April Fool's Day

The best thing about April Fool's Day with 3rd-5th graders is that they are really into it. They love pranking each other and maybe will even jump in and try to prank you as well. I love these silly holidays that just bring a smile to the faces of my students. But what I love just as much is learning about the History behind the holiday. This year, I created a little reading comprehension and writing activity pack that helps students find out all about this fun day. It also looks at how others around the world celebrate and some fun and famous pranks!

I don't know about you, but I am always trying to figure out how to make things fun and keep the kids guessing. My favorite April Fool's Day activity was the year that I made brown e's. Yes you read that right. All day, I told my class that I had make them brown e's and of course it sounded just like their favorite dessert, brownies. When I whipped out the pan and in dramatic fashion removed the foil I went up and down the rows of seats passing them each a brown e. Their faces! Oh it was just too good. 

But later, I did give them an actual treat, although the sound of it is utterly disgusting. We had kitty litter cake. If you are wondering what this is, let me give you a quick rundown. First you crumble a chocolate and vanilla cake together and mix in some icing. You pour it into a clean, unused kitty litter pan, I got mine at the Dollar Tree and even picked up a kitty litter scoop to serve it with. Then to put it over the top, you take some Tootsie Rolls and slightly warm them in the microwave until they are bendable. After that, form them into....I think you see where this is going....kitty poop and drop some here and there, even burying some for an old litter box look. Dangle one over the side if you are that brave. Trust me, the kids loved it, especially the boys!

In case you are interested in sharing the history behind this holiday, you can click on the picture below. Happy April Fool's, everyone!

St. Patrick's Day Activities for your Classroom

Do you bring St. Partrick's Day activities into your classroom and part of your curriculum for the day? I love to sprinkle a little holiday fun into the day while keeping the focus on academics, especially reading and math, with a history twist. Any time I combine history and teach about where the holiday traditions come from, I call that a win. St. Partick's Day activities do not have to be fluff and a waste of a day with busy activities like word searches and coloring pages. They can still be fun, even while learning. Here are some days to spice up your St. Partick's Day in the classroom this year. 

 St. Patrick's Day History Activities

One thing I love teaching is the history behind holiday traditions. Any activity that can help my students understand where the holiday came from or how traditions started is a must for me. I introduce them to these traditions though short articles and sometimes activities that go along with them. In this St. Patrick's Day reading comprehension activity, students will be introduced to not just traditions, but also Ireland (where the roots of this holiday stem from) and St. Patrick (the man it is named for). They will also learn about lots of fun and crazy traditions like the "kissing rock", why we pinch people who don't wear green, and the cute little leprechauns that are in decorations everywhere this time of year. Here's a quick look at this resource.

St. Patrick's Day Math Activities for the Classroom 

Math activities this time of year are a must. We always seem to be knee deep into fractions every year and so games that reinforce the fraction work we are doing is perfect. I love games that are quick, easy, and engaging. Pot O' Fractions is a perfect fit for my classroom math class on St. Patrick's Day. It is one that can be used with partners, a small group, or even as a math notebook activity. 

St. Patrick's Day Art Activities for the Classroom

 Sprinkling in a little art is a must. Not just because it is fun, but also because it can build teamwork. I have a series of activities that are based on the cooking show, Chopped. These activities are team art project. It starts with each group getting a bag of supplies. Inside, each group has identical art items with which they must build something around a common theme. Groups are given a certain amount of time and once they timer rings, they must be ready to share their project. Points can be awarded to make it feel even more like a game and after three rounds, a winning team is announced! I love these art activities because not only are students creating within certain constraints (stretching creativity), but they are building social and teamworking skills, using communication, collaboration, cooperation, and critical thinking. 

St. Patrick's Day Activity: Lucky Race

Another fun way to pack in a lot of content though activities is an Amazing Race-style game. I like to call it Lucky Race for St. Patrick's Day. It has six different legs to the race (or challenges for the teams to complete). Each challenge is an activity that is not only fun, but covers important review skills in math and writing. Students who complete the race have a special treat awaiting them.

So there you have it, several ideas to transform your classroom into a fun and magical learning experience for your children. They will love any effort you put in to make their day extra special. Sometimes you don't have to do a lot. A little goes a long way. If you are interested in any of these resources mentioned above, please click on the pictures to be taken to my TPT store.