Celebrate Rainforest Day – Explore, Learn, and Create!

June 22 is World Rainforest Day, and it’s the perfect moment to take your students on a vibrant learning adventure into one of the most vital and fascinating ecosystems on Earth. 

Rainforests are bursting with biodiversity, home to half of the world’s plant and animal species, and play a huge role in stabilizing Earth’s climate. Teaching kids about the rainforest helps them appreciate nature’s balance and the importance of protecting it.

That’s why I’ve created two cross-curricular rainforest-themed resources that blend science, art, and writing in a fun and engaging way:

Rainforest Fact Booklet

This printable booklet is packed with fun facts and hands-on activities designed for young learners (K–2). It helps children:

Learn about layers of the rainforest, unique plants and animals, and the critical role rainforests play in our planet’s health

Build reading and comprehension skills

Practice research and writing using a student-friendly research form

Engage in sentence sorting and complete a fun rainforest-themed craft

Perfect for independent work, sub days, or even a mini rainforest unit!

How to Draw Rainforest Animals

This step-by-step directed drawing activity features 15 rainforest animals, including the sloth, toucan, jaguar, tree frog, and more! Each drawing includes:

3 differentiated writing prompts per animal

Opportunities for kids to express creativity while building fine motor skills and listening comprehension

A perfect pairing with the Rainforest Fact Booklet for a well-rounded thematic study

5 Rainforest Books for K–2 Kids (Fiction & Nonfiction)

"The Great Kapok Tree" by Lynne Cherry (Fiction)A powerful, beautifully illustrated story that teaches about rainforest conservation and respect for nature.

"If I Ran the Rainforest" by Bonnie Worth (Nonfiction - Cat in the Hat Learning Library)A playful yet informative Seuss-style introduction to rainforest habitats.

"Over in the Jungle: A Rainforest Rhyme" by Marianne Berkes (Fiction - Counting & Rhythm)Engages young learners with counting, rhyme, and hidden rainforest animals.

Hello, World! Rainforest Animals" by Jill McDonald is a bright and engaging board book that introduces toddlers and preschoolers to rainforest creatures with simple facts and cheerful illustrations. It’s a perfect first nonfiction book to spark curiosity about nature and animal life in the jungle.

"Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," Said the Sloth by Eric Carle (Fiction)A gentle, thoughtful tale that celebrates the sloth and encourages appreciating the slower pace of nature.

Skill-Based Rainforest Activities

 Science – Rainforest Layers Flip Book

Have students label and illustrate the 4 layers of the rainforest (emergent, canopy, understory, forest floor). Use fun facts to describe animals that live in each layer.

 Art – Rainforest Animal Collage

Use tissue paper, construction paper, or magazine cutouts to create a colorful rainforest background. Add drawn or cut-out animals to their correct layer.

 Craft – Rainforest Diorama or Animal Mask

Let students build shoebox dioramas or create animal masks (toucan beaks, sloth faces, butterfly wings) to role-play and present what they've learned. 

Writing Prompt Ideas:

If I lived in the rainforest, I would...

My favorite rainforest animal is ...

How can we help protect the rainforest?

Rainforests are sometimes called the “lungs of the Earth” because they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. They help regulate Earth’s temperature, provide medicines and foods, offer homes to thousands of species, and 

influence rainfall and water cycles.

Teaching kids about rainforests isn’t just a science lesson—it’s a call to action. When children understand and care about nature, they grow into responsible stewards of the planet.

Whether you're teaching in the classroom or homeschooling, these resources make it easy to celebrate Rainforest Day with purpose and play!

Grab both the Rainforest Fact Booklet and How to Draw Rainforest Animals in my store to bring the jungle into your students' imaginations and hearts! 

Both resources may be found in my store: 

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

Celebrate American Eagle Day – Let Learning Soar!

June 20 is American Eagle Day, a perfect opportunity to introduce your students to the awe-inspiring world of eagles—powerful birds that symbolize honesty, strength, and freedom.

To celebrate, I’ve created a comprehensive Eagle Fact Booklet that gives young learners a chance to explore the traits, habits, and importance of this iconic bird through reading, writing, research, and craft. This resource isn’t just informative—it’s designed to spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking.

What’s Included in the Eagle Fact Booklet:

Black-and-white informational booklet about eagles

Comprehension worksheet for note-taking and writing responses

Research form to guide student-led learning

Sorting sentences for reading fluency and vocabulary reinforcement

Craft activity (make-your-own eagle!)

Teacher fact page to encourage group discussion

This booklet works beautifully for: Reading groups

 Centers, Early finishers, Sub days, Homework Birdwatching tie-ins

5 Eagle Books for Kids to enjoy reading:

"Bald Eagle" by Gordon Morrison (Nonfiction) - Stunning illustrations and clear text teach kids all about the eagle’s role in nature and its path back from near-extinction.

"The Bald Eagle" by Norman Pearl (Nonfiction, Rookie Biographies Series)-Easy-to-understand facts and colorful visuals about why the eagle is a national symbol.

"An Eagle’s Feather" by Minfong Ho (Fiction/Inspired by True Story) - A poetic tale of freedom and healing inspired by a real eagle’s rescue.

"Soaring with the Wind: The Bald Eagle" by Gail Gibbons (Nonfiction) - Gail Gibbons is a master at combining science and art. This book explains the eagle’s habits and lifecycle.

"The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush" by Tomie dePaola (Fiction - Symbolism) - While not directly about eagles, it includes symbolic animal representations, including eagle references that open conversations about Native American respect for birds of prey.

Here are some activity Ideas to Make Eagle Day Fun & Skill-Building:

 Science – Observe & Compare Birds of Prey

Compare eagles to other birds like owls or hawks using a Venn diagram. Discuss adaptations like beaks, talons, and eyesight.

 Art – Eagle Feather Watercolor

Paint or collage an eagle feather. Use real photos for reference and label the parts of a feather.

Craft – Eagle Puppet or Paper Plate Eagle

Use the eagle craft included in the booklet or make a simple eagle puppet using brown paper bags or plates.

 Geography – Map It!

Use a map of North America to track where bald eagles live. Add small eagle icons to show their range.

 Writing Prompt –

“If I Could Fly Like an Eagle, I Would…” or “Why the Eagle Is a Great Symbol for Our Country.”

Eagles represent freedom, courage, and resilience. Once endangered, the bald eagle is now a conservation success story—thanks to people who cared enough to protect them. Teaching kids about eagles helps build respect for wildlife and awareness of the role humans play in protecting nature.

Let your students take flight into learning with this booklet and activities—because when kids connect with nature, they care for it. 

This resource may be found in my store:

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

 

Celebrate Learning All June Long! New Fact Booklets for Special Days

June is bursting with opportunities to combine fun, learning, and celebration! I’m excited to share a fresh lineup of fact booklets tied to meaningful dates throughout the month. These resources are perfect for centers, sub days, independent work, early finishers, or even take-home learning. Each booklet includes:

A fact booklet with engaging content

A comprehension check

Sentence sorting activity

A research form for student extension

Teacher fact page for easy discussion

A themed craft to wrap it all up with creativity

Let’s take a peek at what’s new for June:

June 1 – Rose Day

Kick off the month with a study of the most beloved flower—roses! Your students will enjoy reading rose facts, sorting flower-related sentences, and creating a beautiful rose craft. It’s a great tie-in to science, nature, and descriptive writing.

June 14 – Flag Day

Celebrate the American flag with this patriotic fact booklet. Students will learn about the history of the flag, its symbols, and why we celebrate Flag Day. The included craft lets them design their own version of the flag while learning what each element represents.

June 15 – Father’s Day

Honor dads and father figures with this sweet and educational Father's Day booklet. Kids can reflect on what makes their dad special, complete the comprehension and sorting tasks, and end with a heartfelt Father’s Day craft.

June 20 – American Eagle Day

The bald eagle is a symbol of strength, freedom, and the U.S.A.! This booklet teaches students about eagle traits, habitats, and why they were chosen as a national symbol. The fun eagle craft will soar right off your bulletin board!

June 22 – World Rainforest Day

Dive into the lush world of the rainforest with two engaging options:

A Rainforest Fact Booklet covering layers of the rainforest, animals, and conservation

A companion How to Draw Rainforest Animals pack that combines art and science!

These pair beautifully for a mini-project-based learning unit on habitats and biodiversity.

June 27 – Helen Keller Day

End the month with an inspiring figure—Helen Keller. Students will learn about her perseverance, her groundbreaking achievements, and how she communicated in a world without sight or sound. The included activities and craft help students connect emotionally and thoughtfully with her story.

These booklets bring seasonal meaning and academic value together. Whether you're prepping for summer, managing a sub day, or looking to reinforce content with fun, these June-themed resources are here to support you.

Check them out in my shop today and bring meaningful moments to your classroom all month long!  These products may be found in my store: 

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

No Homework Day? No Problem! Learning Can Still Happen the Fun Way

May 6 is National No Homework Day—a little break from worksheets, math problems, and spelling lists. But does that mean students stop learning altogether? Not at all! In fact, some of the most powerful learning happens when kids don’t even realize they’re doing it.

That’s where my Vacation Journal comes in—a playful, creative way to capture learning outside the classroom, perfect for students taking extended trips or even just daydreaming about faraway places.

Whether a student is headed to Disneyland or visiting relatives across the country, this journal turns their trip into an adventure in storytelling, observation, and personal reflection.

Here’s the fun part: The journal is filled with visual and verbal prompts that spark imagination and memory-making. Kids are invited to draw and write about:

 Landforms they see

 Local plants and animals

 Foods they try

 Money used in different places

 Historical sites and landmarks

It's not about perfection—it’s about connection: recording what they notice, feel, taste, and explore. And the best part? It can be shared with the class when they return!

 Instead of rushing to gather missed assignments, hand them this journal. It’s simple, meaningful, and something they'll actually enjoy doing!

Want to lean into May 6 with activities that keep the “no homework” spirit alive—but still support skills in reading, writing, math, and beyond?

Here are a few homework-free ideas that are so fun, students won’t even realize they’re learning:

 1. Create a Dream Vacation Page

Ask students: “If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?” Let them draw the destination, plan what they’d pack, and list five things they’d do. (Great tie-in to your journal, even if they aren’t going anywhere.)

 2. Host a "Bake Off" Math Challenge

Have students pretend they are baking something at home. Give them recipe card templates to practice fractions and sequencing steps.

 3. My Day in Pictures

Let kids create a comic strip or photo journal of one regular day at home. Include speech bubbles, fun captions, and a “lesson learned” ending.

 4. Interview a Family Member

Students ask a parent or grandparent five fun questions (favorite food, funniest memory, childhood game, etc.) and share answers the next day.

 5. Mystery Object Writing

Put an everyday object (like a spoon or sock) in a mystery bag. Students write a silly fairy tale or sci-fi story starring that object!

The Vacation Journal Is a Win-Win for Teachers and Parents. Let’s be honest—last-minute vacation notifications happen. And gathering packets of missed work? It’s a lot. This journal is a ready-to-go, print-and-staple solution that keeps kids engaged without adding stress to anyone’s plate.

Teachers love it because it focuses on creative thinking, observation, and writing. Parents love it because it doesn’t feel like a pile of homework. Kids love it because it’s all about their adventure.

Let Learning Travel, too, so whether it’s No Homework Day or a spring getaway, learning doesn’t have to stay in the classroom. Your students can become explorers, writers, and artists—all while making memories that matter.

 Ready to pack some fun into your plans? Check out the Vacation Journal here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Vacation-Homework-Journal-Booklet-Holiday-Journal-Travel-1995867 

Once Upon a Time in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Once Upon a Time in a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Are Fairy Tales Still Alive Today? May is a magical month—flowers are blooming, creativity is blooming, and it's the perfect time to explore storytelling, fairy tales, and... Star Wars?

Yes, you read that right! Fairy tales aren’t just castles and glass slippers anymore. What if one of the most popular modern franchises—Star Wars—is actually a fairy tale in disguise? With heroes, villains, wise mentors, magical powers, and epic quests, it checks all the boxes!

That’s the inspiration behind my Once Upon a Time Inquiry-Based Learning resource, where students explore fairy tale elements, and see how classic storytelling structures show up in both traditional and modern tales.

Let’s dive into the fairy tale magic... from enchanted forests to far-off galaxies!

What Makes a Story a Fairy Tale? In this inquiry based learning, students learn and apply the elements of a fairy tale, such as:

A hero or heroine with a quest

A villain or obstacle to overcome

Magical elements (talking animals, spells, or supernatural powers)

A happy or meaningful ending

Setting in a faraway time or place

Good vs. evil themes

Life lessons or morals

Your PBL helps students build their own fairy tale universe using these timeless ingredients—but with a modern twist!

Is Star Wars a Fairy Tale? Let’s compare:

✅ Hero with a humble beginning? (Luke Skywalker)

✅ Wise mentor? (Obi-Wan Kenobi/Yoda)

✅ Villain? (Darth Vader)

✅ Magic? (The Force!)

✅ Epic quest and inner growth? (Absolutely.)

Invite students to analyze Star Wars using your fairy tale checklist—it’s a powerful critical thinking tool! You could even let them choose their favorite movie or book and determine: Fairy tale or not?

What’s Inside the Once Upon a Time PBL? This resource is packed with engaging tasks like:

Identifying fairy tale elements

Planning and drafting a new fairy tale

Designing story settings and characters

Problem-solving in story form

Presenting their work creatively (poster, booklet, puppet show, etc.)

Perfect for K–2 but flexible enough to adapt!

Here are additional Activity Ideas to Enrich the Blog:

 Want to sprinkle even more fairy tale stardust into the classroom or homeschool space? Try these add-on ideas:

 Fairy Tale STEM: Build a Better Bridge for the Billy Goats

Challenge students to build a bridge using craft sticks and blocks that can hold up “Billy Goats” (small toys). Can they engineer a way across without the troll catching them?

 Create a Fairy Tale in a Jar

Have students fill a jar with mini story elements written on slips (a forest, a dragon, a talking cookie, etc.). They pull three and create a story!

 Design-a-Cover Activity

Let students create a new cover for their fairy tale story, complete with title, illustration, and a back cover blurb.

 Fairy Tale Readers’ Theater

Adapt a few classic fairy tales into mini scripts. Students can act them out with fun props and puppets—then rewrite their own alternate endings!

 Star Wars + Fairy Tales Compare & Contrast Worksheet

Use a simple graphic organizer to compare classic tales (like Cinderella) with Star Wars or another student-chosen modern tale. Discuss similarities in:

Story arcs

Character types

Magical or sci-fi elements

Messages or morals

The Power of Storytelling whether you’re reading “Once Upon a Time…” or “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…,” storytelling shapes how children understand courage, kindness, and imagination. Your Once Upon a Time PBL makes these connections come alive—merging the past, present, and future of fairy tales into a learning adventure.

This May, let’s celebrate the magic of story and the wonder of kids creating their own! May the 4th Be With You!

This product may be found in my store: 

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