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 and 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.

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 reading comprehension 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 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 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 because some prompts get little minds excited more than others. I want my students to write about what excites them if possible.

Word Work Too

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.