Scarecrow Books and Directed Drawing

Are you ready for fall? We are! We recently visited our local library to refresh our book collection. While we were there, I grabbed a handful of scarecrow books to read. After we enjoyed a few of the books, I showed my kids how to draw their very own scarecrows. I thought I would share some of my favorite scarecrow books and a directed drawing with you.
School’s First Day of School Activities

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex is a great story to read while welcoming your students to a new school year. In this story, it’s the first day of school and everyone is feeling nervous – even the school! This book is a great way to jump start a conversation about those first day jitters. Here are some activities you can use with this story.
The Recess Queen Activities

At the beginning of the year, it is important to establish your expectations, routines, and procedures. This includes the playground. The Recess Queen is a great book to help start a conversation with your students. Here are some activities you can pair with The Recess Queen.
The Invisible Boy Activities

The Invisible Boy is a story about compassion, inclusion, and the power of kindness. In this story, Brian feels that he is invisible to his teacher and his peers. But when he goes out of his way to make Justin, the new boy feel welcome, Justin helps Brian feel included and seen by all. Here are some activities you can pair with The Invisible Boy.
The Sandwich Swap Activities

The Sandwich Swap is a story about friendship, acceptance, and keeping an open mind. In this story, two girls learn that their friendship is much stronger than their differences. I want to share some activities you can pair with The Sandwich Swap.
Camping Craft and Books for Kids

With warmer temperatures, kids are bound to spend more and more time outdoors. Many kids dream of going camping. Whether your camping trip is in the great outdoors, in a backyard tent, or an indoor fort, there are bound to be memories made. Not only do I have a fun camping craft to share, but I also have some great camping books for kids that you can pair with it!
Crankenstein Craft and Writing

Are you reading Crankenstein by Samantha Berger to your students this year? I have a Crankenstein craft and writing activity that you can use with your students after reading this story.
Spookley the Square Pumpkin

The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano is a great picture book choice for October! This fictional story of a square pumpkin provides the reader with a message of celebrating differences and helping others. I want to share a pumpkin craft booklet that you can use with your students when reading this story.
Mercy Watson Series

The Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo is a set of books that are perfect for first and second grade readers who are just getting started with chapter books. The series centers around Mercy, a porcine wonder who loves hot buttered toast. Each story features a new adventure with Mercy in the middle of it all. Whether you are reading these chapter books aloud to your class or using them with your small groups, here are some activities and resources you can use with your students.
Unplugged Book Companion

Unplugged by Steve Antony is a picture book that follows Blip, a robot who enjoys being plugged in to her computer. One day she experiences a blackout and ends up outside. When she finally returns, she discovers she enjoys being unplugged. I’ve created a few resources you can use with your students while reading this story.
The Story of the Leprechaun Craft and Book Activities

Do you know why the leprechaun decided to bury his gold at the end of the rainbow? Katherine Tegen does and she explains it all in her book, The Story of the Leprechaun. Today I’m here to share some activities you can use with this story in your classroom.
The Lemonade War Craft and Vocabulary Booklet

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies is a great story to read aloud to your class or use with your small group. This story follows both Evan and Jessie (who are brother and sister) as they dive into the world of running a lemonade stand. Along the way you will read about their grudges, misunderstandings, and competitive nature while also learning some kid-friendly business advice. Today I want to share two activities you can use with your students while reading The Lemonade War: a lemonade craft and a vocabulary booklet.