Start the New Year with Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution
Start the New Year with Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution
To start the New Year with a bang, I suggest using the fun book Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution. (You can grab it here on Amazon.) It is such a fun way to talk about New Year’s resolutions in a way that little learners can understand. Integrating holidays and ELA is such a great use of time in the classroom.
Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution Activities and Printables
This sweet book by Pat Miller is about a squirrel who learns what a resolution is and decides to make one himself. Along the way, he meets friends, like the helpful squirrel and the funny skunk, and lends a hand to help them. But he continues to strive to discover what his own resolution should be. I love how this book discusses what a resolution is and why people make one. Additionally, the examples of resolutions are ideal for Kinders.
Check out these Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution activities and Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution printables! What a great way to make easy-to-use lesson plans for after the winter break and at the start of the new year.
Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution Sequencing Fun
Let’s dive into the book by sequencing the events in the story. Many times, the class does this retelling as we re-read the book. I love adding visuals to help my learners see the events laid out in a pocket chart or on a table.
Next, we can use a printable to allow students to sequence the story map. Don’t be scared to let your learners look through the book or the sequencing chart the class put together as they complete the activity. My students love to do this independently, in small groups, or individually. This activity provides a sense of accomplishment and is a great addition to your resolution activities.
Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution Reading Comprehension Questions
Next, we play a Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution comprehension questions game to dive into what we understand and what we do not. You can check out this game board above. What a fun small group activity—and who doesn’t love learning in a game format?
To play, we cut apart all the comprehension questions. I highly recommend reading the questions before you read the book with the class. Feel free to toss any questions that don’t fit the needs of your students. Add a die and a few counters to be used as game pieces, and you are set to go.
There is also an answer key so you can send this home with students to play with their families or use it with a mentor or parent volunteer. Don’t think you have to be the only person leading this game; it’s versatile and so much fun! This comprehension sheet is also perfect for those students gearing up for the first week of January.
Writing Pages and Word Wall
One of the best ways to apply what we read is to write about it. Plus, check out this precious word wall! I love having my students apply their thoughts in writing. One problem I have come across is that some students get stuck in their thoughts and end up copying ideas from their classmates.
Here’s a tip: mix up their writing prompts so each child is writing about something a little different. Another reason I love this idea is that some prompts excite little minds more than others. I want my students to write about what excites them if possible. Use sticky notes or student pages to help track their writing ideas.
For an extra touch, create a bulletin board to showcase their own New Year’s resolutions. It’s a great way to celebrate their thoughtful reflections and personal goals for the new beginning.
Word Work With Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution
Finally, check out this word work activity with color-coded mats. You can laminate the mats and write on top of them or use the letters provided. What a fun way to work on CVC words! This word-making center doubles as an easy setup activity, supporting both vocabulary words and story elements.
Grab this Fun Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution Pack
You can grab this Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution learning pack here on TpT.
Or here on SK’s Online Store.
This resolution book companion is packed with activities like coloring pages, digital activities, and printable worksheets. Whether you’re looking for lesson ideas, resolution printables, or fun goal-setting activities, this pack is a great addition to your classroom. Start the New Year with Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution!.
If you are looking for more goal-setting activities and activity sheets for New Year’s Day and allow your students to make their own New Year’s resolutions using this activity as well. It makes a great pairing.
Teacher Resolutions
Now that you are gearing up your classroom to talk about resolutions, I have 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Teachers.
Click here to read.
