With Literacy Extension Activities
Are you looking for some marvelous May 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 May is filled with some wonderful holidays and 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. Whether it is Cinco de Mayo or Memorial Day enjoy these engaging books and try some of the extension activities suggested.
1. The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
One of Eric Carle classic takes on the adventure of the life cycle of a flower as told by a tiny seed. You know this is an Eric Carle book just by the beautifully laid out pictures. Children learns all the steps a little seed goes through to become a beautiful flower.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Our Tiny Seeds”
- How to Plant a Flower? Student Booklet
- The Tiny Seed Art Project
- Flowers & Leaves Make a Word
2. The Life Cycle of a Flower by Molly Aloian
A nonfiction text that looks at the growth of a flower from seed to the time it is ready to produce new seeds. The book contains illustrations and photographs with its easy to read text. Children learn how seeds are formed, what different types of seeds look like and many more fun facts.
Literacy Extensions:
- “How to Plant a Flower” Classroom Book
- Life Cycle of a Flower Graphic Organizer
- Paper Plate Flower Art Project
- Flowers Roll & Bump Math Dice Games
3. Cinco de Mayo by Mary Dodson Wode
This fact filled book introduces children to the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The colorful photos and very simple nonfiction text describe why and how this Mexican holiday is celebrated.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Cinco de Mayo”
- Cinco De Mayo Facts Student Booklet
- Maracas Art Project
- Cinco de Mayo Classroom Celebration
4. A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
An award-winning picture book that is an excellent choice to share for Mother’s Day. After their home is destroyed by a fire Rosa, her mother and grandmother save their coins. All they want to buy is a comfortable chair for all to enjoy.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: Moms Can
- “My Mom Book” Student Booklet
- Mother’s Day Acrostic Poem and Flower Art Project
- Mother’s Day Letter & Sound Match
5. Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara Lavallee
In this arctic and wild animal picture book a child tests the limits of independence and learns that a parent’s love is unconditional and everlasting. The lyrical text introduces children to the artic culture and the stunning illustrations are filled with exciting animals like whales, puffins and sled dogs.
Literacy Extensions:
- Mother’s Day Writing Station Words
- “How Many Flowers” Student Counting Booklet
- Mother’s Day Paper Plate Flower
- Mother’s Day Roll & Cover Math Game
6. K is for Kick: A Soccer Alphabet by Brad Herzog
The author brings to life the game of soccer for young readers. Each letter has a simple rhyme that explains details about the game and how it is plays. The illustrator, Melanie Rose offers realistic illustrations for every facet of the game.
Literacy Extensions:
- “To Play Soccer” Classroom Book
- “Soccer Counting” Student Counting Booklet
- Soccer Ball Paper Plate
- Soccer Build a Word Game
7. Let’s Celebrate Memorial Day by Barbara deRubertis
A quick and informative read for young children to learn about Memorial Day. Photos in the book take you to the countries War Memorials and illustrates how many celebrate this day. On the last Monday of May we pause and remember all the brave men and women in our Armed who have died. They were protecting our country our freedoms and all of us.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Why We Have Memorial Day” Classroom Book
- “How Many Stars” Student Counting Booklet
- Memorial Day Wreath Art Project
- Memorial Day Sight Word Match Game
8. Memorial Day Surprise by Theresa Martin Golding
It’s Memorial Day and Marco’s mom is taking him to see the parade where there will be surprise for him. Marco can’t imagine what the surprise could be, but he wished is grandfather could be with him to enjoy it. Then marching down the street comes our Veterans wearing their uniforms and shiny medals! Who is that leading them? What a great surprise!
Literacy Extensions:
- Memorial Day Writing Stations Words
- “All About Memorial Day” Student Booklet
- Memorial Day Symbols Match Game
- Memorial Day Addition & Subtraction Slide Games
Grab a free, Flowers Roll & Bump Math Dice Games Here!
Finally, there are so many marvelous May children’s books you can choose from. From Cinco de May to Memorial 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.”
