Tips for a Fun-Filled Field Day

Once the stresses of getting through all of the high stakes testing and assessing are behind you, it’s time to prepare for the most important day of the year (according to the students): Field Day! The one time at school when it’s okay to run, play and scream to their hearts’ content. As any good teacher will testify, this fun is only possible with lots of advance planning and preparation, so here are a few tips to help make this a day of celebration for you and your students.

Year-End Celebrations: From Carnivals to Commencement

After nine months of growing and learning together as a class, it is time to face the bittersweet joy of saying good-bye. For some, this means a very formal send off with caps and gowns and all the pomp and circumstance which surrounds graduation.  For others, it is a time of activity and excitement, complete with games and carnival fun. Whichever route you follow always requires a measure of planning.

 

Fall Harvest Bulletin Board

Decorating your classroom for the autumn season is as easy as playing in the leaves with our Fall Harvest bulletin board idea! Read on to discover how we made our display and a few decorating alternatives if you’d like to get creative.

Earth Day Activities

Did you know the first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970? Inspired by the rising concern for our planet’s well-being, Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin organized the event, and over 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day with rallies, protests and more.* 

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Wondering how you can thank your child’s teachers and show your gratitude for everything they do?  We asked teachers to tell us about their favorite gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week, holidays or the end of the school year.  They provided these inspiring ideas! 

Easy Homemade Mother’s Day Gifts

Most kids would just love to hop in a box, tie it with a bow and give themselves to Mom for Mother’s Day, but it can get pretty boring sitting inside a box! Instead, kids can use their handprints, creativity, favorite photos and big imaginations to make gifts that mom will cherish well beyond Mother’s Day.

Fun & Easy Paper Craft Projects for Kids

If television isn’t the creative outlet you want your kids plugged in to, all you need is some colorful construction paper, scissors and their imaginations. Paper craft projects are a budget-friendly way to keep kids entertained with creative play. Here are just a few ideas.

"100 Days of School” Paper Craft Projects

Celebrate your 100th day of school with fun paper craft projects kids will love.  Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Smart Ways to Show Teacher Appreciation

By Penny Warner

What better way to show your appreciation for a favorite, dedicated teacher than a small but memorable homemade gift! Not only is it a great way to say, “Thanks for all you’ve done!” but your teacher will remember you for years to come! Here are some suggestions for handcrafted gifts to present to your special teacher on her birthday, a holiday, or the last day of school!

10 Ways Craft Kits Can Save You Money

Whether you're planning an activity for a child's birthday party, family night, or for your classroom, crowd-pleasing craft kits offer more fun-for-less!  If you're already enjoying the convenience of Oriental Trading's easy-to-make, prepackaged craft kits for 1-12 kids, these money-saving ideas will show how you can also use craft kits to save on gifts, birthday parties and more.