Are you looking for some February holiday children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This just may be what you are looking for!
In fact, this month is filled with several great holidays which leads to wonderful literacy experiences for your students. You many have had the opportunity to read some of these February holiday children’s books, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids to read. Whatever it may be, enjoy these engaging books and try some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Groundhog Day! By Gail Gibbons
Will the groundhog see his shadow? Will we have six more weeks of winter? What does a groundhog have to do with the weather? Gail Gibbons explores the history around Groundhog Day and how this unusual holiday began.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “On Groundhog Day”
- All About Groundhog Day Student Booklet
- Groundhog Paper Bag Puppet
- Groundhog Roll & Bump Math Games
2. Wake Up, Groundhog! By Susanna Leonard Hill
Unlike other groundhogs, Phyllis loves to play in the winter snow. She also dreams that one day she will become Punxsutawney Phil, even though she is a girl. She believes spring is coming early this year but cannot convince her Uncle Phil to get out of bed and make his prediction on Groundhog Day!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “I Think the Groundhog Will….”
- I See Groundhogs Number & Color Word Student Booklet
- Groundhog Sight Word Games
- Groundhog 5 In a Row Dice Math Games
3. The Story of Abraham Lincoln by Patricia A. Pingry
With brightly watercolor illustrations, this book highlights the major events of Lincoln’s life from childhood to death. Children become acquainted with this historical figure through the simple words and engaging illustrations.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: All About Abraham Lincoln
- Abraham Lincoln Student Booklet
- Lincoln Roll It! Read It! Game Cards
- Abraham Lincoln Roll & Cover Math Game
4. Love Monster by Rachel Bright
Love Monster is this cute hairy monster with googly-eyes who is trying to fit in with the residents of Cutesville. He sets out to find someone who can love him just the way he is. Will he find the love he so desperately wants?
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: Our Love Monsters
- Student Booklet: How Many Hearts?
- Love Monster Ten Frame Roll & Cover
- Love Monster Art Project
5. Love Splat by Rob Scotton
The second hilarious story about the adventures of Splat the Cat. Splat is desperate to become friends with one of the girls at school, However, he is just too shy to talk to her. Will he get her attention?
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: Love Is ….
- LOVE Acrostic Poem
- Heart Rhyming Word Match Game
- Love Splat Art Project
6. If I Were President by Catherine Stier
This book takes you on a journey with a multicultural cast of children who imagine what it would be like to be president. From working in the Oval office to being in charge of the armed forces, this book examines what it would be like to be a president.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “If I Were President”
- Venn Diagram Comparing Washington & Lincoln
- Presidents Real & Nonsense Word Sort
- Lincoln & Washington Art Project
7. President’s Day by Anne Rockwell
Today at school is a celebration for Presidents’ Day. Mrs. Madoff’s class is putting on a play where children are portraying the presidents. Children learn important facts about past presidents and can see children of all races that they can relate too.
Literacy Extensions:
- President’s Day Word Bank
- Story Sequencing Page: First, Next, Then, Last
- Presidents’ Day Sight Word Match Game
- President’s Day Patriotic Heart Art Project
8. I Am George Washington by Brad Meltzer
George Washington was one of our greatest world leader and American hero. This book takes us on the Washington’s life journey, from exploring the woods as a child to founding a brand-new nation. It leaves you with the inspiring message that we all can be heroes!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: All About George Washington
- My George Washing Story Writing Activity
- Retelling Story: Beginning, Middle, End
- Washington Math Dice Games
Grab a free Presidents’ Day Sight Word Match Game Here!
Finally, there are so many February holiday children’s books you can choose from. From Groundhog Day to George Washington’s Birthday the list of books is lengthy. 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.”
