Make Autumn Awesome!

Squirrel away these resources for a fun fall and winter.

October 1–7: Animal Action Week

Elephants Never Forget
Download this free education pack and others to help your students explore the world of animals and the issues that threaten them. The materials include activities, worksheets, videos, and more!

All grades. The International Fund for Animal Welfare, www.ifaw.org/education.

October 20: National Day on Writing

Writing involves more than a pencil and paper—it also includes words spoken, drawn, texted, and recorded. Celebrate the remarkable varieties of writing by holding writing marathons, poetry slams, journal read-ins, and even graffiti art writing events. For celebration ideas and writing samples, check out www.ncte.org/dayonwriting.

November 23: National Day of Listening

Celebrated every year on the day after Thanksgiving, this event is designed to encourage people to record an interview with someone special, such as a favorite relative or teacher, a patient in a veteran's hospital, or someone in a senior center or homeless shelter. Find instructions, including how to put your interview on the website's Wall of Listening, at nationaldayoflistening.org.

December 21: Winter Begins

The Secret Life of a Snowflake: An Up-Close Look at the Art & Science of Snowflakes
How do snowflakes grow? Why are no two alike? You'll find the answers to these questions and more in this book, which is filled with photographs of amazingly beautiful snowflakes.

Ages 9–10, $17. Voyageur Press, (800) 458-0454, voyageurpress.com.

All Year Long

101 Great Gifts Kids Can Make
Make gift giving meaningful! From the card to the wrapping paper and everything between, this book has dozens of ideas for gifts that children can make themselves. Helpful hints and seasonal suggestions included!

Ages 3–8, $19.95. Gryphon House, Inc.; (800) 638-0928; www.gryphonhouse.com.