Poster Board Character Presentation

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

I saw this cute idea at a charter school a while back. The students were assigned to research a famous person, prepare a report and then present their findings to the class. They each made a poster of the person and cut out a circle so they could stick their face through as if they were the character. For example, in the picture above, the student presented as if he was Abraham Lincoln. This works with a regular poster (if the student holds up the poster while they talk) or with a 3-fold presentation board (which stands up on its own).

I’ve also seen this kind of thing done as a “museum,” where all the students are in a large room and as guests walk by, they give their presentation or answer questions as if they were the famous person.

WWII Worksheet for Upper Grades: Battle of Iwo Jima

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

February 19 marks the anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Japan, in World War 2 (in 1945). This is an important part of American World War 2 history, which many upper grade students learn about. Here’ s a page I put together to teach my students about this landmark battle. It provides basic information (text from ducksters.com) and asks students to write a 5-6 sentence summary using the information.

Click here for the free printable PDF: WW2 Iwo Jima article to summarize

Here are some additional interesting facts about the Battle of Iwo Jima:

The famous picture of the US Flag being raised on Iwo Jima was actually not the first flag raised by the US. Another smaller flag pole had been put there earlier.
Although the US had more soldiers wounded on Iwo Jima than the Japanese, the Japanese had many more deaths. This was because the Japanese had decided to fight to the death. Out of 18,000 Japanese soldiers only 216 were taken prisoner. The rest died in the battle.
Around 6,800 American soldiers died in the battle.
The US government awarded 27 soldiers with the Medal of Honor for their bravery during the battle.
There were six men in the famous picture showing the US flag being raised. Three were killed later in the battle. The other three became famous celebrities in the US.
The Japanese dug 11 miles of tunnels within the island of Iwo Jima.

A huge thank you to all the servicemen/women and their families who have and continue to fight for American freedom!

World War II Timeline Worksheet

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

Here’s a timeline that gives the overview of the major events in World War II (text modified from ducksters.com). This is a great review activity for upper grades learning world or American history. It’s got 9 comprehension questions at the end.

Click here for the free printable PDF:World War II Timeline worksheet

Thank you to all the servicemen/women and their families for preserving American freedom!

Here are the answers:

1933
Germany invaded Poland
China
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan
United States (Navy)
Answers include any 3 of the following: Poland, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, northern France (NOTE: this list is not comprehensive, but it what’s listed on the timeline)
United States (Marines)
Germany, Italy and Japan
Allied Powers

President’s Day Craft for Kids

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

This is a craft that I did in first or second grade for President’s Day. It’s pretty easy and it turns out really adorable! A few simple cuts and you’ve got a silhouette of President Abraham Lincoln! I’ve put together a printable tutorial page (with words and pictures) to help you out. I’m so grateful for America’s Founding Fathers who stood for righteous principles and laid a foundation for our great country! Enjoy!

Click here for the free printable tutorial page: Lincoln Silhouette Directions

If I Were President (Writing Activity)

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

I’m one of those people who sees an idea, or a printable or a worksheet, and says “Shoot! I don’t have a dollar for that! I should just make one myself!” I know some of you may think I’m crazy for thinking this, but what can I say. I have a non-existent budget and a lot to get done. Today’s post comes from this kind of situation. I saw this idea and made my own version of it. And now you can enjoy it too… for free!

Anyway, since President’s Day is coming up, teachers have an opportunity to discuss the significance of it. (Click here to see my free “What You Need to Know About President’s Day” comprehension worksheet.) For younger kids, you can’t get into as much detail, but you can talk about the president and the importance of the office a little bit. Here’s a fun writing activity that asks students to finish the sentence “if I were President…” This is especially fun for teachers to read. Sometimes kids’ perceptions about what the President can and can’t do is pretty funny!

This page also goes really well with a social studies unit about American government.

So here you have it (two versions), the free printable PDFs:
If I Were President – lower grades (pictured above)
If I Were President – upper grades

Chinese New Year Craft: Paper Lanterns Tutorial

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

I love these paper lanterns. When we lived in China, there were lots of lanterns all over the place during Chinese New Year. They’re a great craft to make with kids. Here’s my tutorial on how to make them out of construction paper. Click on each image to enlarge the image.

: You’ll need a sheet of construction paper. Cut off a strip from the side (the long length) so it can he used as the handle.

: Fold it in half “hot dog style.”

: Then fold up the edges…

: …so that it looks like this.

: turn it sideways (so the opening is away from your stomach). Then make several cuts up to the fold, about an inch apart/

: Fold the open sides towards each other, making a circle with the corners touching.

: It will look like this when you’re holding it.

: Staple or tape the edges at the top and bottom.

: It should be able to stand up on its own. Then grab your strip to be used as a handle.

: Attach the handle at the top using tape or staples. Ta-da! Finished paper lantern!

Chinese New Year Craft: Spring Character

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

The following Chinese new year craft was submitted by a fellow teacher who just did this craft with her second graders:

Copy this page for each student (white paper).
Color the back side of this paper different colors – so no white shows.
Turn it over.
Fold it in half.
Cut on bold lines.
Open it up and turn it over… It’s the Chinese character for “Spring”!
Glue it on another piece of construction paper (optional).

Super easy and totally cute. Enjoy!

Click here to download the template: Chinese New Year- Spring Character Craft

Chinese New Year PowerPoint for Kids

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

Each year, my good friend, Cortney, does a presentation for elementary school kids about Chinese New Year. She was nice enough to let me share this Chinese New Year PowerPoint presentation with you. It explains the basics of the holiday and has pictures to go with it.

Click here for the presentation: Chinese New Year 2014