Not only does this encourage creativity, but it’s also a super simple way to get them off and away from screens while also having us spend time together.

Here are 10 rainy day crafts that we love! You can pick and choose what you like, or go down the list and try to make them all.

Themed crafts are a fun way to keep them entertained and active. Umbrellas make an adorable craft for days that it’s raining, and then once you’re done crafting, as long as it’s safe to go outside, you can also grab an umbrella and take a walk in the rain!

Here are a few fun craft ideas that focus on umbrellas. If you click through the links, you’ll find the full details and instructions on how to complete each one.

All of these crafts use just a few materials and are guaranteed to brighten up a rainy day and help the day pass by quickly! Hope you’ll try some of these rainy day crafts out!

And if you’re looking for ideas to keep kids busy on rainy days, I’ve got you covered!

1

3D Umbrella Rainy Day Card

All you'll need are a few simple supplies to make this adorable rainy day card!

Get the details here

2

Rainy Day Umbrella Craft

Look at all the fun colors of this adorable umbrella craft!

See the full details here

3

Coffee Filter Umbrella Craft

Who knew that you could use coffee filters in so many fun ways?!

See the full details here

4

Looks Like Rain!

This is a great craft to work on fine motor skills!

See the full details here

5

Rainy Day Collage

This cute collage is a true work of art!

See the full details here

6

May Flowers: Springtime Tissue Art

This cute craft gives the kids the freedom to decorate and complete how they see fit.

See the full details here

7

Rainy Day Duck Craft

The kids will have a blast creating this cute little duck!

See the full details here

8

Handprint Umbrella Water Color Resist Art

Cute, simple, and fun!

See the full details here

9

Decorate Your Own Umbrella

They'll be able to decorate their very own umbrella!

See the full details here

10

Thunderstorm Art

This would be a super cute craft to pair with a weather learning theme!

See the full details here

As you can see, there are a ton of ways that you and the kids can stay occupied on a rainy day! Have fun, enjoy the slower pace of the day, and create!

The post 10 Rainy Day Crafts appeared first on Teaching Mama.

This booklet tells the story of Adam and Eve in a way that young children can understand. There are 1-2 sentences per page with a picture.

It is a good helper and a simple way to teach the lesson to younger children. It showcases the Garden of Eden and learning about God’s word.

The booklet comes in color and black and white. The black and white version is great for kids to color!

Encourage them to color the pictures as they imagine they should look. Feel free to ask questions about what they are thinking or why they’re picking a certain color or pattern. These type of pages are great for working together to work on creativty and conversation.

This booklet is designed to be used with children ages 2-7. It’s a good early reader type of book, but still great for little ones who can’t read yet as they can see the pictures to visualize as the words are read to them.

Ways to extend the Bible lesson about Adam and Eve from Genesis

Even though this printable is geared towards younger children, you can talk to kids about understanding good vs evil as well as the sin that happened.

• Read the actual Bible verse, Genesis 3, which describes what the Lord God said and did. Reading it to them after they colored the book is a great way to have them process and understand.
• Talking more about the lesson while they are coloring and creating is a great way to keep the conversations flowing in a casual way. This might help them feel more comfortable asking questions and communicating more.
• Talk about more Old Testament Bible Stories with the kids.
• Explore New Testament Bible Stories together as a family.

How to print the Adam and Eve Booklet PDF

To put together the printable booklet, just follow these steps:

1. Download the PDF to your computer.
2. Open it up in Adobe Reader. Make sure you have the latest version to avoid printing problems.
3. Print the pages.
4. Cut across the dotted lines.
5. Place the pages in order.
6. Staple on the side to complete the booklet.

To download the free printable booklet, just click on the button below!

Check out more Bible Story printables on this page and stay tuned for more!

Looking for more fun activities for kids?

• Social-Emotional Strategies for Preschool
• Christ-Centered Easter Printables for Preschoolers
• Preschool Readiness Checklist

The post Adam and Eve Printable Booklet appeared first on Teaching Mama.

Have you heard of the early learning program ABCmouse?

ABCmouse is an amazing educational program for early learning, offering thousands of interactive activities in reading, math, science, art, and more through a fun, game-based learning experience.

These learning experiences take place on their ad-free portal, so you do need to have a computer or tablet to use the program. If you’re looking for screen free options to pair it with, you could try these fun learning activities using duct tape, or these adorable beginning sound alphabet wheels.

If you’ve been wanting to try it, this is a great time because ABCmouse is offering new subscribers a free 30-day trial (then $14.99/ mo. until canceled)!

Why Families Love ABCmouse

This early learning program is designed for kids ages 2–8, and it provides an evidence-based curriculum with activities across key subjects like reading, math, science, and art. It’s a great option for families who want meaningful screen time and for teachers looking for an engaging supplement.

ABCmouse has no third-party ads, which makes it a safe option for children.

Here’s why so many families (and classrooms!) love it:

 Motivates kids to learn in a way that doesn’t feel like “work”
 Research-backed curriculum that supports real learning gains
 Personalized learning paths so kids can learn at their own pace
 Screen time limits that you can customize
 All-new worlds to explore and learn inside the program

What’s Included

When you sign up, you get access to ABCmouse Premium features, including:

• 13,000+ learning activities
• Personalized learning paths
• 3 child profiles – great for siblings!
• 400+ hours of educational content

There’s a lot to explore!

Great for Home Learning

What I like most is that kids feel like they’re playing, but they’re building real skills at the same time. If you’re looking for a way to encourage learning at home without worksheets all the time, ABCmouse can be a fun option to rotate in.

It works well for:

• extra practice after school
• homeschool learning time
• quiet learning time during the day
• independent play with educational value

Learn More

Before signing up, here are the important details:

• The free trial lasts for 30 days (then $14.99/ mo. until canceled).
• It is for new subscribers on the monthly membership plan.
• Your membership will auto-renew at the monthly rate ($14.99/month until cancelled).

Try Now

Give your child a head start with access 13,000+ learning activities.

Click on the button below to get started!

The post ABCmouse Early Childhood Learning Program appeared first on Teaching Mama.

This printable includes two versions:

• Feed the Rainbow (counting by number cards)
• Feed the Leprechaun (counting + color matching)

What You’ll Need

• Free printable (download is below!)
• Scissors
• Pom poms
• A small container/bowl (to catch the pom poms)
• Optional: laminator, tape/Velcro dots, tweezers/tongs

Before the Activity

1. Print the rainbow or leprechaun page.
2. Cut out the character and cut out the mouth.
3. Place a container underneath so the pom poms have somewhere to fall.
4. Print the “Feed Me!” cards and cut them apart.

Pro Tip: Laminate the character and cards so you can reuse them every March.

Activity 1: Feed the Rainbow

This version is perfect for number recognition + counting.

How to Play

1. Students pick a “Feed Me!” card.
2. They count out the correct number of pom poms.
3. They drop them into the rainbow’s mouth so they land in the container below.

Skills Practiced

• Counting with one-to-one correspondence
• Number recognition
• Fine motor control (especially if you add tongs!)

Easy Differentiation

• Simpler: Use only the smaller numbers first.
• Challenge: Have students put two cards together and add the totals before feeding the rainbow.

Activity 2: Feed the Leprechaun

Kids “feed” the leprechaun using the pom-pom colors shown on the jar cards.

How to Play

1. Students choose a card.
2. They count how many pom poms they need and match the colors.
3. They feed the leprechaun by dropping the pom poms into his mouth.

Skills Prcticed

• Counting objects in a set
• Color recognition + matching
• Visual discrimination
• Fine motor skills

Extra Challenges

• Put the pom poms in a sensory bin (green rice, gold beads, shamrock confetti, etc.)
• Use tweezers/tongs for a “leprechaun tools” fine motor boost

Ways to Use This in Your Classroom

• Math center
• Morning tubs / table time
• Small group intervention (perfect for counting practice!)
• Indoor recess station
• Early finisher activity

Free Printable

If you’d like to use this printable in your classroom, you can download it below!

Hope you love this activity!

The post St. Patrick’s Day Activities appeared first on Teaching Mama.

One of my favorite winter Social Emotional Learning activities is these winter-themed breathing cards. These colorful posters are simple, visual, and kid-friendly.

These cards are designed to help children reset in a way that feels playful rather than like a lecture. In this post, I’ll show you a few easy ways to use them for whole-group SEL, calm-down corners, and quick transitions.

What’s in the Winter SEL Packet?

This printable set includes winter breathing cards that students can choose from and follow. The directions in the packet are simple:

1. Print the breathing cards
2. Laminate them
3. Let students choose a breathing exercise and follow the instructions on the card.

Inside the set you’ll find:

• Timed breathing cards that prompt students to breathe in, breathe out, and hold.
• Winter visuals like a snow-covered tree, a mitten, a snowflake, and hot cocoa.
• Two guided prompts to help calm and regulate students.

Why These Help

Breathing strategies support:

• Self-regulation (calming the body)
• Emotional awareness (noticing, “I’m feeling frustrated/excited/tired”)
• Impulse control (pausing before reacting)
• Classroom routines (resetting quickly so learning can continue)

5 Ways to Use These

1. During Morning Meeting – Hold up 1 breathing card and guide the whole class through it together.
2. Transitions – Choose one card and do it as a quick “brain break.”
3. Calm-Down Corner – Place these in a calm down corner for kids to use when needing a break.
4. Partner Practice – Use these with a partner to practice social skills.
5. Whole-Class Calm Challenge: Make it a fun activity for the whole class. For example, you could challenge the class to do 3 calm breaths together before starting math.

Free Printable

If you’d like to use this printable, you can click on the button below!

Winter is the perfect time to lean into simple, low-prep SEL routines that help kids regulate their bodies and emotions without adding more to your plate. These winter breathing cards are an easy way to practice calming strategies throughout the day, whether you use them in a morning meeting, transitions, or a calm-down corner.

The post Winter Social Emotional Learning appeared first on Teaching Mama.

Inside the printable packet, you’ll find a few different fine motor options, so you can switch things up throughout the week while still keeping prep super simple. Check out what’s included in the descriptions below!

1. Dot Sticker / Dot Marker Pages

These pages are a classic for strengthening little hands! Students fill in the circles using dot stickers or dot markers. You could use mini dot stickers for an extra fine-motor challenge.

2. Valentine Line Tracing Strips

These tracing strips are great for pre-writing practice and pencil control. You can laminate the strips so students can trace the paths with a dry-erase marker.

3. Valentine Tracing Page

This page is a fun tracing activity with cookies and cupcakes. Students trace the lines using a pencil, crayon, or marker.

5. Play Dough Cards

If your students love play dough, these cards are a hands-on way to build finger strength. The directions explain that students pick a card, read the sentence, and use play dough to outline the object.

6. Shadow Matching Cards

This is such a simple, satisfying visual discrimination activity! Students match each color picture card to its shadow.

Easy Ways to Use This Printable in Your Classroom

• Morning tubs: Pick one activity per day (dot stickers Monday, tracing Tuesday…)
• Fine motor centers: Rotate through the week so kids get variety
• Small groups: Perfect for targeted pre-writing practice
• Early finishers: Keep a basket labeled “Valentine Fine Motor” ready to go

Grab the Free Printable

If you’d like this free printable, you can get it sent to your inbox by filling out the form below!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The post Valentine’s Day Fine Motor Activities appeared first on Teaching Mama.

I created these January Morning Meeting Slides, which are ready-to-use Google Slides you can project at the start of the day to guide your class through your morning routine. Instead of planning each part of morning meeting from scratch, the slides walk you and your students through it step by step — from greetings, calendar, brain breaks, and more!

I know how hectic mornings can feel. You’re juggling attendance, lunch count, transitions, students settling in… all while trying to build connection and set the tone for the day.

These slides are meant to help with that.
Just open them up, project them onto your screen or TV, and begin the day.

No prep
No overthinking
Just a simple, consistent routine your students will come to love!!

The January Morning Slides include the following:

• Good Morning Greeting
• Attendance
• Lunch Count
• Calendar
• Days of the Week
• Counting the Days of School
• Weather
• Dressing Pauly the Polar Bear for the Weather
• Weather Graphing
• Feelings Checking
• Good Morning Songs
• Brain Break Activities
• This or That (Similar to “Would You Rather” Questions)

The brain break activities are from my book, Songs and Rhymes for Transition Times. I’ve included 8 brain break songs and chants. Kids love them!

Every day of the week has a good morning song. Simply click on the day of the week and it will take you to an ad-free song!

One of my favorite activities is dressing for the weather with Pauly the Polar Bear! You can drag the clothing pictures to Pauly to dress him.

I also love this slide, where students show you how they are feeling by holding up fingers.

I’m sharing 3 sample slides with you today.

1. Good Morning Greeting
2. January Calendar
3. Weather Page

Try them out and see how you like them! I have a feeling you’ll be wanting the whole pack!

Just fill out the form below, and you’ll receive them in your inbox!

Hope these make your mornings feel a little smoother

The post January Morning Meeting Slides appeared first on Teaching Mama.

Materials Needed

• gumdrops (or pom poms)
• printable mats (download is at the bottom of the post)
• card stock paper
• laminator (optional)

Prep Work

This gumdrop letter mats activity is a print-and-go! You can print the pages onto cardstock paper and laminate them for durability. When you’re ready for the activity, simply set out a bowl of gumdrops or pom poms.

Activity Details

For this activity, students will place a gumdrop onto every circle for each uppercase and lowercase letter. Once they fill one letter mat, they can choose a new letter mat!

These gumdrop letter mats are perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Not only will students practice learning the alphabet, but they will also work on fine motor skills! It may take some concentration to fill in the circles, but this is an essential skill for young children to work on.

How to Use This Activity

1. Literacy Centers – Add this to your literacy center for students to complete individually.
2. Small Groups – Complete these mats in small groups and reinforce letter recognition.
3. Early Finishers – Do you have a student who finishes their work early? Hand them this activity to complete!

Printable Download

I’d love for you to try this activity in your classroom! If you’d like this free printable, you can fill out the form below, and it will be sent to your inbox!

The post Gumdrop Letter Mats – Christmas Activity appeared first on Teaching Mama.

This activity invites children to write a friendly letter to the Grinch, encouraging him to try Christmas or explaining why the holiday is so special. It’s sweet, silly, and meaningful all at once! I love how this project blends literacy with creativity…plus, the finished writing pieces make adorable hallway or bulletin board displays.

What’s Included

This printable set comes with several writing page options so you can choose what works best for your learners. Each page features a whimsical Grinch illustration along with a unique writing prompt. Whether you teach 1st grade or upper elementary, there’s a version that will fit right into your plans.

After writing, kids can color the Grinch and decorate the lights at the bottom. Then cut out the legs and paste them to the bottom. This makes a fantastic display piece that looks great on classroom doors, walls, or writing bulletin boards.

How to Use This Activity

1. Introduce the Grinch – Read How the Grinch Stole Christmas or watch the short version of the movie.
2. Discuss kindness and the meaning of Christmas – Ask students how they would help the Grinch understand the joy of the season.
3. Write the letter – Have students complete the writing prompt.
4. Color and assemble the craft – Students can color their Grinch topper, attach it to their writing page, and decorate the border.
5. Display and celebrate! – Hang the finished crafts to create a festive and heartwarming classroom display.

Why Teachers Love This Craftivity

Not only is it fun, but it also helps students practice letter writing, creative thinking, and sentence structure. Kids love a Grinch theme, so it instantly grabs their attention, making writing feel exciting rather than intimidating. It’s also low-prep, engaging, and perfect for those busy December days or when you have a sub!

If you’re looking for a memorable Christmas writing activity your students will adore, this Grinch-inspired craftivity is the perfect addition to your holiday lineup.

Free Printable

If you’d like this printable, simply click the button below!

The post Grinch Writing Activity appeared first on Teaching Mama.

I’m excited to share a free 4-page Thanksgiving Activity Pack that’s great for elementary-aged kids. These activities can be used for classroom centers, quiet time at home, or even to keep kids busy while you prep for Thanksgiving dinner!

What’s Included

This free printable includes four engaging activity pages your students will love:

1. Thanksgiving Maze Escape
In this maze, kids help a turkey escape Thanksgiving dinner and get back to the farm! It’s a fun way to build problem-solving and visual-tracking skills. Mazes like this help children develop fine-motor coordination and persistence as they navigate each turn.

2. Unscramble It
Can your students figure out what “RUTKEY” or “SAFE T” means? This Thanksgiving word scramble challenges kids to rearrange letters to spell holiday-themed words like turkey, feast, and harvest. It’s a great way to work on spelling, vocabulary, and visual discrimination skills.

3. Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzle
Crossword puzzles are an excellent way to strengthen reading and comprehension. In this Thanksgiving-themed crossword, children use clues and a word bank to fill in terms related to the holiday, such as cornucopia, gratitude, and pilgrims. This activity is especially helpful for older elementary students who are ready to practice word meanings and context clues.

4. Thanksgiving Word Search
Word searches are a classroom favorite! This one includes words like blessings, pie, family, and tradition. Kids can search horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — a simple yet fun way to build focus and reinforce holiday vocabulary. You can even turn it into a challenge: see who can find all the words first!

Ways to Use These Activity Pages

These pages work well in so many settings:

• Morning work or early-finisher bins: Keep students engaged while you take attendance or prep for the day.
• Centers or small groups: Pair students up to solve the word scramble or crossword together.
• Homework packets: Send these home for a little festive fun over Thanksgiving break.
• At home: Print them out for your kids to do while you’re cooking or traveling for the holidays!

Because they’re all black and white, they’re printer-friendly and easy to use with crayons, markers, or colored pencils. You can also laminate them and use dry-erase markers to reuse year after year!

Grab Your Free Printable

Download the 4-page Thanksgiving Activity Pack below! These pages are simple, educational, and filled with holiday cheer that your students will love.

I hope these activities bring a little extra joy and calm to your classroom or home this Thanksgiving season.

The post Fun Thanksgiving Activity Pages for Kids (Free Printable!) appeared first on Teaching Mama.