Teacher’s Brain

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!

3 Exciting Earth Day Activities to Celebrate with Your Elementary Students

As Earth Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to engage our elementary students in activities that promote environmental awareness and responsibility. If you are looking for engaging Earth Day activities for kids, you’re in the right place! 

earth day activities

What are 3 things we can do to support Earth Day? Here are some Earth Day activity ideas for your elementary students! 

Trash to Treasure Collage

Engage your elementary students in a creative exploration of recycling with the Trash to Treasure Collage activity. Begin by discussing the significance of recycling and reducing waste. Provide students with magazines, newspapers, glue, scissors, and construction paper. Encourage them to cut out images or words related to Earth Day and recycling, and then create unique collages on construction paper using these recycled materials. 

The objective is to turn what might be considered “trash” into a meaningful work of art. After completion, have students share their collages with the class, articulating the reasons behind their choices and reinforcing the importance of recycling.

Earth Day Pledges

Foster a sense of personal responsibility and commitment to the environment by conducting the Earth Day Pledges activity. Initiate a class discussion about Earth Day and the actions individuals can take to positively impact the planet. Encourage students to brainstorm and write down their personal pledges on large sheets of construction paper. They can use markers, crayons, and stickers to decorate their pledges creatively. 

Display the pledges prominently in the classroom, creating a visual reminder of each student’s commitment to making eco-friendly choices and contributing to a healthier Earth.

Planting a Classroom Garden

Immerse your elementary students in the wonders of nature and plant life by organizing a Planting a Classroom Garden activity. Begin with a discussion on the essential role of plants in maintaining a healthy environment. Explain the life cycle of plants, from seed germination to full growth. Provide each student with small pots or cups, soil, and a variety of seeds. Guide them in planting their seeds and caring for their mini-gardens. 

Create a designated area in the classroom or schoolyard for the class garden, allowing students to observe and nurture their plants as they grow. This hands-on experience not only teaches valuable lessons about nature but also instills a sense of responsibility for the well-being of our planet.

Looking for pre-made Earth Day activities for elementary that will get your students excited about saving the planet? Look no further! Here are some fun Earth Day activities that your students will love.

Earth Day Virtual Field Trip to a Recycling Center

Be every student’s favorite teacher by taking them to the recycling center! Virtual Field trips are a great way to engage students in learning.  Use these interactive, editable Google Slides to easily have students copy and paste movable parts, learn about Earth Day, recycling, what to bring on a trip and so much more!

Earth Day Activities and Writing Crafts

Looking for some engaging Earth Day activities for your kiddos that will help them understand the importance of caring for Earth? I have you covered with this unit! It has a week lesson plan, ideas, extra crafts, opinion writing, and more!

Earth Day Activities and Opinion Writing

Are you looking for an easy way to teach about this important day? I have you covered with an Editable digital Google Classroom™ Option and a PDF for you to easily make low-ink copies for students in the future. Opinion Writing is included in this download.

Students who are participating in the digital option will have easy-to-identify text boxes to edit with directions. They can insert images and text.

What are your favorite ways to celebrate this holiday with your students? Let me know in the comments! 
Looking for more Earth Day fun? Check out my post here!

5 Bulletin Board Ideas for Your Elementary Classroom

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! 

bulletin board ideas

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

bulletin board ideas

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

poetry bulletin board ideas

 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

birthday bulletin board set

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

superhero bulletin board ideas

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

bulletin board ideas

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!

5 Reasons to Use Morning Work in Kindergarten

Picture this: It’s a bright, bustling morning in your kindergarten classroom. The tiny tots are shuffling in with sleepy eyes and contagious energy. As a teacher, you know that the first moments of the day set the tone for everything that follows.

morning work

That’s where the magic of kindergarten morning work comes into play. It’s like the secret ingredient in your morning routine that can transform chaos into calm, hesitation into confidence, and groggy minds into eager learners.

If you’re looking for morning work ideas for kindergarten or morning work worksheets, you’re in the right place! 

But first, let’s discuss the advantages of having morning work in your kindergarten classroom.

Smooth Morning Transitions

Morning work is like the secret sauce that makes our mornings smoother than a fresh jar of peanut butter. It gives our little ones a structured start to the day, helping them transition from home to the classroom routine with ease. Less chaos, more focus!

Independence Boost

You know that feeling when a kindergartener proudly completes a task on their own? It’s like a warm cup of coffee for our teacher hearts! Morning work encourages independence. They’re tackling challenges right away, building confidence as they go.

Skill Reinforcement

Think of morning work as a daily dose of learning vitamins. It reinforces the skills we’ve been teaching. Whether it’s reviewing letters, numbers, or shapes, these quick exercises keep their growing brains engaged and active.

Time Management Skills

In the real world, time management is a superpower, right? Well, morning work helps our little ones develop those skills early on. They learn to manage their time by completing tasks within a set period. It’s like a mini time-management boot camp!

Teacher Prep Time

Last but not least, morning work can be a lifesaver for us teachers. While the kiddos are busy, we can take a moment to assess their progress, prepare for the day, or have a quick chat with parents. It’s like a small gift of time in a busy morning schedule.

You may be wondering what to do for kindergarten morning work? 

This resource is all you need! 

morning work

This engaging morning work for kindergarten covers reading and math skills and is super easy to implement. These no prep packets are perfect. They will help keep your class calm while reviewing skills at their own pace for the entire school year. 

You’ll never find yourself scrambling for morning activities again!

This resource  covers:

❀ Handwriting Uppercase and Lowercase Letters

❀ Sight Word Practice 

❀ Beginning Letter Sounds

❀ Months of the Year

❀ Days of the Week

❀ Handwriting Sentences

❀ Word Families

❀ Silent /e/

❀ Digraphs

❀ Number Sense

❀ Ten Frames

❀ Counting

❀ Number Lines 

❀ Writing Numbers 

❀ Counting On

❀ Shapes

❀ More and Less Than

❀ 3D Shapes

❀ Graphs

❀ Place Value

morning work

What’s included? 

Pg 1-42 – Aug. and Sept. (Handwriting, Letters, Numbers, Colors, Sight Words, Counting)

Pg. 43-84 – Oct. and Nov. (Handwriting, Letters, Numbers, Ten Frame, Counting, What Comes Next)

Pg. 85-126 Dec. Jan. (Word Families, Vowels, Counting, Greater than, Less Than, Handwriting)

Pg. 127-168 – Feb. and March (capital letters, lowercase letters, word families, shapes, counting on, less than)

Pg. 169-210 April and May (digraphs, tens and ones, 3D shapes, graphs, and silent /e/)

Each page has an extended activity for students to do on the back of the page for early finishers. It is designed to model once to the whole group, and students should be working independently for each set (4 Weeks.) 

There are only mild changes in this packet each month to make it easy for students to follow the pattern each morning. I provide different fonts, so students get used to seeing letters that look different. 

morning work

The number and the number word is used so students get familiar with number word recognition. I tell students to look at their crayons to find the color word to help them figure out the color on their own to create independence. 

I print my pages out to create a journal to easily store papers, leaving the back blank for the extended activity. My students could move on to the next page if they finished. You can just give one individual sheet, if you like to ensure students don’t move on to the next page.

Check it out here! 

For more kindergarten morning work activities, check out my post here!