Easter Read Alouds for Your Classroom

Easter is coming up soon! I have some fun Easter Read Alouds to suggest along with some teaching ideas to help you get started.

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase using one of my links, which helps to support the blog.  All opinions are my own and I only promote brands and products that I have used myself and truly love.  

The Easter Egg by Jan Brett

The Easter Egg tells the story of Hoppi the bunny, who wants to create the best Easter egg ever so that he can help the Easter Bunny deliver eggs on Easter morning.  He becomes discouraged and goes off into the forest where he finds a blue robin's egg that has tumbled out of its nest. He keeps it safe and warm until it hatches.  The Easter Bunny declares that hatched egg the winner to reward Hoppi for his kindness.

Teaching Ideas:

Reading:

As you read the story aloud to your students, ask them to pay attention to the beautiful illustrations and how they contribute to the story.

Character Traits - Discuss Hoppi and his character traits. Ask students why these traits are important to the story.

What lesson do you think Hoppi learned from his experience, and how can this help us in our own lives?

Writing:

Have students write a persuasive letter to the Easter Bunny convincing him why he should choose Hoppi's Egg as the winner. You might even have them write this before you finish reading.

Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco

The story of Rechenka's Eggs centers around Babushka, who is well known for her exceptional painted eggs that consistently win at the Easter Festival in Moskva.

One day, a goose falls from the sky after being shot by a hunter. Babushka cares for the wounded goose and names her Rechenka.  To thank Babushka, Rechenka starts laying eggs each morning for breakfast.

One day, Rechenka accidentally destroys Babushka's painstakingly painted eggs for the Easter Festival. But, the next morning, Babushka wakes up to an amazing surprise!

Teaching Ideas:

Math:

Have students create paper egg designs using geometric shapes.  Have them identify the different properties of each shape. You can print out free egg patterns here.

Science:

Have students research the impact of pollution on wildlife, particularly on birds and their habitats.

How to Catch the Easter Bunny by Adam Wallace

We all know about finding the fun and delicious Easter Eggs the Easter Bunny hides, but have you ever thought about catching that elusive fellow himself?

That's exactly what this book is about! 

Teaching Ideas:

Writing:

Have students write their own "How to Catch the Easter Bunny" stories following the structure of the book and incorporating their own ideas for catching the elusive bunny.

Grammar:

Focus on specific grammar concepts found in the book such as verbs, adjectives, or adverbs and have the students identify them.

Steam:

Have students create Easter Bunny "traps" and explain how they would work to catch the Easter Bunny.

The Night Before Easter By Natasha Wing

This book follows the pattern of the Night Before Christmas, only this time it is the Easter Bunny who takes center stage. "Twas the night before Easter, just before dawn; not a creature was stirring out on the lawn."

Teaching Ideas:

Reading:

Show students the cover of the book and have them make predictions about what they think the story will be about.  Revisit their predictions as you read.

Science:

Have students create a protective covering that will keep a raw egg from dropping when it is dropped from a predetermined height.

More Easter Activities

If you are looking for more Easter Activities for your classroom, I have these resources available in my Teachers pay Teachers store.

Easter Addition Color by Number

Easter Multiplication Color by Number

Easter Bunny Area and Perimeter project

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5 Engaging Passover Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Students

On Passover, Jewish people all over the world celebrate their freedom from slavery and their beginnings as a great nation. With Passover fast approaching, it's the perfect time to start thinking about read aloud books to share with your students.  Not only can these books teach about the traditions and history of Passover, but they can also promote empathy and understanding of different cultures and religions.

Hers are some great Passover read aloud book for 3rd-5th graders, along with some teaching ideas to enhance your lesson plans.

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase using one of my links, which helps to support the blog.  All opinions are my own and I only promote brands and products that I have used myself and truly love.  

The Passover Guest by Susan Kusel

This heartwarming story follows a family during the Spring of 1933 in Washington D.C. The Great Depression is hitting Muriel's family hard.  Like many other men in the country, her father has lost his job, and the family barely has enough food most days - let alone for a Passover Seder.

Since she doesn't think she has a feast to rush home to, Muriel wanders by the Lincoln Memorial where she encounters a mysterious magician.  After she makes a kind gesture, he encourages her to run home for Seder.  When she arrives home, she encounters a holiday miracle: a bountiful feast of brisket, soup, and matzah, enough for their whole community to share.

How did this happen?

Teaching Ideas

After Reading

Discuss the importance of hospitality and kindness, and how it relates to the holiday of Passover.

Social Studies

Use the book as a starting point for discussing the historical context of the Great Depression and how it impacted families in the United States.

Math

Have students practice measure ingredients for a Passover recipe such as charoset or matzah ball soup.

The Yankee at the Seder by Elka Weber

This book tells the true story about a Jewish Yankee soldier who joins a Southern family's Passover meal during the Civil War. Gathered around the seder table, the group discusses what it means to be free - a subject that is just as relevant today as it was during the Civil War and during the Exodus that Passover commemorates.

Teaching Ideas

Social Studies

Use the book as a starting point for discussing the historical context of the Civil War and how it impacted different regions of the country.

Reading

Explore two of the book's themes - acceptance and forgiveness, and how they relate to the holiday of Passover.

Math

Have students calculate the distance between different cities during the Civil War.

The Story of Passover by David A. Adler

This informative and engaging book tells the history of the Passover holiday, from its origins in ancient Egypt to modern-day celebrations. Passover commemorates Moses leading his people out of slavery in Egypt.  This book recounts the major events of the story, in kid friendly language, from Jacob settling in Egypt to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.

The text and images have been vetted by a rabbinical authority, and includes notes about the modern Passover celebration, the Seder, and how the different parts of the meal symbolize elements of the story.

Teaching Ideas

Social Studies

Use the book to introduce or reinforce the historical context of Passover and how it relates to Jewish culture and history.

Have students research and present on a different holiday that has historical significance.

The Passover Mouse by Joy Nelkin Wieder

In the Jewish tradition, families clean their homes of leavened bread right before Passover.  In this story, a little mouse disrupts the town's preparations for the holiday when it steals a piece of leavened bread - or chometz, and tears through the town, spoiling everyone's hard work. Just when it seems as if the townsfolk will never be ready for their Seder, the little mouse's actions bring everyone together to work as a group to save the holiday.

Teaching Ideas

Reading

Story Elements: Have students identify the story elements such as characters, setting, problem, and solution.

Making Predictions: Stop at various points throughout the story and have students make predictions about what might happen next.

Compare and Contrast: Compare and contrast The Passover Mouse to other books about Passover or books with similar themes.

Vocabulary: Introduce new vocabulary from the story such as "matzah", "seder", "afikomen", and "Haggadah". Have students write definition and use them in a sentence.

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Passover: With Matzah, Maror, and Memories by Deborah Heiligman

This colorful book explores the many forms that the weeklong celebrations of Passover takes worldwide. Alongside beautiful photographs, the author details the long lavish meals called seders, at which the Exodus is recalled in ritual, prayer, song, and story. The historical significance of the food at the Passover feasts is explained alongside recipes that encourage readers to try them on their own.

Teaching Ideas

Math

Have students create a bar graph or pie chart showing the different foods eaten during a Passover Seder.

Writing

Have students write a letter to a friend or family member, explaining the significance of Passover and the traditions observed during the holiday.

Passover is a meaningful holiday for Jewish people all over the world. By incorporating these read alouds into your classroom, you can help students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for  the importance of Passover in Jewish culture and history.

What are your favorite Passover Read Alouds?

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More Passover Activities

If you are looking for more Passover activities to use in your classroom, check out this blog post.

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5 Engaging Activities to Teach Your Elementary Students About Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated annually by Muslims around the world as a month of fasting, prayer, refection, and community.

It's also an excellent opportunity for students to learn about different cultures and traditions.  In this blog post, I've provided 5 activities that you can use in your classroom to help your students learn about Ramadan while promoting understanding and inclusivity.

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase using one of my links, which helps to support the blog.  All opinions are my own and I only promote brands and products that I have used myself and truly love.  

1. Learn About Ramadan

Start by introducing your students to the basics of Ramadan.  Explain what Ramadan is, why it is important, and how Muslims observe it.  You can use books about Ramadan, videos, and other resources. 

2. Ramadan Color by Number

You can download Ramadan-themed color by number activities for both addition and multiplication in my Teachers pay Teachers sore,  Students can practice their math facts while learning about the holiday.  It's also a great way to incorporate art and creativity into your classroom, and what kid doesn't love to color?

3. Create a Ramadan Bulletin Board

Use your bulletin board to showcase information about Ramadan such as the dates, traditions, and symbols associated with the holiday.  You can also encourage students to contribute their own artwork, (like these Ramadan color by number worksheets) or writing about what they have learned.

4. Read Stories About Ramadan

There are plenty of children's books available that explore the themes of Ramadan including Ramadan Moon and Lailah's Lunchbox. I have a list of some of my favorite Ramadan books (along with teaching ideas) here.

5. Invite Students and Families Who Celebrate Ramadan to Share.

If you have students of the Muslim faith in your classroom, ask their families if they would be willing to share their traditions and experiences with your students. This can be a great opportunity for your students to learn about different cultures and traditions.

Celebrating Ramadan in the elementary classroom can be a great opportunity to promote inclusivity, understanding, and cultural awareness. By incorporating some of these Ramadan activities into your classroom, you can help your students learn more about this holiday!

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Read Alouds to Celebrate Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr

Ramadan is an important time of the year for Muslims.  It is a time for fasting, reflection, and community. There is no better way to build a community in your classroom than through read aloud books!

Reading books about Ramadan can help children understand and appreciate the significance of the holiday whether they personally celebrate it or not.

Here are some books that you can read aloud to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders for Ramadan, along with some teaching ideas for each one.

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase using one of my links, which helps to support the blog.  All opinions are my own and I only promote brands and products that I have used myself and truly love.  

Ramadan Moon by Na'ima B. Robert

This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a young Muslim girl as she experiences the sights, sounds, and feelings of Ramadan.  It's a great book to introduce the basic concepts of Ramadan to your students.

Teaching Ideas:

Vocabulary

Teach students new vocabulary words they will encounter in the books such as "suhur", "iftar," and "mosque". Have students practice using the words in context and write their own sentences using the new vocabulary.

After Reading

After reading the book, have a class discussion about what the students learned about Ramadan. 

Sequencing 

After reading the book, have students sequence the events of the story in order.  This activity will help students develop their comprehension skills and understand the sequence of events in a story.

Art

Have students create their own illustrations for the book.  They can draw their favorite scenes of characters and share their artwork with the class.

The White Nights of Ramadan by Maha Addasi

This book follows a young girl, Noor, as she experiences the excitement and wonder of Ramadan with her family in the United Arab Emirates.

Teaching Ideas:

After Reading 

After reading the book, have a class discussion about what the different ways Ramadan is celebrated around the world.  Ask students to research how Ramadan is celebrated in different countries, and have them create presentations to share with the class . 

Compare and Contrast

The book takes place in a different country and culture, which provides an opportunity to teach about different ways of life.  Have students compare and contrast their own experiences with those of Noor and her family. They can create Venn diagrams or write essays to highlight the similarities and differences.

Writing

Noor, the main character of the book, keeps a journal during Ramadan to reflect on her experiences. Have students write their own journal entries about a special holiday or tradition they celebrate with their own family.

Art

Make Lanterns. The book talks about the traditional lanterns that are hung during Ramadan.  You can have students make their own lanterns using construction paper and glue.  Have them decorate their finished lanterns with markers or glitter.

Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan

This book follows Yasmeen, a seven-year old Pakistani-American girl, as she celebrates Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

Teaching Ideas:

Creative Writing

Have students write their own stories about a holiday or tradition that is meaningful to them. Encourage them to incorporate descriptive language and sensory details to bring their stories to life.

Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi

Lailah is in a new school in a new country, missing her old friends.  When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is old enough to participate in the fasting, but worried about what her new friends will think when she doesn't join them for lunch.

Teaching Ideas:

After Reading 

The book highlights the challenges that Lailah faces as a young Muslim girl trying to practice her faith in a non-Muslim environment. Use the book to spark discussion about diversity, empathy, and understanding. Ask students to reflect upon a time when they might have felt left out or not included to create a more inclusive environment.

You could also have a class discussion about the importance of sharing their traditions with others.

Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman

This book celebrates the traditions and rituals of Ramadan though simple rhymes and vibrant illustrations.

"We wait for the moon. 

We watch for the moon.

We watch for the Ramadan moon."

Teaching Ideas:

Creative Writing

The book is written in poetry form. Have students create their own poems about their own holidays and traditions.  Encourage them to use descriptive language to capture the sights, sounds, and feelings of that holiday or tradition.

My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin

"In this big universe full of many moons, I have traveled and seen many wonders, but I have never loved anything or anyone the way I love my Grandma."

This book tells the story of Mina, a young girl growing up in Iran. The center of her world is her grandma.  

Whether visiting friends next door, going to the mosque for midnight prayers during Ramadan, or taking an imaginary trip, Mina and her grandma are never far apart.

This beautiful ode to family is bound to resonate with all of your students.

Teaching Ideas:

Creative Writing

Have your students write about a family member who is important to them the way that Mina's grandma is important to her.

Compare and Contrast

Have students compare and contrast the different activities Mina and her grandmother  do in the book with activities that students do with their grandparent(s) or other relatives. They can create Venn diagrams or write essays to highlight the similarities and differences.

Family History

Encourage students to talk with their parents, grandparents, or other family members about their family history. Students can create a family tree and share their family history with the class.

 

More Ramadan Teaching Resources and Activities:

Ramadan Multiplication Color by Number

Ramadan Addition Color by Number

What are your favorite Ramadan books?

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Before you go, head on over to enter one of our giveaways!