This blog is aimed at giving you some inspiration and ideas for teaching from third grade to sixth grade in the month of January.
Firstly, these monthly close reading books come packed with ideas and resources that look at key events from history that happened in January, or some famous figures that were born or died in the month. The books come with ten individual activities, each with an informational text, comprehension and grammar questions, a writing extension task, a crossword puzzle, and wordsearch activity.
Don’t forget, these books also come in termly or yearly bundles. These save you money and give you a whole host of ideas for your classroom. They are also really useful for any quick, easy sub plans!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, celebrated on the third Monday of January, honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, a pivotal leader in the American Civil Rights Movement. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolent resistance reshaped the nation's history, leading to critical legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Teach your students about the inspirational figure with these great resources below.
On the 1st January 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. This declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states during the American Civil War. Learn all about the Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln, and the American Civil War with these great resources.
Holocaust Memorial Day is observed on January 27th each year to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945. The day serves as a day of remembrance for the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, alongside millions of others persecuted by the Nazi regime. Teaching about the Holocaust is crucial to understanding the consequences of prejudice, hatred, and unchecked power. It encourages reflection on the importance of tolerance, human rights, and the responsibility to stand against discrimination and genocide in all forms. Teach about this dark chapter of history with some of our carefully created resources below.
January also saw Amelia Earhart become the first female pilot to cross the Atlantic solo in 1935, and the start of the California Gold Rush in 1848. Check out some potential resources for these below.
Famous birthdays from the month of January include Benjamin Franklin in 1706; the English scientist, Stephen Hawking in 1942; the American artist, Jackson Pollock, in 1912; and the baseball star and civil rights activist, Jackie Robinson in 1919.
For 1000s more resources, check out Creative Primary Literacy!