Welcome to a new “Off the Shelf” blog post highlighting important key dates, ideas, and activities for February 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 February:

February 1 =Black History Month
*Have your students research an important person using databases.
*Have students use Biography Fast Facts to show their learning.

February 2 =Groundhog Day
*Can you find out what the groundhog’s name is and where he lives?

February 6 =National Wear Red Day
*Learn about all the ways you can keep your heart healthy!  Check out this cool video about your heart beat.
*Learn how your heart works with this cool video.  Can you label the parts of the heart?

February 6 = 2026 Winter Olympic Opening Ceremonies
*Have your students research the countries that are participating in this year’s Winter Olympics. Read more about it here!

February 8 = National Kite Flying Day
*Watch this video about how to make a kite.  Then create one with your kids!

February 11 =Happy Birthday to Mo Willems!
*Learn more about Mo Willems in this video here!
*Draw your favorite characters with Mo Willems in this video series here!

February 14 =Happy Valentine’s Day! 
*Brainstorm ways that you can show your love to friends and family.  Create a Valentine’s Day card to give to them!

February 16 =President’s Day
*Use books from your local/school library and/or databases to research a President.
*Then have students fill out their learning on this Biography Fast Facts.

February 17 = Random Acts of Kindness Day
*Do something kind and unexpected for another person!

February 21 =International Tug of War Day
*Find a team, get a long rope and go have a friendly competition!

February 26 =National Tell a Fairy Tale Day
*What is your favorite fairy tale? Tell it to family and friends!
*Write your own fractured fairy tale to share with others.   Here’s a video series to teach you about this!

February 27 =National Polar Bear Day
*Research and learn all about polar bears and show your learning on Animal Fast Facts

Activities For February:  

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

Host a “Fall in Love with a New Book” event in your classroom or library!  This is a great way to introduce new books to your kids in February and get them excited about reading them!

Activity Link: TpT Store

February is a great month do Biography research with Black History Month and President’s Day.

Activity Link: TpT Store