What’s Up February!

I wanted to take the time to do a LARGE post to share some of my favorite activities for the month of February. I have accumulated so many fun ideas and crafts over the years. I typically share “as I go” my plans, but since I am not in the classroom and at home with my little stud, I wanted to make a conscious effort to start sharing ahead of time to give you time to prep some of these ideas for YOUR classroom! So, here goes! Oh- and let me know if you’d be interested in me sharing my ideas for the rest of the months ahead of time as well.

First things first, I wanted to share with you my February vocabulary unit. I use this to “fill in the gaps” at center and throughout the day. I like to display the vocabulary words at my language arts center and utilize in journals, spelling, comprehension activities etc.

Other activities I like to store at my language arts center includes the Wh- question packs from You-AUT-a Know. These are fun bingo dauber activities that students can compete to practice comprehension!

I also love these two activities from My Special Learners. She has fabulous seasonal File Folder Activities that I like to use at each center. I store these for early finishers. Students love them and think they are “fun” yet it keeps them engaged. I also use her Count It Out Books that my kiddos love for extra counting practice at the math center!

Another activity I keep at my language arts center is my February directed drawing activities. These are used as filler activities at my writing center when a student finishes their journal. These directed drawing activities are leveled so that all of my students can work on the same drawing at their own level. My students are always proud to put these on display!

We also like to do a lot of art in my classroom. I love using art to work on so many other skills such as communication, language arts, math and social skills. I mean, you can stretch it as much as practicing sharing supplies! My go-to girl for planning for art projects for the month is Erin from You AUT-a Know. She has two years worth of plans for free on her blog. Head to her 2015 and 2016 blog post to find CLICKABLE links to each product. This can be a great way to have parent volunteers or aides prep projects for you by following these links for easy to read instructions. Here are her two calendars below. Click on each image to be directed to clickable links!

Here are some of my favorite crafts not included on these calendars from over the years!

Sponge painting hearts:

Heart flowers and bear crafts!

I also AWAYS decorate our door each month. Its the first thing students see in the morning, and I love to start the day with a cheer 🙂

I love to use adapted books at my reading center. I use my peek-a-boo where is cupid adapted book a long with some of my other favorites from Speech Room News and Mrs. Ps Specialties. I like to store my February Social Stories here as well. Interested in making your own adapted book wall? Check out my tutorial HERE.

I also love to put a huge emphasis on KINDNESS in the month of February. I believe kindness should be taught year round, however its good to re-visit in February. Here are a bunch of kindness activities you can find in your classroom. Click on each image to be taken to the activity. (MOST ARE FREE!)

I talk about my monthly binders all the time. But seriously. THEY ARE A LIFE SAVER. I know they take a while to prep, but after 3 years of using them in my classroom, it is safe to say that the prep work is SO WORTH IT! Here is a more detailed look at my FEBRUARY BINDER TASKS.

Looking to organize homework for the month? I like to use life skills homework for students to complete wit their families. Also pair it with a family project!

I also love these Take Home Games for February from You-AUT-a Know. I like that these can be sent home for homework or kept in the classroom for fun work centers. It could be perfect for a Valentines day party!