April Fools’ Day Classroom Prank: Donut Seeds!

What teacher can resist pulling an epic prank on her unsuspecting students? If you’re looking for a great April Fools’ Day classroom prank, look no further… I LOVED planting “donut seeds” with my first grade students! This joke is great for kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade classes!

April Fools' Day Classroom Prank
The perfect April Fools’ Day prank for K- 2nd grade: donut seeds!

When you tell your students that you’re planting doughnut seeds, you’ll inevitably have a few exclaim, “Those are just Cheerios!” My response was always, “Didn’t you know that’s what Cheerios are- donut seeds? What other types of seeds do you eat?” Even the skeptics will be blown away when they return to the classroom to discover that mini donuts “sprouted” while they were gone!

donut seeds
Everything you need to plant donut seeds with your students!

Prank Directions:

This activity is perfect for kindergarten, first grade, or second grade students. Here are directions for pulling off this fun April Fools’ Day classroom prank:

April Fools' Day Donut Seeds
“How to Plant Donut Seeds” Printable Handout
  • First, prep the prank by filling the sandwich bags with Cheerios and attaching the “donut seeds” labels in advance. There are 3 printable options for the labels. I also suggest filling the cups or bowls with “dirt” beforehand. This is a great opportunity to ask parent volunteers for assistance!
Donut Seeds Labels
The “donut seeds” labels are available in 3 styles.
  • Discuss the life cycle of plants with your students. I often taught plant science in the spring in my first grade classroom, so my kiddos had lots of background knowledge about plants. Consider reading a book about plants to start the lesson. Ask- “What do seeds need in order to grow?”
  • Ask- “Did you know that donuts grow from seeds?” Show a bag of Cheerios (Fruit Loops or any other circular cereals work just as well!) and explain that they will use the seeds to grow donuts today.
  • Distribute the “planting” materials to your students. Show them how to create small holes in the “dirt,” plant one “seed,” and cover it. If you’re having them water the seeds, do it now.
  • Remind them that plants take time to grow. While your class is out of the room for specials, lunch, etc., place one mini donut on top of each cup. Their minds will be blown when they see that their seeds have already started to “sprout” baby donuts! Now is a great time to have them complete one of the “How to Plant Donut Seeds” step- by- step printables.
  • Decide when/how you wish to reveal the truth! I recommend allowing the kids to eat the donuts while they complete the secret message printable (see below). Provide one copy per student or complete it together as a class by using a document camera & projector. Remind them that they shouldn’t shout the secret before everyone has a chance to finish!
April Fools' Day Classroom Prank
Reveal the truth with this fun crack-the-code printable handout!
  • Optional- have students complete the “donut seeds” writing activity after the lesson or during literacy centers!
April Fools' Day Classroom Prank
Extend the prank with these fun writing and drawing activities!

The step- by- step printable worksheet and writing response, combined with a few photos of your prank in action, make a great April bulletin board!

Click here to learn more about this lesson. I’d love to know how your students react- leave a comment or drop a line at littleowlstreatbarn@gmail.com to share!

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Published by Little Owl's Teacher Treats

Erika @ Little Owl’s Teacher Treats believes in creating warm, engaging classroom environments that are inclusive of all students. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Penn State University in 2008, and a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education, K-6 from Western Governors University in 2016. She also studied Reading Education at the graduate level at the University of Pittsburgh. Erika taught 5th grade for a year, but she found her true calling teaching first grade for eight years.

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