12 Simple Ways Middle Grade Students Can Practice Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills aren’t just for the primary grades. Upper elementary and middle grade students still benefit from activities that strengthen hand muscles, improve coordination, and build precision—especially for writing, cutting, and hands-on learning. The key is choosing activities that feel age-appropriate and purposeful.

Here are 12 easy, classroom-friendly ways to keep fine motor skills strong without feeling “babyish”:

1. Knitting or Simple Yarn Crafts

Looping, pulling, and tightening yarn builds finger strength and coordination.

2. Tracing Activities

Tracing words, designs, or patterns helps students practice control and accuracy.

3. Sewing Cards

Using plastic needles and pre-punched cards is a great way to strengthen hand-eye coordination.

4. Dot-to-Dot Pages

More complex dot-to-dots challenge students to move slowly and carefully.

5. Color-by-Number Designs

Staying within small spaces encourages precision and focus.

6. Cut-and-Paste Activities

Cutting shapes and assembling projects helps develop scissor skills and control.

7. Building Construction Sets

LEGO-style bricks and snap-together kits require careful finger placement and pressure.

8. Puzzles

Handling and rotating small puzzle pieces builds dexterity and visual-motor skills.

9. Origami

Folding paper with accuracy improves fine motor control and spatial awareness.

10. Sculptures with Clay or Dough

Rolling, pinching, and shaping materials is a creative way to exercise hand muscles. 

11. Beading Projects

Threading beads onto string or pipe cleaners is excellent for finger strength and coordination.

12. Weaving Activities

Paper looms, yarn weaving, or simple over-under patterns strengthen coordination and focus.

Fine motor work doesn’t have to feel like extra practice—it can be woven seamlessly into art, math, writing, morning work, and even brain breaks. Small moments add up and support students across all subjects.

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With faith and friendship,

Monica

Easy Christmas Gifts Students Can Make for Their Grown-Ups

Looking for simple, meaningful Christmas gifts your students can create for their grown-ups—without adding stress to your December prep? These ideas are quick, affordable, and classroom-friendly. Most require only basic supplies and a little imagination, but they make a big impact at home!

1. Chore Coupon Gift (Printable Template)

This one is always a hit! Students fill in thoughtful chores they can do for their grown-ups—like helping with dishes, reading to a younger sibling, or tidying their room.
👉 Grab the Printable Chore Gift Template in my TpT store here: Parent Gift for Christmas

2. Fingerprint or Thumbprint Ornament

All you need is a set of clear plastic ornaments from the dollar store and acrylic paint. Students can add tiny fingerprint lights around the outside or create a fingerprint snowman family. Make sure to grab non-toxic paint. Add a ribbon, and it’s ready to gift!

3. Holiday Photo Frame

Use inexpensive craft sticks to build a frame. Students decorate with sequins or markers, then add a photo taken in class (a quick phone snapshot works perfectly). Add a magnet on the back for a fridge-ready gift.

4. Recipe for Love Jar

Have students write simple “ingredients” that make their family special—like kindness, laughter, or teamwork—on slips of paper. Place them in a small jar or seasonal paper cup wrapped in tissue. It’s thoughtful, unique, and takes less than 10 minutes to assemble.

5. Christmas Bookmark

Print bookmark templates on cardstock and let students decorate with markers, stickers, or watercolor pencils. Laminate for durability and add a yarn tassel. This is a great option if you need something fast and low-cost.

6. Handprint Christmas Tree or Wreath

A classic with a twist—use students’ handprints to form either a layered Christmas tree or a circular wreath. Add a message like “Hands full of love—Merry Christmas!” for a keepsake grown-ups treasure.

7. Wooden Ornaments

Have students paint and decorate pre-cut wooden ornaments. These are relatively inexpensive at local craft supply stores. Glitter optional!

These gifts are easy enough that you can have students make 2 or 3. Perfect for students who may live in various family structures!

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With faith and friendship,

Monica

🎃 4 Fun and Free Halloween Classroom Ideas

Halloween in the classroom doesn’t have to mean candy overload or complicated crafts. With just a few simple materials—and a little imagination—you can make the day festive, fun, and full of learning! Here are four free, easy-to-implement Halloween activities your students will love.

🧡 1. Pumpkin Vocabulary Charades

Get students moving and thinking with this quick, vocabulary-boosting game!

How to Play:
Give each student a paper pumpkin (or have them draw one). Inside the pumpkin, they write a Halloween-themed word such as spooky, bat, haunted, creaky, or witch. Collect the pumpkins in a basket. One student draws a pumpkin and acts out the word without speaking while classmates guess.

Why It Works:
Pumpkin Vocabulary Charades builds vocabulary, encourages teamwork, and gives students a chance to move while learning. When you’re done, turn the pumpkins into a quick bulletin board by having students add a sentence or picture that uses their word.

🕸️ 2. Spider Web Compliments

Create a web of kindness right in your classroom!

How to Play:
Have students sit in a circle with a ball of yarn. The first student holds the end of the yarn and tosses the ball to a classmate while giving them a compliment (“You always make me laugh!” or “You’re a great helper!”). Each student holds a piece of yarn before tossing it to someone else.

Why It Works:
By the end, you’ll have a classroom “spider web” connecting everyone—a visual reminder that kind words connect us all! It’s a perfect mix of social-emotional learning and seasonal fun.

👻 3. Spooky Story Starter Circle

Bring out your students’ creativity with this collaborative storytelling activity!

How to Play:
Start with one spooky (but not too scary) sentence such as, “On a foggy October night, a strange sound came from the classroom closet…” Then go around the circle, with each student adding one sentence to continue the story. Hint: Depending on your class, you may need to add a "no horror" rule!

Why It Works:
This quick game practices listening, sequencing, and creative writing skills. Plus, it’s hilarious to hear where the story goes! You can even write the class story down to read later or illustrate it for a Halloween display.

🧟 4. “Zombie Says” Movement Game

A Halloween twist on Simon Says!

How to Play:
Play just like the classic game—but use Halloween-inspired commands:

• “Zombie says, drag your feet!”

• “Witch says, stir your potion!”

• “Mummy says, wrap your arms up tight!”
  

*If you don’t say “Zombie says,” students should freeze instead of moving.

Why It Works:
It’s a great way to get the wiggles out while practicing listening skills. Perfect for transitions or a five-minute brain break between lessons!

These simple Halloween activities are quick to set up, easy to manage, and guaranteed to bring seasonal smiles to your classroom. Whether you’re focusing on kindness, creativity, vocabulary, or just a few minutes of movement, these ideas will help your students celebrate in a fun and meaningful way—no candy required!

Looking for more Halloween classroom activities? Try 8 Tricks to Get Your Students to Pay Attention in October

With faith and friendship,

11 Fun Ways to Help Students Track Print While Reading

Tracking print is an essential early literacy skill that helps students connect spoken words to written words. When students learn to track text from left to right and match one spoken word to one written word, they build the foundation for fluent reading.

Here are 11 fresh and fun ways to practice tracking print in your classroom:

1. Finger Tracking

The simplest method—students use their own finger to follow along under each word as they read. 

2. Use a Reading Pointer

Craft sticks, straws, or coffee stirrers can double as reading wands. Switching up the tool keeps students engaged.

3. Point with Seasonal or Fun Items

Take tracking up a notch with playful, themed items! Think Halloween monster (or witch) fingers, Christmas candy canes, Valentine’s Day pencils, or even lemonade stirrers in the spring. Kids will look forward to using them!

4. Highlight Strips or Rulers

Transparent strips or rulers placed under the text help students keep their place and focus on one line at a time.

5. Echo Reading

Model good print tracking by reading a line while pointing to each word. Students then echo it back, following along with their own finger or pointer.

6. Choral Reading

Read aloud together as a group while tracking with fingers. This helps reinforce rhythm, pacing, and directionality.

7. Word Windows

Create a card with a cut-out “window” so only one word shows at a time. This is a great tool for emerging readers who need extra focus.

8. Bookmarks

Students use bookmarks to keep their place. Students can use the corner or place the ruler under the line of text. They may enjoy decorating their bookmark!

9. Tracking with Technology

Many e-books highlight words as they are read aloud. These digital supports can be excellent for visual reinforcement.

10. Partner Reading

Pair students up! One student tracks the words while the other reads aloud. Then they switch roles.

11. Whisper Reading

Students point and read in a whisper voice (or squeaky voice or whatever voice you can tolerate!)

Consider using these ideas with shorter passages. Rotate tools and ideas to keep your students engaged. 

With faith and friendship,

Following Directions: The Secret Ingredient for a Successful Classroom

Whether it’s lining up quietly, getting materials ready, or transitioning between subjects, students need to hear, process, and act on instructions many times throughout the day. Following directions isn’t just a classroom management tool—it’s a life skill! 

Why Students May Struggle with Directions

Even the most well-meaning students sometimes miss steps. This can happen when:

• Instructions are too long and overwhelm young learners.

• Students are distracted or not actively listening.

• They need more processing time before beginning a task.

• They’re still learning routines at the beginning of the school year.

The key is to provide clear, consistent instructional strategies and opportunities for practice:

Model First 

Show students what the directions look like before asking them to try. A quick demonstration saves time in the long run.

Chunk Instructions

Instead of giving five steps at once, break them into smaller parts. “Take out your notebook. Then write today’s date.”

Repeat or Rephrase

Ask a student to repeat the directions back in their own words. This ensures they’ve heard and understood.

Use Visuals

Post step-by-step directions on the board or use icons for common tasks (scissors for cutting, pencil for writing, etc.).

Practice Playfully

Turn following directions into a game so students stay engaged while building this essential skill.

Fun Ways to Practice Following Directions:

The best way to build listening and direction-following skills is through practice—and practice doesn’t have to feel like work! Some classroom favorites include:

Simon Says with a Twist

Add academic prompts: “Simon says hop three times and then name a synonym for happy.”

Crafts and Projects

Activities with multiple steps are perfect for practicing careful listening.

Following Directions Games

Students play short, engaging games where they listen carefully and respond quickly. They have fun while strengthening an essential classroom skill.

These activities get kids moving, listening, and laughing while practicing a skill they’ll use every single day:

When students learn to listen carefully and respond appropriately, they build independence, confidence, and responsibility. The good news? Like reading and math, following directions is a skill that can be taught, modeled, and practiced. 

With faith and friendship,

A Simple Classroom Economy That Actually Works

Classroom management can feel like one of the trickiest parts of teaching. We want our students to feel motivated, responsible, and engaged—but we also don’t want to spend hours setting up complicated systems. That’s where a simple classroom economy comes in.

A classroom economy is essentially a reward-and-responsibility system that teaches students accountability while keeping your classroom running smoothly. The best part? It doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective.

Here’s a no-stress way to get started:

Pick Your Currency

You can use tickets, play money, or even just a simple point system on the board. Don’t overthink it—the “money” doesn’t have to be fancy to be fun.

Decide How Students Earn It

Choose just a few behaviors to focus on. For example:

• Following directions the first time

• Showing kindness to classmates

• Staying on task during work time

• Keeping the classroom clean

Keep the list short so students remember, and so you don’t feel like you’re tracking a million things.

Set Up Rewards

Rewards don’t need to cost you money! Students can “spend” their classroom cash on things like:

• Sit by a friend

• Use a special pen or marker for the day

• 5 minutes of extra recess or computer time

• Teacher’s helper job

• Lunch with the teacher

Simple, free choices often become the most popular.

Keep It Fresh

Even the best systems can get stale if you don’t switch them up every once in a while. Here are a few ideas to keep your classroom economy exciting all year:

Theme Weeks: For example, “Back to School Bucks” in September, “Holiday Cash” in December, or “Springtime Savings” in April. A quick rename and new clip art can breathe life into the same system.

Special Auctions or Stores: Once a month, hold a classroom “store” or mini-auction where students can spend their saved-up earnings on bigger rewards.

Surprise Rewards: Every now and then, add a mystery reward option—students love the suspense!

Why It Works

This type of classroom economy is:

• Easy to manage for busy teachers

• Teaches responsibility and decision-making

• Encourages positive behaviors without constant nagging

• Flexible—you can scale it up or down based on your class needs

If you’re looking for a ready-to-go option to save time, I have a Classroom Economy resource on TpT that includes printable money, reward coupons, student tracking sheets, and more! Everything is designed to keep things simple and stress-free for you. You can also purchase each of the items individually to fit your needs!

With faith and friendship,

Monica

7 Creative Ways to Motivate Middle Grade Readers

Motivating middle grade students to read can sometimes feel like a challenge. With so many distractions competing for their attention, books don’t always make the top of their list. But with the right strategies, you can help students rediscover the joy of reading. Here are 7 engaging ways to motivate your middle grade readers!

1. Reading Buddies

Pair up students so they can share stories together. Buddies can take turns reading aloud, summarize chapters for each other, or even quiz one another on details. The social aspect makes reading feel more like a shared adventure.

2. Guest Readers

Invite parents, other teachers, or even community members to come in and read a favorite book or short story. Middle graders love seeing familiar adults in a new light—and it’s always fun when the principal shows up with a silly picture book!

3. Author Visits

Nothing excites young readers more than meeting the creator behind their favorite stories. Whether in person or virtual, author visits give students the chance to ask questions, learn about the writing process, and see that authors are real people just like them.

4. Book Clubs

Give students a voice in choosing books for small reading groups. Book clubs create accountability, encourage discussion, and help students discover new genres. You can make it extra fun by providing snacks, cozy seating, or themed activities related to the book.

5. Reading Challenges

Turn reading into a game! Create punch card bookmarks, track books in a class jar, or set up milestone prizes for completed books. A little gamification can go a long way with middle graders.

6. Choice & Ownership

Let students pick their own books whenever possible. Graphic novels, biographies, magazines, and audiobooks all count as reading. When students feel ownership over what they’re reading, their motivation naturally increases.

7. Special Reading Events

Host a Flashlight Friday, a classroom reading picnic, or even build a cardboard “reading clubhouse” where students can read inside for a few minutes at a time. Simple changes in the routine make reading feel exciting again.

Teacher Corner: Start a Teacher Book Club 📖

If we want our students to be lifelong readers, it helps for them to see us modeling a love of books. One fun way to do this is to start a teacher book club at your school! Not only will you stay motivated as a reader yourself, but you’ll also build community with your colleagues.

Here are 3 ideas to get your teacher book club started:

Genre Rotation – Rotate genres each month (mystery, historical fiction, memoir, etc.) so everyone gets a chance to explore something new.

Snack & Story Night – Combine your meeting with a potluck snack night for a cozy, bookish get-together.

Lunch or Winery Meetings – Host your book club at a favorite lunch spot (inservice days may work well), or plan an evening gathering at a local winery for a relaxing, grown-up twist.

How I Afford My Teacher Book Club Books 💡

I use the Ibotta app to earn cash back on my everyday grocery shopping, and then I use that money to purchase my teacher book club books with Amazon gift cards. It’s a fun way to treat myself guilt-free!

👉 Check out Ibotta here – my affiliate link

After I finish the books, I sell them through Sell Your Books, which gives me a little extra money to put toward the book club meeting. 🍷😋

👉 Check out Sell Your Books here – Not an affiliate link

With the right mix of creativity, social connection, and ownership, middle grade readers can develop a lifelong love of books—and you might find yourself more inspired to read right alongside them!