Classroom Ideas - February
Looking for new ideas for your classroom? Check out this month's Classroom Ideas and resources that correspond with February observances.
February is:
African American History Month/Black History Month:
- Celebrating Black History began in 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson initiated the study of black history. Dr. Woodson chose the second week in February because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, but in 1976, the observance was extended to the entire month of February in order to have enough time for programs and activities.
- Gayle’s Preschool Rainbow has black history theme with action rhymes, songs, art and crafts, a game, a skit and even a rap song that enhances curriculum and celebrates the contributions of African-Americans.
- First-School.ws has educational links for black history month and activities.
- Everything Preschool has songs, books, art projects, games and more to celebrate black history.
International Friendship Month:
- Celebrate Friendship Month with ideas for crafts, games and activities all about friends.
Library Lovers Month:
- Library Lovers' Month is a month-long celebration of school, public, and private libraries of all types. This is a time for everyone, especially library support groups, to recognize the value of libraries and to work to assure that the Nation's libraries will continue to serve. Check out the free bookmarks and “Library Lovers’ Things To Do with Kids” for snacks, games and crafts.
National Children’s Dental Health Month:
- Every February, the American Dental Association sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. There is a program planning kit, children’s poster, classroom ideas and resources, and coloring sheets for your use.
Groundhog Day, February 2nd:
- On groundhog.org, the Official Site of Punxsutawney Phil, check to see if Phil sees his shadow. If so, it’s predicted we’ll have six more weeks of winter. Check out the lesson plans and activities for kids.
- Check out the large list of groundhog songs sung to the tunes of carols and other well-known songs.
- The Perpetual Preschool has a President’s Day theme with songs, snacks (some are sugary), games, art projects, songs and fun activities. The additional President’s Day sites section is out of date and no longer accessible.
Valentine’s Day, February 14th:
- The Perpetual Preschool has a Valentine’s Day theme with snacks (most are very sugary), art projects, songs and finger plays, books, and activities and games. The additional Valentine’s Day sites section is out of date and no longer accessible.
- Preschool Express has Valentine’s Day activities by Jean Warren that include art, games, language activities, snacks, and songs.
- Songs4teachers.com: Theme-Related Poems and Songs has Valentine’s Day activities for kindergarten through 3rd grade (but they are easily adaptable for younger children).
- The Lesson Plans Page has Valentine's Day lessons plans and teacher resources. You may have to browse through them for age-appropriate plans.
President’s Day, February 18th:
- ChildFun has lots of activities, crafts, songs, and recipes for a President’s Day theme.
- DLTK’s Growing Together has President’s Day crafts for kids.
- Preschool Express has President’s Day activities by Jean Warren that include art, math, and science activities.
- The Perpetual Preschool has songs, games, snacks, art, and activities for President’s Day.
[Posted on February 5, 2008]
