In November it’s time to switch over from all things Halloween to getting ready for turkey day! If you are looking for ideas and teaching resources for the weeks BEFORE Thanksgiving, here are some easy to implement and very engaging learning activities I have done with my second grade students.
November Writing Center Prompts
Our November pick a prompt writing center is all set up and the display table decorated.
Changing Colors
We made a few neat fall leaf projects to use to decorate the room. Most of our projects this year have been cut and paste activities. For the first time, we brought out paint and tissue paper which the class really enjoyed.
Science Units
Our second graders took a field trip to a local science center. We explored the museum area and visited the bat zone. It was an awesome experience! My favorite part of the trip was seeing the magnificent collection of spectacular gems and minerals from around the globe. Bats and rocks and minerals are both great science units for this time of year.
In November, field trip traffic slows down so it might be a good time to book a trip near you!
Math Activities
In math, we started working on measuring perimeter with nonstandard units. The students are working on writing equations to match what their cubes showed. It took a few days to see the equation is really a double fact plus a double fact and that you do not need to measure more than the two unequal sides of these rectangles. By this time of year, in second grade, students have become more fluent at math facts so this is a great month to teach this unit.
Scoots are a great way for students to get up and moving while practicing important skills. Because November weather in many places keeps us inside for recess, young learners need to get up out of their seats! If you have a class with the wiggles, a scoot activity might be just the thing for them too! We completed level one (first grade math review) in this Superhero Subtraction Scoot. The students got some great practice in and it was the perfect ending to a fun fall week!
Next week we step it up to level two which includes facts through 20!
Fall Reading Activities
Reading in November can include Fall poetry, Fall reading comprehension passages and more. By this time of year, students are becoming skilled readers too!
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The fall reading comprehension passages also include writing practice in the form of text based questions. Students need to refer back to the text to find the answer. Second graders are ready for this skill by November!
What are your favorite things to teach in the month of November? Add them in the comments! We love to read about great topics for monthly teaching themes!
Happy Fall Y’all!
What a great idea! Students love going to forbidden student zones around the school. I'm sure it's a treat they won't be forgetting anytime soon. I am also loving all this Primary Powers fun that I have been seeing.
Thanks for more great ideas
Sheri
Early Years with Sheri