Fall craft ideas for teachers grades K-4

Hello again! It's been a wild first few weeks of school.  I haven't had the opportunity to post and I do apologize for that but hopefully now the craziness will begin to settle and I can give you some more great ideas to use in your classroom.  

I was looking for a great way to incorporate the look of fall trees in the room.  I noticed that a fellow teacher had a really cool paper bag tree in her classroom and that got me thinking....Then of course I found this pin on Pinterest and I figured I would share.  I added the link to the original blog post so you can get more detailed ideas.  One thing I might add would be to have the students make thumbprint "leaves" in fall colors and hang them from the branches.  

OMG in LOVE this one! Especially if you have an owl theme in your room! 

Well isn't this just adorable! So easy to do too! 

Kinda easy- Kinda self explanatory.  Really like! I would recommend doing this in a two day process.   Those plates need a lot of time to dry! 

OK admit it- This is different! I don't think I have seen this done in a classroom before.  I kinda like the hands on idea.  Especially if you are doing a farm visit and going through a corn maze.  Would like to give the kiddos an idea of what actually grew on those stalks.  

   

Ahh yes it's also sunflower season here in the north east.  Can't forget those beauties! 

The fall time just lends itself to so many different ideas and the best things to make with your students are things that are found in nature,  I know that as a parent I tend to hang a lot of my kiddos art work but the ones that last longer on the walls or fridge are the seasonal pieces.   

My new favorite books!

Hello! Today I want to share with you my three favorite books! All three are relatively newly published and all are about one of my favorite subjects....Dogs! The coolest thing is that the authors from each of these books are from northwest Connecticut!

Here's #1! Macy's ABC Cross- Country Adventure by Susan M. Goodenough.  I love this book because I followed the authors Facebook posts as she and her husband were travelling across America with their camper.   Macy is the adorable pup of Susan and Paul Goodenough.

Click on book in Amazon sidebar to purchase.

Amazon description: 

What better way to see and learn new things than by having fun while gaining new knowledge with a new friend?In this book, follow the adventures of a dog named Macy as she introduces you to the alphabet and the wonderful things to learn about the United States. Accompany Macy as she travels from state to state all the way from Connecticut to Ida-ho and learn about the alphabet along the way.

My second favorite book is Roxy's Forever Home by Teresa Pelham.  I met Mrs. Pelham and Roxy during a school tour in Plainville, CT.  Two of the main characters in the book is a mom named Melissa and her daughter named Emily.  Consequentially we ended up adopting our own Roxy shortly afterward (Although she is of the feline persuasion).  You can go to www.roxysforeverhome.com for information on rescue heroes who save thousands of dogs every year.  

Click on book in amazon sidebar to purchase

Amazon Description:

 "Roxy's Forever Home" is a children's book based on a rescue dog's journey from the streets of Tennessee to her forever home in Connecticut. A portion of proceeds from the sale of this beautiful hardcover book will go directly to dog rescuers. The main character of the book is a little brown dog, who is now a certified therapy dog. Each copy is signed by both the author and Roxy herself.

My third favorite today is another rescue story and it is called: Neville: A Dog With A Secret. by Stephanie Ferguson.  Animal lover Stephanie Ferguson was drawn to the plight of shelter dogs when she and her husband adopted Neville.  Upon learning that up to twenty percent of adopted dogs are returned to the shelter, she was inspired to write this informative and eye-opening children's book.  When you buy this book, not only will Neville donate 100% of the proceeds to Passion 4 Paws, he will autograph the book for you. Just note the name of the recipient in the box at check-out.

Click here to purchase Neville's story

Neville is being adopted.  But his secret could destroy his chance at a "forever" home. Humorous and playful, but delivering an important message on the responsibilities of pet adoption, this is the sort of book children of all ages will enjoy over and over.  Join Neville as he discovers no one is perfect, but with a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work, dreams really can come true.

All of these books would make an amazing addition for your classroom! I know I will be sharing these books with my students this year.  If you are interested I believe all of these authors are available for your school or daycare programs.  I assume they charge a fee but you never know unless you call.