Turkey is so much a part of Thanksgiving that many people call it “Turkey Day.” Why not bring some turkey ideas into your classroom? Read A Turkey for Thanksgiving. This charming story tells how Mr. Moose sets out to get a turkey for Thanksgiving. He is surprised when the turkey runs… Continue reading
Thanksgiving is a required study in many state frameworks, sometimes year after year. You need some fresh new plans! English Start with some great Thanksgiving books. We’ve listed these in order of reading level, but we like them all for older students’ writing classes as well as for reading with… Continue reading
We don’t mourn the days when teachers handed out candy as bribes or rewards. Still, there are some times of year when it makes sense to have candy around, and it can always be an interesting subject of study. We suggest beginning with a book. Depending on the age… Continue reading
Most of the kinds of mammals in the world are bats — they’re actually the largest group of species in the world, with 1,000 different species living on all the continents except Antarctica. We’re lucky we have them, too, since they eat insects. Online resources: Bats: Creatures of the… Continue reading
There are some nice ready made bulletin boards for November. Teacher’s Friend’s Happy Thanksgiving! Bulletin Board has pilgrims and a turkey, the slogan “We Are Thankful,” and lots of leaves and acorns. Have students write what they’re thankful for on the leaves and acorns, or write names and attach them… Continue reading
One of our favorite songs for Hallowe’en is “Have You Seen the Ghost of John?” As far as we can tell, this is a folksong, and it appears to be an American one. Hayes Roberts at bluebison.net is the artist responsible for the skeleton musician here, used with permission. Check… Continue reading
Octodogs are fun for undersea units! Continue reading
Do you observe Hallowe’en in your classroom? Some do, with parties and costume parades and all, and some don’t. Maybe you (or your district, parents, community leaders, administration…) disapprove of Halloween and would rather not bring it into the classroom at all, but you feel like you spend the whole… Continue reading
Are you ready for some football? In the classroom? It’s a fun fall theme, yet gives opportunities for serious study. Books for your library table: My Football Book by Gail Gibbons has her usual combination of fact and fun. The Everything Kids’ Football Book is perfect for enthusiasts. Kick,… Continue reading
