You can have your classroom buzzing with engaging activities that allow for bookful moments and learning all at the same time.

I have been teaching for awhile, and one thing I know for sure is that kids need to be invested in the outcome. One way I have promoted the love of reading in my classroom is through using picture books. Yes, you read that correctly! I teach 5th grade and use picture books in my classroom on the daily. I will let you in on a little secret- sometimes I even read more than one day! We are living wild in room 35.

I want to help you! Here are 5 engaging activities that you can do in your classroom in the month of January to promote the love of reading and check off those standards. 

Let me break it down for you. You have 4 full weeks of January. This means there are 20 days where you can use picture books in your classroom. YAY! While reviewing routines and fluffing up the classroom community, use these resources to engage your readers: 

The Lucky Grapes:

The Lucky Grapes by Tracey Kyle is a festive picture book that introduces readers to the Spanish New Year’s tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck. The story follows a young girl and her family as they prepare for the celebration, sharing laughter, anticipation, and the joy of starting the year together. With vibrant illustrations and a cultural focus, the book highlights the importance of family, traditions, and hope for the year ahead.

This mini pop guides your students through what I call a POP! by allowing them to pop the confetti after reading through comprehension questions, deeper thinking questions, and personal connections.

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution:

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller is a heartwarming story about Squirrel learning what a New Year’s resolution is and deciding to make one of her own. As she visits her woodland friends, she discovers how resolutions can involve helping others and improving oneself. With a delightful mix of humor and kindness, the story inspires readers to think about their own goals for the new year.

This mini pop guides your students through what I call a POP! by allowing them to pop the confetti after reading through comprehension questions, deeper thinking questions, and personal connections.

Just Snow Already

Just Snow Already! by Howard McWilliam is a playful and imaginative picture book about a child eagerly waiting for snow. As the anticipation grows, the child dreams up wild and hilarious ways to make snow happen faster. With whimsical illustrations and a relatable theme, the story captures the magic of winter and the excitement of hoping for that first snowfall.

Inferencing is a tough skill to master which is why I always pair with picture books. Use Just Snow Already and the companion worksheet to either teach, practice, or reteach the skill of inference. My students completed this activity during reading rotations. I popped the Storyline Online read aloud in Google Classroom and then my students completed the inference printable and turned it in for a check-in. Their answers gave me great insight into who had mastered the standard. 

Blizzard:

Blizzard by John Rocco is a heartwarming picture book based on the author’s childhood experience during the historic Blizzard of 1978. The story follows a young boy who, after days of being snowed in, takes it upon himself to journey through the deep snow with homemade snowshoes to bring food and supplies to his neighbors. With stunning illustrations and a focus on resourcefulness, community, and perseverance, Blizzard beautifully captures the wonder and challenges of a historic winter storm.

Providing questions and reading response prompts following a picture book read aloud is a great way to focus on listening skills and reading comprehension skills. I remember that when I was a kid, I loved when my teachers did thematic units. This core memory of my childhood sparked my POP! Like a Confetti Moment monthly resources. This month, I will read the picture book Blizzard and my students and I will deep dive into vocabulary word studies, comprehension questions, and personal connection prompts. 

Room 35 gives 5 stars to this highly engaging resource to use during reading rotations or independent work time!

Summary is ALWAYS a big standard to fine-tune with our students. Let me help you with this while enjoying this beautiful story with your students!

January is the perfect time to have a little fun too! I created this resource for parents to use while working with their kids over winter break. I think teachers could also do these activities in their classroom during January. If you have a student teacher or a student observer, these art centered activities would be a win! 

Let this month be one where you and your students connect over meaningful stories, laugh at imaginative tales, and explore new ideas together. Whether you’re building vocabulary with Blizzard, practicing inferencing with Just Snow Already, or diving into the joy of traditions with The Lucky Grapes, you’re setting the tone for a year full of discovery and growth. Remember, you have the power to create a classroom where learning feels magical—one picture book at a time. So, grab a cozy seat, a good book, and let the adventures begin. Here’s to a January filled with bookful moments and happy readers! You’ve got this!

Here’s to making January anything but gloomy—because in Room 35, learning is always an adventure! 🥳

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