fighting to protect freedom. There are soldiers right now who are working to keep people safe, and there are families who have left their homes because of war. This is why we remember—not just for the past, but for the present and the future, too. Talking about these ideas can be difficult for students, especially those who may have experienced war or had to leave their home countries as refugees. It’s important to create a classroom environment where all students feel cared for and supported.  Classroom Activities to Celebrate Remembrance Day/Veterans DayHere are some simple and meaningful activities to help students understand the importance of November 11, while making sure everyone feels welcome. Two Minutes of Silence At 11:00 a.m., many people stay silent for two minutes to honor those who fought in wars. It’s a time to think about peace and those who help protect it. Let students know it’s okay if they feel quiet or even sad during this moment. I used to play the video A Pittance Of Time by Terry Kelly for my class that focuses on this idea.  Poppy Art The red poppy is a symbol of Remembrance Day. Students can create their own poppy art projects using paper, markers, or paint. Explain how the poppy helps us remember soldiers who fought in wars. This can also be a good time to talk about how people are still fighting for peace today and why we need to support each other, including people who have come to our country to be safe.  Reading Stories Share simple stories about bravery, friendship, and helping others. Some stories might be about soldiers, while others could talk about kindness to people who are in need, including refugees. This helps students understand that we can all make a difference by being kind and caring toward others. Peace Doves Students can create peace doves to display in the classroom. Talk about what peace means and how we can work for peace in our own lives. Explain that welcoming people who are affected by war is one way we can show kindness and help bring peace to the world.  Writing Letters Encourage students to write letters of thanks to soldiers or veterans. You can also have students write welcome letters to refugees or new families who have joined the school, showing that they are part of the community and that everyone cares about them. Class Wreath Work together to create a class wreath using paper poppies. Each student can write a message of peace or hope on their poppy. Make sure these messages include thoughts about being kind and helping others, especially those who are new to the country or affected by war.  Talk About Peace Have a class discussion about what peace means and how we can all work toward peace. Encourage students to think of ways they can be peacemakers in school, at home, and in their communities. Talk about how helping refugees and being kind to people who are different from us is a way to spread peace.  Here is a writing page that might be helpful. Check out this blog post for how I used it. For more resources, check out my Remembrance Day/Veterans Day category in my TPT store.
For students who may have experienced war, like those who came to the country as refugees, these conversations can bring up difficult feelings. It’s important to let them know they are safe and give them space to share their feelings if they want. Showing kindness and understanding will help them feel included and valued.  By doing these activities, you’re helping students learn about the importance of remembering those who fought for freedom, while also teaching them to care for others and work toward peace. November 11 is not just a day to look back at the past, but also to think about how we can create a better future together. Related Posts
Kids can surprise us when we least expect it. They watch and learn and then without skipping a beat, they begin to use what they have learned. Recently, I watched a child patiently teach her friend how to tie her shoes. She explained each step carefully, offered encouragement when her friend struggled, and celebrated the moment She finally got it right. That simple interaction reminded me how naturally children take the lead when they feel confident about what they’re doing. That same magic happens during student-led conferences, where students guide their parents through their learning, proudly sharing what they’ve accomplished.  What are student led conferences?A student led conference is a meeting with the parents, child, and teacher to learn about how the child is doing at school. In a student-led conference, the child takes the lead, showing their parents examples of their work, reflecting on what they’ve learned, and setting goals for improvement. Unlike traditional conferences, where the teacher leads, students walk their parents through their academic achievements, challenges, and goals, with the teacher stepping in only for part of the time. For parents, the role is to listen, ask questions, and encourage their child. This could be as simple as asking, “What did you learn in this project?” or “What are you most proud of?” These interactions help children feel valued and supported in their learning journey.  I'm retired now, but I did student led conferences for 25 years. I truly believe that they helped parents to better understand how their child learned and that they provided great benefits for the child as well. Below I explain how they worked in my classroom and what was needed to be successful. I have written it in the present tense as it is how I would still do things if I was in the classroom today.  In my classroom, student-led conferences give children the opportunity to take charge of the conversation. Unlike traditional teacher-led meetings, the students are the ones in control. They share their work, explain their progress, and reflect on their goals—all while parents listen and ask questions. It's a powerful experience that builds confidence, communication, and ownership of their learning. At these conferences, students present their work using a folder that includes an agenda and various materials like worksheets, activities, and reflections. Sessions last about 45 minutes, with up to three families in the classroom at once, allowing for a more flexible and child-centered experience. I am available for about 15 minutes with each family to answer questions, but most of the time is spent with the student leading the conversation. If more time is needed, we can always arrange for a separate meeting to continue the discussion. To ensure student-led conferences are successful, it's important for teachers to guide students through the process, helping them select work, reflect on their learning, and practice presenting to their parents. Teachers also provide a supportive environment where students feel comfortable talking about both their successes and the things they found challenging.  The Joy of Role-Playing to PrepareOne of the most enjoyable parts of getting ready for student-led conferences is the role-playing we do in class. Students take turns pretending to be themselves and their "parents." Laughter fills the room as they ask and answer questions, practice showing off their work, and even mimic their parents’ reactions! This playful rehearsal transforms any nervousness into excitement. By the time the actual conference arrives, students feel prepared and confident to lead their parents through their learning journey.  How Students BenefitWhen students lead their own conferences, they’re taking on a big responsibility. They organize their materials, follow an agenda, and guide the conversation. It’s not just about showing off their work—it’s about developing real-world skills like communication, self-reflection, and time management. Whether they’re sharing a favorite story they wrote or explaining a math concept they’ve mastered, the pride they feel is unmistakable. Students also learn to reflect on their progress. For example, they might say, “I’m proud of this because I worked hard on it,” or “I want to get better at this.” This self-evaluation helps them set goals and become more active in their learning process. Watching students confidently share their strengths and challenges is one of the most rewarding parts of this process.  Building Confidence When students lead the conversation, they feel proud of their learning. Imagine a child showing their parent a math problem they solved and explaining how they figured it out. By guiding the discussion, children gain confidence in their abilities and recognize their hard work. Taking ownership of their learning in this way helps them feel capable and responsible. Encouraging Reflection Student-led conferences encourage children to think about their learning. Before the conference, students select pieces of work to showcase and reflect on how far they’ve come. For example, they might say, “I’m proud of my story because I used lots of details,” or, “I want to work on my spelling because I made some mistakes.” This reflection helps students identify both strengths and areas for improvement. Setting Goals In addition to reflecting on their learning, students set specific goals for the future. Maybe they want to practice reading every night or work on paying attention in class. Setting these goals during the conference keeps them focused and motivated. And with their parents’ support, they have a team cheering them on toward success. Improving Communication Skills Leading a conference helps children practice speaking and organizing their thoughts. They learn how to explain their work clearly, answer questions, and talk confidently about their learning journey. These communication skills will benefit them not only in school but in many aspects of life. How Parents BenefitParents, too, experience something special during student-led conferences. Instead of hearing about their child’s progress from the teacher, they get to see and hear it directly from their child. Watching their child confidently explain their work and share their learning journey allows parents to connect with their child’s education on a deeper level.  Understanding the Learning Process Student-led conferences give parents a chance to see how their child learns, not just the final product. Instead of simply looking at a graded assignment, parents get to hear their child explain how they solved a problem or what strategies they used to write a story. This insight helps parents appreciate the effort behind their child’s learning and understand the challenges they face. Building Stronger Connections These conferences create meaningful conversations between children and their parents about learning. When students share their successes and challenges, parents are able to offer support and encouragement. It also gives parents a better understanding of what their child is working on in school and how they can help at home. Seeing Growth Firsthand Student-led conferences allow parents to witness their child’s growth over time. By hearing their child reflect on their learning and talk about their goals, parents see the progress their child has made—both academically and personally. It’s a chance to celebrate accomplishments together. Encouraging Independence When children take the lead, parents get to see their child taking responsibility for their own learning. This independence creates a sense of pride in the child and builds confidence in both the child and the parent. It shifts the focus from “What is my child doing wrong?” to “How is my child growing and what’s next?” At the end of each conference, parents are encouraged to write a positive note to their child, offering words of encouragement and praise. This simple gesture means the world to the students, reinforcing the hard work they’ve put into their learning.  Here is the set of materials that I used for my student led conferences. Grab a free copy of My Learning Journal to help students gather their resources and keep a record of successes and areas to improve on a monthly basis..  Student-led conferences are a unique and empowering experience for both students and parents. They give children the chance to take ownership of their learning, build communication skills, and reflect on their progress. For parents, it’s an opportunity to see their child’s growth firsthand, offer encouragement, and share in their pride. By taking the lead, students learn that their voice matters—and that’s a lesson that will stick with them far beyond the classroom.  Related Posts
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
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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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