Teaching and Learning Activities for Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

As a teacher, I am always on the lookout for captivating books that not only engage my students but also provide valuable learning opportunities. Sophie Blackall’s delightful book, ‘Farmhouse,’ is the perfect choice to immerse my young learners in exploring past and present, history, and creativity. In this blog post, I’ll share our adventures andContinue reading “Teaching and Learning Activities for Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall”

8 Classroom Activities to Finish the School Year Strong

As the school year wraps up, we know how important it is to keep those little ones engaged and excited until the very end. It can be a challenge, but with some super fun and energizing activities, we can make sure the classroom stays buzzing with joy and laughter. So, let’s dive into some awesomeContinue reading “8 Classroom Activities to Finish the School Year Strong”

Fun Classroom Activities for The Speedy Sloth

National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual event that promotes literacy and storytelling across Australia. Each year, a new children’s book is chosen to be read aloud in classrooms and libraries across the country. For National Simultaneous Storytime 2023, the book “The Speedy Sloth” by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie has been selected. This delightful storyContinue reading “Fun Classroom Activities for The Speedy Sloth”

Growing Magic Beanstalks In The Classroom

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the perfect opportunity for lower elementary teachers to engage their young students in a fun and educational activity: growing beans! One way to make this activity more exciting and relatable for children is to tie it in with the classic fairy tale, “Jack and theContinue reading “Growing Magic Beanstalks In The Classroom”

Teaching Ideas for Turkey Trouble this Thanksgiving

Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano is a classic Thanksgiving read aloud. The story will have your class giggling and thinking creatively about different disguises that would help the turkey avoid Farmer Jake’s dining room table this November! Check out the activities and worksheets I use to extend on the themes of this story here. Visit LittleContinue reading “Teaching Ideas for Turkey Trouble this Thanksgiving”

Great Books to Teach Procedure Writing

1. Wombat Stew by Marcia K. Vaughan This classic Australian picture book is my absolute favourite when it comes to teaching procedure writing. The story follows a hungry dingo intent on cooking up a delicious wombat stew for tea. Lucky for the wombat, the other bush animals make a number of cooking suggestions designed toContinue reading “Great Books to Teach Procedure Writing”

5 Back To School Books That Teach Kids About Emotions

That first day or week back at school can be an anxious time for our littlest learners… that’s why it’s so important for us as educators to let them know that it’s ok to have those feelings and then give them strategies to work through them. Young children often won’t be able to identify theseContinue reading “5 Back To School Books That Teach Kids About Emotions”

Activities for Iceberg by Claire Saxby

Iceberg written by Claire Saxby and illustrated by Jess Racklyeft may just be the triumph of 2022 picture books. A must-have, keep forever type book for your classroom library… Books+Publishing says: ‘Richly informative and brimming with detailed facts presented in lyrical, sophisticated, evocative language … Text and image balance each other perfectly in their delicateContinue reading “Activities for Iceberg by Claire Saxby”

Activities for Just One Bee by Margrete Lamond & Anthony Bertini

Just One Bee written by Margrete Lamond & Anthony Bertini and illustrated by Christopher Nielsen is a standout for this year’s CBCA Shortlist Picture Book. Not only are the illustrations exceptional but the story offers young audiences an opportunity to make real world connections to their role in climate change and how working together inContinue reading “Activities for Just One Bee by Margrete Lamond & Anthony Bertini”

Activities for Stellarphant by James Foley

Stellarphant is an absolute must for every classroom library. This wonderful picture book offers a multitude of teaching moments and opportunities for discussion. Perfect to explore opinion writing, persuasive writing, space travel, courage, determination, perseverance, discrimination, diversity, equality, equity and feminism with your students. The blurb: Stella the elephant is fighting interstellar discrimination one pachydermContinue reading “Activities for Stellarphant by James Foley”