teachersbrain, Author at Teacher's Brain

3 Engaging Leap Year Activities for Elementary Students

February 2, 2024 teachersbrain Craft Ideas, education, Teaching Tips

As we leap into a new year, let’s not forget the extra-special phenomenon that graces our calendars every four years – Leap Year!

This unique occurrence offers a fantastic opportunity to infuse some excitement into our classrooms and turn learning into a leap-tastic adventure.

If you’re looking for leap year activities for elementary school, you’re in the right place! I’m sharing three simple, yet educational Leap Year crafts and activities to celebrate Leap Day with your elementary students.

Check out these three simple Leap Year activity ideas:

Activity #1: Leap Frog Crowns

Create adorable Leap Frog Crowns with your elementary students using green construction paper, googly eyes, glue, scissors, and string. Cut a circle for the frog’s face, fold it for the mouth, and add strips for the headband. Let the kids unleash their creativity by decorating with googly eyes and smiles. Assemble the crowns, attach a string, and have a Leap Parade where they can hop around the room, celebrating Leap Year in style!

Activity #2: Leap Year Math Fun

Engage your students in Leap Year Math Fun by providing them with puzzles related to addition, subtraction, or multiplication. You can find ready-made puzzles or create your own. Watch as the kids solve these puzzles to reveal cool Leap Year facts or pictures. Encourage them to share their discoveries with the class, turning math into an enjoyable and educational celebration.

Activity #3: Leap Year Time Capsules

Get your students excited about the passage of time with Leap Year Time Capsules. Have them write letters to their future selves, detailing their current interests, goals, and favorite memories. Using small containers or jars, let the students decorate their time capsules with crayons, markers, and stickers. Seal the capsules, creating a special memento. Explain that these time capsules will be opened in the next Leap Year, fostering anticipation and a meaningful connection to the years ahead. This activity not only celebrates Leap Year but also encourages reflection and creativity in your classroom.

If you’re looking for some simple, ready-made Leap Year activities to celebrate Leap Day or Leap Year with your students, I have you covered!

Check out my Leap Year 2024 Activities and Crafts resource

This resource is a collection of engaging materials that span reading, writing, and math activities. Plus, there are a couple of delightful crafts thrown in to foster a strong home connection and make learning about Leap Year an exciting adventure!

What is in this Download?

Suggested Lesson Plan

Optional Cover for a Journal

LEAP YEAR EXPLAINED (primary students)

LEAP YEAR EXPLAINED (Intermediate students with Q&A)

Writing Prompts (primary and intermediate lines)

Draw an animal that jumps.

February Calendar (Fill in the numbers, cut and paste the numbers and the regular calendar)

Frog Counting, 1 More and 1 Less

Posters (Leap, Leap Year)

Leap Year Frog Hat

Leap Year Glasses

Bookmarks

What are your favorite Leap Year activities to do with your students? Let me know in the comments!

If you want more fun activities for February, check out my post here for Valentine’s Day activities!

3 Engaging Easter Activities for Your Classroom Easter Party

January 26, 2024 teachersbrain Craft Ideas, Teaching Tips, Writing

Easter is rapidly approaching and if you are looking for Easter activities for kids or Easter activities for elementary school, you’re in the right place!

How do you make Easter exciting for kids?

There are so many ways you can make Easter exciting for kids. With bunny or egg-themed Easter activities, Easter worksheets, Easter crafts, and Easter games for kids, the possibilities are endless.

Additionally, you can have a small Easter party for your elementary students! This gives your kiddos something eggcellent and fun to look forward to and adds a much-needed break for fun and celebration during the day.

How do you throw an Easter party for kids?

Simply! Your party doesn’t have to be elaborate to be a blast for your students. Here are some simple but impactful ways to have a fun classroom Easter party.

Include some Egg-citing Games:

Plan classic activities like an Easter egg hunt, bunny hop races, and “Pin the Tail on the Bunny.” These not only entertain but also promote teamwork and physical activity.

Create a Crafty Corner:

Set up a crafting station for decorating Easter eggs and making bunny masks. Let kids get creative, and display their masterpieces for everyone to enjoy.

Try some Tasty Treats:

Organize a cookie decorating station or a “Build Your Own Bunny Sandwich” corner. Make the preparation part of the fun, and consider healthier options like a fruit kabob station.

What activities do you do during Easter?

There are so many things you can do that your students will love and appreciate. If you’re looking for some easy Easter activities for kindergarten, first, second, or even third grade that are fun and educational, here are some spectacular ideas!

Bunny Rabbit Mask and Headband Set

Looking for a simple and easy craft for your party? Try these Bunny Rabbit Mask & Headband crafts. There are two writing papers included too. (intermediate lined and primary)

1 Bunny Mask
1 Bunny Headband
2 Spring Bunny Writing Papers

How to Catch the Easter Bunny Writing Activity

Need a good Easter writing activity? I have you covered with these interactive, editable Google Slides to easily have students copy and paste movable parts to design their own Easter Bunny trap. Then, they will write a narrative, persuasive, or opinion paper about how they plan to catch the bunny.

Bunny Craft Printables

Need some engaging bunny crafts and writing activities? Try these printables to easily create different bunny crafts! They make great centers and bulletin boards too!

5 Crafts with Photos
4 Spring Writing Papers (Primary and Intermediate Lined
Make a Headband, Bunny Candy Bag, Writing Craftivity, or Letter Art

What are your favorite ways to celebrate Easter in elementary? Let me know in the comments! For more Easter fun, check out my post here.

3 Writing Activities to Get Students Excited About Writing

January 19, 2024 teachersbrain Writing

Writing is an essential part of learning in elementary. It’s a foundational skill that students will use again and again throughout their lives. Needless to say, we have to practice, practice, practice!

Unfortunately, this is easier said than done sometimes. Our younger students can get tired and bored, so it’s up to us to add some fun and excitement to our writing lessons.

If you’re looking for writing activities for elementary students, you’re in the right place. I’ve got three exciting and engaging writing activities that will turn your classroom into a hub of creativity.

But first, you may be wondering…

How do I make writing fun?

These are 3 of my favorite activities that get students fully engaged and excited to write:

Seasons Would You Rather Opinion Writing Activities for Kids

Be every student’s favorite teacher by making writing enjoyable! Would You Rather Prompts are a great way to get your students engaged in writing their opinions about each season. Use these interactive, editable Google Slides to easily have students show one or two fingers to share their choice. Then have them write why they chose what they did.

Opinion Writing with Cookies Activity

Do you need an engaging lesson to teach opinion writing? Opinion Writing with Cookies is a student favorite! Add some cookies and watch the creative writing flow.

Comic Strip Templates Writing Activities

Want to find a great creative writing assignment for students with comic strip templates? There are over 100 templates with examples and posters to teach children about design elements, sequencing, character design, and how to organize information!

These are great for interactive notebooks, early finishers, inside recess, writing centers, morning work, or just for fun! Use to teach sequencing, onomatopoeia, writing, character elements, speech bubbles, or storytelling!

Your students are guaranteed to love this activity!

I hope you and your students have a blast with these writing activities for kids! If you want more writing fun, you can check out my post here!

What are your favorite ways to make writing fun for your students? Let me know in the comments!

5 Bulletin Board Ideas for Your Elementary Classroom

January 13, 2024 teachersbrain kindergarten survival, Teaching Tips

Looking for bulletin board ideas for your next classroom masterpiece?

I have always loved decorating a new bulletin board for my students. It’s the best way to showcase student work, share what we are focusing on, and display the hard work of the students. It’s so motivating and fun!

If you are looking for creative bulletin board ideas, simple bulletin board ideas, or unique bulletin board ideas for school, you’re in the right place!

I’m sharing some of my favorite resources to make your bulletin board look spectacular!

How do I make my bulletin board look nice? Here are my best tips:

Choose a Theme: Pick a theme related to your classroom or the season.
Color Coordination: Use a coordinated color scheme for a visually appealing look.
Bold Title: Feature a clear and bold title to set the tone.
Visual Appeal: Add engaging visuals like student work or decorations.
Organization: Keep content neat and well-organized.
Interactive Elements: If possible, make it interactive with pockets or goal-setting sections.
Seasonal Touches: Include seasonal decorations for a fresh look.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent design for a cohesive appearance.
Creativity: Be creative with personal touches and different materials.
Regular Updates: Change content periodically to keep it interesting.

Looking for the perfect bulletin board ideas for elementary? Check out my favorite bulletin board resources!

SPRING Bulletin Board | Growth Mindset

bulletin board ideas growth mindset bulletin board resource

Need a bulletin board that fosters a Growth Mindset and encourages your students to set goals? Look no further! This resource will help you create a beautiful bulletin board that will not only brighten up your classroom but also empower your students to embrace challenges and strive for success.

Rainbow of Possibilities Bulletin Board Set

Explore a fun bulletin board that sparks imagination and prompts students to ponder future possibilities. With an exciting PRINT AND GO writing activity and an eye-catching bulletin board title, displaying your student’s work will be a breeze!

POETRY Bulletin Board Ideas | SPRING | National Poetry Month

Celebrate National Poetry Month with a bulletin board that inspires creativity and showcases your students’ poetic talents. This resource includes a PRINT AND GO writing activity coupled with a captivating bulletin board title to beautifully display their poetic masterpieces.

Editable Birthday Chart Display | Bulletin Board | Classroom Decor

Ensure everyone knows when to celebrate by using an editable PowerPoint to display your students’ birthdays. Choose from black and white templates or add a burst of color to your classroom. Perfect for doors, bulletin boards, or chalkboards!

Movie Theater Biography | Superhero Biography for Bulletin Boards

Turn your classroom into a theater where every student is a star! Download a free Star Bio template for a Movie Themed Unit, complete with a Superhero BIO option for a Superhero Theater Day. Let the creativity shine as your students become the stars of their own biographies!

Bulletin Board – Kindness – Free

Spread kindness like confetti with a bulletin board that captures and celebrates acts of kindness in your class. Discover the letters and setup used to create an inspiring board that reads, “Our Class loves to Throw KINDNESS Around Like Confetti.” Watch as your students’ kind deeds transform your classroom into a positive and uplifting space!
I hope you love these bulletin board resources as much as I do! For more bulletin board fun, check out this friendship resource!