As a child I loved to role play. As we learned about settlers, explorers and Native Americans, after school I would play out these historical events being sure to give my 4 brothers and neighbors roles and duties (of course! I was born to boss lead teach). We traveled the plains, fought with enemies, and sailed the rough seas using cardboard boxes and dirt mounds as our props.
Everyday Heroes {Craftivities for September 11, Memorial Day, and Veteran’s Day}
This is a throwback post from last year, but thought it would be helpful to post it again.
It’s always been tough for me to teach my students about September 11 and what happened that day. Knowing that most of the students at school weren’t even born yet, makes it even more difficult.
I do however feel like it’s such an important date to remember and to help our kids relate to on an age appropriate level.
Wow! I can’t believe that I have gotten so busy that I didn’t get a chance to share about my 7 Habits #5 before I finished #6. I guess that just means that we get a 2-for-1 on the blog today.
Just the other day I was on my computer in the evening and my husband came over and asked if he could talk to me. I said “of course” and he jumped right in telling me all about…???. A few minutes into it I had to jolt myself and sit up, intentionally look at him and close my computer screen. I had been zoning out on my computer and honestly hardly heard a word he had said (sorry hon!). For me, true listening can be a struggle and I know it can be hard for many others. It’s really something that most of us have to practice to be good at.
Habit #5 is “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood – Listen Before You Talk”. With this craftivity your students will learn how to be ALL EARS as well as listening with their eyes and heart. What a valuable skill to learn while they are young!
In this packet you will find:
– “An Understanding Listener” Original Poem
– “An Understanding Listener” Labeling Poster
– “An Understanding Listener” Student Labeling Sheet
– Emotions/Feelings Game (Includes 2 variations)
-2 Writing Prompts and Brainstorm Web (primary and secondary lines included for each)
– “I’m ALL Ears!” Craft Templates
Habit #6 is a great follow-up to being an understanding listener. It is “Synergize-Together Is Better”. In this unit students will concentrate on teamwork and being a good team player. They will learn to focus on other’s strengths as well as their own and learn that Together Everyone Achieves More!
In this packet you will find:
– “Together Is Better” Original Cheer/Rap
– “TEAM” Poster
– “Teamwork” Brainstorm Web & Comparison T Chart
– “Together Is Better” Craft Templates & Writing Puzzle Pieces
I have to tell you that the “Together Is Better” Rap/Cheer is so much fun! I even tried to do a little “give me a beat” while doing it. It would be equally great if your students did a little “knee, knee, clap” like the “We Will Rock You” song. Ha!
October is Fire Safety month! I’m so glad they do this in our elementary schools and make it such a priority to help our young people be prepared in the case of an emergency. It is especially great if local firefighters can come to your school (or you can visit a station) and your students can meet these outstanding individuals. I always found that it eased some of the fears about those scary sirens and masks, and helped students realize that firefighters are their friends and heroes! I personally always thought it was a great idea for them to speak to the kids while wearing their masks, just in case they are in a real fire and ever hear that kind of “Darth Vader” type voice.
“Fire! Fire!” By Gail Gibbons An oldie but a goodie for teaching about fire safety!
I have created a Firefighter Hero Craftivity that students can make that focuses on the hero aspect of firefighters. This unit can be used for remembering 9/11, Fire Safety Month, or even when studying community helpers! It comes with templates for each aspect of the firefighter as well as My Hero is… writing prompt pages.
I also have a fire safety freebie for you! It’s a Fire Safety Pledge Jumbo Bookmark, great for reviewing fire safety with your kids.
FREE Fire Safety Bookmarks
One last thing, I had the HONOR of helping with a guest post on the Beginner Beans Blog today. Trina is doing a 31 day series on letting your lil’ light shine. We posted today on how to turn a bad day around. Head on over to Beginner Beans and check it out. We would LOVE to hear your tips for turning those bad days into good ones (teacher’s should be pros at this!), so go ahead and leave some comment love while you’re there.
How do you celebrate Fire Safety Month in your classroom or home school?? Leave a comment and share with us.
I’m a little late in the game BUT, I’m linking up today with the 2nd Grade Pad for super fun “My Favorite Freebie Linky Party”! With all of the things you have to pay for as teachers, isn’t it SO nice when you can get what you need for free?
My favorite freebie that I’ve made so far is my “I’m in Charge of Me! {A Leadership Craftivity}” :
It is my favorite because:
I can’t get enough of those 7 Habits! They are such great principles for our students to learn at an early age. I TRULY believe that if kids can learn these habits now, when they’re young, they will be better equipped to tackle all things in their adult worlds. Plus, those little kids in these cutouts are super cute and students can make them to resemble themselves.
How to use it:
You can just print out the templates and trace them onto the color of paper you would like! I usually read chapter one in the book “The 7 Habits of Happy Kids” by Sean Covey and then implement this “I’m Proactive” activity.
“I’m Proactive” Craftivity Steps
I also brainstorm with the students to help them create their “I’m proactive and take the first step when I…” page.
There are 2 different writing line styles included for differentiated learning.
You can click on any of the pictures or here to pick up your “I’m Proactive” 7 Habits Craftivity today. For more great freebies head on over to the 2nd Grade Pad!
Aspire to Inspire!
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