Project-Based Learning Central

This lesson is a huge hit with young writers around Thanksgiving time. After a read-aloud, students use the graphic organizer and writing paper to make the convincing argument that their turkey is something other than a yummy turkey to eat. Instead, they choose to hide their turkey's true identity and persuade the audience not to eat them. As an optional extension, students can illustrate/create their turkey camouflaged as something else (a rock, a super hero, etc.) to go with their writing. In

This craft is easy to make and adorable to use for a decoration. Step-by-step instructions are included, as well as two read-aloud suggestions for highlighting life as a pilgrim boy or a pilgrim girl. Tracers are included, as well as photos to clearly show steps of assembly. *Please email me at graffkidlit at gmail dot com for the Microsoft Word document if you've purchased the pdf.

This activity is easy AND cute for primary-grade children. Each student brings in an easy-to-mix item such as gummy bears or pretzel sticks. All the materials are added to large bowls, mixed, and served inside a waffle ice cream cone that mimics a cornucopia. Parent letter included. Please email me at graffkidlit at gmail dot com for the Microsoft Word document if you've purchased the pdf.

I have done this activity every year, whether teaching first grade or fifth grade. After reading Stone Soup, students make their own soup with this easy and fun activity. Included: *Parent letter to request item from home for soup *Easy-to-adapt materials/ingredients list for teacher *Lesson plan, activity directions/tips Please email me at graffkidlit at gmail dot com for the Microsoft Word document if you've purchased the pdf.

This activity is a great way to see what your students have learned about a particular Native American tribe's shelter, clothing, transportation, food, and the lives of tribe children. It integrates writing, reading, and social studies objectives. Use as a one-time project or as an ongoing project to document when your students learn about each sub-topic for your units. Fully customizable for your students' needs. Included: *Step-by-step directions and pictures showing how to prepare the flip

This craft is an easy and fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving! Students use tracers (provided) to make their own turkey. Step-by-step directions are given, as well as tips for making the craft go smoothly. *Please email me at graffkidlit at gmail dot com for the Microsoft Word document if you've purchased the pdf.

Two graphic organizers are included, one using Handwriting Without Tears lines for K-2 and one using lines that work better for grades 1-3. Each has a space for a topic sentence and four supporting detail sentences for young writers to form a paragraph. Final paragraph writing paper is included, as well. Preview writing lines coming up blotchy, but the actual pdf has no quality concerns.

This activity combines learning about the Kwanzaa holiday with a fun, easy craft. Suggested read-aloud titles included and step-by-step directions for making the stained-glass candle craft using construction paper and tissue paper scraps.

This is a fantastic activity for students to learn about Hanukkah and use their bodies to create holiday art! The lesson includes read-aloud suggestions, step-by-step instructions and tips for making the craft go smoothly, letter card cut-outs, and photographs.

This fun activity allows students to review months of the year, major holidays, seasonal change, and get to know one another. Best of all, it gets students up and moving! Included: *complete lesson plan *student bingo boards *month labels *month pictures *optional name labels Please email me at graffkidlit at gmail dot com for the Microsoft Word document if you've purchased the pdf.

This is a wonderful activity for mixing math, science, and holiday fun. Small groups are each provided a pumpkin. Using scientific reasoning, measurement, and estimation, they explore their pumpkin with this hands-on activity. Includes: *Detailed lesson plan with tips for making the activity smooth. *Student printable for recording data *Please email me at graffkidlit at gmail dot com for the Microsoft Word document if you've purchased the pdf.

Easy to adapt for your own needs, this letter lists all the student names in your class for children to reference when completing valentines at home. Please email me at graffkidlit at gmail dot com for the Microsoft Word document if you've purchased the pdf.

Students learn all about fractions in October with this hands-on, edible activity template.