User manual | a creative idea book for the elementary teacher Karen Sevaly

a creative idea book
for the
elementary teacher
written and illustrated
by
Karen Sevaly
© Teacher's Friend, a Scholastic Company
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Reproduction of these materials for commercial resale or
distribution to an entire school or school district is strictly
prohibited. Pages may be duplicated for one individual
classroom set only. Material may not be reproduced for
other purposes without the prior written permission of the
publisher.
Copyright © Teacher’s Friend,
a Scholastic Company
All rights reserved.
Printed in China.
ISBN-13 978-0-439-50376-1
ISBN-10 0-439-50376-0
© Teacher's Friend, a Scholastic Company
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
This book is dedicated
to teachers and children
everywhere.
© Teacher's Friend, a Scholastic Company
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Table of Contents
MAKING THE MOST OF IT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
What Is in This Book . . . . . . .
How to Use This Book . . . . . .
Monthly Organizers . . . . . . . .
Bulletin Board Ideas . . . . . . . .
Adding the Color . . . . . . . . . .
Lamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Photocopies and Ditto Masters
Lettering and Headings . . . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .8
. .8
. .9
. .9
.10
.10
.11
.12
CALENDAR - JULY AND AUGUST! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
July Calendar and Activities . .
July Calendar Header . . . . . . .
August Calendar and Activities
August Calendar Header . . . . .
July-August Calendar Symbols
July - Blank Calendar . . . . . . .
August - Blank Calendar . . . . .
Mini Calendar Symbols . . . . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.14
.17
.18
.21
.22
.24
.25
.26
SUMMER ACTIVITIES! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Summer Activities! . . . . . .
Summer Jobs for Kids! . . .
Summer Bookmarks . . . . .
Summer Awards . . . . . . . .
Pencil Toppers . . . . . . . . .
My Summer Book! . . . . . .
Sunglasses! . . . . . . . . . . .
Giant Summer Sunglasses!
My Summer Journal! . . . .
Sunshine Puppet! . . . . . . .
You Are My Sunshine! . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.28
.29
.30
.31
.32
.33
.34
.35
.36
.37
.38
WATERMELON, PIZZA & ICE CREAM! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Watermelon, Pizza & Ice Cream Activities! . . . .
Ways to Use Ice Cream Cones in the Classroom!
Matching Ice Cream Cones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ice Cream Cone Puppet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Watermelon Booklet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Watermelon Slices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Watermelon Puppet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
4
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.40
.43
.44
.45
.46
.47
.48
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Pizza Awards . . . .
Banana Splits! . . .
My Pizza Recipe! .
Pizza Chef! . . . . .
Ice Cream Booklet
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.49
.50
.52
.53
.54
4TH OF JULY! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Independence Day! . . . . . . .
Patriotic Fun! . . . . . . . . . . .
4th of July Puppet! . . . . . .
My Liberty Book! . . . . . . . .
What Liberty Means to Me! .
4th of July Visor . . . . . . . .
Uncle Sam . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4th of July Finger Puppets! .
Freedom Name Plate . . . . .
Freedom Mobile . . . . . . . . .
My Freedom Fighter Report!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.56
.57
.58
.59
.60
.61
.62
.63
.63
.64
.66
THE WILD WEST! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Wild West Activities! . . . . . . . .
Walk, Cantor, Trot and Gallop!
Wanted Poster! . . . . . . . . . . .
Horse Character . . . . . . . . . .
Cowboy-Cowgirl Hat Pattern .
Sheriff Badge and Spurs . . . . .
Cowboy Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . .
Movable Horse . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wild West Booklet . . . . . . . . .
Reading Round-Up! . . . . . . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.68
.70
.72
.73
.74
.75
.76
.78
.79
.80
OUR SOLAR SYSTEM! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Exploring Our Solar System Activities!
Star Puzzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Space Fun! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Solar System Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
My Space Book! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Martian Mania! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Solar System Bingo! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Astronaut Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
My Planet Report! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Out of this World Award! . . . . . . . . . .
Space Name Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Astronaut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
5
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.82
.86
.87
.88
.91
.92
.92
.94
.96
.97
.97
.98
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
LET'S EAT NUTRICIOUSLY! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
Nutrition Activities!
Nutrition Pyramid . .
Food Cards . . . . . .
Important Nutrients!
Chef Costume . . . .
My Nutrition Book!
My Daily Diet! . . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.100
.102
.104
.107
.108
.109
.110
A NEW START! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
A New Start for Back to School! . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Student Pass, Award & Progress Report . . . . . . .
Congratulations Certificate and Homework Report
A Note to Parents! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Classroom News! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Classroom Signs! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Super Student Award! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
School Bus Booklet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Don't Miss the Bus! Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
School Bus Rules! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Name Mobiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.112
.114
.115
.116
.117
.118
.124
.125
.126
.128
.129
BULLETIN BOARDS AND MORE! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131
Bulletin Boards and More!
Shoe Pattern . . . . . . . . . .
Phone Pattern . . . . . . . . .
Hamburger Mobile! . . . . .
Student Puzzle Pieces! . . .
Welcome Bear Pattern . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.132
.136
.137
.138
.139
.140
ANSWER KEY! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
THEMATIC INDEX TO TEACHER'S FRIEND MONTHLY BOOKS! . . . . . . .143
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
6
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
g
n
i
k
a
M
t
s
o
m
e
h
t
!
t
i
f
o
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
7
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
WHAT IS IN
THIS BOOK:
You will find the following in each monthly idea book from
Teacher’s Friend Publications:
1. A calendar listing every day of the month with a classroom
idea and mention of special holidays and events.
2. At least four student awards to be sent home to parents.
3. Three or more bookmarks that can be used in your school
library or given to students by you as “Super Student Awards.”
4. Numerous bulletin board ideas and patterns pertaining to the
particular month and seasonal activity.
5. Easy-to-make craft ideas related to the monthly holidays and
special days.
6. Dozens of activities emphasizing not only the obvious holidays,
but also the often forgotten celebrations such as the first
landing on the moon and the introduction of the ice cream cone.
7. Creative writing pages, crossword puzzles, word finds, booklet
covers, games, paper bag puppets, literature lists and much
more!
8. Scores of classroom management techniques and methods
proven to motivate your students to improve behavior and
classroom work.
HOW TO USE
THIS BOOK:
Every page of this book may be duplicated for individual classroom use.
Some pages are meant to be copied or used as duplicating
masters. Other pages may be transferred onto construction
paper or used as they are.
If you have access to a print shop, you will find that many
pages work well when printed on index paper. This type of
paper takes crayons and felt markers well and is sturdy enough
to last. (Bookmarks work particularly well on index paper.)
Lastly, some pages are meant to be enlarged with an overhead
or opaque projector. When we say enlarge, we mean it! Think
BIG! Three, four or even five feet is great! Try using colored
butcher paper or poster board so you don’t spend all your time
coloring.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
8
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
MONTHLY
ORGANIZERS:
Staying organized month after month, year after year can be a
real challenge. Try this simple idea:
After using the loose pages from this book, file them in their
own file folder labeled with the month's name. This will also
provide a place to save pages from other reproducible books
along with craft ideas, recipes and articles you find in magazines and periodicals. (Essential Pocket Folders by Teacher's
Friend provide a perfect way to store your monthly ideas and
reproducibles. Each Monthly Essential Pocket Folder comes
with a sixteen-page booklet of essential patterns and organizational ideas. There are even special folders for Back to
School, The Substitute Teacher and Parent-Teacher
Conferences.)
You might also like to dedicate a file box for every month of
the school year. A covered box will provide room to store
large patterns, sample art projects, certificates and awards,
monthly stickers, monthly idea books and much more.
BULLETIN
BOARD
IDEAS:
Creating clever bulletin boards for your classroom need not take
fantastic amounts of time and money. With a little preparation
and know-how, you can have different boards each month with
very little effort. Try some of these ideas:
1. Background paper should be put up only once a year. Choose
colors that can go with many themes and holidays. The black
butcher paper background you used as a spooky display in
October will have a special dramatic effect in April with
student-made, paper-cut butterflies.
2. Butcher paper is not the only thing that can be used to cover
the back of your board. You might also try fabric from a
colorful bed sheet or gingham material. Just fold it up at the
end of the year to reuse again. Wallpaper is another great
background cover. Discontinued rolls can be purchased for a
small amount at discount hardware stores. Most can be wiped
clean and will not fade like construction paper. (Do not glue
wallpaper directly to the board; just staple or pin in place.)
3. Store your bulletin board pieces in large, flat envelopes made
from two large sheets of tagboard or cardboard. Simply
staple three sides together and slip the pieces inside. (Small
pieces can be stored in zip-lock, plastic bags.) Label your
large envelopes with the name of the bulletin board and the
month and year you displayed it. Take a picture of each bulletin board display. Staple the picture to your storage envelope. Next year when you want to create the same display,
you will know right where everything goes. Kids can even follow your directions when you give them a picture to look at.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
9
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
ADDING THE
COLOR:
Putting the color to finished items can be a real bother to teachers
in a rush. Try these ideas:
1. On small areas, watercolor markers work great. If your
area is rather large, switch to crayons or even colored chalk
or pastels.
(Don’t worry, lamination or a spray fixative will keep color on
the work and off of you. No laminator or fixative? That’s
okay, a little hair spray will do the trick.)
2. The quickest method of coloring large items is to start with
colored paper. (Poster board, butcher paper or large
construction paper work well.) Add a few dashes of a contrasting colored marker or crayon and you will have it made.
3. Try cutting character eyes, teeth, etc. from white typing paper
and gluing them in place. These features will really stand out
and make your bulletin boards come alive.
For special effects, add real buttons or lace. Metallic paper
looks great on stars and belt buckles, too.
LAMINATION:
If you have access to a roll laminator, then you already know how
fortunate you are. They are priceless when it comes to saving
time and money. Try these ideas:
1. You can laminate more than just classroom posters and
construction paper. Try various kinds of fabric, wallpaper and
gift wrapping. You’ll be surprised at the great combinations
you come up with.
Laminated classified ads can be used to cut headings for
current events bulletin boards. Colorful gingham fabric makes
terrific cut letters or bulletin board trim. You might even try
burlap! Bright foil gift wrapping paper will add a festive
feeling to any bulletin board.
(You can even make professional looking bookmarks with
laminated fabric or burlap. They are great holiday gift ideas
for Mom or Dad!)
2. Felt markers and laminated paper or fabric can work as a
team. Just make sure the markers you use are permanent
and not water-based. Oops, make a mistake! That’s okay.
Put a little ditto fluid on a tissue, rub across the mark and
presto, it’s gone! Also, dry transfer markers work great on
lamination and can easily be wiped off.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
10
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
LAMINATION:
(continued)
3. Laminating cut-out characters can be tricky. If you have
enlarged an illustration onto poster board, simply laminate first
and then cut it out with scissors or an art knife. (Just make
sure the laminator is hot enough to create a good seal.)
One problem may arise when you paste an illustration onto
poster board and laminate the finished product. If your pasteup is not 100% complete, your illustration and posterboard
may separate after laminating. To avoid this problem, paste
your illustration onto poster board that measures slightly
larger than the illustration. This way, the lamination will help
hold down your paste-up.
4. When pasting up your illustration, always try to use either
rubber cement, artist’s spray adhesive or a glue stick. White
glue, tape or paste does not laminate well because it can often
be seen under your artwork.
5. Have you ever laminated student-made place mats, crayon
shavings, tissue paper collages, or dried flowers? You’ll be
amazed at the variety of creative things that can be laminated
and used in the classroom or as take-home gifts.
PHOTOCOPIES AND
DITTO MASTERS:
Many of the pages in this book can be copied for use in the
classroom. Try some of these ideas for best results:
1. If the print from the back side of your original comes through
the front when making a photocopy or ditto master, slip a
sheet of black construction paper behind the sheet. This will
mask the unwanted shadows and create a much better copy.
2. Several potential masters in this book contain instructions for
the teacher. Simply cover the type with correction fluid or a
small slip of paper before duplicating.
3. When using a new ditto master, turn down the pressure on
the duplicating machine. As the copies become light,
increase the pressure. This will get longer wear out of both
the master and the machine.
4. Trying to squeeze one more run out of that worn ditto master
can be frustrating. Try lightly spraying the inked side of the
master with hair spray. For some reason, this helps the
master put out those few extra copies.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
11
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
LETTERING AND
HEADINGS:
Not every school has a letter machine that produces perfect 4”
letters. The rest of us will just have to use the old stencil-andscissor method. But wait, there is an easier way!
1. Don’t cut individual letters as they are difficult to pin up
straight, anyway. Instead, hand print bulletin board titles and
headings onto strips of colored paper. When it is time for the
board to come down, simply roll it up to use again next year.
If you buy your own pre-cut lettering, save yourself some time
and hassle by pasting the desired statements onto long strips
of colored paper. Laminate if possible. These can be rolled
up and stored the same way!
Use your imagination! Try cloud shapes and cartoon bubbles.
They will all look great.
2. Hand lettering is not that difficult, even if your printing is not
up to penmanship standards. Print block letters with a felt
marker. Draw big dots at the end of each letter. This will
hide any mistakes and add a charming touch to the overall
effect.
If you are still afraid to freehand it, try this nifty idea: Cut a
strip of poster board about 28” X 6”. Down the center of the
strip, cut a window with an art knife measuring 20” X 2”.
There you have it: a perfect stencil for any lettering job. All
you need to do is write capital letters with a felt marker within
the window slot. Don’t worry about uniformity. Just fill up
the entire window height with your letters. Move your
poster-board strip along as you go. The letters will always
remain straight and even because the poster board window is
straight.
3. If you must cut individual letters, use construction paper
squares measuring 4 1/2” X 6”. (Laminate first if you can.)
Cut the capital letters as shown. No need to measure;
irregular letters will look creative and not messy.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
12
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
r
a
d
n
e
l
a
C
July & August
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
13
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
J U LY
1ST
Today is CANADA DAY! The British established the Dominion of Canada on this day
in 1867. (Display the Canadian flag in your classroom in celebration.)
2ND
THURGOOD MARSHALL, the first black U.S. Supreme Court Justice, was born on
this day in 1908. It is also the anniversary of the CIVIL RIGHTS ACT of 1964.
(Discuss with your class the changes that have taken place in racial equality.)
3RD
The Seminole Indians celebrate their new corn crop today with a GREEN CORN
DANCE. (Ask your students to find out more about the celebration and where it takes
place.)
4TH
Today is DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY in the United States. (Celebrate
by attending a community parade or having a family picnic.)
5TH
P.T. BARNUM, American circus showman, was born on this day in 1810. (Ask your
students to discuss their favorite circus performers and acts.)
6TH
American naval hero JOHN PAUL JONES was born on this day in 1747. (Have
your students research this interesting hero of the American Revolution.)
7TH
SATCHEL PAIGE, famous baseball player, was born on this day in 1839. (Ask your
baseball fans to find out which position he played.)
8TH
American industrialist JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER was born on this day in 1839. (Ask
your students to find out what contributions he made toward the building of our
nation.)
9TH
ELIAS HOWE, inventor of the sewing machine, was born on this day in 1819. (Teach
your students to use a sewing machine this summer. A simple craft, such as a pot
holder, will be a great gift for Mom this holiday season.)
10TH
American artist JAMES McNEILL WHISTLER was born on this day in 1834. (Ask
your students to find a picture of his most well-known painting.)
11TH
American children's author E.B. WHITE was born on this day in 1899. (This is a
good time to begin reading his most famous book, Charlotte's Web, to your class.)
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
14
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
12TH
GEORGE EASTMAN, inventor of the camera and founder of the Eastman Kodak
Company, was born on this day in 1854. (Ask your students to each bring in a photo
of themselves to display on a class bulletin board.)
13TH
The first trans-Atlantic telephone conversation via TELSTAR was completed on this
day in 1962. (Students might be interested in knowing how satellite communications
work in both television and telephone.)
14TH
Today is BASTILLE DAY! This celebration honors the victory of the people during the
French Revolution in 1789. (Ask students to find the city of Paris on the class map.)
15TH
REMBRANDT VAN RIJN, famous old master Dutch artist, was born on this day in
1606. (Bring some prints of Rembrandt's beautiful paintings into your classroom.)
16TH
APOLLO 11 was launched on this day in 1969, with astronauts Collins, Armstrong
and Aldrin. (Ask your students to locate Cape Canaveral, FL, on your classroom map.)
17TH
APOLLO 18 and the U.S.S.R. craft SOYUZ 19 linked up in space in a dramatic
gesture of goodwill in 1975. (Ask your students what other ways nations could
promote peace and goodwill.)
18TH
JOHN GLENN JR., American astronaut and politician, was born on this day in 1921.
(Ask students to find out the particulars of his historic flight.)
19TH
The first WOMEN'S RIGHTS CONVENTION was held on this day in Seneca Falls,
New York in 1848. (Ask students to list some rights that women now have that they
did not have then.)
20TH
The first LANDING ON THE MOON by American astronauts Neil Armstrong and
Buzz Aldrin was accomplished on this day in 1969. (Ask your students to find out
what Armstrong said when he first set foot on the moon's surface.)
21ST
British explorer MUNGO PARK began his voyage down the Niger River in Africa
on this day in 1796. (Ask your students to trace his route on the class map.)
22ND
EMMA LAZARUS, American poet who wrote the poem engraved on the Statue of
Liberty, was born on this day in 1849. (Read her famous poem to your students.)
23RD
The ICE CREAM CONE was introduced at the World's Fair in St. Louis by Italo
Marchioni in 1903. (Treat your students to an ice cream treat on this summer day.)
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
15
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
24TH
Today is MORMON PIONEER DAY, celebrating the founding of their settlement in Salt
Lake City, Utah, in 1847. (Have students locate the Great Salt Lake on the classroom
map.)
25TH
Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first U. S. president to visit the islands of HAWAII in
1934. (Discuss the customs and dress of the people in Hawaii and hold a class luau.)
26TH
NEW YORK STATE was the eleventh state to ratify the constitution and become a
state, on this day in 1788. (Ask your students to name the other twelve states that
made up the original thirteen.)
27TH
U.S. figure skater PEGGY FLEMING was born on this day in 1948. (Ask your students
to find out which year she won her Olympic gold medal.)
28TH
British children's author BEATRIX POTTER was born on this day in 1866. (Read one
of her charming stories to your class during quiet time.)
29TH
CHARLES, PRINCE OF WALES and LADY DIANA SPENCER were married in St. Paul's
Cathedral in London on this day in 1981. (See if your students know the identities of
these two people and ask them to locate London on the classroom map.)
30TH
HENRY FORD, American automobile manufacturer, was born on this day in 1863. (Ask
your students to design a futuristic car.)
31ST
THOMAS EDISON received a U.S. patent for his phonograph on this day in 1877.
(Ask students about later advances in this invention and how technology may
change it in the future.)
DON'T FORGET:
JULY IS NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
16
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
July
July Calendar Header
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
17
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
AUGUST
1ST
2
ND
FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, American author of the "Star Spangled Banner," was born on
this day in 1779. (Start your class with the singing of the national anthem.)
The first LINCOLN PENNY was introduced on this day in 1909. (Start a class
collection of pennies and have students take turns rolling them into 50¢ rolls. When
enough are collected, hold a class field trip.)
3
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS set sail from Spain on his first voyage to the New World
on this day in 1492. (Ask your students to trace his route on the the classroom map.)
4
The DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAN was adopted in France on this day in
1789. (Ask your students what rights should be included in such a document.)
RD
TH
5
NEIL ALDEN ARMSTRONG, the first man to set foot on the moon, was born on this
day in 1930. (Ask your students if they would ever like to travel to the moon or
Mars.)
6
The first atomic bomb was dropped by the United States on HIROSHIMA, Japan on
this day in 1945. (Ask your students to discuss their feelings about nuclear weapons
and how we might eliminate them from the world.)
TH
TH
7
The nuclear-powered submarine NAUTILUS completed a historic voyage on this day
in 1958. (Ask your students what was so unusual about this fantastic voyage.)
8
Today is INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER DAY! (Hold a class discussion about what
constitutes good character and morals.)
TH
TH
9
TH
10
TH
The AUSTRALIAN GOLD RUSH began when a large gold nugget was discovered in
New South Wales on this day in 1851. (Ask your students to find out more about
both the California and Australian Gold Rush.)
President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, creating the
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE on this day in 1949. (Ask your students to find out
more about the duties of the Defense Department.)
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
18
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
11TH
Today marks the "NIGHT OF THE SHOOTING STARS!" (Encourage your students to
observe the night sky and count the number of falling stars (meteors) they see.)
12TH
KATHERINE LEE BATES, author of the poem "America the Beautiful," was born on
this day in 1859. (Ask your students to write their own poem about America.)
13TH
Construction of the BERLIN WALL began on this day in 1961. (Explain to your
students how this wall divided Germany and the city of Berlin. Ask them to find out
when and why the wall was torn down!)
14TH
Today is VICTORY DAY! This day celebrates the ending of World War II with the
surrender of the Japanese in 1945. (Ask your students what other days might be
considered "Victory Day!")
15TH
The PANAMA CANAL was opened on this day in 1914. (Locate the canal on the class
map and discuss how it has benefitted world trade and travel.)
16TH
GAS STREET LIGHTS were introduced for the first time in London on this day in
1807. (Hold a class discussion about what life must have been like in the early
1800s.)
17TH
American frontiersman DAVY CROCKETT was born on this day in 1786. (Arrange
for a showing of one of Disney's "Davy Crockett" films in celebration.)
18TH
VIRGINIA DARE, the first English child born in colonial America, was born on this day
in 1587. (Ask students to find out more about the first group of colonists that came to
America.)
19TH
Today is NATIONAL AVIATION DAY and birthdate of ORVILLE WRIGHT, in 1871.
(You might want to invite a pilot to your class to talk about his/her love of flying.)
20TH
REINHOLD MESSNER, of Italy, was the first successful solo climber of MT. EVEREST,
in 1980. (Ask your students to find out the altitude of the world's highest mountain.)
21ST
HAWAII became the 50th U.S. state on this day in 1959. (Serve your class a treat of
fresh pineapple in celebration.)
22ND
The INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS was established in Geneva, Switzerland on this
day in 1864. (Students might like to contribute, as a class, to this worthwhile
organization.)
23RD
American dancer and choreographer GENE KELLY was born on this day in 1912.
(Encourage your budding dancers to demonstrate their talents to the class.)
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
19
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
24TH
On this day in 79 A.D., MT. VESUVIUS erupted in southern Italy. (Older students might
like to mark existing volcanos on the classroom map.)
25TH
LEONARD BERNSTEIN, American composer and conductor, was born on this day in
1918. (Students might like to listen to his music from "West Side Story" and relate it to
teenagers today.)
26TH
The 19th AMENDMENT to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on this day in 1920.
(Have your students find out what this amendment gave us.)
27TH
Humanitarian MOTHER TERESA was born on this day in 1910. She won a Nobel
Peace Prize, in 1979, for her work with the poor in India. (Ask your students to locate
India on the classroom map.)
28TH
Today marks the anniversary of the MARCH ON WASHINGTON in 1963. (Find a copy
of Martin Luther King's speech "I Have a Dream" and read it to the class.)
29TH
U.S. Senator STROM THURMOND set a filibuster record of speaking for 24 hours, 27
minutes on this day in 1957. (Ask your students to find out what he talked about.)
30TH
The Space Shuttle DISCOVERY made its maiden flight on this day in 1984. (Ask students to find out about the Space Shuttle and how this type of space flight is different
from the Apollo flights.
31ST
MARIA MONTESSOR, the developer of the Montessori method of education, was born
on this day in 1870. (Celebrate by simply having a great back to school!)
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
20
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
August
August Calendar Header
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
21
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
July & August
Calendar
Symbols
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
22
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
23
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Saturday
Friday
Thursday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Monday
Sunday
July
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
24
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Saturday
Friday
Thursday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Monday
Sunday
August
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
25
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Mini Calendar Symbols
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
26
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
r
e
m
m
Su
!
s
e
i
t
i
v
i
t
Ac
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
27
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Summer Activities!
I'M GOING ON A PICNIC...
Have your students go on an imaginary picnic with this memorization game.
A FIELD OF SUNFLOWERS
Give each student a small, yellow
paper plate. Cut numerous flower
petals from yellow and or gold construction paper and have the students glue the petals to the outer
edge of the paper plate. When dry,
give each child a handful of sunflower seeds and instruct them to
glue the seeds to the center of the
flower. Attach a long green paper
stem and leaves to each child's sunflower and post them on the class
board for a fantastic summer display.
Have students sit in a circle
on the floor. One student
starts by saying, "I'm going
on a picnic, and I'm taking
apple pie and baked beans!"
The third student then says,
"I'm going on a picnic, and I'm
taking apple pie, baked beans,
and cupcakes!" The game continues around the circle with
each student using the order of
the alphabet for their answer
and at the same time remembering what the other students
have added. Any student that
misses loses his or her place in
the circle and sits out the rest
of the game.
QUICKIE SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Insect Spy - Find an insect in your
backyard such as a honeybee, ant or
a spider. Observe it closely. Does the
bee collect nectar? Are the ants
taking food back to the colony? Is
the spider spinning a web or waiting
for its next meal? Write about what
you see.
SUN PRINTS
Everyone has noticed how construction paper fades when left
on a bulletin board a little too
long. Use this effect of the
sun in your next art lesson.
Picnic Lunch - Pack a picnic lunch
and invite a friend over to have lunch
under a tree in a park or your own
backyard.
Sky Observer - Ask your parents to
take you someplace where the night
sky can be observed. A country road
or hilltop that has no artificial light
offers the best views. Look for and
identify the various planets, constellations and occasional shooting star!
Give each student a dark sheet of
construction paper. (Purple, blue
or brown work best.) Ask the children
to cut shapes from paper or arrange
other flat objects on the paper with
small pieces of tape or Post-It glue
sticks. Tape the sheets, face out, to a
sunny window. In a day or two, take
the collages down and have students
carefully remove the items. The construction paper under the shapes will
remain dark while the rest of the
paper will be faded.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Road Trip - If your family is planning
a trip, locate the intended route on a
highway map. Note the various towns
and points of interest you will pass or
have the opportunity to visit.
Calculate the time it will take to
make the trip. (If you can't take an
actual trip, plan an imaginary one!)
28
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Summer Jobs for Kids!
Kids love to earn their own money! Children learn the values of being
resourceful and responsible. They also learn the benefits of saving money and
planning ahead for spending it.
Discuss with your students ways they can earn their own money during the
summer. You might encourage them to think of ways they can help or be of
assistance to family members and/or neighbors. Here are a few ideas to get
them started:
• Wash cars
• Water plants
• Tutor a younger child
• Mow lawns
• Pull weeds
in reading or math
• Walk or feed dogs
• Sweep porches
• Collect and cash in
• Run errands
• Plant flowers
recycled items
Have children select a "job" they would like to pursue. Instruct them to list the
necessary plans and materials they would need to begin doing the "job." They
should also calculate prices they will charge and the estimated time it will take
to accomplish.
My Summer Job!
Name
Type of job:
Needed Materials:
Needed Tools:
Amount I will charge:
Time it will take:
Describe in detail your summer job.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
29
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Stay Cool!
Visit
the
Library!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Dreams
come
true
when
you
READ!
30
discover
liberty
in the
library!
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
You
are my
sunshine!
Student's Name
was
SUPER
today!
Wa y
to
Go!
Student's Name
Did a great job today!
Date
Teacher
Teacher
Date
Student's Name
Did a
" Yu m m y " was
a
Job!
Name
real
winner
today!
Teacher
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Teacher
Date
31
Date
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Pencil Toppers
Reproduce these
"Pencil Toppers"
onto index or construction paper. Color
and cut out. Use an
art knife to cut
through the
Xs.
Slide a
pencil
through both
Xs, as shown.
Use as classroom,
holiday or birthday treats.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
32
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
My Summer
Book!
Name
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
33
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Sunglasses!
Children will love making and wearing these fun sunglasses!
Cut the patterns from heavy paper. Carefully cut out the
lenses. Cut circles of colored cellophane and paste them to
the backs of the glasses. Attach the bows to the frame by
fitting them into the designated slots.
Decorate the sunglass frames with feathers, glitter or
sequins.
Cut
Cut
out
Cut
out
Cut
Cut
bows
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
34
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Giant Summer
Glasses!
Have each student cut this giant glasses pattern
from folded construction paper.
Instruct the students to write about a summer adventure
in one lens and draw a picture of the activity in the other.
Display the glasses on the class
board to motivate the children into
pursuing a summer hobby or taking
swimming or music lessons.
Title the display, "Looking Forward to a
Great Summer!"
FOLD
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
35
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
My Summer Journal!
Date:
What happened:
My feelings!:
Date:
What happened:
My feelings!:
Date:
What happened:
My feelings!:
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
36
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Attach the patterns to a
small paper lunch bag.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Sunshine
Puppet!
37
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
You Are My Sunshine!
Award students yellow paper sun rays that they can paste to their
own "You Are My Sunshine!" sun pattern.
Te
ac
he
r
Da
te
Students collect all eight rays and then
display the suns on the class board!
Yo u
Are My
Sunshine!
Name
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
38
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
,
n
o
l
e
m
r
e
t
a
W
&
a
z
z
i
P
Ice
!
m
a
e
r
C
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
39
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Wa t e rm e l o n , P i z z a
and Ice Cream Activities!
If you ask children to list their favorite foods more than likely they will mention
watermelon, pizza or ice cream! Here are a few motivational activities that use
these fun foods to help reinforce language arts, mathematics and other areas of
your own curriculum.
ICE CREAM VOCABULARY
Ask your students to brainstorm all
of the words they would use to
describe their favorite flavor and texture of ice cream. Children can write
poems or short stories using the
descriptive words.
WATERMELON IDEAS
Try one of these refreshing ideas next
time your students need a break from
routine classwork.
• Ask students to discover how watermelons are grown and where they
originated. Some students may like to
find out how large they can grow.
As a creative twist, ask students to
write a descriptive account of someone eating an ice cream cone. Tell
them that they cannot use the following words: ice cream, cone,
lick, cold and delicious.
• Pass out pieces of watermelon
for the students to enjoy. Ask
them to save the seeds. Dry
them overnight and plant them
the next day. In a couple of
weeks you should find small
watermelon plants coming up.
FAVORITE FLAVORS
The International Ice Cream
Association list the most
popular flavors in this
order: vanilla, chocolate,
butter pecan, strawberry,
Neapolitan, chocolate
chip and French vanilla.
List these flavors on the class board
and ask your students to vote for
their favorite flavor. Does your class
rank the flavors in the same order?
• Cut several slices of watermelon
from red and green construction
paper. Write a number or simple math
problem on each slice. Save real
watermelon seeds from a class picnic
and have students glue the appropriate
number of seeds to the watermelon
slices.
• Make watermelon ice. Cut chunks of
watermelon, minus the rind and seeds,
and use a blender to puree. Pour into
individual cups and chill in the freezer
until icy. Eat on a hot summer day.
Children may wish to write to the
International Ice Cream Association
for more information. Their address
is
888 Sixteenth Street N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20006.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
• Write the word W-A-T-E-R-M-E-L-O-N
vertically on the class board. Ask children to use each individual letter to
start a sentence on why they like summer or picnics.
40
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Wa t e r m e l o n , P i z z a
and Ice Cream Activities!
ICE CREAM FACTS
Ask students to research the many
ways ice cream has made history!
Suggest they find out the following:
• Who was the first to invent ice
cream?
• How did the early settlers make ice
cream?
• Who was the first to serve ice
cream in the White House?
• Who was the first to manufacture
ice cream?
• How was the first ice cream soda
invented?
* How did the ice cream "sundae" get
its name?
• When and where was the first ice
cream cone invented?
• How much ice cream is produced in the United States
each year?
PIZZA PUZZLES
Use the pizza slice pattern in this
chapter to create a clever matching
activity or fascinating learning puzzle.
Eight pizza slices, arranged in a circle,
make a complete pizza pie. Copy and
cut the pizza slices from brown or red
construction paper. On the slices
write vocabulary words, contractions, synonyms, math problems, ordinal numbers, etc.
Keep the pizza slices in a clean
pizza box. Students can take
the boxes to their desks
and independently
arrange the pizza
slices in the correct
order or groups.
MELON MANIA
Bring a variety of different melons
into the classroom for your students
to sample. Make sure you include
watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew
and casaba melon.
You can easily teach
fractions of halves, quarters
and eighths by using the same pizza
slices.
Ask your students to describe the
tastes and textures of each one.
You may also want to have your students sample pickled watermelon rind
and ask them to explain its characteristics.
WATERMELON POEMS
Cut a large, red and green slice of
watermelon from construction paper
for each child in class. You may want
to make them on a fold, creating
watermelon booklets. Children can
write "mouth-watering" poems or summarize short stories on the melons.
Display them on the class board as a
refreshing summer display.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
CREATIVE PIZZA WRITINGS
Ask your students to brainstorm as
many pizza toppings as possible.
Write their responses on the board
and ask them to use the toppings in a
creative poem or short story.
41
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Wa t e r m e l o n , P i z z a
and Ice Cream Activities!
TOASTER OVEN PIZZAS
Let students have the fun of making
their own mini pizzas using a toaster
oven and these simple ingredients.
YUMMY FIELD TRIPS
Take your students on a fun field trip
to the local ice cream shop or pizza
parlor. Contact the parents and shop
owners several weeks in advance.
They will probably insist that the visit
take place before the shop opens in
the morning hours. Encourage the
owner's participation in the learning
process of the visit. They may suggest
that groups of students make their
own pizza or sundaes. Suggest that
the shop owners give the children
coupons that can be taken home to
parents to promote their particular
business.
Instruct students to wash their hands
and then give each student one
canned refrigerator biscuit. Tell them
to flatten out the biscuit like a small
pancake and place it onto a square
piece of tin foil. Each student can
then spread a spoonful of ready-made
pizza sauce on their pizza followed by
grated cheese and assorted toppings.
Bake each pizza six to eight minutes
at 400 degrees.
HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
Ice cream will taste that much sweeter when your students have helped
make it using a hand-crank ice cream
freezer. Here is a simple recipe:
1 can condensed (sweetened)
milk
1 qt. whole milk
12 oz. frozen whipped topping
4 cups mashed bananas,
strawberries or peaches
Pack the freezer with crushed ice and
freezer salt. Have students take turns
turning until the mixture thickens.
Serve in small paper cups with plastic
spoons. Enjoy!
WATERMELON FRACTIONS
Create a visual watermelon display to
help explain fractions to your
students.
Cut several large green circles from
construction paper and the same
number of red circles, only slightly
smaller. Glue the red circles to the
centers of the green circles to create
melon rounds.
Cut the melon rounds into the desired
fractions, such as; halves, quarters,
thirds, etc. Children can help make
the pieces look more like watermelon
slices by gluing on real watermelon
seeds or drawing them on with a
black felt marker.
As a special treat, let your students
cut their own real watermelon rounds
into specified fractions. Eating the
melons can be the prize for a job well
done.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
42
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Wa y s t o U s e I c e C re a m
Cones in the Classroom!
• CLASS MONITORS Write jobs on paper cones and students'
names on paper ice cream scoops. Pin the cones to the class
board with the title, "We've Got the Scoop on Classroom Jobs!"
Students can help move the individual student ice cream scoops
from cone to cone.
• BOOK REPORTS Give each student one paper cone and
three paper ice cream scoops when they finish reading their next
library book. Have them write the title of the book and the
author's name on the first scoop, a list of characters on the second scoop and a summary of the story on the third scoop.
Students can write their own names on the cones and pin the
completed "book report-ice cream cones" on the class board.
• READING GROUPS Label paper cones with your specific
reading group names on the class board. Write the name of every
student on paper ice cream scoops. Stack the scoops on the
appropriate cone to show which student is in which reading
group.
• CLASS RULES Display a large paper cone on the class board
labeled with your name and room number. Write specific rules
you wish your students to follow on paper ice cream scoops.
Stack the scoops on the cone for a fun reminder of your expectations.
• STUDENT AWARDS Give each student his or her own paper
cone and tell them to pin it to the class board. Students earn ice
cream scoops cut from colored paper as they accomplish goals or
improve behavior. Children will love seeing who can stack the
most ice cream scoops.
• MULTIPLICATION RECOGNITION Give each student a
paper ice cream cone that is displayed on the class board. As
each student demonstrates his or her knowledge of a multiplication table, offer a paper ice cream scoop labeled with the number
of the table demonstrated. Kids will grow in pride and motivation
as the ice cream cones grow in height.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
43
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
FO
LD
Matching
Ice Cream
Cones
Make several cones and ice cream patterns from colored construction paper.
Cut the cone pattern from folded paper
and staple together, leaving the top
open. Add your own matching problems and have your students
match the appropriate ice cram
scoop to the correct cone.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
44
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Ice
Cream
Cone
Puppet
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Cut out and
paste these patterns to a small
lunch bag to
make a cute
puppet.
45
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Watermelon
Booklet
Add your own
watermelon seeds.
me
Na
seed
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
46
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Watermelon Slices
Use this watermelon
slice pattern in a variety
of activities.
• Make watermelon name tags for the year-end class picnic.
• Make a variety of matching games. Questions on one
half, answers on the other.
• Cut the top off of a small milk carton and glue a
watermelon half to each side. Fill the box with
crayons, paper clips, loose change or a collection
of shells or marbles.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
47
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Paste the
pattern pieces
to a small paper
lunch bag to make
a cute puppet.
Watermelon
Puppet
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
48
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Pizza Awards!
The next time you wish to award
your students with an extra
special treat, give them a
piece of pizza!
me
a
N
As each
student
receives their piece of
pizza, display them
on the class bulletin
board, as illustrated. You might want
each student to collect
six pieces of pizza.
mushroom
Students can decorate the
pizza pieces with paper mushrooms, olives and pepperoni.
Throw a real pizza party for your class when all students
have earned their pizza award!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
49
olive
pepperoni
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Banana Splits!
Have students build banana splits as they
accomplish goals or improve behavior.
Give each student a dish pattern and
instruct them to paste it to a sheet of
construction paper.
Award the banana split patterns to
students who accomplish goals.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
50
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
whipped cream
dish
cherry
hot fudge
Name
When everyone
in class has
earned all of
the ingredients
for a banana
split, provide
the real thing
for your students to enjoy.
banana
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
51
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
My Pizza Recipe!
Student's Name
My favorite type of pizza is:
Here's how to make it!
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Bake the pizza at
degrees for
minutes.
My comments:
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
52
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Pizza
Chef!
Have students write
creative pizza recipes
or imaginary menus.
Mount each paper on
construction paper
and display this "Pizza
Chef" around the
page!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
53
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Name
Ice
Cream
Booklet
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
54
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
h
t
4
of
!
y
l
Ju
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
55
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Independence Day!
The most important patriotic holiday to all United
States citizens is Independence Day, or the
Fourth of July. Independence Day celebrates the historical signing of the
Declaration of Independence by the
Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. With
this act, the thirteen colonies formed a new
nation, the United States of America.
Celebrations continued for several days. The
people of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania cheered as
citizens spread the news that the Declaration of Independence had been
signed. The Liberty Bell was rung at Independence Hall and a statue of King
George III was taken down and destroyed. That night people lit bonfires and
danced in the streets in celebration.
Today, the Fourth of July is celebrated with family picnics, parades, fireworks
and political speeches. It is a happy, joyous time but also one in which we
should all remember the sacrifices our forefathers made in order to give us this
great nation.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The Declaration of Independence is a document that declares the rights of a
new nation. It explains the feelings of the colonists and lists the wrongs they
suffered under British rule. It also states that the people of the United States
will fight their own wars, make their own peace and carry on their own trade.
With the signing of this document, the United States became an independent,
free nation.
The first person to sign the Declaration was John Hancock, president of the
continental Congress. Thomas Jefferson, with the help of Benjamin Franklin
and John Adams, wrote the document. Fifty-six men signed the declaration. In
signing, each man pledged to his new country "our lives, our fortunes, and our
sacred honor."
You might like to read a few sentences of the Declaration of Independence to
your students.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that
they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among
these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights,
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
56
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
1
Patriotic Fun!
2
3
ACTIVITY 1
FIND THESE PATRIOTIC WORDS:
5
4
10
12
8
26
9
6
11
14
13
7
15
INDEPENDENCE
DECLARATION
LIBERTY
JUSTICE
PATRIOTISM
STARS
STRIPES
UNCLE SAM
X C
D F
F Y
WO
P A
S D
F B
D C
F B
C V
U N
H S
O G
N F
O V
R C
Q R
Z E
16
25
17
24
23
22
F
L
A
G
T
F
V
V
V
B
C
D
D
V
B
V
I
Q
T
D
R
F
R
R
C
F
C
F
L
R
E
G
G
B
N
U
R
T
G
G
I
T
X
G
X
G
E
R
C
B
F
H
D
A
E
Y
T
T
O
G
L
O
R
Y
S
E
L
H
B
G
E
L
V
G
Y
Y
T
G
T
G
F
D
A
G
A
N
A
N
P
I
F
H
J
H
I
D
Y
T
A
R
M
V
R
J
Z
M
E
T
RIGHTS
EQUALITY
HONOR
FREEDOM
AMERICA
GLORY
FLAG
R
J
U
J
S
E
U
H
M
E
D
B
A
M
J
J
N
Y
E
U
S
U
M
D
I
D
E
F
R
N
T
K
H
K
D
M
E
S
T
I
S
S
L
E
R
G
F
M
I
L
R
L
E
X
D
E
I
K
W
E
I
S
I
T
G
J
O
O
I
O
N
P
O
T
C
L
Q
W
B
E
C
H
T
H
N
I
G
I
C
O
M
E
E
O
E
D
E
S
A
Y
Y
K
D
K
H
K
E
L
D F T
O U L
D E W
P H J
R T Y
SWT
R T Y
A E T
D R E
U J K
H J U
I U J
F R T
J MN
T S G
M J N
P L M
T R F
Y
K
R
S
T
A
R
S
T
R
I
P
E
S
L
H
T
E
18
WRITE A PARAGRAPH ABOUT FREEDOM USING AT
LEAST FIVE WORDS IN THE PUZZLE ABOVE.
19
20
ACTIVITY 2
WHO'S HIDING IN THESE NUMBERS?
21
___ ___ ___
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
___ ___
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
57
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
4th of July
Puppet!
Paste these eagle
patterns onto a
small paper
lunch bag to
make a 4th of
July puppet.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
58
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
FOLD
My
Liberty
Book!
Name
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
59
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
What
Liberty
Means to
Me!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
60
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
61
July!
of
4th
Punch holes at both ends and attach string elastic or mailing
string. (With elastic, the students can easily remove the visors
without retying.)
Copy this "4th of July" visor onto sturdy index or construction
paper. Children can do the coloring.
4th of July
Visor
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Uncle
Sam
Use these "Uncle
Sam" patterns to
display patriotic
papers.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
62
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
4th of July Finger Puppets!
Cut
Out
Cut
Out
Cut
Out
Cut
Out
F reedom Name Plate!
Happy 4th of July!
Name
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
63
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Freedom Mobile
¢
Cut these patterns from heavy
paper and hang with string or
fishing line.
¢
¢
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
64
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
e
h
t
.
.
e
.
e
l
W
Peop
¢
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
65
¢
¢
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
My Freedom
Fighter Report!
Student's Name
Freedom Fighter's Name:
Birthdate:
Birthplace:
Here is how this person helped promote freedom:
People who benefited from this person's actions:
This person's most important contribution:
My thoughts:
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
66
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
e
h
T
d
l
i
W
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
!
t
s
e
W
67
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
W i l d We s t A c t i v i t i e s !
Bring the fun and excitement of the "Wild West" with these creative activities!
THE LIFE OF A COWBOY
Ask your students to research what a
day in the life of a cowboy would have
been like.
COWBOY STORIES
Ask your students to write a creative
story about the old West. You may want
to list the following words on the class
chalkboard and ask them to pick several
of the words to use in their story.
bandit
boots
camp fire
cattle
chaps
corral
cowpoke
deputy
dude
holdup
Indians
longhorns
posse
range
rope
rustler
saloon
six-shooter
stagecoach
wagon train
wrangler
Start out by sending them to the library
to research the early years of the cattle
business. They may write about the
"cattle drives," "round-ups," and
"harvest." On the classroom map
have them show the four main
cattle trails: the Sadalia
Trail, Chisholm Trail,
Goodnight-Loving Trail
and the Western Trail.
bedroll
bunkhouse
canyon
cattle drive
chuck wagon
cowboy
coyotes
desert
herd
horses
lasso
outlaw
ranch
rodeo
round-up
saddle
sheriff
stampede
trail
wolves
vittles
Some students may
want to record what a
cowboy wore and ate on
the trail. Other students may
want to explain the procedures for
branding calves. You may want to assign
one student to report on the effect of
the sheep industry on the cattle
business.
As the project comes to a close,
hold a real cowboy barbecue in
the classroom. A serving of chili
and beans and a small slice of
cornbread will inspire in any
student a feeling of the Old
West!
RODEO TIME
Dedicate one of those hum-drum
days of summer to "Class
Rodeo Day!"
Tell your students a few
days in advance that they
may dress like cowboys or
cowgirls on this special day. Arrange
some of these fun activities:
WANTED
POSTERS
Give each student their
own wanted poster to complete. Ask them to draw a picture of
themselves in the space provided or
paste in a school photo. Display the
posters on the class bulletin board as a
way for students to learn more about
their fellow classmates.
"Sharp Shooter Spelling Bee"
"Jump Roping Contest"
"Bronco Relay Race"
"Lariat Ring Toss"
Award star-shaped "Sheriff Badges" to all
the participants!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
68
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
W i l d We s t A c t i v i t i e s !
FAMOUS HORSES
Students might like reading about horses
in the school library. Several books will
give them information about famous
horses as well as general knowledge
about riding and care. Some horses are
famous because they belonged to U.S.
Presidents, others won national races
and still others belonged to television
characters. Ask your students to research
a famous horse and give an oral report
to their classmates. Here are a few suggestions:
FAMOUS CHARACTERS
The Old West offered a variety of notorious
characters who played a big role in the
romance of the age. Your students
might find it fun to discover the
truth about these legendary "real"
people. Here are a few names they
might like to research:
The Outlaws
Billy the Kid
Calamity Jane
Butch Cassidy
Kid Curry
Bob, Emmett and Grafton
Dalton
Pearl Hart
Tom Horn
Frank and Jesse James
Belle Starr
Trigger
Seabiscuit
Fury Mister Ed
Silver
Man 'O War
Buttermilk
Black Beauty
Flicka
Secretariat
The Law
Ira Aten
Wyatt Earp
Wild Bill Hickok
Bat Masterson
Zeke Miller
John Slaughter
Tom Smith
Heck Thomas
A VISIT BY A HORSE
In most areas, it is possible to arrange
for someone in the community to bring a
horse to your school for a visit. Even in
large cities, you may be able to arrange
for a policeman on horseback or carriage
driver to visit your classroom.
The Showmen/women
William F. Cody
Annie Oakley
Nat Love
Ask your students to prepare a variety of
questions before the visit. Here are a few
suggestions:
Height and weight of the horse?
Name and age?
How it is groomed?
Where does it sleep at night?
Is ite a work horse?
Does it wear horseshoes?
What equipment is needed to ride?
What training is needed to ride?
What does it eat?
HORSE VOCABULARY
List several of these words or
phrases on the class board and ask
students to use them in a "horsy"
writing assignment.
Riding Tall In the Saddle
Hold Your Horses
From the Horse's Mouth
Horse Of a Different Color
Horse Around
Horse and Buggy
Horseback
Horsepower
Horsefly
Horseshoes
Horsehair
Horsewhip
Horselaugh
Horse Sense
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Even if a real horse is unavailable, you
might ask someone who owns a horse to
bring pictures and a saddle to show the
children.
69
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Walk, Cantor,
Trot and
Gallop!
Copy these four different
horseshoe awards each
labeled with the four
gaits. When a student
completes the first part of
a goal, he or she is given
a “walking” award.
Name
Walk
Award!
The four gaits of a horse
are walk, cantor, trot and
gallop. Use these terms
in your next activity to
motivate your students
in accomplishing
assigned goals.
Awarded to:
Teacher
Date
Awarded to:
Cantor
Award!
Name
After completion of the second stage, the student wins
a "Cantor," and so on. Upon
completing the goal, the
student is declared to be at
full speed and is given the
"gallop" award.
Students that collect all four
horseshoes can display
them on the class board
under the tile "These
Students Have Horse
Sense!"
Teacher
Date
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
70
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Awarded to:
Name
Trot
Award!
When all of the students
have accomplished their
goals, hold a class party.
Since horses love oats,
oatmeal and brown sugar
would make a perfect
treat!
Teacher
Date
Awarded to:
Gallop
Award!
Name
Teacher
Date
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
71
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
WANTED
$1,000,000 REWARD!
Name:
Alias:
Picture
Date Last Seen:
Last Known Address:
Last Seen Wearing:
Age:
Birthdate:
Birthplace:
Eye Color:
Hair Color:
Known to Hang Out With:
Hobbies:
Favorite Subjects:
Accused of:
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
72
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Horse
Character
Enlarge this humorous horse and
display it around the edge of your
next bulletin board. Entitle the
board, "These Students Don't
Horse Around!"
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
73
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Cowboy-Cowgirl
Hat Pattern
Cut this pattern from
colored paper and attach
it to a paper head band.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
74
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Sheriff Badge
and Spurs
Have your students bring hats, kerchiefs, boots, etc. to
school for a special "Cowboy Dress-Up Day!" They can
enhance their costumes with these simple patterns.
SHERIFF
The badge can be cut from yellow paper and pinned to a shirt
or vest. Cut two spur patterns
from folded construction
paper. Staple one
together at the spur and
carefully slip it over the
top of your boot or
shoe.
FOLD
Name
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
75
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Cowboy Wheel
Copy this cowboy Wheel" onto heavy
index paper. Color, cut out and
assemble with brass fasteners. Add
your own problems and answers. Move
the horse's tail to reveal the answer.
Cut
Out
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Cut
Out
76
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Tail
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
77
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Movable Horse
Cut this horse pattern
from construction paper
and assemble using brass
fasteners.
Tail
Body
Back
Legs
Front
Legs
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
78
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Wild
West
Booklet
The
Wild
We s t !
Name
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
79
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Reading
Round-Up!
Book Title:
Author:
Main Characters:
The Main Story:
I liked the book...
■
■
yes
no
Why?
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
80
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
r
u
O r
a
l
o
S m!
e
t
s
y
S
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
81
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Exploring Our Solar System!
Try some of these activities to reinforce a space unit in your classroom.
SOLAR INFORMATION
The sun and all the planets, with their satellites, make up our solar system. The
word "solar" comes from the Latin word "sol," meaning sun.
Nine planets make up our solar system. The earth is one of these planets. Six of
the planets have moons. The earth has only one moon but the largest planet,
Jupiter, has as many as sixteen. Besides the nine planets and moons, there are
numerous asteroids, meteors and comets.
FACTS ABOUT THE PLANETS
Planet Name
MERCURY
VENUS
EARTH
MARS
JUPITER
SATURN
URANUS
NEPTUNE
PLUTO
Distance (in miles)
from Sun
36,300,000
67,000,000
93,000,000
141,400,000
484,000,000
887,000,000
1,784,000,000
2,796,000,000
3,668,000,000
UNIVERSAL VOCABULARY
Write these "astronomical" words on
slips of paper and have each child
draw one word to research and
report.
ASTEROID
ASTRONOMY
BLACK HOLE
COMET
COSMOS
CRATER
ECLIPSE
GALAXY
GRAVITY
LIGHT YEARS
Diameter in Miles
3,009
7,522
7,926
4,196
88,700
74,600
32,500
30,500
1,660
Number
of Moons
0
0
1
2
16
17
15
8
1
PLANETARY TRIP
Have each student choose a planet
on which to report. Ask them to use
their imagination and write about the
people that might live there. What
types of homes would they need?
What would they do for food or
water? How would they travel? Ask
them to draw a picture of their new
planetary settlement.
METEOR
MOON
NEUTRON STAR
NOVA
PLANET
PULSAR
QUASAR
SOLAR SYSTEM
STAR
SUPERNOVA
Ask each student to illustrate their
word and display them on the class
board.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
82
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Exploring Our Solar System!
SOLAR SYSTEM DISPLAY
Accurately display the planets along a
classroom wall or corridor by using
these ideas and dimensions.
MEMORIZING PLANETS
Teach your students an easy way to
memorize the planets
of our solar system
with this simple trick.
Ask them to memorize
this sentence.
Using these measurements, the sun
would have to be more than 15 feet in
diameter. With this in mind, simply note
the location of the sun and begin with
the first planet, Mercury!
"MY VERY
ENERGETIC
MOTHER JUST
SWALLOWED an
UGLY, NASTY
PICKLE!"
MERCURY - Place Mercury (1 3/4 inches in diameter) 2 inches from the sun.
VENUS - Place Venus (3 1/4 inches in
diameter) 3/4 inches from the sun.
Show them how
each word gives a
clue to the order of
the planets.
EARTH - Place Earth (2 inches in diameter) 4 1/2 inches from the sun.
MERCURY, VENUS,
EARTH, MARS,
JUPITER, SATURN,
URANUS, NEPTUNE, PLUTO
MOON - Place the Moon (1/2 inches in
diameter) as close to Earth as possible.
MARS - Place Mars (1 inch in diameter)
7 inches from the sun.
This type of memory technique is called
a "mnemonic sentence." Ask students to
write other "mnemonic" sentences to help
them memorize all kinds of things.
JUPITER - Place Jupiter (20 inches in
diameter) 25 inches from the sun.
SPACE INFORMATION
NASA provides materials and resources
for teachers about astronomy. They also
publish a teacher's newsletter specifically
for classroom use. Write to:
SATURN - Place Saturn (18 inches in
diameter) 44 inches from the sun.
URANUS - Place Uranus (8 inches in
diameter) 89 inches from the sun.
NASA
Educational Publications Services
XEP
Washington, DC 20546
NEPTUNE - Place Neptune (7 inches in
diameter) 140 inches from the sun.
PLUTO- Place Pluto (5/8 inches in
diameter) 183 inches from the sun.
The National Air and Space Museum
also provides information. Write to:
Ask students to cut the planets from colored paper and draw in the particular
characteristics of each one. Have them
add moons, asteroids, rings, etc. Have
them also research and label the accurate sizes and distances of each planet.
National Air & Space Museum's
Educational Resource Center
Office of Education, P-700
Washington, DC 20560
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
83
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Exploring Our Solar System!
ROCKET TO THE SUN
Demonstrate to your students the great
distances of space and at the same time
give them some practice at figuring
miles per hour and distances traveled.
ASTRONOMICAL QUESTIONS
Here are a few nighttime questions you
may want your students to research:
What's the difference between a planet
and a star?
During the first week of school, tie a 30'
length of yarn or heavy string across the
top of your classroom. Hang a paper
earth at one end of the string and a
paper sun at the other end. Attach a
paper rocket to the string at planet
Earth. Each day (or week), move the
rocket the distance traveled using the
formula below. (Attach the rocket with a
clothespin so it can be easily moved.)
Can you name all the planets in our
solar system in order?
What is a "blue moon"?
What is the Milky Way?
How large is the moon and how far is it
from the earth?
Is there a "man in the moon"?
Tell your class that the average speed of
the rocket will be about 17,500 miles
per hour. At that speed, the rocket can
travel 420,000 miles per day, or about
1 1/2 inches.
What is a shooting star?
Students may also like to research one of
the seven original American astronauts
or one of the many constellations.
The sun is approximately 93,000,000
miles from the earth. At this rate, the
rocket will not reach the sun for 240
days. Remind the students
that a real rocket would
also take as long.
SOLAR HEAT
Help your students experience the sun's
heat with this fun activity.
Give each student two 12 inch
sheets of aluminum foil. Have
them place the two pieces of foil
together and carefully cut out two
mitten shapes. (The mittens
should be much larger than their
own hands.) Instruct them to tape
the front and back of each mitten together.
Older students can
figure how many
miles the rocket will
travel in a week,
month, etc.
Students wear the mittens outside on a
sunny day. Ask them to hold the mittens
so that the sun's rays reflect on their
faces. Very soon, they will feel the heat
of the sun. Discuss with them other ways
people can capture the sun's energy.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
84
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Exploring Our Solar System!
FOLLOW THE SUN
Let your students measure the movements of the earth in relation to the sun
with this easy activity.
PHASES OF THE MOON
Is there daytime and nighttime on the
moon? Of course there is! And seeing
them from here on earth gives us a variety of views as the moon rotates around
the earth. What we see is called the
phases of the moon.
On a sunny day, turn the lights down in
the classroom. Instruct your students to
notice a deep shadow on the classroom
floor. Ask one student to make the shadow line with a piece of making tape. The
time should be written on the tape. After
ten minutes, ask another student to
make another shadow line. Repeat the
experiment several items throughout the
day. Ask students to measure the distance between the pieces of tape.
Ask your students to consult almanacs,
newspapers or a calendar to begin their
study. Every night, have them view the
moon and determine its phase. Ask them
to also note the time the moon rises and
from which direction.
Children should draw a picture of the
moon each night. Most nights, they will
be able to see a slight change. Continue
with the study for 29 nights so they can
witness the entire cycle of the moon.
Hold a class discussion
on what these measurements mean.
Ask them to learn these phases of the
moon and label their pictures
accordingly:
NEW MOON - The moon is invisible
WAXING CRESCENT - first thin sliver
FIRST QUARTER - half moon
WAXING GIBBOUS - 3/4 moon
FULL MOON
WANING GIBBOUS -3/4 moon
LAST QUARTER - half moon
WANING CRESCENT - last thin sliver
NEW MOON (invisible moon again!)
STAR GAZERS
Cut several stars from yellow construction paper. Write a vocabulary word on
each star. Attach a string to each star
and hang them all from the ceiling.
Children can choose several words to
use in their next creative writing assignment.
THE BIG DIPPER
Make a miniature planetarium to help
youngsters find the big dipper in the
night sky.
Cover one end of an empty toilet tissue
tube with black paper and tape in place.
Gently poke holes in the black paper to
resemble the big dipper. Have the children hold up the tube to the light and
look through the end. Light will shine
through the holes and show the famous
constellation.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
You may also choose to write words that
can be rhymed on each star. Children
gaze at the stars and write as many
rhyming words as possible. The student
with the most rhyming words could win
a small prize.
85
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Star Puzzle
Make several copies of this star pattern on index or construction paper. Write your own math
problems on each star point, as shown. Write the answers on the center of the star. Cut off all
five points of the star and place the star pieces in an envelope. Have the individual students
take the envelope to his or her desk and assemble the star, answering the problems correctly.
This is a great way to practice multiplication facts.
Create a starry bulletin board by asking the children to pin the completed star puzzles to the
classroom board. Add a rocket ship or astronaut character to the board.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
86
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Space Fun!
ACTIVITY 3
UNSCRAMBLE THESE PLANET NAMES.
htaer ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
toupl ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
neutpne ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
suevn ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
urcyerm ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
nusaru ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
rnutsa ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
piertuj ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
rasm ___ ___ ___ ___
ACTIVITY 4
PLACE THE PLANET NAMES IN ORDER.
1.
4.
7.
2.
5.
8.
3.
6.
9.
ACTIVITY 5
FIND THESE SPACE WORDS.
ASTRONOMY
ORBIT
TELESCOPE
PLANETS
COMET
ASTEROID
STAR
METEOR
MOON
SATELLITE
ASTRONAUT
SHUTTLE
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
S WE
D OD
S R H
C B Y
D I S
S T E
A S D
M E T
O D E
O D R
N F R
K L P
D C V
R
C
Y
H
A
L
F
E
R
E
E
L
G
87
D
V
A
U
T
E
C
O
F
A
S
A
F
S
F
S
J
E
S
V
R
H
S
D
N
T
H
G
T
I
L
C
B
D
T
T
G
E
Y
U
T
R
Y
L
O
G
R
R
E
B
T
H
T
R
O
N
I
P
T
E
W
R
F
S
J
T
E
N
M
T
E
R
F
F
O
T
T
A
L
W
A
H
E
F
E
R
G
I
R
G
S
E
S
U
Y
D
R
D
G
B
D
E
H
T
D
C
T
T
R
V
A
E
H
F
W
Y
R
R
B
D
R
E
S
T
A
R
V
Q
U
O
E
G
E
F
R
G
D
F
R
B
A
N
N
WQ
Y T
R C
R O
F M
T E
E T
E W
DW
G H
D F
M J
OM
GH Y
U I P
YT H
DR E
GT Y
U I P
F EW
ZX V
CVG
YT N
RT G
K I U
YV C
T
O
U
T
U
L
S
B
H
M
H
H
X
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Solar System Mobile
You can make a variety of mobiles with these planet patterns. Each child might wish to make
their own, or you could simply arrange the planets on the class bulletin board.
SUN
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
88
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Sun
URANUS
Mercury
Venus
M E R C U RY
Make two copies of each planet and sun
pattern and color with crayons. Cut out each
pattern piece. Glue each planet (back to back)
down a long piece of string or yarn. Position
the planets, in the order of their orbit, around
the sun. Hang the mobile from the class
ceiling, or have each child make
their own mobile and hang it
VENUS
in their room at home.
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
MARS
PLUTO
This planet mobile can also
be arranged horizontally.
Attach the planets along a
piece of yarn, as described
above. The display will reach
from one side of your classroom to the other if you
space the planets apart
according to scale.
Uranus
Neptune
Pluto
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
89
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
E A RT H
JUPITER
NEPTUNE
S AT U R N
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
90
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
My
Space
Book!
Name
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
91
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Martian Mania!
Celebrate the planet Mars by declaring the day
"Martian Mania Day!"
Ask your students to come dressed in their silliest
clothes. They might wear mismatched patterns or
sweaters turned inside out.
Have children make these
simple Martian antennae.
Glue a paper star or planet
on the end of each pipe
cleaner. Glitter can be
added to the stars
for a dazzling
effect. Clip the
antennae to their head
by clipping them in place
with hair clips.
Serve Moon Cookies
(sugar cookies) and
Martian punch, as a treat in
the afternoon.
Solar System Bingo!
This bingo game offers an exciting way for
your students to learn about our solar system. Give each child a copy of the space
bingo words listed below or write the words
on the class chalkboard. Ask your students to
write any 24 words on his or her bingo card.
Use the same directions you might use for regular bingo.
SPACE BINGO WORDS
SUN
MERCURY
VENUS
EARTH
MARS
JUPITER
SATURN
URANUS
NEPTUNE
PLUTO
MOON
ORBIT
TELESCOPE
PLANETS
COMET
ASTEROID
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
STAR
PAD
METEOR
SATELLITE
SOLAR
SYSTEM
SPACE
ROCKET
DISCOVERY
ASTRONOMY
ASTRONAUT
SHUTTLE
GRAVITY
ATMOSPHERE
COUNTDOWN
VOYAGE
92
FLIGHT
UNIVERSE
CREW
LUNAR
NASA
APOLLO
EXPLORER
LAUNCH
CHALLENGER
OXYGEN
GALAXY
NOVA
SPHERE
AIR
OBSERVATORY
CONSTELLATION
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
SOLAR SYSTEM
BINGO
FREE
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
93
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Astronaut Wheel
Copy this "Astronaut Wheel”
onto heavy index paper.
Color, cut out and assemble
with brass fasteners. Cut
out the two boxes,
as shown.
Add your own math problems
and answers to the wheel on the
next page. Move the flag to
reveal the answers.
Cut
Out
Cut
Out
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
94
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Mars or
Bust!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Make one for each
child in class. They
will love learning their
multiplication tables
with this astronaut.
95
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
My Planet Report !
Student's Name
Planet:
Distance
from Sun:
Size/Diameter:
Number of Moons:
Surface Temperature:
Picture of My Planet!
Interesting Facts!
(On a separate piece of paper write a story
of what it would be like to visit this planet.)
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
96
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Out of This
W o r l d Aw a r d !
Name
has accomplished
Date
Teacher
Space
Name
Tag
Reproduce this name
tag pattern on colored paper. Award
them to kids when
they complete their
study of the solar
system.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Nam
e
97
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Astronaut
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
98
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
t
a
E
s
'
t
e
L
!
y
l
s
u
o
i
t
i
r
t
Nu
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
99
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Nutrition Activities!
MENU NUTRITION
Collect a variety of menus from coffee shops, restaurants and fast food
places. Ask students to select a
menu and choose a meal that
would be nutritious and low in fat.
Have them also select the most
unhealthy item on the menu.
VEGETARIANS
Many people of the
world eat little or no meat. Some people choose to be vegetarians for health
reasons, some because they do not
want animals killed and others because
meat is so expensive. Whatever the reason for not eating meat, it is still
important to eat enough protein for a
healthy body. Most vegetarians get their
protein from legumes such as peas and
beans.
Students may like to write their own
menus listing only healthy meals. Have
them use the nutrition pyramid as a
guide.
Ask your students to plan and illustrate a vegetarian meal. Instruct
them to include the various food
groups, substituting meat with
protein substitutes.
RECOGNIZING VEGETABLES
Let your students practice their
memorization skills and vegetable
knowledge with one of these
familiar games.
UPSET THE VEGETABLE
CART!
Encourage listening skills and at
the same time promote your students' vegetable awareness with this fun
game!
• Place a variety of vegetables on
a tray. Make sure you include some
that are a bit unusual. Give the
students several minutes to carefully
study the vegetables. Remove the tray
and ask the students to list as many of
the vegetables they can remember.
The student with the most
correct vegetables wins.
Assign each student the name of a vegetable, making sure you give two or
more students the same vegetable name.
Call out the name of a vegetable.
Students having that vegetable name
must hurry and switch seats. After a few
rounds, declare "Upset the vegetable
cart!" With this, all students must quickly
change seats. After a while, remove one
seat and choose a student to be the vegetable caller. When the cue "Upset the
vegetable cart!" is given the caller
hurries to get a seat. The student
left without a seat becomes the
next caller.
• Cut pictures from seed
catalogs or use the
vegetable cards included in
this unit. Pin one picture to
the back of each student. Make
sure the student does not see or its
name. Each student may then ask
other students to help identify the
vegetable by asking them only yes or
no questions. Award students with a
fresh carrot when they guess their
vegetables.
Vary the game by calling out vegetable types such as root vegetables, leafy vegetables, or vegetables we
eat as flowers.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
100
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Nutrition Activities!
NUTRITION CONCENTRATION
Two students can play a "Concentration
Game" by using the food
cards and the Nutrition Pyramid
contained in this chapter. Lay
all of the cards face down on
a table top. Each player
takes turns revealing two
cards at a time trying to
match one section of the
Nutrition Pyramid. If the
cards match, the player keeps the cards
and draws again. Cards that do not
match are returned to their exact spot
and the player forfeits his or her turn to
the other player. The game continues
until all cards are matched. The player
with the most cards wins the game.
NUTRITIOUS RECIPES
NUTRITIOUS CANDY
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup sunflower
seeds
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup dried skim milk
2 tsp. vanilla
crushed corn flakes or shredded coconut
Mix the first six ingredients together and
shape into small balls. Roll the balls in
the coconut or corn flakes. Refrigerate
before eating. Makes about 40
small balls.
FUZZY BANANAS
1 pint sour cream or
yogurt
1 banana for every four
children
1 package shredded
coconut
1 box of toothpicks
GO FISH NUTRITION PYRAMID!
Give each player a copy of
a Nutrition Pyramid.
Make four copies of
each food card (found
in this chapter) and
have each player draw
five cards. Place the
remining cards in a stack
in the middle of the table. An example of
play might be when player #1 asks player #2 if he or she has an "ice cream
card." If player #2 has the card, he or
she must give it to the first player. When
player #1 collects all four ice cream
cards, the cards are placed in the correct
area of that player's nutrition pyramid. If
player #2 does not have the card, the
first player must "Fish" a card from the
center stack. The game continues until
one player has at least one matched set
of cards for each area of his or her pyramid. The first player to achieve this wins
the game!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Spear the banana chunks with a toothpick and dip into the sour cream or
yogurt, coating it thoroughly. Roll in the coconut
and eat right away.
CARROT SALAD
1 carrot
4 tsp. raisins
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
4 tsp. chopped nuts
Carefully grate the carrot into a
small mixing bowl. Add
the other ingredients and stir together.
Refrigerate or eat immediately.
101
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Nutrition
Pyramid
QUANTITY AND QUALITY!
Eating a balanced diet
in moderation
is key to a
healthy
life.
STEP TO EXERCISE
Get 30 to 60
minutes of
moderate to
rigorous
exercise
every
day!
V
E
G
E
T
A
B
L
E
S
G
R
A
I
N
S
4-6 oz. Daily
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
102
11/2 – 21/2 Cups Daily
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
F
R
U
I
T
S
M
I
L
K
1 – 11/2 Cups Daily
2-3 Cups Daily
M
E
A
T
O
I
L
S
&
B
E
A
N
S
4-5 Tsps. Daily
Post the Nutrition Pyramid at
home on the refrigerator door to
remind yourself and family members of the importance of a balanced diet.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
3-5 oz. Daily
Cut these Nutrition Groups apart.
Assemble them to form a Nutrition
Pyramid on a large sheet of construction
paper and paste in place. Color the
illustrations any way you wish.
103
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Turkey
Eggs
Butter
Ice Cream
Yogurt
Candy
Candy
Bread
Pretzel
Muffin
Bagel
Cereal
Rice
Crackers
Cornbread
Pasta
Food Cards
Try using these food cards one of these ways:
• Let students select a card and ask them to bring in that particular food for the other
students to sample.
• Have students select a card to research. Instruct them to find out where and how the food is
grown or how it is manufactured and/or processed.
• Tell students to categorize the cards into the groups shown on the Nutrition Pyramid.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
104
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Grapes
Strawberry
Cherries
Watermelon
Orange
Melon
Pineapple
Plum
Pear
Chicken
Milk
Cheese
Pork
Nuts
Fish
Beef
Beans
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Banana
Peach
Apple
105
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Pepper
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cucumber
Peas
Carrot
Lettuce
Spinach
Corn
Cabbage
Potato
Mushrooms
Onion
Tomato
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Squash
Cauliflower Asparagus
106
Celery
Radish
Sweet Potato
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Important Nutrients!
LIST FOODS THAT CONTAIN
THESE IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS.
Vitamin A increases
resistance to infection
and improves eyesight.
Vitamin B aids in
good digestion and
steady nerves.
Vitamin C prevents
scurvy and helps our
muscles and gums.
Vitamin D helps keep
our teeth and bones
healthy and strong.
Carbohydrates give
us strength and
energy.
Fats, in correct
amounts, enhance
our skin and give us
energy.
Proteins build and
repair our bodies.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
107
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Chef
Costume
Make each of your
classroom chefs their
own chef’s hat. Form
a 10" high strip of
white butcher paper
into a cylinder for
each student and tape
it in place to fit.
Chef scarves can be cut from red paper or checkered gift wrap
paper using the pattern below.
Cut cooking spoons from brown paper for each child in class!
24"
Cut
Out
LD
O
F
24"
LD
O
F
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
108
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
FOLD
My
Nutrition
Book!
Name
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
109
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
My Daily Diet!
Student's Name
Date:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner:
Snacks:
Record how many servings you ate from the following groups:
Bread Group
Milk Group
Vegetable Group
Meat Group
Fruit Group
Fats/Sweets Group
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
110
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
A
w
e
N
!
t
r
a
t
S
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
111
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
A New Start for Back to School!
Begin the new school year in a way that will make learning fun for both you
and your students!
CLASSROOM THEMES
Choose a theme for your classroom that you can use all year round! Use the
chosen theme in depicting reading groups, class rules, class calendars, homework incentives, weekly and monthly awards, welcome bulletin board and much
much more! Here are some suggested themes:
Airplanes
Alligators
Apples
Balloons
Bears and Bees
Beavers
Birds
Butterflies
Cookies
Cats
Clocks
Clowns/Circus
Crayons
Dinosaurs
Dogs
Dolphins
Dragons
Elephants
Farm Animals
Fish
Flowers
Footprints
Frogs
Hats
Horses
Ice Cream
Insects
Islands
Jungle
Kangaroos
Kites
Lady Bugs
Lions and Tigers
Mice
Monkeys
Octopus
Owls
Paint Brushes
Pencils
Penguins
Pigs
Pirates
Rabbits
Raccoons
Rainbows
Rockets
Seals
Shapes
Snakes
Spiders
Sun and Stars
Trains
Turtles
Umbrellas
Watermelons
Whales
Wishing Wells
Zoo Animals
(An index of themes found in the Teacher's Friend Monthly Idea Books can be
found on page 143 of this book! Teacher's Friend also has Seasonal Clip Art
Books that contain cute pictures of many of the themes listed.)
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
112
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
A New Start for Back to School!
OTHER WAYS TO USE YOUR THEME IN THE CLASSROOM:
• Create or buy a large door chart or poster welcoming your students to class.
• Send a thematic postcard home to each student a few days before school
begins telling him or her your name, room number and how happy you will
be to see them!
• Collect a variety of library books about your theme for a silent reading area.
• Find and prepare the materials to make a simple thematic craft with your
students on the first day.
• Make or buy a paper cut-out of your theme’s character for each child in class.
Boldly print each child's name on the cut-out and display them on a special
bulletin board in the classroom.
• Make or buy thematic nameplates for each student's desk.
• Use thematic bulletin board trimmer on your class bulletin boards. (If you have
left-over trimmer, make a few thematic crowns for the student of the
week to wear on his or her special day!)
• Use thematic clip art to make a variety of different awards, name tags, hall
passes, notes home to parents, spelling list sheets, progress reports, etc.
You might want to select a thematic color for your awards, passes, etc., in addition to your theme. You might try lime green for frogs, turquoise blue for dolphins, hot pink for ice cream, goldenrod for bears and bees, bright yellow for
sun and stars and bright red for apples and lady bugs.
On the following pages you will find generic forms and reports that you can
personalize with your own thematic drawings or clip art. Simply reproduce them
on colored paper to use during back to school or all year long!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
113
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
S TU D E N T PA S S
Name
TO THE
Did
a
Great
Job
To d a y !
This student has
permission to
Teacher
Date
Teacher
Date
P R O G R E S S R E P O RT
Student's Name
WEEK OF:
Reading:
Math:
Social Studies:
Science:
Behavior:
Teacher
Parent's Signature
(Please sign and return.)
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
114
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Congratulations!
Name
You have been recognized for...
Teacher
We e k l y
Homework
Assignments!
Date
Student's Name
Week of:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
115
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
A Note to the Parent of:
Student's Name
Date
Dear Parent,
(Please respond at the bottom of this form and
return it to me with your signature.)
Teacher
Date
Parent's Name
Student's Name
Parent's Signature
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
116
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Classroom News!
Teacher
Room #
Date
Look What's Happening!
Special Students!
Upcoming Events!
Help from Parents!
How to Contact the Teacher!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
117
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Classroom
Signs!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
118
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
119
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
120
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
121
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
122
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
123
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
to:
for:
Teacher
Date
Super Student
Aw a r d !
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
124
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Name
SCHOOL BUS
FOLD
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
125
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
1.
21.
20.
2.
19.
18.
3.
17.
22.
"Don't Miss
the Bus!"
23.
24.
TEACHERS:
Two, three or
four children can
play this game. Make
your own task card or write
math problems, that must be
solved, in each square. The player
who reaches the school first wins
the game.
25.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
26.
27.
126
28.
29.
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
5.
4.
7.
6.
8.
"Help these kids
get to school!"
16.
30.
9.
10.
11.
15.
14.
13.
12.
31.
32.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
127
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
SCHOOL BUS RULES
1. The bus driver is the person in charge. You
must do what he or she tells you to do.
2. Remain seated throughout the entire trip.
3. Keep all parts of your body inside the bus.
4. Do not throw anything inside the bus or out the windows..
5. Do not yell, scream, push, hit or kick while on the bus.
6. Sack lunches are allowed, but no food or drink may be eaten on the bus.
7. Do not keep another student from getting a seat.
8. Get off the bus at your correct bus stop.
9. When the driver has the flashing red lights on, cross the street with the driver.
10. Line up courteously at both your bus stop and the school.
I♥SKOOL
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
128
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Name
Mobiles
Name
Have each student make a
"Name Mobile." Copy the banner onto posterboard and write
the child's name, as shown. Students can cut
pictures from magazines or write poems
about themselves that can be suspended
from the banner.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
129
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Name
Mobile
Patterns
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
130
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
n
i
t
e
l
l
Bu
s
d
r
a
Bo
!
e
r
o
M
d
n
a
We're
BLASTING
OFF!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
131
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Bulletin Boards and More!
SHOOTING STARS!
Make everyone in class a super
star with this idea. Each child can
earn his or her own star and place
it on the board when a particular
task is accomplished. This is a
great way to show off good
work papers.
REACH FOR THE STARS!
Ask each child to write a goal on a
yellow paper star. Pin the stars to
the top of the bulletin board. Paper
streamers can be added to each
star. Next, have the students trace
their right hands on colored construction paper. They should then
add their names and pin each hand
to the board under their chosen goal.
As goals are accomplished, small gold stars can be placed on the hands.
A GREAT BUNCH!
Cut large circles from purple construction paper for this simple board.
Arrange them as shown and write
each student's name on a grape.
Children love to see their name in
print and this bulletin board is a perfect way to do just that!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
132
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Bulletin Boards and More!
SCHOOL BUS RULES
Display a large yellow school bus
on the class bulletin board. List
different rules of bus safety on
strips of paper and arrange them
around the bus. Children might
like to draw portraits of themselves that can be placed in the
bus windows.
SUMMERTIME HAPPENINGS
Display a large yellow sun in the center of the
class bulletin board. Give each student a
white paper cloud and ask them to write
about their favorite summertime experience.
Arrange the clouds around the sun for a bright
and cheery display.
BLAST OFF TO LEARNING!
Cover your bulletin board with black butcher paper and string
small, white, low-wattage Christmas
lights around the border. Cut the
title "Blast Off!" from silver foil and a
star for each child from gold foil
paper. Add a paper rocket ship.
Students' good work papers can be
added to the display. Or, simply use
this idea to welcome students to
your class. On a large board, let children add their own imaginative creations such as planets, flying saucers
or meteors.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
133
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Bulletin Boards and More!
KICK UP YOUR HEELS!
Give your students a "kick in the
pants” with this motivating bulletin
board idea!
Display a large cartoon horse on the
board and give each student their
own paper horseshoe. Have each
pupil write his or her name on the
horseshoe and pin it to the board. As
they complete projects or improve
behavior reward them with small gold
stars that can be placed on the horseshoes. Other possible titles of the board
can be, "We Don't Horse Around!" or "Giddy Up!"
WE FIT IN!
Give each student a puzzle piece cut from
brightly colored paper. (Pattern found in this
chapter.) Assemble the puzzle pieces together on the class board to create a giant "We
Fit In!" bulletin board!
GET GOING! BE SAFE!
Teach your students to be safe this summer by
reinforcing the rules they should follow when
crossing the street, riding a bike, riding in a
car, etc. Use a cute traffic light pattern on the
class board to remind students of the rules.
Display the poem, "Red says stop! Green says
go! Yellow says wait! You need to go slow!
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
134
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Bulletin Boards and More!
CHOOSE WELL
Encourage your students to wisely
choose the types of foods they eat
with this simple bulletin board.
The students can cut food pictures from magazines or draw
their own nutritious goodies.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Teach your students important numbers along
with their home phone numbers with this
simple bulletin board. As each child memorizes their phone number, they can
write it on a strip of paper along with
their name and display it on the board
around a large paper telephone. Also,
encourage them to memorize emergency
numbers.
WE'RE REALLY COOKING!
Let your students display creative
recipes with this easy bulletin
board. Cut a large French chef
from colored paper and place him
or her on one side of the board.
Students can write their recipes
on recipe cards and display them
around the chef.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
135
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Shoe
Pattern
Name
Students will love to
learn to tie their shoes
with this easy craft.
Copy the pattern of this
shoe onto posterboard.
Punch out the holes with
a hole punch. Cut a
length of yarn about 28
inches long and wrap
tape around the ends to
prevent fraying. When
students demonstrate
their ability to tie their
shoes, give them this
shoe to tie and display it
on the class bulletin
board.
Label the bulletin board
"Our class really steps to
it!" or "We're right in
step!"
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
I
Can
Tie
My
Shoe!
136
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Phone
Pattern
I know
my phone
number!
I know my phone
number!
Name
Phone Number
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
137
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Name
Cut two of each
pattern piece.
Glue the
patterns
back-to-back
with a string down
the center to make
the mobile.
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
Hamburger
Mobile!
138
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Student Puzzle Pieces!
Have students cut their own puzzle pieces from heavy colored paper. Use a variety of colors if
possible. Students can fill in their own information. Assemble the puzzle pieces together on the
class board to create one giant classroom puzzle!
My Name:
My Favorites!
Color:
A Picture of Me!
I'm
Special!
Food:
Hobby:
School Subjects:
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
139
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Welcome
Bear
Pattern
!
E
M
O
C
L
E
W
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
140
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
1
Answer Key!
2
3
Patriotic Fun!
5
4
10
12
8
ACTIVITY 1
26
9
6
11
14
13
7
15
16
25
17
24
X C
D F
F Y
WO
P A
S D
F B
D C
F B
C V
U N
H S
O G
N F
O V
R C
Q R
Z E
F
L
A
G
T
F
V
V
V
B
C
D
D
V
B
V
I
Q
T
D
R
F
R
R
C
F
C
F
L
R
E
G
G
B
N
U
R
T
G
G
I
T
X
G
X
G
E
R
C
B
F
H
D
A
E
Y
T
T
O
G
L
O
R
Y
S
E
L
H
B
G
E
L
V
G
Y
Y
T
G
T
G
F
D
A
G
A
N
A
N
P
I
F
H
J
H
I
D
Y
T
A
R
M
V
R
J
Z
M
E
T
R
J
U
J
S
E
U
H
M
E
D
B
A
M
J
J
N
Y
E
U
S
U
M
D
I
D
E
F
R
N
T
K
H
K
D
M
E
S
T
I
S
S
L
E
R
G
F
M
I
L
R
L
E
X
D
E
I
K
W
E
I
S
I
T
G
J
O
O
I
O
N
P
O
T
C
L
Q
W
B
E
C
H
T
H
N
I
G
I
C
O
M
E
E
O
E
D
E
S
A
Y
Y
K
D
K
H
K
E
L
D F T
O U L
D E W
P H J
R T Y
SWT
R T Y
A E T
D R E
U J K
H J U
I U J
F R T
J MN
T S G
M J N
P L M
T R F
Y
K
R
S
T
A
R
S
T
R
I
P
E
S
L
H
T
E
23
22
18
ACTIVITY 2
19
20
T H E S TAT U E O F
L I B E RT Y
21
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
141
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Answer Key!
Space Fun!
ACTIVITY 3
htaer e a r t h
toupl p l u t o
neutpne n e p t u n e
suevn v e n u s
urcyerm m e r c u r y
nusaru u r a n u s
rnutsa s a t u r n
piertuj j u p i t e r
rasm m a r s
ACTIVITY 4
1. Mercury
2. Venus
3. Earth
4. Mars
5. Jupiter
6. Saturn
7. Uranus
8. Neptune
9. Pluto
ACTIVITY 5
S WE
D OD
S R H
C B Y
D I S
S T E
A S D
M E T
O D E
O D R
N F R
K L P
D C V
R
C
Y
H
A
L
F
E
R
E
E
L
G
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
D
V
A
U
T
E
C
O
F
A
S
A
F
S
F
S
J
E
S
V
R
H
S
D
N
T
H
G
T
I
L
C
B
D
T
T
G
E
Y
U
T
R
Y
L
O
G
R
R
E
B
T
H
T
R
O
N
I
P
T
E
W
R
F
S
J
T
E
N
M
T
E
R
F
F
O
T
T
A
L
W
A
H
E
F
E
R
G
I
R
G
S
142
E
S
U
Y
D
R
D
G
B
D
E
H
T
D
C
T
T
R
V
A
E
H
F
W
Y
R
R
B
D
R
E
S
T
A
R
V
Q
U
O
E
G
E
F
R
G
D
F
R
B
A
N
N
WQ
Y T
R C
R O
F M
T E
E T
E W
DW
G H
D F
M J
OM
GH Y
U I P
YT H
DR E
GT Y
U I P
F EW
ZX V
CVG
YT N
RT G
K I U
YV C
T
O
U
T
U
L
S
B
H
M
H
H
X
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Index
A
African-American Achievers
February Idea Book
Alligators
June Idea Book
American Indians
September Idea Book
November Idea Book
Amphibians
June Idea Book
Apples
September Idea Book
April Fool’s Day
April Idea Book
Arbor Day
April Idea Book
Arctic and Antarctic Animals
January Idea Book
Autumn
September Idea Book
October Idea Book
November Idea Book
B
Back to School
September Idea Book
July & Aug. Idea Book
Bears
September Idea Book
November Idea Book
July & Aug. Idea Book
January Idea Book
July & Aug. Idea Book
Bees
April Idea Book
Birds
May Idea Book
Birthdays
September Idea Book
Black History
January Idea Book
February Idea Book
March Idea Book
Bugs (Insects)
April Idea Book
Butterflies
April Idea Book
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
C
Calendars
(Each book has a monthly calendar)
January Idea Book
Cats
February Idea Book
Chicken and Egg
April Idea Book
Children’s Book Week
November Idea Book
Chinese New Year
January Idea Book
Christmas
December Idea Book
Christmas (International)
Mexico, Italy, Holland,
Sweden
December Idea Book
Cinco De Mayo
May Idea Book
Clowns and Circus
May Idea Book
September Idea Book
Colors
March Idea Book
Columbus Day
October Idea Book
Cowboys/Cowgirls
July & Aug. Idea Book
D
Dental Health
February Idea Book
Dinosaurs
October Idea Book
Dogs
February Idea Book
E
Earth Day
April Idea Book
Easter
April Idea Book
Election Day
November Idea Book
End of the School Year
June Idea Book
143
Environmental Awareness
April Idea Book
Eskimos
January Idea Book
F
Farm Animals
March Idea Book
Father’s Day
June Idea Book
Field Trips
May Idea Book
Fire Safety
October Idea Book
Fish
June Idea Book
Flag Day
June Idea Book
Flowers
April Idea Book
May Idea Book
Frogs
June Idea Book
March Idea Book
Fourth of July
July & Aug. Idea Book
G
Gingerbread Man
December Idea Book
Grandparent’s Day
September Idea Book
Groundhog Day
February Idea Book
Growing Things
May Idea Book
November Idea Book
H
Halloween
October Idea Book
Hanukkah
Harvest Time
November Idea Book
May Idea Book
Heart Health
February Idea Book
Horses
July & Aug. Idea Book
Monthly Idea Book: July & August
Index
IIce Cream
July & Aug. Idea Book
Insects
April Idea Book
International Children
Africa
December Idea Book
China
January Idea Book
Eskimos
January Idea Book
Greece
April Idea Book
Holland
December Idea Book
Ireland
March Idea Book
Israel
December Idea Book
Italy
December Idea Book
Japan
March Idea Book
Mexico
December Idea Book
Native North American
September Idea Book
Pacific Islands
June Idea Book
Pilgrims
November Idea Book
Russia
May Idea Book
Sweden
December Idea Book
United States
School Kids
September Idea Book
Summer Kids
June Idea Book
J
Japan
March Idea Book
K
King, Jr., Martin Luther
January Idea Book
Kwanzaa
December Idea Book
L
Leaves/Trees
October Idea Book
April Idea Book
Leprechauns
March Idea Book
Library Activities
November Idea Book
Lincoln, Abraham
February Idea Book
M
Masks
October Idea Book
May Day
May Idea Book
Mexican Independence Day
© Teacher’s Friend, a Scholastic Company
September Idea Book
Mexico
September Idea Book
December Idea Book
May Idea Book
Mother’s Day
May Idea Book
Music Appreciation
March Idea Book
My “Me” Book!
September Idea Book
N
Names
September Idea Book
July & Aug. Idea Book
New Year’s Day
January Idea Book
Nutrition
July & Aug. Idea Book
O
Oceanography
June Idea Book
Olympics
April Idea Book
Owls
September Idea Book
October Idea Book
P
Parent-Teacher Conferences
November Idea Book
Pilgrims
November Idea Book
Pirates
June Idea Book
Pizza
July & Aug. Idea Book
December Idea Book
Pledge of Allegiance
June Idea Book
Presidents
February Idea Book
November Idea Book
Promotion
June Idea Book
R
Rabbits
April Idea Book
Rainbows
March Idea Book
Reptiles
June Idea Book
S
School Bus
July & Aug. Idea Book
Seashore
June Idea Book
Seasons
January Idea Book
September Idea Book
Skeleton
October Idea Book
Snakes
June Idea Book
Solar System
July & Aug. Idea Book
144
South Pacific
June Idea Book
Space/Universe
July & Aug. Idea Book
Spiders
October Idea Book
Springtime
March Idea Book
April Idea Book
May Idea Book
States and Capitals
November Idea Book
St. Patrick’s Day
March Idea Book
Student Teachers
September Idea Book
Substitute Teachers
September Idea Book
Summer
June Idea Book
July & Aug. Idea Book
Sun/Sunshine
July & Aug. Idea Book
T
Teeth
February Idea Book
Thanksgiving
November Idea Book
Turkeys
November Idea Book
Turtles
June Idea Book
U
Umbrellas
April Idea Book
V
Valentine’s Day
February Idea Book
W
Washington, George
February Idea Book
Watermelons
July & Aug. Idea Book
Weather
March Idea Book
April Idea Book
Whales
June Idea Book
Wild West
July & Aug. Idea Book
Winter
December Idea Book
January Idea Book
February Idea Book
Women in History
March Idea Book
Woodsy Animals
November Idea Book
Y
Year-Round
September Idea Book
January Idea Book
Z
Zoo Animals
May Idea Book
Monthly Idea Book: July & August

* Your assessment is very important for improving the work of artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project