Welcome to a new “Off the Shelf” blog post highlighting important key dates, ideas, and activities for November that you can incorporate into your library lesson plans or classroom activities. My goal is to help you stay organized and inspired as you plan your month, making it simpler to bring exciting and meaningful activities to your students. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas or resources to save you time, I hope these posts help make your planning process smoother and more enjoyable.

Key Dates, Ideas, and Activities for November:

November 1 = Dio Los Muertos Day
     *Explore Dio De Los Muertos  or Mexico using books and/or databases.  Then kids share their learning. You can use this Country Fast Facts.

National Author’s Day
     *Pick a favorite author and write them a letter!

November 2 =   Daylight Savings Day 

November 5 =   National Nacho Day
     *Choose a cookbook at your library and find a nacho recipe!

November 7 =   Hug a Bear Day
     *Explore bears through books and/or databases. Then have students fill out their Animal Fast Facts.

November 11 = Veterans Day
     *Research a famous Veteran and then have students fill out their learning on Biography Fast Facts.          

November 11 = Origami Day
*Create some fun origami together. Here are some easy examples!

November 13 = World Kindness Day
*Create a surprise origami friendship box!  Here’s a fun example.

November 15 = America Recycle’s Day
     *Make a plan for recycling at your home!

November 17 = Take a Hike Day
     *Get outside, and take a nature walk! Then create a fun leaf craft.  Here’s an example.

November 19 = Play Monopoly Day
*If you have the game Monopoly, make it a game day! Or, create your own board game to play.  Here’s a great video to help you plan one out!

November 19 = Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address in 1863
*Research Abraham Lincoln and then have students fill out their learning on Biography Fast Facts. 

November 27 = Thanksgiving Day
*Explore Thanksgiving through books/databases.  Then make a “Thankful Wreath” to hang up!

Activities For November:  

These bookmarks have been a lifesaver for me this year in the library! After students check out their books, they choose one of the bookmarks to color. This gives them a fun, new bookmark each time they visit the library, but it also gives them something to do while they wait for others to finish finding their books.

Activity Link: TpT Store

Want some fun literacy stations to use with your students this fall?  Check out this set that will be a great complement to your Thanksgiving and/or fall lessons.

Activity Link: TpT Store

Do you want a fun and easy way to celebrate Veteran’s Day at your school or home? These posters can be sent home to be filled out, and then displayed in the hallways or in your house to honor your Veterans. Super easy!

Activity Link: TpT Store