winter writing prompts,

1-2-3 Come Do A Winter Craftivity With Me  

winter crafts, sledding craft, winter bulletin board ideas, acrostic poems, acrostic poetry, sledding poem, winter writing prompts, January bulletin board ideas, snow craftsHaving taken down all the decorations, plus sent home lots of wonderful student work that once festooned the walls, our hallways always look a bit bleak and bare after Christmas vacation. 

It's time to begin again, and since I live in Michigan where snow lasts well into March, I like to do a big snow theme in January.

winter crafts, sledding craft, winter bulletin board ideas, acrostic poems, acrostic poetry, sledding poem, winter writing prompts, January bulletin board ideas, snow craftsWith that in mind, I designed this sled-themed packet. 

The name sleds are a quick, versatile, and fun craftivity, that creates a super-cute, winter bulletin board or hallway display.

winter crafts, sledding craft, winter bulletin board ideas, acrostic poems, acrostic poetry, sledding poem, winter writing prompts, January bulletin board ideas, snow craftsI’ve included letters which spell out “Brrr-illiant Work!” to use for a header.

I've gotten a bit more tech saavy and was able to use this beautiful, blue background paper to make the letters. 

Simply print, laminate, trim and hang on or above your bulletin board or wall display,

winter crafts, sledding craft, winter bulletin board ideas, acrostic poems, acrostic poetry, sledding poem, winter writing prompts, January bulletin board ideas, snow craftsThere are 28, black & white graphics of children to top a sled with; as well as full color, so that teachers can quickly and easily make an example to share. 

Choose your favorites or give children a choice. Younger children will find the rectanglular shape easy to trim, while older students can opt to cut around the picture.

winter crafts, sledding craft, winter bulletin board ideas, acrostic poems, acrostic poetry, sledding poem, winter writing prompts, January bulletin board ideas, snow craftsBesides the 28 graphics, there are also 3 different style options: 1. Graphic with a face on the child, 2. Graphic with a blank face, so that students can draw on their own, and 3. Graphic with a white "photo circle" over the face, so that children can glue on a picture of themselves.

winter crafts, sledding craft, winter bulletin board ideas, acrostic poems, acrostic poetry, sledding poem, winter writing prompts, January bulletin board ideas, snow craftsYounger children can simply color the picture, trim and glue to their paper sled with their name on it, while older students can use their sled to go along with one of the writing prompts.

winter crafts, sledding craft, winter bulletin board ideas, acrostic poems, acrostic poetry, sledding poem, winter writing prompts, January bulletin board ideas, snow craftsThere are three writing worksheets to choose from.

My personal favorite is: “Sledding With My 5 Senses”.

I share my examples, which i've included in the packet.  We close our eyes and pretend we are sledding, then discuss some things we might see, hear, feel etc. 

"Expand" these thoughts with older students. For example. "I see snow" is appropropriate for little ones; while "I see sparkling white snow" is expanded to include adjectives. 

This more descriptive sentence helps everyone "see" what the author does.  If your students are like mine, they will really enjoy "growing" a sentence. 

I’ve also included a “Come Sledding With Me” poem. Use the colorful poster for the center of your display.

winter crafts, sledding craft, winter bulletin board ideas, acrostic poems, acrostic poetry, sledding poem, winter writing prompts, January bulletin board ideas, snow crafts"Oh no! Sloping snow. Here we go!"  This rhyming poem is chock full of over 20 Dolch sight words. Have older students use the black & white version to practice reading, along with a variety of other standards.

There’s a question sheet that you can share with your class. For example, "What words rhyme in the first stanza?" "Can you think of another rhyming word?"

Have older students write their answers on their BW copy of the poem.  I've included my completed sample to use as an answer key.

winter crafts, sledding craft, winter bulletin board ideas, acrostic poems, acrostic poetry, sledding poem, winter writing prompts, January bulletin board ideas, snow craftsAnother quick, easy and fun way to continue with the poetry genre, is having students make an acrostic poem, using the word sledding.

winter crafts, sledding craft, winter bulletin board ideas, acrostic poems, acrostic poetry, sledding poem, winter writing prompts, January bulletin board ideas, snow craftsI’ve included an acrostic pattern, with a definition poster, plus an example to introduce your lesson.

Completed projects can be displayed with the name sled craft for a really cute language arts bulletin board. 

And woo hoo! Look at how many standards your students have practiced, all while enjoying making a name sled.

100 day rip and tear craftSince the 100th Day of school is just around the corner, today's featured FREEBIE is a quick, easy & fun little "Rip & Tear" craft to help you celebrate. 

Ripping and tearing strips of paper into small square scraps and then gluing them to their #100 worksheet, is not only fun for your kiddos, it helps strengthen their finger muscles.

Children can do a multi-colored "rainbow" 100, like my sample, or choose 2 or 3 colors and do an AB-AB or ABC-ABC color pattern. 

Completed projects make a sweet bulletin board. I've included a poster to use for the center of your display.

Well that's it for today.

The snow outside my office window is falling softly, and all over town children and teachers are rejoicing in having a "snuggle in"  snow day. 

Wishing you a sparkling day.

"If you listen carefully, the silence of the snow is beautiful." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Snowman Writing Prompt Crafts With Me

snowmen at night activities, snowman crafts, snowman writing promtps, winter bulletin boards, winter writing prompts, snowman bulletin boards, snowman writing promtpsDo you read the story “Snowmen At Night” by Carolyn Buehner?

It’s one of my students favorites, so I thought I’d make a quick, easy and fun little writing prompt craftivity for them to transition to after our story time.

snowmen at night activities, snowman crafts, snowman writing promtps, winter bulletin boards, winter writing prompts, snowman bulletin boards, snowman writing promtpsSo you can use this snowman for other stories, I’ve included non-titled patterns for versatility.

snowmen at night activities, snowman crafts, snowman writing promtps, winter bulletin boards, winter writing prompts, snowman bulletin boards, snowman writing promtpsLittle ones can simply make the snowman, while older students can add a writing prompt on the back, as seen in my sample, where I wrote what the snowmen in the story did at night. 

Other prompts could be: "If I were a snowman I would . . .", "I built a snowman and at night he . . ."  or "This is how you build a snowman:"

Completed projects make a sweet winter bulletin board, and prompts look terrific twirling from the ceiling.

snowmen at night activities, snowman crafts, snowman writing promtps, winter bulletin boards, winter writing prompts, snowman bulletin boards, snowman writing promtpsThere are 2 circle snowman patterns, as well as a blank-faced snowmen at night activities, snowman crafts, snowman writing promtps, winter bulletin boards, winter writing prompts, snowman bulletin boards, snowman writing promtps snowman, so children can draw their own, coloring with markers and crayons.

For fine-motor cutting practice, I’ve also included pattern pieces that you can run off on a variety of bright colors.

Children trim, arrange and glue them to their blue “night sky” circles to create a vibrant contrast.

snowmen at night activities, snowman crafts, snowman writing promtps, winter bulletin boards, winter writing prompts, snowman bulletin boards, snowman writing promtpsI’ve also included a rectangular “color cut & glue” snowman option, with 2 writing prompt worksheets for the back. (See cover photo.)

For extra pizzazz and that finishing touch, my students absolutely love adding some snowflakes to the background using mini “porcupine balls” or Q-tips dipped in white paint.   

snowman actvities, soowmen crafts, snowmen at night activities, snowmen bulletin boards, January writing prompts, snowman writing prompts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, winter bulletin boardsBesides writing prompt fun, I wanted students to be able to retell and sequence the story, so I designed some craftivities, which practice those standards in an interesting and fun way.

Completed projects make a really cute bulletin board, or look super dangling from the ceiling.

snowman actvities, soowmen crafts, snowmen at night activities, snowmen bulletin boards, January writing prompts, snowman writing prompts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, winter bulletin boardsI’ve included 2, “Snowmen at Night” posters to use with your display.

There are 4 options for the crafty “danglers”, so that you can diversify ability levels, or give your students a choice.

My personal favorite is the single snowman.

snowman actvities, soowmen crafts, snowmen at night activities, snowmen bulletin boards, January writing prompts, snowman writing prompts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, winter bulletin boardsStudents color, cut & glue the top of the snowman to the oval "tummy" section, which features graphics for all of the things that the snowmen did in the story.

Ater students color them, they use their dangler as a fun way to retell the tale. 

For writing practice, and to check comprehension, older students can list the things the snowmen did at night on the back of their project. 

snowman actvities, soowmen crafts, snowmen at night activities, snowmen bulletin boards, January writing prompts, snowman writing prompts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, winter bulletin boardsAnother option, has large snowflake "snowballs" with a graphic on each one, that are glued back-to-back and dangle from a trio of snowmen. 

Students choose one of two picture options; then color, trim & glue to a sheet of royal blue construction paper, which adds that touch of "night". 

Besides making the craft, older students can practice their comprehension and writing skills, by explaining what the snowmen did at night on the back of their project.

I’ve included 2 writing prompt worksheets you can use for this.

snowman actvities, soowmen crafts, snowmen at night activities, snowmen bulletin boards, January writing prompts, snowman writing prompts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, winter bulletin boardsIf knot tying is too difficult for you kiddos, have them twist half a pipe cleaner into a ring and attach that way, or use the smaller snowballs, and have students arrange them in sequential order around the poster. 

snowman actvities, soowmen crafts, snowmen at night activities, snowmen bulletin boards, January writing prompts, snowman writing prompts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, winter bulletin boardsYou can also use these smaller snowballs, along with a different, circular "topper" to create yet another "dangler" option. 

As with the larger craftivity, these are also glued-back-to-back, so that different images of what the snowmen do at night are visible as the mobiles swirl & twirl.

To check comprehension, make an extra set of “snowballs” (large or small options), laminate, trim and use as an independent center, where students arrange the circle graphics in the correct sequential order of the story.

You could also add a magnet dot on the back, pass them out to students, then sequence the story on your white board after you read it.

Besides making the crafts, older students can practice their comprehension and writing skills, by explaining what the snowmen did at night on the back of their project.  I’ve included 2 writing prompt worksheets you can use for this.Finally, make a “Let’s Sequence the Story” Itty Bitty booklet by collating the mini snowball graphics and adding the cover.

The activities are different enough so that you can do several.

snowman actvities, soowmen crafts, snowmen at night activities, snowmen bulletin boards, January writing prompts, snowman writing prompts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, winter bulletin boardsI sometimes get requests to make one of my storytelling "sliders" for a particular book; and was happy to whip one up for Kara in Wisconsin for "Snowmen At Night". 

snowman actvities, soowmen crafts, snowmen at night activities, snowmen bulletin boards, January writing prompts, snowman writing prompts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, winter bulletin boardssnowman actvities, soowmen crafts, snowmen at night activities, snowmen bulletin boards, January writing prompts, snowman writing prompts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, winter bulletin boardsSliders are another quick, easy & fun way for students to sequence and retell a story. 

snowman actvities, soowmen crafts, snowmen at night activities, snowmen bulletin boards, January writing prompts, snowman writing prompts, retelling a story activities, sequencing a story activities, winter bulletin boardsThere are two options in this packet, along with a "Here's What Happened" and "Let's Sequence the Story" worksheets.

MLK activities, Martin Luther King Day activities, writing prompts for martin luther king day, martin luther king bookmarks, There are two featured FREEBIES today!

Since Monday is Martin Luther King Day, one  FREEBIE is a set of MLK bookmarks.

Surprise students by leaving one on their desk, or give them a choice and have them use the bookmark to jumpstart a writing prompt about Martin Luther King.  

MLK crafts, MLK writing prompts, MLK bulletin boards, MLK activities, martin luther king activities, The other FREEBIE, is a writing prompt craftivity, which makes an awesome winter bulletin board.

Simply cut strips in a variety of construction paper colors.

Children glue them together to make a snowflake, then complete the MLK prompt:

"I have a dream too. My dream is . . ."  or "Like snowflakes, we are all different and unique, as well as the same because . . ." 

Any other winter writing prompts would also work.

snowmen at night activities, snowmen crafts, winter bulletin boards, martin luther king activitiesWell that's it for today. Thanks for popping in. I'm watching my grandchildren today so it's time to put my Nana hat on. 

I have a new batch of Play-Doh I know they'll be thrilled with, plus we're going to make snowman cookies.

Wishing you a fun day filled with giggles galore & lots of snuggly hugs. 

"In the cookies of life, children are the chocolate chips."

1-2-3 Come Do Some New Year "Craftivities" With Me!

One of my favorite childhood memories  was going over to my Grandma Lydia's house for a sleepover with my twin sister Kathie.  "Grama" was one of the most influential people in my life and a big reason I enjoy art and reading so much. 

lydiaShe was a teacher too, back in the day when "rules for teachers" included not wearing a dress that showed your ankles and lighting the pot-bellied stove in the classroom, so she ragaled us with all sorts of wonderful stories, and always had and endless supply of craft ideas to amuse us.  

On one particular Saturday morning in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it was pouring the proverbial cats and dogs.  Grama decided it was a great day to make something, so she hauled out a roll of "butcher block" paper. 

new year activities, hand print crafts, new year writing prompts, january writing prompts, new year resolution writing prompts, body tracing activities, body tracing art, january bulletin boards, winter daily 5, daily 5 activitiesI laid very still on the long sheet of white paper as grama traced the outline of my entire body.  Then she did the same thing for my sister. 

Even though we were barely 6-years-old, I still vividly remember designing a lovely "frock" for my "shadow" to wear, complete with rings on all of my fingers that sported hot-pink nail polish. 

As the rain pelted against the windows and thunder boomed, we happily colored away.  I highly recommend this activity.  I know it's a lot of bulletin board paper, but the memory will be lasting. Just think of the cuteness of your paper "students" lining the hallway walls too! 

For writing practice, have students label the parts of their body picture.  Before hand, have children help you make a list of all the parts of their body that can be seen on their picture.  Write them on the board, to help them with spelling.

new year activities, hand print crafts, new year writing prompts, january writing prompts, new year resolution writing prompts, january bulletin boards, winter daily 5, daily 5 activitiesIf you're not up for a full-body experience, how about just your kiddo's hand.  Have them choose a partner to trace each other's, and then fill in the details. 

I've included a template, so these can become your first writing prompt for January.  Have students include the year as well as their school picture. 

This makes an interesting and fun Daily 5 activity.  Click on the link to view/download the High Five's For A Happy New Year "craftivity."

new year activities, hand print crafts, new year writing prompts, january writing prompts, new year resolution writing prompts, january bulletin boards, winter daily 5, daily 5 activitiesBe sure and make a sample to show your kiddo's.  My Y5's always enjoyed learning about me.  I added a bit more pizzazz by gluing on flat-backed rhinestones to my "rings."

After students share, mount their work on a variety of colors of construction paper and sprinkle over a wintery-printed bulletin board. 

Thanks for visiting today.  Feel free to PIN away.  My "Pin it" button is on the menu bar.

I design and blog daily, so I hope you can stop by again tomorrow for the newest FREEBIES that will hopefully be memory making!

"Wiggle fast; now wiggle slow; let's learn about our body from head to toe." -Unknown

98, 99, Hooray! It's 100-Day!

free common core lessons for kindergarten, free common core lessons for 1st grade, 100 day ideas, 100 day lessons, 100 day activities, 100 day writing prompts, 100 day quilt, 100 day posters, winter writing prompts, 100 day bulletin boards, 100 day bulletin board ideas,Are you looking for a fun, quick and easy writing prompt for 100 Day?

How about a poster?  Simply run them off and have students fill in their answers. Add a photograph for pizzazz and mount on construction paper. 

What an awesome 100-Day bulletin board these will make. Click on the link to view/download the 100-Day Writing Prompt Poster.

After I had designed the poster, my thoughts some how drifted to making a 100-Day quilt.  I decided to expand the above writing prompts and dreamed up this equally easy quilt-square template.

There are several different things you can do with this 100-Day quilt template. Run off the larger quilt square on a variety of colored construction paper.

Divide 100 by the number of students you have in your class to see how many quilt squares each person gets. 

If this is an odd number you can do the remaining ones, or ask the principal, secretary or another staff member, that the children know, to do 1 too. 

free common core lessons for kindergarten, free common core lessons for 1st grade, 100 day ideas, 100 day lessons, 100 day activities, 100 day writing prompts, 100 day quilt, 100 day posters, winter writing prompts, 100 day bulletin boards, 100 day bulletin board ideas,Run the writing prompt quilt squares off on white construction paper.

Cut them apart, toss them in a container and have each child pick out X number of squares to complete.

In order to practice another Common Core State Standard, I purposely left off end punctuation.

 Remind students to add the end punctuation after they have filled in the blanks.

 It would be a good idea to review the period and exclamation point with them.

 When you show students your sample, be sure and explain that their answers can be funny, but that they should make sense.

For example, it’s obvious that you can’t fit 100 dinosaurs in a lunch box, but you wouldn’t even put 1 in a lunch box. They need to think of things that are appropriate, things that they normally would find in a room, locker, yard, etc. 

free common core lessons for kindergarten, free common core lessons for 1st grade, 100 day ideas, 100 day lessons, 100 day activities, 100 day writing prompts, 100 day quilt, 100 day posters, winter writing prompts, 100 day bulletin boards, 100 day bulletin board ideas,In the blank spaces, they need to draw, use stickers, pictures from a magazine, a photograph or clip art, to illustrate their square.

 Students choose whatever colored squares they want to glue their writing prompt squares on.

 Assemble the quilt squares on the wall, bulletin board or pieces of tag board and display.

 Assembling the quilt squares is a nice way to practice a color pattern. Another thing you can do is have each student do the entire quilt-block template.

 It only took me 15 minutes to find all of the clip art and do the sample, so this is not a huge homework assignment.

 Parents can interview younger children, and fill in the blanks with their answers.

 You can have each child be responsible for their own background, to glue their answer quilt to, suggesting to parents in a note home, that they choose a large square sheet of fun-colored or patterned piece of scrapbook paper.

 To expedite things, you could also simply buy a nice variety of sheets and let your students choose one.  Along with their writing prompt quilt, give them each a !00 Day header strip for them to glue at the top of their quilt.

 Hole punch each side and string with yarn.  Add student photographs to make their quilts even more of a keepsake and add pizzazz to your display. 

Be sure and make a quilt yourself. So you have an example to share with your students.   If you don’t have the time, I’ve included my completed template for you to fill in and add a backing.  My final quilt is a little fancier.

I cut a 3rd size square template and chose 3 different patterns of scrapbook paper.   After you have glued all of the squares together, students glue them on a large sheet of colored construction paper of their choice. 

Top with the header caption and add a hanger.  You can also add photographs to these larger quilts too. Click on the link to view/download the 100-Day Quilt Poster Writing Prompt

free common core lessons for kindergarten, free common core lessons for 1st grade, 100 day ideas, 100 day lessons, 100 day activities, 100 day writing prompts, 100 day quilt, 100 day posters, winter writing prompts, 100 day bulletin boards, 100 day bulletin board ideas,Whatever quilt you decide on, I know your students will enjoy making them, and your display will be awesome!

Thank you for visiting today.  Feel free to PIN anything you think others may find helpful.

"Expecting a kid to learn only from a textbook, is like asking them to look at a travel brochure and calling it a vacation." -Unknown