6 February Activities That Aren’t All Love & Fluff

February activities usually look like a lot of Valentine’s Day-related fluff. But, February has a lot of great learning opportunities. 100th day of school and Chinese New Year sometimes fall in January and sometime in February. Because of this, I address these events in January. You can get those activities here.  Two of the big things I like to focus on throughout the month are Dental Health and Black History.

Black History

February is African American History Month. The entire month we focus on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. I usually have one or two historical or local heroes that we talk about each day.

There are several African American heroes are in our community. Reach out to a community doctor, teacher, principal, coach, lawyer, pastor, politician, musician, soldier, etc. to come in and speak to your class.

Because Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls in January, I have more information on this historical hero here. 

Dental Health 

February is also National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month we will raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Sometimes I am able to get a local hygienist to come and talk to the class. They will usually bring some teeth and a big toothbrush to show the students how to properly brush their teeth. It is important that Developing good habits at an early age helps children to have a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Every year I order a kit from Colgate called Bright Smiles. You will get 24 toothbrushes and toothpaste(individually wrapped). Sometimes I got a game and a short video for the kids to watch. So, it varies on what other items you will get in your kit. If you have not already ordered your kit, that’s ok You can order your Bright Smiles kit here. I suggest ordering it at the beginning of next school year so that it arrives prior to February.

Groundhog Day

Every February 2nd we celebrate Groundhog Day. If we are in class I try to have the students watch the ceremony on TV. The ceremony is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and since I did not teach near that state, I showed the kids where it is located. 

We then discuss the groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. This is a great time to talk about predictions and superstitions. It is also a good opportunity to discuss weather and seasons. Here are a few resources I have for Groundhog’s Day.

Groundhog’s Day Writing Activities Prompts, Organizers, Rubrics & Poems

Groundhog’s Science Activities With Close Read, Interactive Booklet, Organizers

Valentine’s Day

Every February 14th, we celebrate Valentine’s Day. We did the normal arts and crafts and exchange Valentine’s every year. I always had a few extra with some extra candy for those that did not bring any to class.

I also took the time to talk about the history of Valentine’s Day and spoke on how it became commercialized.

Here are a few February Activities that you can check out: February First Grade No Prep Literacy Worksheet Packet + TpT EASEL Activity

February First Grade No Prep Math Worksheet Packet + TpT EASEL Activity

February Pattern Block Shapes Puzzles For Math Centers

Mardi Gras

Right after graduating from college, I helped a teacher that went all out for Mardi Gras. All of her reading, math, science, and history were all Mardi Gras-themed. The kids had a blast and learned a lot. 

So I wanted to carry on this tradition. I did not go all out as she did, but I did teach the kids about the history and we did a few activities. We watched videos of the parade (the one in Mobile, AL is much more kid-friendly). On Fat Tuesday, I brought in a king cake and passed out beads and moon pies. Note that sometimes this holiday is celebrated in March.

Leap Year

It is always fun when you have a student that was born on February 29th. In the 12 years of teaching, I only had one. Leap year only comes around once every 4 years, but I would still discuss this day on non-leap years. We discussed why this day is necessary.

February is a great month to show your students that you love and care for them. It is also a great month to teach about kindness. I hope you enjoy this lovely month of learning.