6 Ways Elementary Teachers Can Engage Their Students in February
If you’ve ever been an elementary teacher, you know how challenging February can be. With multiple celebrations like Black History Month, Groundhog Day, and Valentine’s Day, it’s easy for students to get distracted. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, you can use these exciting themes to boost engagement while still maintaining structure in your classroom.
I’ve put together some practical strategies to help you keep students engaged while ensuring that learning remains a priority throughout the month.
Student Engagement is Key
Don’t let the month’s events derail your lesson plans! Themed activities are a great way to keep students motivated and focused while reinforcing core skills.
Connect learning to celebrations – Use Black History Month to highlight important historical figures in reading lessons, incorporate Groundhog Day predictions into science, and use Valentine’s Day for writing prompts about kindness and friendship.
Incorporate hands-on activities – Try interactive learning stations, collaborative projects, and creative writing exercises related to February’s themes.
Resource to Use: Engaging February Activities – Ready-to-use printables and activities for all the month’s celebrations.
Don’t Let the Craziness of the Month Burn You Out
With classroom parties, celebrations, and weather changes, students can feel restless. It’s important to maintain consistency to keep things running smoothly.
Set clear expectations – Let students know what’s coming up each week and keep academic goals visible.
Incorporate movement breaks – Try brain breaks, stretching, or themed dance parties to help with focus.
Resource to Use: Classroom Management Tools – Strategies to maintain order during high-energy months.
Be Flexible While Keeping Learning a Priority
Balancing rigor and fun is key during February! While celebrations are exciting, keep your lesson objectives in mind.
Themed mini-lessons – Use February holidays to reinforce key concepts without veering off track.
Project-based learning – Encourage students to research and present a Black history figure, track Groundhog Day predictions, or create Valentine’s Day kindness projects.
Resource to Use: Black History Month Pack – Engaging activities to incorporate history into daily lessons.
Keep Grading & Assessments on Track
With all the excitement, it’s easy to fall behind on assessments and grading. Stay on top of student progress with manageable grading habits.
Use exit tickets – Quick formative assessments to check understanding after lessons.
Peer and self-assessments – Let students take ownership of their learning.
Resource to Use: Quick Assessments – Printables to track student progress efficiently.
Be Present & Show Love
Your students will remember how they felt in your classroom, even more than what they learned. February is a great time to foster community and inclusivity.
Morning meetings – Start each day with a reflection or discussion on kindness and history.
Encourage collaboration – Group activities that promote teamwork and appreciation for others.
Resource to Use: Kindness & SEL Activities – Simple ways to build a positive classroom culture.
Make February a Month to Remember!
With themed lessons, structured activities, and a little flexibility, February can be one of the most engaging months of the school year. Remember to balance fun with learning, stay present, and show students that their voices and efforts matter.
Need more resources to help you plan? Check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store for engaging February activities that will keep your students motivated and learning all month long!
How do you plan to keep your students engaged this February? Let me know in the comments!
