1st Grade Activities
First grade is a year of firsts: your child's first full day of school, the first time she'll write a small story herself, and the first time she'll read a complete book cover to cover. We've got dozens of wacky reading and math activities, cool science experiments, and indoor and outdoor games to keep the learning fun.
Play the Consonant Blend Scavenger Hunt
Combine your child's love for scavenger hunts with their budding reading skills to create a fun game that's perfect for everything from birthday parties to rainy days at home.
Solids, Liquids, Maple Syrup!
Introduce your first grade scientist to the properties of liquids and solids. This fun experiment uses the sweetest thing on the breakfast table...maple syrup!
It's All Natural! A Materials Scavenger Hunt
For literal-minded first graders, it's a stretch to understand that so much that we use day to day came from something in nature. Here's a way to make that connection - and encourage a young environmentalist, too.
Grow Spring Grass!
Most of us start longing for the green season of spring when the days start getting shorter and cooler. This activity brings the green grass of early spring inside while teaching your child about the cycles of growth.
Valentine Party Blower Messages!
Here's a hilarious alternative to those sugary conversation hearts...and a way to keep building first grade literacy skills while you're at it!
Make "Stained Glass" Holiday Stars
Create a dazzling window display with cut stars with this craft project, and send goodwill into the neighborhood.
Weave a Paper Thanksgiving Placemat
Let your first grader contribute to your Thanksgiving table with this fun paper weaving activity ... while extending handwriting and math skills at the same time!
Create a Wax-Resist Nightscape!
Children often draw beautiful pictures of suns and rainbows but seldom do they venture into drawing the scenes around them at night. Here's an activity that has your child using crayons and black paint to create a beautiful wax-resist nightscape.
Make Thanksgiving Turkey Place Cards
Reinforce those first grade "conventions" of writing by having your child make these decorative place cards for the Thanksgiving table.
Make a Valentine Lollypop Greeting
Sure, you can go out and buy a box of Valentine cards--but for a special message try this simple craft activity to make someone's day.
