Celebrate International Children's Book Day

Every year on April 2nd, book lovers around the world celebrate International Children’s Book Day —a day dedicated to inspiring a love of reading in children and highlighting the importance of children's literature.

Founded in 1967 by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), this special day is celebrated on Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, honoring the famous author who gave us timeless fairy tales like The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Emperor’s New Clothes.

Books open the doors to imagination, creativity, and lifelong learning. Whether it's through classic fairy tales, adventure stories, or non-fiction fact books, reading plays a crucial role in children's development by: Building vocabulary and comprehension skills, Expanding knowledge of the world, Encouraging curiosity and creativity, and Fostering empathy through diverse stories and perspectives.

Each year, a different country from IBBY sponsors International Children’s Book Day by choosing a theme and designing an official poster and message to inspire young readers.

There are so many fun ways to celebrate this special day and encourage young readers! Here are a few ideas:

 1. Read a Book (or Two!):

Take time to read a favorite children’s book or discover a new one! Whether it’s a classic fairy tale, an informational fact booklet, or a storybook about different cultures, the goal is to enjoy the magic of reading.

 2. Explore Books from Around the World:

International Children's Book Day is the perfect time to explore stories from different cultures. Look for books that introduce children to new traditions, languages, and perspectives. 

Some great picks include:

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña (U.S.)

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi (Korea)

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (LGBTQ+ Representation)

Abuela by Arthur Dorros (Latino Heritage)

 3. Create a Storytelling or Drawing Activity:

Encourage kids to write and illustrate their own short stories. For younger learners, try a directed drawing activity where they illustrate characters from a favorite book.

 4. Visit the Library or Attend a Storytime Event:

Many libraries host special readings, storytelling sessions, and book-themed activities for children. Check your local library’s schedule for any International Children's Book Day events.

 5. Start a Reading Challenge:

Encourage kids to set a reading goal—like finishing a book in a week or reading one story from a different country each day of the month.

Books and Activities to Celebrate:

If you're looking for engaging books and activities to celebrate International Children's Book Day, here are a few of our books that can be shared:

1.  A-Z of South Africa - A World of Diversity and Culture

2.  Maybe Heart Friends

3.  Opportunities for Everyone Lessons from Keystone with STEAM & Biomimicry Activities

4.  Nyla's Glowing Underwater Garden - A Coral Reef Adventure

5. Orla's Golden Blanket - Sea Otters' Secret to a Bright Blue Future

6.  The Rhino in Me - A Story of Friendship, Protection and Milk Lollies

Whether it’s through reading a beloved story, writing a creative tale, or learning something new, International Children’s Book Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate books and the joy they bring to young readers.

 How do you plan to celebrate? Share your favorite children’s book in the comments!

All books may be found on Amazon.

Celebrate April’s Special Days with Engaging Fact Booklets and Activities!

April is packed with exciting national and world days that provide the perfect opportunity to bring themed learning into your classroom. From exploring zoo and farm animals to celebrating trees and taking action for the planet, these products will make learning interactive, fun, and meaningful.

National Zoo Lovers Day – April 8

Let’s celebrate our love for zoo animals with the Zoo Fact Booklet Bundle! This engaging bundle includes fact booklets on tigers, lions, zebras, elephants, giraffes, and monkeys, offering young learners a chance to discover fascinating facts about these incredible creatures.

Each fact booklet includes: Informational reading passages, Comprehension check questions, A fun craft activity, Engaging extension activities

As a bonus, I’ve included a How to Draw Zoo Animals resource, so kids can bring their favorite zoo animals to life!

National Farm Animals Day – April 10

Farm animals play an essential role in our daily lives, and National Farm Animals Day is the perfect time to learn more about them! The Farm Animal Fact Booklet Bundle covers seven beloved farm animals: horses, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, cows, and pigs.

Just like the zoo bundle, each booklet contains: Fun and engaging fact sheets, Comprehension questions,  A hands-on craft activity,  Extension learning ideas

A How to Draw Farm Animals bonus resource is also included, making this an excellent way to combine science, art, and literacy in one fun activity!

Earth Day – April 22

Earth Day is all about raising awareness and taking action to protect our planet. My Climate Change Fact Booklets and Activities provide young learners with the knowledge and tools to understand climate change and what they can do to help.

Climate Change Resources:

 Climate Fact Booklet – Introduces the concept of climate and why it matters. 

Climate Change Fact Booklet – Explains how climate change happens and its effects.

What Can We Do? Fact Booklet – Encourages kids to take small steps to make a big difference.

To further enhance learning, I’ve included:

 How to Draw Climate Change – A directed drawing activity to visually represent key concepts.

 Climate Change Vocabulary Activities, include: Word cards, Headband vocabulary activity, Scoot (Write the Room),  Draw a Word, Make a word hunt (with and without words), Climate Change puzzles, Paper Chain words, Words to learn booklet, and Mini word wall.

These activities provide a hands-on approach to learning and discussing climate change in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

Arbor Day – April 25

Trees are one of the most important natural resources on our planet, and Arbor Day is the perfect time to learn more about them! The Tree Fact Booklet provides an in-depth look at the importance of trees, their life cycle, and their role in the environment.

Just like my other fact booklets, this resource includes:  Informational text Comprehension questions, A tree-themed craft activity, Additional hands-on learning activities that encourage students to appreciate trees and take action to protect them through engaging discussions, activities, and real-world connections!

Make April a Month of Themed Learning!

These resources are perfect for celebrating April’s special days while reinforcing key science and literacy skills. Whether it’s zoo and farm animals, trees, or climate change, these fact booklets and activities will bring excitement and hands-on learning to your classroom.

Which April-themed day are you most excited to celebrate with your students? Let me know in the comments! 

All my resources may be found in my store: 

 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/thebeezyteacher

Celebrate National Pig Day

March 1st was National Pig Day, a perfect time to celebrate these intelligent and fascinating animals! Whether you’re a teacher looking to engage students or a parent hoping to introduce your child to the wonderful world of pigs, there are plenty of fun ways to honor the day. From fact-filled booklets to engaging nonfiction books and hands-on activities, let’s explore some creative ways to make this National Pig Day educational and exciting.

My Pig Fact Booklet is an engaging way for young learners to discover fun and educational facts about pigs. This resource includes:

Interesting Pig Facts – Learn about pig habitats, diets, and behaviors.

Comprehension Questions – Reinforce learning through engaging review questions.

Craft Activity – Get creative with a pig-themed craft to complement the lesson.

This booklet is designed to make learning interactive and enjoyable, perfect for classrooms or home learning!

Reading nonfiction books is a great way to introduce children to real-life pig facts. Here are five engaging books to add to your National Pig Day celebration:

"Pigs" by Gail Gibbons – A beautifully illustrated book that provides an in-depth look at pigs, their habitats, and their role in farming.

"The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" by Jon Scieszka – A humorous twist on the classic fairy tale told from the wolf’s perspective, giving readers insight into how pigs might be misunderstood.

"A Piglet Named Mercy" by Kate DiCamillo – A charming introduction to the character Mercy Watson, perfect for younger readers.

"Everything You Should Know About: Pigs" by Anne Richards -  a fact-filled book that introduces readers to the fascinating world of pigs, covering their behaviors, habitats, and unique characteristics. 

Pigs!: A My Incredible World Picture Book for Children by  My Incredible World, Hope Aicher -  Perfect for animal lovers, it helps children learn about these smart and playful farm animals in an enjoyable and educational way

These books will captivate young readers while teaching them about pigs in a fun and engaging way!

In addition to reading and exploring the Pig Fact Booklet, try these pig-themed activities to bring even more fun to the celebration:

1. Pig Mask Craft – Have children create and decorate their own pig masks using paper plates, pink paint, and construction paper.

2. Pig Snort Contest – See who can make the best pig snort! This silly game is guaranteed to bring laughter and joy.

3. Pig Science Experiment – Teach kids about pigs' love for mud by creating a mini science experiment on how mud helps keep pigs cool.

4. Pig-Themed Snack – Make pig-shaped cookies or cupcakes to enjoy while learning fun pig facts!

National Pig Day is a great opportunity to learn more about these intelligent and lovable animals. Whether through reading, crafts, or engaging activities, you can make this day a memorable and educational experience for young learners. Be sure to check out the Pig Fact Booklet for an interactive and informative resource to enhance the celebration! How do you celebrate National Pig Day? 

My pig booklet may be found in my store:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/thebeezyteacher  

Celebrate Spring with Fun Spring Animal Activities!

Spring is a season of new beginnings, and one of the most exciting aspects of this time of year is the birth of baby animals! From hatching chicks to playful bunnies, spring offers plenty of opportunities to explore and learn about oviparous animals and their life cycles. Whether you’re a teacher looking for classroom activities or a parent wanting to engage your child in springtime fun, here are some fantastic resources, books, and activities to celebrate the season!

To help children understand and appreciate spring animals, these engaging fact booklets provide fun, educational content:

Oviparous Animals Fact Booklet – Learn all about animals that lay eggs, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Duck Fact Booklet – Explore the life cycle and behaviors of ducks.

Rabbit Fact Booklet – Discover fascinating facts about rabbits and their springtime habits.

Chicken Fact Booklet – Learn about chickens, from eggs to adulthood!

Each booklet includes fun facts, comprehension questions, and a related craft activity to reinforce learning through hands-on engagement.

For children who love to express themselves through art, these directed drawing activities are a great way to incorporate creativity into learning:

How to Draw Easter – Step-by-step drawing activities featuring rabbits, chicks, Easter eggs, and other festive symbols.

How to Draw Spring – A guided drawing activity with adorable spring animals like ducks, butterflies, and birds.

These resources make it easy for young learners to build confidence in their artistic skills while celebrating the season!

Reading also is a fantastic way to introduce children to the wonders of spring and its baby animals. Here are five engaging books to add to your spring reading list:

"The Golden Egg Book" by Margaret Wise Brown – A timeless classic about a little bunny who discovers a mysterious egg.

"Little Blue Truck’s Springtime" by Alice Schertle – A delightful rhyming book about baby animals in the spring.

"Chicken's Aren't the Only Ones" by Ruth Heller – A beautifully illustrated book that explores oviparous animals.

"Ducklings Love" by Lisa McCue – A sweet and simple book about ducklings learning and growing.

"The Easter Egg" by Jan Brett – A gorgeously illustrated story about a rabbit’s quest to decorate the perfect Easter egg.

Spring-Themed Activities for Kids can make spring learning enjoyable.  To make spring even more fun, try these engaging activities:

 -Egg Hunt Science Experiment – Hide plastic eggs with different materials inside and let kids predict what’s inside based on sound and weight.

-Paper Plate Bunny Craft – Use paper plates, cotton balls, and construction paper to create adorable bunny faces.

-Duck Pond Sensory Bin – Fill a small tub with water, rubber duckies, and natural elements like rocks and grass to create a hands-on sensory experience.

-Oviparous Animal Sorting – Have children sort pictures of animals into two groups: those that lay eggs and those that give live birth.

Spring is a wonderful time to explore nature and celebrate the birth of new life. Whether through reading, crafts, or hands-on activities, there are so many ways to make learning about spring animals engaging and exciting for kids. Be sure to check out the Spring Animal Fact Booklets and How to Draw Resources for a fun and educational way to welcome the season!

What’s your favorite way to celebrate spring with young learners?

 

Fact Booklets may be found in my store!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/thebeezyteacher