SPORTING AROUND

By acting out various sports your students can oxygenate their brains and cross the midline.  I’m sure your class can add to this list.  (Send me an email with their suggestions and I’ll post it on my blog.)

*Model how to do each sport and then “practice” for a minute or two.  Once students know the movements you can play a game where you name different sports and they have to switch motions.

Baseball – Pick up the ball and throw it.  Bat the ball.

Football – Feet apart and run quickly in place with arms out in front of you.

Soccer – Kick across your body with your right foot and then kick across with your left foot.

Tennis – Shuffle in place and pretend to hit the ball with your right hand.  Shuffle and pretend to hit the ball with your left hand.

Golf – Golfer’s stance.  Swing and hit.  Turn in the opposite direction and swing and hit.

Basketball – Dribble, dribble, shoot!  (Jump up on toes.)

Karate – Feet spread apart with knees bent.  Pretend to chop with your right hand and then chop with your left hand.

Skiing – Knees together and bend to the left as you swing your arms.  Knees to the right as you swing your arms.

Ice Skating – Alternate arms in front as you pretend to glide on different legs.

 

                                    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GYOzLTBNwM

 

YOU'RE INVITED TO A SUPER BOWL PARTY

Who will you be cheering for this year in the Super Bowl next Sunday? I'm going to be cheering for all the yummy snacks! I read that people consume more calories Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year. Bring on the chips!

You can also integrate math, vocabulary, art, and physical skills this week with a Super Bowl theme.

Survey Says
Let children do surveys (classroom, at home, etc.) to find out which team others think will win the Super Bowl.


Vocabulary
“Offensive,” “Defensive,” “Penalty,” “Referee,” “Substitution,” “Huddle” …How many football terms can you think of that might be meaningful to learn?


Jersey Math
Let children choose their favorite player’s number and write it on a paper jersey. How many facts can they think of that equal that number?




Starting Line Up
At the beginning of the day let children make two lines facing each other. Introduce one child at a time and let them run through the two lines as their friends give them high five and cheer.


Good Job
At the end of the day make a huddle and say, “Good job, team!”


Math
How many players on each team? How many players in all?
How long is a football field?
How many points for a touchdown? Field goal? Safety?
How long is a quarter? How long is the entire game?
How many yards in a first down?


Estimation
Let children estimate what they think the total score will be. After the game determine who guessed more – less - the closest?


Team Colors and Mascots
What are Denver’s team colors? What are Carolina's’s team colors?
Let children draw pictures and write stories about the different mascots.


Art
Put out the scrap box and let children make pennants, hats, pompoms, and other paraphernalia.


Football Practice Game
Cut footballs out on the fold similar to the one shown. Write math facts on the front and the answer inside.
*These can be used for phonics, numerical order, question and answers, etc.

Training
Brainstorm what players have to do to get ready for the game. Emphasize the importance of good nutrition, exercise, and studying the playbook. These are all things that are important to good students as well!!!


Circuit Training
Here’s a super way to get some exercise when the weather is bad. Write exercises similar to the ones below on construction paper and tape them around the room. Divide children into groups of 2 or 3 and have them start at a station. Put on some music with a good beat. Time the children for one minute at each station and then say, “Switch!” Groups rotate in a circle around the room until they have completed each station.
*tire run (feet apart and arms out as you run in place)
*throw and catch (pretend to throw overhead and then catch a football)
*scissor jump (jump crossing legs right and then left)
*balance (stand on one leg)
*passing run (run in place as fast as you can)
*jump and catch (jump up in the air as you pretend to catch the ball)
*toe touch (touch toes and then hands in the air)
*squats (arms out front as you bend legs up and down)
*jumping jacks (jump out with arms up and then jump in with arms down)
*jump rope (pretend to jump rope in place)
*silent cheer leaders (jump and cheer without making any noise)

NFL
What does "NFL" stand for? Download a copy of the team logos (Mr. Google will help you) and make a visual matching game or memory game.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Take me out to the ball game. (Hand in fist as if cheering.)
Take me out to the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts (Hold up one palm and then other.)
and Cracker Jacks.
I don’t care if we never get back, (Shake head “no.”)
For I’ll root, root, root for the home team. (Cheer with hand in the air.)
If they don’t win it’s a shame. (Open up palms and shake head.)
For it’s one, two, three strikes (Hold up fingers as you count and
You’re out! then stick up thumb like “out.”)
At the old ball game.

Click to listen and view on YouTube

Cracker Jacks Book
Cut the front and back off a bag or box of Cracker Jacks. Cut paper the size of the bag and give each child a piece. Let them draw and write what prize they would like to find in a box of Cracker Jacks.

Skill Baseball
Take four paper plates and write "Home," "First," "Second," and "Third" on them. Arrange them in a diamond shape on the floor. Cut 4" circles out of heavy paper to make flash cards for this game. You can write words, math facts, letters, or any skill you want to reinforce. Write "home run" and "out" on a few. Divide the class into two teams. One child at a time comes up to home plate as the teacher pitches (holds up) a flash card. If the child can identify the information she moves on to first. If she doesn't know the answer that's an "out" for her team.

*You might want to have a 5 run limit per inning or the game could go on and on.

Piggy Peanut Relay
Children take off their shoes and one member from each team at a time picks up a peanut in their toes and walks to a designated spot and back. They can't use their hands, but it's fun to watch them try to manipulate the peanut with their piggies.
(If children have peanut allergies, you might be able to use another small object such as a counting bear.)

Root?
Use this "teachable moment" to talk about the different meanings of the word "root." Can children think of synonyms for "root"? 

Sports Day
Invite children to wear T-shirts of their favorite team to school one Friday. Those who play baseball, soccer, or another sport could wear their uniforms. Children could also bring balls and sports equipment for a special play time.

Hint! Make visors of your favorite baseball team from paper plates.

YOU'RE INVITED TO A SUPER BOWL PARTY!

Who will you be cheering for this year in the Super Bowl? I'm going to be cheering for all the yummy snacks! I read that people consume more calories Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year. Bring on the chips!

You can also integrate math, vocabulary, art, and physical skills this week with a Super Bowl theme.

Survey Says
Let children do surveys (classroom, at home, etc.) to find out which team others think will win the Super Bowl.

Vocabulary
“Offensive,” “Defensive,” “Penalty,” “Referee,” “Substitution,” “Huddle” …How many football terms can you think of that might be meaningful to learn?

Jersey Math
Let children choose their favorite player’s number and write it on a paper jersey. How many facts can they think of that equal that number?




Starting Line Up
At the beginning of the day let children make two lines facing each other. Introduce one child at a time and let them run through the two lines as their friends give them high five and cheer.

Good Job
At the end of the day make a huddle and say, “Good job, team!”

Math
How many players on each team? How many players in all?
How long is a football field?
How many points for a touchdown? Field goal? Safety?
How long is a quarter? How long is the entire game?
How many yards in a first down?

Estimation
Let children estimate what they think the total score will be. After the game determine who guessed more – less - the closest?

Team Colors and Mascots
What are Denver’s team colors? What are Carolina's’s team colors?
Let children draw pictures and write stories about the different mascots.

Art
Put out the scrap box and let children make pennants, hats, pompoms, and other paraphernalia.

Football Practice Game
Cut footballs out on the fold similar to the one shown. Write math facts on the front and the answer inside.
*These can be used for phonics, numerical order, question and answers, etc.

Training
Brainstorm what players have to do to get ready for the game. Emphasize the importance of good nutrition, exercise, and studying the playbook. These are all things that are important to good students as well!!!

Circuit Training
Here’s a super way to get some exercise when the weather is bad. Write exercises similar to the ones below on construction paper and tape them around the room. Divide children into groups of 2 or 3 and have them start at a station. Put on some music with a good beat. Time the children for one minute at each station and then say, “Switch!” Groups rotate in a circle around the room until they have completed each station.
*tire run (feet apart and arms out as you run in place)
*throw and catch (pretend to throw overhead and then catch a football)
*scissor jump (jump crossing legs right and then left)
*balance (stand on one leg)
*passing run (run in place as fast as you can)
*jump and catch (jump up in the air as you pretend to catch the ball)
*toe touch (touch toes and then hands in the air)
*squats (arms out front as you bend legs up and down)
*jumping jacks (jump out with arms up and then jump in with arms down)
*jump rope (pretend to jump rope in place)
*silent cheer leaders (jump and cheer without making any noise)

NFL
What does "NFL" stand for? Download a copy of the team logos (Mr. Google will help you) and make a visual matching game or memory game.

ACTIVE LEARNING SPORTS SPELL

Get rid of wiggles and learn at the same time by using sports movements to spell out words.

Baseball
Pretend to bat the ball as you say the letters in a word and swing around and hit a homerun as you say the word.


Football
Feet apart and run quickly in place with arms out in front of you as you spell out words. Throw a "touchdown" as you say the word.

Soccer

Kick across your body with your right foot and then kick across with your left foot as you spell words. Kick a "goal" as you say the word.

Tennis
Shuffle as you say the letters and then pretend to hit the ball as you say the word.



Basketball

Dribble on letters and pretend to shoot as you say the word. (Jump up on toes.)

Karate
Feet spread apart with knees bent. Pretend to chop with your right hand and then chop with your left hand as you say letters. Give a little kick as you say the word.

Skiing – Knees together and bend to the left as you swing your arms. Knees to the right as you swing your arms. Say letters as you move from left to right and then use both arms as you say the word.

Ice Skating
Alternate arms in front as you pretend to glide on different legs while spelling words.

Hint! Encourage your students to think of other sports and how they can use them to practice skills.

Cheering Words
Children stand and step from side as they clap and cheer words:
Give me a B. B! I’ve got a B, you’ve got a B.
Give me an E. E! I’ve got an E, you’ve got an E.
Give me a D. D! I’ve got a D, you’ve got a D.
What’s it spell? BED! Say it again. BED!
One more time. BED!

Hint! Model how to do each sport and then “practice” for a minute or two. Once students know the movements you can adapt the moves to count, read sight words, review math facts, say months of the year – it’s all good!

SPORTS AROUND THE YEAR

Let's get those kids moving and learning in 2025! Wouldn't a SPORTS DAY be a FANTASTIC FRIDAY idea?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GYOzLTBNwM

Sports Around the Year
January, let’s all skate – (Slide feet from side to side with big steps.)
Slipping, sliding, feeling great.
In February, grab your skis (Squat and swing arms from left to right.)
Down the mountain, fast and free.
In March we’ll do some hoops (Pretend to dribble a ball and then shoot.)
Basketball dribble, shoot, and loop.
In April let’s do track and field (Run in place and jump.)
Running, jumping down the field.

Chorus:
Biking, dancing, playing ball (Do jumping jacks, march, or
Winter, spring, summer, fall. a dance step.)
Staying fit and staying strong.
Playing sports all year long!

In May we’ll kick and punt the ball (Right foot kicks to the left
Playing soccer, one and all. and then left foot kicks to the right.)
In June baseball is so much fun (Pretend to swing a bat.)
Pitching, batting in the sun.
In July we’ll swim in the pool (Swim forwards, backwards, sidestroke.)
Backstroke, sidestroke, feeling cool.
In August we’ll all be gymnasts (Balance on right foot and lean forwards.)
Balancing, tumbling on the mats. (Balance on left foot and lean forwards.)

Chorus

September, now it’s football time: (Feet out and run in place.)
Down, set, hut on the scrimmage line.
October’s great for cheer leading, (Hands in air and jump up and down.)
Cheering on our favorite team.
November: let’s karate chop! (Pretend to chop right and then left.)
Kick and block – now don’t you stop!
December, swing your hockey stick- (Pretend to skate and swing a stick.)
Hit that puck, we never miss!


Sports Day
Liven up a boring winter day with “sports day.” Invite children to wear clothing from their favorite sport or team.

Pantomime
Let children take turns pantomiming different sports as their friends try to guess.

Sportsmanship
Discuss what it means to be a “good sport.” Role-play being a good loser and a good winner.

Equipment
Encourage children to bring equipment from sports they like to play. Write down the names of the equipment on the board and use for a writing activity.

Graph
Make a graph of their favorite sport or sports team.

College Days
Talk about where you went to college and why it is important to go to college. Let each child make a pennant of the college they would like to attend. Use the pennants to decorate your classroom.

FOOTBALL FEVER

If you are college football fans like we are, this is an exciting time of year. Football gives us a distraction from the world's woes and it gives us something to cheer for and look forward to each weekend. Football can also be a “kick off” for teaching some skills in your classroom.

College Goals
It’s never too early to plant seeds of attending college in your students. Give them a dream and a goal! One school I visited displayed pennants of the schools where the teachers graduated from in the front hall. 

*Have the children brainstorm all the colleges and universities in your area. Talk about why it is important to go to college. 

*Encourage your students to think about where they would like to go to college. Give them paper shaped like pennants to decorate with their college dream. 

Math
Let children do surveys of favorite college teams.
Graph favorite teams.
Predict who will win the game. Who was right? Who was wrong?
Predict what the score will be. Who was closest?
*Let children choose a favorite player and write their number on a jersey. How many math facts can they think of to equal that number?

Social Studies
Use a map of the United States and locate where games will be played.

Internet Search
Look up team mascots and colors. Listen to college fight songs. Do exercises to fight songs.

Art
Cut pictures of players out of the newspaper or sports magazines. Challenge children to write creative stories about favorite players. They could also write letters to favorite players.

Guest Readers
Invite a local high school football team and cheerleading squad to visit your school to read books. There’s nothing more motivating to a young child than to see someone in a uniform model how “cool” it is to read!

Team Mascots
This game can be adapted to any school mascot, action hero, or seasonal character. Since I graduated from the University of Georgia, UGA was my first choice. This is a quick, simple game that can be played with any age level or any skill that needs to be reinforced. It’s the perfect game if you’ve got a few minutes before lunch or a few minutes at the end of the day. 

WHY? shapes, colors, letters, words, numerals, math facts, etc.
WHAT? flash cards, picture of a favorite school mascot
HOW? Have children sit in a circle and encourage them to identify the information on the flash cards as you place them on the floor. Tell the children to turn around and hide their eyes. Take “UGA” and slip it under one of the flash cards. The children turn back around and raise their hand if they think they know where UGA is hiding. One at a time, have children call out a word, letter, shape, etc., and then look under that card. The game continues until a child finds UGA. That child may then be “it” and hide the mascot.

*Use a pocket chart to play this game. Arrange the flash cards in the pocket chart and then hide the mascot under one of the cards as the children hide their eyes.

More? Make a concentration game using various college mascots.
Make a matching game where children match mascots to college names.
What characteristics do you need to dress up and be a school mascot?
Have children write which mascot they would like to be and why.

SPORTS THROUGH THE YEAR

Can't get outside?  Let's get those kids moving and learning in 2024! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GYOzLTBNwM

Sports Around the Year
January, let’s all skate – (Slide feet from side to side with big steps.)
Slipping, sliding, feeling great.
In February, grab your skis (Squat and swing arms from left to right.)
Down the mountain, fast and free.
In March we’ll do some hoops (Pretend to dribble a ball and then shoot.)
Basketball dribble, shoot, and loop.
In April let’s do track and field (Run in place and jump.)
Running, jumping down the field.

Chorus:
Biking, dancing, playing ball (Do jumping jacks, march, or
Winter, spring, summer, fall. a dance step.)
Staying fit and staying strong.
Playing sports all year long!

In May we’ll kick and punt the ball (Right foot kicks to the left
Playing soccer, one and all. and then left foot kicks to the right.)
In June baseball is so much fun (Pretend to swing a bat.)
Pitching, batting in the sun.
In July we’ll swim in the pool (Swim forwards, backwards, sidestroke.)
Backstroke, sidestroke, feeling cool.
In August we’ll all be gymnasts (Balance on right foot and lean forwards.)
Balancing, tumbling on the mats. (Balance on left foot and lean forwards.)

Chorus

September, now it’s football time: (Feet out and run in place.)
Down, set, hut on the scrimmage line.
October’s great for cheer leading, (Hands in air and jump up and down.)
Cheering on our favorite team.
November: let’s karate chop! (Pretend to chop right and then left.)
Kick and block – now don’t you stop!
December, swing your hockey stick- (Pretend to skate and swing a stick.)
Hit that puck, we never miss!

Chorus

Sports Day
Liven up a boring winter day with “sports day.” Invite children to wear clothing from their favorite sport or team.

Pantomime
Let children take turns pantomiming different sports as their friends try to guess.

Sportsmanship
Discuss what it means to be a “good sport.” Role-play being a good loser and a good winner.

Equipment
Encourage children to bring equipment from sports they like to play. Write down the names of the equipment on the board and use for a writing activity.

Graph
Make a graph of their favorite sport or sports team.

College Days
Talk about where you went to college and why it is important to go to college. Let each child make a pennant of the college they would like to attend. Use the pennants to decorate your classroom.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Take me out to the ball game. (Hand in fist as if cheering.)
Take me out to the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts (Hold up one palm and then other.)
and Cracker Jacks.
I don’t care if we never get back, (Shake head “no.”)
For I’ll root, root, root for the home team. (Cheer with hand in the air.)
If they don’t win it’s a shame. (Open up palms and shake head.)
For it’s one, two, three strikes (Hold up fingers as you count and
You’re out! then stick up thumb like “out.”)
At the old ball game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5cNEPjoxZA

Cracker Jacks Book
Cut the front and back off a bag or box of Cracker Jacks. Cut paper the size of the bag and give each child a piece. Let them draw and write what prize they would like to find in a box of Cracker Jacks.

Skill Baseball
Take four paper plates and write "Home," "First," "Second," and "Third" on them. Arrange them in a diamond shape on the floor. Cut 4" circles out of heavy paper to make flash cards for this game. You can write words, math facts, letters, or any skill you want to reinforce. Write "home run" and "out" on a few. Divide the class into two teams. One child at a time comes up to home plate as the teacher pitches (holds up) a flash card. If the child can identify the information she moves on to first. If she doesn't know the answer that's an "out" for her team.

*You might want to have a 5 run limit per inning or the game could go on and on.

Root?
Use this "teachable moment" to talk about the different meanings of the word "root." Can children think of synonyms for "root"? 

Sports Day
Invite children to wear T-shirts of their favorite team to school one Friday. Those who play baseball, soccer, or another sport could wear their uniforms. Children could also bring balls and sports equipment for a special play time.

Hint! Make visors of your favorite baseball team from paper plates.

SUPER BOWL PARTY

                                              
Get ready for the game next weekend with these learning activities.

Survey Says
Let children do surveys (classroom, at home, etc.) to find out which team others think will win the Super Bowl.

Vocabulary
“Offensive,” “Defensive,” “Penalty,” “Referee,” “Substitution,” “Huddle” …How many football terms can you think of that might be meaningful to learn?

Jersey Math
Let children choose their favorite player’s number and write it on a paper jersey. How many facts can they think of that equal that number.

Starting Line Up
At the beginning of the day let children make two lines facing each other. Introduce one child at a time and let them run through the two lines as their friends give them high five and cheer.

Good Job
At the end of the day make a huddle and say, “Good job, team!”

Math
How many players on each team? How many players in all?
How long is a football field?
How many points for a touchdown? Field goal? Safety?
How long is a quarter? How long is the entire game?
How many yards in a first down?

Estimation
Let children estimate what they think the total score will be. After the game determine who guessed more – less - the closest?

Art
Put out the scrap box and let children make pennants, hats, pompoms, and other paraphernalia.

Football Practice Game
Cut footballs out on the fold similar to the one shown. Write math facts on the front and the answer inside.
*These can be used for phonics, numerical order, question and answers, etc.

NFL
What does "NFL" stand for? Download a copy of the team logos (Mr. Google will help you) and make a visual matching game or memory game.

SPORTS AROUND THE YEAR

Let's get those kids moving and learning in 2023! Wouldn't a SPORTS DAY be a FANTASTIC FRIDAY idea?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GYOzLTBNwM

 

Sports Around the Year
January, let’s all skate – (Slide feet from side to side with big steps.)
Slipping, sliding, feeling great.
In February, grab your skis (Squat and swing arms from left to right.)
Down the mountain, fast and free.
In March we’ll do some hoops (Pretend to dribble a ball and then shoot.)
Basketball dribble, shoot, and loop.
In April let’s do track and field (Run in place and jump.)
Running, jumping down the field.

Chorus:
Biking, dancing, playing ball (Do jumping jacks, march, or
Winter, spring, summer, fall. a dance step.)
Staying fit and staying strong.
Playing sports all year long!

In May we’ll kick and punt the ball (Right foot kicks to the left
Playing soccer, one and all. and then left foot kicks to the right.)
In June baseball is so much fun (Pretend to swing a bat.)
Pitching, batting in the sun.
In July we’ll swim in the pool (Swim forwards, backwards, sidestroke.)
Backstroke, sidestroke, feeling cool.
In August we’ll all be gymnasts (Balance on right foot and lean forwards.)
Balancing, tumbling on the mats. (Balance on left foot and lean forwards.)

Chorus

September, now it’s football time: (Feet out and run in place.)
Down, set, hut on the scrimmage line.
October’s great for cheer leading, (Hands in air and jump up and down.)
Cheering on our favorite team.
November: let’s karate chop! (Pretend to chop right and then left.)
Kick and block – now don’t you stop!
December, swing your hockey stick- (Pretend to skate and swing a stick.)
Hit that puck, we never miss!

Chorus

Sports Day
Liven up a boring winter day with “sports day.” Invite children to wear clothing from their favorite sport or team.

Pantomime
Let children take turns pantomiming different sports as their friends try to guess.

Sportsmanship
Discuss what it means to be a “good sport.” Role-play being a good loser and a good winner.

Equipment
Encourage children to bring equipment from sports they like to play. Write down the names of the equipment on the board and use for a writing activity.

Graph
Make a graph of their favorite sport or sports team.

College Days
Talk about where you went to college and why it is important to go to college. Let each child make a pennant of the college they would like to attend. Use the pennants to decorate your classroom.

HOMEMADE SPORTS EQUPMENT

Your kids will have a blast making these games and then playing with them.

Goofy Golf
You will need several empty cardboard containers from fried chicken, popcorn, ice cream, etc. Turn the containers upside down and cut an arch out of the bottom similar to a mouse hole. Set the containers up on the grass and let the children practice hitting golf balls in the holes.

*You can also make a golf course with hula hoops.

*Use small brooms and tennis balls instead of golf clubs.


Broomstick Hockey
You will need children's brooms and a rubber ball for this game. Children hit the ball with the broom and try to get it in a box or designated area.


Bowling
Take several empty liter bottles from water or soft drinks and arrange them in a triangle. Children stand behind a line and roll a ball, trying to knock down the plastic bottles. Count how many they knock down. Let children can take turns rolling the ball and setting up the bottles for each other.
Hint! Fill the bottles with water if it’s a windy day.


Paddle Ball
To make paddles, place two paper plates together and staple ¾ of the way around. Insert the hand and use like a paddle. Roll up a scrap piece of paper to make a ball.

Balloon Tennis
Make paddles out of two paper plates using the directions above.  Blow up a balloon and you’re set of a tennis match!


Bouncy Ball Lane
Draw a path on the sidewalk with chalk. Children take balls and try to bounce them on the designated line.


Can Catch
You will need a tennis ball and empty Pringle’s can for this game. Children bounce the ball and try to catch it in the can. They can place this game by themselves or with a friend.

                                         

Hungry?
If you're hungry from playing all those games, just put your favorite snack mix in an ice cream cone and nibble away. Eat the cone and there's no clean up!

        

PARTY TIL THE END!

Some of you have one or two more days of school, and some of you have a month to go. What ya' gonna do? Party every day!!!!

Sports Day – Enjoy the warm weather with a “Sports Day.” Children can wear t-shirts and hats from their favorite teams. Let them bring sports equipment to share with friends on the playground.

Beach Party – Bring beach towels and wear sunglasses, shorts, and bathing suits. Set up sprinklers or other water activities on the playground. Play beach ball games, beach music, and have a “cool” snack like popsicles.

Book Party – Encourage children to dress up like their favorite book character. Play “Guess Who I Am?” or have children describe why they like a particular character. Let them bring favorite reading material (books, magazines) from home and sit or lay wherever they want for independent reading

Talent Show - One of my favorite memories is of a Talent Show we had at the end of the school year. I just invited all the children to think of a “talent” (song, dance, story, gymnastic stunt) they could do. We sat in a circle and they all got up and performed! We clapped and laughed and cheered!

Pajama Party – Have children wear pajamas and bring pillows and stuffed animals to class. Read books, watch a movie, and eat popcorn.

Career Day – Children come dressed for the career they’d like when they grow up. After sharing with friends, have each child draw a picture (or take a photograph) and make a class book.

Luau – Make grass skirts from draw string garbage bags. Cut straws in 1” pieces and alternate stringing with paper flowers on dental floss to create a lei. Hula, surf, and eat pineapple fruit kabobs for snack.

Toy Day – Children bring a favorite toy from home and share with their friends.

Wash Day – Wear old clothes and bring sponges, pails, and squirt bottles. Let children wash tables, desks, toys, etc. (You could tie this in with a water play day.)



Teddy Bear Parade – Children bring in a teddy bear or stuffed animal and parade around the classroom. Have them write stories and draw pictures of what they like to do with their bear. Have a “tea party” with your bears.

Board Game Day – Let children bring board games from home. Set aside the last hour in the day to share games and play with friends.

Take a Vacation (Instead of "Time Out")
Carrie Tibetts shared this brilliant idea. First, children get to choose a "vacation location." This is any special place they like in the classroom. If a child needs a break they can "take a vacation" and go to their quiet spot.

YOU'RE INVITED TO A SUPER BOWL PARTY

Another big event coming up soon is the Super Bowl. You can turn the football game into a LEARNING game with these activities.

Survey Says
Let children do surveys (classroom, at home, etc.) to find out which team others think will win the Super Bowl.

Vocabulary
“Offensive,” “Defensive,” “Penalty,” “Referee,” “Substitution,” “Huddle” …How many football terms can you think of that might be meaningful to learn?

Math
Let children choose their favorite player’s number and write it on a paper jersey. How many facts can they think of that equal that number.

Starting Line Up
At the beginning of the day let children make two lines facing each other. Introduce one child at a time and let them run through the two lines as their friends give them high five and cheer.

Good Job
At the end of the day make a huddle and say, “Good job, team!”

Math
How many players on each team? How many players in all?
How long is a football field?
How many points for a touchdown? Field goal? Safety?
How long is a quarter? How long is the entire game?
How many yards in a first down?

Estimation
Let children estimate what they think the total score will be. After the game determine who guessed more – less - the closest?

Art
Put out the scrap box and let children make pennants, hats, pompoms, and other paraphernalia.

Football Practice Game
Cut footballs out on the fold similar to the one shown. Write math facts on the front and the answer inside.
*These can be used for phonics, numerical order, question and answers, etc.

Training
Brainstorm what players have to do to get ready for the game. Emphasize the importance of good nutrition, exercise, and studying the playbook. These are all things that are important to good students as well!!!

Circuit Training
Here’s a super way to get some exercise when the weather is bad. Write exercises similar to the ones below on construction paper and tape them around the room. Divide children into groups of 2 or 3 and have them start at a station. Put on some music with a good beat. Time the children for one minute at each station and then say, “Switch!” Groups rotate in a circle around the room until they have completed each station.
*tire run (feet apart and arms out as you run in place)
*throw and catch (pretend to throw overhead and then catch a football)
*scissor jump (jump crossing legs right and then left)
*balance (stand on one leg)
*passing run (run in place as fast as you can)
*jump and catch (jump up in the air as you pretend to catch the ball)
*toe touch (touch toes and then hands in the air)
*squats (arms out front as you bend legs up and down)
*jumping jacks (jump out with arms up and then jump in with arms down)
*jump rope (pretend to jump rope in place)
*silent cheer leaders (jump and cheer without making any noise)

NFL
What does "NFL" stand for? Download a copy of the team logos (Mr. Google will help you) and make a visual matching game or memory game.