Halloween Activities

6 SPOOK-TACULAR Halloween Activities

Happy Halloween! If you are a teacher prepping for Halloween week, a home school teacher, or crafty mama looking for Halloween activities, then you my friend, have come to the right place! Below you will find Halloween activities, Halloween writing prompts, Halloween crafts, a Halloween STEM challenge, and more! 

Ever since my first year teaching I have been compiling my favorite activities in my "month bins." In these bins I store any craft, book, lesson, etc... that I simply loved and wanted to save for future years. Today I am reaching inside my October bin and pulling out all my Halloween themed favorites to share with you!

Candy Corn STEM Challenge

I do this tasty tower challenge every year with my kiddos, and every class loves it! In this FREE activity, your students will work together to build the tallest tower possible using toothpicks and candy corn! Students, will plan, build, and work together to create these fa-boo-lous towers! You can grab this FREE resource HERE!

Descriptive Halloween Writing Craftivity

How fun is this Halloween Writing Activity! I love teaching descriptive writing, and what better sensation to describe then when you reach your hand into a witches cauldron! My students loved learning about new words to incorporate into their writing, as well as creating this awesome doodle filled cauldron! This craftivity can be done with the pumpkin sheet and candy corn sheet as well!

October NO PREP Writing Prompts

I love that these writing prompts are not only great for Halloween week, but a fantastic tool all October long! This resource includes 20 NO PREP (can I get a woot woot) fall themed writing prompts. I love using these prompts when I want my student to practice a specific skill (ex. dialogue) or as a writing warm up. 

You can grab these writing prompts by clicking HERE!

Halloween Math

Practice math facts and have some Halloween fun! This FREEBIE is a must in my October bin! My students love finding the hidden picture, and I love giving them a fun way to practice their math facts! You can get this free resource by clicking HERE.

Spooky All About Me Activity

Looking for a Halloween themed All About Me activity? Well, my friend, check out this awesome FREE one! My students love worksheets like this. It allows them to write about their interests, as well as do a little coloring. If you are looking for a fun time filler or quick Halloween activity to do with you class, then click THIS LINK and grab it now!

How To Carve a Pumpkin Flip Book

I love flip books! I think they are fun and so do my students. In past years I have used this pumpkin themed writing craft with my class. I love that it helps teach sequential order and is easy to assemble. If this is an activity you want to do with you students as well, just click the link HERE and check it out!

I hope you have a SPOOK-TACULAR Halloween!

Want to explore all of my favorite Halloween teaching resources? CLICK HERE to view them now!

Drive In Movie Writing Celebration Day

Hard work should be celebrated! I love transforming and decorating our classroom to celebrate the hard work my students do. We just wrapped up our realistic fiction writing unit and celebrated in a most epic way! Looking for a unique way to transform your classroom and display student work? Why not turn your classroom into a drive in movie theater, starring your students!

Let’s Celebrate!

I started planning this writing celebration by hitting up to old Pinterest for party theme ideas. I stumbled upon a drive in kids theme party theme and fell in love! Then, I began brainstorming how I could incorporate this kick butt theme with a writing celebration. Finally, it hit me, I would have the students record their writing and plan them on the big screen like a movie! Perfect! Creative teacher points, ooh ya!

 

Preparations

Now that I knew what I was going to do, I had to plan the execution of it. The biggest hurdle would, for sure be getting my students stories recorded and projected. I not have any technology in my classroom besides my teacher laptop and my projector. Luckily, I have amazing teammates who did a Donors Choose for a few ipads, and they let us borrow one! So, in order to get my writing rock stars up on our “big screen” I simply had them go to a quiet room in the building one at a time and bring the ipad and stories. (Looking for the graphic organizers that helped launch my students from Ok writers to wow-oh-wow writers? Check them out HERE!)

After the students had recorded their stories, I uploaded the files to my Google Drive account. This would allow me to play the files directly from my teacher laptop, through my projector.

Now, for the fun stuff!

It was now time to create and decorate! I went to Walmart and bought the size large boxes at $1.50 each for my students to use to create their “cars” for our drive in. 

They had such a blast creating their cars! I can’t express the joy that filled my heart to see those students who excel at crafts, reaching out a hand to those who were struggling with their designs. It was not only part of our celebration, but it turned into a great team building experience as well. Each student was given a large box, art supplies, and the day to create the box car of their dreams. My classroom was a hot mess express that day, but boy did we have fun!

The Big Day

When the day finally came to do our writing celebration, we were all beyond pumped up! I had decorated the room and prepared snacks of popcorn and juice. Students picked up their “cars” and choose their own spots to park to watch our feature presentation. This next part I couldn’t stop giggling at. I played the first two minutes of this video from Youtube.com which displayed some of the old previews show at old drive in theaters. 

My students cracked up! They couldn’t get over how different movie previews are now!

After the previews were over, snacks were served, and expectations were given, it was time for our feature presentation! I played the videos and the students cheered after each classmate shared. It was such a wonderful experience! I will definitely be doing something like this again in the future!

Notes and Tips:

-Make sure you listen to your “shy” students recordings ahead of time. They may be too quiet to hear well.

-Have a plan to get those creative car boxes home! (They are tricky to fold up and get on the bus).

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Human Body System Activities and Resources

We are getting ready to wrap up our human body systems unit in room 204. Man, what a fun unit it has been! I love being able to do hands on experiments and crafts with my students. The body systems unit allowed me to bust out some fun experiments, engaging video clips, and more. Below, I have compiled a list of the resources and activities we used throughout this unit

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The Skeletal System

We started our unit with the skeletal system. We learned about the bones, their placement in the body, and their functions. We cut and created XL paper skeletons like those linked HERE.

We also learned more about the skeletal system from THIS video:

The Nervous System

I loved teaching the nervous system! My kiddos loved learning about the brain and its different sections. They especially loved creating these awesome brain hats!

We learned more by watching this awesome Bill Nye video as well.

The Digestive System

This was by far the grossest, and in turn my student favorite body system to study. We did a great and easy experiment that demonstrates the way our food is broken down.

We also created this FREE digestive system foldable.

Finally we watched the Magic School Bus video on the digestive system. This was great and really allowed my students to have an inside view of how food travels through the digestive system.

The Respiratory System

This was another body system which prompted fun experiments! Check out the experiment we did HERE.

You can also grab the free worksheet we used HERE.

We have not reached the final two systems yet. When we do, here are some of the videos and resources we will use.

The Cardiovascular System

The Muscular System

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Muscular-System-WORD-WALL-2646273

Fall Teacher Style

Teacher Fall Fashion

Amazon fashion haul coming your way!

For those of you who don’t know, I love fashion! Nothing gives me that extra little boost of confidence like wearing a rockin’ outfit! However, each fall I struggle to find cute, comfy, school appropriate outfits. When you need to scooch, squat, and sometimes dance with your class, you definitely need an outfit you can trust. On top of all that, who wants to pay an arm and a leg for new work clothes every year? I don’t!  So, I did some teacher styled shopping on Amazon this week, and I couldn’t wait to share the awesome looks and deals I found!

I am in love with all things cheetah right now. I’ve never really been into animal prints until this past year, and now it has hit me in a big way! I found this growl power skirt on Amazon (size small) for only $20.99! It has the sweetest pleats and a comfy elastic waistline. Can I get a woot woot for cute and comfortable! You can get one by clicking HERE!

In addition to my love of all things cheetah, I am always loving soft graphic tees. I ordered this “Happy Fall Ya’ll” tee for $16.99 (size small) you can grab one by clicking HERE!

Next up is one of my favorites from my fall haul, this adorable color block sweater. To me this just screams fall. I love the look and feel of this little cardigan too! I am wearing a size small. You can click HERE to check it out on Amazon. I love this piece because it is so versatile. This can easily be styled for fun Friday look, as I have it here, or with a dress any other day of the week.

The next piece I ordered is this plaid scarf. This is a peach and green colored scarf. I really like it because I don’t own many green items in my wardrobe. Plus, I’m a huge fan of big chunky fall scarves. This scarf was only $9.99 on Amazon! Click HERE to shop.

Back to the land of soft seasonal tees! I saw this fall themed T-shirt on Amazon, and just had to have it! I have paired it with these pleated wide legged pants. I have to say, comfiest outfit ever! I just knotted the tee around my waist, threw on some statement earrings, and bam a ready to rock outfit! Click HERE for the shirt and HERE for the pants.

 

And speaking of statement earrings… can we just check out this AMAZING earring pack from Amazon! Can you believe this awesome pack is only $19.99! Um mega score! Click HERE to check them out.

Next, is this cotton black tie dress. This dress is $19.99. I love the shape and style of this dress. You can style it so many different ways too! Check it out HERE. I have paired it with my jean jacket from Target, the white hoop earrings in the statement pack from Amazon, and my plaid flats from Target.

Finally, it is legging season! I live in leggings from October through February (hey remember I live in Maine and it’s wicked cold ¾ of the year). Anyway, I love pairing my leggings with dresses or big slouch sweaters for work. This cheetah sweater is simply the cat’s meow! See what I did there. I am wearing a size small and love the color, print, and feel of this cheetah-licious look! Check it out on Amazon HERE.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my fall fashion Amazon haul. Rock your style and have a happy fall!

Teacher Self Care

“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Self-care is so important! You can’t help anyone else if you cannot first help yourself. We all know that, why else do they tell you to put the mask on yourself first on airplanes? So, my question is, if we know self-care is so critical, why do we push it off? I don’t have time. I don’t need to. The excuses go on and on. This is the first year I am truly adopting a self-care is alright mindset.

Value Yourself

First things first, I needed to realize it was OK to take care of myself. I feel like as teachers we are so programmed to take care of everyone else before ourselves. Why else do we hold our bladders to the point of bursting instead of just quickly asking another teacher to watch our rooms? Before I could start practicing self-care, I needed to let myself know that it is ok to do. I realized that I cannot burn myself out the way I did at the end of the last school year. Self-care is the change that I needed.

You Don’t Have To Do All the Things

The first thing I needed to do is stop putting so much extra pressure on myself. I always try and do my best especially in my professional life. We have a million and one things we are required to do as teachers. Why add extra stress of getting papers graded like lightning, or having lessons planned a month in advance? I started removing unnecessary stress and allowing myself to breathe. I started saying things like, “it’s ok, I have time, I will do it, just not right now.” It’s crazy how different you feel when you learn that the world will not stop turning if you don’t do everything all the time.

Find a Stress Reliever Every day At Work

What makes you smile at work when you get overwhelmed or have a bad day? Your secret candy stash? You colleagues? A hot cup of tea? Turning the lights off and sitting in silence for five minutes while the kids are at lunch? For me it’s all of the above, plus getting some fresh air. Take your brief lunch break and stop eating in the photocopy while you prep! I was always that teacher, once the day started I did not stop, or sit for that matter. I started leaving school a few days a week at lunch to pick up food at the store around the corner from my school. I can’t even tell you how amazing I felt walking off of campus for a brief moment. Each day I am able to get fresh air and walk outside during the day feels amazing! I now make a point of getting lunch off school ground once a week. I suggest you find your little happy things, do them as much as possible.

Take Back Your Weekends

In previous years, I had a schedule. Friday night was rest and recoup night. Saturday was clean the house from the chaos of the week and try and do something enjoyable. Finally, Sunday was groceries, meal prep, and all things school. Then, bam, back to Monday. Does that sound like a recipe for success? Nope! This year, I made a change. My weekend focus is now on rest, family, friends, and whatever makes me happy. I think as teachers we often forget to have a personal life after the year starts. In all honesty, it is very difficult to have a personal life with how much we have to do all the time. However, this year I rest my priorities. Now, I am recharged mentally and emotionally when Monday comes. This is because I allowed myself time to rest and step out of my teacher shoes.

This year, I challenge you to take time and care for yourself. Care for your soul and well-being. Take time for self-care and have a happy school year!

Want to explore my resources just for teachers? CLICK HERE NOW!

Hey there 3rd and 4th grade teacher friends, this ones for you! I have a question to ask…

What if you didn’t have to waste endless hours hunting for engaging and rigorous resources? Resources that you can trust to create massive impact and constant light bulb moments with your students? What if you could regain those precious hours, nights, and weekends that you usually waste hunting for teaching tools? Well, your teacher wishes are about to be answered with the best membership for grade 3 and 4 teachers, The Elementary Teacher Toolkit! We are a membership that gives you back your precious time, reduces your teacher stress, and supports you as you grow and teach.

Want to see a FREE sample of what we’re all about? Click HERE to download a free sample kit of all the goodness that is waiting for you when you join us in The Elementary Teacher Toolkit!

Classroom Construction Day

“Hard hats on means we are ready to do hard work!” This is what I told my students Friday morning as they walked into our “under construction” themed classroom. I had decorated the room using construction symbols and typical construction themed colors. In addition, each student had a hard hat sitting at their spot. As soon as my students walked in, the excitement was high. This heightened excitement was a key factor I was counting on for the hard work ahead today.

Hats Linked in Picture

The day began with morning meeting. Here I laid out the blue print plan for the day including expectations for how to use their hats and new supplies correctly. I explained that there would be a series of challenges today and our “houses” could earn a “nailed it” point for each challenge. What is a nailed it point? What is that for? Well, because we had a construction theme I thought I would be punny and continue our theme on to the challenge points they could earn by completing each task to the best of their abilities and displaying great teamwork. The kids REALLY wanted to work hard for these points because each nail earned represented an extra topping choice for our sundae party at the end of the day!

Building Better Stories Challenge

Our students switch teachers for reading this year, so our day as a construction crew began when they all returned to me for writing. I told my crew that I was expecting a lot of detailed writing today (our target for the day was writing detailed drafts). In order to do this, I taught students how to use a writing partner to flush out their ideas, as well as add details they had forgotten to include in their brainstorming paper.

Students spent the first fifteen minutes of work time, using their writing partners and filling their draft/ note page with ideas they wanted to include when they do their first draft. After fifteen minutes of collaborative work, I gathered the students together and instructed them to write their first draft, writing as much as they could (using their new note sheet) in twenty minutes. Ready. Set. Go! Guys, you would not believe the increased effort I saw in my writers! Pencils were nonstop for about 17 minutes. In the last three minutes I had two students say they were done. I instructed them to return to their seats, reread, and add more details (our focus point for the day was writing a draft with details). When twenty minutes was up, I had 90% of my students hand in work that was an impressive amount longer than anything they had passed in before! SCORE! After reading the prompts this weekend, I am happy to say not only their writing length increased, but their quality for writing detailed narratives did as well! Insert happy teacher dance here. All teams earned their “nailed it point” for that challenge.

Looking for this Narrative Writing Graphic Organizer Pack? Click the Picture below!

Addition Tower Challenge

After lunch and recess, we had a series of two math challenges. The first math challenge was for each student to solve 16 multi-digit addition with regrouping problems. For each problem answered correctly, they would earn a unifix cube.

Click the Picture to be taken to Amazon.com

The team with the tallest tower would win! Ready. Set. Go! I had students work independently for the first 8 minutes of our tower race. Then, to make sure all learners felt successful, I had them work as a “house” to help any teammate who needed assistance. Students were NOT allowed to just give answers (if that happened I took a cube away). Instead, this presented them an opportunity to coach and teach the skills they knew to others. When I called time, I had five tall towers, 288 correctly answered math problems and 18(one student was at band lessons) smiling kiddos. We had so much fun drilling our math skills and collaborating together! Every house earned their nailed it point again!

 

Grab the Addition Task Cards we used HERE for FREE!

Perimeter Challenge

For our final challenge of the day, students needed to work together to measure the perimeter of the shapes I taped to their desks. I assigned roles of 2 measurers, 1 writes, and 1 adder. The students rotated through their “jobs” at each new station. This challenge focused on practicing perimeter skills and using collaborative efforts to get the job done. My kiddos had so much fun with this challenge I think they actually forgot they were doing math work! No surprise, every house earned their final point.

  

Wrap Up

At the end of the day, we celebrated with our ice cream party! When we reflected on the day, both the students and myself decided  we cannot wait to have another day like our “under construction” day.

Want to have a construction themed day in your classroom? Yes? Awesome! To help you get started planning, I’m sharing the posters I created for our day with you for FREE! All you need to do to access this awesome resource is subscribe to my email list using the side bar. What are you waiting for! Join and snag your free posters as well as another great freebie every single week!