90+ Ocean Books for Ocean Week 🌊📚

 

Ocean Week is one of my favorite times of the year because it’s the perfect excuse to dive into some incredible picture books. Whether your child loves sharks, whales, sea turtles, coral reefs, or life deep beneath the waves, there are so many wonderful stories and nonfiction books that inspire curiosity about our oceans.

 

I've put together a collection of 90+ ocean-themed picture books for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary-aged children. It's a mix of beautiful read-alouds, engaging nonfiction, and books that spark meaningful conversations about ocean life and conservation.

 

A trip to your local library is a great place to start, or you can find links to all of my recommendations in one convenient list HERE.

 

🐠 Looking for activities to go along with your reading? Each book recommendation is paired with a hands-on ocean-themed activity inside my 30 Ocean Activities for June resource. From shark games and aquarium building to seashell math, treasure hunts, sensory play, and ocean art projects, you'll find plenty of ways to extend learning beyond the book and bring Ocean Week to life. 🌊🐚🦈

 
 

Easy Summer Fun for Kids (Without Hearing “I’m Bored” Every 10 Minutes) 🌊☀️

 

If you’re home with little kids this summer, you know how quickly the days can start to feel very long. I always try to have a few simple, hands-on activities ready to go—especially ones that keep kids busy, learning, and off screens for a little while.

That’s why I love this collection of 30 ocean-themed activities for preschool, Pre-K, and kindergarten.

 

Everything is designed to feel like summer fun while still building important early learning skills. Kids get to do activities like:

  • Feeding sharks

  • Building aquariums

  • Treasure hunts

  • Seashell math games

  • Ocean crafts and sensory bins

  • Movement games and art projects

 

The best part is that the activities are low prep and easy to set up. Each one comes with simple directions, making it manageable even on busy summer days.

Whether you’re looking for rainy day ideas, summer learning activities, or just something fun to break up the day, these ocean-themed activities are an easy way to keep little learners engaged all June long. 🌊🐚🐠

 
 

A Fun Way to Survive End-of-Year Math Review ☀️

 

By the end of the school year, getting students excited about math review can be a challenge. At this point, everyone is thinking about summer break, and pulling out another worksheet packet usually isn’t the answer.

One thing that always helps in my classroom is turning review into a game.

 

This digital math escape room has students solving problems, cracking secret codes, and trying to escape the last day of school before ending up with summer school, a giant summer packet, or a trip to the principal’s office. The storyline alone gets them hooked right away.

Students review skills like:

  • Addition & subtraction

  • Multiplication & division

  • Fractions

 

And because it’s completely digital, it’s really easy to use during those busy last weeks of school. I like using it for:

  • End-of-year review

  • Math centers

  • Early finishers

  • Small groups

 

The best part is that students genuinely feel like they’re playing a game while still practicing important math skills.

There are versions available for grades 3–6, making it easy to match the activity to your students’ needs during those final weeks of school. ☀️

 

A Meaningful (and Low-Prep) Way to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Math Class 🌸

By the time May rolls around, students are ready for something different—and honestly, so are we. With everything going on this time of year, it helps to have activities that are engaging, low-prep, and still meaningful.

This Mother’s Day Fraction Flower Craft is an easy way to review math skills while creating something students are excited about.

 

🌼 Math Practice Meets Creativity

Students solve fraction problems and use their answers to build a flower craft. It turns review into a hands-on activity—and many students love turning their finished flowers into a Mother’s Day gift.

✏️ Skills Covered

  • Equivalent fractions

  • Adding and multiplying fractions

  • Simplifying

  • Converting improper fractions to mixed numbers

There’s also a blank option to customize the activity to your class.

🌸 Easy to Use

This works well for:

  • Math centers

  • Small groups

  • Early finishers

  • End-of-unit review

With multiple levels included, it’s easy to differentiate without extra prep.

💐 A Meaningful End-of-Year Activity

The finished flowers make a beautiful display—and give students something they’re proud to share.

If you’re looking for a simple way to keep math engaging while celebrating Mother’s Day, this is an easy win. 🌷

Mother’s Day Handprint Art Craft for Preschool and Kindergarten

Create a meaningful keepsake with this easy, low-prep Mother’s Day handprint art activity!

 

Perfect for toddlers, preschool, and kindergarten, students use their handprints to make a heartfelt gift for moms, grandmas, or special caregivers.

With simple printable templates and minimal setup, it’s an ideal choice for classroom crafts, centers, or quick projects families will treasure for years. Click here for the link!

Happy Mother’s Day! ❤️


 

Busy Season Survival: Easy Classroom Activities for April and May

If April feels extra hectic, you’re not imagining it. This time of year often brings spring testing, schedule changes, field trips, end-of-year events, and plenty of classroom germs making the rounds. Add in students who are ready for sunshine and summer, and keeping everyone engaged can feel like a challenge.

During busy seasons like this, I always look for activities that are high engagement, low prep, and easy to implement. Whether you teach upper elementary or preschool, having ready-to-go resources can make all the difference.

Here are two favorites for this time of year.

 

🏥 Turn Math Review into an Operating Room Mission

If your upper elementary students need a fresh way to practice math skills, this Order of Operations Classroom Transformation is a fun way to break up the routine.

Students become surgeons-in-training and solve math expressions to “save the patient” while practicing PEMDAS or GEMS. The hospital theme instantly grabs attention, and the activity turns regular review into something memorable.

 

This resource includes:

  • 3 differentiated levels of task cards

  • Practice with parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction

  • Editable doctor badges and medical posters

  • Setup guides and answer keys

  • Editable task cards for custom practice

 

It’s perfect for:

  • Order of operations review

  • Test prep season

  • Classroom transformation days

  • Centers or small groups

  • Math enrichment

 

When students are restless this time of year, a themed activity like this can completely shift the energy in the room.

 

🌸 Keep Little Learners Busy in May

If you teach preschool, Pre-K, or kindergarten, May can feel just as busy. Students are excited for summer, routines start to shift, and keeping learning meaningful takes creativity.

That’s why I love having a full month of ready-to-go ideas with this 31 May Preschool Activities Bundle.

Inside are hands-on daily activities focused on:

  • Fine motor development

  • Letter recognition

  • Counting and early math

  • Art and creativity

  • Sensory play

  • Movement and hands-on exploration

From flower activities to matching games, crafts, and playful learning prompts, there’s something fresh for each day of the month.

 

This resource works beautifully for:

  • Morning tubs

  • Spring centers

  • End-of-year classroom fun

  • Homeschool or daycare settings

  • Easy May lesson planning

It’s a simple way to keep young learners engaged while still building important foundational skills.

 

Make Busy Season Easier

April and May can be a lot for teachers. Having engaging, low-prep activities on hand can help you get through the busiest weeks while keeping students learning and having fun.

Whether you’re transforming your classroom into an operating room for math review or filling May with playful preschool learning, these resources are designed to make your life easier during one of the busiest times of the school year.

 

FREE Spring Activities Teachers Can Use Right Away

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your classroom with engaging, low-prep activities. Whether you're working with upper elementary students or preschool learners, these two resources make it easy to keep students motivated and learning — and each one comes with a free bonus resource to get you started.

 

💌 Figurative Language Activities for Upper Elementary (Plus Free Posters)

If you're looking for a way to make figurative language more engaging — especially around Valentine's Day or anytime in the spring — this Figurative Language Activity Packet is designed to make abstract concepts fun and memorable.

Students explore key figurative language skills through hands-on, creative activities like:

  • Creating alliteration ice cream or milkshakes

  • Dressing like idioms

  • Analyzing song lyrics

  • Identifying figurative language in movies

  • Interactive games, crafts, and projects

This resource covers:

  • Similes

  • Metaphors

  • Idioms

  • Hyperbole

  • Personification

  • Alliteration

  • Onomatopoeia

It works well for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classrooms and includes lesson plans, worksheets, quick checks, and a final assessment — making it easy to teach an entire figurative language unit with minimal prep.

 

🎁 Free Bonus: Figurative Language Posters

This resource also pairs perfectly with the free Figurative Language Posters, which provide clear definitions and examples for all seven skills. These posters make great:

  • Bulletin boards

  • Anchor charts

  • Writing reference walls

  • Test prep supports

Just print and display for an easy visual reminder students can use all year long.

 

🌸 April Preschool Activity Bundle (Plus Alphabet Egg Hunt Freebie)

For younger learners, April is full of opportunities for hands-on learning. This 30-Day April Preschool Activity Bundle includes spring-themed crafts, Easter-inspired activities, and fine motor practice designed specifically for toddlers, preschool, Pre-K, and kindergarten students.

Activities focus on:

  • Fine motor development

  • Letter recognition

  • Early math skills

  • Creativity and art

  • Sensory play and movement

With 30 simple, low-prep activities, teachers can easily add meaningful learning to centers, morning tubs, or small groups throughout the month.

 

🎁 Free Bonus: April Alphabet Egg Hunt

As a sample from the bundle, the April Alphabet Egg Hunt Freebie gives students a fun, hands-on way to practice letter recognition.

Students open plastic eggs, find letters, and match them to an alphabet mat — building:

  • Letter recognition

  • Uppercase/lowercase matching

  • Fine motor skills

  • Early literacy development

It’s perfect for April centers, spring themes, or Easter classroom activities.

Simple, Seasonal Learning Made Easy

Whether you're teaching figurative language to upper elementary students or planning spring centers for preschool, these resources make it easy to keep learning engaging without adding extra prep to your day.

And with free companion resources included, you can try them out right away and bring a little extra excitement to your classroom this spring. 🌸

Happy teaching,

Allison Spaid

Connect with me on social media!

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Ramadan Ends Friday🌙 Baseball Starts Wednesday ⚾ Here’s a Fun Way to Teach Both.

Spring brings a lot of exciting moments into the classroom. With Ramadan ending this week and Baseball Opening Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to weave a little seasonal excitement into your math block while still keeping learning front and center.

Here are two engaging options teachers can use right now—one hands-on and creative, the other completely digital and ready to assign.

 

🌙 Ramadan Math Crafts (Grades 3–6)

Ramadan is a meaningful time for many students and families, and incorporating thoughtful classroom activities can help acknowledge the holiday while still reinforcing important academic skills.

One option is using Ramadan-themed math crafts, where students solve math problems and use their answers to build a decorative craft. These activities combine academic practice with creativity, resulting in projects students are proud to display.

There are three different Ramadan craft designs available, including:

 

Each craft allows students to practice math skills while assembling a visually engaging Ramadan-themed project. With 300+ math problems covering more than 40 math skills—including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—teachers can easily choose the skill that fits their current math unit.

 

These crafts work especially well for:

  • Ramadan classroom recognition

  • Math centers or small groups

  • Differentiated practice

  • Early finisher activities

  • Bulletin boards and hallway displays

Teachers appreciate that the activities are low prep and flexible, and the finished crafts create a beautiful way to celebrate Ramadan while reinforcing meaningful math practice.

 

⚾ Baseball Digital Escape Rooms (Grades 3–5)

With Baseball Opening Day coming next week, sports-themed math activities are a great way to boost engagement—especially for students who enjoy games and competition.

A fun option is a Baseball-Themed Digital Escape Room, where students solve math problems to unlock clues and help their team “escape” the game.

These activities are designed to feel like a video game-style challenge, with puzzles, codes, and self-checking slides that guide students through the experience.

Because the escape rooms are 100% digital, teachers can simply assign the activity and students can begin playing immediately—no printing, locks, or prep required.

 

These baseball-themed games work well for:

  • Math centers or digital stations

  • Small group practice

  • Independent work time

  • Early finisher activities

  • Seasonal review leading up to Opening Day

There are multiple versions available for grades 3–5, each focusing on different math skills, making it easy to match the activity to whatever students are currently practicing.

The sports theme keeps students motivated while still reinforcing important math concepts.

 

Bringing Seasonal Energy Into the Classroom

Simple seasonal activities can bring fresh energy into your classroom during busy spring weeks. Whether students are creating Ramadan math crafts or solving puzzles in a baseball-themed digital escape room, these activities offer a fun way to reinforce skills while celebrating moments happening right now.

It’s a small shift that can make math practice feel a lot more exciting. 🌙⚾

Happy teaching!

Allison Spaid

Connect with me on social media!

TPT: SpaidsintheClassoom

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Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/spaidsintheclassroom

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No-Prep St. Patrick’s Day Math Games You Can Use TOMORROW 🍀

If your March calendar looks anything like mine, the weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s Day fill up quickly. Between testing prep, regular lessons, and keeping students engaged as spring fever starts to creep in, finding quick seasonal activities that don’t require extra prep can feel like a win.

For this post, I’m sharing two digital St. Patrick’s Day math games that you can assign instantly. No printing, no cutting, and no complicated setup—just assign and go. These activities work well for math centers, early finishers, small groups, or a quick themed lesson between now and March 17th.

 

Shamrock or Shenanigans Digital Math Game (Versions for Grades 3–6)

If you want a quick, engaging activity that gets students thinking critically, this digital Shamrock or Shenanigans game is a fun option.

Students work through completed math problems and decide whether the solution earns a lucky shamrock (correct) or is simply shenanigans (incorrect). Instead of just solving problems, students analyze the work shown and determine whether the answer is accurate. This format encourages deeper thinking and discussion about common mistakes.

The activity is designed with interactive slides and a playful St. Patrick’s Day theme, making it feel more like a game than a traditional practice assignment.

What teachers like most about this activity:

  • It’s 100% digital and completely no-prep

  • The error-analysis format encourages critical thinking

  • Students stay engaged with the Shamrock vs. Shenanigans game concept

  • Optional recording sheets can be used for accountability

 

I currently offer multiple versions of this game for grades 3–6, each focusing on different math skills, so it’s easy to match the activity to whatever your class is currently practicing.

It’s a quick way to add a little St. Patrick’s Day fun to your math block while still keeping the focus on meaningful practice.

 

St. Patrick’s Day Digital Math Escape Room (Grades 3–6)

Another easy digital option for March is a St. Patrick’s Day themed math escape room. Students work through a series of challenges, solving problems and unlocking secret codes as they move through the activity.

The game features a playful storyline where students must outsmart a mischievous leprechaun while completing math tasks. The digital slides are designed to feel like a self-paced video game, which keeps students motivated to continue solving each challenge.

Because the activity is fully digital, teachers can use it in a variety of ways:

  • Math centers or rotations

  • Small group practice

  • Independent work time

  • Early finisher activities

  • Seasonal enrichment before a break

Teachers love this activity because it is completely no prep—there are no locks to set up, nothing to print, and no materials to organize. Just assign the slides and students can start solving.

Like the Shamrock game, I also have multiple escape room versions available for grades 3–6, each aligned with different math skills. That makes it easy to use the same engaging format while practicing whatever concepts your students are currently learning.

 

Quick Seasonal Learning That Doesn’t Add to Your To-Do List

Seasonal activities don’t need to mean extra work for teachers. Simple digital games can add a little St. Patrick’s Day excitement to your classroom while still reinforcing important math skills.

If you’re looking for quick, engaging digital activities you can use between now and March 17th, these games are designed to make it easy—just assign, play, and let the learning happen. 🍀

Happy teaching,

Allison Spaid

Connect with me on social media!

TPT: SpaidsintheClassoom

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spaidsintheclassroom

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/spaidsintheclassroom

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10 FREE March Affirmations for the Classroom (Lucky Charms SEL Freebie)

 

Looking for a simple way to bring positivity and encouragement into your classroom this March? These March Affirmation Lucky Charms help students practice positive self-talk, confidence, and growth mindset.

This free printable includes:

  • 10 March-themed affirmation cards

  • 3 different sizes and styles

  • Bright designs perfect for classroom displays

Use them for morning meetings, SEL activities, calming corners, or bulletin boards.

🍀 Download the free March affirmations click HERE.

A simple way to help students build confidence and positivity all month long!

 
 

Shamrocks, Standards, and a Little March Magic ☘️

March can feel long. Testing season is around the corner, spring fever is starting to show up, and keeping engagement high takes a little extra creativity. Over the years, I’ve found that leaning into seasonal themes—without sacrificing rigor—can make a big difference.

Here are a few ways I bring St. Patrick’s Day into my classroom while keeping everything standards-based and purposeful.

🍀 Elementary Grades: Academic + Hands-On = Engagement

By this point in the year, my students need learning to feel fresh again. I’ve had great success combining core skills with simple, hands-on projects that give them something tangible to create.

 

3D Shamrock Writing Craft (Grades 2–4)

Writing can start to feel repetitive in March, so I love giving students themed prompts that spark creativity. In this activity, students respond to four St. Patrick’s Day writing prompts, then use a student-friendly checklist to revise and edit their work independently.

After polishing their writing, they assemble a colorful 3D shamrock to display their final draft.

Why this works in the classroom:

  • Encourages narrative and opinion writing.

  • Builds independence through self-editing checklists.

  • Combines creativity with academic expectations.

  • Makes a bright, engaging bulletin board display.

It fits easily into literacy centers, small group support, or even early finisher rotations. The crafting component keeps motivation high, but the focus stays on strong writing.

 

Shamrock Math Crafts (Grades 2–6)

Math engagement can dip this time of year, especially with heavier concepts like fractions and regrouping. Adding a creative element changes the energy instantly.

I use different shamrock math versions depending on grade level:

 

Students complete skill-based problem pages first, then follow step-by-step directions to assemble a 3D shamrock. The craft feels like a reward—but the math comes first.

Why teachers appreciate this format:

  • Low prep (print and go).

  • Multiple versions for differentiation.

  • Visual and kinesthetic support for learners.

  • A finished product that showcases real academic work.

It’s structured enough to stay rigorous, but festive enough to feel special.

 

Leprechaun-Themed Math Review (Grades 4–5)

If you’re looking for something more interactive, a leprechaun-themed math challenge adds movement and collaboration to your review block.

Students rotate through task cards reviewing:

  • Simplifying fractions

  • Multi-digit multiplication

  • Order of operations

 

They solve clues, break codes, and even complete a small STEM extension focused on simple machines. It turns spiral review into a problem-solving adventure while still reinforcing essential skills.

I especially love this option for:

  • Seasonal math centers

  • Small group rotations

  • Pre-test review

  • Encouraging teamwork and critical thinking

It feels like a game, but it covers serious content.

🌈 Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten: Play-Based and Purposeful

With younger learners, seasonal learning should feel joyful and hands-on—but still intentional.

 

31+ March Preschool Activities

For the month of March, I like having a bank of ready-to-go activities that support development without overwhelming prep time. This collection includes daily crafts, themed games, sensory bin ideas, dramatic play setups, and fine motor activities.

Skills targeted include:

  • Fine motor development

  • Counting and early math

  • Scissor practice

  • Creative expression

  • Imaginative play

Everything is written in lesson plan style, which makes it simple to implement in the classroom, at home, or in a daycare setting. It’s structured enough for teachers, but playful enough for little learners.

 

St. Patrick’s Day Activity & Craft Bundle (Toddlers–K)

For a focused holiday week, a smaller themed bundle can keep centers engaging while building foundational skills.

This set includes:

  • A memory matching game

  • A patterning activity

  • Scissor skills worksheets

  • A handprint rainbow craft

Each activity supports early childhood development while still feeling festive and fun. It’s perfect for small groups, morning tubs, or holiday celebrations without adding stress to your prep time.

Keeping March Meaningful (and Manageable)

Seasonal activities don’t have to mean fluff. With a little intention, they can reinforce core standards, support independence, and bring fresh energy into your classroom.

Whether you teach upper elementary or preschool, a simple shamrock-themed project can go a long way toward boosting engagement while still honoring your academic goals.

If you’re looking to add something festive and skill-focused to your March plans, these are the St. Patrick’s Day resources I use and love in my own classroom.

Here’s to a productive—and maybe a little lucky—March! 🍀

Happy teaching,

Allison