Father’s Day is right around the corner. That’s just one more thing to add to your list of end-of-the-year activities to get done. This post contains some ideas to make your Father’s Day lesson planning a little easier.
I always like to start off any project with a read aloud. Here are some of my favorite Father’s Day read alouds. Click on the book cover to go to a YouTube link of the story in case you don’t have access to the actual book.
Books to Share with Your Class
Be Glad Your Dad is Not an Octopus by Matthew Logelin. From Amazon.com, “Most of the time, you’re glad your dad is your dad, until he gets grouchy, bossy, or just totally gross. Then you wish you could swap him for something else. But be careful what you wish for, because it could be way worse….”
Things To Do With Dad by Same Zuppardi. A little boy realizes his time spent with dad is going to be full of boring chores. But with a little imagination, the boy is able to turn things around and have a fun dad and me adventures.
My Dad Used to Be So Cool by Keith Negley. In this book, the thoughtful young narrator is pretty sure his dad was once a motorcycle-riding former rock band member. This is a fun book to read to get your students thinking about ways in which their dads were once cool.
Boundless Grace by Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch. From Amazon.com “When Grace gets the opportunity to go to Africa and visit with her father and his new family, she feels a little strange. But Nana says families are what you make them, and Grace is going to make the most of hers!” I like sharing this story to show children that not all families live together, and that’s okay.
Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko From Amazon.com “With his toy dinosaur, Nicholas can scale tall walls, swim in deep water, even score a goal against the huge goalie everyone calls Gorilla. But when the dinosaur goes missing, everything is scary again.
Luckily, his dad knows that even the bravest people can get scared, and it’s okay to ask for help facing your fears. It’s just guy stuff.”
How to Surprise a Dad by Jean Reagan. Part of Jean Reagan’s “How To…” series. This is a fun book to share to get kids thinking about things they can do to show their dads – or any special person- that they care.
When Max’s parents divorce and his dad moves into an apartment, Max isn’t sure about visiting him. I love reading this book to show students of parents who are not together that their situation is completely normal. This is a chapter book so I did not include a YouTube link.
Activities
Fathers Day Booklet
Here is a FREE Father’s Day booklet your students will enjoy making. It includes a page of jokes and a Father’s Day crossword puzzle.
There are 2 cover options for boys or girls. There are also 2 crossword puzzle options. One has the puzzle already created and the other is blank for students to create. Click here to get this free resource.
Father’s Day Tie Flipbook
This tie flipbook is a fun keepsake to make for dad, granpa, uncle or any special person. It includes a boy picture and girl picture as well as different title pages. You can preview and purchase it here.
Father’s Day Digital Slideshow
This is a great digital activity for any virtual students but it’s also a fun in-class activity. Kids create a digital slideshow they can present to dad, grandpa, uncle or any special person on Father’s Day. Click here to check it out.
Crafts
Here are some fun crafts I found online to make with your students.
This adorable Love You To Pieces picture frame is from Michelle at craftymorning.com. So easy to make and such a cute gift to give as well as recieve. Click here to find out how to make it.
This free printable is from Julie at happyhomefairy.com. I love this activity but I believe it’s only available with the My Daddy title. You can make the letters yourself with some butcher paper. Check it out here.
This Father’s Day keychain craft is made with paint samples you can get at any paint or paint supply store (so cute 
)! It comes from Chrissy at thetaylorhouse.com. Check it out here.
Who doesn’t love a goodie bag? Linda from littlefamilyfun.com shared this craft and I love it. Create these bags and fill them with sweets, notes, or other surprises. Get the directions here.
How about some popcorn for your “Pops”? This is such a cute craft and the saying, “There’s No Better Pop Than You” is perfect. I found this craftprojectideas.com. Click here for materials and instructions.
This is one of my favorites. And it’s FREE! This toolbox craft was shared by Beth at 123homeschool4me.com. You can get it here.
However you choose to celebrate Father’s Day, any of these gift ideas are sure to make the day even better.
Enjoy!
