Activities for Books by Jory John
Jory John and Pete Oswald teamed up to create The Food Group series. These books are not only entertaining for kids, but they also are a great tool for SEL and character education. I want to share activities and writing crafts you can pair with The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, The Cool Bean, The Couch Potato, The Smart Cookie, The Sour Grape, and The Big Cheese.
Fall Writing Crafts
When you think of fall, what comes to mind? For me, it’s leaves changing colors, cooling temperatures, and a trip to the pumpkin patch. In the classroom, you can get your students ready to welcome the new season in a fun way with these fall writing crafts! These are a great tool to use as students share their excitement and favorite things about fall.
A Letter From Your Teacher Activity
The start of the school year often brings a wide variety of emotions. There is excitement about new possibilities mixed with some nerves about the unknown. You can help ease some of those fears by sharing the book, A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School. I have created a free letter and envelope craft to pair with this book.
Back to School Writing Crafts
Start the school year in a fun way with these back to school writing crafts! These are a great tool to use as students share their excitement, hopes, and dreams for the upcoming school year.
End of the Year Writing Crafts
You’ve spent months teaching, building community, and watching your students grow in many ways. You’ve worked so hard and now it’s time to finish the school year in a fun way with these end of the year writing crafts! These are a great tool to use as students reflect on the school year and get ready for summer break.
Freckle Juice Activities
Have you ever wanted something so much that you were willing to do almost anything to have it? That’s what happens to Andrew in Freckle Juice. This book has been around for many years, but it is still a hit with students today. These Freckle Juice activities will help guide your students through the book.
Red and Lulu Activities
Red and Lulu is a beautiful story that combines Christmas cheer with the magic of New York City. Within its pages you will find a message about how important it is to be surrounded by love. Here are some printable and digital Red and Lulu activities you can use in the classroom or at home.
The Little Books by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
If you need some stories to engage and entertain your young readers, look for The Little Books by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. This trio includes Little Pea, Little Hoot, and Little Oink. These books put a fun spin on some common childhood predicaments that your students will enjoy! Keep reading to find some fun activities you can pair with each book.
Crayon-Themed Picture Books
The beginning of the school year is a busy time filled with teaching expectations and procedures. However, it is also a time to celebrate just how diverse and important each student is to your classroom! Just like a box of crayons, each student plays an important role in the overall picture. For this reason, I love to read crayon-themed picture books to help set the tone and build classroom community.
Library Lion Activities
Library Lion is a great book to share at the beginning of the year. Not only will this book help start a conversation about library rules and caring for books, but kids will absolutely love and root for this friendly lion! Here are some printable and digital Library Lion activities you can use in the classroom or at home.
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun Activities
What does it mean to be brave? Many kids think it means being strong and doing heroic acts. But sometimes, it means having the courage to be yourself. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun is a great story about a young girl who learns to embrace her differences while facing a boy named Ralph who does not make this easy. I want to share a few activities you can pair with this book.
My Mouth is a Volcano Activities
Waiting is hard. In the classroom setting, many students have trouble waiting their turn, which often leads to interrupting. So how do you tackle this issue? I tend to turn to picture books. One of my favorite books to share is My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook. Here are some of my favorite activities to pair with this story.