Teacher’s Brain

5 Engaging Activities to Get Your Students Excited About the Solar Eclipse

As you know, we are just weeks away from a major historical event- the solar eclipse! 

This is a pretty big event because it is a total eclipse. Whether you are in the path of totality or not, this is a fantastic time to get your students excited about this fantastic solar event. 

solar eclipse activities

If you are looking for ways to get your students excited about the solar eclipse, I have you covered! Check out these solar eclipse activities for kids! 

Storytelling:

Begin with a story about the solar eclipse. You can use simple language and visuals to explain the what a solar eclipse is, why it’s so cool, and what to expect during the eclipse. Encourage your students to ask questions and express their curiosity! 

Try out making DIY Pinhole Projectors:

Guide students in creating their own pinhole projectors to safely view the solar eclipse. This hands-on activity not only teaches about the science behind eclipses but also emphasizes the importance of safety when observing celestial events.

Make some Eclipse Artwork:

Help your students to express their understanding of the solar eclipse through artwork! Using materials like crayons, markers, and colored paper, prompt them to draw what they imagine the eclipse will look like or how it makes them feel. This activity is a great way to foster creativity while reinforcing concepts they learned about the eclipse.

Do an Eclipse Simulation:

Utilize some digital tools or simple props to simulate the solar eclipse in the classroom. You can use a flashlight to represent the Sun, a ball to represent the Moon, and smaller objects as Earth and its orbit. Demonstrate how eclipses occur and the different types of eclipses that can happen!

Eclipse Journaling:

Have students keep a journal leading up to and during the eclipse. Encourage them to record their observations, thoughts, and questions before, during, and after the event. This activity promotes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and reflection on their learning experience. Plus, it is a great activity for writing practice! 

If you’re looking for some done-for-you eclipse activities, you’ll love this resource! This simple small model resource will get your kiddos excited to learn about this amazing eclipse! 

Need a fun, engaging week unit with activities to teach about the Sun, Moon, and Earth using the Solar Eclipse this year? I have a perfect lesson plan. It covers standards for K-2, models, home connections, collecting data, diagrams, shadows, gravity, links, and more! 

Here’s what you’ll get with this resource! 

  • Cover
  • Table of Contents
  • Home Connection
  • Note to Teachers
  • Lesson Plan
  • Standards K-2, Vocabulary, Links
  • KWL
  • Elephant and Bat Shadow Puppets
  • Bunny and Horse Shadow Puppets
  • Sun and Moon Venn Diagram
  • Earth and Moon Venn Diagram
  • Sun and Moon Demonstration of an Eclipse
  • All About the Moon Writing (Primary)
  • All About the Moon Writing (Intermediate Lines)
  • All About the SUN Writing (Primary)
  • All About the Sun Writing (Intermediate Lines)
  • All About the Earth Writing (Primary)
  • All About the Earth Writing (Intermediate Lines)
  • Gravity Writing (What does gravity have to do with a solar eclipse?)
  • Ask A Friend about a moon visit, Tally Answers
  • Gravity ARTWORK
  • EXAMPLE (model for student) of a Solar Eclipse Craft
  • Solar Eclipse Craft (need to brass brads)
  • Directions for the HAT Solar Eclipse Activity
  • Moon Earth and Sun (black and white/color) Headband printables (pages 25-30)
  • Headbands to glue on the earth, moon, and sun (pages 31-32)
  • POSTERS (Shadow, Diagram, Eclipse, Properties, Light, Gravity, Eye Safety, Sun, Moon, Earth) (pages 33-42)
  • Solar Eclipse JOURNAL (weeklong) (pages 43-59)
  • Rubric (page 50)
  • Opinion Writing, Extra Activities & Credits (pages 51-57)

WHAT else do you need for this unit besides the printables?

  • Cardstock for printing on
  • 3 Brass Brads to make the parts movable on crafts
  • Glue
  • Colored Pencils or Crayons
  • Flashlight

I hope your students love these activities! Want more science fun? Check out my post here! 

3 Engaging Life Cycle Activities Students Will Love

One fascinating topic that never fails to capture the attention of elementary students is life cycles. Teaching life cycles provides a solid foundation for curiosity and discovery to flourish in our classrooms. If you are looking for life cycle activities for kids, you’re in the right place! 

How do you teach kids about life cycle?

To kickstart your life cycle lesson,  a great way to begin is with interesting and fun books  like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and hands-on activities such as crafting life cycle diagrams. 

You can also incorporate multimedia elements like videos and virtual field trips, providing a more dynamic learning experience for your kiddos. This multi-sensory approach ensures all students can appreciate the beauty of life cycles unfolding before their eyes! How cool is that?

Here are 3 life cycle activities for kids to do with your elementary students: 

Butterfly Life Cycle Craft

life cycle activites

Want a fun activity for spring where the kids learn about the Butterfly Life Cycle and integrate symmetry by making a book that will make a lasting memory for them to share at home? I have you covered with these printables for creating a butterfly craft and writing options!

Life Cycle of a Frog Craft

Are you looking for an engaging way to help students learning about the life cycle of a frog? These activities are great for centers, sequencing, and whole group learning! It includes a hat, writing activities, and sequencing printables.

Plant Life Cycle Craft Activity 

Do you need a quick and easy way to teach students the life cycle of a plant? This Plant Life Cycle Wheel will keep your students engaged and create a keepsake for them to share with their parents. 

What are your favorite ways to teach about life cycles? Let me know in the comments! 
If you want more spring activities for your elementary classroom, check out my post here!

3 Engaging Spring Activities for Kids

Looking for some spring activities for kids? I have you covered! 

As we gear up for the spring season, I wanted to share some fun and engaging ideas to infuse your classroom with a little burst of springtime sunshine. 

spring activities for kids

What are some spring activities for elementary students?

Here are some ideas for some spring hands-on activities to get you started.

Life Cycles

Dive into the life cycles of plants and butterflies! Use simple props like egg cartons, art supplies, and pictures to create interactive displays. This hands-on approach will make learning about growth and change a memorable experience.

Try this: Butterfly Life Cycle Activity 

Want a fun activity for spring where the kids learn about the Butterfly Life Cycle and integrate symmetry by making a book that will make a lasting memory for them to share at home? I have you covered with these printables for creating a butterfly craft and writing options!

“This was so much fun! My students loved writing, coloring and creating their butterfly-they especially loved recreating the stages 🙂 Thanks so much!” -Jenny 

Rainy Day Science

Embrace the spring showers by turning them into a learning opportunity! Set up a rain gauge and encourage your little scientists to measure and record rainfall. Discuss the water cycle and the importance of rain for our environment.

Try this: Rainbow Activities

Are you looking for quick and simple rainbow crafts to display in your classroom? Look no more! These editable printables cover writing, math, and art! Just use paint, paint daubers, or color to make a rainbow. Add a little cotton to the clouds and you have a cheerful display!

“This was a great resource when discussing rainbows.” – Jared

Weather Watchers

Create a weather station in your classroom and have students take turns being weather reporters. They can observe and record the daily weather, noticing any changes that come with the arrival of spring.

Try this: Weather Patterns Unit

This unit is loa with enough resources to stretch it out for two weeks, if needed! If you need to teach weather patterns, the water cycle, rainbows, and more, I’ve got you covered with engaging activities and printables to make your life easy!

“This unit was a great way to introduce the water cycle to my kindergartners!” – Rachael

What are your favorite spring activities to do in your classroom? Let me know in the comments! 
For more spring fun, check out my post here!

Engaging Guided Reading Activities for Elementary

As elementary teachers, we know how important guided reading instruction is. The main goal of guided reading is to provide targeted, differentiated support to small groups of students who are at similar reading levels. 

guided reading

What is guided reading- really? 

Guided reading allows teachers to address the individual needs of students, focusing on specific reading skills and strategies to help them become proficient and confident readers.

Here are the key components of guided reading:

Small Group Instruction:

Guided reading typically involves the teacher working with a small group of students, usually ranging from three to six, who are at a similar reading level. This small group setting allows for more personalized instruction and targeted support.

Text Selection:

Teachers select books that are at an appropriate reading level for each group of students. The chosen texts should provide a manageable challenge for the students, allowing them to apply and reinforce their reading skills while still being able to comprehend the material.

Introduction and Pre-Reading Activities:

Before reading the text, the teacher introduces the book, discusses the title, cover, and any relevant background information. Pre-reading activities may include activating prior knowledge, making predictions, or setting purposes for reading.

Guided Reading Session:

During the guided reading session, students read the selected text independently or in a whisper voice. The teacher observes, supports, and provides guidance as needed. The focus is on applying specific reading strategies, such as decoding unfamiliar words, making connections, and understanding the meaning of the text.

Discussion and Comprehension:

Following the reading, the group engages in a discussion facilitated by the teacher. This discussion aims to deepen students’ comprehension, promote critical thinking, and allow them to share their thoughts and interpretations of the text.

Skill Instruction:

Throughout the lesson, the teacher explicitly teaches and reinforces specific reading skills and strategies. This may include phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, and comprehension strategies tailored to the needs of the group.

Assessment and Monitoring:

Guided reading provides an opportunity for ongoing assessment. Teachers monitor students’ progress, identify areas for growth, and use this information to plan future guided reading sessions and provide additional support as needed.

 Needless to say, it’s important! 

If you are looking for a guided reading activity that your students will enjoy and be fully engaged in, you’re in the right place. 

I created this Guided Reading Mega Bundle Resource to make guided reading a breeze! 

Check out this Mega Bundle for year-long instruction and activities! Get all 5 (Comprehension, Vocabulary, Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, and Fluency) year-long programs bundled in one easy-to-purchase download for a huge savings!

Pick and choose what you want to use for review, extended activities, homework, and early finishers, or use the step-by-step suggested plans for each yearlong resource. 5 year-long resources are included in each area!

View each resource included in this Mega Reading Bundle!

This is made specifically for K-1 students, but great to use as an intervention program for 2nd-3rd grade struggling readers when you need to fill in the reading gaps.

Reading Comprehension Year-long Program 

Vocabulary Kindergarten – 3rd YEAR-LONG Reading Blocks Program

FLUENCY Year-long Program 

Phonics Systematic Year-long Program

Phonemic Awareness Year-long Program with Activities and Games

BONUS: Reading Posters Set

You will find:

  • Assessments
  • Posters
  • Engaging Activities
  • Readers Theater
  • Oral Fluency Assessments
  • Mini Books
  • Suggested Weekly Lesson Plans for each Program (If you are using them all at the same time, I was able to hit all 5 areas in a 90-minute block with centers.)
  • You can pick your own favorite trade books to complement the lessons.

What are your favorite ways to teach this subject? Let me know in the comments! 


For more reading activities, check out my post here!