The days of dioramas and book reports may be long gone. (Is it wrong that I’m a little sad about that?) Yet the expectation that students read and express their understanding of what they’ve read remains as strong as ever. So what’s a teacher to do? More specifically, what’s a creative teacher to do, when she doesn’t want to rely on worksheets? Get creative, of course! I’ve compiled 9 Fun Book Projects for you. They’re quick and easy to prepare, and best of all, they’re engaging – for both your students and you. No more slogging through piles of “Why I Liked This Book!” Take a look: Write a different ending -- What if the main character didn’t make it in the end? Or the dogs had lived? Or the culprit was the best friend? Your students’ imaginations can really wander with this assignment. Maybe their alternate ending will be even better than the original! Offer to let students draw their new ending as a bonus. Give a book talk --- Book talks are a wonderful way for students to demonstrate their understanding of books that they have read while practicing their writing and speaking skills. They're a great book project because they combine so many skills...and students love listening to one another. Oh, and the added bonus is that students can learn about books that they're interested in reading as they listen to the book talks. If you'd like to give them a try, then check out this FREE BOOK TALK GUIDE. It includes an overview of book talks, pre-write, final copy, and tips and tricks for presenting a book talk. Find it HERE. Write a sequel -- If you have the time, your students may want to extend their alternative endings into a whole second book (or at least a few pages or a chapter). After all, who hasn’t reached the end of a great read and wished for more? This will be a challenge, as students will have to build on the original plot lines and character outlines. Refer them to some famous book series for inspiration. Write a letter to the author -- Take a page from Beverly Cleary’s classic Dear Mr. Henshaw and have students write a thoughtful letter, with questions for the author of their current reading selection (or a favorite book). Most authors love to write (of course!) and appreciate opportunities to interact directly with their readers. Address letters (or e-mails) to the publisher, or see if the author has contact information on his or her website. It never hurts for students to practice their letter-writing and envelope-addressing skills, either – at least as long as snail mail is still around. Your students will be thrilled to get a response, too. Great news! I've put together three stationary templates that students can use when drafting their letters. They're a special FREEBIE just for you! Click here to check them out...and download them for free! Choose a response --- Here's an idea that students love...give them choices! It's amazing how giving students the ability to select the response or project that they would like to complete instantly increases their engagement. With that in mind, I created a series of "This or That" reading responses. Each This or That Reading Prompt includes instruction at the top of the worksheet and then 2 reading response choices for students to showcase their learning. After reviewing the choices, students can choose to do the "This" prompt or the "That" prompt. You can easily turn this into a book project by having students complete 5 (or so) different prompts while reading the book and submit them all as a final project when they finish reading the book. Learn more HERE. Set it to music -- Have your students capture a pivotal scene from the book in a song set to familiar music. It can be a ballad, a pop song, a rap – whatever speaks to them or best works with the scene. Encourage students who select this option to put on a concert. For students who are shy to perform, give them the option of recording their song privately, so you can play it without them having to get up in front of the class. Doodle it --- This is my FAVORITE type of book project! That's because it combines reflection, thinking and DOODLING! You can instantly take book reports and book projects to a whole new level with a Doodle Book Review! First, students complete a planning guide. Then, they design a Doodle Book Review! Check it out HERE! There's even this cinema-themed version that your students are sure to love. Find it HERE. Create a File Folder --- I first developed this book project idea many years ago as a summer reading project. Then, I altered it slightly so that it could be completed during anytime of the school year with any book. With this project, students compile critical information from the book they read including the plot, characters, setting, and a reflection in a manila file folder. The file folder book report includes detailed instructions so that students can complete it all independently. The end result is a compact project that students love! Oh, and you can store the file folders by your classroom library for students to reference when picking out a book! Find more details HERE. Blog about it -- If you have a classroom webpage, it can be fairly simple to create a live (and private) blog that students can use to discuss and debate the merits of their favorite books. This option might work best for students who have read the same book. Make sure you establish expectations for a civil online conversation. You can get in on the convo, too! Focusing on nonfiction in your classroom? Try one of these book report alternatives: Ø Create a scrapbook with images and facts about the book topic. Ø Write interview questions for the main character (if reading a biography, for example). Extend this assignment by allowing students to dress up as the character and record their responses to the interview questions. Ø Write a diary that one of the story’s main characters might have kept before, during, or after the book’s events. Make sure students emphasize what the character is thinking and feeling to give it an authentic feel. Ø Write a news story about the main event in the book (for example, the sinking of the Titanic). This is a good opportunity to practice this very specific form of writing. You’ll want to review inverted pyramid style and how to use quotes if you go this route. BONUS: Wait! I have one more idea. Here's a new spin on the classic book report mobile! Why not have students report out on the plot, setting, characters, and theme on fun pieces of paper clothing? Then students can hang their work from a hanger that says, "Try this book on for size!" This project includes a set of first draft materials and final copy elements so that students can create a high quality project! Here's some links for some of the project ideas above: ➧ File Folder Book Project (any book!) ➧ Doodle and Do Book Review (doodle book project) ➧ This or That Reading Response Prompts ➧ Book Talk (freebie) ➧ Letter to the Author Stationary Templates (FREE!) ➧ Clothes Hanger Book Report I hope that you've found some fun book project ideas to try in your classroom! Happy reading! Mary Beth

This giant list of art projects based on children's books will help your students connect art to literature and make some fantastic artwork in the process.

Do you want to learn how to write a children's picture book? Read this ultimate guide to help you know how to start before you even have an idea in mind!

We love connecting projects to books, and we're always inspired by the amazing group of bloggers who participate in the Virtual Book Club for Kids (you can also check the club out on Facebook) as the group comes up with some great extension activities each month. This month's author was Leo Lionni. We chose to read and do a project using a book we've really been enjoying lately, A Color of His Own. This is the sweet tale of a little chameleon who is looking for one color to stay all the time, but keeps running into that challenge that chameleons change color. In the end, he winds up finding a friend to always be with so they can at least always be the same color together. I've used this book in the past as a primary teacher. It's a great way to talk about friendship and also about what makes us each unique. My boys have been loving the simple tale and the colorful illustrations this spring. For our activity extension we decided to use cray-pas and watercolors. I love how colorful this art technique can be. I sketched several chameleon outlines onto white drawing paper using permanent marker. (I'm including a printable copy here in case you just want to print one out, or use the printable to trace onto thicker paper.) Afterwards the boys and I each colored in a chameleon using the cray-pas. Big Brother and I thought about ways to create different patterns. Little Brother focused on just coloring his in, using mostly one color. After we were done coloring, we watercolored on top of the cray-pas. The watercolor doesn't stick to the cray-pas, and fills all the white spaces around it. We all had different strategies for painting. When they were done I cut the three chameleons out and we hung them in our play room. I love how they are a set but each one unique. That's part of what can also make this project a great classroom activity, especially for the start of a school year. Or turn it into a fun family project, with each family member creating a chameleon to represent themselves. What Leo Lionni books does your family enjoy? Have you read this one yet? This post may also have been shared at some of these terrific link parties.

We are always inspired to do fun crafts and learning activities whenever we read some of our favorite children’s books! Here is a list of activities we’ve come up with inspired by popular children’s books (alphabetized by title). (Book titles are affiliate links.) Be sure to follow our Children’s Book Activities Pinterest board! …

I love using picture books as inspiration for children’s art projects. Over the past 13 years I have curated a a massive list of project ideas and lesson plans. Here is my growing list of picture books and coordinating art projects for kids: A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni Abe Lincoln’s Dream by Lane Smith

Coloring books are a fun project for everyone involved, especially if you’re able to monetize off of it! Whether you’re looking to create a children’s col

Turn crumpled pieces of paper into colorful artwork in this fun art project for kids. This easy art activity is inspired by the children’s book, Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds! The colorful paper has such a cool texture when finished and can be used for making collages or writing notes! (This post contains affiliate links.) …

How to write a children's book— everything you need to know! How to Write a Children's Book That Rocks! Thinking of writing a children's storybook? As an independent publisher, I often get calls from men and women who have either written a kids' story or have one in mind they want to write. This article

So, I've been busy getting my beginning of the year science units together. I start the year off in science the same way I start everything else off--by teaching routines and expectations! We start science on the very first day of school! Day 1: What is Science? I ask the kids what they think "science" is and I record their answers on a chart paper. Be prepared for some pretty funny answers! Then I read What is Science by Rebecca Kai Dotlich. I love this book--it is colorful and fun and really gets kids thinking about science and the world in general! Then, with their minds buzzing with possiblities, we add more ideas to our list. Then I introduce our science notebooks. I tell the kids that these are very special notebooks that will help us ask questions about science; make predictions; record observations and data about investigations; and explain their thinking about what they have learned. I hand out the Science Notebook Expectations and we go over them one by one. Then I show the kids how to glue the expectations in their notebooks--focusing on how to turn one page at a time and how to use glue appropriately...

I’m so excited about this little project I get to share with you today! And just in time for Earth Day, too! It’s kind of hilarious because it has been a lonnnnng time coming. I started making these books with my students back in October and I JUST NOW sent the last one home. SHEESH. […]

Children's Book: The London Activity Book: With Palaces, Puzzles and Pictures to Colour - Help your kids discover the world with this book (and more)! » KidsTravelBooks

Before you write your idea for a kid's book, you need to understand these 3 things. This free children's book template outlines everything you need to get started.

Blank books provide a great way to encourage kids to write. Here are 3 easy ways to assemble blank books for your writing center, literacy center, and beyond.

While thrifting, I not only look for vintage fabrics and notions but I also make a little stop by the kids book section as well. I have a thing for prints- both on paper and on fabric- and if it's vintage, it's gotta be mine! I've collected quite a few books now and decided it was time to actually make something out of them instead of letting them collect dust on the shelf. After all, they're filled with beautiful, bright illustrations just begging to be seen and admired! So of course, I hit up Pinterest, then Etsy, then Google and Bing just in case I missed any neat ideas and now I've got a little roundup of awesome and unique ideas to upcycle those gorgeous vintage books! You're so very welcome! Enjoy these ideas and one day soon, I'll be featuring something I've made from my own books as well. 1. Check out these chic decoupaged blocks from Mondocherry. 2. Gorgeous paper cabins from Hutch Studio. 3. Paper lantern from Zipper8Lighting on Etsy. 4. Decoupaged letters from Kelle Hampton. 5. Lovely little charms from Primitive and Proper. 6. Embroidery hoop art from Marigold Road. 7. Upcycled notebooks from My Hand Bound Books. 8. Decoupaged jars for gift-giving from The Red Thread. 9. Soap wrapped in vintage kid's book pages from OwlNaturals on Etsy. 10. A collection of H-themed vintage pages from Mondocherry. 11. Pinwheels as party favors/decor from Better Homes & Gardens. 12. Beautiful photo backdrop from Peekaboo Photography. 13. DIY Art Case- isn't this neat??? It even comes with a tutorial from Cosmo Cricket. 14. Adorable vintage book bunting from It's Taylor Made. 15. Decoupaged kids table from Knot Too Shabby Furnishings. 16. Cute DIYcoasters from Needle Book. 17. Storybook lined envelopes from LittlePinkEnvelopes on Etsy. 18. Decoupaged lampshade from Fabulously Flawed Home. 19. DIY envelopes- no known link for this one but it looks easy to do and would be so fun to receive these in the mail, don't ya think? 20. Vintage garlands from PaperPolaroid on Etsy. 21. A vintage book turned into a scrapbook- very neat! From Ordinary Normal. 22. Bright and cheerful storybook collages at Find Make Do. 23. The link to these is no longer available but the idea is from Apples Modern Art on Etsy. 24. I absolutely adore this decoupaged dresser but cannot find the source for it anywhere! But isn't it great eye candy??? 25. Decoupaged picture frame from Primitive and Proper. All these beautiful projects make me want to start tearing up my vintage books right now! I think quite a few of these, if not all, would make fantastic gifts at Christmas time and I'm planning to give about 60% handmade gifts this year instead of buying so I should probably get started soon, huh? I hope you enjoyed this roundup of unique upcycle ideas for vintage children's books! If you have an idea that isn't featured here, let me know about it!

Over the course of his career, Eric Carle published more than 70 works, selling more than 170 million copies in total.

You can teach anything with children's picture books: Science. History. Writing. Math. Cooking. And Art. Especially art. Because picture books are an artform. I'll be writing a Five Day Series this week about connecting children's literature to art. Monday through Thursday I will be sharing four art project ideas inspired by children's picture books. On Friday I have …

Informative writing can be tricky in first grade, but this all about book is the perfect way for students to research their own animal and publish a book

Inside: You can publish a children's book. You can do it this year! Let's get started with three different paths forward. Shortly after publishing Belinda Baloney Changes Her Mind I started getting messages that were worded much more eloquently but essentially boiled down to this: But, like, how? It's a great question! And a question

In search of fun, light-hearted fonts for your children-related design projects? Let these beautiful fonts tell stories for you.

Crafts are a great way to visualize stories! In the classroom or homeschool, use these 25+ crafts that were inspired by children's books!

Ever wondered how to make a book? This little tutorial will show you how to make one with just 1 single piece of paper! This is perfect for kids!

These Bible Story Print & Fold books are quick and easy to prepare for your Jewish or Christian preschool program. Print & Fold books are a great

Need ideas for a hands-on, literature-based Middle Ages unit study? This post has got you covered with projects, literature lists and resources.

I am making this post because I couldn't find a tutorial ANYWHERE online. I visited my best friend a few weeks ago and her 3 year old had this book that her pre-school teachers made. Sawyer fell in LOVE with it, so I knew I had to make one for her. It was fairly simple once I had all of the supplies. To make it you will need: CD sleeves (Office Depot) 1" album rings (Hobby Lobby) reinforcement labels (Office Depot) Hole Punch Double Sided Tape Different materials for texture. I used: Silky-silk fabric Leathery-leather scraps in the jewelry making section at hobby lobby Bumpy-snakeskin scrapbook paper Crinkly-plastic that I removed from the CD sleeves Furry-fur in the craft section Foamy-foam sheets Scratchy-glittery foam sheet Rough-cardboard scrapbooking sheet I first (very carefully) removed the plastic from the CD sleeves. This was tedious because the paper rips easily. Once I had the plastic removed, I made three holes on the side of all the sleeves. I then put reinforcement stickers over the holes. Next I cut each texture to the size I needed to fit into the sleeve. I then put pieces of double sided tape on the back of the material and slid it into the sleeve. Then I taped the flap shut with clear packing tape. After I had all of the sleeves finished, I put them together with the album rings. I printed a label to go in the front sleeve, and that was it! I went through and wrote in sharpie each texture. I wanted to print cute ones, but the space is pretty small so I just wrote them. It's a HUGE hit! She has been playing with it for a few days now, and it's holding up well. I have gone back and reinforced some spots with more clear packing tape, but so far she's being pretty gentle with it! I hope this helps anyone who wants to make one of these for their little one!

If your kids are fascinated by fossils and love learning about dinosaurs, they will really enjoy these Paleontology Printables and Resources.

Print the cute and free "my little book of opposites" with images to color, cut, and glue! This is a perfect companion to Opposites by Sandra Boynton.

A fun wedding DIY project - download this fingerprint tree template to create your own free fingerprint tree wedding guest book.

Book Inspired Kids Crafts Roundup - I Heart Crafty Things A big hello today to all of you lovely Glued to My Crafts fans! My name is Rachel and I blog

How to make the golden plates facsimile for a Book of Mormon project with kids

These FREE Printables and Unit Studies for Eric Carle's Books will help you expand on what your kids are learning through these beloved books.

What is citizenship? Is it the ability to vote? Does it mean having the right documents? Is being a citizen about being part of a community? And what does it mean to be a good

With all of the excitement about the upcoming Olympics, it's time to celebrate this beloved events with some Olympics books for kids!

Thank you to Diane for submitting this fun book report poster. It’s legal size (paper) worksheet and is great for lower grades (or as an easy project for upper grades). Great end of the year …

Happy Cinco de Mayo! I'm feeling pretty festive today (or maybe I'm just craving tacos...) so I thought I'd share some of my favorite Spanish picture books. Or really, to be more specific, the Spanish bilingual books and Mexican culture stories I enjoyed using my Head Start Preschool storytimes (you can see a couple highlighted bilingual storytimes I did here). So here are my top eleven! Plus some more, because I always seem to think of other random titles here and there in my descriptions. There are, of course, many more awesome bilingual books, so if you have a favorite, don't forget to share them in the comments below! Cinco De Mouse-O Written by Judy Cox, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler Holiday House (January 1, 2011) 978-0823423286 ¡Que felicidad! It’s Cinco de Mayo, and Mouse follows his nose to the festival, where musicians play, dancers stomp, and delicious treats abound. This one would be most appropriate for today, of course! Mouse gets to enjoy a proper fiesta (although he should beware the cat) and even tasted some candy. Another awesome Mexican holiday book I enjoyed is The Dead Family Diaz, which celebrates the Day of the Dead. Chicks and Salsa Written by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Paulette Bogan Bloomsbury (October 7, 2005) 978-1599900995 The chickens are very tired of their chicken feed. Luckily, the farmer's wife has been watching some cooking shows and Rooster knows just what to do. This celebration of Mexican food (mmm, guacamole) is pretty silly, but still lots of fun. It's also very similar to another play-on-food-words, Mice and Beans, by Pam Munoz Ryan, which is another great Mexican culture story. Señorita Gordita Written by Helen Ketteman, illustrated by Will Terry Alber Whitman & Co (March 1, 2012) 978-0807573020 A little corn cake has escaped from the frying pan that cooked her and is on the run! Yep, a Spanish version of The Gingerbread Man. It has a lot of Spanish vocabulary (all the animals she's running from) and is a total hit with the kids! Well, until the very end... This author/illustrator team actually has a lot of awesome southwestern-flair retellings that are sure to please, such as Armidilly Chili, and There Once Was a Cowpoke Who Swallowed an Ant. Don Quixote: A BabyLit Spanish Language Primer Written by Jennifer Adams, illustrated by Alison Oliver Gibbs Smith (April 1, 2015) 978-1423638759 So no, this isn't a Mexican cultural book, but it does involve classic literature (albeit, from Spain) and learning Spanish. Plus the illustrations are so cute and it's aimed for those youngest of readers, so yes, I'm including this one. This is a cute one to share with tots and babies. My Family Adventure (Sofia Martinez) Written by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Kim Smith Picture Window Books (February 1, 2015) 978-1479557905 Great for beginning readers, Sofia Martinez is a fun and spunky character dealing with all sorts of family drama (it is hard to be the youngest, you know). The story also has a good amount of Spanish vocabulary—any Spanish words that Sofia and her family use are highlighted and there's an index in the back with the translation. There's also other helpful hints and activities at the end, too. Be sure to check out all the books in the Sofia Martinez series. Mañana, Iguana! Written by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by Ethan Long Holiday House (September 1, 2004) 978-0823418084 A classic! Iguana is planning a fiesta. Tortuga the tortoise, Gonejo the rabbit, and Gulebra the snake all want to come. But do they want to help Iguana deliver invitations or stuff the pinata or cook the food? No, no, and no! A lazy trio loses out in this Mexican retelling of the Little Red Hen. Again, be sure to check out more from this author/illustrator duo, such as Fiesta Fiasco and Tortuga in Trouble (a Little Red Riding Hood retelling). Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin Written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh Henry N. Abrams (March 1, 2010) 978-0810938724 This is the story of two cousins, one in America and one in Mexico, and how their daily lives are different yet similar. The text is quite beautiful, with a good sprinkling of Spanish vocabulary. It's a perfect introduction to Mexican culture. Gazpacho for Nacho Written by Tracey C. Kyle, illustrated by Carolina Farías Two Lions (January 14, 2014) 978-1477817278 Okay, yes, I have a thing for food, especially Mexican food. Yes, a lot of these books have to do with food. Sorry, not sorry. This one is really cute, though, so I have to share it. The beautifully rhyming text (yes, English and Spanish words both) tell a perfectly relatable story about a picky eater. It's sure to be loved by all ages. P is for Pinata: A Mexico Alphabet Written by Tony Johnston, illustrated by John Parra Sleeping Bear (September 23, 2008) 978-1585361441 The Discover the World Alphabet series is a favorite of mine. This book has little poetic phrases for each letter of the alphabet, introducing different topics about Mexico. What's even better is the good amount of factual text included to support each topic. This is a good nonfiction choice to share with kids. Fire! ¡Fuego! Brave Bomberos Written by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Dan Santat Bloomsbury (April 24, 2012) 978-1599904610 Firefighters are super brave and this book shows what a day in the life may look like for these heroes—with a healthy dose of Spanish included! Yes, this really isn't a Mexican cultural story, but I do so love Dan Santat's work. And plus, the rhyming, simple text is awesome—good for beginning readers/ Plus, there's an index at the end that explains the many Spanish words. Buenas Noches, Luna Written by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd HarperCollins Español (April 11, 2006) 978-0064434164 This book is more of a tag on to remind you that many classic children's books have been translated into Spanish, making for a great opportunity for kids to learn the language. Do they have a favorite they've practically memorized? Get them the Spanish translation! ....... Do you have a favorite Spanish bilingual or Mexican heritage picture book? Share them in the comments below?

Need Wonder activities for your classroom or home school Wonder teaching resources? We have Wonder lesson plans, Wonder worksheets, and more ideas for book projects, kindness activities for middle school, and diversity lessons to make a great study unit for students using both the novel by RJ Palacio and teaching with movies (including the popular precepts project!).

Here's a very special Mini Passport Book, which you can print out and assemble with the kids for your learning journey when you travel!

Award-winning children's book author who speaks in schools and keynotes conferences worldwide.

Help your kids learn to pay attention and get more out of the sermon in church with this free church book for kids!