December Round Up

I'm back with another monthly round up of ideas, activities, and freebies!


Be sure to pin your favorite ideas!


Every month, my students do some thematic or seasonal writing to display on our hallway bulletin board. To spruce up the display, I also have them create some sort of craft to display next to their writing.

Trying to display process writing each month can be a challenge, so one way I like to make sure our work gets switched out quickly is by having my students write a poem.  It gives them some great exposure to poetry, and we are able to put together a great display in almost no time!

This month, my students will be writing a cinquain about Rudolph and creating this super cute craft to display next to their writing. 

Free Rudolph Poem and Craft

I've done this project for the past few years, and the kids really enjoy it.  To prepare them for writing the poem, I first read Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to them.  Then, we brainstorm words and phrases that they could use in their poems.  From there, the students choose their favorites and use them in their poems.  Then, we make Rudolph! #glitterynoseisoptional


Click here to grab the FREE poetry template.
Click here to grab the FREE craft templates.


Last year, my students participated in a winter card exchange.  Each student made a winter themed card at home.  Then, they exchanged cards in class. It was lots of fun, and the creativity was just amazing.  You can read all about this idea, and grab a freebie, here.




In December, I love taking a break from our basal for a bit and reading different versions of The Gingerbread Man.


 

I don't know what it is about this story, but it is just so fun to read and it lends itself to so many important skills, like retelling.  These retell flap books are a fun way to practice this skill.



And, so is this retell hat!



Using adjectives to identify character traits is another great skill that can be practiced with this story.  This cut and paste activity is always a hit with my students! We usually complete one about the fox too!


I also love using these books to practice our compare and contrast skills. The kids are always so successful at identifying similarities and differences between the different versions.

As an extension activity, this Disguise a Gingerbread Man project is lots of fun!  The students create a disguise for the Gingerbread Man and then write about it.  Best of all, they can do the disguise project at home, or in class. 


You can find these activities, plus so many more, in my Gingerbread Man unit. It is perfect for use with any version of the story!  :)

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Gingerbread-Man-1578555



Five in a Row is a classic in my classroom.  My students always love this game!

Holiday Math Freebie

Students play in pairs.  They need two number cubes and some game pieces (I use the red and yellow counters).  Player A rolls two number cubes and adds them up.  Then, he/she covers the sum on the board.  Player B does the same.  This goes back and forth until one player manages to get five of their markers in a row.

You can grab this game for FREE by signing up for my newsletter. Signing up will give you access to my Subscriber Resource Library where you can access this, and many other freebies. The first email will include the password for accessing the library, as well as a special freebie. Click HERE to sign up. :)

Note: My students play the "Sums of 10-20" version of the game which is played with number cubes, but the freebie also includes a "Sums of 2-12" game board which is played with dice.

DON'T FORGET IT: PIN IT!

Teaching Ideas for the Month of December

Happy December!


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11 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness-- I LOVE that Rudolph! I was so sad about having to take down the awesome turkeys you shared a few weeks ago-- but now I know what I'm going to use to replace them! Thank you for your generosity!

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    1. Thank you, Anna! I'm so glad you love him, and can use him with your class this month. :) I am so glad you stopped by today! Enjoy!

      Aimee

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  2. So many great ideas in one post! Thanks so much for sharing with us. I love the card idea but I wonder how you address students getting cards that are "not so good." I'd talk about the spirit of giving and all that but it seems there are always a couple of kids you can't be sure will handle that possibility well. Any advice?

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  3. Ha! Never mind--I discovered the link to your original post where the explanation answers my question. I'm going to send home pieces of white and black paper too; I know a few of mine will need it. Thanks again for all the ideas!

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    1. You bet, Terri! I'm so glad you could use the idea. Thanks for stopping by! I hope your students enjoy the project! :)

      Aimee

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  4. So adorable!!! Somehow I need to squeeze in some Rudolph now!! Thank you!

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    1. Aw, thank you! I hope you are able to squeeze it in. :)

      Have a great Friday!!

      Aimee

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  5. I did the cinquain poem and craft with my class today. Thank you so much for sharing your templates. They turned out fabulous and I can't wait to get them up in the hallway!

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    1. You are so welcome! I can't even tell you how much I love hearing this, Jennifer! I'm so glad they turned out great!

      Happy Holidays,

      Aimee

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  6. Super cute ideas! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I'm so glad you like them! Thanks for stopping by! :)

      Aimee

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I'd love to hear what you have to say!