Use the following questions for fun conversation at the dinner table! Kids love to be involved in the table talk and will enjoy the chance to use their imaginations as well.
1. Would you rather be a fish or a bird? Why?
2. Would you rather take a bath with a tub full of frogs, or a tub full of
ladybugs? ;)
3. If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
4. What kinds of things would you do if you were President of the United
States?
5. What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
6. If you could choose any animal in the world to be your pet, what would it be?
7. Can you touch your tongue to your nose?
8. If you could change your name, what would you want your name to be?
9. If it was up to you to plan our family vacation, where would you want to go?
10. If you could have any one superpower, what would you choose?
11. What cartoon character do you think is most like you?
What cartoon character do you think is most like Mom? Dad? Brother? Sister?
12. Name one thing you like about each of your family members.
13. Tell about a time that you were really nervous about something
14. Tell about a time where someone said something very nice about you.
15. What do you want to be when you grow up?
16. If you could name a planet, what would you name it?
17. Tell me what you think a Perfect Day would be like
18. If you were going on a trip across the ocean, what three things would you
choose to take with you?
19. If you could play with anyone in the whole world, who would you choose to
play with?
20. If you could make 3 wishes, what would they be?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Field Trip #3: Post Office
Have your children draw a picture or help them write a letter to a friend or family member. Help them package it into an envelope, address it and put a stamp on it so it is ready to be mailed. While they’re not looking, write a letter to your children and put it in an envelope. Have them help you write your own address on the center of the envelope, as this letter will be mailed back to them. (This is a good time to have them memorize where they live!) Put a stamp on it and head to the Post Office!!!
Go inside the Post Office and have your children put the mail in the correct mailbox. Explain what is going to happen with each letter. They will go from this Post Office to another bigger Post Office on a big mail truck, where the workers will look at the address and put it in a special pile for letters going to __________ (name of state). Once the letter gets to __________(state) they’ll look at the address again, and will put it into a pile that goes to ‘Grandma’s’ city. Then the mailman or mail woman will pick up these letters and take them for a ride in their own little mail truck.
Take children out back to see a mail truck if possible. Point out that the driver's seat in the mail truck is on a different side than it is in other cars. That is so they can be closer to the mailboxes on the side of the road. They have a lot of mail to deliver, so they must do it quickly.
Have children say the days of the week with you, and explain that Mail carriers deliver our mail every day except for Sunday and on certain holidays. They deliver mail in all kinds of weather… even when it’s snowy, rainy and icy. They work really hard to help us get our important mail. Give them a tour of the other parts of the post office: PO Boxes, the packaging area, the stamp machine. Explain the purpose of each and ask if they have any questions. Tell them “In a few days Grandma will be getting your letter and she’s going to be so excited.”
Next time you go to the library, check out a few books about postal carriers to help reinforce what they learned on the field trip. It’s always fun for kids to read about places they’ve already visited!
In a few days your child should receive the letter you addressed to him/her. It will make their day!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Lesson 10: Journey (Around the World)
Understanding what makes our world’s continents unique while also gaining an excitement for visiting new places.
For this lesson you will need:
Paper sack
J words (see letter of day)
Stickers
Map of continents (see below)
Paper (a few pieces)
Suitcase
Clothes from your child's dresser to wear in each kind of weather
Dining room chairs
Trailmix (or other snack) in baggies
Ice cube
Rock
Umbrella
Seashell
A Piece of art (or wood or brick)
Small amount of sand
Small container of water
camera and binoculars
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the Day: “Have you ever been on a really fun family trip? Tell me about your favorite one.” Allow each child to share their answer. Share the story of your favorite trip as well
Number of the Day ‘10’: Display the number 10. Have one child (or you) hold up both hands and spread their fingers out. Have another child point and count how many fingers that child has aloud. Switch roles and have one count the other’s toes. Have one child open their mouth wide, while the other child counts their teeth aloud. Switch roles until each child has had a chance to count. Write numbers 1-10 on a piece of paper and have the children count backward from the number 10 while looking at the paper. Have them try again with their eyes closed. High fives (or high tens) for everyone! Count out 10 stickers to put on sticker chart.
Letter of the Day ‘J’: In a paper lunch sack, place pieces of paper with the following words written on them.
Joke
Juggle
Jumping Jacks
J-word
Jig
Jog in place
Jiggle
Have each child pick a piece of paper out of the sack and perform whatever action is written. After they do it, you may want to put the piece of paper back in the bag to give someone else a chance to do the same action. Allow each child a few turns. (You’ll need to have ready something for them to juggle and a few jokes handy in case they can’t think of any on their own.)
When finished with the game, demonstrate how the letter Jj is written and allow them to practice in their writing notebooks. Teach the ASL sign for the letter J and the signs for
Jump, juice and journey (or 'travel'.
Introduction of Topic: Refer back to the children’s answers to the question of the day. Ask: “Before you went on vacation, what was one of the first things you had to do?”
(You had to figure out where you were going!) Hold up a map of the world and say: “Today we’re going to take a trip or JOURNEY around the world!” (make sure they understand this is only pretend so as not to get their hopes up :) )
“Now that we know where we’re going, we probably should get packing!”
Activity: Bring the suitcase and clothes out of hiding and allow them to fold, pack and organize their belongings into the suitcase. Ask what else they think they might need on their journey. Have them gather the items they thought of and pack them into the suitcase as well.
“I think we’re ready to go!”
Hand each child a ‘ticket’ and lead them to an area of the room where you have set up several chairs in a row. This will pose as the airplane! Act as the flight attendant while leading them to their seats and instructing them on how to fasten their seat belts. Inform them that there will be snack and beverage service shortly. (My girls love that part)
Tell them to get ready for takeoff.
After ‘Takeoff’ make your rounds as the flight attendant and make sure all passengers are comfortable. Pass out a baggy full of trail mix items and offer a few different beverage options.
Show map of continents and tell them we’re going to visit each one of these continents today, to learn a little bit more about them. Point to each continent and have them repeat after you as you introduce their names. Do this a couple of times.
Landing: You will land on each 'continent' for only a couple of minutes. Use a different area of the house to represent every continent. (Getting on and off the plane 7 times will get old, so after the first landing, you may just want to walk, take a 'row boat', skip, jump or cartwheel to each of the other continents.
After arrival, have children dress in the clothes they packed that best fit the continent's climate. A few facts will be shared about each continent, and one souvenir will be taken away so children have something to remember it by. (You’ll need a box to collect your souvenirs in) Use binoculars and a camera and really play it up! Explain your surroundings the best you can. Have children take pictures of each other posing on each continent.
South America: Mostly hot weather, home of Amazon river, and every few years there is what we call El Nino, where the weather changes and they get lots and lots of rain. Animals include jaguars, anacondas and piranhas! (Souvenir: Umbrella or big snake)
Antarctica: Located on the bottom of the Earth. Mostly covered in ice. No humans can live there. Home for penguins and polar bears! (Souvenir: An ice cube)
Asia: Continent that has the most people, and the highest mountain in the world—Mt. Everest, People there eat a lot of rice. Rhinos, pandas, Macaques (monkeys) and Komodo dragons (big lizards) live here.
(Souvenir: rock)
Australia: Smallest of all continents, is known for The Great Barrier Reef (explain what coral looks like and how it forms a barrier and is surrounded by water and sea creatures). Not many mountains. Home of the kangaroo, koala and Tasmanian devil. You may want to demonstrate the accent heard from Australians "G'day mate!" (Souvenir: shell)
Europe: Known for big beautiful buildings, art and yummy food. (expound on this) St. Bernards, Lemmings and Musk Ox’s live here. Teach them to say Hello in different European languages: Bonjour (French), Hola (Spanish), Guten Tag (German). (Souvenir: a piece of art, brick, or wood)
Africa: home to the largest 'hot' sand desert in the world, the Sahara. Also has the longest river,the Nile. Elephants, giraffes, lions and zebras live here. (Souvenir: baggie of sand)
North America: Most lakes in the world, lots of mountains, People of all colors and all languages..and it’s where we live! (Souvenir: container of water)
Now that you’re back in North America you can relax. “What a fantastic journey! It’s fun to visit new places isn’t it?” Show the map of continents again and have them repeat after you as you re-introduce each one. Test them to see how much they remember by pointing at a continent and asking them to name it. Use souvenirs to remind them of what they learned about each one.
Art/Craft: Make paper airplanes. Allow children to decorate them, then have a flying contest.
Snack: trailmix or other 'air plane food'(See above activity for details)
Service: Lead a brainstorm session on how you all can help make the world a better and cleaner place to live. (At some point in the day, do one of those things)
Goodbye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter J), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
For this lesson you will need:
Paper sack
J words (see letter of day)
Stickers
Map of continents (see below)
Paper (a few pieces)
Suitcase
Clothes from your child's dresser to wear in each kind of weather
Dining room chairs
Trailmix (or other snack) in baggies
Ice cube
Rock
Umbrella
Seashell
A Piece of art (or wood or brick)
Small amount of sand
Small container of water
camera and binoculars
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the Day: “Have you ever been on a really fun family trip? Tell me about your favorite one.” Allow each child to share their answer. Share the story of your favorite trip as well
Number of the Day ‘10’: Display the number 10. Have one child (or you) hold up both hands and spread their fingers out. Have another child point and count how many fingers that child has aloud. Switch roles and have one count the other’s toes. Have one child open their mouth wide, while the other child counts their teeth aloud. Switch roles until each child has had a chance to count. Write numbers 1-10 on a piece of paper and have the children count backward from the number 10 while looking at the paper. Have them try again with their eyes closed. High fives (or high tens) for everyone! Count out 10 stickers to put on sticker chart.
Letter of the Day ‘J’: In a paper lunch sack, place pieces of paper with the following words written on them.
Joke
Juggle
Jumping Jacks
J-word
Jig
Jog in place
Jiggle
Have each child pick a piece of paper out of the sack and perform whatever action is written. After they do it, you may want to put the piece of paper back in the bag to give someone else a chance to do the same action. Allow each child a few turns. (You’ll need to have ready something for them to juggle and a few jokes handy in case they can’t think of any on their own.)
When finished with the game, demonstrate how the letter Jj is written and allow them to practice in their writing notebooks. Teach the ASL sign for the letter J and the signs for
Jump, juice and journey (or 'travel'.
Introduction of Topic: Refer back to the children’s answers to the question of the day. Ask: “Before you went on vacation, what was one of the first things you had to do?”
(You had to figure out where you were going!) Hold up a map of the world and say: “Today we’re going to take a trip or JOURNEY around the world!” (make sure they understand this is only pretend so as not to get their hopes up :) )
“Now that we know where we’re going, we probably should get packing!”
Activity: Bring the suitcase and clothes out of hiding and allow them to fold, pack and organize their belongings into the suitcase. Ask what else they think they might need on their journey. Have them gather the items they thought of and pack them into the suitcase as well.
“I think we’re ready to go!”
Hand each child a ‘ticket’ and lead them to an area of the room where you have set up several chairs in a row. This will pose as the airplane! Act as the flight attendant while leading them to their seats and instructing them on how to fasten their seat belts. Inform them that there will be snack and beverage service shortly. (My girls love that part)
Tell them to get ready for takeoff.
After ‘Takeoff’ make your rounds as the flight attendant and make sure all passengers are comfortable. Pass out a baggy full of trail mix items and offer a few different beverage options.
Show map of continents and tell them we’re going to visit each one of these continents today, to learn a little bit more about them. Point to each continent and have them repeat after you as you introduce their names. Do this a couple of times.
Landing: You will land on each 'continent' for only a couple of minutes. Use a different area of the house to represent every continent. (Getting on and off the plane 7 times will get old, so after the first landing, you may just want to walk, take a 'row boat', skip, jump or cartwheel to each of the other continents.
After arrival, have children dress in the clothes they packed that best fit the continent's climate. A few facts will be shared about each continent, and one souvenir will be taken away so children have something to remember it by. (You’ll need a box to collect your souvenirs in) Use binoculars and a camera and really play it up! Explain your surroundings the best you can. Have children take pictures of each other posing on each continent.
South America: Mostly hot weather, home of Amazon river, and every few years there is what we call El Nino, where the weather changes and they get lots and lots of rain. Animals include jaguars, anacondas and piranhas! (Souvenir: Umbrella or big snake)
Antarctica: Located on the bottom of the Earth. Mostly covered in ice. No humans can live there. Home for penguins and polar bears! (Souvenir: An ice cube)
Asia: Continent that has the most people, and the highest mountain in the world—Mt. Everest, People there eat a lot of rice. Rhinos, pandas, Macaques (monkeys) and Komodo dragons (big lizards) live here.
(Souvenir: rock)
Australia: Smallest of all continents, is known for The Great Barrier Reef (explain what coral looks like and how it forms a barrier and is surrounded by water and sea creatures). Not many mountains. Home of the kangaroo, koala and Tasmanian devil. You may want to demonstrate the accent heard from Australians "G'day mate!" (Souvenir: shell)
Europe: Known for big beautiful buildings, art and yummy food. (expound on this) St. Bernards, Lemmings and Musk Ox’s live here. Teach them to say Hello in different European languages: Bonjour (French), Hola (Spanish), Guten Tag (German). (Souvenir: a piece of art, brick, or wood)
Africa: home to the largest 'hot' sand desert in the world, the Sahara. Also has the longest river,the Nile. Elephants, giraffes, lions and zebras live here. (Souvenir: baggie of sand)
North America: Most lakes in the world, lots of mountains, People of all colors and all languages..and it’s where we live! (Souvenir: container of water)
Now that you’re back in North America you can relax. “What a fantastic journey! It’s fun to visit new places isn’t it?” Show the map of continents again and have them repeat after you as you re-introduce each one. Test them to see how much they remember by pointing at a continent and asking them to name it. Use souvenirs to remind them of what they learned about each one.
Art/Craft: Make paper airplanes. Allow children to decorate them, then have a flying contest.
Snack: trailmix or other 'air plane food'(See above activity for details)
Service: Lead a brainstorm session on how you all can help make the world a better and cleaner place to live. (At some point in the day, do one of those things)
Goodbye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter J), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Cooking Day #1: Apple Muffins and Smoothies
Apple Muffins
1 ½ cups flour
½ cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
1 egg
½ cup milk
½ cup oil
1 cup peeled and chopped apples.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In med. mixing bowl, mix dry ingredients together.
In separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk and oil.
Make a well in the dry ingredients. Pour the liquid mixture into the well. Blend only until all is moistened. (Do not mix until smooth.)
Fold in apples. Batter should be lumpy.
Grease bottom of muffin tin (or use muffin cups) and spoon in batter about 2/3 full.
Top with Nut Crunch Topping (see below).
Bake for 20-25 minutes!
Nut Crunch Topping (for Muffins)
1/3 cup brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup broken nuts (optional)
Yummy Smoothie
1 banana
2 8 oz cups of low-fat strawberry yogurt (or your favorite flavor)
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 cup of shredded ice
½ c other berries optional
Blend all ingredients in a blender.
Serve with muffins!
Allow children to help gather the ingredients and supplies needed for the treats. Provide them with an apron (and hat) if available, to help them feel more official. Allow them to practice their hand washing skills (learned in lesson 2) before beginning!
While the treats are cooking and cooling, have children gather around the table for a fun musical activity! Fill 3-4 drinking glasses with different amounts of water. One should have only a small amount of water, another should be filled ½ way, and another ¾ of the way (and anywhere in between for additional glasses).
Using the handle of a spoon, have children tap the glasses and hear the different sounds they make. Give everyone a chance to play a few songs.
A good snack and a show! You can’t beat that.
Enjoy!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Lesson 9: Inventions
Learning about the impact of modern inventions and the role our imaginations play in creating new things
For this lesson, you will need:
Sticker basket
Sticker chart
Construction paper and glue
Scissors
Glue
Household junk such as: Bottle caps, toilet paper rolls, empty jugs or cartons, etc.
Household items such as: Telephone, clock, electric hand mixer, toy car,
toothbrush, camera, DVD, etc.
Picture of Alexander Graham Bell (see below)
Snack ingredients
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the day: What do you think is the most important thing/item in your whole house, and why? Allow each child to share their answer. Share your answer with the children as well.
Number of the Day ‘9’: Before Preschool cut out 9 strips of construction paper and write the following phrases on them :
1. Jump 9 times
2. Name 9 colors
3. Say 9 girl names
4. Say 9 words that rhyme with ‘at’
5. Do 9 sign language signs
6. Think of 9 favorite foods
7. Name 9 sports
8. Name 9 animals
9. Name 9 things you find at the grocery store
Link these strips of paper together with a stapler to make a paper chain. When it’s time for the number of the day, tell them they will be getting some great practice with the number 9 today (display the number 9 on a piece of paper). Give each child a turn (or multiple turns) to tear off a link and have you read it aloud. Tell them they must do whatever the chain tells them to do. You may choose to either have one child give an answer for each strip, or to have everyone pitch in their answers.
When done with this activity, pass around the sticker basket and allow them to choose 9 stickers to put on the sticker chart (see “Shall We Begin?” posting on Feb 2 for details)
Letter of the Day ‘I’: Lead the children in a game of “I’m thinking of a _______ (thing, animal, place),” centered around things that begin with the letter ‘I’. Rather than having them come up with questions about what you’re thinking of, give them clues.
“I’m thinking of a thing. It’s something that you eat. Any guesses?
It comes in lots of colors. Anyone have any ideas?
It’s very cold on my tongue. Who thinks they might know what it is?
My favorite flavor is chocolate. ????
Sometimes it comes in a cone.” (ICE CREAM!)
Other ideas: Ice, Igloo, Irish, Icicles, Inch, Itch, Insect, Instrument, Iron, etc.
Play game as many times as you wish. At the end, review the words you used in the game and ask what letter all of them start with.
Demonstrate how to write the letter Ii and allow them to practice in their writing notebooks. Show ASL signs for I and explain the two different sounds the letter makes.
Show ASL signs for Ice, Insect and Invention.
Introduction of Topic: Before Preschool, gather several of the following items together:
Telephone
Clock
CD player (ipod, mp3 player…)
Flashlight
Camera
Toy Car
Toothbrush
DVD
Electric Mixer
Any other cool gadgets you might find lying around the house
Pick up the telephone and say, “What do you think we would do if we didn’t have a telephone? How would we talk to people that are far away? How would we get help in an emergency?” Allow children to give their answers.
“Did you know that a long time ago, nobody in the whole world had phones? A long time ago, instead of calling each other, people would write letters and give them to a man. That man would then jump on his horse and ride around until all of the letters were delivered. If people needed to speak to someone right away, they would either run or ride a horse to find the people they needed to talk to.” (Hold up the toy car and explain that nobody had cars back then either.) Ask them if they can imagine having to run all the way to their Grandma’s or friend’s house every time they needed to talk to them.
Hold up a few more of the items and explain what people did before these things were available for use.
(Before flashlights, people would use candles. Before Cameras people created drawings and paintings. Before Toothbrushes, many people had rotten teeth! )
Hold up the telephone again.
Do you want to know about the person who made the telephone?
His name was Alexander Graham Bell.
Tell the following story using picture when necessary:
Story: “When Alexander was just a small boy, about your age, he loved to read and write. How many of you like to read? Because he loved to read so much, he developed a wonderful imagination. He liked to think a lot, and come up with new ways to do things. When he was 14 years old, his father asked him to think of a way to get the husks off of wheat. (Wheat is a plant we use to make flour. The husk is the outside of the plant that we do not eat ) He knew that if he thought hard enough, he could come up with a way to do it really fast. He thought about it, and he tried different things. Most of the things he tried didn’t work very well, but he didn’t stop trying. Finally, he came up with a tool that worked perfectly. He put some nails on a board and used it to brush the husks away from the wheat. He was really happy that he kept on trying.
(Hold up picture of AGB. if you wish) When he was older, he did some more experimenting and tried to find a way to talk to people without having to run to their house. He worked really hard, and tried lots of different things, and finally created the telephone!!
All these things we have now (point to the pile of items) are called inventions: They all were made from different people who had an idea in their mind, and worked hard to make something new and something better than what they already had.
I’m sure glad there was someone who had an idea to invent cars! I don’t like to walk places when it’s freezing cold outside. And it sure is nice to have a way to listen to music, because I don’t know how much you’d like to have to listen to ME sing all day :)!
Anyone can invent new things. Even you can be an inventor. All you have to have is a little bit of imagination. Raise your hand if you think you have an imagination!”
Activity: Lead a brainstorm session about what the children would like to invent. Emphasize that all ideas are great ideas. Add a few of your own ideas: A robot that brings me breakfast in bed and rubs my feet. A machine that will let you choose your own dreams at night! Let their imaginations roam free.
Craft: Provide a table full of household ‘junk’. Milk cartons, cardboard, bottle caps, toilet paper tubes, etc. and allow children to create something of their very own. No limitations (except for maybe the amount of glue they use).
Snack: Provide some ingredients for children to put together themselves and invent their own snack. They’ll be so proud….even if it doesn’t taste that good.
Service: Have children use the telephone from the lesson, to call a friend or family member and wish them a happy day.
Goodbye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter I), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
For this lesson, you will need:
Sticker basket
Sticker chart
Construction paper and glue
Scissors
Glue
Household junk such as: Bottle caps, toilet paper rolls, empty jugs or cartons, etc.
Household items such as: Telephone, clock, electric hand mixer, toy car,
toothbrush, camera, DVD, etc.
Picture of Alexander Graham Bell (see below)
Snack ingredients
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the day: What do you think is the most important thing/item in your whole house, and why? Allow each child to share their answer. Share your answer with the children as well.
Number of the Day ‘9’: Before Preschool cut out 9 strips of construction paper and write the following phrases on them :
1. Jump 9 times
2. Name 9 colors
3. Say 9 girl names
4. Say 9 words that rhyme with ‘at’
5. Do 9 sign language signs
6. Think of 9 favorite foods
7. Name 9 sports
8. Name 9 animals
9. Name 9 things you find at the grocery store
Link these strips of paper together with a stapler to make a paper chain. When it’s time for the number of the day, tell them they will be getting some great practice with the number 9 today (display the number 9 on a piece of paper). Give each child a turn (or multiple turns) to tear off a link and have you read it aloud. Tell them they must do whatever the chain tells them to do. You may choose to either have one child give an answer for each strip, or to have everyone pitch in their answers.
When done with this activity, pass around the sticker basket and allow them to choose 9 stickers to put on the sticker chart (see “Shall We Begin?” posting on Feb 2 for details)
Letter of the Day ‘I’: Lead the children in a game of “I’m thinking of a _______ (thing, animal, place),” centered around things that begin with the letter ‘I’. Rather than having them come up with questions about what you’re thinking of, give them clues.
“I’m thinking of a thing. It’s something that you eat. Any guesses?
It comes in lots of colors. Anyone have any ideas?
It’s very cold on my tongue. Who thinks they might know what it is?
My favorite flavor is chocolate. ????
Sometimes it comes in a cone.” (ICE CREAM!)
Other ideas: Ice, Igloo, Irish, Icicles, Inch, Itch, Insect, Instrument, Iron, etc.
Play game as many times as you wish. At the end, review the words you used in the game and ask what letter all of them start with.
Demonstrate how to write the letter Ii and allow them to practice in their writing notebooks. Show ASL signs for I and explain the two different sounds the letter makes.
Show ASL signs for Ice, Insect and Invention.
Introduction of Topic: Before Preschool, gather several of the following items together:
Telephone
Clock
CD player (ipod, mp3 player…)
Flashlight
Camera
Toy Car
Toothbrush
DVD
Electric Mixer
Any other cool gadgets you might find lying around the house
Pick up the telephone and say, “What do you think we would do if we didn’t have a telephone? How would we talk to people that are far away? How would we get help in an emergency?” Allow children to give their answers.
“Did you know that a long time ago, nobody in the whole world had phones? A long time ago, instead of calling each other, people would write letters and give them to a man. That man would then jump on his horse and ride around until all of the letters were delivered. If people needed to speak to someone right away, they would either run or ride a horse to find the people they needed to talk to.” (Hold up the toy car and explain that nobody had cars back then either.) Ask them if they can imagine having to run all the way to their Grandma’s or friend’s house every time they needed to talk to them.
Hold up a few more of the items and explain what people did before these things were available for use.
(Before flashlights, people would use candles. Before Cameras people created drawings and paintings. Before Toothbrushes, many people had rotten teeth! )
Hold up the telephone again.
Do you want to know about the person who made the telephone?
His name was Alexander Graham Bell.
Tell the following story using picture when necessary:
Story: “When Alexander was just a small boy, about your age, he loved to read and write. How many of you like to read? Because he loved to read so much, he developed a wonderful imagination. He liked to think a lot, and come up with new ways to do things. When he was 14 years old, his father asked him to think of a way to get the husks off of wheat. (Wheat is a plant we use to make flour. The husk is the outside of the plant that we do not eat ) He knew that if he thought hard enough, he could come up with a way to do it really fast. He thought about it, and he tried different things. Most of the things he tried didn’t work very well, but he didn’t stop trying. Finally, he came up with a tool that worked perfectly. He put some nails on a board and used it to brush the husks away from the wheat. He was really happy that he kept on trying.
(Hold up picture of AGB. if you wish) When he was older, he did some more experimenting and tried to find a way to talk to people without having to run to their house. He worked really hard, and tried lots of different things, and finally created the telephone!!
All these things we have now (point to the pile of items) are called inventions: They all were made from different people who had an idea in their mind, and worked hard to make something new and something better than what they already had.
I’m sure glad there was someone who had an idea to invent cars! I don’t like to walk places when it’s freezing cold outside. And it sure is nice to have a way to listen to music, because I don’t know how much you’d like to have to listen to ME sing all day :)!
Anyone can invent new things. Even you can be an inventor. All you have to have is a little bit of imagination. Raise your hand if you think you have an imagination!”
Activity: Lead a brainstorm session about what the children would like to invent. Emphasize that all ideas are great ideas. Add a few of your own ideas: A robot that brings me breakfast in bed and rubs my feet. A machine that will let you choose your own dreams at night! Let their imaginations roam free.
Craft: Provide a table full of household ‘junk’. Milk cartons, cardboard, bottle caps, toilet paper tubes, etc. and allow children to create something of their very own. No limitations (except for maybe the amount of glue they use).
Snack: Provide some ingredients for children to put together themselves and invent their own snack. They’ll be so proud….even if it doesn’t taste that good.
Service: Have children use the telephone from the lesson, to call a friend or family member and wish them a happy day.
Goodbye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter I), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
Everyone's a winner :)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Little Smarties...
I wanna hear about your little smarties. What do you love about them the most? Have they ever surprised you with a piece of information or a skill that you didn't know they had??
Leave a comment or email me at
smartypantts@gmail.com
I just might have a little something for one of you... which may or may not involve some things I got from the dollar store: The Greatest Place on Earth.
Hope to hear from you!!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Changing things up a little....
For a while now my girls and I have been following a schedule that goes something like this:
Monday: Library Day
Tuesday: Preschool Day
Wednesday: Cooking Day
Thursday: Preschool Day
and
Friday: Fun Outing Day
I’ve decided to gear my posts around such a schedule for those who are hoping for some variety in their week. (I can’t be the only one who needs variety!)
Here’s what you can expect to see on Smarty Pants from now on:
Monday: Regular Lesson Plan
Tuesday: Cooking Day Recipes and Ideas
Wednesday: Regular Lesson Plan
Thursday: Field Trip Ideas
Friday: What I like to call C’s Box of Chocolates...cause you never know what you’re gonna get! ;)
Hope to see you all week long!
Happy Teaching!
C
Monday: Library Day
Tuesday: Preschool Day
Wednesday: Cooking Day
Thursday: Preschool Day
and
Friday: Fun Outing Day
I’ve decided to gear my posts around such a schedule for those who are hoping for some variety in their week. (I can’t be the only one who needs variety!)
Here’s what you can expect to see on Smarty Pants from now on:
Monday: Regular Lesson Plan
Tuesday: Cooking Day Recipes and Ideas
Wednesday: Regular Lesson Plan
Thursday: Field Trip Ideas
Friday: What I like to call C’s Box of Chocolates...cause you never know what you’re gonna get! ;)
Hope to see you all week long!
Happy Teaching!
C
Field Trip!!!
Bookstore
Put on your reading glasses and take your kiddos to a nearby bookstore (preferably one with a childrens section and a comfy place to sit). Barnes and Noble and Borders are our favorites. Walk around with your children and ask them what kind of things they’d like to read about today. Ask what they’re favorite kinds of books are. Have each child pick out a few books, then find a comfortable spot and hold your own little story time. (Often times there will be a play area with some toys set up for the kids to play with as well.)
If you’re willing to spend some money, you can find great childrens books on the SALE rack for less than 5 dollars. Let them choose one to add to their very own library. They'll treasure it.
Put on your reading glasses and take your kiddos to a nearby bookstore (preferably one with a childrens section and a comfy place to sit). Barnes and Noble and Borders are our favorites. Walk around with your children and ask them what kind of things they’d like to read about today. Ask what they’re favorite kinds of books are. Have each child pick out a few books, then find a comfortable spot and hold your own little story time. (Often times there will be a play area with some toys set up for the kids to play with as well.)
If you’re willing to spend some money, you can find great childrens books on the SALE rack for less than 5 dollars. Let them choose one to add to their very own library. They'll treasure it.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Lesson 8: Helpers
Learning about the helpers who make our community a good place to live
For this lesson you will need:
Speaker Bear
Sticker Basket
Window Marker (or Dry erase marker)
Word Squares (see letter of the day)
Dress up items
Choice of Story Book
Printed Coloring Page
Apples, Celery and PB
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the day: Can you tell me about a time that you helped someone else? Pass speaker bear around giving each child a chance to answer. Share an experience you’ve had helping someone, and how helping made you feel.
Number of the day ‘8’: With a window marker (or dry erase marker) draw a big number 8 on the window. Ask children if they would like to practice their number 8s as well.
Give each child a turn to practice drawing a number 8 on the window. (Assistance may be needed for younger children if a window marker is used… it will drip!)
Have children count to 8 on their fingers (leaving out their thumbs), then have them count to eight on their toes (leaving out their big toes). Ask them what it would be like to have only 8 fingers with no thumbs. Have them try to pick up some items off the floor without using their thumbs. Have children count out eight stickers from the sticker basket while counting aloud and have them stick them on the sticker chart.
Letter of the day ‘H’: On six squares of paper write the following H-less words:
1: “ot”
2: “alloween”
3: “Ello!”
4: “ungry”
5: “air”
6: “appy”
Put the squares of paper into a bowl. Have children take turns standing up, and pulling a square of paper out of the bowl for you to read out loud. After you read what is on the paper, use that word in a sentence. “ot. Jeez, it’s ot in here!” or “air. I love the way you brush your air!” When all of the words have been read, ask what they noticed about each of these words.
Demonstrate how to write the letter Hh, and have children write the letter in where it’s supposed to go on each of the word squares. Say the words aloud again and ask if they think that sounds better.
Allow children to practice in their writing notebooks.
Teach ASL sign for the letter H, as well as the signs for Hot, Hungry and Help.
Introduction of topic: If you have any costume items around the house (such as a police, fireman or chef’s hat, nurse’s scrubs, or any other type of uniform) put it on. If you have others, put them aside for the children to wear later.
Ask if any of the children have chores that they are expected do to help out around the house. If they answer ‘yes,’ ask for examples. Discuss how important it is for everyone in the family to help each other in order to make our homes a happy, clean, and healthy place to live.
“Did you know that the town we live in has hundreds of people that work to help us every day too? Just like we do chores to help and serve each other at home, these helpers work hard to serve the people in our town or Community, and make it a happy, clean and healthy place to live!”
Ask them to think of some examples of helpers in our community. As they come up with answers, ask what each of these people do, and how what they do helps us.
(Doctors, Teachers, Dentists, Cashiers, Police Officers, Firemen, Waitresses, Chefs, Mechanics, Pharmacists, Truck Drivers, Librarians, Postal workers, Farmers etc.)
Explain that each of these jobs are so important. Have children imagine what would happen if some of these helpers were not available. (Example: What would happen if we didn’t have dentists? Who would I go to if I had a horrible toothache? What would happen if I was hurt very badly and there weren’t any doctors to help me?)
Listen to their answers. Explain that each of these helpers are very important, and that we need each and every one of them to make our community a good place to live.
Story: When I Grow Up by PK Hallinan
A Day with a Mail Carrier by Jan Kottke
Jobs People Do by Christopher Maynard
Sam Who Never Forgets by Eve Rice
Library Lil by Suzanne Williams, Steven Kellogg Allow children to make comments or ask questions about the story.
Activity: Have children dress up in Community Helper attire. If you don’t have ready made costumes, then have children help you construct them out of whatever you have handy (towels, eye glasses, Daddy’s ties…) and just play! Allow each child to choose an imaginary name and then act out different scenarios where you make use of each of their special Community Helper skills. Take mail to the post office, then go to a doctor’s appointment for a hurt leg. Check out books at the pretend library and then stop by Rite Aid to pick up your prescription. Let their imaginations go wild.
When they’ve had enough pretending… proceed with remainder of lesson plan.
Art: Color! See this site to print out community helper coloring pages of your choice. http://www.coloring.ws/people.htm
or
Have children design their own 'helper charts.' Have them choose a few chores that they enjoy doing, and then add a one or two others. Hang on the refrigerator and tell them that each day they do the chore, they can put a sticker on the chart. You may want to offer something special when their helper chart is filled up.
Snack: Apples, celery and peanut butter. Explain that farmers are special community helpers that grow yummy foods like this for us to eat!
Service: Choose one or a few Community Helpers to thank for their hard work and service. Deliver a plate of cookies to the firehouse, give a note of appreciation to the mailman. Verbally thank a cashier for her friendliness, etc.
Good bye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter H), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
For this lesson you will need:
Speaker Bear
Sticker Basket
Window Marker (or Dry erase marker)
Word Squares (see letter of the day)
Dress up items
Choice of Story Book
Printed Coloring Page
Apples, Celery and PB
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the day: Can you tell me about a time that you helped someone else? Pass speaker bear around giving each child a chance to answer. Share an experience you’ve had helping someone, and how helping made you feel.
Number of the day ‘8’: With a window marker (or dry erase marker) draw a big number 8 on the window. Ask children if they would like to practice their number 8s as well.
Give each child a turn to practice drawing a number 8 on the window. (Assistance may be needed for younger children if a window marker is used… it will drip!)
Have children count to 8 on their fingers (leaving out their thumbs), then have them count to eight on their toes (leaving out their big toes). Ask them what it would be like to have only 8 fingers with no thumbs. Have them try to pick up some items off the floor without using their thumbs. Have children count out eight stickers from the sticker basket while counting aloud and have them stick them on the sticker chart.
Letter of the day ‘H’: On six squares of paper write the following H-less words:
1: “ot”
2: “alloween”
3: “Ello!”
4: “ungry”
5: “air”
6: “appy”
Put the squares of paper into a bowl. Have children take turns standing up, and pulling a square of paper out of the bowl for you to read out loud. After you read what is on the paper, use that word in a sentence. “ot. Jeez, it’s ot in here!” or “air. I love the way you brush your air!” When all of the words have been read, ask what they noticed about each of these words.
Demonstrate how to write the letter Hh, and have children write the letter in where it’s supposed to go on each of the word squares. Say the words aloud again and ask if they think that sounds better.
Allow children to practice in their writing notebooks.
Teach ASL sign for the letter H, as well as the signs for Hot, Hungry and Help.
Introduction of topic: If you have any costume items around the house (such as a police, fireman or chef’s hat, nurse’s scrubs, or any other type of uniform) put it on. If you have others, put them aside for the children to wear later.
Ask if any of the children have chores that they are expected do to help out around the house. If they answer ‘yes,’ ask for examples. Discuss how important it is for everyone in the family to help each other in order to make our homes a happy, clean, and healthy place to live.
“Did you know that the town we live in has hundreds of people that work to help us every day too? Just like we do chores to help and serve each other at home, these helpers work hard to serve the people in our town or Community, and make it a happy, clean and healthy place to live!”
Ask them to think of some examples of helpers in our community. As they come up with answers, ask what each of these people do, and how what they do helps us.
(Doctors, Teachers, Dentists, Cashiers, Police Officers, Firemen, Waitresses, Chefs, Mechanics, Pharmacists, Truck Drivers, Librarians, Postal workers, Farmers etc.)
Explain that each of these jobs are so important. Have children imagine what would happen if some of these helpers were not available. (Example: What would happen if we didn’t have dentists? Who would I go to if I had a horrible toothache? What would happen if I was hurt very badly and there weren’t any doctors to help me?)
Listen to their answers. Explain that each of these helpers are very important, and that we need each and every one of them to make our community a good place to live.
Story: When I Grow Up by PK Hallinan
A Day with a Mail Carrier by Jan Kottke
Jobs People Do by Christopher Maynard
Sam Who Never Forgets by Eve Rice
Library Lil by Suzanne Williams, Steven Kellogg Allow children to make comments or ask questions about the story.
Activity: Have children dress up in Community Helper attire. If you don’t have ready made costumes, then have children help you construct them out of whatever you have handy (towels, eye glasses, Daddy’s ties…) and just play! Allow each child to choose an imaginary name and then act out different scenarios where you make use of each of their special Community Helper skills. Take mail to the post office, then go to a doctor’s appointment for a hurt leg. Check out books at the pretend library and then stop by Rite Aid to pick up your prescription. Let their imaginations go wild.
When they’ve had enough pretending… proceed with remainder of lesson plan.
Art: Color! See this site to print out community helper coloring pages of your choice. http://www.coloring.ws/people.htm
or
Have children design their own 'helper charts.' Have them choose a few chores that they enjoy doing, and then add a one or two others. Hang on the refrigerator and tell them that each day they do the chore, they can put a sticker on the chart. You may want to offer something special when their helper chart is filled up.
Snack: Apples, celery and peanut butter. Explain that farmers are special community helpers that grow yummy foods like this for us to eat!
Service: Choose one or a few Community Helpers to thank for their hard work and service. Deliver a plate of cookies to the firehouse, give a note of appreciation to the mailman. Verbally thank a cashier for her friendliness, etc.
Good bye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter H), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Lesson 7: Growing
Getting excited about growing and learning new skills
For this lesson you will need:
Speaker Bear
Sticker Basket
2 dolls (or stuffed animals or puppets)
Drawings (see # of the day)
Play-Doh
Measuring Tape
Baby pictures of children
Button up Shirt, shoes, jacket, shorts and tie (child size or adult clothes will work)
Brush
Toothbrush
Books: I Can do it Myself by Emily Perl Kingsley
All by Myself by Mercer Mayer
Paper
Crayons
Cheese or cheesesticks
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old McDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the day: What do you want to be when you grow up? Pass around the speaker bear and allow each child to share their answer. Tell children what your own future plans used to be when you were their age.
Number of the day ‘7’: Before preschool draw and color the following items on separate pieces of paper.
7 flowers
7 bees
7 ducks
7 berries
7 stars
You will use two dolls, stuffed animals or puppets as well as these drawings to tell the following story about the number 7.
“Once there was a little boy named Gary. He loved to spend his days outside. After dinner one evening he decided to go for a walk around the park with his friend Gretchen. They started down the pathway, when all of a sudden Gary saw something."
Hold up picture of flowers
Gary: “Look at those beautiful flowers Gretchen! Lets go take a closer look!”
Gretchen:(in a higher, feminine voice) “Wow! Those are beautiful! Let’s count them!”
Have children help Gary and Gretchen count the flowers aloud.
Gretchen: “Uh-Oh, we better not get too close. I hear a buzzing sound by the flowers!”
Ask children what they think the buzzing sound could be. Pull out the picture of the bees.
Gary: “Cool! Bees! Let’s count how many there are!”
Have children help Gary and Gretchen count the bees aloud.
Gary: “I brought some bread to feed to the ducks in the pond! I hope they’re hungry today!”
Gretchen: “I hear them quack quack quacking. I think it means they’re hungry! How many hungry ducks are in the pond today?”
Pull out picture of ducks and have children count them aloud.
Gretchen: “Now that the ducks are all fed, I’m feeling a little hungry.”
Gary: “I saw some black berries growing on the bush over there. Let’s go see how many we can find!”
Hold up picture of berries and have children count them aloud.
Gretchen: “Those were super tasty! I love blackberries!”
Gary: “Me too! Well, we better start walking back home. It will be getting dark soon.”
Gary and Gretchen decided to race all the way home. By the time they got home, they were out of breath and it was dark outside. They decided to lay on the grass and catch their breath for a minute.
Gary: “Wow. What a clear night it is. Do you see all those stars in the sky?”
Gretchen: “Let’s count them and make a wish!”
Hold up the picture of the stars and have children count them aloud.
Ask them what their wish would be.
Gary and Gretchen made their wishes on the brightest star. Gary wished that he could have a duck for a pet. Gretchen wished that she would get to eat yummy blackberries every day!
THE END.
Have children choose 7 stickers each, from the sticker basket while counting aloud, and stick them on the sticker chart.
Letter of the Day ‘G’: With a blob of play doh in hand, tell children you’re going to see how good they are at guessing. Mold the play doh into any object that begins with the letter G and have them guess what you are making.
Ideas: Guitar, Ghost, Glasses, a Glass, Grapes, Golf club, etc.
Allow each child to make something with the play-doh as well. Whisper a G object into their ear, and see if the others can guess what the child is making. Praise them for their excellent sculpting skills.
Ask children what letter each of the play-doh items started with.
Demonstrate how to write the capital and lower case letter G. Allow them to practice in their writing notebooks.
Teach the ASL sign and the sounds for ‘G.’ Teach ASL sign for Good, Gorilla, and Grow.
Introduction of Topic: Pull out measuring tape and say “Before we start, I need to make a few measurements.” Measure each child. Allow them to take a step back to see how tall they are and tell them how many inches high they measured. Act astounded when finished measuring. “I can’t believe how much you’ve grown!!”
Pull the tape measurer in so that only about 1 ½ feet of tape is sticking out. Tell them that they started out only this big! Pull the tape back out to their current size and say “And Now you’re THIS big! You’ve been growing right before my very eyes!”
Have children sit in a circle and pass around pictures of each of them when they were babies. Describe how they looked when they were first born, how much they weighed, and anything else that was unique about them.
Lead a discussion about what babies are able to do. (drink, sleep, poop, cry)
Talk about what babies are able to do when they get a little older (Sit, eat food, crawl, put things in their mouth, walk, use words, smile, play….)
Talk about the many things they are able to do now. “Each year our bodies get a little bit bigger, and each year you learn how to do more and more things. Next year we will be even bigger and will be able to do even more things than we can do now.” Discuss some of the things they might be able to do when they’re a little older: tying shoes, reading, learning new languages, cooking, playing sports, etc.
Activity: Before preschool, write the following phrases on a piece of paper:
Get Dressed*
Button my shirt
Zip up my jacket
Brush my teeth**
Sing ABC’s
Tell a joke
Write my name (or letter ______. )
Do jumping jacks
Count my fingers and toes
Brush my hair
Count to 20
Say two words that rhyme..
(Adjust phrases to fit your child’s level of ability, of course)
* Have ready a pile of clothes and a pair of shoes, child or adult sized for the ‘get dressed’ task
** Brushing teeth task can just be mimed with a toothbrush (unless you really want them to get some practice in)
Cut out each phrase.
When it’s time for the activity, place the phrases face down in the middle of the circle. Tell each child they must pick two phrases and then complete the tasks as quickly as possible, one right after the other. When they are done, they must come back to the circle and sit down. If they need help with one of the tasks, take the time to show them how to do it correctly and allow them to practice until they get it on their own.
Story: I Can do it Myself by Emily Perl Kingsley
All by Myself by Mercer Mayer
Explain that as they grow they will have lots of fun times, and some hard times too. Sometimes they'll feel really happy , and sometimes they'll feel sad. Discuss other feelings that go along with growing up and that it's always OK to feel the way they do. Discuss ways of handling these different feelings, and tell them its okay to ask for help if they are confused or can't do something on their own. We all need help sometimes. Share a story from your childhood when you felt sad angry or embarrassed and how you got through it with help from others.
Snack: Cheese stick. Explain that cheese is a great source of CALCIUM, which is something in food that helps us grow strong bones and teeth. It also has a lot of protein which will help our muscles grow strong.
Service/Art: Help each child write a thank you note (and have them draw a picture) for someone who has taught them something special. (a church teacher, friend, neighbor, a sibling, etc).
Have them help you prepare it to be mailed.
Good bye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter G), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
For this lesson you will need:
Speaker Bear
Sticker Basket
2 dolls (or stuffed animals or puppets)
Drawings (see # of the day)
Play-Doh
Measuring Tape
Baby pictures of children
Button up Shirt, shoes, jacket, shorts and tie (child size or adult clothes will work)
Brush
Toothbrush
Books: I Can do it Myself by Emily Perl Kingsley
All by Myself by Mercer Mayer
Paper
Crayons
Cheese or cheesesticks
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old McDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the day: What do you want to be when you grow up? Pass around the speaker bear and allow each child to share their answer. Tell children what your own future plans used to be when you were their age.
Number of the day ‘7’: Before preschool draw and color the following items on separate pieces of paper.
7 flowers
7 bees
7 ducks
7 berries
7 stars
You will use two dolls, stuffed animals or puppets as well as these drawings to tell the following story about the number 7.
“Once there was a little boy named Gary. He loved to spend his days outside. After dinner one evening he decided to go for a walk around the park with his friend Gretchen. They started down the pathway, when all of a sudden Gary saw something."
Hold up picture of flowers
Gary: “Look at those beautiful flowers Gretchen! Lets go take a closer look!”
Gretchen:(in a higher, feminine voice) “Wow! Those are beautiful! Let’s count them!”
Have children help Gary and Gretchen count the flowers aloud.
Gretchen: “Uh-Oh, we better not get too close. I hear a buzzing sound by the flowers!”
Ask children what they think the buzzing sound could be. Pull out the picture of the bees.
Gary: “Cool! Bees! Let’s count how many there are!”
Have children help Gary and Gretchen count the bees aloud.
Gary: “I brought some bread to feed to the ducks in the pond! I hope they’re hungry today!”
Gretchen: “I hear them quack quack quacking. I think it means they’re hungry! How many hungry ducks are in the pond today?”
Pull out picture of ducks and have children count them aloud.
Gretchen: “Now that the ducks are all fed, I’m feeling a little hungry.”
Gary: “I saw some black berries growing on the bush over there. Let’s go see how many we can find!”
Hold up picture of berries and have children count them aloud.
Gretchen: “Those were super tasty! I love blackberries!”
Gary: “Me too! Well, we better start walking back home. It will be getting dark soon.”
Gary and Gretchen decided to race all the way home. By the time they got home, they were out of breath and it was dark outside. They decided to lay on the grass and catch their breath for a minute.
Gary: “Wow. What a clear night it is. Do you see all those stars in the sky?”
Gretchen: “Let’s count them and make a wish!”
Hold up the picture of the stars and have children count them aloud.
Ask them what their wish would be.
Gary and Gretchen made their wishes on the brightest star. Gary wished that he could have a duck for a pet. Gretchen wished that she would get to eat yummy blackberries every day!
THE END.
Have children choose 7 stickers each, from the sticker basket while counting aloud, and stick them on the sticker chart.
Letter of the Day ‘G’: With a blob of play doh in hand, tell children you’re going to see how good they are at guessing. Mold the play doh into any object that begins with the letter G and have them guess what you are making.
Ideas: Guitar, Ghost, Glasses, a Glass, Grapes, Golf club, etc.
Allow each child to make something with the play-doh as well. Whisper a G object into their ear, and see if the others can guess what the child is making. Praise them for their excellent sculpting skills.
Ask children what letter each of the play-doh items started with.
Demonstrate how to write the capital and lower case letter G. Allow them to practice in their writing notebooks.
Teach the ASL sign and the sounds for ‘G.’ Teach ASL sign for Good, Gorilla, and Grow.
Introduction of Topic: Pull out measuring tape and say “Before we start, I need to make a few measurements.” Measure each child. Allow them to take a step back to see how tall they are and tell them how many inches high they measured. Act astounded when finished measuring. “I can’t believe how much you’ve grown!!”
Pull the tape measurer in so that only about 1 ½ feet of tape is sticking out. Tell them that they started out only this big! Pull the tape back out to their current size and say “And Now you’re THIS big! You’ve been growing right before my very eyes!”
Have children sit in a circle and pass around pictures of each of them when they were babies. Describe how they looked when they were first born, how much they weighed, and anything else that was unique about them.
Lead a discussion about what babies are able to do. (drink, sleep, poop, cry)
Talk about what babies are able to do when they get a little older (Sit, eat food, crawl, put things in their mouth, walk, use words, smile, play….)
Talk about the many things they are able to do now. “Each year our bodies get a little bit bigger, and each year you learn how to do more and more things. Next year we will be even bigger and will be able to do even more things than we can do now.” Discuss some of the things they might be able to do when they’re a little older: tying shoes, reading, learning new languages, cooking, playing sports, etc.
Activity: Before preschool, write the following phrases on a piece of paper:
Get Dressed*
Button my shirt
Zip up my jacket
Brush my teeth**
Sing ABC’s
Tell a joke
Write my name (or letter ______. )
Do jumping jacks
Count my fingers and toes
Brush my hair
Count to 20
Say two words that rhyme..
(Adjust phrases to fit your child’s level of ability, of course)
* Have ready a pile of clothes and a pair of shoes, child or adult sized for the ‘get dressed’ task
** Brushing teeth task can just be mimed with a toothbrush (unless you really want them to get some practice in)
Cut out each phrase.
When it’s time for the activity, place the phrases face down in the middle of the circle. Tell each child they must pick two phrases and then complete the tasks as quickly as possible, one right after the other. When they are done, they must come back to the circle and sit down. If they need help with one of the tasks, take the time to show them how to do it correctly and allow them to practice until they get it on their own.
Story: I Can do it Myself by Emily Perl Kingsley
All by Myself by Mercer Mayer
Explain that as they grow they will have lots of fun times, and some hard times too. Sometimes they'll feel really happy , and sometimes they'll feel sad. Discuss other feelings that go along with growing up and that it's always OK to feel the way they do. Discuss ways of handling these different feelings, and tell them its okay to ask for help if they are confused or can't do something on their own. We all need help sometimes. Share a story from your childhood when you felt sad angry or embarrassed and how you got through it with help from others.
Snack: Cheese stick. Explain that cheese is a great source of CALCIUM, which is something in food that helps us grow strong bones and teeth. It also has a lot of protein which will help our muscles grow strong.
Service/Art: Help each child write a thank you note (and have them draw a picture) for someone who has taught them something special. (a church teacher, friend, neighbor, a sibling, etc).
Have them help you prepare it to be mailed.
Good bye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter G), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Valentines Day
Share the LOVE today!
Have a candle light breakfast (heart shaped pancakes, special cereal, or any other favorites) Set the table with your nicest dishes and make a toast to love :)
Leave love notes around the house for children to find throughout the day. Hide some in their dresser drawers, shoes, coat pocket, under their pillow…etc. On each note list one thing you love about them.
Make homemade chocolates and heart shaped cookies together to deliver to family friends and neighbors…and for your family to munch on too, of course.
Here’s a fabulous favorite of ours:
Cookie Dough Truffles
1/2c butter, softened
3/4c packed brown sugar
2c all-purpose flour
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2c miniature semisweet choc chips
1 ½ pounds semisweet choc. candy coating, (We like the wafers from Wegmans!)
In mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour, milk and vanilla; mix well. Stir in choc chips. Shape into 1 inch balls; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Loosely cover and refrigerate for 1/2 hour or until firm.
In microwave safe bowl, melt candy coating, (on 70% power for 2-3 minutes stirring often until smooth.) Dip balls in coating; place on waxed paper. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. Drizzle some left over melted candy coating on top of candies for decorative purposes. Store in refrigerator.
They’re fabulous.
Check out several Valentine-themed books from the library, lay on the floor with some blankets….kick off your socks and read!:
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, by Eileen Spinelli
Valentine's Day by Anne and Lizzie Rockwell
Queen of Hearts by Mary Engelbreit
Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane de Groat
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
Max’s Valentine by Rosemary Wells
Biggest Valentine Ever by Steven Kroll
Love Splat by Rob Scotton
Check out some Valentine-themed movies, pull out the ol’ sleeping bags.. pop some popcorn and enjoy:
Be My Valentine Charlie Brown
Lady and the Tramp
Berenstein Bear’s Cupid Surprise
Alvin & The Chipmunks- A Chipmunk Valentine
Franklin’s Valentine
Beauty and the Beast
Plan a Treasure Hunt where clues (or a map) are given to lead them to a hidden Valentine treasure. The treasure may include a box of everything to throw a V-day party: Heart Balloons, Box of Cake Mix, A heart baking mold (found at the dollar store) frosting, sprinkles, and a game.
Or
Goody bags containing pencils, erasers, puzzles, and other Valentiney things.
Invite a friend or neighbor over for a V-day Picnic Lunch. Lay a blanket in your living room and serve Heart shaped sandwiches, Apples, and Fruit Smoothies!
Feelin’ crafty? I don’t have much to offer in this department….but check out these sites:
http://www.makingfriends.com/valentine.htm
http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/valentine.html
Start a tradition with the Valentine Pinata!
Have a ‘cake’ walk in your living room with numbered hearts. Use stickers, conversation hearts, or other small items as the prizes
Valentine Pictionary: Take turns drawing items on paper, while others guess what you are drawing. Switch it up a bit, and try drawing some items with your eyes closed, with mittens on, with your toes, with the paper on your head…etc.
Decorate Daddy’s Domain. If Dad has an office, closet or special side of the bed…decorate it with homemade Valentines and heart cut outs!
Steal him away on his lunch break, blindfold him and take him to a surprise destination for lunch.
Stage your dining room like a fancy restaurant and act as the waitress, with pad and pen in hand. Tell them what’s on the menu, and make up fancy names for the drink options. Play soft music in the background and check in often making sure they’re enjoying their meal and that you’re meeting their high class dining needs.
(Don’t forget to dress up nice and have them dress up as well)
Make a story box. On several slips of paper, write phrases that will trigger your memory about different phases of your life,such as:
"My first day of school
When you (your child) were born
My first job
My most embarrassing moment
My family vacation etc."
Fold these slips of paper and put them into a heart shaped box. Give it to your child and tell them each night before bed they may pick one, and that will be the story you’ll share.
End the night with a dance party. Be sure to bring glow sticks!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Time for a Field Trip!!!
Grocery Store
Create a ‘grocery list’ for each of your children, by drawing (or cutting and pasting) pictures of several food items for them to find. If they go shopping with you often, they probably already know where most of the foods are located. Allow them to push around a child sized cart if your store has them available. Be sure to ask their opinion on some of the items. “Should we get lemon or cherry yogurt?” “What do you think would taste better, ______ or _______?” “Which of these apples looks the best?” Have children assist you in unloading your cart at the checkout counter. When you get home, have them help you put the groceries away in their proper places.
Thank them for all their hard work and for being great company!
Create a ‘grocery list’ for each of your children, by drawing (or cutting and pasting) pictures of several food items for them to find. If they go shopping with you often, they probably already know where most of the foods are located. Allow them to push around a child sized cart if your store has them available. Be sure to ask their opinion on some of the items. “Should we get lemon or cherry yogurt?” “What do you think would taste better, ______ or _______?” “Which of these apples looks the best?” Have children assist you in unloading your cart at the checkout counter. When you get home, have them help you put the groceries away in their proper places.
Thank them for all their hard work and for being great company!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Lesson 6: Family
Understanding the importance of the family unit and what makes each family unique
For this lesson you will need:
Speaker Bear
Sticker Basket
Construction Paper
Markers/Crayons
Stick (1 ½-2 feet) or broom stick
Yarn
Magnet
Paper clips or safety pins
Paper fish (see example)
Basket
Paper lunch sack (or other container)
Several pictures of family you grew up with
Tape
Bingo Card (see example)
Books: This is My Family by Mercer Mayer,
OR Who’s in a Family? By Robert Skutch
Hole puncher
Scissors
Hanger
Items for Trail Mix
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the Day: What is one of your favorite things to do with your family? Pass the speaking bear around allowing each child to answer. Share your answer with the children as well.
Number of the Day ‘6’: Display the #6 on white board or piece of paper and draw six musical notes next to it. Have children count the musical notes aloud as you point. Ask:
“Have you ever wanted to play in a band? I am very interested to see what we would sound like playing music together. Shall we give it a try?”
Assign each child a different instrument to play (clapping hands, slapping legs, clicking tongue, snapping fingers, popping lips, etc.) Tell each child to make their sound six times, and then stop. Have all children make their sounds simultaneously, while you count aloud to six. Then start all over again. After a few practices you should be able to stop counting altogether and just play the music. You may add to the rhythmn when they're comfortable, or switch the 'instruments' around. You can even try making up words to your song.
Congratulate them on their fantastic musical abilities. Pass around the sticker basket and have each of them pull out six stickers while counting aloud and put them on the sticker chart.
Letter of the day ‘F’: Go Fishin’ for the letter F. Tie some yarn around the end of a stick and attach a magnet to the end of the yarn. Cut several fishes out of paper and write a different word on the back of each fish. Most of these words should begin with the letter F, but some should start with other letters. Lay the fish down, so the words are facing the floor, and have each child take a turn fishing. When they catch a fish, hold it up so that they are able to see the word. Read the word aloud and ask them if this word starts with the letter F. If it does, put it into a basket to be kept. If it does not begin with the letter F, throw the fish back with the others. Have them continue fishing until all ‘F’ fish have been caught.
Demonstrate how the letter F is written, and allow children to practice in their writing notebooks.
Show children the ASL sign and sound for the letter F and ask if they can think of other words that start with that letter. Teach the ASL signs for Food, Fun, and Family.
Introduction of Topic: From a small, paper lunch sack, pull out pictures one at a time of each member of your family (the family you grew up in). Show children the pictures and tell a little bit about each one (include their names, hobbies, nicknames, funny stories, and one thing you love about them.) Tape the pictures to a window, or other surface so the children can look at them. After all pictures have been displayed, show them a picture of your whole family together and say “This is my family and I love them very much. I would love to learn about your families too!”
Activity: Have children take turns holding the ‘speaker bear’ and ask them several questions about their families (How many siblings do you have? What does your family like to do together? What trips have you taken together? What kind of food does your family like to eat? Do you have any family rules? What’s one thing you love about your Mom, Dad, sibling, Gma, Gpa, etc.)
Emphasize that all families are different (sizes, ages, some have just a mom raising the children, some have just a dad, and some have grandparents or aunts and uncles taking care of the children.) All are different and all are very important.
Ask “Why do you think we have families?”
To help us learn how to be kind, how to help each other, how to work, how to have manners and have FUN
To take care of us when we’re hurt, or sick, and to comfort us when we’re feeling sad or scared.
To love us ALWAYS, even when we have bad days or make mistakes. Our families love us no matter what.
Activity: Explain that one way we can strengthen our families is by spending time together doing fun activities. Lead them in a game of Family Fun Bingo. You may use the example bingo board below (copy into Word, adjust size, and print) or you may create your own. Be sure to make an extra copy for yourself, the bingo caller. For game pieces, simply cut a piece of construction paper into small squares and use to place over the pictures on the bingo card. As each activity is called, have children find the picture on their own board and discuss how each activity can be a great way to spend time together as a family.
When the children get a bingo, have them count the number of pictures that are covered on their card aloud. Continue playing until all spaces have been covered and have them yell BLACKOUT!!
Emphasize the importance of always treating the members of our family with kindness, and showing them love, because family is one of the most wonderful gifts we've been given.
Story: This is My Family by Mercer Mayer,
Who’s in a Family? By Robert Skutch
Discuss story with children, ask questions about characters, etc. Ask if children have any questions.
Share a story from your own family about a fun vacation, an embarrassing moment, or an exciting event that occurred. If its just you and your children present, share the special stories of the days they were born.
Art: Create a Family Mobile: On white or construction paper, have children draw and color the faces of each member of their family. Cut out each face individually (allowing an extra ½” all the way around )and with a hole punch, make a hole in the top. String yarn through the hole, and hang from a hanger.
Service: Tell each child to think of a secret act of service they can perform for a member of their own family (make sibling’s bed, clean up their room, set the table for mom, etc.) They need to be sneaky and not tell the person what they are going to do.
Tell them you will ask them about it the next time you meet.
Snack: Trail Mix (cereal, choc. chips, raisins, nuts, pretzels) Discuss how the various ingredients are like members of a family. Each one is very different, but they all come together to make a something great.
Activity: If there's time, introduce one game or activity that your family enjoys doing together (example: Family Olympics, going for walks, playing hide and seek, etc). Explain the rules to the children and try it out.
Good bye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter F), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
For this lesson you will need:
Speaker Bear
Sticker Basket
Construction Paper
Markers/Crayons
Stick (1 ½-2 feet) or broom stick
Yarn
Magnet
Paper clips or safety pins
Paper fish (see example)
Basket
Paper lunch sack (or other container)
Several pictures of family you grew up with
Tape
Bingo Card (see example)
Books: This is My Family by Mercer Mayer,
OR Who’s in a Family? By Robert Skutch
Hole puncher
Scissors
Hanger
Items for Trail Mix
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the Day: What is one of your favorite things to do with your family? Pass the speaking bear around allowing each child to answer. Share your answer with the children as well.
Number of the Day ‘6’: Display the #6 on white board or piece of paper and draw six musical notes next to it. Have children count the musical notes aloud as you point. Ask:
“Have you ever wanted to play in a band? I am very interested to see what we would sound like playing music together. Shall we give it a try?”
Assign each child a different instrument to play (clapping hands, slapping legs, clicking tongue, snapping fingers, popping lips, etc.) Tell each child to make their sound six times, and then stop. Have all children make their sounds simultaneously, while you count aloud to six. Then start all over again. After a few practices you should be able to stop counting altogether and just play the music. You may add to the rhythmn when they're comfortable, or switch the 'instruments' around. You can even try making up words to your song.
Congratulate them on their fantastic musical abilities. Pass around the sticker basket and have each of them pull out six stickers while counting aloud and put them on the sticker chart.
Letter of the day ‘F’: Go Fishin’ for the letter F. Tie some yarn around the end of a stick and attach a magnet to the end of the yarn. Cut several fishes out of paper and write a different word on the back of each fish. Most of these words should begin with the letter F, but some should start with other letters. Lay the fish down, so the words are facing the floor, and have each child take a turn fishing. When they catch a fish, hold it up so that they are able to see the word. Read the word aloud and ask them if this word starts with the letter F. If it does, put it into a basket to be kept. If it does not begin with the letter F, throw the fish back with the others. Have them continue fishing until all ‘F’ fish have been caught.
Demonstrate how the letter F is written, and allow children to practice in their writing notebooks.
Show children the ASL sign and sound for the letter F and ask if they can think of other words that start with that letter. Teach the ASL signs for Food, Fun, and Family.
Introduction of Topic: From a small, paper lunch sack, pull out pictures one at a time of each member of your family (the family you grew up in). Show children the pictures and tell a little bit about each one (include their names, hobbies, nicknames, funny stories, and one thing you love about them.) Tape the pictures to a window, or other surface so the children can look at them. After all pictures have been displayed, show them a picture of your whole family together and say “This is my family and I love them very much. I would love to learn about your families too!”
Activity: Have children take turns holding the ‘speaker bear’ and ask them several questions about their families (How many siblings do you have? What does your family like to do together? What trips have you taken together? What kind of food does your family like to eat? Do you have any family rules? What’s one thing you love about your Mom, Dad, sibling, Gma, Gpa, etc.)
Emphasize that all families are different (sizes, ages, some have just a mom raising the children, some have just a dad, and some have grandparents or aunts and uncles taking care of the children.) All are different and all are very important.
Ask “Why do you think we have families?”
To help us learn how to be kind, how to help each other, how to work, how to have manners and have FUN
To take care of us when we’re hurt, or sick, and to comfort us when we’re feeling sad or scared.
To love us ALWAYS, even when we have bad days or make mistakes. Our families love us no matter what.
Activity: Explain that one way we can strengthen our families is by spending time together doing fun activities. Lead them in a game of Family Fun Bingo. You may use the example bingo board below (copy into Word, adjust size, and print) or you may create your own. Be sure to make an extra copy for yourself, the bingo caller. For game pieces, simply cut a piece of construction paper into small squares and use to place over the pictures on the bingo card. As each activity is called, have children find the picture on their own board and discuss how each activity can be a great way to spend time together as a family.
When the children get a bingo, have them count the number of pictures that are covered on their card aloud. Continue playing until all spaces have been covered and have them yell BLACKOUT!!
Emphasize the importance of always treating the members of our family with kindness, and showing them love, because family is one of the most wonderful gifts we've been given.
Story: This is My Family by Mercer Mayer,
Who’s in a Family? By Robert Skutch
Discuss story with children, ask questions about characters, etc. Ask if children have any questions.
Share a story from your own family about a fun vacation, an embarrassing moment, or an exciting event that occurred. If its just you and your children present, share the special stories of the days they were born.
Art: Create a Family Mobile: On white or construction paper, have children draw and color the faces of each member of their family. Cut out each face individually (allowing an extra ½” all the way around )and with a hole punch, make a hole in the top. String yarn through the hole, and hang from a hanger.
Service: Tell each child to think of a secret act of service they can perform for a member of their own family (make sibling’s bed, clean up their room, set the table for mom, etc.) They need to be sneaky and not tell the person what they are going to do.
Tell them you will ask them about it the next time you meet.
Snack: Trail Mix (cereal, choc. chips, raisins, nuts, pretzels) Discuss how the various ingredients are like members of a family. Each one is very different, but they all come together to make a something great.
Activity: If there's time, introduce one game or activity that your family enjoys doing together (example: Family Olympics, going for walks, playing hide and seek, etc). Explain the rules to the children and try it out.
Good bye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter F), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Lesson 5: Eating
Learning what happens to the food we eat and how to take good care of our digestive systems
Additional Note: I did this lesson with a group of preschoolers and they ATE IT UP!
For this lesson you will need:
Speaker Bear
Sticker Basket
Colored Construction paper
tape
Saltine Crackers (in a bowl)
Paper Towel Tube
Empty milk jug that is see-through
Spray bottle filled with water
Pastry cutter (or fork)
2 pieces of bread moistened and smooshed
Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
5 small balls, marshmallows or any other small item)and something for them to hide in
Bucket (or large mixing bowl)
Piece of paper with a ‘5’ drawn on it
Printed and colored diagram of digestive system: see below
2-3 Foods from each food group
Plate
Welcome Song: Sung to tune of “Old MacDonald”
Welcome welcome everyone
So glad that you are here
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer,
Woohoo!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap slap slap slap
Clap clap clap Let’s go! (group highfive)
Question of the Day: What did you eat for breakfast this morning? Pass the “Speaker Bear” to each child and allow them to answer the question. Share your answer as well.
Number of the Day '5': Hide five small balls (or other small items) in a lunch bag. Pull one out of the bag and show it to the children. “Do you think I can juggle this?”
Proceed to throw it up and catch it in the other hand. “That was pretty easy. Do you think I can do two?” Pull out another ball and juggle the two balls. “That wasn’t too hard.” Pull out the rest of the balls and ask if they think you can juggle all of them. Have them count the balls aloud with you. For kicks, go ahead and give it a shot. Say “I guess I’m going to need a little more practice. But for now, I think we’ll try something else.”
Place a bucket on the floor. Tell children that they must stand behind a designated imaginary line, and take turns trying to get all 5 balls into the bucket. Have them count aloud each time they toss one.
When the game is done, pass around the sticker basket and ask each child to pick out 5 stickers while counting aloud. Have them stick the stickers on the sticker chart.
Letter of the Day 'E': Before class, use colored construction paper to gift wrap the letter E. Wrap it in several layers, each layer being a different color (enough layers for each child to unwrap one.) Top the gift with a bow. Tell children you are going to play some music, while they pass the “present” around the circle. When you stop the music the person who is holding the present will get to unwrap one layer. Repeat this process until each child has had one turn, and the letter is revealed.
Demonstrate how the capital and lower case letter E is written. Allow children to practice in their writing notebooks.
Teach the ASL sign and sounds for the letter E, and ask what words they can think of that start with that letter. Teach ASL sign for Ear, Elephant, and Eat.
Introduction of Topic: Give each child a Saltine cracker and tell them to eat it.
After children are finished eating, ask “What happened to the cracker?!” (We ate it!)
“Where did it go after it went in your mouth?” (In my throat, in my tummy)
“How did it fit down there?” Show them another cracker and how big it is. Act surprised that they could each swallow such a big piece of food!
Have them describe what happened inside of their mouths to make the cracker small enough to fit in their throats and tummies.
Hold up the Saltine for children to see “Today, we’re going to find out exactly what happens to food when we eat it.”
Show digestive diagram and have children say “DIGESTIVE SYSTEM” aloud, (It’s always fun to hear little mouths use big words).
Have children repeat after you as you introduce each part of the system.
Point to your mouth and say, this is where it all begins, in the __________! (Mouth!!)
“Inside our mouths we have many different parts that help us to break food down and make it smaller so it can fit in our throats and tummies, just like what happened with your cracker." Point to your teeth and ask if anyone knows what job the teeth are in charge of. (CHEWING FOOD!)
Ask what would happen if we didn’t have teeth and emphasize importance of taking good care of our teeth. Explain process of chewing and breaking down food.
Have children stick out their tongues, and look at the person’s tongue sitting next to them. “Are our tongues wet or dry?”
“The wet stuff on our tongue and in our mouth is what we call Saliva. When food enters our mouth, it touches the saliva, and the saliva helps the food to become soft so it’s easier to chew and swallow.”
Activity: Demonstrate how saliva works to soften foods, by allowing each child to squirt some water from a spray bottle onto the saltine cracker. Have children observe and tell you what is happening to the cracker, each time someone squirts. Then have each child crush the softened cracker with a pastry cutter or fork (acting as the teeth).
“After the saliva and teeth have made the food soft and small enough to swallow, then it goes down a long tube called our esophagus.” Have children drag their fingers from the front of their neck all the way down to their stomach. “The esophagus is kind of like an elevator for our food. Once we swallow, the elevator takes the food down to our stomach.” Demonstrate this by using a cardboard paper towel roll and a milk carton. Put a few of the softened crackers as well as a few pieces of softened bread into the tube and watch it land in the milk carton.
“When the food gets to your stomach, there is a door that will let the food in.”
(Point to the opening of the milk jug.)
“How many of you have ever had a full tummy? When your stomach has enough food in it, your body feels full, and you don’t feel hungry anymore. There are special juices inside the stomach that help to make our food even smaller. They move around like the ocean waves, mixing everything up and making the food smaller and smaller. It’s kind of like a dance!”
Add water (colored yellow, if possible) to milk jug. Move jug back and forth so the contents slosh around, and allow children to observe the movement. Give each child a turn to shake the jug as well.
Show diagram of digestive system. “Where does this mixture go when it’s done mixing in the stomach?” Run your finger along the intestines to show the pathway of the food. Ask children if they’ve ever been in a big tunnel before. (Chuck E Cheese, Theme parks, caves…) Explain that it’s like going through a tunnel, and at different stops along the way, the important parts of the mixture, (the ones that our bodies need) leave the tunnel and go inside the rest of the body. All the stuff that our body does not need will follow the tunnel to the end, and will come out when we go to the bathroom." Empty the contents of the milk jug and rinse it out to be used for the next activity.
Emphasize what a wonderful system this is, and the importance of taking proper care it. “What are some ways we can take good care of our digestive systems?”
Explain that the best way to do this is by eating healthy, and choosing foods that will make our bodies feel good and work well
Activity: Lead children to the table where you have displayed several food items, each separated into the food groups they belong to.
Some ideas of items to display:
Dairy: Milk, Cheese, yogurt
Meat/Protein: Nuts, lunchmeat, Tuna, dried beans
Grain: Cereal, noodles, rice
Fruit: Banana, Apple, Grapes
Veggies: Carrots, Celery, Canned corn
A few pieces of candy
Water
Soda
Cookies or other dessert items
Or
Anything else you have around your kitchen
Food groups may have been introduced during Lesson 2, in which case you may use this as a review. Re-emphasize the importance of choosing a variety of foods so that their bodies are able to get everything they need.
Ask what would happen if we only ate bananas every day for the rest of our life. Explain that we’d be missing out on a lot of other vitamins and healthy things that our bodies need to grow.
Hold up the emptied milk jug and say “Did you hear that? I think I just heard this stomach grumbling. What does that mean when your stomach makes grumbling sounds?” (Hungry!!). Ask them to help you choose some healthy foods to feed this hungry stomach.
Say things like: “John, will you please choose something from the Dairy group?” When he chooses an item, explain what benefits that particular item may have in the body. Example: “Great choice! Cheese will help its bones grow very strong.”
Allow child to put a sample of the food item into the milk jug. (Comment each time that the stomach grumblings are growing quieter. “We must be filling it up!”)
After you have requested items from each food group, explain that since this stomach hasn’t had sweets in a while, it’s okay to let it have a little treat too, but just a small one. Allow them to choose only one small piece of candy and put it inside. Explain that treats like candy, soda, cake, etc, are items we should only have every once in a while, not with every meal. Have them each pour a little bit of water in the jug and shake it around a little bit, to help it “digest”. Congratulate them on a job well done. They chose a fantastic meal for this very hungry stomach. Now it will have the energy to do what it needs to do.
Story: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Snack: An apple, pear or plum to go along with The Very Hungry Caterpillar story
Art: Display several pieces of construction paper (various colors) for the children to choose from. Tell them you are all going to make a big salad, and they have to decide what to put in it. Don’t stick to the traditional. Encourage them to come up with a new type of salad. (could be a combination of pepperoni, bananas, and eggplant. You get the point) Have children draw, cut out and place the salad mix-ins on a real plate, to make it look like a real salad.
Service: Have children pack a few canned food items into a bag to be donated to a local food pantry. Explain that such donations are very much appreciated by hungry people who may not have food in their cupboards like we do.
GoodbyeSong: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter E), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
Additional Note: I did this lesson with a group of preschoolers and they ATE IT UP!
For this lesson you will need:
Speaker Bear
Sticker Basket
Colored Construction paper
tape
Saltine Crackers (in a bowl)
Paper Towel Tube
Empty milk jug that is see-through
Spray bottle filled with water
Pastry cutter (or fork)
2 pieces of bread moistened and smooshed
Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
5 small balls, marshmallows or any other small item)and something for them to hide in
Bucket (or large mixing bowl)
Piece of paper with a ‘5’ drawn on it
Printed and colored diagram of digestive system: see below
2-3 Foods from each food group
Plate
Welcome Song: Sung to tune of “Old MacDonald”
Welcome welcome everyone
So glad that you are here
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer,
Woohoo!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap slap slap slap
Clap clap clap Let’s go! (group highfive)
Question of the Day: What did you eat for breakfast this morning? Pass the “Speaker Bear” to each child and allow them to answer the question. Share your answer as well.
Number of the Day '5': Hide five small balls (or other small items) in a lunch bag. Pull one out of the bag and show it to the children. “Do you think I can juggle this?”
Proceed to throw it up and catch it in the other hand. “That was pretty easy. Do you think I can do two?” Pull out another ball and juggle the two balls. “That wasn’t too hard.” Pull out the rest of the balls and ask if they think you can juggle all of them. Have them count the balls aloud with you. For kicks, go ahead and give it a shot. Say “I guess I’m going to need a little more practice. But for now, I think we’ll try something else.”
Place a bucket on the floor. Tell children that they must stand behind a designated imaginary line, and take turns trying to get all 5 balls into the bucket. Have them count aloud each time they toss one.
When the game is done, pass around the sticker basket and ask each child to pick out 5 stickers while counting aloud. Have them stick the stickers on the sticker chart.
Letter of the Day 'E': Before class, use colored construction paper to gift wrap the letter E. Wrap it in several layers, each layer being a different color (enough layers for each child to unwrap one.) Top the gift with a bow. Tell children you are going to play some music, while they pass the “present” around the circle. When you stop the music the person who is holding the present will get to unwrap one layer. Repeat this process until each child has had one turn, and the letter is revealed.
Demonstrate how the capital and lower case letter E is written. Allow children to practice in their writing notebooks.
Teach the ASL sign and sounds for the letter E, and ask what words they can think of that start with that letter. Teach ASL sign for Ear, Elephant, and Eat.
Introduction of Topic: Give each child a Saltine cracker and tell them to eat it.
After children are finished eating, ask “What happened to the cracker?!” (We ate it!)
“Where did it go after it went in your mouth?” (In my throat, in my tummy)
“How did it fit down there?” Show them another cracker and how big it is. Act surprised that they could each swallow such a big piece of food!
Have them describe what happened inside of their mouths to make the cracker small enough to fit in their throats and tummies.
Hold up the Saltine for children to see “Today, we’re going to find out exactly what happens to food when we eat it.”
Show digestive diagram and have children say “DIGESTIVE SYSTEM” aloud, (It’s always fun to hear little mouths use big words).
Have children repeat after you as you introduce each part of the system.
Point to your mouth and say, this is where it all begins, in the __________! (Mouth!!)
“Inside our mouths we have many different parts that help us to break food down and make it smaller so it can fit in our throats and tummies, just like what happened with your cracker." Point to your teeth and ask if anyone knows what job the teeth are in charge of. (CHEWING FOOD!)
Ask what would happen if we didn’t have teeth and emphasize importance of taking good care of our teeth. Explain process of chewing and breaking down food.
Have children stick out their tongues, and look at the person’s tongue sitting next to them. “Are our tongues wet or dry?”
“The wet stuff on our tongue and in our mouth is what we call Saliva. When food enters our mouth, it touches the saliva, and the saliva helps the food to become soft so it’s easier to chew and swallow.”
Activity: Demonstrate how saliva works to soften foods, by allowing each child to squirt some water from a spray bottle onto the saltine cracker. Have children observe and tell you what is happening to the cracker, each time someone squirts. Then have each child crush the softened cracker with a pastry cutter or fork (acting as the teeth).
“After the saliva and teeth have made the food soft and small enough to swallow, then it goes down a long tube called our esophagus.” Have children drag their fingers from the front of their neck all the way down to their stomach. “The esophagus is kind of like an elevator for our food. Once we swallow, the elevator takes the food down to our stomach.” Demonstrate this by using a cardboard paper towel roll and a milk carton. Put a few of the softened crackers as well as a few pieces of softened bread into the tube and watch it land in the milk carton.
“When the food gets to your stomach, there is a door that will let the food in.”
(Point to the opening of the milk jug.)
“How many of you have ever had a full tummy? When your stomach has enough food in it, your body feels full, and you don’t feel hungry anymore. There are special juices inside the stomach that help to make our food even smaller. They move around like the ocean waves, mixing everything up and making the food smaller and smaller. It’s kind of like a dance!”
Add water (colored yellow, if possible) to milk jug. Move jug back and forth so the contents slosh around, and allow children to observe the movement. Give each child a turn to shake the jug as well.
Show diagram of digestive system. “Where does this mixture go when it’s done mixing in the stomach?” Run your finger along the intestines to show the pathway of the food. Ask children if they’ve ever been in a big tunnel before. (Chuck E Cheese, Theme parks, caves…) Explain that it’s like going through a tunnel, and at different stops along the way, the important parts of the mixture, (the ones that our bodies need) leave the tunnel and go inside the rest of the body. All the stuff that our body does not need will follow the tunnel to the end, and will come out when we go to the bathroom." Empty the contents of the milk jug and rinse it out to be used for the next activity.
Emphasize what a wonderful system this is, and the importance of taking proper care it. “What are some ways we can take good care of our digestive systems?”
Explain that the best way to do this is by eating healthy, and choosing foods that will make our bodies feel good and work well
Activity: Lead children to the table where you have displayed several food items, each separated into the food groups they belong to.
Some ideas of items to display:
Dairy: Milk, Cheese, yogurt
Meat/Protein: Nuts, lunchmeat, Tuna, dried beans
Grain: Cereal, noodles, rice
Fruit: Banana, Apple, Grapes
Veggies: Carrots, Celery, Canned corn
A few pieces of candy
Water
Soda
Cookies or other dessert items
Or
Anything else you have around your kitchen
Food groups may have been introduced during Lesson 2, in which case you may use this as a review. Re-emphasize the importance of choosing a variety of foods so that their bodies are able to get everything they need.
Ask what would happen if we only ate bananas every day for the rest of our life. Explain that we’d be missing out on a lot of other vitamins and healthy things that our bodies need to grow.
Hold up the emptied milk jug and say “Did you hear that? I think I just heard this stomach grumbling. What does that mean when your stomach makes grumbling sounds?” (Hungry!!). Ask them to help you choose some healthy foods to feed this hungry stomach.
Say things like: “John, will you please choose something from the Dairy group?” When he chooses an item, explain what benefits that particular item may have in the body. Example: “Great choice! Cheese will help its bones grow very strong.”
Allow child to put a sample of the food item into the milk jug. (Comment each time that the stomach grumblings are growing quieter. “We must be filling it up!”)
After you have requested items from each food group, explain that since this stomach hasn’t had sweets in a while, it’s okay to let it have a little treat too, but just a small one. Allow them to choose only one small piece of candy and put it inside. Explain that treats like candy, soda, cake, etc, are items we should only have every once in a while, not with every meal. Have them each pour a little bit of water in the jug and shake it around a little bit, to help it “digest”. Congratulate them on a job well done. They chose a fantastic meal for this very hungry stomach. Now it will have the energy to do what it needs to do.
Story: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Snack: An apple, pear or plum to go along with The Very Hungry Caterpillar story
Art: Display several pieces of construction paper (various colors) for the children to choose from. Tell them you are all going to make a big salad, and they have to decide what to put in it. Don’t stick to the traditional. Encourage them to come up with a new type of salad. (could be a combination of pepperoni, bananas, and eggplant. You get the point) Have children draw, cut out and place the salad mix-ins on a real plate, to make it look like a real salad.
Service: Have children pack a few canned food items into a bag to be donated to a local food pantry. Explain that such donations are very much appreciated by hungry people who may not have food in their cupboards like we do.
GoodbyeSong: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter E), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Lesson 4: Dollars and Cents
Identifying various forms of money and understanding how it is obtained and used
For this lesson you will need:
Speaker Bear
Sticker Basket
Picture (see # of day)
Sealed letters to each child (see lett. Of day)
Dollar Bill
Quarter
Dime
Nickel
Penny
(Additional coins optional)
Pre-made memory game (construction paper, glue)
Story Book: You can’t Buy a Dinosaur with a Dime by Harriet Ziefert
Magazines or store catalogues for collage
Several toys and items to act as merchandise
Cup
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the Day: What is one thing you’ve done that you are very proud of? (You may need to explain that proud means being very happy with, or excited about what you did) Pass around speaker bear and allow each child to share their answer. Share your answer with the children as well.
Number of the Day ‘4’: Before Preschool draw a picture of anything you want (or you may copy the example into word and print out before class). Draw several #4s all over the picture. The 4s should be different sizes, but some should be small enough to make them really look. Have children take turns looking through a magnifying glass to find one of the #4s. Allow them to choose any color from their crayon box, and tell them to circle the #4 (or,if you want to work on shapes simultaneously, assign them each a different shape to draw around the #4.) If you’re working with a small group, allow each child 3-4 turns. Allow them to choose 4 stickers each from the sticker basket and place them on the sticker chart.
Letter of the Day ‘D’: Before preschool, write out the following letter to each child and seal it in an envelope. Address the envelopes to each of the children, making them look as official as possible. Place these letters outside your front door.
When it’s time for the letter of the day, pretend like you hear a knock. “Did you hear that knock? I wonder who it could be!” Have children help you open the door slowly to see who it is. Let children find the letters,(it must have been the mail man!) and bring them back to the circle to open them. Read them aloud
Dear Darlings,
Dazzling Day Don’t you think? I had a Delightful Dream about Daffodils, Daisies and Dragonflies Dancing in the Dark. I had Dinner with Dinosaurs. We Dined on Dumplings and Dressing and Devoured Donuts for Dessert…. Then played Dominoes until Dusk. Doesn’t that sound Dandy?
Your Dear Friend,
Doctor Dee
Ask children if they noticed anything interesting about the letter. What sound did you hear the most? What letter makes that sound?
Demonstrate how the capital and lower case forms of D are written and allow them to practice in their writing notebooks. If they’re already well practiced in letter writing, have them write two words that begin with the letter D.
Teach ASL sign for the letter D as well as the signs for Dog, Dirty, and Dollar
Introduction of Topic: Have children look at the clothes they are wearing and ask where they got them. (Possible answers: Mom, Dad, Store) How did your mom or dad get them? Point out that although moms and dads do get clothes from a store, they can’t just take the things they want. They must pay for them first.
Discuss the need for money to pay for our basic necessities such as our food, home, transportation etc. Ask each child what it would be like to not have these things. How would we get around? Where would we go to keep warm? Discuss how your family brings in money and emphasize the importance of working hard to obtain it.
Activity: Introduce each coin and paper bill one at a time (you’ll need a real penny, nickel, dime, quarter and dollar bill). Have children describe the color of each one and feel the edges for ridges. Describe the pictures on the front and back of the coins. (If child is ready you may discuss the value of each)
After coins have been introduced, set up a money memory game (print coins below, cut and paste each one to a square of construction paper). On their turn, each child will flip two pictures over in an attempt to find a match. When a match is found, have the child say the name of the coin/dollar bill and allow them to keep the match.
(courtesy of Don's World Coin Gallery)
Story: You Can’t Buy a Dinosaur with a Dime by Harriet Ziefert
Allow children to make comments or ask questions about the story.
Activity: Take children to a room where you have set out a variety of toys, food and other items for them to “purchase.” Give each child one of each coin and 1 dollar bill. Have them choose 3 or 4 items and bring them to your checkout counter where you will tell them the cost of each item (use terms like “one penny” as opposed to “1 cent”). Bag up the items, give the money back and send them out to do more shopping. Switch roles and have the children take turns sitting at the checkout counter while you do the shopping.
Art: Lead a brainstorm session about what the children would buy if they had as much money as they wanted. Have them draw one of these items OR have them look through magazines/catalogs, and create a collage of the things they would like to save up to buy some day.
And/or
Make coin rubbings, by placing a coin underneath a piece of white paper, and rubbing a crayon over the top of it.
Additional Activity: Perform a super cool magic trick. You'll need a cup, a coin, and a dish towel.
Show the children your coin, and tell them you're all going to make it disappear.
Put the coin on the table. Cover the coin with an upside down cup. Cover the Cup with the dishtowel. Place your hand on the covered cup and have the children put their hands on top of yours. Move the cup in several circles. During one of the circles, slide the cup slightly over the edge of the table so the coin falls onto your lap. After a minute, lift the cup and congratulate them for their successful disappearing act. Now tell one of the children you see something in his ear... and pull out the coin. TA DA!! So tricky.
Service: To demonstrate that money can be used to help others, make a small donation to a local charity or fundraiser and have the children deliver it or package it up to be sent. Discuss purpose/mission of selected charity. (Often times stores are raising funds for specific charities, so it may be as easy as dropping some coins into a jar at the checkout counter)
Snack: Have children “purchase” one healthy item from the play store and serve it up for snack!
Goodbye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter D), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
For this lesson you will need:
Speaker Bear
Sticker Basket
Picture (see # of day)
Sealed letters to each child (see lett. Of day)
Dollar Bill
Quarter
Dime
Nickel
Penny
(Additional coins optional)
Pre-made memory game (construction paper, glue)
Story Book: You can’t Buy a Dinosaur with a Dime by Harriet Ziefert
Magazines or store catalogues for collage
Several toys and items to act as merchandise
Cup
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the Day: What is one thing you’ve done that you are very proud of? (You may need to explain that proud means being very happy with, or excited about what you did) Pass around speaker bear and allow each child to share their answer. Share your answer with the children as well.
Number of the Day ‘4’: Before Preschool draw a picture of anything you want (or you may copy the example into word and print out before class). Draw several #4s all over the picture. The 4s should be different sizes, but some should be small enough to make them really look. Have children take turns looking through a magnifying glass to find one of the #4s. Allow them to choose any color from their crayon box, and tell them to circle the #4 (or,if you want to work on shapes simultaneously, assign them each a different shape to draw around the #4.) If you’re working with a small group, allow each child 3-4 turns. Allow them to choose 4 stickers each from the sticker basket and place them on the sticker chart.
Letter of the Day ‘D’: Before preschool, write out the following letter to each child and seal it in an envelope. Address the envelopes to each of the children, making them look as official as possible. Place these letters outside your front door.
When it’s time for the letter of the day, pretend like you hear a knock. “Did you hear that knock? I wonder who it could be!” Have children help you open the door slowly to see who it is. Let children find the letters,(it must have been the mail man!) and bring them back to the circle to open them. Read them aloud
Dear Darlings,
Dazzling Day Don’t you think? I had a Delightful Dream about Daffodils, Daisies and Dragonflies Dancing in the Dark. I had Dinner with Dinosaurs. We Dined on Dumplings and Dressing and Devoured Donuts for Dessert…. Then played Dominoes until Dusk. Doesn’t that sound Dandy?
Your Dear Friend,
Doctor Dee
Ask children if they noticed anything interesting about the letter. What sound did you hear the most? What letter makes that sound?
Demonstrate how the capital and lower case forms of D are written and allow them to practice in their writing notebooks. If they’re already well practiced in letter writing, have them write two words that begin with the letter D.
Teach ASL sign for the letter D as well as the signs for Dog, Dirty, and Dollar
Introduction of Topic: Have children look at the clothes they are wearing and ask where they got them. (Possible answers: Mom, Dad, Store) How did your mom or dad get them? Point out that although moms and dads do get clothes from a store, they can’t just take the things they want. They must pay for them first.
Discuss the need for money to pay for our basic necessities such as our food, home, transportation etc. Ask each child what it would be like to not have these things. How would we get around? Where would we go to keep warm? Discuss how your family brings in money and emphasize the importance of working hard to obtain it.
Activity: Introduce each coin and paper bill one at a time (you’ll need a real penny, nickel, dime, quarter and dollar bill). Have children describe the color of each one and feel the edges for ridges. Describe the pictures on the front and back of the coins. (If child is ready you may discuss the value of each)
After coins have been introduced, set up a money memory game (print coins below, cut and paste each one to a square of construction paper). On their turn, each child will flip two pictures over in an attempt to find a match. When a match is found, have the child say the name of the coin/dollar bill and allow them to keep the match.
(courtesy of Don's World Coin Gallery)
Story: You Can’t Buy a Dinosaur with a Dime by Harriet Ziefert
Allow children to make comments or ask questions about the story.
Activity: Take children to a room where you have set out a variety of toys, food and other items for them to “purchase.” Give each child one of each coin and 1 dollar bill. Have them choose 3 or 4 items and bring them to your checkout counter where you will tell them the cost of each item (use terms like “one penny” as opposed to “1 cent”). Bag up the items, give the money back and send them out to do more shopping. Switch roles and have the children take turns sitting at the checkout counter while you do the shopping.
Art: Lead a brainstorm session about what the children would buy if they had as much money as they wanted. Have them draw one of these items OR have them look through magazines/catalogs, and create a collage of the things they would like to save up to buy some day.
And/or
Make coin rubbings, by placing a coin underneath a piece of white paper, and rubbing a crayon over the top of it.
Additional Activity: Perform a super cool magic trick. You'll need a cup, a coin, and a dish towel.
Show the children your coin, and tell them you're all going to make it disappear.
Put the coin on the table. Cover the coin with an upside down cup. Cover the Cup with the dishtowel. Place your hand on the covered cup and have the children put their hands on top of yours. Move the cup in several circles. During one of the circles, slide the cup slightly over the edge of the table so the coin falls onto your lap. After a minute, lift the cup and congratulate them for their successful disappearing act. Now tell one of the children you see something in his ear... and pull out the coin. TA DA!! So tricky.
Service: To demonstrate that money can be used to help others, make a small donation to a local charity or fundraiser and have the children deliver it or package it up to be sent. Discuss purpose/mission of selected charity. (Often times stores are raising funds for specific charities, so it may be as easy as dropping some coins into a jar at the checkout counter)
Snack: Have children “purchase” one healthy item from the play store and serve it up for snack!
Goodbye song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter D), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Lesson 3: Cooking
Cooking
Learning basic terms, tools, methods and safety guidelines of cooking
For this lesson you will need:
Basket or bag(for collecting items)
Carrot
Clock
Coat
Camera
Cup
Apron and/or chefs hat
A bunch of cooking utensils (see below)
Recipe books (one for each child)
Book: All in Just One Cookie by Susan E. Goodman
And…
Ingredients for your favorite cookie recipe. (or see recipe posted at end of lesson)
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the Day: What is one thing that your mom or dad cooks for you that you think is really delicious? Pass speaking bear around, allowing each child to share their answer. Share your favorite as well.
Number of the day: On a piece of paper or a dry erase board, draw a number 3. Ask children one at a time to come up and see what they can create out of the number 3. Give them a marker and allow them to transform the ‘3’ into a picture of something else.
Example:
When they have finished, show them your creations as well. This activity will get them used to looking at the shape of the number 3.
Pass around the sticker basket and have children choose 3 stickers each, while counting aloud. Have them place the stickers on the sticker chart. Have children jump as high as they can three times, reach down and touch their toes three times, and then sit down and blink their eyes three times while counting aloud.
Letter of the day ‘C’: Print out the following clues, or make up your own to complete a scavenger hunt all about the letter C. Have children collect the items that are described in the clues. Emphasize the C words within the clues.
1: My COLOR is the same as an orange, I grow in the ground, and rabbits love to eat me (carrot). Place this clue in plain sight to get started.
2: I like to hang out in the CLOSET. You wear me when it’s very COLD outside (coat). Hide this clue next to the carrots in the refrigerator.
3: Tick tock is the sound I make. I try to help you to not be late. (clock. either alarm or wall clock, if small enough to hold.) Hide this clue in the pocket of the coat.
4: CLICK, is the sound you hear when I take pictures of you! (camera) Hide this clue behind the clock.
5: I can be CRUNCHY or CRISPY, and I COME in a box. Usually you eat me for breakfast with milk! (Cereal) Tape this clue to the camera.
6: You drink out of me every day. Usually I hide in the CUPBOARD. (cup)
Collect the items in a basket and bring them back to the circle where you will observe the items you collected. Tell children all of these things are very different, but they all have one thing about them that is the same. They all start with the same letter. Ask anyone if they know what it is.
Demonstrate how to write the capital and lower case forms of the letter C and allow children to practice in their writing notebooks.
Teach ASL sign and sounds of the letter C and ask if they can think of any other words that start with that sound. Teach ASL signs for Cat, Candy, and Cook.
Introduction of Topic: Put Chef’s hat or apron on, and ask: “How many of you like to eat? What types of food do you enjoy eating? Who makes this food for you? These people know how to do something very wonderful. They know how to take many different types of food or ingredients and put them together to make a delicious meal for us.”
"Today we’re going to learn how to put together something delicious too!"
Activity: Direct children to table where you have placed a bag full of kitchen items (don’t let them see inside!). Bag might include items such as:
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cups
Liquid measuring cup
Bowl
Wire whisk
Wooden spoon
Can opener
Butter knife
Sifter
Beaters
Hot pad
Have children take turns pulling one item from the bag. Tell them the name of the item and explain why and how it is used.
Poem: Give each child a cooking utensil and tell them to act out the appropriate actions along with the poem.
I’ve gotta wash my hands
I’ve gotta open the cans
And then I’ll whisk whisk whisk away
I’ve gotta measure it out
And then I’ll mix it about
I wanna cook cook cook all day!
(Repeat one or two times, saying it faster each time.)
Activity: Tell children they will get some practice using these fun kitchen tools today by helping you make cookies! Have children wash hands thoroughly and help you carry all of the ingredients and cooking utensils to the table. Show them the recipe. Explain that it is a list of instructions that tell us exactly what we need to have, and what we need to do to make perfect cookies. We must follow the recipe very carefully. Describe what will happen if too much flour, too much salt or not enough eggs are added. Emphasize importance of safety: Stay away from oven and sharp objects, only mom/dad may plug in the appliances, don’t eat things with raw eggs, and clean up spills right away!
Read recipe aloud. Allow children to pour, stir and place dough on cookie sheets. Be sure to let them hear the amounts you are using. (Explain that a Tablespoon is larger than a teaspoon).
Science: When cookies are in the oven, turn on the oven light and have them observe the
changes that occur during baking. Explain the effects of heat on the ingredients and what the cookies will look like when they’re done.
Story: While cookies are cooling, read : All In Just One Cookie by Susan E. Goodman
Pull out enough recipe books for each child to have one (make sure the books have pictures of the food in them), and let them glance through and choose a picture that they think looks yummy. Ask each one to stand and show the others the picture, and tell what ingredients they think are in that recipe.
Math (subtraction): When cookies have cooled, have children count the number of cookies on each cookie sheet, until all of them have been counted. Write the number down. After every child has eaten one cookie, have the children count them again and write the new number down. Say aloud “24 minus 3 equals 21 cookies!”
For fun have them open their mouths while you count the teeth left with no chocolate on them!
Service: Package the cookies up to deliver to friends and have children help clean up the cooking mess. While cleaning, have children each take turns thinking of different ways to say “delicious” (good, scrumptious, delectable, tasty, great, yummy, fantastic etc.)
Goodbye Song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter C), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (in case you don’t have one of your own!)
Ingredients
½ cup margarine
½ cup shortening
¾ brown sugar
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 ¼ cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp soda
¾ cup Chocolate Chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream margarine, shortening, and sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla and beat.
Add dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly mixed. Fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop dough with a tablespoon, and drop onto greased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until light golden brown.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
Serve with milk!
Learning basic terms, tools, methods and safety guidelines of cooking
For this lesson you will need:
Basket or bag(for collecting items)
Carrot
Clock
Coat
Camera
Cup
Apron and/or chefs hat
A bunch of cooking utensils (see below)
Recipe books (one for each child)
Book: All in Just One Cookie by Susan E. Goodman
And…
Ingredients for your favorite cookie recipe. (or see recipe posted at end of lesson)
Welcome Song: (To tune of Old MacDonald):
Welcome, welcome everyone
So glad that you are here.
Today we’re gonna have some fun
So let’s give out a cheer
Woo hoo!!
Clap clap clap clap
Slap(legs) slap slap slap
Clap clap clap let’s go! (when you shout “let’s go!”, do a group high five in the center)
Question of the Day: What is one thing that your mom or dad cooks for you that you think is really delicious? Pass speaking bear around, allowing each child to share their answer. Share your favorite as well.
Number of the day: On a piece of paper or a dry erase board, draw a number 3. Ask children one at a time to come up and see what they can create out of the number 3. Give them a marker and allow them to transform the ‘3’ into a picture of something else.
Example:
When they have finished, show them your creations as well. This activity will get them used to looking at the shape of the number 3.
Pass around the sticker basket and have children choose 3 stickers each, while counting aloud. Have them place the stickers on the sticker chart. Have children jump as high as they can three times, reach down and touch their toes three times, and then sit down and blink their eyes three times while counting aloud.
Letter of the day ‘C’: Print out the following clues, or make up your own to complete a scavenger hunt all about the letter C. Have children collect the items that are described in the clues. Emphasize the C words within the clues.
1: My COLOR is the same as an orange, I grow in the ground, and rabbits love to eat me (carrot). Place this clue in plain sight to get started.
2: I like to hang out in the CLOSET. You wear me when it’s very COLD outside (coat). Hide this clue next to the carrots in the refrigerator.
3: Tick tock is the sound I make. I try to help you to not be late. (clock. either alarm or wall clock, if small enough to hold.) Hide this clue in the pocket of the coat.
4: CLICK, is the sound you hear when I take pictures of you! (camera) Hide this clue behind the clock.
5: I can be CRUNCHY or CRISPY, and I COME in a box. Usually you eat me for breakfast with milk! (Cereal) Tape this clue to the camera.
6: You drink out of me every day. Usually I hide in the CUPBOARD. (cup)
Collect the items in a basket and bring them back to the circle where you will observe the items you collected. Tell children all of these things are very different, but they all have one thing about them that is the same. They all start with the same letter. Ask anyone if they know what it is.
Demonstrate how to write the capital and lower case forms of the letter C and allow children to practice in their writing notebooks.
Teach ASL sign and sounds of the letter C and ask if they can think of any other words that start with that sound. Teach ASL signs for Cat, Candy, and Cook.
Introduction of Topic: Put Chef’s hat or apron on, and ask: “How many of you like to eat? What types of food do you enjoy eating? Who makes this food for you? These people know how to do something very wonderful. They know how to take many different types of food or ingredients and put them together to make a delicious meal for us.”
"Today we’re going to learn how to put together something delicious too!"
Activity: Direct children to table where you have placed a bag full of kitchen items (don’t let them see inside!). Bag might include items such as:
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cups
Liquid measuring cup
Bowl
Wire whisk
Wooden spoon
Can opener
Butter knife
Sifter
Beaters
Hot pad
Have children take turns pulling one item from the bag. Tell them the name of the item and explain why and how it is used.
Poem: Give each child a cooking utensil and tell them to act out the appropriate actions along with the poem.
I’ve gotta wash my hands
I’ve gotta open the cans
And then I’ll whisk whisk whisk away
I’ve gotta measure it out
And then I’ll mix it about
I wanna cook cook cook all day!
(Repeat one or two times, saying it faster each time.)
Activity: Tell children they will get some practice using these fun kitchen tools today by helping you make cookies! Have children wash hands thoroughly and help you carry all of the ingredients and cooking utensils to the table. Show them the recipe. Explain that it is a list of instructions that tell us exactly what we need to have, and what we need to do to make perfect cookies. We must follow the recipe very carefully. Describe what will happen if too much flour, too much salt or not enough eggs are added. Emphasize importance of safety: Stay away from oven and sharp objects, only mom/dad may plug in the appliances, don’t eat things with raw eggs, and clean up spills right away!
Read recipe aloud. Allow children to pour, stir and place dough on cookie sheets. Be sure to let them hear the amounts you are using. (Explain that a Tablespoon is larger than a teaspoon).
Science: When cookies are in the oven, turn on the oven light and have them observe the
changes that occur during baking. Explain the effects of heat on the ingredients and what the cookies will look like when they’re done.
Story: While cookies are cooling, read : All In Just One Cookie by Susan E. Goodman
Pull out enough recipe books for each child to have one (make sure the books have pictures of the food in them), and let them glance through and choose a picture that they think looks yummy. Ask each one to stand and show the others the picture, and tell what ingredients they think are in that recipe.
Math (subtraction): When cookies have cooled, have children count the number of cookies on each cookie sheet, until all of them have been counted. Write the number down. After every child has eaten one cookie, have the children count them again and write the new number down. Say aloud “24 minus 3 equals 21 cookies!”
For fun have them open their mouths while you count the teeth left with no chocolate on them!
Service: Package the cookies up to deliver to friends and have children help clean up the cooking mess. While cleaning, have children each take turns thinking of different ways to say “delicious” (good, scrumptious, delectable, tasty, great, yummy, fantastic etc.)
Goodbye Song: To the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know it”
If you’ve learned a lot today, clap your hands (clap clap)
Here’s the letter of the day (sign the letter C), clap your hands (clap clap)
Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun,
Now our preschool time is done (tap index finger to wrist)
See you next time (wave) and we’ll do it all again! (Clap clap.)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (in case you don’t have one of your own!)
Ingredients
½ cup margarine
½ cup shortening
¾ brown sugar
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 ¼ cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp soda
¾ cup Chocolate Chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream margarine, shortening, and sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla and beat.
Add dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly mixed. Fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop dough with a tablespoon, and drop onto greased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until light golden brown.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
Serve with milk!
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