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.
Here is a science exploration that you and your child can do with a real chicken egg. Using vinegar, you can make the egg's shell see-through, and observe what's going on inside!
Does the idea of an exciting, engaging, and completely silent game that requires no props sound like a fantasy? Not so! It's just a fine kettle of fish called “Sardines.”
More activities for first grade:
Create a Coiling Snake
In this activity your child will make a coiling snake out of simple household materials, and also find out why they coil. In the end, he will have a coiling critter to hang up and enjoy!
Make a Santa "Wish List" Holder
This fun holiday activity will help your first grader collect a list of her Christmas wishes … and without realizing it, she’ll also get extra practice in reading and writing!
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.
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!
Make a Coastal Crab!
This fun activity makes use of some simple "ingredients" to make a crab while your child learns about this unique creature. Get started with just a few pasta shells and some paint!
Make "Stained Glass" Holiday Stars
Create a dazzling window display with cut stars with this craft project, and send goodwill into the neighborhood.
Make a Double "ee" Eel to Practice Phonics!
Here's a rainy day phonics craft project for you and your first grader. Reel in those double "ee" words on this do-it-yourself eel!
Write Pen Pal Postcards
First graders need to read, read, read and write, write, write! Here is a way to cover both, and keep in touch with a faraway friend or relative while you're at it.
Leaf Rubbing Gift Cards
Combine science with reading and art to help your first grader create an attractive holiday gift for a beloved friend or relative.
Make Walnut Christmas Ornaments!
With young children in the house, it's no wonder most parents seek out unbreakable Christmas ornaments. These festive little nut balls are not only indestructible, they're fun to make!
