The story map activity can be used with students of any grade in elementary school. The level of complexity and detail can be increased for the higher grades. After reading a story, have students draw pictures of events in the story. Alternatively, students may cut out pictures from magazines that depict the story's events. Whether they are drawings or magazine clippings, have students place them in the order in which they occurred in the story.
The home measurement activity is for students in kindergarten, first or second grade. Give each student a 7-foot piece of yarn and two paper clips. Have each child measure his own height and the person in his family who is tallest by having each person lie down next to the yarn and marking the height by attaching a paper clip to the yarn. Measure the difference between the tallest person in the family and the child the next day in class using a measuring tape.
The solar system activity can be done with third, fourth or fifth graders. Have students draw the planets in the solar system based on a picture you post on the board depicting the planets, their relative sizes and their names. Point out that the planets are different sizes, giving estimates, such as how many planet Earths could fit in the red spot of Jupiter. Quiz the students the next day, asking them to memorize the names of the planets and spell them correctly.
Third, fourth and fifth graders can enjoy this activity. Teach the class about Mexican food, describing and showing photos of various Mexican dishes commonly served and eaten in Mexico. Write the name of the dishes on separate pieces of paper. Have students draw these from a bowl, so every student will have a piece of paper with the name of a dish. Ask students to have their parents help them prepare a the dish, label it with the appropriate English and Spanish names and bring it to school to enjoy with the class.
This lesson can be used with third, fourth and fifth graders. Teach students about the 50 states and their capital cities. Include more detailed information to children in the higher grades, such as information about the state's bird, tree and motto. Have students label the states and their capital cities on a U.S. map as they color them using colored pencils. After a few days, quiz the students. See if they can memorize all 50 states and their capital cities and label a U.S. map.