Are you looking for some memorable March children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This just may be what you are looking for!
For the most part, this month certainly does not have as many holidays as the month of February. However, there are many topics for your students to experience in some wonderful books. Whatever topic you may choose, enjoy these engaging books and try some of the extension activities suggested.
1. The Cat in The Hat by Dr. Seuss
March is Reading Month and Dr. Seuss’ birthday! So, why not celebrate with his most famous books. This book finds the eccentric Cat in the Hat coming into the home of Sally and Sam whose mother is out. The adventures and chaos that happens leaves the kids wondering what consequences they will have to bear when their mother gets home.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “If the Cat in the Hat Came to My House”
- Who Is the Cat in the Hat? Graphic Organizer
- The Cat in the Hat Rhyming Art Project
- Cat in the Hat Make a Word Family Game
2. Caterpillar to Butterfly by Laura Marsh
March 14th is National Butterfly Day! This National Geographic Book gives kids an up-close look at exactly how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. It also includes information about different types of butterfly and poisonous caterpillars. The books magnificent images capture the insect’s beautiful colors and patterns found on both the caterpillar and butterfly
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Butterflies
- I See Butterflies Number & Color Word Student Booklet
- Butterfly Paper Plate Art Project
- Butterfly Counting Math Games
3. It’s a Butterfly’s Life Cycle by Irene Kelly
This nonfiction book introduces children to exciting details about the butterfly’s life cycle. The watercolor illustrations are clear and vibrant. Many kinds of butterflies are shown and clearly labeled to allow children to understand our complex natural world.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: A Butterflies Life
- A Butterfly’s Life Cycle Graphic Organizer
- Butterfly Symbol & Sound Match Game
- Butterfly Roll & Cover Dice Math Game
4. J is for Jump Shot: A Basketball Alphabet
If you have a love for college basketball, you know all about March Madness! This book is a perfect introduction to the game of basketball. From its humble beginnings with a couple of peach baskets to its most famous players this book explains the sports rules and fundamentals all while learning the alphabet letter!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: To Play Basketball
- Student Booklet: Basketball Counting
- Venn Diagram Comparing Basketball and Baseball
- Basketball Sight Word Match
5. How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace
Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, this book takes you on the adventure of a naughty leprechaun with its wonderful rhyme. Will this be the year the children catch him and his pot of cold? Throughout the book the leprechaun taunts the children as they put out traps around the house to catch him. Is he just too clever for them?
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: How to Catch a Leprechaun
- Pot of Gold Wishes Art Project
- Shamrocks & Rainbows Rhyming Word Match Game
- Shamrock Number Roll
6. The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever by Teddy Slater
It’s March 17th and the Leprechauns are gathered for their favorite day of the year. This rhyming book takes you to their celebration with music, dancing and a parade! With lively illustrations from Ethan Long this book is a delightful way to celebrate the day!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “I Would Be Lucky”
- How Many Shamrocks? Student Booklet
- My Lucky Day Student Story
- Patrick’s Day Roll & Cover Math Games
7. It’s Spring! by Linda Glaser
An ode to nature, this is the second book in a series of seasonal titles. In simple language the changes of nature brought on by spring is described. The unique paper sculptured illustrations convey the animals, plants, weather and feelings associated with the season of spring.
Literacy Extensions:
- Spring Word Bank
- “Spring Senses” Student Booklet
- Umbrella Paper Plate Art Project
- Spring Build a Word Game
8. Spring is Here! By Heidi Pross Gray
This book about how the spring season ties family and nature together. It makes you feel excited about spring! The word is discovered as it wakes from winter. The flowers blossoms, the animals begin to roam, and nature comes alive during the beautiful season of spring!
Literacy Extensions:
- “In the Spring” Classroom Book
- “I See Spring” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Spring and Winter
- Spring Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
Grab a free St. Patrick’s Day Roll & Cover Math Game Here!
Finally, there are so many memorable March children’s books you can choose from. From Dr. Seuss’s birthday until the first days of Spring 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.”
