spring activities

1-2-3 Come Do Some Spring Things With Me

During spring, it’s a good idea to once again assess things like colors, color words, and shapes

spring crafts, spring activities, bunny crafts, color games, spring writing prompts, flower crafts, Mother's Day cards, 2D shape activitiesWith that in mind, I designed the “Bunny Tails & Tales” packet as a super-fun way to practice, assess, or teach.

Add a bit of “crafty” to writing practice, and your students will be excited to show off their writing skills, with the “Bunny Tale” shape booklet.

bunny tale shape bookletThe cover flips up to reveal their bunny tale. Add a cotton ball for that finishing touch.

I’ve included my silly story about the “Magic Carrot”, so that you can easily make an example to share with your students.

Review thirteen, 2D shapes with the “Shapely Bunny” game.

bunny shape tail gameStudents match the appropriate shaped tail to the matching bunny with that shape word.

I used glue dots to add a mini, white pom pom to each piece.
This not only makes manipulating the tails easier, but the pinching aspect, is a great way to strengthen finger muscles.

If you’re making this center for PK, simply trace the tail shape onto the bunny, so they can practice one-to-one correspondence.

The packet includes patterns for these 2D shapes: circle, oval, triangle, rectangle, square, hexagon, octagon, pentagon, rhombus, trapezoid, star, heart and crescent. Choose those appropriate for your group.

color bunny matchaBesides writing and shapes, the packet also practices colors and color words.

I’ve included mini word cards for all of the basic colors, which are placed over the matching rectangle on that color bunny. Children then place the matching colored pom pom “tail” underneath.

kd bunny color gameThere are word cards in matching ink colors for little ones, as well as cards with black ink, so you can use this as an assessment tool as well. 

I wanted to see if you could do the games with a 3-year-old, so I tested them out on my grandson Kaiden, and he absolutely loved playing them.

When he got done matching the color words and pom poms he proudly exclaimed, "I did it!" 

He also enjoyed the shape matching game, so you're good to go with a preschool group.

PREVIEW Bunny Tail TalesFinally, the packet includes a sweet “just the right size” Itty Bitty Shape booklet.

Children read the shape word, write it on the bunny’s head, then draw that shape for a tail.

There’s a booklet with the standard 2D shapes, as well as optional pages for the rest.

When children have completed their booklet, graph which shaped tail they liked the best. 

Continuing with the bunny theme, I designed a packet called "The Shape Of My Bunny's Nose", which is a center activity, game and Itty Bitty booklet, that reinforces thirteen, 2D shapes.       

cover shape of my bunnys noseThe pattern comes in color on a full-page size, as well as a two-on-a-page size to use as a center activity.  I've also included shape word cards, so that older students can practice matching a shape to its shape word.

There's a smaller, 3-on-a-page size to use for games, where children pick a partner and play “Show me the shape.”  I’ve also included black & white patterns, so that children can make their own shape games.

screen shot preview bunny nose* To play the game as a large group, attach a soft Velcro dot to the nose section of the bunny, as well as the word section, then scratchy Velcro dots to the pieces.
* Pass out the pieces and call for a shape.
* The child holding that shape, comes up and attaches it. Everyone says the shape as the child points to the nose, then repeats it by reading the shape word as they point to it.

There’s also a black and white “My Bunny’s Nose” booklet, with options for additional pages which feature other shapes.

Children read the word and draw that shape on the bunny’s face, then color, trim and collate their shape booklet.

I’ve also included a graphing extension to practice another standard. 

cover 3d tulip craftFinally, since April showers bring May flowers, and Mother's Day is just around the corner, I designed this 3D tulip writing prompt craftivity.

PK kiddos can simply make the craft, while older students can choose from 2 writing promptsUse the blank pattern to program whatever.

tulip posterI've also done a "two lips" play-on-words, for a sweet Mother's Day card.

Cutting on a spiral to make the "stem", is wonderful fine motor practice. I've included a pattern for "lefties" as well.

Completed projects look wonderful suspended from the ceiling.  There's a "Spiraling Into Spring" poster for the center of your display. 

screen shot cover mustacheThe FREEBIE today, also reinforces colors and color words.

Since the "mustache craze" continues, I thought it would be fun to make an "I 'mustache' you about colors" game, with two versions, one for PK kiddos, plus another for older students.  

Well that's it for today.  The snow has finally melted here in Michigan, and although the sun is shining, temperatures are still in the 40s, so I'm looking forward to when spring truly arrives.  

Wishing you a stress-free, happy day.

"In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours." -Mark Twain

1-2-3 Come Do Some Spring Things With Me

Spring has officially sprung, and even though we've still got it in the 40s here in Michigan, I'm full gear into springtime fun. 

Today's blog features 3 of my favorite spring activities, which when completed, make adorable springy bulletin boards or hallway displays, sure to put a smile on your face. 

bunny glyph, spring glyphs, glyphs, egg glyph, Easter crafts, easter activities, spring bulletin board ideas, venn diagram activities, bunny crafts, common core activities for spring, spring games, venn friendsFirst up is a sweet little bunny glyph.  They really do turn out absolutely "awwww-dorable".   

No matter what grade I taught, my students LOVED making glyphs
They are a quick, easy & interesting way to practice and assess listening and following directions.

Since this is one of my report card standards, glyphs also provide a "hard copy" to use as proof that a child does or doesn't listen & follow directions.

Glyphs are also an interesting way to get to know your students.

bunny glyph, spring glyphs, glyphs, egg glyph, Easter crafts, easter activities, spring bulletin board ideas, venn diagram activities, bunny crafts, common core activities for spring, spring games, venn friendsBe sure and make your own sample. I think children really enjoy learning about their teacher too.

The packet also includes 4, sweet photo-posters of real bunnies, as well as a links page for a few bunny songs & the story of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny

bunny glyph, spring glyphs, glyphs, egg glyph, Easter crafts, easter activities, spring bulletin board ideas, venn diagram activities, bunny crafts, common core activities for spring, spring games, venn friendsI also designed an Easter egg glyph as well.  I've included 2 egg glyphs in the packet.  One is pretty easy, the other a bit more complicated.

Choose which one is best suited for your students.
The glyphs are also easily adapted by simply tweaking the directions to fit your needs.

Because each one is different they make a super-interesting bulletin board. Every year we get tons of compliments! 

bunny glyph, spring glyphs, glyphs, egg glyph, Easter crafts, easter activities, spring bulletin board ideas, venn diagram activities, bunny crafts, common core activities for spring, spring games, venn friendsMost passers-by are unaware that these are glyphs, so I made a springy "Glyphs" poster for each packet, to use for the center of your display. 

bunny glyph, spring glyphs, glyphs, egg glyph, Easter crafts, easter activities, spring bulletin board ideas, venn diagram activities, bunny crafts, common core activities for spring, spring games, venn friendsSince my Venn Friends have been super-popular, I wanted to design one for spring as well.  This one features  rabbits.

Venn diagrams are a quick, easy & fun way to introduce the concept of comparison - contrast writing, and an interesting way for students to get to know each other better.

My kiddos absolutely love making them, so we do a seasonal one each month; they’ve come to really look forward to picking a new partner to learn more about.  

bunny glyph, spring glyphs, glyphs, egg glyph, Easter crafts, easter activities, spring bulletin board ideas, venn diagram activities, bunny crafts, common core activities for spring, spring games, venn friendsTo help students do a thorough job completing their Venn diagram and jump start the writing process, I've included a list of 40 questions that they can choose from to discuss with their partner.

For added fun, and to practice another standard that mixes math with literacy, I’ve also included a graphing extension. 

Finally, today's FREEBIE also features bunnies.   This bunny craftivity, is a quick, easy and super-fun center, assessment, or game, with  4 sizes of bunny patterns to accommodate the various sizes and kinds of craft sticks.

bunny glyph, spring glyphs, glyphs, egg glyph, Easter crafts, easter activities, spring bulletin board ideas, venn diagram activities, bunny crafts, common core activities for spring, spring games, venn friendsProgram the "ears" with whatever you'd like to reinforce, then keep each set in a Ziploc Baggie.

The beauty of this bunny pattern, is that you only have to make a few bunnies, yet you're able to use them to practice a variety of Common Core Standards, or whatever else you can think up.

bunny glyph, spring glyphs, glyphs, egg glyph, Easter crafts, easter activities, spring bulletin board ideas, venn diagram activities, bunny crafts, common core activities for spring, spring games, venn friendsHere are some ideas:
* uppercase-lowercase letters
* number-number word
* number-group/set
* contraction-words that make up the contraction
* synonyms-antonyms
* rhyming words
* homonyms
* opposites
* equation-answer
* color-color words
* shape-shape words
* 2 words-compound word
* singular-plural

 bunny glyph, spring glyphs, glyphs, egg glyph, Easter crafts, easter activities, spring bulletin board ideas, venn diagram activities, bunny crafts, common core activities for spring, spring games, venn friendsWell that's it for today, I hope spring has sprung in your classroom. 

Wishing you a joyous holiday break whenever that happens.

The earth teaches me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. The earth teaches me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall.  The earth teaches me courage as the tree which stands all alone. The earth teaches me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring. -William Alexander

1-2-3 Come Make Some Bunny Shapes With Me

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, As with many of my other activities, the Shapely Bunny packet took many more hours than I thought it would.  It's two days later, and I'm finally done! Woo hoo.

Since the other Shapely Animal packets have been such popular downloads, I decided to add another one for spring.  If you missed the Shapely Slick Chick packet I published earlier this month, click on the link to grab it. 

The Honey Bunny packet follows a similar format. I've included large shapes that students can add details and ears to, to make their shapely bunny, as well as a set with bunny features drawn in.  Make a set, laminate and then use as a sweet spring bulletin board. 

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, Have children pick out their favorite shape and make one of their own. 

If you want to turn their work into a bulletin board as well, toss the shape cards into a container and have them choose one.  Whatever shape they pick is the Shapely Bunny that they'll create.

I've included a big bunny poster that you can personalize with your name and the caption: "Mr(s) ____________'s class is really shaping up... or "Somebunny" knows their shapes.  Hang this in the center of your bulletin board. 

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, Use the other poster to make a "What's the secret shape?" game.  Draw a question mark on an index card and tape it to the laminated poster so that it's a "hinged" "flap" door. 

Using a dry erase marker, draw a shape underneath.  Call on children to guess what shape is hiding?

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, There's also an easy reader booklet that covers quite a few standards.  Students read the simple sentences, underline the capital letters and add end punctuation

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, Children trace and write the shape words, as well as trace and draw the shapes and then draw details on the first shape to make it look like a bunny. 

The last page asks them which Honey Bunny was their favorite.  A graph is provided to record this data.

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, I've included bunny shape cards in color, along with their matching shape word cards

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, These are perfect for Memory Match or "I Have; Who Has?" games. 

Add the bunny Kaboom cards to your game to make things even more fun.  

There's also a set in black and white, which includes a cover, so that students can make an Itty Bitty Shape Booklet. 

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, Students can also play a funny bunny spinner game.  Children pick a partner and take turns spinning. 

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, Whatever shape they land on, they color the matching shape on their funny bunny.  The child who completes their worksheet first is the winner.  

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, Finally, I've also included a worksheet with spatial directions, one for listing a shape's attributes, plus a match the shape to the shape word. 

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, When everyone has completed whatever projects you want them to do, pass out the certificate of praise.

bunny crafts, spring crafts, spring activities, common core spring, common core shapes, shape activities, shape posters, shape booklet, shape crafts, bunny crafts, shape worksheets, attributes worksheets, shape graph, graphing favorite shapes, bunny shapes, shape animals, Click on the link to view/download the Shapely Bunnies Packet.  Thanks for visiting today.  Feel free to PIN away.

"I've never been a social bunny.  I thrive on work." -Michelle Ryan

Examining Seeds

seed activities, pumpkin seed activities, apple activities, apple seed activities, pumpkin activities, sunflower activities, sunflower seed activities, seed booklet, simple science booklet, garden booklet, how things grow booklet, daily 5 activities for may, daily 5 activities for april, watermelon activities, watermelon seed activities, popcorn activities, seed booklet,garden booklet, garden activities,I revamped this idea from one that was posted on Pinterest where a creative teacher had her students draw some seeds. 

I've since lost the link so if you know who this is, please shoot me an e-mail so I can link up to her and give credit.

As much as I like little ones making their own illustrations, I wanted to add more seeds and didn't want this to be labor intensive with the addition of the writing process as well.

In the past, my Y5's covered all of these seeds throughout the year, so springtime is a wonderful point to compare and contrast them all as a great review.

Students read the sentence, trace the main word, write it, and then color the object that it comes from.

If you want to add more pizzazz to the booklets, you can have students glue the matching seeds to the pages.

For a few dollars, you can buy popcorn, sunflower and pumpkin seeds in bulk and all you need is a few apples and a slice of watermelon and you’re set for the rest of the seeds.

Comparing and contrasting the seeds makes a great discussion as well.  I’ve also provided a graphing extension to nail that standard too.

When everyone has completed their booklet, read it as a whole group to reinforce concepts of print.

I know your students will enjoy taking it home and sharing it with their families.

This booklet is a terrific way to plug in a little science, especially with all the seeds being planted in gardens right now. 

My Seed Book makes a nice addition to your Daily 5 activities as well.

Click on the link to view/download My Seed Booklet

Do you have a seed activity you’d care to share?  I’d enjoy hearing from you. diane@teachwithme.com OR…feel free to leave a comment here, especially if you use one of my ideas.

Feel free to PIN anything you think will be helpful to parents or teachers. seed activities, pumpkin seed activities, apple activities, apple seed activities, pumpkin activities, sunflower activities, sunflower seed activities, seed booklet, simple science booklet, garden booklet, how things grow booklet, daily 5 activities for may, daily 5 activities for april, watermelon activities, watermelon seed activities, popcorn activities, seed booklet,garden booklet, garden activities,

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you can pop by for more fun tomorrow.

Did you know that I added over 50 new items to the cart this month?  Wow!

For more fun in the garden, scroll down for article #2 In My Garden, my newest Count and Color booklet.