You are a friend! - Teaching kids about friendship and caring

February is perfect for exploring friendships skills. Explore different ways that you can show somebody that you care. You can smile, say kind words, or spend time together. Kids may desperately want friends, yet, sometimes they do not know how to treat them.

“Everybody Loves You Mr Hatch” is a story book companion based on the famous book  "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch" by Eileen Spinelli. This is a book with a strong message where the importance of love and kindness is emphasised. It is a story that can be enjoyed year-round but particularly it is great to use the book to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The story will support kids to understand how wonderful it is to feel loved and the importance of helping others feel loved. 

Mr Hatch is a lonely man who doesn’t interact with anyone. One day he receives a box of chocolate in the mail with a note that says “Somebody loves you.” Mr Hatch has no idea who has sent the box and he starts to get to know the people that he interacts with every day while he is trying to find out who has sent the box.

He begins to bake treats and help his neighbors but it turns out that the box was delivered to the wrong address and the box of chocolates was not meant for him!  Fortunately, a simple gesture from his neighbors shows Mr Hatch that he is loved.

The book shows that you need to be brave when you reach out to others. Sending out love to people around you, magnify the love in your own heart. Liesl - in the movie "The Sound of Music" says, "Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay, Love isn’t love ’til you give it away”

By using resources that includes friendship activities you support kids to develop building blocks of relationships. Finding out that different people can have things in common and learning how to plant seeds of friendships are vital life skills. Plant lots of friendship seeds in February!

Check out my resource about Mr. Hatch in my store!

 

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Everybody-Loves-You-Mr-Hatch-with-Digital-Activities-1707658 

Enjoy!

Sweet Reading Books for February

What better way to celebrate kindness and love than reading Valentine’s Day stories. Heartwarming stories about people or monsters who are trying to fit in. After all, love is not only about hearts, flowers and chocolate. Share different flavors of love by using a wide range of books that showcase gratitude and the joy of sharing love.

There a many wonderful fiction books about the Groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. Stock up on some fascinating non-fiction books  - the perfect complement when kids are carrying out their own research into the lives of these fascinating creatures. Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks or whistle pigs. Why whistle pigs? Well, that is a great research question.

 

Kids will love reading fiction as well as educational books about dental health. There is a great selection of books about brushing and flossing. Stories about the first loose tooth experience and the tooth fairy provide exciting reading material.

 

February is Black History Month. Kids should be exposed to images to understand diversity. Celebrating diversity enriches the minds of all children. Spend time reading books that introduce young kids to what Black History Month is all about.  Teaching all kids about the struggles of segregation, racism and slavery is important to build a more equal world.



“Reading is the gateway for children that makes all other learning possible.” – Barack Obama



Happy Reading!

Sweet February 2022 Products

Seasonal topics help you keep the classroom exciting and fresh. February may be a short month, yet, friendship is in the air, teeth are shining bright, and an irresistible little critter is making predictions!

A very important question is when is Spring coming? On the 2nd of February, people ask Punxsutawney Phil if he can see his shadow? Will Spring come early or late? Your kids will be delighted when you give them a fact booklet to celebrate Groundhog Day. Researching this fascinating animal is a lovely way to develop reading, writing and drawing skills. 

February is Dental Health Month and encouraging kids to learn about dental hygiene can put a big healthy smile on kids’ faces. Your kids will be eager to learn about how to brush their teeth once they have been told about plaque. Keep kids busy by making paper teeth, drawing tooth fairies and other craftivities.

In the classroom, Valentine’s Day is all about kindness and friendship. Your classroom will look stunning when you display kids Valentine crafts and drawings. Creating animals out of hearts is a fun activity and hearty animal crafts make a lovely gift.

President’s Day is a wonderful chance to honor all our presidents and to teach kids about their lives and remarkable achievements. Research the accomplishments of our first president George Washington, and great leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama. Black History Month offers a chance to explore the rich history and cultures of Africa and African-Americans. Open your kids’ eyes to the achievements made by Martin Luther King Jr, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Rosa Parks, and Frederick Douglass. 

February offers so many possibilities for themes that it can be challenging to know where to begin. Let us know how you make the most of this month in your classroom. 

All products may be found in my store!  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Thebeezyteacher