National Penguin Day
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated December 17, 2024
Creative Ways to Celebrate National Penguin Day in the Classroom
Did you know that January 20th is National Penguin Day? Penguins are fascinating creatures, and there’s no shortage of creative ways to explore their lives, habitats, and unique behaviors. In this post we share some ideas to make the day both memorable and meaningful for your upper elementary classroom.
Looking for some no-prep resources to help you teach all about penguins in your classroom on National Penguin Day? Click on the image or button below to check out this engaging Penguin unit!
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Fun ways to celebrate National Penguin Day
Check out some fun and engaging ways to celebrate these beautiful creatures below!
1 – Penguin Movies: Learn Through Film
Start the day with a movie that captivates your students while teaching them about penguins and their habitats.
•March of the Penguins: This award-winning documentary takes viewers to Antarctica to follow the incredible journey of emperor penguins as they brave freezing temperatures to protect their chicks. Discuss the challenges penguins face and connect the movie to real-world environmental issues.
•Surf’s Up: This animated film offers a lighthearted, fictional take on penguins and their love for surfing. It’s a great option to spark creativity and encourage students to imagine penguins with unique hobbies!
Classroom Connection: After watching, hold a discussion about how the two films portray penguins differently. Create a Venn diagram comparing the facts from March of the Penguins with the fictional elements in Surf’s Up.
2 – Penguin Read Alouds: Dive into Some Classics
National Penguin Day is the perfect opportunity to waddle into some fun and educational read-alouds! Penguins are fascinating creatures that capture the imagination of young readers with their playful antics, unique habitats, and charming personalities. Whether you’re a teacher looking to engage your class or a parent hoping to share a cozy story at home, these penguin-themed books are sure to delight children of all ages. From classic tales to heartwarming adventures, these read-alouds bring penguin magic to life while sparking curiosity about the natural world.
Here are 5 fantastic penguin-themed read-alouds to enjoy this National Penguin Day:
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
This timeless classic follows Mr. Popper, a house painter whose life takes a comical turn when he receives a penguin as a gift. What starts as one penguin quickly turns into a lively and heartwarming adventure filled with humor and chaos.
Grab a copy of this fun story on Amazon by clicking on the image or button below.
Penguin Problems by Jory John
In this witty and relatable story, a grumpy little penguin finds plenty to complain about in his icy home. With humor and charm, this book helps children see the bright side of any situation.
Check this book out on Amazon by clicking on the image or button below.
The Emperor’s Egg by Martin Jenkins
This beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book introduces readers to the fascinating life of Emperor penguins, focusing on the role of the father in keeping the egg warm. It’s an engaging mix of science and storytelling.
See this beautiful story on Amazon by clicking on the image or button below.
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
Tacky is not your typical penguin—he’s loud, clumsy, and a bit silly. But when trouble comes to their colony, Tacky’s unique quirks save the day. This lighthearted story celebrates being yourself and embracing differences.
Grab a copy on Amazon by clicking on the image or button below.
If You Were a Penguin by Wendell and Florence Minor
With lyrical text and stunning illustrations, this book takes readers on an imaginative journey to see the world through a penguin’s eyes. It’s a perfect introduction to penguins for younger children.
Pick up a copy of this classic on Amazon by clicking on the image or button below.
These engaging read-alouds will make National Penguin Day extra special while sparking curiosity about these adorable birds and their icy homes.
Extension Activity: Have students write a short story imagining what it would be like to care for a penguin at home. Encourage them to think about the challenges and fun moments that might come with it.
3 – Penguin Research Project: Explore Penguin Species
Turn National Penguin Day into a research adventure! Assign students to learn about different species of penguins and present their findings.
Grab a complete penguin research unit, with reading passages, graphic organizers, and more, by clicking here or on the image or button below!
National Penguin Day is a wonderful opportunity to combine fun and learning in the classroom while sparking students’ curiosity about these fascinating birds. By diving into penguin-themed lessons, you can inspire a love for wildlife, foster critical thinking, and encourage students to become stewards of our natural world. So waddle into the excitement, embrace the penguin theme, and create memorable learning experiences that will leave your students smiling long after the day is over!
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