Are you looking for some amazing April children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
The month of April is filled with some wonderful literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these amazing books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whatever topic you may choose, enjoy these engaging books and try some of the extension activities suggested.
1. The Easter Egg by Jan Brett
It is Spring and time for rabbits to decorate the eggs for the Easter Bunny. Hoppi is finally old enough to join in the fun and hopes he can make the winning egg. He just doesn’t know what kind of egg to make. This wonderful story takes you on Hoppi’s journey with beautiful illustrations filled with dazzling eggs!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “How to Make an Easter Egg”
- How Man Eggs? Student Booklet
- The Easter Egg Art Project
- Easter Egg Numbers & Number Word Counting Game
2. How to Catch the Easter Bunny by Adam Wallace
From the How-to Catch Series this book takes you on the journey of how to catch the Easter Bunny. The story narrated by the Easter Bunny focuses on how he avoids increasingly complex traps set up to catch him. With its rhyming text and colorful illustrations this book will leave you smiling and wondering how you can catch the Easter Bunny?
Literacy Extensions:
- “To Catch the Easter Bunny” Classroom Book
- How to Catch the Easter Bunny Retelling Graphic Organizer
- Bunny Art Project
- Easter Roll & Bump Math Dice Games
3. Ladybugs by Gail Gibbons
A nonfiction book that introduces children to exciting details about the ladybug’s life cycle. You are taken through the four stages of a ladybug’s development and habitat. The bright illustrations and easy to read text make this story ideal for young readers.
Literacy Extensions:
- All About Ladybugs Classroom Book
- Ladybug Facts Student Booklet
- Life Cycle of a Ladybug Graphic Organizer
- Paper Plate Ladybug Art Project
4. The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
This beautifully illustrated book takes you through the day of a very grouchy ladybug. The day begins at 5:00 in the morning where the grouchy ladybug lands on a leaf full of aphids. Also, on this leaf happens to be very friendly ladybug who is willing to share the aphids. Find out what happens to the grouchy ladybug throughout the day and the surprising ending to her day.
Literacy Extensions:
- Student Booklet: “I See Ladybugs Book”
- Venn Diagram Comparing Ladybugs & Bees
- Something That Bugs Me! Student Story
- Ladybug Real & Nonsense Words Sort
5. The Earth Book by Todd Parr
An eco-friendly book that is printed entirely with recycled paper explores the importance of protecting and conserving our environment. It is a creative and engaging resource that informs children about what they can do to take care of the Earth and the reason behind of doing so.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book ” I Love Earth”
- “I Love the Earth” Student Booklet
- Saving the Earth Art Project
- Letter & Sound Match for Earth Day
6. Earth Day Every Day by Lisa Bullard
The main character of this book, Trina is very concerned about the way we have been treating Earth. She organizes an Earth Day Club that focuses on everyday habits to conserve earth’s resources. Trina outlines what can be done to make everyday Earth Day!
Literacy Extensions:
- Earth Day Writing Station Words
- I See the Earth” Student Counting Booklet
- Paper Plate Earth Person
- Earth Day Roll & Cover Math Game
7. Bugs A to Z by Caroline Lawton
If you are doing a unit of study on bugs, or if you kids are fascinated with bugs this is your book! Simple text from A to Z provides buggy facts. The books provide you with larger than life colored photographs of some wonderful creepy crawlies!
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Bugs” Classroom Book
- “I See Bugs” Student Counting Booklet
- Bugs Roll It! Read It! Short Vowel Words & Sentences
- Bugs Build a Word Game
8. Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! By Bob Barner
A beautiful book that will inform and entertain curious bug lovers everywhere! From pretty ladybugs to creepy daddy longlegs the insects are wonderfully illustrated. Complete with an actual size chart and a bug-o-meter chart that lists fun facts about each bug this book will inspire those bug lovers!
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Favorite Bugs” Classroom Book
- “I See Spring” Student Booklet
- Bugs Sight Word Match
- Bugs Pattern Cards Match
Grab a free ” I Love Earth” Student Booklet Here!
Finally, there are so many amazing April children’s books you can choose from. From Easter until Earth Day the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
