Hello Friends!
I am tucked under a quilt at home on this icy day, and
happy to share some books and activities that will hopefully help
you plan some fun winter-themed
learning activities!
Be sure to also check out all of the other great ideas that
our gracious hosts have linked up for this month!
PAWsitively Teaching
Inspired Owl's Corner
Thick, warm, cable-knit, patterned, bright colors....
All of these adjectives can be used to describe the
mittens we wear to protect our hands from the cold here in Ohio,
and January is the month I pull out some of my favorite stories
and projects about them!
The Mitten Tree
is a story that will warm your heart! It includes an
important message about doing good deeds quietly for others without
expecting accolades. I always want to pick up my neglected
yarn and knitting needles after I've read it!
This project is a great way for students to respond
creatively and colorfully to the story!
Click HERE to see the pin!
Credit: MPM School Supplies
The Missing Mitten Mystery and A Mountain of Mittens
are two great books to help students learn to count by twos, to match pairs, to explain
symmetry, and to practice multiplication arrays! They can both also be used to spark
a variety of creative thinking and writing activities.
This project is a great follow-up art activity for either book, and
makes a gorgeous window display!
Click HERE to see the pin!
Credit: Kinder-Craze: A Kindergarten Blog
you know how much I admire Jan Brett's books!
This year marks the 20th anniversary of The Mitten, and I can't wait to
have my second graders compare and contrast her adaptation
with Alvin Tresselt's version of this beloved Ukrainian folktale.
This fabulous resource features a variety of
story response and analysis activities for grades 2-4!
Click HERE to see this pin,
as well as a marvelous collection of more magnificent ideas from
my blogger buddy, Carla!
Credit: Comprehension Connection
I've been building my Pinterest boards slowly but surely,
so feel free to follow me!
I am also new to Twitter, so find me at @storiesin2nd if you'd like!
I hope that your transition back to school after this long holiday break goes
smoothly! As always, thank you for sharing my story!
May you always hold a song in your heart,
dream a little dream, and teach your children well!
And if this post has inspired you to try and MAKE some
mittens, then my talented, wise, and gifted friend Kimberly's blog post over at
Books First in Maine
is a must-read!
Wouldn't knitting be a wonderful activity for children
stuck indoors for recess this winter? And wouldn't it teach them
patience and tenacity at the same time? Imagine soft music,
comfortable chairs, and busy hands. Now go buy some colorful skeins of yarn!
Click HERE for step-by-step instructions and a rhyme
for "finger knitting!"
Enjoy!
