Duck vs. Grace & an Election Day FREEBIE

        Well, today’s the day: ELECTION DAY! The last Election Day I was a student teacher, seems hard for me to believe. I am worried about voting today, simply because I keep hearing ‘horror stories’ about how long people have to wait at the polls here! So, today’s post will be quick, because I’m headed off to vote soon.

        Yesterday we did an activity that I have used in February around Presidents’ Day, but since it’s an election year, I felt it was more appropriate to do it now. On Friday we read Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio. We then identified what Grace did during her ‘campaign’ to be Class President. Then yesterday we read Duck for President by Doreen Cronin (I LOVE this book!). After reading we identified what Duck did during his campaigns to be Governor and President.  Then we also discussed which story was fantasy and which story could happen in real-life. Finally, I introduced our activity, a Venn diagram comparing the two stories. Click here for your FREE copy.

   Since we don’t have school today, as many of the schools in our district are used as polling places, I also gave my students this activity for homework:

    Click here for your FREE copy.

Leaf Man

Leaf Man Art Activity & FREEBIE

          One of my favorite fall books is Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert. I read it to my kids this past week, and they seemed to enjoy it as much as me! On Thursday I read the story and then we discussed where Leaf Man had traveled and where he might go next. Then I had them extend the story using this page:

          On Friday we did a Leaf Man art activity. I had the students collect leaves of different size and color for homework. Then, when we reread the story, I had them pay extra close attention to the artwork in the book. We talked about other animals that Leaf Man might meet on his travels, and then I showed them these leaf pictures I found on Pinterest: 

          Several students brought in extra leaves so I put them on the reading table in case someone needed a certain kind of leaf that he did not have.

          I was really impressed with their artwork! Check it out:

A swordfish

A turtle

A fox

A turtle

A fox

Here is my lion 

What activities do you do with Leaf Man? I’d love to hear!