Teaching Printables Archives

Christmas Same or Different Worksheets for Kids

November 26, 2023 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

The holidays are here!

And it’s a great time to get your early learners all set for winter break with these fun Christmas same or different worksheets!

Simple Christmas Same and Different Activity

Recognizing objects that are the same and objects that are different is such a critical skill for preschool and kindergarten-aged students.

It’s the basis for number and letter literacy, which makes preschool a perfect time to practice this foundational skill.

Fun Christmas Same and Different Worksheets for Kids

These fun holiday-themed worksheets are perfect way to get more practice in before winter break begins!

And it’s just a cute Christmas activity to share when your students have presents on the brain.

Keep reading to get your set. And, for more fun with winter, take a look at our Spanish and English Arctic Animal learning cards!

Use these Christmas same and different worksheets to practice visual discrimination with early learners this holiday season!

What You’ll Need to Use These Christmas Same or Different Worksheets

To use these Christmas themed same and different printables, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are used below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Laminator (optional)
Dry erase markers (optional)
Hole punch (optional)

Christmas Themed Same and Different Worksheets for Preschool

This same or different learning activity includes four visual discrimination worksheets – two that challenge students to find the same Christmas ornaments and two that help them to spot the different one.

Christmas Same and Different Preschool Activity

Along with the color worksheets, blackline versions of each page are also included.

Plus, there’s a full answer key and a teaching script inside, so you can just print and go. No prep required!

How to Use the Christmas Same or Different Worksheets with Early Learners

There are several ways you can use these visual discrimination activities with your students.

Fun Christmas Ornament Same and Different Practice

Of course, you can print the worksheets, hand them out, and call it a day.

When your learners are antsy or you’re running short on time, this is definitely a good idea!

Holiday Themed Same and Different Worksheets

But if you have a little time to prep, you can also let them color in the blackline versions and create their own activity.

They can use the same colors to color their ornaments the same and different colors to color the different one on each row.

Christmas Ornament Same and Different Worksheets

You could also print the answer key and cut the sections into strips. Place them on a ring for self-checking at math centers!

Or laminate them and let students use them with dry erase markers. That way, you can print and prep once and use them again and again.

Simple Holiday Same and Different Lesson

These are perfect take-home activities for students to have over winter break too.

Scroll down to get your copy of these Christmas same or different worksheets!

Try some of these other winter early learning activities!

Learn to recognize uppercase and lowercase letters in two languages with this fun snowflake English and Spanish letter matching activity!

These Spanish Arctic Animal learning cards are perfect for early literacy and science centers and ELL students!

Make this fun and easy toilet paper roll snowman craft with little ones!

La Escuela! Spanish School Vocabulary Flashcards

September 6, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

I’ve been an educator for many years now and summer break is always a treat.

But this is the first year I can recall when I truly do not know where the summer went. I blinked and it was August.

Ready or not, the new school year is upon us. Which made me think of these Spanish school vocabulary flashcards!

These would be a great way to welcome early and ELL learners to the classroom.

Use them at centers, in morning tubs, in small groups, and more!

Matching Spanish school words and pictures

Read on to see how to get your set.

And, for more Spanish vocabulary building, take a look at our ¡Los Verbos! Spanish Verb Learning Cards too!

Practice basic school words in both English and Spanish with these printable Spanish school vocabulary flashcards!

¡La Escuela! Spanish School Vocabulary Flashcards

To use these printable Spanish school vocabulary flashcards, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper or cardstock
Scissors
Laminator (optional)
Colored pencils (optional)
Dry erase markers (optional)

Using Spanish school word flashcards at centers

This learning card set features flashcards for 12 Spanish and English school related words.

Matching Spanish words for school for early learners

There are also picture labeling cards and word labels in both English and Spanish.

Practicing English and Spanish school words

The cards are designed to be printed dual-sided.

That way, you can have English on one side and Spanish on the other!

A full blackline version and a pronunciation key are included as well!

How to Use the Spanish School Word Learning Cards

There are several ways to use these with students.

Break out the flashcards to teach learners each word. You might decide to start with whichever language your students are most comfortable.

As they build fluency, introduce some of the words in the second language.

Let students color the blackline version of the cards for themselves!

Spanish and English school word flashcards

Put the English and Spanish flashcards on a ring for use at centers.

Printable Spanish school word flashcards for kids

And, be sure to use the labels and labeling cards for a hands-on activity that will build literacy skills.

Scroll down to get your Spanish school vocabulary flashcards!

Try some of these other Spanish literacy activities!

These English and Spanish solar system learning cards are a fun way to learn about space in both languages!

Learn how to talk about parts of the home in two languages with these English and Spanish parts of the house vocabulary cards!

Teaching kids how to talk about school in Spanish

To get your copy of these Spanish school word learning cards, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check them out below!

Uppercase and Lowercase Apple Letter Matching Puzzles

August 2, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

It’s back to school season!

It always amazes me how fast summer goes by. But once school starts, it’s time to break out one of my very favorite early childhood education themes: apples!

So if you’re working with early learners who are practicing letter recognition, here’s a set of fun apple letter matching puzzles that can help!

These are fantastic for early literacy centers.

They’d also make good morning tub activities!

Keep reading to see how to get your copy of these literacy skill builders.

And, for more apple early learning fun, check out my Apple Counting One to Ten Puzzles too!

These apple letter matching puzzles are so fun for helping early learners build literacy skills!

Printable Apple Letter Matching Puzzles

To use these apple letter matching puzzles, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper or cardstock
Laminator (optional)
Colored pencils (optional)
Scissors

This set of letter matching activities includes 26 apple puzzles.

Each features an uppercase and lowercase version of the same letter.

After you’ve printed the puzzles, cut them apart for students to practice matching the letters to their partners.

A full blackline version is also included!

How to Use Letter Puzzles to Build Literacy

These are perfect for centers or small groups. You can cut them out as one piece if you are teaching letter recognition.

As students look at each apple, they can learn to recognize the uppercase and lowercase version of each letter.

Apple Letter Matching Puzzles for Kindergarten

Once they’re ready, it’s time to practice!

Cut the puzzles apart and students can match up the letters they just learned.

Apple Themed Letter Puzzles for Kindergarten

To make sure the puzzles last, you may want to either laminate them or print them on white cardstock.

Or both!

Using Letter Matching Puzzles at Centers

If you’re working with very young learners, print an extra set of the puzzles and leave them whole. Then put them on a ring as an answer key.

Students can check their work as they go!

Apple Letter Matching Puzzles Coloring Activity

If you use the blackline version, you can let your class color in the puzzles before matching them up.

How to Teach Uppercase and Lowercase Letters

Scroll down to get your set of these Apple Alphabet! Letter Matching Puzzles!

Need more apple-themed resources? Take a look at these!

This apple counting to ten math center for kindergarten is an excellent way to welcome students back to school with fun counting practice!

These apple shape tracing worksheets are so fun for helping students learn to build plane shapes!

This fun apple shape tracing activity is perfect for teaching shape recognition to early learners!

Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters with Kids

To get your set of these Apple Alphabet Matching Puzzles, pick them up in my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check them out below!

Sunflower Playdough Making Ten Math Center

May 24, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Summer is here! And that means sunshine, sunscreen, and sunflowers!

When you’re thinking about back to school, a common theme is apples, which I love to use as well.

But many of us go back to school long before apple season. (Our district goes back during the last week of July.)

So if you’re looking for a simple early math center to get kids engaged during those early weeks, this sunflower making ten playdough math center is a great fit for first grade!

Any time I can make a resource hands-on, I jump at the chance.

And because you can use this with several kinds of manipulatives, it’s versatile. Which is great if you’re still trying to get your classroom supplies sorted at the start of the year.

Read on to see how to get your copy of this resource – free!

And, for more fun in the sun, take a look at our simple Coffee Filter Crab Craft!

Use playdough to add up to ten with this sunflower themed playdough math center!

Sunflower Making Ten Playdough Math Center

To use this early math center, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are used below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Making Ten Playdough Math Center for Early Elementary

This resource includes ten sunflower addition circle cards – each displays a pair of numbers that equal a sum of 10.

There are also ten yellow ten frames inside.

You can print the resource with regular printer paper if you’re only planning to use it once.

But if you intend to reuse it (like most of us teachers do), laminate the cards and ten frames before you cut them out.

How to Use The Making Ten Playdough Math Center

When you’re ready to begin this activity, ask your class about how we add numbers to make ten. If they’ve never done it before, have them hold up all ten fingers.

Walk them through adding a couple of different numbers to make ten.

For example, you could say: “Hold up all ten fingers. We’re going to count out three together. As we count each one, put that finger down. 1-2-3.”

They should have seven fingers still extended. Use this to show that 3+7 = 10. Repeat with a few other combinations.

Now you can demonstrate the activity.

At the center, put down an addition circle card and a ten frame. Use two different colors of playdough.

Make enough playdough balls to represent the first numeral. Then use the second color to make playdough balls that represent the second numeral.

Making Ten Math Center for Early Elementary

Show students how to count each group and then add them all up to make ten.

If you don’t have playdough, you can use just about any math manipulative you can think of.

Coins, buttons, stickers, math counters – even LEGO blocks or drawing circles with dry erase markers would work well.

Scroll down to get your copy of this Sunflower Making Ten Math Center!

Take a look at these other early math activities for centers!

Help early learners recognize plane shapes with this fun ice cream kindergarten shape sorting activity!

This printable cupcake themed Spanish number word matching activity is a perfect fit for math centers!

Sunflower Playdough Making Ten Math Center

To get your copy of this sunflower adding to make ten center, click the image or the link below to have it sent directly to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter – coming this Sunday!

>>> Sunflower Make Ten Playdough Center <<<

Flower Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

March 29, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Are the flowers blooming where you are?

We always have an early blooming period before winter actually ends and then another frost before spring begins.

Now, though, we’re seeing flowers begin to bloom for the season.

So I wanted to share a printable science resource that’s perfect for spring – this flower life cycle sequencing activity!

Fun Flower Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

This is a great way to teach early learners how flowers grow from seed to plant!

And because it’s interactive, it makes a fantastic science center activity.

Read on to see how to get your copy.

And, for more fun with flowers, try our simple Coffee Filter Flower Craft for kids!

Learn how flowers grow from seed to plant with this hands-on flower life cycle sequencing activity!

Flower Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

To use this flower life cycle sequencing activity with students, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Easy Flower Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Early Grades

This resource includes a flower life cycle mat, along with life stage circles.

There is a completed version inside that you can use to teach this sequence to your students.

Afterwards, they can practice completing the cycle in the correct order for themselves.

Labeling Stages of the Flower Life Cycle

Students who are already writing can use the labeling version to write the name of each step in the cycle.

A full blackline version is included too!

How to Teach Early Learners about the Flower Life Cycle

This resource features a teaching script to help you introduce this topic to your class.

After you’ve opened with an initial discussion, you can use this activity in a few ways.

Use the labeled circles for students who are already reading words on their own.

Flower Life Cycle Sequencing Activity Labels

The unlabeled circles are best for young or pre-reading students. They’d be good for ELL learners also!

If you’re using the labeling version of this flower life cycle sequencing activity, you can laminate the pages and let students write the names with dry erase markers.

Then you can just wipe them down and reuse them with the next group.

Using the Flower Life Cycle Activity at Centers

This is also a fantastic activity for science centers! Print the completed life cycle and then let students recreate the correct sequence on their own mat.

See this resource in action in the video below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this Flower Life Cycle Sequencing Activity!

Don’t miss these other spring teaching ideas for early grades!

Use this printable preschool spring activity calendar to plan 12 weeks of spring-themed activities for early learners!

This mini frog life cycle coloring book is so cute for spring animal science lessons!

Share this list of 50 spring books for kids with early readers!

To get your copy of this flower life cycle activity for early grades, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or pick it up below!

Printable Mini Frog Life Cycle Book for Kids

March 3, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Learning about how animals grow is always a fun unit for early learners.

Which is why I wanted to share this printable mini frog life cycle kids can color for themselves!

Frog Life Cycle Mini Coloring Book for Kids

This printable animal science resource is a perfect way to talk about the life cycle of frogs with kindergartners and first graders.

Plus, you can even use it for a spring unit or a spring animal unit you may be planning.

Read on to see how to get your copy – free!

And, be sure to take a look at how printable frog life cycle sequencing activity as well!

Printable Mini Frog Life Cycle Coloring Book for Kids

To use this coloring book, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are used below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

After you’ve printed all of the pages, you can hand them out to students.

Walk them through each life stage on the coloring sheets – starting with the egg stage and progressing through to the adult frog stage.

Ask your class to recite the stages in order with you to make sure they understand the correct order.

How to Make a Frog Life Cycle Book with Early Learners

To make this mini book together, let the students color each page.

Then, they can use child-safe scissors to cut out each one and place them in a stack.

Make sure they put the pages in the correct order!

Staple the pages together on the left edge and have them add their name to the front.

Done!

Get a look at the completed frog life cycle book in the video below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this mini frog life cycle book!

Take a look at these other spring learning ideas for early grades!

Use this printable plant growing journal to help early learners document the ways plants grow at home or in the classroom!

These spring sight words learning cards are great for building reading skills!

Teach students how to care for the planet with these books about recycling for kids to read!

To get your copy of this free mini coloring book for kids, click the image or the link below to have it sent directly to your inbox!

You’ll also get our newsletter – coming this Sunday!

>>> Frog Life Cycle Coloring Book <<<

Spring Fun! Preschool Spring Activity Calendar

February 24, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Have you noticed any signs of spring in your area?

Here the weather is already warming and we’re seeing more rain showers. Plus, the bees are starting to buzz around again.

Since spring is nearly here, I thought this printable preschool spring activity calendar would be a fun resource to share!

Fun Spring Preschool Activity Calendar for Kids

Using this activity planner can be a huge time-saver if you’re planning preschool lessons during spring.

And it’s free to download!

Read on to get your copy. And, take a look at our list of 50 spring books for kids too!

Printable Preschool Spring Activity Calendar for Kids

To use this spring preschool activity planner, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are used below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Colored pencils (optional)
Digital device (optional)

Planning 12 Weeks of Spring Preschool Activities

This preschool lesson plan features 12 spring-related themes, so you can use it for up to twelve weeks of lessons.

For each week, you’ll see five different activities to complete.

In the digital download, you’ll get two versions (color and blackline) with linked text.

If the text is blue, that means you can click it to be taken directly to the resource or activity.

Printable Spring Activity Calendar for Preschoolers

There are also two versions (color and blackline) with plain text, which are great if you intend to print the calendar out.

How to Use a Spring Preschool Activity Calendar with Early Learners

Here are a couple of ways to make use of this spring activity planner:

Spring Themed Preschool Activity Calendar

Print the unlinked version out and hang it up on the wall of your classroom or learning space.

As you complete each activity, let students color in the block. See how many you can try this spring!

You can also send this home with students for parents to try as well.

Using a Spring Activity Calendar for Preschool

If you’re using the linked version on a digital device, just save the file to your hard drive. Each day, click the blue link and take a look at the idea or activity.

You can give the students copies of the unlinked version for them to check off too!

Scroll down to get your copy of this printable preschool spring activity calendar – free!

Take a look at these other spring teaching ideas for early grades!

Make this easy toilet paper roll chick craft with kids this spring!

Printable Preschool Spring Activity Calendar

To get your copy of Spring Fun! a spring activity planner for preschoolers, click the image or the link below to have it sent directly to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter this Sunday.

NOTE: If you have a pop-up blocker installed in your web browser, disable it in order to see the widget where you can enter your email address.

>>> Spring Pre-K Activity Calendar <<<

Printable Plant Growing Journal for Kids

February 15, 2022 by Selena Robinson 2 Comments

Do you remember growing your first plant?

I do. We did a plant growing experiment when I was in elementary school and all of us grew sprouts from beans.

Then we planted the sprouts in dirt-filled styrofoam cups and watched them grow next to the windowsill.

I had that experiment in mind when I decided to make this printable mini plant growing journal!

If you’re working on a spring or plant unit, this is a great (and simple) resource to add.

And it complements a plant growing experiment perfectly!

Plant Growing Journal for Early Learners

Keep reading to see how to get your copy – free!

And, for more about how plants grow, take a look at our list of children’s books about flowers!

Mini Plant Growing Journal for Kids

To use this mini picture journal, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This printable is a foldable four-page journal for early elementary students to document how their plants grow.

On each page, they can draw what the plant looks like after two, three, and four weeks.

Printable Plant Coloring Journal for Kids

Both color and blackline versions are included.

How to Use the Plant Growing Journal with Early Learners

A simple way to use this is ask the class some of these questions:

Does anyone know how a plant grows?
Do any of you have plants at home?
What do you think a plant needs to grow?

Printable Plant Growing Journal for Kids

As you discuss the questions with your class, talk about how plants begin as seeds and then gradually grow over time – thanks to water, sunlight, and good soil.

If you decide to do a plant-growing experiment in the classroom, you can hand the journals out on the first day.

Then have the students report on their plant’s progress each week afterwards.

Scroll down to get your copy of this mini growing journal – free!

Try some of these other spring teaching ideas!

To get your copy of this printable Plant Growing Journal, click the image or the link below to have it sent directly to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter this Sunday!

>>> Mini Grow A Plant Journal for Kids <<<

Easy Shape Train Craft for Kids

January 20, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Shapes are one of my very favorite concepts to cover with preschoolers and kindergarteners.

They’re all around us, so it’s fun to show students the circle in the clock on the wall or the square in the window.

Transportation is another of my favorite themes for preschool.

Which makes this easy shape train craft a perfect way to teach both at the same time!

If you’re looking for a simple, hands-on way to talk about shapes or transportation, this is it!

It’s simple enough for young learners to complete on their own.

But it also provides a good way to talk about real world math with students, even in preschool.

Get the full instructions and the printable template below!

Need more ways to talk about shapes in early grades? Take a look at our hands-on Shape Sorting Mats!

Get some early math practice with little ones and make this simple shape train craft!

Easy Shape Train Craft for Kids

This simple shape craft is a perfect low-prep activity for a shape or transportation unit with preschoolers or kindergarteners.

Once you’ve cut out the template pieces, students can assemble the craft with just a few directions.

To make this easy shape train craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Scissors (if you plan for students to cut out the pieces themselves, use child-safe scissors)
Construction paper
Glue stick
Pencil
Ruler
Printable Train Craft Template

Get started by printing the craft template.

Then use a pencil to trace the shape pieces onto colored construction paper and cut them out.

I find it best to use different colors for each piece. That way, it’s easy to point out each geometric shape without confusing the students.

The finished project includes three rectangles, one triangle, two squares, and two circles.

How to Make a Shape Train Math Craft

Now it’s time to assemble our train!

How to Make a Shape Transportation Craft

Use a piece of construction paper as your background.

Start by gluing the large rectangle down towards the right edge of the paper.

Glue the triangle on the left side of the rectangle. The two pieces should touch.

Make sure students rotate the triangle so that the longest edge is facing up and out. This will be the front of the train.

Complete the body by adding the thinner rectangle vertically along the right side of the large rectangle.

Place it so that it covers the right edge of the large rectangle. This will form the back of the train.

The two circles go in the bottom center of the train, forming the wheels.

An easy way to direct students is to have them glue the circles on the bottom of the large rectangle only.

Making a Simple Shape Train Math Craft with Kids

Add the final small rectangle by gluing it onto the top of the thin vertical rectangle.

Add the two squares (windows) by gluing them towards the top of the center rectangle.

If you like, you can have students draw perpendicular lines to form windowpanes.

And we’re all finished!

These would make an excellent class project for parents’ night!

Let the students try different colors of paper and add their own touches afterwards: a plume of smoke coming from the smokestack, a conductor in the window, tracks under the train – whatever they can think of!

See the full project directions below!

Easy Shape Train Craft for Kids

This simple shape train craft is a perfect way to teach early learners about geometry and transportation. Plus, they'll get some fine motor skills practice too!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

Construction paper
Pencil
Printer paper

Tools

Printer
Ruler
Child-safe scissors
Glue stick

Instructions

Print the shape train craft template.
Cut out the template pieces and then use a pencil to trace each shape onto colored construction paper.
Cut out the paper pieces.
Glue the large rectangle down onto a piece of white construction paper.
Glue the triangle onto the front of the rectangle, forming the front of the train.
Glue the thin rectangle vertically along the back edge of the large rectangle, forming the back of the train.
Glue the small thin rectangle horiztonally along the top edge of the thin rectangle.
Glue the two circles onto the bottom of the large rectangle, forming the wheels.
Glue the two squares onto the top section of the large rectangle, forming the windows.

Notes

Encourage your students to add details, such as: tracks under the train, smoke coming from the smokestack, a railroad crossing sign, or a conductor in the window.
Have students use different colors for each train and make a group of trains for a class display.
Talk about each shape before adding it to the picture. Ask students: "What shape is this?" or "How many sides does this shape have?"
For shapes that are similar, such as the rectangles, talk about how each one is different. Ask: "How is this rectangle different from that rectangle?" Encourage students to examine the differences in height, width, and orientation.
If you need to save time, print the template pieces and cut out shapes ahead of time. Then students can simply assemble the craft as you provide instructions.

Take a look at these other shapes activities for early learners!

Help early learners practice recognizing shapes with these printable shape identification flashcards!

Make up this quick and easy shape car craft with the kids! Great for math and art in one simple activity!

Teach early learners to recognize shapes all around them with this preschool shape sorting activity! Great for reusing at centers or in morning tubs!

Elementary Frederick Douglass History Lesson for Kids

January 18, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Frederick Douglass was one of the most vocal and eloquent anti-slavery activists in American history.

His own life story is fascinating, but what he went on to accomplish is even more impressive.

Use this elementary Frederick Douglass history lesson to teach your students about this American activist!

Frederick Douglass History Lesson for Elementary Grades

This resource is a perfect fit for Black History Month. But it’s also excellent for teaching American history all throughout the year.

And it comes in a digital or printable format!

Frederick Douglass Mini History Lesson for Kids

Read on to see how to get your copy of this elementary Black history resource.

And, for more about African-American history, take a look at our list of Black history books to share with kids!

Learn about the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass with this printable elementary Frederick Douglass history lesson!

Elementary Frederick Douglass History Lesson for Kids

To use this Frederick Douglass lesson, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are used below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Studying Frederick Douglass with Elementary Students

Inside this resource is a two-page biography of Frederick Douglass’ life.

It’s written in age-appropriate language for students to comprehend.

Elementary Frederick Douglass History Activity for Kids

There’s also a blackline version of the biography included.

Elementary Frederick Douglass Mini History Lesson

Along with the life story, there are three comprehension and review activities for students to complete.

An answer key is included for each activity.

And a teaching script is inside too!

How to Use this Frederick Douglass History Lesson with Students

When you’re ready to introduce this Black American to your students, start by reading the biography together.

Be sure to stop frequently to check for student understanding as you go.

Printable Elementary Frederick Douglass History Lesson

If you choose, you can print the blackline version of the biography. Then students can color the pictures as you read through his life story.

Frederick Douglass Elementary Lesson for Kids

The review activities include:

A fill in the blank activity (based on the biography)
A timeline sequencing activity (based on the biography)
And a word unscramble activity (using words taken from Frederick’s life and career)

Learning about Frederick Douglass with Elementary Students

You might choose to complete one or two in class and send the rest with students as homework.

The answer key makes it easy to grade student submissions!

Digital Frederick Douglass History Activity

This resource is also available as a digital product for use with Google Slides!

All of the activities are included and students can either type on the slides to answer the questions or drag and drop their responses.

Get a look at the printable resource in the video below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this Frederick Douglass Elementary Lesson!

Add more Black history teaching ideas to your lesson plan with these activities!

Try these easy ways to teach black history in early grades to teach your primary students about notable Black Americans!

These Black history matching puzzles are a fun way to teach elementary students about notable Black Americans!

20 Fascinating Books about Black Inventors and Scientists for Kids to Read - Perfect for Black History Month!

To get the digital version of this Frederick Douglass elementary history lesson, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store! You can also get the digital and printable version as a bundle!

Frederick Douglass Elementary History Activity

To get your copy of the printable elementary Frederick Douglass history lesson, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check it out below!

Elementary George Washington Carver History Lesson for Kids

January 11, 2022 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

As Black History Month becomes more popular, kids are learning about more and more notable Black Americans in history.

That’s a great thing!

One of my favorite Black Americans to study is George Washington Carver. He’s best known for his scientific work with peanuts, but his early life is truly inspiring.

This elementary George Washington Carver history lesson for kids is a great way to introduce students to this American scientist!

This is a fantastic resource for Black History Month, but it’s an excellent American history lesson for any time of year. Especially if you’re talking about STEM and scientists through the years.

George Washington Carver Lesson for Elementary Students

Read on to see how to get your copy. And check out the digital version too!

Be sure to take a look at our list of 20 children’s books about Black scientists and inventors while you’re here!

Teach elementary students about one of the most accomplished scientists in history with this George Washington Carver history lesson for kids!

George Washington Carver Elementary Black History Lesson

To use this George Washington Carver Black history lesson, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are used below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Learning about George Washington Carver with Kids

This elementary Black history resource includes a two-page biography of George’s life and career – both color and blackline versions.

George Washington Carver History Lesson for Elementary

There are also three review and comprehension exercises for students to complete afterwards.

And an answer key is included for each activity!

How to Use This Elementary George Washington Carver History Lesson with Students

When you’re ready to use this resource, there’s a teaching script included to make introducing this topic easier.

Read through the biography with your students.

Pause throughout the reading to check for understanding. At the end, discuss the “What can you learn from George Washington Carver?” question with your class.

Studying George Washington Carver with Elementary Students

If you will be using this as a take-home lesson, print the blackline version and let students color it in.

George Washington Carver Elementary History Lesson

All of the activities’ answers can be found in the biography.

You may wish to complete the “Fill in the Blanks” activity in class and send the word unscramble and timeline activities along as homework.

Elementary George Washington Carver Lesson

Use the answer key for easy grading!

If you complete the fill in the blank activity in class, walk students through the questions and help them find the answers as needed.

Digital Elementary George Washington Carver History Lesson

This history activity is also available in a digital version for use with Google Slides!

The biography is included, as well as all three review activities. Students can simply drag and drop or type in the fields to complete the exercises.

Get a look at this Black history resource in the video below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this George Washington Carver lesson!

Try some of these other ideas for teaching Black history to elementary students!

These black history coloring pages are a fun way to introduce students to notable Black Americans in history!

Digital George Washington Carver History Lesson

To get the digital version of this George Washington Carver lesson for elementary students, pick it up from my Teachers Pay Teachers store! You can also get the printable and digital version as a Black history lesson bundle!

George Washington Carver History Lesson for Elementary Students

To get your copy of the printable George Washington Carver Elementary History Lesson, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check it out below!

Penguin Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

December 2, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Have you ever watched a group of penguins huddling together to stay warm?

I just watched a video of how they do it.

They actually form circular bands around the youngest and stand with their backs facing out towards the cold.

But they rotate the bands around so that everyone has a chance to be warm in the center. Neat, right?

There’s a lot more to learn about penguins with kids. Which is where this penguin life cycle sequencing activity can help!

Fun Penguin Life Cycle Sequencing Activity

This hands-on animal science activity is great for teaching early elementary students about life cycles during winter.

Keep reading to see how to get your copy.

Be sure to check out our list of fun penguin books for kids to read too!

This hands-on penguin life cycle sequencing activity is a simple way to learn about animal science during winter!

Penguin Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

To use this penguin life cycle sequencing activity, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This resource includes a completed penguin life cycle sequencing mat.

Once students have learned the primary life stages of a penguin, they can practice remembering the steps on their own.

How to Label a Penguin Life Cycle Activity

There are a blank penguin life cycle mat and a blank penguin life cycle mat with writing lines.

Students who are already writing can practice writing out the life cycle stage names.

Penguin Life Cycle Stages for Pre-readers

There are penguin life cycle stage circles to cut out and place in the correct order on the sequencing activity mat.

For students who are not yet reading, there are picture life stage circles that show the stages without words.

And a full blackline version is included!

How to Use the Penguin Life Cycle Sequencing Activity

When you’re ready to use this penguin life cycle lesson with your students, you have several options.

Penguin Life Cycle Sequencing Cut and Paste Activity

Hand out the circle cards and blank mat and let kids cut the circles out and glue them in the right sequence.

Using a Penguin Life Cycle Sequencing Activity in Morning Tubs

You can print the entire resource at half-size and laminate it.

It makes a great addition to morning tubs!

If you decide to laminate the life cycle labeling mat, students can use dry erase marker to write and wipe the life cycle stage names.

Reusable Penguin Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Science Centers

Turn this lesson into a reusable science center activity!

Just add hook and loop adhesive coins on the back of the circles and on the blank circles on the mat.

Students can practice placing the circles in the correct order and then try again another time.

You can assign the blackline version as a take-home assignment.

Children can color the mat and circles and order them correctly before bringing them back to class.

Penguin Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Pre-readers

Get a look at this resource in the video below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this penguin life cycle sequencing activity!

Take a look at some of these other early science learning ideas!

These fun weather STEM activities for kids are excellent for simple spring science experiments! Simple enough for home or the classroom!

Make engineering fun with this printable Build A House STEM Challenge Cards for kids!

This hands-on oak tree life cycle sequencing activity makes learning about fall plant science fun for early grades!

To get your copy of this Penguin Life Cycle Sequencing Activity, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check it out below!

Winter Fun! Preschool Winter Activity Calendar

November 29, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Helping preschoolers to learn about winter themes can be so much fun.

Once you manage to get their winter boots and coats off, that is.

There are so many fun winter early learning themes to use with young learners.

And, if you’re looking to get a jump on winter lesson planning, this preschool winter activity calendar can help you get started!

Fun Preschool Winter Activity Calendar for Kids

With this preschool theme printable, you can easily decide which theme to use during which week.

Plus, there are ideas for activities and crafts listed for you!

Read on to see how to get your copy – free!

And, be sure to check out our printable Winter Literacy Playdough Mats too. They’re excellent for early literacy centers!

Use this printable preschool winter activity calendar to plan your winter early learning themes!

Winter Fun! Preschool Winter Activity Calendar

To use this preschool winter activity calendar, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper
Laminator (optional)
A digital device, such as a smartphone, iPad, or computer (optional)

Preschool Winter Activity Calendar for Kids

This printable preschool activity calendar features four versions:

A color version with clickable web links
A blackline version with clickable web links
A color version with text only
And a blackline version with text only

Printable Winter Activity Calendar for Preschool

This is a fantastic basis for lesson planning during winter!

How to Use the Preschool Winter Activity Calendar

The calendar features 12 weeks of early learning themes to use during winter.

For each week, there are five activities listed: one for each weekday.

The activities include hands-on learning resources, crafts, and simple units to share with preschoolers and kindergartners.

Printable Preschool Winter Themed Calendar

If you’re using the web-linked version, save the digital PDF to your device. Then click the blue links to see details about each activity.

Preschool Winter Activity Themed Calendar

If you’re using the text-only version, you might want to print it out and hang it on the wall. (Or laminate it.)

As you gather resources or ideas for each activity, you can cross them off or color in each block as it’s completed.

These would also make great take-home parent connection activities.

Send a copy home with your students to give parents ideas to try with the kids!

Scroll down to get your printable winter preschool activity calendar!

Take a look at these other early learning ideas for winter!

Get into the spirit of the winter season with this list of 15 adorable snowman books for kids!

Use these fun snowman shape tracing worksheets to help early learners practice forming plane shapes!

To get your copy of this Winter Fun! Preschool Winter Activity Calendar, click the image or the link below to have it sent to your email inbox!

You’ll get our weekly newsletter this Sunday too!

Click here to get your printable resource

>>> Preschool Winter Activity Calendar <<<

Spanish Parts of a House Vocabulary Flashcards

November 23, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Learning to talk about rooms in a home is a great way to build vocabulary in early learners.

After all, we all live in some kind of home. And the earlier we can identify the rooms in it, the easier it is for us to appreciate where we live.

If you’re looking to build early vocabulary skills in English and Spanish-speaking students, these English and Spanish house vocabulary flashcards can help!

English and Spanish Parts of the House Vocabulary Cards

This set is a perfect resource for early literacy skills.

And, if you have ELL students in your class, this is a simple way to help them begin building their vocabulary in both languages!

Keep reading to see how to get your set.

And, for more Spanish literacy practice, check out our Spanish Alphabet Early Literacy Center!

Printable Spanish House Vocabulary Flashcards for Kids

To use these printable Spanish house vocabulary flashcards, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Cardstock
Scissors
Laminator (optional)
Glue stick (optional)
Hook and loop adhesive coins (optional)
Colored pencils (optional)

House Vocabulary Matching Cards for Kids

This vocabulary building activity includes flashcards, vocabulary labeling cards, and word labels for students.

Eight Spanish parts of a house vocabulary flashcards are inside.

Eight English parts of a house vocabulary flashcards are also included.

English and Spanish Parts of a Home Vocabulary Cards

This set of house vocabulary flashcards is designed to be printed two-sided.

So you can print the Spanish house vocabulary words on one side and the English on the other.

When you cut them out, students can flip back and forth to practice each language.

Printable Spanish and English House Vocabulary Flashcards

A blackline version of both sets of cards is available.

English and Spanish House Vocabulary Matching Cards

And there are labeling cards for students to match up the vocabulary words in both languages with the correct pictures.

There’s a Spanish pronunciation guide inside too!

How to Use Spanish House Vocabulary Flashcards with Students

You can use these Spanish vocabulary cards in several ways.

Spanish House Vocabulary Flashcards for Kids

Go through the English and Spanish flashcards with the class. Try to enunciate each word as you read it.

English House Vocabulary Flashcards for Kids

You can even ask the class: “What part of the house is this?”

Let them respond and then walk them through pronouncing the written English or Spanish vocabulary word on the card.

Printable English and Spanish House Vocabulary Labeling Cards

Use the vocabulary labeling activity as a one-time cut and paste activity.

Or you can laminate it and attach hook and loop adhesive coins to make it reusable!

If you have students who are already writing, you can laminate the labeling cards and let them practice the correct vocabulary word on each card with dry erase markers.

English and Spanish House Vocabulary Flashcards

Hand out the blackline cards and let students color the pictures. Then laminate them for review.

English and Spanish Parts of the House Flashcards

Place the two-sided English and Spanish cards on a ring and pair them with the labeling activity for self-checking at centers!

Get a look at this resource in action in the video below!

Scroll down to get your set of these Spanish house vocabulary flashcards!

Try some of these other Spanish literacy resources!

Help early learners build a daily routine with these English and Spanish daily routine cards!

Learn the Spanish ABCs with this fun Spanish alphabet literacy center for early learners!

Learning Parts of the House Vocabulary in Spanish

To get your set of these English and Spanish vocabulary learning cards, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check them out below!

Snowflake Spanish Uppercase and Lowercase Letter Matching Activity

November 16, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

I’m not winter’s biggest fan. Not by a long shot.

But I do love snowflakes. They are incredibly intricate and, even though they’re fragile, each one is unique.

Each one!

That always blows my mind.

So I thought snowflakes would be a fun theme for a brand new English and Spanish letter matching activity!

Fun Snowflake Spanish Alphabet Matching Activity

This early literacy resource is a perfect addition to winter literacy centers!

And what’s even better is that it offers hands-on uppercase and lowercase alphabet recognition practice in two languages.

Awesome for ELL learners!

Read on to see how to get your copy.

And, for more winter early learning inspiration, take a look at our list of 15 fun books for kids about snow!

Snowflake English & Spanish Letter Matching Activity

To use this snowflake English and Spanish letter matching activity, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This resource includes 29 Spanish snowflake uppercase letter cards and 29 Spanish lowercase letter circles for matching.

Spanish Letter Matching Activity for Kids

The English version features 26 uppercase cards and 26 lowercase circles.

And there’s a full answer key in both languages!

Spanish Alphabet Matching Activity for Early Grades

Plus, there’s a blackline version of both snowflake card and circle sets.

How to Use the English and Spanish Letter Matching Activity with Students

So – how can you use this with your early readers?

Snowflake Spanish Letter Matching for Kids

My personal favorite is to set it up as a reusable center activity.

Add hook and loop adhesive coins to the back of the lowercase letter circles. And then add them to the center of each snowflake card.

Snowflake Spanish Alphabet Matching Activity

Students can match up the lowercase letters to the uppercase letters over and over again.

If you cut out the answer key cards and place them on an O ring, you can keep the answer key at the center for self-checking!

You can also use this as a one-time cut and paste activity.

Students can use child-safe scissors to cut out the lowercase circles and glue them onto the correct snowflake uppercase letter cards.

If you decide to use the blackline set, students can color the cards in for themselves!

Another option is to laminate the uppercase snowflake cards.

Then students can practice writing the matching lowercase letters with dry erase markers.

Spanish Alphabet Uppercase and Lowercase Letter Matching

This is a good option if you have students who have already learned their lowercase letters and you need to differentiate the activity.

English Alphabet Matching Activity for Kids

You can also print the resource at half-size.

The smaller page size makes it an ideal size to place in morning tubs!

Get a look at this resource in action below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this Snowflake English and Spanish Letter Matching Activity!

Try some of these other winter learning ideas for early grades!

Share some of these fun snow books for kids with little ones this winter!

This simple snowball themed emotions game for kids is a great social skills activity! Use it during winter for a indoor play activity!

Uppercase and Lowercase Spanish Alphabet Matching

To get your copy of this Snowflake English and Spanish letter matching activity, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check it out below!

Snowman Shapes! Snowman Shape Tracing Worksheets

November 9, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Winter is nearly here! And it’s a great time to review (or teach) plane shapes for early learners.

If you’ve already taught the basics of shapes to your students, these snowman shape tracing worksheets are a fun way to broaden their understanding!

In this activity set, students get to learn 12 different plane shapes, as well as learn to recognize and write the shape names for themselves.

And there’s an adorable snowman theme throughout!

Read on to see how to get your set.

Need more winter learning ideas? Take a look at our Hot Cocoa Counting to 10 Activity Cards too!

Snowman Shape Tracing Worksheets for Kids

To use these snowman shape tracing worksheets, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This set includes:

12 color shape trace and write worksheets
12 blackline shape trace and write worksheets
Shape trace and write activity cards (color and blackline versions)
And a teaching script!

The following shapes are included:

Circle
Square
Rectangle
Triangle
Oval
Rhombus
Heart
Star
Pentagon
Hexagon
Trapezoid
and Octagon!

There’s also a detailed suggestions list showing various ways to make use of this resource with your class.

How to Use the Snowman Shape Tracing Worksheets with Students

How you use these shape tracing worksheets depends on what works best for your students.

If you need to save on ink (or if you want to add an art dimension), use the blackline version.

Students can color in the snowmen at the top as they complete the lesson.

Printable Snowman Shape Tracing Worksheets

If you’re working with these printables at early math centers, you can print them half-sized and place them on a ring for regular review.

You might also choose to laminate the pages and let students complete them using dry erase markers or dry erase crayons.

Just wipe them clean to start again the next day!

Winter Themed Shape Tracing Lesson for Kids

This resource also includes shape tracing activity cards.

Students can use these to review their recognition of both the shapes and the shape words.

You can also laminate these and use them with dry erase crayons in busy bags or morning tubs!

Get a look at this resource in action below!

Scroll down to get your set of these Snowman Shape Tracing Worksheets!

Try some of these other wintry themed activities for early grades!

This Polar Animal I Spy Activity is so much fun for little learners! Great for a preschool or kindergarten winter unit!

This easy polar bear paper bag puppet is a fun winter craft to make with kids!

These hot cocoa sequencing mats are so fun for helping early learners practice telling how to follow directions!

To get your set of these Snowman Shapes Tracing Worksheets, you can get them from my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Or check them out below!

Oak Tree Life Cycle Sequencing Activity

October 19, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

It’s autumn and leaves are falling everywhere we look.

We live in a neighborhood that has a ton of oak trees. Okay, not a literal ton, but you get the idea.

So every fall, there are acorns as far as the eye can see.

Which gave me the idea to create a new life cycle activity: this Oak Tree Life Cycle Sequencing Activity set!

Fun Oak Tree Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

Oak trees are excellent topics for science with primary grade students. Depending on where you live, you can actually see steps in this process with your class in real life!

Read on to see how to use this hands-on life cycle lesson with students.

And, for more ways to learn about plant life cycles, don’t miss our Apple Life Cycle Activity!

Oak Tree Life Cycle Sequencing Activity for Kids

To use this printable oak tree life cycle sequencing activity, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are given below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

This plant science resource includes a completed life cycle mat, which you can use to review the steps in the sequence with the class.

Then there’s a blank mat for students to complete with labeled or unlabeled picture sequence circles.

There’s also a version of the activity mat that includes space for students to label the steps for themselves.

And a blackline version is included too!

How to Teach the Oak Tree Life Cycle Sequence

To start discussing this topic with your class, review the completed life cycle and walk the students through each step.

If you can get acorns or oak tree leaves, they’d make great visual aids or sensory objects at centers too.

Once you review the sequence, you can talk about the names for each stage in the growth process.

This will be very helpful if you plan to use the labeling activity mat.

Oak Tree Life Cycle Cut and Paste Activity

If you have pre-readers or ELL students in your class, swap out the labeled circles for the unlabeled picture circles.

Use the differences in each picture to help them remember the process without worrying about spell or pronouncing each stage.

My personal favorite way to use this resource is as a reusable center activity.

I prep it once and it can be used over and over again.

But it works well as a one-time cut and paste activity for each student too.

Label the Oak Tree Growth Cycle Activity

Another way to reuse this resource is to laminate the labeling mat. Students can write in the correct stage names with dry erase markers.

Then just wipe it clean to use it again.

See this resource in action below!

Scroll down to get your copy of this Oak Tree Life Cycle Activity!

Take a look at these other science ideas for early grades!

Try some of these simple 15 minute science experiments for a quick at-home science lesson with kids!

This printable apple life cycle sequencing activity is perfect for helping students learn how apples grow! Use it at science centers or in morning tubs!

To get your copy of the Oak Tree Life Cycle Resource, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store or check it out below!

A Simple Homes Unit for Preschool

October 12, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Types of homes are one of the most popular themes in early childhood education.

We all live in different types of homes with different types of families. Learning about those differences is a key way to broaden a child’s knowledge of the world.

This simple homes unit preschool learners will enjoy is an easy way to introduce this topic!

In this easy preschool unit, you’ll find a video discussion, books, and printable coloring pages about homes.

And the coloring pages are free!

Read on to get the full details. Be sure to take a look at our list of community helpers books for kids too!

Use this simple homes unit for preschool to teach early learners about types of homes!

A Simple Homes Unit Preschool Students Will Enjoy

This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.

Talking about types of homes is a great way to get early learners to open up in class.

When we ask questions about the home each child lives in, we give them a chance to tell us something they know.

And, they get to hear how their classmates live every day too.

Take a look at the video below for a fun introduction to different types of homes!

After you watch the video together, ask your students the following questions:

What are some kinds of homes? Answer: One-family homes, apartment houses, houseboats, igloos

Where would people live in igloos? Answer: In places where it’s cold and snowy

Where would people live in houseboats? Answer: On the water

Who lives in a barn? Answer: Farm animals

Need a simple house craft for preschoolers? Try this easy one from The Crafting Chicks!

15 Great Books for a Homes Unit Preschool Kids Will Love

When it’s time to share a story about houses, choose one from this list of excellent children’s books about types of homes.

In this list, you’ll find stories about homes around the world, different types of families, life after moving, and what makes a family.

These selections are perfect for students from different kinds of backgrounds.

15 Great Books about Homes for Kids

Learn about different types of homes, how homes are built, and what makes a home with these lovely children's books!

These make excellent additions to an early learning unit about homes or family.

If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen

The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day by Stan & Jan Berenstain

How Does My Home Work? by Chris Butterworth

Moving to the Neighborhood (Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood) by Alexandra Cassel

A Place Called Home: Look Inside Houses Around the World (Lonely Planet Kids)

Two Homes by Claire Masurel

How a House Is Built by Gail Gibbons

New House, Same Underwear: by Brenda Li (Pig In Jeans)

Tani's New Home: A Refugee Finds Hope and Kindness in America by Tanitoluwa Adewumi

Where's My House?: Sierra National Forest by Susie A. Harder

Home by Carson Ellis

A Home Again by Colleen Rowan Kosinski

If You Lived Here: Houses of the World by Giles Laroche

Home For a While by Lauren Kerstein

Murphy's Three Homes: A Story for Children in Foster Care by Jan Levinson Gilman

Printable House Coloring Pages for Kids

Add to your preschool homes unit with these printable house coloring pages!

Each page features a different looking house for children to color.

You can use them as in-class art activities.

Or send them with students as take-home assignments!

To get your set of printable House Coloring Pages, click the image or the link below to have them sent to your inbox!

Our weekly newsletter will be coming this Sunday too!

>>> Printable House Coloring Pages <<<

I hope you love using this simple homes unit for preschool with your students!

Looking for more early learning resources? Take a look at these!

Use these printable farm animal flashcards to help early learners recognize barnyard animals!

This printable ice cream lesson plan for preschool is a perfect way to plan an ice cream theme!

Build A House STEM Challenge Cards

October 7, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

STEM education can feel a little overwhelming at times.

Especially if you’re an English major (like myself).

But STEM is really just about applying science, technology, math, and engineering into a hands-on concept.

Which means designing structures, three-dimensional shapes, and so on by using scientific principles, math concepts, and construction techniques.

Put simply – it’s building things with math, science, and technology skills.

So we can totally do this. And these printable Build A House STEM challenge cards are a fun way to get started!

Think of STEM as designing a solution to a real-world problem.

When we help students imagine ways to solve common problems, we encourage them to think creatively, develop plans, and collaborate – all very useful skills.

Read on to see how to get your set of these STEM challenge cards for free!

And, be sure to check out our list of weather STEM learning ideas while you’re here!

Build A House STEM Challenge Cards for Kids

To use these Build A House STEM challenge cards, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Cardstock
Scissors
Laminator (optional)
Building materials: index cards, toilet paper rolls, construction paper, etc.

Elementary STEM Building Challenge Cards

This set of STEM activity cards features 16 different design challenges for students.

They’re given eight ideas for building a house with specific materials and eight ideas for building a house with specific features.

Building a House STEM Challenge for Elementary

A blackline version of the cards is included too!

How to Use These Build A House STEM Challenge Cards with Students

It’s important to help students remember that they are not required to use only the building material on the card.

But the item listed should be the primary material.

For example, if they are working on the card that says “Build a house using construction paper”, they’re welcome to use fasteners, such as glue, tape, paper fasteners, etc.

Simple Engineering STEM Challenge Cards for Kids

If you have students who are new to STEM, they may feel overwhelmed and not sure where to begin.

Stimulate their creativity by asking questions such as: “If I wanted to build a house with index cards, how could I get started?” “Should I begin by forming the walls or the roof?” “How do you think we can get the house to stand up?”

One of my favorite techniques is to suggest something ridiculous that would never work.

The kids can’t wait to correct my idea with something better!

Design a House STEM Challenge Cards for Kids

You may want to start by having students choose one of the “Build a house using…” cards.

This will give them some time to practice designing and building a 3D structure.

Simple STEM Challenge Cards for Building a House

Then introduce the “Build a house with…” cards to challenge them to add new features, such as a working door, a swimming pool, and more.

Scroll down to get your set of these Build A House STEM Challenge Cards – free!

Try some of these other ideas for teaching STEM to elementary students!

Help students measure and compare objects with these printable weight STEM challenge cards!

This list of 20 STEM activities for distance learning are fun and easy to help students practice STEM concepts at home!This list of 20 STEM activities for distance learning are fun and easy to help students practice STEM concepts at home!

Printable STEM Challenge Cards for Kids to Build a House

To get your set of these Build A House STEM Challenge Cards, click the image or the link below to have them sent directly to your inbox!

You’ll also get our weekly newsletter this Sunday!

>>> Build A House STEM Challenge Cards <<<

Pumpkin Same or Different Worksheets: Pumpkin Pairs!

September 28, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

I love working on visual discrimination practice with young students.

After all, helping preschoolers and kindergartners learn to recognize objects that are the same and objects that are different is the foundation of literacy.

Recognizing differences in objects helps kids recognize differences in letters and numbers – both of which are necessary to learn how to read and count.

During fall, there are a lot of fun ways to practice this skill. These pumpkin same or different worksheets are another resource to try!

Simple Pumpkin Same and Different Worksheets for Kids

These are simple and, depending on how you want to use them, can even be no-prep. Perfect for last-minute lesson planning!

Keep reading to see how to get your copy.

And, be sure to check out our easy Coffee Filter Pumpkin Craft for kids to make too!

These pumpkin same and different worksheets are such a simple way to practice visual discrimination during autumn!

Pumpkin Pairs! Pumpkin Same or Different Worksheets

To use this pumpkin-themed same and different activity, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper or cardstock
Laminator (optional)
Dry erase markers (optional)
Colored pencils (optional)

Fall Themed Visual Discrimination for Early Learners

This resource includes:

Four pages of pumpkin same and different worksheets (Blackline version included)
A full answer key
A teaching script
And photo suggestions for use

Two of the pages focus on finding pumpkins that are the same.

Two of the pages ask students to find the pumpkin that is different in each row.

Printable Pumpkin Themed Visual Discrimination Activity

If you use the blackline version, you can even let the students color in the pumpkins for themselves.

How to Use Same or Different Worksheets with Students

Of course, if you want to use these, you can simply print them and hand them out as an in-class activity.

But there are other ways to use these worksheets as well.

Pumpkin Same and Different Worksheets for Early Learners

You can print them half-sized and add them to busy bags or morning tubs.

Pumpkin Same and Different Worksheets for Math Centers

You can print the worksheets on cardstock and cut the rows apart.

Then punch a hole in the rows and place them on a ring for use at centers.

Printable Fall Themed Visual Discrimination Activity

This also works well if you want to turn the worksheets into a self-checking activity.

Just include the answer key for students to check their work.

Pumpkin Themed Visual Discrimination Practice

Since there are four rows of pumpkins on each worksheet and only four pumpkins in each row, early learners won’t get overwhelmed by the choices.

But there is still enough variety in the patterns to challenge them.

Get a look at this resource in action below!

Scroll down to get your copy of these Pumpkin Same or Different Worksheets!

Try some of these other fall-themed learning ideas for early grades!

Use this printable preschool fall activity calendar to plan an entire season of ideas for early learners!

Use these fun and simple farm themed shape mats to help early learners practice forming eight different shapes!

To get your copy of this Pumpkin Pairs! Visual Discrimination Activity, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Pumpkin Visual Discrimination Activity for Kids

>>> Pumpkin Pairs! Same and Different Worksheets <<<

Space Themed Kindergarten Early Skills Unit – Out of This World!

September 23, 2021 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Learning basic concepts in preschool and kindergarten is the foundation of a good early elementary education.

By the time students leave kindergarten, we want them to have mastered learning colors, shapes, numbers, and letters.

This space-themed kindergarten early skills unit can help!

Fun Space Kindergarten Center for Early Learners

Educators often introduce these skills during preschool, but it’s in kindergarten when children really get a grasp of each area.

This unit is a great all-in-one when you’re welcoming students to a new school year. You can use it to test for mastery and to support kids who need a bit more practice before moving on to new concepts.

Read on to see how to pick up this early learning center for your class!

And, for more early math practice, take a look at our Apple Counting to Ten Center!

Learn basic concepts about shapes, counting, letter sounds, and colors with this fun space themed kindergarten center!

What’s In the Space Themed Kindergarten Early Skills Unit?

This kindergarten skills unit is packed with activities for learning four different skills:

Printable color matching activity cards (+ a digital version)
Printable shape matching activity cards (+ a digital version)
Printable beginning sound matching activity cards (+ a digital version)
and Printable counting to ten activity cards (+ a digital version)

Each of the materials in the resource is available in both color and blackline. Which can be a huge help if you need to save on ink.

Each of the materials also includes a set of instructions and detailed suggestions for use, including photos and a teaching script.

Digital Space Counting Kindergarten Activity

Each digital activity includes colorful movable slides for use with Google Slides.

Space Themed Digital Counting Activity for Kids

There’s also an answer key file for each activity, which makes grading a snap.

How to Use This Kindergarten Early Skills Unit with Kids

To use this space themed kindergarten early skills unit, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are given below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

Printer (with ink)
Printer paper or cardstock
Laminator (optional)
Scissors
Clothespins
Dry erase crayons (optional)
Google Chromebooks or iPads (for the digital version)

I like to laminate the activity cards, so they’ll stand up to frequent use. But if you don’t laminate them, you might find it best to print them on cardstock.

Using Space Counting Activity Cards at Centers

Simply cut the activity cards apart and let students work with them to find the matching number, letter sound, shape, and color.

You can use the activity cards as clip cards by adding clothespins.

Or you can laminate the cards and let students use dry erase crayons to color the correct number, letter, shape, or color.

Blackline Space Kindergarten Center Shape Activity

If you use a blackline version, you can even let the kids color in the cards before working with them.

My personal favorite is using them at centers or in busy bags.

I like to put the cards on separate rings (by concept) and then I can hand them out all at once.

Using a Digital Space Counting Activity with Kids

Using the digital version of each activity is simple.

Just use the link in the resource to create a copy of each activity for use in Google Slides.

Students can move the yellow checkmark to mark the correct shape, color, letter sound, or number on each slide.

Digital Space Themed Color Matching Activity

There’s also an answer key for each activity. So you can grade each student’s work without having to navigate away from the assignment.

Digital Beginning Sounds Matching Activity

Get a look at one of the activities in use below!

Scroll down to get this space themed kindergarten early skills unit for your students!

Try some of these other early learning ideas!

These shark themed counting to ten puzzles are wonderful for use at early math centers!

To get your copy of this Out of This World! Space Themed Early Learning Unit, click the image or the link below to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store!