Thanksgiving Game Board

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

More game boards! I’ve decided you can’t ever have too many blank game boards in your classroom to use with review games (click here to read about some of my favorites). This one’s Thanksgiving themed, and would be perfect to use with math facts, spelling words, etc. They’re actually really simple to use: for example, hand 2 kids a game board (it’s best if you laminate them first) and a die. Kids can roll the die and earn that many spaces if they get a math fact right (just hand them a stack of flash cards) or if they correctly spell a word on their weekly spelling list. Enjoy!

Click here for the free printable PDF: Thanksgiving Game board 1

Thanksgiving Memories Writing Project for Kids

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

Story telling seems to go hand in hand with childhood. I absolutely love hearing kids tell stories. So I provided each of my students with an opportunity to tell me a story about a Thanksgiving they’ve experienced. After we write our stories down, I randomly draw a few student numbers (mine are on Popsicle sticks) and those students have the chance to share their story with the class (under the document camera) if they want. Here are the 2 versions of the free PDF worksheet (one with a picture space, and one without):

Thanksgiving Memories – draw own picture
Thanksgiving Memories – with picture

Cool Halloween Ideas for your Classroom

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

Being a teacher on/around a holiday can be fun… or not. Here are two FUN ways to bring Halloween into your classroom:

Cool Halloween-themed science experiments!Source: Lemon Lime Adventures

Fingerprint Bat Silhouette Craft

Source: Crafty Morning

And just because I enjoyed this joke (from The Berry):

Halloween Adjectives Worksheet

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

Hello everyone! I’ve finally figured out a way to add candy corn to a worksheet! (I do love me some candy corn in October!) Anyway, here’s a simple adjectives activity for your students. Have them come up with two adjectives about each Halloween noun, and then color the candy corn (built-in “fast finisher” for your speedy students). Have a great Halloween!

Click here for the free PDF: Halloween Adjectives Halloween adjectives STICKER

Halloween Memories Writing Project

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

Kids love telling stories about fun memories. Especially when it’s something they’re proud of (like a Halloween costume)! So here’s my opportunity to let my students tell me about a fun Halloween memory they have. They must write their story first, and then they get to walk around and read their story to 2 friends. Their friends must sign the back indicating they shared their writing. I made 2 versions of this worksheet, so you can choose whether or not you’d like to let your class draw a picture with their writing. Click the links below to see the free worksheets (PDF):

Halloween Memories – draw own picture
Halloween Memories – with picture

Fun Halloween Ideas

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

It’s finally “Halloween season!” Bust out the spooky decor and let’s get scaring! Ok, fine… maybe you can’t do as much fun Halloween themed stuff as you could years ago, but here are some productive Halloween ideas for you. I found them on Pinterest. (Oooh! Follow me on Pinterest!)…

I think this paper chain ghost (source) could be a fun class craft… or adapted into a management tool!! It might work to build the ghost out of paper chains, and then tell the class if they can get rid of the ghost, they earn a prize (extra recess, no homework for a night, etc.). When the class does well, remove a paper loop and throw it away. The kids can see the ghost disappearing, so they can see their progress towards a prize. Or you could be really ambitious and do this in reverse, by earning paper chain links to build the ghost and earn the prize.

I’m musically challenged. It’s ironic, because my husband is very musically gifted (I guess opposites really do attract). Anyway, whenever I have a chance to bring a music activity that SOMEONE ELSE PLANNED into my classroom, I jump on it. Especially when it’s about a holiday (killing two birds with one stone)! Here’s a clever Halloween song and rhythm game. It’s not too difficult, and it involves some physical actions, so I’m all for it.

Click here for the directions and printable game cards.

Slow Motion Bubbles (Cool Science Video)

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

slow mo bubbles video I recently saw this video and it blew my mind! Such a cool science video. It totally inspired me to see the world around me differently. I’m dying to share this with my class!

Click to view the Slow Motion Popping Bubbles & Balloons video

Fall Game Board

Posted on September 4, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

If you know me, you’ll probably know that I love to use games in my classroom! I think playing games is the best way to create a fun learning experience. I usually have some blank game boards (like these) handy in my classroom to use with one of my favorite review games. I decided to make some new ones for fall, since I didn’t have very many. So here’s my first one: I call it “Fall is fabulous!”