In this blog post, you will find free Stellaluna activities, worksheets, and crafts to use with your kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and special education students. They are perfect for a Halloween or bat unit. You will also find printables from my TPT store.
Exploring Stellaluna: Engaging Activities for Elementary Teachers and Homeschool Families
Click HERE for a free bat coloring page and writing paper.
From my TPT store:
Stellaluna Printable Book Activities
I’m excited to share some creative and fun activities inspired by the beloved book Stellaluna by Janell Cannon. This charming story of a little bat who finds herself in a bird’s world is not just a delightful read; it also offers wonderful opportunities for learning across various subjects. Let's dive into some original game and activity ideas that you can easily incorporate into your lessons!
1. Read the Story
2. Math: Batty Counting and Patterns
Create a "Stellaluna Counting Chart." Using cutouts of bats and birds, ask students to create patterns. For example, they can alternate between a bat and a bird: bat, bird, bat, bird. Once they've mastered patterns, challenge them to count how many of each creature they have used and create simple addition or subtraction problems.
Extension: Have students measure the wingspans of different bat cutouts and compare them to paper birds. This can lead to discussions about measurement and data collection.
3. Science: Bat Exploration Station
Set up a "Bat Exploration Station" where students can learn about real bats. Provide resources like books, articles, and videos about bat habitats, diets, and characteristics.
Activity: After their exploration, have students create a “Bat Fact Poster” that includes illustrations, facts, and even some fun myths about bats. This combines research skills with creativity!
4. Literacy: Story Sequencing
To reinforce comprehension, have students retell the story by creating a sequence of events using illustrations. Provide them with blank cards to draw key scenes from Stellaluna.
Game: Turn it into a matching game where pairs of students must find their partners based on the sequence of events. This encourages teamwork and deeper understanding of the narrative structure!
5. Writing: Stellaluna’s Diary
Encourage students to write diary entries from Stellaluna’s perspective. Ask them to reflect on her feelings as she navigates her new environment and how she eventually embraces her identity.
Prompt: “Dear Diary, today I felt…” This can help students practice emotional writing while connecting personally with the character.
6. Art: Batty Craft Time
Bring out the creativity with a bat-themed craft! Provide black construction paper and let students create their own bat puppets. They can use scissors, markers, and glitter to design unique bats.
Performance: After making their puppets, host a “Bat Puppet Show” where students can perform scenes from the story or improvise their own bat adventures.
7. Movement: Bat and Bird Game
Take learning outside with a game that combines movement and fun! Designate an area as the “forest” and have students take turns being Stellaluna (the bat) and the birds. The bat must try to find the birds while they flap around.
Rule: When Stellaluna tags a bird, they must share one fact about bats before they can switch roles. This encourages active participation and reinforces the science component.
8. Free Printable Worksheet
9: Echolocation Activities
10. Music and Rhythm: Bat Beats
Introduce a rhythm-based game called "Bat Beats." Using simple instruments like drums, tambourines, or even clapping, create rhythms that represent different events in Stellaluna. For example, a slow beat can symbolize Stellaluna flying calmly, while a fast beat might represent her panic when separated from her mother.
Activity: Have students create their own rhythm patterns to match specific scenes from the story. Then, turn it into a group performance, where the class "retells" the story through rhythm and music.
This activity helps students with timing, coordination, and connecting music to storytelling!
Final Thoughts
Using Stellaluna in the classroom or at home offers a fantastic opportunity to blend reading with interactive activities that span multiple subjects. Each of these ideas aims to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among students. I hope you find these activities as enjoyable and enriching as I do!
Feel free to share your experiences or adaptations of these activities in the comments below. Happy teaching!
The activities above go along nicely with this book (found in our Amazon Associate store):
