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.
Seventeen: A Math-Builder Card Game
Your kid probably knows that two plus two equals four. But what does it take to get to seventeen? Try this card game to explore all the possibilities, build math fact skills, and, more importantly from a kid-perspective, have a great time while you're at it!
Build a Pop Rocket
What's cooler than an explosion? Not much! This simple science experiment lets kids build their own pop rocket, with help from a basic chemical reaction. So put on your safety goggles and let her rip!
Play Action Word Charades
In first grade, kids commonly learn to tell the difference between nouns and verbs. While they may learn quickly to tell you the definition of each, by saying something along the lines of "a verb is an action word," a full understanding usually takes more time. Here's a fun skill-boosting game ...
Make a Pinata!
Got that party fever? Looking for a crafty distraction for a warm day? Few things are as fun for kids as a piñata, and it's easy-as-pie to make your own!
Explore Bubble Science
Want to build the biggest, thickest bubbles around? This recipe makes bubbles that not only blow up nice and big, but do tricks and experiments! How do you do it? It's not a secret, it's science!
A Martin Luther King Day Project
Martin Luther King Day is a great excuse to show how just one person can make a difference in the world, and teach kids that they can be that person! This hands-on activity gets them brainstorming about what needs change in the world, and how they can help.
The Build-a-Word Card Game: Better than Go Fish!
Compound words may look hard at first, but things get easier if kids can spot two smaller words that they already know. Want to add a little "holy moly!" to something that can feel ho hum? This card game will help you practice making compound words-- and have some fun while you're at it!
Dictionary Treasure Hunt
In first grade, vocabulary moves to center stage. But when a kid gets stumped--and we all feel that way sometimes, even as adults--it's time to turn to a lifetime resource: the dictionary. Want a fun way to help your child start making friends with this reference tool? Try this treasure hunt!
Play: Syllable I Spy!
At some point in your life, you've probably played the game "I Spy." It's perfect for boring waits at the grocery store, or long car rides. But with a little tweaking, the game can also help kids practice a key first grade concept...syllables. Here's how to play:
Make a Tissue Paper Bouquet
Whether you're a kid or a grownup, spring flowers are just about irresistible. Here's a classic first grade activity to make flowers, anytime, with just a few sheets of tissue paper and some pipe cleaners.
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