A Visit to Whoville: Grinch Unit

This week we opened the book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and explored the world of Whoville and the Grinch.  This is a favorite for the boys and we had a blast.  I found this free printable Grinch unit from First Grade W.O.W.   This is an awesome resource and a perfect jumping off point...using it along with other activities made for a great week!  Here is a look into our week with the Grinch.  

We started the week off by reading the book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  Then we followed that up with watching both movies...the original cartoon version and the modern one with Jim Carrey.  Their favorite was definitely the original cartoon.  We often watch this even during the middle of summer. ;)

   

Snacks:  Who Pudding

As a snack to eat during the movie, we made Who Pudding.  Using vanilla jello pudding mix and milk we made regular pudding.  But when we added the green food coloring...it became Who Pudding!!

Language Arts and Craftivities

1.  After reading the story, Old Crow and I discussed what Dr. Seuss' message was...what the big idea was for the story.  This is his response sheet.

"that Christmas can never be stolen."

2.  Included in the free unit was a Grinch poem/song to the tune of Row Row Row Your Boat.  We sang the song and also used the poem as his poetry work for the week.  He copied the poem into his poetry notebook.

3.  We worked on Grinchy Adjectives.  I printed out this large size Grinch.  We colored him, laminated him, and then cut him out.  The boys had a fun time putting him together and playing with his face as a mask.  (An actual mask template can be found here.)  Then Old Crow and I came up with words that would describe the Grinch's character.

4.  Discussing the Grinch's character was a perfect way to also talk about how characters can change throughout a story.  This is his response sheet on character development.

5.  Old Crow worked on a writing activity that had him finishing the following sentence.  I feel grinchy when...

Math Activities

1.  Using a 100 number chart, we created a mystery picture (which turned out to be the Grinch).

2.  A great problem solving booklet can be found at Made For 1st Grade.

3.  For addition work, Swamp Frog First Graders has an activity sheet for rolling dice and finding the sum.

Grinch Slime

This activity is one that uses math skills, science themes, sensory play, and lots of fun!!

Directions for the Grinch Slime can be found in the free unit (A Pinch of Grinch), but basically you mix 1 teaspoon of Borax powder with 1 cup of water.  Mix and set aside.  In a separate bowl you mix a whole bottle of Elmer's glue (4 oz.) with 1/2 cup of water.  Add green food coloring to the glue mixture.  Mix well.  Then combine the glue mixture with Borax powder mixture.  Almost immediately the liquid will begin to form solids...perfect science lesson!  The more you knead and squeeze the more it will turn firm.  Pour out excess water and continue to squeeze!  Crazy Horse LOVED this one!!

Put it in a ziplock bag, and it will keep indefinitely.  We are still playing with this.  It's a great stress reliever too. ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Jenny

Next week, we will get our passports and head on a trip around the world...learning Christmas traditions from other countries.  Stay tuned! :)