The Inspired Apple

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TONS of Back to School Activities!

Can you believe it’s time to prepare for the school year?! Seriously, where does the summer even go?! If you’re looking for activities that are GREAT for back to school, check out some of my absolute FAVORITES!

This blog is FULL of activities for back to school season for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade! Teachers and students will love these fun and engaging activities that will start the new school year off with a bang. From back to school ice breakers to letter practice to friendship activities to meet the teacher activities to reading activities to math activities, there is SO much to choose from!

Each of these resources has TEN ACTIVITIES to use during the first week of school!

And, of course, I love a good anchor chart! This set of anchor chart templates is perfect for making posters for Meet the Teacher, Rules (school, bus, classroom, lunchroom, hallway, and recess), School Shots (getting to know school helpers and faces), and How to Be a Friend! You can by this set individually or snag it as part of a year long bundle!

Are you looking for some awesome Back to School activities that are perfect for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade? Check out this set of anchor charts and class posters that will help with Meet the Teacher, School Rules and Classroom Management, along with establishing friendships and teaching kindness to your little learners! Use these interactive printables on poster board or on bulletin boards to make your make your back to school the best yet!

If you teach kindergarten and first grade, then you’ll probably spend much of the first few months of school working on letters and the alphabet. Even though this *amazing* binder of activities was created with intervention in mind, you will LOVE it for small group work and guided reading! It’s one of my faves!

Sight word and handwriting practice are a cinch with this 2-in-1 Handwriting Makes Me Happy set. Plus, it includes task cards to use with any word!

And, if you want to get your kiddos excited about reading this year, you should totally check out Celebrate Reading! There are fun activities for getting your kiddos in grades K-5 excited about reading and it can totally be used any time of year!

And, let’s not forget math! This is a great curriculum for small group instruction at the beginning of the year and also great for intervention later on!

Math crafts are a super fun way to engage your little learners, work on skills in number development, and have fun! They will LOVE them!

Oh, one more literacy resource that might interest you! These are sets of flashcards that you can use for or with anything! Each bundle is growing, which means you can grab it for a steal before the price increases 🙂

 

Happy Back to School!

 

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Meet the Teacher Activity

Back to School season is close…ish! And, it’s never too early to start preparing for the activities you’ll do those first few days when you’re getting to know your kiddos and they’re getting to know you. This set of anchor charts and class posters is perfect for helping you do just that!

First up is an All About Our Teacher activity that includes a variety of information cards so that you can choose what you want to share with your students! You can also laminate an incomplete poster to share student information, too!

Are you looking for some awesome Back to School activities that are perfect for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade? Check out this set of anchor charts and class posters that will help with Meet the Teacher, School Rules and Classroom Management, along with establishing friendships and teaching kindness to your little learners! Use these interactive printables on poster board or on bulletin boards to make your make your back to school the best yet!

This activity will help your students get to know the different roles of the people in their school community. From the principals to the art teacher to classroom volunteers, your students will have a working knowledge of everyone! You can also customize these ‘snapshots’ with digital images of actual school employees or provide your students with blank copies to write and illustrate.

Are you looking for some awesome Back to School activities that are perfect for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade? Check out this set of anchor charts and class posters that will help with Meet the Teacher, School Rules and Classroom Management, along with establishing friendships and teaching kindness to your little learners! Use these interactive printables on poster board or on bulletin boards to make your make your back to school the best yet!

Whether you’re teaching incoming kindergartners or giving a rules refresher to your second graders, teaching rules is A MUST. Lots of options to choose form here!

Are you looking for some awesome Back to School activities that are perfect for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade? Check out this set of anchor charts and class posters that will help with Meet the Teacher, School Rules and Classroom Management, along with establishing friendships and teaching kindness to your little learners! Use these interactive printables on poster board or on bulletin boards to make your make your back to school the best yet!

Lastly is this activity for teaching kindness to your little ones! Simply provide each student with a printable heart and have them write or draw about one way to be a friend. ALL kiddos need this lesson!

Are you looking for some awesome Back to School activities that are perfect for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade? Check out this set of anchor charts and class posters that will help with Meet the Teacher, School Rules and Classroom Management, along with establishing friendships and teaching kindness to your little learners! Use these interactive printables on poster board or on bulletin boards to make your make your back to school the best yet!

If you’re interested in learning more about this resource, click the image below or go HERE.

(PS. If you’re reading this post on a blog reader, the links may  not work, so be sure to check it out in an actual browser if you run into this issue!Are you looking for some awesome Back to School activities that are perfect for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade? Check out this set of anchor charts and class posters that will help with Meet the Teacher, School Rules and Classroom Management, along with establishing friendships and teaching kindness to your little learners! Use these interactive printables on poster board or on bulletin boards to make your make your back to school the best yet!

Did you know there’s an entire MEGA BUNDLE of thematic anchor charts and class posters for the ENTIRE school year? Check it out HERE or click the image below!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Anchor-Charts-and-Class-Posters-3217422

Don’t want to forget this post? Pin the image below!

Are you looking for some awesome Back to School activities that are perfect for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade? Check out this set of anchor charts and class posters that will help with Meet the Teacher, School Rules and Classroom Management, along with establishing friendships and teaching kindness to your little learners! Use these interactive printables on poster board or on bulletin boards to make your make your back to school the best yet!

Happy Teaching!

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Math Crafts for Kindergarten and First Grade Students

If you’ve visited before, you know I feel pretty strongly about incorporating crafts into the elementary classroom.  They have SO many benefits! Here are some of my favorite math crafts that are perfect for using with kindergarten and first grade students. They’re great for back to school or any time of year you want to reinforce skills in early numeracy and have a little fun!

Click on any of the pictures below!

You can learn more HERE or by clicking the graphic below!

Kids in kindergarten and first grade will LOVE these math crafts! Make learning fun AND support number development! Skills included are: making 5 and 10, decomposing numbers, subitizing, ten frames, number lines, patterning, and more! 1d

Also, to engage with other teachers and get inspired, be sure to join Inspired Teachers over on Facebook! Click the graphic below.

Don’t want to forget this post? Pin the image below!

Math crafts are perfect for using with students in pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who are working on number development. They align with core standards and simple, fun, and engaging to do! They're great for back to school or any time of year to reinforce early numeracy and math skills!

Happy Teaching!

PS. Want to try a math craft for FREE? Simply sign up for The Inspired Apple below and it will be sent to your inbox!

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Math Craft Robot

Making Ten Robot

Appropriate for Grades: pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, second grade

Standard: CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6

Skill: making ten

Link: Making Ten Robot | More Math Crafts

This robot math craft is perfect for using with students in pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who are working on making ten. It aligns with Common Core Standard CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6 and will fit into your math curriculum activities for teaching students to make a ten. It's fun, engaging, and simple to do!

This robot math craft is perfect for using with students in pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who are working on making ten. It aligns with Common Core Standard CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6 and will fit into your math curriculum activities for teaching students to make a ten. It’s fun, engaging, and simple to do!

Want to remember this activity? Be sure to pin the image below!

This robot math craft is perfect for using with students in pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who are working on making ten. It aligns with Common Core Standard CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6 and will fit into your math curriculum activities for teaching students to make a ten. It's fun, engaging, and simple to do!

Snag it HERE or as part of a Math Craft Bundle!

Happy Teaching!

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The Easter Bunny’s Assistant Book Companion

Omiword, I wish the lighting had been better in this pic!  He looked so stinkin’ cute! 028 Becks is reading my newfound favorite Easter book – The Easter Bunny’s Assistant by Jan Thomas.  You probably know her other darling work, Rhyming Dust Bunnies.  Love it, right?!

>> Purchase on Amazon <<

So, anyway, The Easter Bunny’s Assisstant was recommended by a parent.  She’s a buyer for our local library and is coming to read this book to us on Friday morning.  We’re on Spring Break next week, so we’re having to cram a whole week’s worth of Easter stuff into ONE day!  Friday is going to be bizzzzzzzzzzzy.  If you haven’t discovered this book yet, it’s a hilarious read about The Easter Bunny and his assistant, Skunk, who gets really excited about dying eggs and then…well…does what skunks apparently do when they get excited.  A skart, maybe?  With a little boy (and a classroom full of kiddos) who are completely intrigued by bodily functions, this book is guaranteed to get the giggles going! { I bought my copy at our local bookstore for less than $12 for a hardback copy, and I promise your kiddos will quickly add it to their list of favs!}  Knowing that this parent was coming to read this story to my class, I made lots of fun activities to go with it and compiled it all into a mini-unit I have for sale on TpT right now…

easterPREVIEW

I think before the parent arrives, we’re going to make these little sentence strip caps – featured below on Becks…

016017 025

I hope you’ll check it out!  If anything, GO BUY THE BOOK!  So cute!!!!

Click the graphic below OR go HERE to learn more.

This 34 page mini-unit contains activities that correspond with Jan Thomas' "The Easter Bunny's Assistant!" {Jan Thomas is also the author of "Rhyming Dust Bunnies!} It is a precious story where an eager, albeit stinky, skunk helps the Easter Bunny dye eggs. The activities are as follows: 5 Reading Response Activities, including: a story map, and Easter Bunny's Assistant Application, 2 write and illustrate prompts, a How To Dye Easter Eggs mini-book, & a Decorate and Describe an Easter Egg draw/write; Scent-sational Senses Activity; An Egg-cellent Word Sort Literacy Center (long and short e); Bunny & Skunk are Excited About Math! word problem mini-book; A Tisket, A Tasket! Addition in Basket (addition math center); Sentence Strip Comprehension Cap Craftivity (bunny and skunk versions). It's perfect companion pack for your preschool, kindergarten, or first grade classroom!

Want to remember this post for later? Be sure to pin the image below!

This 34 page mini-unit contains activities that correspond with Jan Thomas' "The Easter Bunny's Assistant!" {Jan Thomas is also the author of "Rhyming Dust Bunnies!} It is a precious story where an eager, albeit stinky, skunk helps the Easter Bunny dye eggs. The activities are as follows: 5 Reading Response Activities, including: a story map, and Easter Bunny's Assistant Application, 2 write and illustrate prompts, a How To Dye Easter Eggs mini-book, & a Decorate and Describe an Easter Egg draw/write; Scent-sational Senses Activity; An Egg-cellent Word Sort Literacy Center (long and short e); Bunny & Skunk are Excited About Math! word problem mini-book; A Tisket, A Tasket! Addition in Basket (addition math center); Sentence Strip Comprehension Cap Craftivity (bunny and skunk versions). It's perfect companion pack for your preschool, kindergarten, or first grade classroom!

Hoppy Teaching! 🐰

This post originally posted on March 29, 2012.
This post contains affiliate links.
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Base Ten Blocks Math Craft

Base Ten Blocks Confetti

Appropriate for Grades: kindergarten, first grade, second grade

Standard: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.B.2

Skill: Understand that the two digits of a two-digit number represent amounts of tens and ones

Link: Base Ten Blocks Confetti | More Math Crafts

This math craft is perfect for using with students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who are working with base ten. It aligns with Common Core StandardCCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.B.2 and will fit into your math curriculum activities for teaching students represent numbers using base ten blocks. All the templates pictured are included, making this a fun and easy activity to complete with your kiddos. It's fun, engaging, and simple to do!

This math craft is perfect for using with students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who are working with base ten. It aligns with Common Core StandardCCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.B.2 and will fit into your math curriculum activities for teaching students represent numbers using base ten blocks.  All the templates pictured are included, making this a fun and easy activity to complete with your kiddos.  It’s fun, engaging, and simple to do!

Want to remember this idea for later? Be sure to pin the image below!

This math craft is perfect for using with students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who are working with base ten. It aligns with Common Core StandardCCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.B.2 and will fit into your math curriculum activities for teaching students represent numbers using base ten blocks. All the templates pictured are included, making this a fun and easy activity to complete with your kiddos. It's fun, engaging, and simple to do!

Happy Teaching!

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Making Ten Math Craft

Make-Ten Friends

Appropriate for Grades: pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, second grade

Standard: CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6

Skill: making ten

Link: Make-Ten Friends | More Math Crafts

This math craft is perfect for using with students in pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who are working on making ten. It aligns with Common Core Standard CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6 and will fit into your math curriculum activities for teaching students to make a ten. It's fun, engaging, and simple to do!

This math craft is perfect for using with students in pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who are working on making ten. It aligns with Common Core Standard CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6 and will fit into your math curriculum activities for teaching students to make a ten. It’s fun, engaging, and simple to do!

Snag it HERE or as part of a Math Craft Bundle!

This math craft is perfect for using with students in pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who are working on making ten. It aligns with Common Core Standard CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6 and will fit into your math curriculum activities for teaching students to make a ten. It's fun, engaging, and simple to do!

Happy Teaching!

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Why Crafts in the Classroom Are Okay!

I love to do crafts with my kids. Glue, paint, paper scraps, markers, popsicle sticks, even…dare I say it…GLITTER…I love it all. Assembling a craft may seem frivolous and mismatched in today’s elementary classroom, but I beg to differ.  I believe that crafts can be meaningful, engaging, and purposeful for our little learners.

Teachers! Incorporating crafts into preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade classrooms is SO important! If you're ever hesitant to add crafts into your curriculum, you must read this post. You'll be grabbing the gluesticks in no time! Plus, you can grab two FREE content-related crafts that you can use with your kiddos!

First of all, there is value in the process that goes into following directions, manipulating materials, and seeing a project through to the end. Upon completion, there is a sense of pride in the end result. The glow that radiates from a child’s face as he shows you his artwork is priceless. Plus, learning to follow directions is a lifelong skill – and one that you won’t regret reinforcing through a content-related craft.

Teachers! Incorporating crafts into preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade classrooms is SO important! If you're ever hesitant to add crafts into your curriculum, you must read this post. You'll be grabbing the gluesticks in no time! Plus, you can grab two FREE content-related crafts that you can use with your kiddos!

Wizard of Oz Writing Craft | Pirate ‘AR’ Words Craft | Monster Words Craft

I also believe crafts are age-appropriate, particularly when it comes to fine-motor skills. Students must manipulate paper, apply pressure to scissors along specific margins, stream a paint-filled brush across a page, or grasp a variety of small sundries while they turn unrelated materials into works of art.

Teachers! Incorporating crafts into preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade classrooms is SO important! If you're ever hesitant to add crafts into your curriculum, you must read this post. You'll be grabbing the gluesticks in no time! Plus, you can grab two FREE content-related crafts that you can use with your kiddos!

Another important benefit of completing the occasional classroom craft is the mental stimulation and rest it provides to kiddos who spend lots of brain power each day engaging in rigorous instruction.  Pablo Picasso even said, Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.  So true, right?! It’s pretty incredible that we can teach a life-long love of creation and provide them with a valuable coping strategy for dealing with life all with a little cutting and pasting.

Teachers! Incorporating crafts into preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade classrooms is SO important! If you're ever hesitant to add crafts into your curriculum, you must read this post. You'll be grabbing the gluesticks in no time! Plus, you can grab two FREE content-related crafts that you can use with your kiddos!

Subitize Eyes Math Craft

Teachers! Incorporating crafts into preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade classrooms is SO important! If you're ever hesitant to add crafts into your curriculum, you must read this post. You'll be grabbing the gluesticks in no time! Plus, you can grab two FREE content-related crafts that you can use with your kiddos!

Make-Ten Friends Math Craft

Though our kids see craft projects as FUN (and that really should be enough of a justification to incorporate them into our lesson plans), the benefits are far-reaching and long-lasting. Curriculum, content, and creativity can all be uncovered with a craft. So, all of this to say: don’t be scared. Do a craft!

Don’t want to forget this post? Pin the image below!

Teachers! Incorporating crafts into preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade classrooms is SO important! If you're ever hesitant to add crafts into your curriculum, you must read this post. You'll be grabbing the gluesticks in no time! Plus, you can grab two FREE content-related crafts that you can use with your kiddos!

If you want to read more about the mental health benefits of creating art, check out this article.

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Book Report Alternative: Reader Review Bookmarks

Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reports that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book report idea where students can write a simplified book review! Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are a cinch for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

Pick Me! Bookmarks 

Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reports that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book report idea where students can write simplified book reviews. Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are easy for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

I actually printed these bookmarks on Astrobrights paper to try to fit the Dr. Seuss-themed color scheme! Since his birthday is today, I thought the ribbon selection (though not necessary) was quite fitting, too!

Here’s a super quick tutorial on how to add ribbon embellishments to your bookmarks!

First, fold a length of ribbon (approximately 9-12inches) in half to form a V shape.

Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reports that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book report idea where students can write simplified book reviews. Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are easy for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

Then, insert the bottom of the V-shaped ribbon into the hole from the back of the bookmark creating a loop on the front.Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reports that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book report idea where students can write simplified book reviews. Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are easy for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

Finally, pinch each end of the ribbon and tuck it into the loop you created and gently pull. Voila!

Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reports that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book report idea where students can write simplified book reviews. Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are easy for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

While it would work great ANY time of year, this resource would be a huge asset to use during the week of Read Across America, to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Celebration of Learning nights, open house, and more! It’s always a good time to celebrate reading and books!

If you want to check out this activity, along with other alternatives to traditional book reports and reviews, click HERE or the image below.

Are you looking for fun and engaging ways to celebrate reading, books, or for an alternative to boring old book reports?! Then, you MUST check out these SIX incredible activities for doing just that! Your students in kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, or fifth grade will love spotlighting their favorite books and sharing with their friends through these fun book reviews and critiques. They are PERFECT to use doing Read Across America week or to help celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday, but can be used year-round!

Want to remember this idea? Pin the image below!

Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reports that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book report idea where students can write simplified book reviews. Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are easy for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

Happy Teaching!

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Book Report Alternative: Emoji Bookmarks

Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reviews that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book review idea where students can not only provide a quick review, but it includes EMOJIS! #everythingisbetterwithhearteyes #amiright

GIANT-SIZED EMOJI BOOKMARKS

Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reports that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book report idea where students can write simplified book reviews. Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are easy for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are a cinch for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reports that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book report idea where students can write simplified book reviews. Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are easy for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

It’s also fun to do because your kiddos are actually making this bookmark for a friend! When they’re finished, they simply place the bookmarks into the books they’ve reviewed for their friends to find.  Then, their friends can read the review, determine whether or not they want to read the book, and they’ll have a bookmark to use while they read!

Did I mention they’re GIANT bookmarks?! So fun!

Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reports that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book report idea where students can write simplified book reviews. Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are easy for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

And, of course, you don’t have to add ribbon to them, but it certainly is fun for your kiddos to add a little personalized ((cheap)) embellishment to them!

Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reports that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book report idea where students can write simplified book reviews. Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are easy for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

This activity can really be used from first grade (with modeling and support), all the way up through middle school. It’s simple, yet efficient!

While it would work great ANY time of year, this resource would be a huge asset to use during the week of Read Across America, to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Celebration of Learning nights, open house, and more! It’s always a good time to celebrate reading and books!

If you want to check out this activity, along with other alternatives to traditional book reports and reviews, click HERE or the image below.

Are you looking for fun and engaging ways to celebrate reading, books, or for an alternative to boring old book reports?! Then, you MUST check out these SIX incredible activities for doing just that! Your students in kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, or fifth grade will love spotlighting their favorite books and sharing with their friends through these fun book reviews and critiques. They are PERFECT to use doing Read Across America week or to help celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday, but can be used year-round!

Want to remember this idea for later? Be sure to PIN the image below!

Are you looking for a great alternative to writing lengthy book reports that is engaging, fun, and perfect for kiddos in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade? Check out this condensed book report idea where students can write simplified book reviews. Included are templates, photographs and easy-to-follow directions that are easy for teachers to implement and great for students to complete after reading their favorite books!

Happy Teaching!

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