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 resolutions in a way that little learners can understand. Integrating holidays and ELA is such a great use of time in the classroom.
This sweet book is about a Squirrel who finds out what a resolution is and wants to make one himself. Along the way, he meets friends and lends a hand to help them. But he continues to strive to discover what his resolution should be. I love how this book discusses what a resolution is and why people make a resolution. 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.
Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution Sequencing Fun
Let’s start diving into a 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 table.
Next, we can use a printable to allow students to sequence as well. Don’t be scared to allow your learners to look through the book or sequencing chart the class put together as they sequence the book. My students love to do this in independent small groups or individually.
Reading Comprehension Fun
Next, we play a Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution comprehension questions game to dive into what we understand and what we do not understand. 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 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 group. 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 at home or even use it with a mentor or parent volunteer. Don’t think you have to be the only person who leads this game, it is versatile and so much fun.
Writing 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 they grab an idea from their classmates.
Here is 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 get little minds excited more than others. I want my students to write about what excites them if possible.
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.
Grab this Fun Activity Pack
You can grab this Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution learning pack here on TpT.
Or here on SK’s Online Store.
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.
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