Friday, December 30, 2016

Winter Wonderland Pinterest Board

Are you looking for some awesome teaching ideas for winter?  Well here is a board for you!  Head on over and follow this board for some great and engaging teaching ideas that are winter themed.  I would love to have you share your winter wonderland ideas to this board as well!  If you are interested in joining this board just comment with your Pinterest id!  

Thursday, December 29, 2016

20+ Arctic & Antarctic Animal Crafts for Kids

I came across this awesome post on super cute Arctic and Antarctic Animal Crafts.  I am also including some links to books that go along with these crafts that you can use to help build a unit on animals of the Arctic and Antarctic.
Click the link below for these super cute crafts!

Arctic Books:



Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights

Imagine a land where the sun rises at 1:58 a.m. in the summer and shines for less than four hours on a winter's day. The animals in the wilderness near Fairbanks, Alaska, witness some of the world's greatest temperature extremes and light variations ever year. At an average low of -16 degrees Fahrenheit, the winters may be unpleasantly frigid, but the light shows are always glorious!



In Arctic Waters

An arctic adaptation of "This is the House that Jack Built" follows polar bears, walruses, seals, narwhals and beluga whales as they chase each other around "the ice that floats in the Arctic waters." Not only is the rhythmic, cumulative prose good for early readers; it is a pure delight to read aloud. The "For Creative Minds" section helps children learn how these animals live in the cold, icy arctic region.



Living in the Arctic (Rookie Read-About Geography)

The popular Rookie Books expand their horizons -- to all corners of the globe! With the series, Rookie Read-About "RM" Geography, emergent readers will take off on adventures to cities, nations, waterways, habitats around the world... and right in their own backyards!


Antractic Books:


Antarctica

Far, far south, in the strange and beautiful land of Antarctica, it is dark both day and night all winter long. When at last spring comes, the penguins and seals raise their young. But, one year, loud, unfamiliar sounds announce the arrival of a new presence―one the animals hope can share this fragile world with them in peace.


Antarctica (Rookie Read-About Geography)

Young readers learn about the most remote continent, the people who explore and study there, as well as the animals that live there.



Antarctica For Kids: People, Places and Cultures - Children Explore The World Books

Come and explore Antarctica, only imaginatively! This educational book features Antarctica in all its diversity. Here, you can learn about all the amazing wildlife there, as well as the environment and the temperature too! It’s a wonderful book to have, and is a perfect review tool that you child can use for school. Grab a copy today!


Polar Bear Books:


With their beautiful white fur and powerful presence, polar bears rule the Arctic. These majestic giants swim from iceberg to iceberg in chilling waters, care for their adorable cubs, and are threatened by global warming. In this level 1 reader you'll learn all you ever wanted to know about polar bears and so much more. Complete with fascinating facts, beautiful images, NGR Polar Bears can't miss.



Polar Bears

Full of fascinating information, this book explores the world of the polar bear on land and under water. Get ready to be wooed by adorable baby cubs and impressed by majestic adult bears captured in stunning photographs by renowned wildlife photographer Mark Newman.


Polar Bears

The polar bear is the biggest and most powerful of the animals that are able to survive the hostile climate of the Arctic. Cubs are born during the cold dark winter, even though they start out with only a thin coat of fur and weigh a little over one pound. The mothers raise and teach them so they may grow and survive in the wild. Here is information about how polar bears swim and hunt, how they keep warm and dry, and the many other ways they adapt to their environment.



Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?

Children will chant the rhythmic words. They'll make the sounds the animals make. And they'll pretend to be the zoo animals featured in the book-- look at the last page!

Penguin Books:



National Geographic Readers: Penguins!

They waddled into stardom in National Geographic’s March of the Penguins film. These guys are now nature’s ROCK STARS! If you’re age 5, you’re probably as tall as an Emperor. But why do they throw up so much? March this way, and find out all!


Penguins!

Their habitat, physical characteristics, and behavior.



Penguins: Amazing Pictures & Fun Facts on Animals in Nature (Our Amazing World Series Book 9)

Bestselling children’s author Kay de Silva presents “Penguins”. The book uses captivating illustrations and carefully chosen words to teach children about "the social bird.”




If You Were a Penguin


If you were a penguin . . .You could swim really fast and toboggan on ice.  Sing a happy duet, once or twice.  You could live on land but dive under the sea. There's a lot penguins can do, just like you and me!  Wendell and Florence Minor create a charming tribute to all the playful fun and activity that comes with being a penguin—which young readers can delight in too!


Arctic Fox Book:


Arctic Fox (A Day in the Life: Polar Animals)

Follow an arctic fox through its day as it eats, sleeps, and cares for its young.



Arctic Fox: Very Cool! (Uncommon Animals)

In the Arctic, winter lasts eight months and temperatures fall as low as -58F. Few animals can survive such extreme conditions. The Arctic fox, however, is unique. It lives farther north than any other land mammal in the world. How can it survive the harsh conditions? Biologist Maarten Loonen wanted to find out. Since 1990, he has traveled to the Arctic every year to study these uncommon foxes. In Arctic Fox: Very Cool!, kids follow Loonen as he studies the survival techniques of these fascinating animals. Large, full-color photos and a narrative format will keep readers turning the pages for more.


Arctic Fox: A Children Pictures Book About Arctic Fox With Fun Arctic Fox Facts and Photos For Kids

Arctic Fox: A Children Pictures Book About Arctic Fox With Fun Arctic Fox Facts and Photos For Kids


Arctic Fox: Amazing Photos & Fun Facts Book About Arctic Fox (Amazing Animals Facts)

Arctic Fox: Amazing Photos & Fun Facts Book About Arctic Fox Arctic foxes are beautiful creatures who live in cold places. They are part of what is called the canid family. They are closely related to wolves, dogs, and other types of foxes. Arctic foxes are intelligent and they have great sense of smell and hearing. They are playful and like humans, they build their own family. Although they typically live in cold places, arctic foxes have warm personalities. They are charming and some arctic foxes giggle a lot, too.





Puffins (Wildlife Monographs)

The comical and colorful faces of puffins have earned them the popular name 'clowns of the sea'. On land they waddle and hop amongst rocks to and from their burrows, but once in the air, they wheel and turn with great agility and grace. The author portrays the multifarious activities of these lovable seabirds during their breeding season and reveals how they live and survive at high altitudes.



Puffin Peter

Peter and Paul are puffins and the best of friends. But one day Peter gets lost in a terrible storm, and Paul is nowhere to be found. With the help of a big blue whale, Peter sets out, determined to find his pal. What the pair discovers is that many other birds match the description Peter gives of Paul, but none are quite like his friend. With gorgeous collage artwork and a lighthearted touch, this fun read-aloud tale will both amuse and enlighten.




Nothing Like a Puffin

A puffin is an amazing creature. It's completely unique and one-of-akind. A ladder is nothing like a puffin. A house is nothing like a puffin. A newspaper is nothing like a puffin. . . . But wait! Who would have guessed? Could these things be more alike than you think? Young children will love following this mischievous puffin in an entertaining exercise in creative classification-- and are guaranteed to start looking at everyday things in a whole new way.




Puffins (True Books: Animals)

Ideal for today's young investigative reader, each A True Book includes lively sidebars, a glossary and index, plus a comprehensive "To Find Out More" section listing books, organizations, and Internet sites. A staple of library collections since the 1950s, the new A True Book series is the definitive nonfiction series for elementary school readers.

Snowy Owl Books: 


Snowy owls make their homes in the icy white lands of the north. In these snowy places, they are perfectly camouflaged. Learn more about this giant owl with full color photos, range maps, and carefully leveled text.


Ookpik: The Travels of a Snowy Owl

One snowy owl's first year and its struggle to survive. Fed by his parents, Ookpik, which means "snowy owl" in the Inuit language, grows quickly in the short Arctic summer. By autumn he has learned to hunt on his own, but prey is scarce on the tundra that year. The owl's instincts tell him that he must leave this land or starve. Ookpik flies south, over the great forests of Canada, and finally lands in the United States, always searching for food and a winter hunting ground. With vivid watercolor illustrations, Bruce Hiscock depicts the changing landscape, from the treeless Arctic of Baffin Island to the dairy country of eastern New York. There, Ookpik settles for the winter, much to the delight of bird watchers. An author's note offers additional details on the life of the snowy owl.


Snowy Owls (Animals That Live in the Tundra)

A rarely explored bird is the subject of this colorful and captivating book. The snowy owl is easy to miss in its habitat as it blends into the tundra quite easily. Their feathers cover their beaks, legs, and feet, keeping them warm and ready for hunting. Readers will learn how this unique bird is truly suited for a life in the cold.


National Geographic Readers: Owls

In this level 1 reader, young readers will explore the feathery world of adorable owls. Follow these curious-looking creatures through their wooded habitats, learn how owls raise their young, hunt, and protect themselves. Beautiful photos and carefully leveled text make this book perfect for reading aloud or for independent reading.




Walrus: Amazing Pictures and Facts About Walrus (Let's Learn About)

Have your children ever wondered EXACTLY what walruses tusks are used for?  There are so many awesome things to learn about walruses. Are they good swimmers? Do they have predators? In this book you'll find answers to these questions and many more in simple, fun language. Each fact is accompanied by incredible pictures to keep even the youngest child fascinated.



Walrus: Children Book of Fun Facts & Amazing Photos on Animals in Nature - A Wonderful Walrus Book for Kids aged 3-7


Walrus: A Children Pictures Book About Walrus With Fun Walrus Facts and Photos For Kids

Walrus: A Children Pictures Book About Walrus With Fun Walrus Facts and Photos For Kids




Little Walrus Warning (Smithsonian Oceanic Collection)

A young walrus and his mother begin their spring migration. The walrus herd is threatened by a hungry polar bear. Can Little Walrus warn the herd in time? Children can find out as this thrilling adventure unfolds! Reviewed by the Smithsonian Institution for accuracy, Little Walrus Warning is a fun and informative story with beautifully detailed illustrations.

Reindeer Books:


Reindeer (A Day in the Life: Polar Animals)

Follow a reindeer through its day as it eats, sleeps, and cares for its young.




Reindeer: Children Book of Fun Facts & Amazing Photos on Animals in Nature - A Wonderful Reindeer Book for Kids aged 3-7

Reindeer: Children Book of Fun Facts & Amazing Photos on Animals in Nature - A Wonderful Reindeer Book for Kids aged 3-7




Reindeer: Fun Facts and Amazing Photos of Animals in Nature

Reindeer: Fun Facts and Amazing Photos of Animals in Nature




Reindeer: Fascinating Reindeer Facts for Kids with Stunning Pictures!

Reindeer: Fascinating Reindeer Facts for Kids with Stunning Pictures!


Whale Books:



Arctic Whale Danger!: Footprint Reading Library 1

In the Arctic Ocean, a baby whale goes too close land. It cannot get back to the water. A group of whales are trapped by moving ice. They cannot get back to open water. Will the whales find safety before it is too late?



Whales of the Arctic (Brrr! Polar Animals)

An introduction to the whales of the Arctic regions, discussing their physical characteristics, behaviors, reproductive habits, and predators, along with descriptions of such animals as the humpback whale, bowhead whale, beluga whale, narwhal, and gray whale.


Whales are among the biggest creatures that have ever lived on our planet. Some whales grow bigger than one hundred feet long and can weigh as much as fifty cars or more. They are huge, majestic creatures, yet we rarely ever lay eyes on them. Acclaimed science writer Seymour Simon introduces you to one of the world's truly amazing animals.


Over the course of their 70-year lifespan, sperm whales will easily travel the circumference of the Earth in search of food and the need to breed and find a mate. Males will travel as far north as the Bering Sea and as far south as Antarctica in order to find enough food to sustain their ways of live—up to 700 squid a day! Along the way, these massive beasts battle 30-feet-long giant squids, and each other, to sustain their ways of life.

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes

Kindergarten is such a fun grade to teach and some of the things that the children say are hilarious! Just before winter break I was walking the two students I had left at the end of the day down to late pickup. We walked out of the classroom and I could see through the door down the hallway that it was snowing really hard....near whiteout conditions. I said "Oh no....Mrs. Cook is not going to be able to see to drive home." One of my little guys looked up at me and said, "Mrs. Cookie, (the kids call me that....lol) you know how to drive?"....lol....so funny!!  What are some of the funny things that your students have said?

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