Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Evergreen Art

1. Invite the children to tear the tissue paper into long strips. Invite them to arrange the tissue paper on the translucent paper in the shape of an evergreen tree. Glue in place. Let dry.

2. Invite the children to place the stickers on their trees as desired. Tape the completed project in a window or a wall.

Magic Reindeer Food

1. Offer each child a bowl and ask them to scoop 1/4 cup oatmeal into it. Mix in some glitter. Give each child a zippered bag to spoon the mixture into.

2. Give crayons or markers for the children to color and decorate the star pattern. Have them cut out the star pattern. Insert each child's star into her bag or tape it to the outside of the bag. Read the verse to the children and encourage them to sprinkle the Reindeer Food outdoors on Christmas Eve (or sprinkle some next to a plate of cookies being left for Santa or near a window for Rudolph to see.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Cookie Necklace

1. Have the children cut the ivory paper into circular cookie shapes.

2. Provide crayons and glue. Invite teh children to color the cookies as they like. Have them decorate the cookies further by drizzling a layer of glue on hte cookie and sprinkling the rice on top of the glue. Let dry.

3. Punch a hole at the top of each "cookie." Have them thread the yarn through the hole and tie the ends together.

Glittering Globe Ornament

1. Give each child a white circle pattern, crayons and a pair of scissors. Invite the children to think of a holiday message for someone special they would like to write on the circles and have them write the message. Have them write their name and the date. Invite them to continue decorating the circles using crayons and the foam shapes. Once finished decorating, cut out the circles along the dotted lines.

2. Have the children use one of the circle patterns to cut two circles from their metallic paper. Lay one circle in one corner of the metallica paper, making sure there is plenty of room for another circle. Trace the circle. Move the pattern to the remaining area and trace another circle. Cut out both circles.

3. Offer glue. Invite the children to glue one metallic circle to the back of a white circle. Repeat with the remaining circles. Let dry.

4. Cut a slit in each circle, following the bold, dark line and stopping at the dot in the middle of the pattern. Slide the two circles together, positioning them into a four-sided globe. Tape to secure. Punch a hole at the top of the globe. Thread the twist tie though the hole and twist the ends together to form a hanger. Encourage the children to give the ornament to someone special!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Instructions for Seasonal Placemat

Instructions for Seasonal Placemat

Give your child a placemat, scissors & glue. Invite him/her to cut the patterned papers into several pieces. Show them how to create a collage on their placemat by gluing the scraps to it.

Place a photo of the child, or other photo, in the middle of the placemat. Invite your child to decorate teh placemat with paint prints, crayons or markers, and collage items. Cover the placemat with clear contact paper or laminate it. Encourage your child to give the placemat as a gift to someone special or to use it themselves throughout the holiday season.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Goals for December

The themes for this month are:
Fasten Up - learning about different fasteners & about dressing ourselves
Gingerbread days - Holiday baking
Tis the Season

The values I will focus on:
-giving to others, service
- taking care of our belongings (treating our toys nicely, cleanin up after ourselves, etc.)

Academic Goals:
-Learn sign language for J, K, L, gift & cookie
-Learn to count to 30, learn to count by 10's
-Learn to count to 10 in Spanish
-Learn the Spanish words for Star & White

Thursday 12/18/08

Theme: ‘Tis the Season
Snack Helper: Andrew
Weather: Isaiah
Teacher’s Asst. Kaylie
Show & Tell: Everyone

9:00-9:25 Circle Time
“Welcome” Song
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs all throughout preschool this month.
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar – sing “Days of the Week” song
Weather
Daily Basics
· Review J, K,L, Star, white in sign language & Spanish
· Review “gift” & “cookie” in sign language
· Count to 10 in Spanish
Rules – Take time to explain each picture and have the children repeat back to you. (if needed)

9:25-9:35 Movers & Shakers
Goin’ On a Bear Hunt

9:35-9:40 Mini Lesson
Gift Giving
Talk about giving and receiving gifts. Is it fun doing both? What presents would you like to receive? Review the sign for gift and introduce the Spanish word for gift, regalos. Also talk about taking care of our things that we receive.

9:40-9:50 Language
Fishing Game
To review the things they’ve learned so far this year.

9:50-10:00 Math
Button Up Learning

10:00-10:15 Snack & Story Time
Enjoy the treat the children brought today.

10:15 - 10:30 Play
Color Galore
Using shaving cream & food coloring – experiment with blending colors.

10:30-10:40 Music Time
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs this month.

10:40 – 11:30 Parent Gift
Make & Wrap the parent gift.

Homework Assignment
- Reindeer Food
- Evergreen Art
- #10 worksheet

Tuesday 12/16/08

Theme: ‘Tis the Season
Snack Helper: Isaiah
Weather: Kaylie
Teacher’s Asst. Fiel
Show & Tell: Andrew

9:00-9:25 Circle Time
“Welcome” Song
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs all throughout preschool this month.
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar – sing “Days of the Week” song
Weather
Daily Basics
· Introduce this week’s theme
· Introduce L in sign language
· Review J, K, Star, white in sign language & Spanish
· Review “gift” & “cookie” in sign language
· Count to 10 in Spanish
Rules – Take time to explain each picture and have the children repeat back to you. (if needed)

9:25-9:35 Movers & Shakers
Place the button on the Snowman

9:35-9:40 Mini Lesson
Winter Topic Card
Talk about winter (Dec. 21st). What are winters like? Compare your winters with the weather in other areas of the country/world. Consider listening or looking for signs of winter. Introduce the Spanish word for winter, invierno.

9:40-9:50 Language
Stocking Sense
Wrap several different shaped items and place them in a large stocking. Draw of glue pictures o the items on a large sheet of paper, along with several items that are not inside the stocking. Place the picture near the stocking. Invite the children to use their senses of sight, touch, hearing, and smell to determine what the wrapped objects are. Point out the pictures of possible items. Unwrap the packages for each child to see.

9:50-10:00 Math
Bow Sorting
Sorting activity to reinforce colors & numbers
Ask them to sort the bows by color. Count how many bows are in each pile. Make a graph.

10:00-10:25 Snack & Story Time
Candle Salad
Pineapple, apple slices, lettuce leaves, bananas, carrots

10:25 - 10:50 Play
Santa’s Sleigh
Build a sleigh using a large box. Invite the children to pretend they are Santa delivering toys on Christmas Eve.

10:50 – 11:05 Science
Make bird feeders using stale donuts, cream cheese, birdseed, hang them on the trees outside.

11:05-11:10 Music Time
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs this month.

11:10 – 11:30 Art
Holiday Candle

Homework Assignment
- L, Enrich. #4
- Globe Ornament

Show & Tell
: Everyone brings their favorite Christmas treat for snack time

Thursday 12/11/08

Theme: Gingerbread Days
Snack Helper: Kaylie
Weather: Fiel
Teacher’s Asst. Andrew
Show & Tell: Isaiah

9:00-9:25 Circle Time
“Welcome” Song
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs all throughout preschool this month.
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar – sing “Days of the Week” song
Weather
Daily Basics
· Review J, K, Star, white in sign language & Spanish
· Review “gift” & “cookie” in sign language
· Count to 10 in Spanish
Rules – Take time to explain each picture and have the children repeat back to you. (if needed)

9:25-9:35 Movers & Shakers
Jingle bags
Place several jingle bells in a thin sock and tie the end closed. Invite the children to toss the “jingle bags” onto a large holiday cutout or outline made from masking tape on the floor.

9:35-9:40 Mini Lesson
Reindeer Topic Card
What is a reindeer? Ask the children to tell you what they notice about the reindeer in the picture. Where do they live? What do they eat? Explain to the children that reindeer live in northern and cold climates and that they eat grasses & lichens. Reindeer are similar in size to a deer but have learned how to live in very cold, snowy parts of the world.

9:40 – 9:50 Make Baked Bananas
-recipe calls for bananas, butter, brown sugar & cinnamon

9:50-10:05 Language
Holiday words
With the HOP letter cards, help children spell simple holiday words like “tree, bell, gift, star, santa, bake, etc.”

10:05-10:15 Math
Pattern & Sequence
Using cupcake liners of different varieties, make a pattern and have the children try to copy the pattern. They may also create their own pattern.

10:15 - 10:40 Play
Holiday Bake Shop
Create a holiday bake shop. Use baking utensils, cookie sheets, cookie cutters, playdough (with glitter & oatmeal) and have them do some imaginary baking. Have them wash all of the utensils afterward.

10:40 – 10:55 Wash Hands/Snack & Story Time
Eat the baked bananas

Read Kaylie’s fave Christmas book

10:40 – 10:50 Science
Play with Corn starch, water, & food coloring – so fun!

10:50-11:00 Music Time
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs this month.

11:00 – 11:30 Art
Sponge Art (using paints & sponges in the shape of Christmas objects)
- make reindeer food if time allows

Homework Assignment
- K, Enrich. #2 worksheets
- Cookie necklace (doesn’t need to be returned

Show & Tell: Andrew

Tuesday 12/9/08

Theme: Gingerbread Days
Snack Helper: Fiel
Weather: Andrew
Teacher’s Asst. Isaiah
Show & Tell: Kaylie

9:00-9:25 Circle Time
“Welcome” Song
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs all throughout preschool this month.
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar – sing “Days of the Week” song
Weather
Daily Basics
· Introduce this week’s theme
· Introduce the letter K in sign language
· Review J, Star, white in sign language & Spanish
· Review “gift” in sign language
· Count to 10 in Spanish
Rules – Take time to explain each picture and have the children repeat back to you. (if needed)

9:25-9:35 Movers & Shakers
Baker says
Like “Simon says” but with cooking actions…

9:35-9:40 Mini Lesson
Gingerbread Topic Card
Talk about how holidays are a time for baking. Talk about favorite cookies and candies that are special treats at this time of the year. Introduce sign for “cookie.”

9:40 – 9:50 Make Gingerbread Cookies
Bake for 10 minutes, let cool

9:50-10:15 Language
Gingerbread Journal
Read the story about the Gingerbread man. Have the children make a Gingerbread Journal & then have them tell a story about a gingerbread man…

10:15-10:35 Snack/Story Time
Decorate Gingerbread cookies, eat them

Read Kaylies favorite Christmas book

10:35 - 10:50 Play
Decorate our Preschool Tree
- using our star alphabet & fruit loop garland

10:50-11:00 Math
December Math Game – count by 10’s when moving the pieces

11:00-11:10 Music Time
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs this month.

11:10 – 11:30 Art
Reindeer treat bags

Homework Assignment
- #9 worksheet
- Seasonal placemat & Gingerbread puppet (doesn’t need to be returned)

Show & Tell: Isaiah (please have Isaiah bring his favorite Christmas book to share)

Thursday 12/4/08

Theme: Fasten Up
Snack Helper: Andrew
Weather: Isaiah
Teacher’s Asst. Kaylie
Show & Tell: Fiel

9:00-9:25 Circle Time
“Welcome” Song
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs all throughout preschool this month.
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar – sing “Days of the Week” song
Weather
Daily Basics
· Review J, Star, white in sign language & Spanish
· Review “gift” in sign language
· Count to 10 in Spanish
Rules – Take time to explain each picture and have the children repeat back to you. (if needed)

9:25-9:35 Movers & Shakers
Drop the Clothespin
Drop clothespins into a can, taking one step back each time you make it until you miss. Practice counting.

9:35-9:45 Mini Lesson
Primary Children’s
Show a short video from Primary Children’s about a child that is sick and has to stay in the hospital. Talk about how we are going to make Christmas cards for the children who are staying at the hospital over Christmas.

9:45-10:00 Language
Santa’s helpers
Provide a pillowcase for the children to use as “Santa’s Helpers.” Each helper finds one item in the room to place in Santa’s bag. Helpers return to the circle with their selected items. Each helper describes their item and then, places it in the bag. After all the items are in the bag, invite the children to recall what is in Santa’s bag. Remove the items as they are named. Items that are not mentioned can be described by you. Ask the children to guess the item you are describing.

10:00-10:15 Wash Hands/Snack & Story Time
Food Fasteners:
Cream cheese, crackers & dried fruit.

Read Fiel’s favorite Christmas story & another story about getting dressed.

10:15-10:25 Math
Winter Clothes Memory Game

10:25 - 10:40 Play
Santa’s Toy Bag
Lay a large blanket on the floor. Have several children sit in the center of the blanket. Gather up the edges of the blanket and say, “Ho, Ho, Ho!” Open the blanket. Each child inside the blanket become a toy. Have them act out a favorite toy that they might be.

10:40 – 10:50 Fine Motor
Fruit Loop Necklaces
Practice fine motor skills by making “Fruit Loop” garland for the Christmas tree we’ll be decorating next week.

10:50-11:00 Music Time
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs this month.

11:00 – 11:30 Art
Santa’s Coat

Homework Assignment
- Letter to Santa (doesn’t need to be returned)
- Enrichment Act. #3

Show & Tell: Kaylie (please have Kaylie bring her favorite Christmas book to share)

Tuesday 12/2/08

Theme: Fasten Up
Snack Helper: Isaiah
Weather: Kaylie
Teacher’s Asst. Fiel
Show & Tell: None today

9:00-9:25 Circle Time
“Welcome” Song
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs all throughout preschool this month.
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar – sing “Days of the Week” song
Weather
Daily Basics
· Introduce Letter J – sign language
· Introduce month – Diciembre
· Introduce “Star” – Estrella
· Introduce “White” – blanco
· Count to 10 in Spanish
Rules – Take time to explain each picture and have the children repeat back to you. (if needed)

9:25-9:35 Movers & Shakers
Buckle My Shoe
Ask each child to give you one of his shoes. While the children close their eyes, hide the shoes all around the room. When you say, “One, tow, buckle my shoe!” the children search for their shoes. When they find their shoes, have them practice putting them on. Encourage them to cooperate and help each other.

9:35-9:45 Mini Lesson
Ways to Fasten
We’re going to focus on fasteners this week. Use topic card to discuss different fasteners. Provide a sample of each type of clothing fastener such as a zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, Velcro. Invite children to stand in front of the group and ask the remaining children to point out fasteners that the child is wearing. Encourage the children to discuss their latest successes in dressing themselves. Read the book of the month – challenge them to find and point out the clothing fasteners on each page.

9:45-10:00 Language
Have the children make alphabet stars – encourage them to write the letter (review the sound) – these will be used to decorate our tree next week.

10:00-10:15 Wash Hands/Snack & Story Time
Dried Fruit & water – dried fruits are a holiday treat in many countries. We will have a sample for the children to taste.

Read stories about getting dressed – point out different types of fasteners.

10:15-10:25 Math
Encourage children to count to 30. Practice counting by 10’s.

10:25 - 10:40 Play
Laundry Day
Fill a tub with warm, soapy water and have the children wash doll clothing. Have them rinse them and hang them up with clothespins.

10:40 – 10:50 Science
Dressing Skills
Teach basic dressing skills by providing dressing boards with pants, shirt, and lace.

10:50-11:00 Music Time
We will be practicing the Christmas caroling songs this month.

11:00 – 11:20 Art
Lacing Sneaker
We will use watercolors to make a lacing sneaker. The children can then practice lacing and tying the shoe they made.

11:20 – 11:30 Secret Santa
Introduce the sign for “gift” and have them draw names.

Homework Assignment
-Each child has picked a name for the “Secret Santa” exchange. Please keep the gift to $10 or less. We will exchange the gifts on 12/18/08.
- Letter J & Enrich. Act. #1 worksheets

Show & Tell: Fiel (please have Fiel bring her favorite Christmas book to share)

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Thursday: November 25th

Theme: Giving Thanks
Weather: Isaiah
Helper: Andrew
Snacks: Fiel
Show & Tell: Kaylie

Circle Time (9:00 - 9:15)
“If You’re Thankful” Song
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics (review)


Lesson (9:15 - 9:25)
Read The Most Thankful Thing Lisa McCourt
Discuss gratitude

Creative Arts (9:25 - 9:50)
Framed Thanks

Movers & Shakers (9:50 - 10:00)
Thankful for our bodies

Dramatic Play (10:00 - 10:15)
Thanksgiving Housekeeping/
Turkey Farm

Snack (10:15 - 10:30) (pumpkin muffins)
Read the book of the month again &

Math (10:30 - 10:40)
Review math games from the month

Language (10:40 - 11:00)
HOP & Read their Book Bag Books to the class
(if they want to)

Creative Arts (11:00 - 11:20)
Christmas Countdown

Closing (11:20 - 11:30)
Show & Tell
Review the Day & The Month

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Thursday: November 20

*We are meeting at the Halverson's apartment today*

Science (9:00 - 9:20)
Learn about wheat and make bread with Mandy

Circle Time (9:20 - 9:30)
Theme: Giving Thanks
Weather: Fiel
Helper: Kaylie
Snacks: Isaiah
Show & Tell: Andrew

“Turkey Sounds” Song
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics (review)

Movers & Shakers (9:30 - 9:35)
Goose, Goose Turkey (Duck, Duck, Goose)

Lesson (9:35 - 9:45)
Discuss Turkeys
Read Thanksgiving Turkeys Patrick Merrick

Movers & Shakers (9:45 - 9:50)
Turkey Trot

Math (9:50 - 10:00)
Turkey Tail Feather Sort

Science & sensory (10:00 - 10:20)
Go back to Mandy’s to shape our bread

Movers & Shakers (10:20 - 10:30)
Fun with feathers & Straws

Snack & Stories (10:30 - 10:45)
10 Fat Turkeys

Dramatic Play (10:45 - 11:00)
Turkey Farm

Creative Arts (11:00 - 11:20)
Turkey Toes


Closing (11:20 - 11:30)
Show & Tell
Review the Day
Homework Enrichment WS #3

Monday, November 17, 2008

Tuesday November 18th

Theme: Giving Thanks
Weather: Isaiah
Helper: Kaylie
Snacks: Andrew
Show & Tell: Fiel

Circle Time (9:00 - 9:15)
“New Friends” Rhyme
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics
(Letter I)

Into to Lesson (9:15 - 9:25)
Read book on the 1st Thanksgiving
The Story of Thanksgiving Robert Merrill Bartlett

Dramatic Play / Movers & Shakers (9:25 - 9:55)
Read book on Indians and powwow
Have our own mini Indian Village

Read book about pilgrims & Discuss

Dramatic Play (9:55 - 10:10)
Thanksgiving House Keeping

Snack & Story Time (10:10 - 10:30)
Discuss blessings and reasons to be grateful
Read The Berenstain Bears Count their blessings
Stan & Jan Berenstain

Movers & Shakers (10:30 - 10:35)
Thankful for our bodies

Creative Arts (10:35 - 10:45)
Seed pouches

Science / Math / Sensory/ Fine motor (10:45-10:55)
Observe variety of nuts and other harvest foods
Observe many kinds of corn
Counting and sorting kernals
White & black beans sorting with tweezers & cups
(Each child will work independently at the same table and then rotate - modified centers)

Creative Arts (10:55 - 11:10)
Harvest pumkins

Language (11:10 - 11:20)
Bob Books

Closing (11:20 - 11:30)
Show & Tell
Review the day and assign homework. WS letter I

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Thursday: November 13th

Theme: Manners Matter
Weather: Isaiah
Helper: Andrew
Snacks: Fiel
Show & Tell: Kaylie

Circle Time (9:00 - 9:15)
“Manners Matter” Song
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics
(Number 8, review Por favor, Gracias, De nada)

Lesson Intro (9:15 - 9:25)
Read Book on manners. Practice being polite. Invite the children to sit in a circle. Give a ball to a child. That child turns to the child sitting next to him. The next child asks for the ball using “please” and “thank you”. The first child gives the ball to the second child and says “you’re welcome”.

Social Lesson (9:25 - 9:35)
Telephone manners

Dramatic Play (9:35 - 9:50)
Play store Having a store keeper, a shopper, and someone calling on the phone. Take turns in the different roles.

Science/ Sensory (9:50 - 10:10)
Observe the outdoors and seasonal changes. If weather permits observe sand going through funnels.

Movers & Shakers (10:10 - 10:25)

Snack & Story Time (10:25 - 10:35)

Language (10:35 - 10:50)
Thank You Cards

Creative Arts (10:50 - 11:05)
Make “What we know about manners” book

Language (11:05 - 11: 20)
Listen to Books on tape

Closing (11:20 - 11:30)
Review the day
Homework Number 8 WS

Friday, November 7, 2008

Tuesday: November 11th

Theme: Manners Matter
Weather: Andrew
Helper: Fiel
Snacks: Kaylie
Show & Tell: Isaiah

Circle Time (9:00 - 9:15)
“Mind your Manners” Song
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics (Letter H, Por favor, Gracias, De nada)

Lesson intro (9:15 - 9:25)
Mother May I?

Lesson (9:25 - 9:55)
Talk about manners. Read The Book of the Month (May I please have a cookie)
Good Manners Bear
Good/Bad Manners Bears

Creative Arts (9:55 - 10:05)
“We Share” Collage

Movers & Shakers (10:05 - 10:20)
Shadow Play

Creative Arts (10:20 - 10:30)
Manners Menu

Snack Prep (10:30 - 10:40)

Math/ Fine Motor (10:40 - 10:45)
Set the Table activity

Dramatic Play (10:45 - 11:05)
Tea Party: The children will have the opportunity to dress up in “dress-up clothes”. Eat our snack at the table we set we will be emphasizing our manners at the table.

Story Time (11:05 - 11:20)
Read to the children

Closing (11:20 - 11: 30)
Show & Tell
Review what we learned.
Homework Letter H WS & Enrichment WS #2

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Thursday: November 6th

Theme: Sleep Tight!
Weather: Fiel
Helper: Kaylie
Snacks: Isaiah
Show & Tell: Andrew

Circle Time (9:00 - 9:15)
“Twinkle Little Star” Song
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics (Number 7, Review Spanish)

Lesson intro (9:15 - 9:20)
Lullaby Melodies (scarves)
Talk about how we feel listening to lullaby music

Lesson (9:20 - 9:35)
Talk about bedtime.
Pillowcase filled with bedtime items.
Talk about each one.
Show & Tell: Each child can share their bedtime “friend” “item”
Share songs that they sing at bedtime

Math (9:35 - 9:50)
“Ten in the Bed”
Skills used: counting/ addition/ subtraction/ sorting
Counting Sheep

Language (9:50 - 10:05)
Lighting up my name

Movers & Shakers (10:05 - 10:20)
Wee Willy Winky Walk

Creative Arts (10:20 - 10:35)
Wishing Star Craft

Snack Time / Story Time (10: 35 - 11:00)

Dramatic Play (11:00 - 11:20)
Get ready for BED!

Closing (11:20 - 11:30)
Show & Tell
Review what we talked about.
Homework Number 7 WS & Enrichment Sheet

Friday, October 31, 2008

Monday: November 3rd

Theme: Sleep Tight!
Weather: Kaylie
Helper: Isaiah
Snacks: Andrew
Show & Tell: Fiel

Circle Time (9:00 - 9:15)
“Welcome” Song
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics (Letter G , Buenos Dias & Buenos Noches)

Lesson (9:15 - 9:25)
Talk about Daytime and Nighttime. Talk about the Moon and the night sky

Movers & Shakers (9:25 - 9:30)
Follow that Moon (Skills: Rolling and bouncing balls)

Creative Arts (9:30 - 9:45)
Day/Night Mobile

Language (9:45 - 10:00)
HOP
Name in the Stars

Math (10:00 - 10:10)
November Math Game: making and recreating patterns
Stick with the stars game if time permits

Snack & Story Time (10:10 - 10:30)

Science (10:30 - 10:40)
Starlight/ Sunlight
Learning how the stars sun and moon are always there. Using flashlights/globes

Sensory (10:40 - 11:00)
Moon Rock treasure hunt

Fine Motor (11:00 - 11:20)
Sparkling playdough. Talk to the children about the phases of the moon. Mold different phases of the moon.

Closing (11:20 - 11:30)
Show & Tell: Fiel
Review what we talked about.
Invite them to wear their pajamas and bring their nighttime “buddy” 
(bear, blanket, other item).
Homework - Letter G WS


Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Tuesday 10/28/08

Lesson Plan

Daily basics--Hello song, calendar, weather, pledge. I have been working with them during the calendar time to make sure that they know the numbers 11-30. We count together while I point and then I point to random numbers to have them tell me what the number is.

Math--Chutes and Ladders focusing on number recognition. When they land on a square they need to be able to say the number. If they can they get to go on more box forward.

Art--they finished their seasons. This was great for Andrew for fine motor. They had to take pieces of tissue paper and turn it into little balls for the blossoms on the spring tree.
Our second art project was coloring the 5 pumpkins on the gate and then they cut them out.

Story and Writing: I told them the rhyme and then I had them tell me a story about the pumpkins. I wrote down their stories that they dictated to me. I was really suprised how well they did.

Story time: We read a Little House on the Prarie book about winter

Phonics Football: We did the sight helper words from HOP and the person that was able to read the word had the ball thrown to them. They had to throw the ball to each other and then to me. Don't ask why, but it was a major hit.

Snack: cheese sticks and applesause cups that we made look like jack-o-latern faces.

It was a great day

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Tuesday 10/21/08

Daily: Hola Song
Pledge of Allegiance
Calendar- review counting to 10 in Spanish. Practice numbers 11-20
Spanish review of colors. For every thing that they remember I give them money. They will use this money to buy their snacks. This way we can review their money and they are highly motivated to remember the numbers and spanish.
Weather

Topic of Day is Seasons- dress up box with clothes for different seasons. Act out what we do in the seasons. Sing seasons songs

cooking: make treats for firemen. Focus on math and measuring

phonics: make at words with cards. Review at story in phonics book. Make funny sentences with sight word cards. "Andrew sat on the cat."

Stories and Snacks

Creative Arts- paint and cut out scarecrows

Free play

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Thursday 10/16/08

Welcome song: Hola_____, Como estas?
Pledge
Weather Song
Calendar
Count to 10 in Spanish
Spanish colors

Math and creative play: Make a store with a cardboard box. Have a store keeper. Collect items from around the house to sell. Give them a price. Teach about coins. Make a snack to buy at the store.

Stories and Snacks: 3 fire stories. Snack is pop corn, oranges, and fruit leather

Fine Motor: Make pop corn necklaces with lacing

Writing and Phonics: Make fire words and write them on a picture of a fire hydrant

Craft: crawl under the smoke and dalmation.

Tuesday 10/14/08

Start Day
Sing Welcome Song in Spanish (I'll teach it to you sometime)
Pledge of Allegiance
Weather Song (I'll teach it to you sometime)
Calendar- practice counting to 10 in Spanish
Spanish Review- colors of their markers in Spanish

Motor Skills
Gross Motor and Phonics- guess the sight word and I will throw you the ball to catch
And I will give a letter and child has to give sound and a word that it starts with

Fine motor-at the table with rice and spoons, tweezers

Snack and Stories- 3 Columbus Day stories

Craft- Columbus Day Craft

Play- play Columbus with ships and castle

Math- Chutes and Ladders and the Pet Game

Value- I will be emphasizing the courage of Columbus to do what he did when many thought he was crazy. I will remind them of the courage that we have talked about of the firefighters.

More stories- if time permits I will read them the books from the library about how they can have courage.
hasEML = false;

Friday 10/10/08

Daily Stuff-weather, pledge, calendar, count to 10 in Spanish, Spanish colors
Phonics- practice sight words from September-names, stop, go, and add hot and fire
Craft- cut out and color fire station figures to play with
Play/Spanish- We will take our fire people and play with them in the fire station, but mine is Maria and she only speaks spanish. I will be trying to reinforce and help the kids to learn the colors of the rainbow in Spanish.
Math- sequence fire hose that will be attatched to truck
Creative play-finish big fire truck and play with it. Practice using words stop and go with signs while they are in truck. Kind of like Simon Says.
Music--sing fire songs that go with truck from book
Fire Safety Rules- teach the rules of fire safety
stop, drop, roll
crawl low in smoke
feel for hot door
don't play with fire
9911
get out, stay out
Movement- obstacle course inside to go under the smoke and practice feeling a hot door and practice other rules
Snack and Stories- Curious George goes to the fire station. We are emphasizing the healthy foods a fire fighter must eat in order to be strong
Values: Bravery and team work and obedience to rules

Wednesday 10/8/08

Daily Stuff-weather, pledge, calendar, count to 10 in Spanish
Introduce theme- they had to put together a firefighter puzzle to see what we were going to talk about
Craft- make fire badges and fire hats
Freeplay- put together a fire station
Phonics-used word play from hooked on Phonics to put together fire words-pot, hot, etc
Movement-We imagined that we were fire fighters and I hid 5 stuffed animals on the play ground. They had to run to get them "out of the burning building" and bring them back. We timed them to see how fast we could do it, so we were practicing on counting to 30. Then we did some fire fighter exercises--sprint to get the animal, a relay to save an animal, and hanging for arm strength.
Snack and stories- I tell or read stories during snack. We did a story of my brother almost catching our home on fire and a story of the bravery of the fire fighters during 9/11.
Values emphasized- bravery and team work

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Tuesday 9/30/08

Theme: Apples Everywhere
Weather: Isaiah
Helper: Andrew
Snacks: Kaylie

9:00-9:20 Circle Time
Quietly Read/Check homework
“Apples Falling” Song
Pledge of Allegiance
Show & Tell: Isaiah
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics
Review A, B,C, 1, 2, 3, RED (Spanish & sign language)
Review sign for “safe” & “apple”
Rules

9:20-9:25 Movers & Shakers
Shapely Movements
Make a large circle of masking tape shapes on the floor, one per child in your group. Play music and have the children dance in a circle, stepping on the shapes. When

9:25-9:35 Mini Lesson
Talk about how apples grow.
Do they grow on vines, underground, or on a plant? Explain that apples grow on apple trees. Say tree in Spanish, arbol. There are many different kinds of apples and each kind has a unique taste. Some are sweet while others are tart. Apples can be a variety of colors such as red, green, and yellow.

Apple Sequencing
Search images of apple seeds, apple blossoms, apple trees, and apples. Print a copy of each. Cut them out and adhere each one to a heavier piece of paper. Go over the stages of an apple: seed, tree, blossom, and fruit. Mix the cards up and challenge the children to sequence the growth of an apple individually or as a group.

9:35-9:45 Language
A is for Apple
Apple begins with A! Place several tablespoons of applesauce in small plastic zippered bags, let out the air, and seal the upper edge of each with a strip of tape. Make one for each child. Ask the children to squish the applesauce. How does it feel? Have them trace big and small A’s in the applesauce with their fingers. Encourage them to try other letters, also. Once finished, cut a corner off the bag, squeeze into a bowl, and serve with a spoon.

9:45-9:55 Math
September Math Game
Give each child a game piece and have her place it in the “Start” area. Decide who rolls first. The child will roll the cube and move his dino to the next corresponding color. Continue these steps with the other children. Continue until each child reaches the mother dinosaur at the end of the game board.

9:55-10:10 Wash Hands/Snack
Applesauce or Granola Bars with water or milk.

10:10-10:25 Play Time
Hide the Seed
Have the children wear their “Johnny Appleseed Hats” from the art activity last time. Sit in a circle and have one child turn their back or leave the room. Give a child remaining in the circle a brown pom (or similar item) to represent an apple seed. All the children in the group hold their hands as if they are hiding the pom. The first child returns and tries to guess who is holding the pom. As he guesses, he taps the hands of the child he thinks has the seed. If that child has the seed they stand and stretch tall as if they are growing into an apple tree. Take turns being Johnny Appleseed.

10:25-10:35 Story Time

10:35-10:45 Music
Tracks 22-25
Choose An Apple (use instruments)
Goin’ On A Bear Hunt (action song)
Can You Leap Like A Frog? (action song)
Autumn Day (use scarves)

10:45-10:55 Science
Scooping Apples
Fill a sensory table or other container with water. Ask the children if they think the apples will float. Record the children’s predictions and then try it and see. Do the apples float in the water? Test several different kinds of apples. Compare how different sizes/kinds of apples, or other fruit, float or sink.

10:55-11:15 Art
Bushel Basket
Cut apart the apple patterns and offer one pattern to each child. Offer crayons and scissors. Invite the children to color the apples. Have them cut out the apples and set them aside.

Give each child one Styrofoam cup and one brown bag. Have the children tear the brown bag into small pieces. Provide glue and invite the children to glue the paper pieces around the Styrofoam cup as desired. Punch two holes on opposite sides of the cup. Thread the pipe cleaners through the holes and twist to secure. Have the children place the apples into their basket.

11:15-11:30 Closing
Review the children’s favorite apple treats. Tell them they will have a new teacher next time they meet and that they will have a new theme and a new teacher!

Thursday 9/25/08

Theme: Apples Everywhere
Weather: Andrew
Helper: Kaylie
Snacks: Isaiah

9:00-9:20 Circle Time
Quietly Read/Check homework
“Raking Leaves” Rhyme
Pledge of Allegiance
Show & Tell: Kaylie
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics
• Review A, B,C, 1, 2, 3, RED (Spanish & sign language)
• Review sign for “safe” & “apple”
Rules

9:20-9:25 Movers & Shakers
Syllables
Clap out the syllables in the children’s names. For example, say “Hel-lo-And-rew” as you clap each syllable. Learning that words are made up of a group of syllables strengthens a child’s phonological awareness, which is one of the building blocks for future success in learning to read.

9:25-9:35 Mini Lesson
Johnny Appleseed
Tomorrow is Johnny Appleseed’s birthday! (Show a picture of Johnny) Johnny Chapman, better known as Johnny Applseed, is a legendary figure known for his love of apple trees. According to the story, he walked barefoot through the Midwest, wearing a cooking pot on his head and carrying a bag of apple seeds. Everywhere he went, he either planted apple seeds, or gave them away.

9:35-9:45 Language
Hooked on Phonics pp.10-13 in Yellow Workbook

9:45-9:55 Science
Apples & Lemons
Ask the children, “Why do apples turn brown when they are sliced?” Slice an apple into several chunks. Dip one piece in lemon juice and leave another piece alone. Place them side by side for about 30 minutes.

Compare the slices. How are they different? Ask them to name the colors that they see. Would they eat the brown apple? Slice a few small pieces from each and let them taste the pieces. Explain that air turns apples brown once they are sliced. Even if they are brown tinted, they are still fine to eat. Lemon juice protects the apple’s flesh from the air.

9:55-10:15 Wash Hands/Snack
Apple Tree Treats

10:15-10:30 Play Time
Play with Apple Cinnamon Dough outside.

10:30-10:40 Story Time

10:40-10:50 Music
Tracks 17-21
Choose An Apple (use instruments)
Rain Is Falling All Around (action song)
The Freeze Dance (action song)
Bop Til You Drop (action song)
Medley: It’s Rainng/Itsy Bitsy Spider (use scarves)

10:50-11:10 Art
Johnny Appleseed Hat
Cut each gray paper lengthwise into four pieces. Give each child 2 strips (the equivalent of ½ a sheet). Staple the two strips together to create a headband to fit each child.

Give each child one tan paper strip and three apple stickers. Children may wish to trim the paper strip to resemble a pot handle or leave it as is. Glue it around and extending out from the headband to look like a pot handle. Place the apple stickers along the gray headband.

11:10-11:30 Closing
Review your discussion about the legend Johnny Appleseed. Tak about your activities next week. Play games if there is time.

Homework
Enrichment Activity #4

Show & Tell: Isaiah

Tuesday 9/23/08

Theme: Apples Everywhere
Weather: Kaylie
Helper: Isaiah
Snacks: Andrew

9:00-9:20 Circle Time
Quietly Read/Check homework
“Ten Little Apples” Song
Pledge of Allegiance
Show & Tell: Andrew
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics
Review A, Bc, 1, 2, 3, RED (Spanish & sign language)
Review sign for “safe” & “apple”
Rules

9:20-9:30 Movers & Shakers
Ten Apples Up On Top
If possible, read the Dr. Seuss book called “Ten Apples Up on Top” to the children. Then, invite them to try balancing a beanbag (apple) on the top of their heads. Ask the children to try walking with the beanbags on their heads. Ask the children if balancing the beanbag is more difficult while standing still or while walking? Challenge them to try balancing beanbags on their elbows, shoulders, and backs!

9:30-9:35 Mini Lesson
First Day of Fall
Yesterday was the first day of Fall! Introduce the words “fall” and “autumn.” Ask the children, “What sorts of things happen in the fall?” Talk about how nature prepares for winter. Leaves change colors and fall from trees. Animals prepare winter nests and stash away food. Some birds fly to warmer areas. Plants shed seeds for next spring or sleep through the winter. Introduce the Spanish word for autumn, ontono.

Display four pictures, three that relate to fall and one that relates to another season of the year. Ask the children which ones belong together and why. Ask which season each one portrays.

9:35-9:45 Language
Play a memory game with the ABC pictures the children colored and cut out for homework. Challenge the children to name each of the pictures. Sort them according to beginning sounds. Extend the activity by having the children sort the pictures according to type (food, animal, other). What other ways can the children sort the pictures (eyes/no eyes, edible/not edible, etc.)?

9:45-9:55 Math
Number 3 worksheet

9:55-10:05 Wash Hands/Cooking
Mini Apple Pies

10:05-10:15 Story Time

10:15-10:30 Snack Time
Eat mini apple pies

10:30-10:45 Play Time
Fall Nature Walk
Remind the children that exercise is one way to help our bodies stay healthy and strong. Take the children on a fall nature walk to look for things that can be added to their “apple art.” Suggestions include crunchy leaves, prickly pinecones, or pieces of tree bark. As you explore your neighborhood, ask the children to try walking at different paces – fast/slow, very fast/very slow. Try skipping, hopping, tiptoeing, etc. Ask the children to think of more movement ideas. How do the leaves sound? How do shoes sound on the sidewalk with each different walking style?

10:45-10:55 Music
Tracks 11-16
Choose An Apple (use instruments)
Hinges (action song)
Farm (use scarves)
Smiles (finger play)
Two Little Blackbirds (finger play)
It’s Autumntime

10:55-11:15 Art
Apple Art

The night before, cut several apples in half either lengthwise or crosswise, depending on the design you want. Let the apples dry overnight.

Give each child a sheet of construction paper. Provide several different colors of paint in shallow containers. Show the children how to dip the cut side of the apple in paint and make a print on the paper. Allow the children to make as many prints as they like. If colors happen to blend or bleed together, visit with them about the new colors created. You can also use the items collected on your nature walk.

11:15-11:30 Closing

Homework
Enrichment Activity #3

Show & Tell: Kaylie

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Thursday 9/18/08

Theme: Apples Everywhere
Weather: Isaiah
Helper: Andrew
Snacks: Kaylie

9:00-9:20 Circle Time
Quietly Read/Check homework
“I’m A Little Apple” Song
Pledge of Allegiance
Show & Tell: Isaiah
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics
Review A, B, 1, 2, 3, RED (Spanish & sign language)
Review sign for “safe”
Introduce: Letter C
Rules

9:20-9:25 Movers & Shakers
Be Apple Trees
Invite the children to try these apple-related movements. Pretend to:
o Let your branches (arms) sway back and forth in the wind.
o Be an apple and fall from a tree (jump high and quickly crouch down low on the ground)
o Pick apples from the tree and from the ground. Toss them in the back of the truck.
o Climb up to the top of an apple tree.
o Move like a worm wiggling through an apple.
o Grow from a tiny seed in the ground to a giant apple tree. (Crouch down and then slowly stretch to the sky)

9:25-9:35 Mini Lesson
Parts of An Apple
Share a little apple vocabulary with the children. List as many apple parts as you and the children can think of – stem, core, peel, seeds, blossom. Bring out the Parts of an Apple Topic Card. Are the children able to name all of the apple parts that are listed on the topic card? Show them a real apple and point to the parts they have named. Cut the apple open and point out how the seeds are held inside the “meat” of the apple. What is the purpose of each part? Which parts do we eat? What other apple-related words can children think of (tree, leaf, etc.)?

9:35-9:45 Language
Letter C worksheet

9:45-10:05 Math
Apple Tree
Bring out the “Apple Tree” Learning Center Material
Play a counting math game. Offer dice or 1-10 number cards. Invite the children to roll the dice or choose a card and place that many apples on the tree. They may also find the apple that matches the number rolled and place it on the tree.
Organize a counting center using the apple coutouts and raisin “seeds.” You may want to place each apple on a piece of paper to allow for more counting space. Place a small bowl of raisins next to the apples. Ask the children to look at the number on each apple and place that many raisins on it. Provide time for each child to work on this by himself.

10:05-10:20 Wash Hands/Cooking/Snack Time
Apple Tasting Party
Peel and slice several different types of apples for a tasting party! Does each type taste different? Is one sweeter or more sour than the others? Are some crisper or softer than others? Which is their favorite? Set out a variety of dips to try: caramel, melted chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, peanut butter, marshmallow cream, or butterscotch.

10:20-10:35 Play Time
Go outside for chalk drawing.
see Sugar Water for Brighter Chalk Drawings

10:35-10:45 Story Time
TBD

10:45-10:55 Music
Tracks 5-10
Choose An Apple (use instruments)
Beanie Bag Dance (action song with bean bags)
We’re Going To Be Friends (use scarves)
First You Take A Seed (finger play)
London Bridge Is Falling Down (action song)
1,2 Buckle My Shoe

10:55-11:20 Art
Apple Tree Collage
Divide the blue paper, green tissue paper, clothespins, and poms among the children. Make a tree trunk pattern by tracing each child’s hand and wrist onto the blue paper. Offer scissors and glue. Invite the children to cut or tear the green tissue paper into smaller pieces and adhere them to the tree as leaves.

Offer red paint in shallow containers. Show the children how to pinch the pom into the clothespin and then dip it into the paint. Invite them to press the pom onto the paper to form little apples in their tree. Set aside to dry.

Give each child a piece of white paper. Take the paper and brown crayons (with paper removed) outside to a tree with bumpy bark. Show the children how to make bark rubbings of the tree trunk by holding their paper up to the trunk and rubbing a brown crayon across it.

Tear or cut the paper into smaller pieces. Glue it to a tree as bark. Let dry and display.

11:20-11:30 Closing
Review the discussion about apples. Do all apples look/taste the same? Which flavor was the most popular during your apple tasting party? Which was the least? Share your plans for the next time we meet. Give h/w assignment. Play “Slap Jack” if there is time.

Homework
ABC Pictures
Color the pictures and cut them along the dotted lines. We will be using these cards in a Language activity next time we meet. Thanks!

Show & Tell: Andrew

Friday, September 12, 2008

Tuesday 9/16/08

Theme: Feelin’ Good, Stayin’ Safe
Weather: Andrew
Helper: Kaylie
Snacks: Isaiah

9:00-9:20 Circle Time
Quietly Read/Check homework
“Feel Good” Song
Sung to “Skip To My Lou”
Offer musical instruments for the children to play.

(Rest) (Rest) My body
needs (rest).
(Rest) (Rest) My body
needs (rest).
(Rest) (Rest) My body
needs (rest).
My body needs (rest) to feel good.

Repeat with “good food,” “checkups,” and “exercise.”
Pledge of Allegiance
Show & Tell: Kaylie
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics
Review A, B, 1, 2, 3, RED (Spanish & sign language)
Review sign for “safe”
Rules

9:20-9:25 Movers & Shakers
Hide & Listen
Bring out a maraca or a tambourine. Have the children leave the room and then choose one child to go back in and hide. While hiding, have them softly shake the maraca. When the children come back in the room, ask them to try to locate the hidden child by listening for the maraca.

9:25-9:35 Mini Lesson
Traffic Signs
The children were given a homework assignment to make traffic signs. Visit with the children about what each sign is called and what it means. Encourage them to weave their laces through the hole punches in each sign.

9:35-9:45 Language
Hooked on Phonics

9:45-9:55 Math
Counting & Measuring
Make a simple chart, listing each child’s name. Stretch jump rope out along the floor or an outdoor area. Show the children how to hop along one side of the jump rope, counting your hops as you go. When you reach the end, say the total number total number of hops a little louder. Allow each child to take a turn hopping along the rope. Record the number of hops next to her name on the chart.

Once everyone has had a chance to hop, discuss the results using the words “more,” “less,” and “equal” as appropriate.

9:55-10:10 Wash Hands/Cooking/Snack Time
Eat Well, Feel Well
Explain to the children that when we eat foods that are good for us, we feel well. Gather healthy, crunchy food to snack. Offer a variety of healthy and not-so-healthy foods such as carrots, pretzels, celery, popcorn, grapes, fruit snacks and jelly beans. Have them look through the foods and determine which things would be good for their health. Work with them to name the foods. Which things might make them not feel very well if they ate too much? Why?

Give each child a small amount of each item. Have them sort the items into groups, as in all carrots to gether, all fruit snacks together, etc. Next, have them sort the items into healthy vs. not-so-healthy sets. Allow them to enjoy some of the snacks once finished with the activity.

10:10-10:25 Play Time
Simple Ball Games
Reinforce the letter B by playing simple ball games. Have them count how many times they can bounce a basketball. Have them each kick a soccer ball in the goal, practice tossing and catching bouny balls, etc.

10:25-10:35 Story Time
Once Upon a Dragon by Jean E. Pendziwol & Martine Gourbault

10:35-10:45 Music
Tracks 29-32
Twinkle, Twinkle Traffic Light
Medley: Down By The Station (use scarves)
Goin’ on a Bear Hunt (action song)
Ten In A Bed (action song)

10:45-11:00 Science
About our Hearts
How big are our hearts? Explain that our hearts are about as large as our fists. Measure and cut a piece of yarn to go once around each child’s fist. Have them use the yarn to measure and find toys or other objects that are the same width around as their heart. Show the children a pear and explain that our hearts look like an upside down pear.

How Do Hearts Work?
Explain that our heart pumps blood through our whole body. Set up a “Pumping Station” where children can experiment with this concept on their own. Fill a tub or bucket with water and provide any type of pump you can find: turkey baster, eye dropper, or a pipette. Show the children how to fill and empty the pumps. Let them play and experiment on their own. Explain that our heart is a pump. When it squeezes, it pushes blood through our body. When it relaxes, it refills.

11:00-11:20 Art
A Picture of Myself
Give each child one white paper. Provide crayons or markers and ask the children to draw a picture of themselves. Visit with the children about the characteristics that make them special (eye color, hair color, etc.) Divide the pipe cleaners and glitter among the children. Invite them to use the supplies to further embellish their drawing.

Give each child one blue paper and invite them to glue their drawing onto the blue paper using it as a frame. After they dry, save the self portraits so that you can compare them with another self portrait at the end of the year. This will allow you to see the progress the children have made!

11:20-11:30 Closing
Review your discussion about healthy snack choices. Review “safe” and “not safe.” Talk about things we can do to stay safe and healthy. Encourage the children to look for safety devices on their way home and at home tonight. Talk about the new theme: “Apples Everywhere”

Homework
Make Apple Leather!
Ingredients: Applesauce

Preheat oven to 400*. Pour applesauce onto greased shallow pan. Spread to 1/8” thickness. Place pan in oven and lower temperature to 180*. Cook for approximately three hours until leather can be peeled from pan. Cut with scissors to serve.

Show & Tell: Isaiah

Friday 9/12/08

** We were supposed to meet Wednesday this week, but we still needed some time to recover from our trip! Isaiah & Andrew were given homework to complete: Letter B worksheet & Enrichment Activity #2. They were also give some "body parts" flash cards to color that will be used with today's lesson. Kaylie is out of town all this week.

Theme: Feelin’ Good, Stayin’ Safe
Weather: Isaiah
Helper: Andrew

9:00-9:20 Circle Time
Quietly Read/Check homework
“Wake Up” Song
Sung to “Are You Sleeping?”
Repeat with feet, fingers, legs, etc.


Wake up toes! Wake up toes!
(wiggle and stretch toes)
Rise and shine! Rise and shine!
It’s time to say good morning,
Time to say good morning,
Wake up, toes! Wake up, toes!

Pledge of Allegiance
Show & Tell: Andrew
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics
Review A, 1, 2, RED
Introduce B (word cards, sign, sound) and the number 3 (Spanish)
Rules

9:20-9:25 Movers & Shakers
Sing Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes, sing fast, slow, etc.

9:25-9:30 Mini Lesson
Our Bodies
Ask the children to name some of their body parts. What does each body part do? How does it work? What does a nose do? Mouth? Fingers? How do these body parts help us? How do we care for these body parts? Why is it important to take care of them? What are some healthy habits that will help us keep our bodies strong? Encourage the children to enjoy physical activities, such as walking, running, skipping, riding trikes and bikes, and kicking, throwing, catching, and bouncing balls. Playing in playgrounds is a good way for children to develop strong hearts and bodies. Talk about the things we can do with our bodies.

9:30-9:40 Language
Body Parts in Spanish (Memory Game)
Andrew & Isaiah were given a homework assignment to color some body parts flash cards. They will play a memory game with them.

9:40-9:50 Math
Work on #2 Worksheet

9:50-10:10 Wash Hands/Cooking/Snack Time
Make Heart Healthy Smoothies
Ingredients:
1 lb. frozen strawberries
4 c. pineapple juice
1 c. orange juice
1 ½ c. vanilla yogurt
Fresh strawberries

Make these heart-healthy drinks for a welcome break from sugary treats! Blend the frozen strawberries, pineapple juice, orange juice, and yogurt until smooth. Garnish with slices of strawberries and drinking straws accented with heart-shaped cutouts.

10:10-10:25 Play Time
Introduce the sign for “safe” What does “safe” mean? Name some things that are safe to do on the playground, in preschool, at home, in a car, etc. What things are not safe to do?

Have the children stand across from you in an open area that is free from obstacles. Call out a command and ask the children to follow the directions only if it is safe thing to do. If it is not safe, have the children stay where they are. Talk about why the command was not safe to do. Examples of commands:
Safe: hop on one foot
Touch your nose
Clap three times

Not Safe: climb on the table
Run into the street
Slam the door

10:25-10:35 Story Time
Watch Your Step, Mr. Rabbit! by Richard Scarry
From Head to Toe by Eric Carle
Once Upon a Dragon by Jean E. Pendziwol & Martine Gourbault

10:35-10:45 Music
Tracks 25-28
Twinkle, Twinkle Traffic Light
Seven Days A Week (use instruments)
Hokey Pokey (action song)
Shake My Sillies Out (action song)

10:45-11:10 Science/Art
Science: Clean Hands
Explain to the children that doctors & dentists wear gloves when they are working. Ask the children to think about why they do this.

Place some paint in a shallow container. Give each child the materials for “comb painting” and provide them with disposable gloves. Invite them to finger paint with the gloves on. When the children are happy with their picture, have them take their gloves off. Did their hands stay clean under the gloves? What would their hands look like if they weren’t wearing gloves? Invite them to try painting with only one glove on. Ask the children again why they think health care professionals wear gloves when they work

Art: Comb Painting

11:10-11:30 Closing
Play “Slap Jack” and “Alphabet Go Fish”

Homework
Make Traffic Signs
Cut shapes out of cardstock or posterboard and use markers to make the shapes into traffic signs such as stop, yield, railroad crossing, and pedestrian crossing signs. Create sewing holes with a paper punch along the outside edge of the shapes for the children to lace through (I will provide the laces the next time we meet). Thanks!

Show & Tell: Kaylie

Thursday 9/4/08

Theme: Dinosaurs Go To School
Weather: Isaiah
Helper: Kaylie

9:00-9:20 Circle Time
Quietly Read
“Grandma’s Glasses” Fingerplay
Use a high pitched voice:
Here are Grandma’s glasses.
(circle fingers around eyes)
Here is Grandma’s hat.
(pat head)
This is the way she folds her hands,
(fold hands together)
And lays them in her lap!
(lay hands in lap)

Use a low, deep voice:
Here are Grandpa’s Glasses.
(circle fingers around eyes)
Here is Grandpa’s hat
(pat head)
This the way he folds his arms,
(fold arms across chest)
Just like that!
(nod head)
Pledge of Allegiance
Show & Tell: Isaiah
Calendar
Weather
Daily Basics
* Review A, 1, 2
* Introduce RED (Spanish) What are some things that are the color red?
Rules

9:20-9:25 Mini Lesson
Grandparent’s Day
Grandparent’s Day is on Sunday, September 7th. Introduce the Spanish words for Grandma & Grandpa, abuela and abuelo. Ask the children to share some information about their grandparents. How many do they have? Where do they live? Do they visit often? What kinds of things do they do together? What makes each grandparent special?

9:25-9:35 Movers & Shakers
Musical Dinosaurs
Gather a stuffed dinosaur for this activity. Have the children sit in a circle. While you play music, have the children gently toss or roll the dinosaur back and forth between each other. Then the music stops, ask the child holding the dinosaur to answer a few questions about herself. What is your name? What is your favorite food? What types of things do you like to do (read books, play dress up, play outside, etc?)

9:35-9:45 Language
Name Writing Practice
On handwriting paper, write the each child’s name. Have them practice writing their name within the lines.

9:45-10:00 Math
September Math Game
Give each child a game piece and have her place it in the “Start” area. Decide who rolls first. The child will roll the cube and move his dino to the next corresponding color. Continue these steps with the other children. Continue until each child reaches the mother dinosaur at the end of the game board.

10:00-10:15 Wash Hands/Snack
Granola bars & juice

10:15-10:30 Play Time
Preschool Hopscoth
Draw a simple hopscotch board with squares numbered 1-10 on a sidewalk using sidewalk chalk. Invite the children to hop from square to square while naming each number. Challenge them to try to hop on each square using one foot and then the other foot. Continue as long as interest lasts.

10:30-10:40 Story Time
How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? By Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
Rainbow Fish To The Rescue by Marcus Pfister
God Bless America by Lynn Munsinger (sing the words)

10:40-10:50 Science
How Big?
Children have a difficult time understanding how big dinosaurs really were. Use chalk on a sidewalk to mark off the lengths of some of the following dinosaurs. Have the children count footsteps along each length as you describe each animal or look at pictures.
Brontosaurus – 70 feet
Tyrannosaurus – 40 feet
Triceratops – 25 feet

10:50-11:00 Music

11:00-11:20 Art
Texture Collage
Give each child a Styrofoam tray. Cut the cello sheets in half. Provide glue and divide the materials from the kit among the children. Invite them to glue each material to their tray, as desired. Talk about the different textures. Encourage the children to feel each item individually. Which item is rough? Is there anything that’s soft on the paper? What other words describe the textures? Which of our five senses do we use to describe the textures?

11:20-11:30 Closing
Talk about next Wednesday’s new theme: Feeling Good, Staying Safe. Recite the “Grandma’s Glasses” Fingerplay again. Play puzzles or a game. Blow bubbles outside.

Homework
Grandparent’s Day Art Project
Give each child one ivory door hanger pattern. Explain that they are going to make one door hanger for each set of grandparents or other special people in their lives. Provide markers, crayons, and scissors. Invite the children to color the door hanger patterns as they wish. Have the children cut out the door hangers. Trim to fit in legal envelope if mailing is necessary.

Divide the flower cutouts among the children and provide glue. Invite the children to use the flowers to decorate the door hangers. Offer other collage materials such as glitter or stickers to add more detail, if desired.
Show & Tell: Kaylie (take on her trip)

Tuesday 9/2/08

Theme: Dinosaurs Go To School
Weather: Kaylie
Helper: Isaiah

9:00-9:20 Circle Time
Read quietly, check homework
“T Rex Stomp”

Sung to “This Old Man”
This T-rex, this T-rex, he goes tromping all around,
With a stomp and a tromp and a (clap, clap, clap)
This T-rex is tromping on!

This T-rex, this T-rex, he goes yelling all around,
With a grump and growl and a great big (Rroarr!)
This T-rex is yelling now!
Pledge of Allegiance
Show & Tell: Kaylie
Calendar – Introduce the new month. Practice saying September in Spanish, septiembre. What is pictured on the calendar heading this month? Place the calendar piece on the grid and say the date together. Before putting on today's date, ask the children which picture is next? This calendar is a great way to teach patterning!
Weather
Daily Basics
* Review Letter A (sign)
* Review #1 (Spanish)
* Introduce #2 (Spanish), reinforce the numbers one and two by asking the children to practice moving forward and backward. For example, have them hop forward with one hop and backward with two hops. Try other movements such as tiptoeing, leaping, skipping, etc.

9:20-9:25 Movers & Shakers
Dinosaur Says
Play a version of “Simon Says” to reinforce number concepts and listening skills. Choose one child to be the leader. The leader stands in front of the group and asks the other children to do one or more dinosaur actions. For example, when the leader requests, “Dinosaur says roar!,” the children should roar. If the leader DOES NOT say “Dinosaur says…” before the request, children DO NOT follow the request! Allow all children to continue playing even if they make a mistake. Actions can include hips, stretches, spins, giant steps, baby steps, claps, etc.

9:25-9:30 Mini Lesson
Five Senses
Ask the children to sit in a circle. Bring out the Five Senses Topic Card. Name the five senses: sight, taste, hearing, touch, and smell. Point to the body parts related to each sense. As the children sit quietly, what senses are they using? Can they hear a car outside or see the color of someone’s shirt? Can they smell lunch or a snack cooking or feel the texture of the floor? Be creative with your surroundings!

9:30-9:45 Language
Hooked on Phonics
Use “Helper” cards – go through a few of them until you lose their attention then move onto the “Play on Words” cards and ask them to spell some words they know. Some possible words: the names of each child, car, toy, stop, no, go, etc.

9:45-10:00 Cooking/Wash Hands
Dinosaur Feet
Recipe:
Refrigerated biscuits
Butter, melted
Cinnamon sugar mixture
Slivered almonds
Bake biscuits according to directions. Brush each biscuit with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar. While the biscuits are still warm, insert five slivered almonds around the edge of each biscuit to resemble dinosaur claws. Serve the “Dinosaur Feet” with a glass of milk.

10:00-10:10 Math
Bone Match
Bring out the “Dinosaur Bone Match”
Review last week’s discussion about dinosaur bones and how they turn into fossils. Talk about how we have bones, too. Show the children each dinosaur piece. Look carefully at the dinosaur skeleton pictures. Work together to match each dinosaur to its bones.

10:10-10:25 Snack
Finish making the dinosaur feet, then eat!

10:25-10:40 Play Time
Prehistoric Building
Bring out small plastic dinosaurs and building blocks/large legos. Invite the children to build homes for their tiny friends.

10:40-10:50 Reading Time
If the Dinosaurs Came Back by Bernard Most
Don’t Need Friends by Carol Crimi
David Goes to School by David Shannon

10:50-11:00 Music Time

11:00-11:20 Art
Prehistoric Puppet
Cut the dinosaur patterns apart and give each child one pattern and one paper plate. Provide crayons and markers and invite them to color the pattern. Provide scissors and glue. Invite the children to cut out the pattern. Glue the dinosaur to the front of the paper plate.

Divide the wikki stix and craft sticks among the children. The wikki stix may be cut into smaller pieces, formed into shapes, and then pressed onto the dinosaur pattern for different features. Wikki stix may not stick to areas with heavy crayon marks. Use glue as necessary. Tape the craft stick to the back of the plate.

Keep the Prehistoric Puppets at your setting throughout the theme. They may be used to sing songs and in dramatic play.

11:20-11:30 Closing
Play with puzzles or a game

Homework
Go to www.pbskids.org: http://pbskids.org/caillou/immersivegames/. Click on the arrows to go to the kitchen then to outside. Click on the dinosaur in the sandbox. This is a great game on matching bones.
Show & Tell: Isaiah

Monday, September 1, 2008

My Fave Play Dough Recipe

I made this recipe months and months ago - we keep it stored in the fridge - and it is still as soft and as pliable as it was the first day I made it. It also smells yummy!

2 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 packets unsweetened Kool-Aid (the dough will be the color of the mix you choose)
2 Tbs. cream of tartar
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 c. water

In a large pot, combine all dry ingredients, mix well and add the oil, water, and food coloring. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is almost too hard to stir. Allow to cool for a few minutes and then knead until smooth and pliable. Refrigerate in an airtight container between uses. This recipe can be doubled or halved.

I'm A Little Apple Song

Sung to “I’m a Little Teapot”

I’m a little apple, red and round.
(hold hand out in front as if holding large ball)
I grew on a tree and fell to the ground.
(stretch arms up and out)
If you take a bite you’ll see I’m sweet.
(Pretend to bite into apple)
I’m a juicy, crunchy, tasty treat!
(rub tummy)

Apples Falling Song

Sung to “Mary Had A Little Lamb”

Apples falling from the tree, from the tree, from the tree
Apples falling from the tree, to the ground below
(flutter hand downward)
On the apple sits a worm, sits a worm, sits a worm,
Falling from the apple tree, to the ground below!
(wiggle fingers downward)

Apple Cinnamon Dough

Ingredients:
1 c. apple cider or juice
1 c. salt
2 c. flour
1 T. ground cinnamon
Food coloring

Add food coloring as desired to the apple juice. Combine salt, flour, and cinnamon. Mix the apple juice into the dry ingredients until well combined.

Apple Tree Treats

Ingredients:
Cream cheese or frosting
Green food coloring
Graham crackers
Ritz or other round crackers
Red, yellow, and green mini M&M’s

Add green food coloring to the cream cheese or frosting. Break the graham crackers into quarter pieces. Offer the graham crackers, Ritz crackers, frosting & M&M’s along with plastic knives. Give each child a plate. Invite the children to spread frosting on the Ritz cracker. Place the Ritz cracker on top of a graham cracker, attaching with a bit of frosting. Place M&M’s on the Ritz cracker to resemble apples. Enjoy the treats with a glass of milk or apple juice.

Raking Leaves Rhyme

I rake and rake the leaves into a great big heap.
(pretend to rake)
Then into the leaves, I take a giant leap!
(jump and squat)
I cover myself with leaves to hide from you.
(pretend to fluff leaves around body)
Then I jump out and say, “Peek-a-boo!”
(jump and say, “Peek-a-boo!”

Mini Apple Pies

Ingredients:
Refrigerated crescent dough
Apple pie filling
Cinnamon sugar

Provide an opportunity for the children to make their very own apples pies. Give each child a section of refrigerated crescent dough. Place a spoonful of apple pie filling in the center of each crescent. Have the children fold the dough over and press along the edges to seal the filling inside. Sprinkle the mini pie with cinnamon sugar and bake according to the crescent package. Let cool and enjoy with a glass of milk.

Sugar Water for Brighter Chalk Drawings

Mix ½ cup water and 2 Tbs sugar. Stir until dissolved. Dip chalk into sugar water and color. It makes bright pictures and is less smudgy than using just dry chalk.

Mini Apple Pies

Ingredients:
Refrigerated crescent dough
Apple pie filling
Cinnamon sugar

Provide an opportunity for the children to make their very own apples pies. Give each child a section of refrigerated crescent dough. Place a spoonful of apple pie filling in the center of each crescent. Have the children fold the dough over and press along the edges to seal the filling inside. Sprinkle the mini pie with cinnamon sugar and bake according to the crescent package. Let cool and enjoy with a glass of milk.

Ten Little Apples Song

Sung to “Ten Little Indians”

Bring out the Apple Tree LCM. Sing the song slowly and post each apple on the tree mat as you sing. You may choose to give an apple to each child and have her hold up her apple as the song dictates.

1 litte, 2 little, 3 little apples
4 little, 5 little, 6 little apples
7 little, 8 little, 9 little apples
10 little apples (dancing, spinning, jumping, etc.)

Friday, August 22, 2008

Monday 8/25/08

Theme: Dinosaurs Go to School

9:00-9:25 Circle Time
Help each child find their cubby holes. Explain this is where they will keep their jackets, art projects, etc.
“Welcome” Song
Oh, it’s time to say “Hello” to all our friends!
Oh, it’s time to say
“Hello” go all our friends!
I’m so glad you’re here today,
We’ll work
and learn and play,
Oh, it’s time to say “Hello” to all our friends!
(Sung to “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain”)

Pledge of Allegiance
Introduce “Pockets the Bear” assign Isaiah to bring back next time
Calendar – sing “Days of the Week” song
Weather
Daily Basics
· Letter A – (sign language, sounds, word cards)
Rules – Take time to explain each picture and have the children repeat back to you.

9:25-9:30 Movers & Shakers
Trace each child’s hand onto construction paper and have them write their name on it. Explain that these hands will be used for the “Helping Hands” chart next time we meet.

9:30-9:35 Mini Lesson
Talk about Friends
What is a friend? Amigo means friend in Spanish. Ask the children to name their friends. What do they like to do with their friends? Do their parents have friends? What sorts of things do friends do for each other?

9:35-9:45 Language
Letter A Worksheet

9:45-10:00 Wash Hands/Cooking
Have the children help make a pizza for snack time.

10:00-10:15 Math
Graphing Eye Colors
Make a special graph featuring the children. Have the children name all the different colors eyes can be. Draw pairs of eyes over each column and color them various colors named. Write each child’s name in the correct column.

10:15-10:30 Snack
Eat the Friendship Pizza

10:30-10:45 Play Time
Chalk Letters
Write large letters on the pavement using sidewalk chalk. Challenge the children to walk or hop on the lines of the letter shapes.

10:45-10:55 Story Time
Share a Story
Visit about sharing today. What things do the children share here in preschool? What kinds of things do they share at home? Out on the playground? Is sharing hard to do? How do you feel when someone shares with you? How do you feel when someone doesn’t share? Why is it so important to share?

Read “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister

10:55-11:05 Music Time
**Still working on this, will post next week....

11:05-11:25 Art
Intro to Art
Provide basic art materials such as paint, scissors, and glue. Divide each of the art materials equally among the children. Place damp paper towels in shallow containers and pour paint onto the paper towels. Show the children how to dip the dinosaurs into the paint and then press them onto the artboard. Press the magic nuudles onto a damp sponge and then arrange them on the artboard. Do not adhere them with glue! Invite the children to cut the festoon into smaller pieces and adhere them to their artwork as desired. Attach the hanger to the back of each artboard to display the completed artwork where the children can view them.

11:25-11:30 Closing
Explain Homework Assignment.

Homework Assignment
Number 1 Worksheet
Show & Tell – Isaiah

Wednesday 8/27/08

Theme: Dinosaurs Go To School
Weather: Andrew
Helper: Kaylie
Snacks: Isaiah

9:00-9:25 Circle Time
Read books quietly, check homework
“Wheels On The Bus”
Pledge of Allegiance
Show & Tell: Isaiah
Weather
Daily Basics
* Review letter A
* Introduce #1 (Spanish)
Rules

9:25-9:30 Movers & Shakers
Person to Person
Divide the children into pairs. Have the children face each other. Name body parts for the children to bring together. For example, call out “elbow to elbow,” “back to back,” toes to toes,” etc.

9:30-9:35 Mini Lesson
Talk about dinosaurs
How do we know that dinosaurs existed? Because we can find their bones buried in the ground! What is a fossil? Explain that when a plant or animal dies and is buried in the dirt, sometimes the bones turn into rock. These rocks are called fossils. Fossils can tell us all about the creature – how big it was, what it looked like, and sometimes what it ate! Helpful websites: http://www.kidsdinos.com/ and www. fossilsforkids.com/Now_and_Then.html

9:35-9:45 Language
Hooked on Phonics
Yellow Workbook pp. 1-3

9:45-10:00 Math
Filling Dinosaur Feet
Explain to the children that some of the largest dinosaurs had enormous feet. Cut a large dinosaur foot shape out of a bulletin board paper or old newspapers. Invite the children to take their shoes off and place them on the cutout. How many shoes fit on a dinosaur foot? Is the cutout full of shoes or could more shoes fit on it? Was a dinosaur’s foot larger or smaller than a person’s foot?

10:00-10:10 Wash Hands/Cook
Dino Lunch
Many dinosaurs were plant eaters who loved leafy green foods. Make a dinosaur salad using some of the following ingredients. Choose from green or red leaf lettuce, fresh spinach, snap peas, green peppers, green grapes, celery. Have the children help you wash and prepare the vegetables. Provide dip.

10:10-10:25 Snack

10:25-10:40 Play Time
Reading Nest
Make a dinosaur nest with soft pillows and blankets. Allow the children to quietly read along to a book on tape.

10:40-10:50 Story Time
D.W.’s Guide to Preschool by Marc Brown
How Do Dinosaurs Go To School? By Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Joffe Numeroff

10:50-11:05 Science
Playdough Fossils
Bring out the playdough and place rolling pins and an assortment of small plastic dinosaurs. Encourage the children to roll out playdough patties. Then, have them press the dinosaurs into the dough. Lift to reveal the imprints. After making several, mix up the dinos and have the children match each one to its imprint.

11:05-11:15 Music

11:15-11:30 Art
Dino Necklace p. 15

Homework:
Enrichment Worksheet #1
Show & Tell: Andrew (going on a trip) & Kaylie