through the eyes of children february -...
TRANSCRIPT
-
Creative
Kaleidoscope
of
Learning Blending curiosity, creativity and reflection
through the eyes of children
who are forever learning and changing.
February Toddler -Twos
Cur riculum
Healthy Bodies in MotionHealthy Bodies in Motion
Head to Toes Head to Toes Healthy Foods for Healthy BodiesHealthy Foods for Healthy Bodies
http://search.aol.com/aol/redir?src=image&requestId=e17de861b884c67a&userQuery=kaleidoscope&clickedItemDest=182212915191727081431552833039144601963&clickedItemMark=1217181694948&clickedItemURN=http%3A%2F%2Fmoonstonemandala.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F20http://search.aol.com/aol/redir?src=image&requestId=cf58d159f130f055&userQuery=kaleidoscope&clickedItemDest=221293126859031100545422741083926954243&clickedItemMark=1217181124566&clickedItemURN=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theuniversalhorse.com%2Fimages%2Fattributes%http://search.aol.com/aol/redir?src=image&requestId=7f23bab88c4ac2a0&userQuery=kaleidoscope&clickedItemDest=225494937692757791132256479779747566606&clickedItemMark=1217181396211&clickedItemURN=http%3A%2F%2Ffcis.acsu.k12.vt.us%2F%7Ejbailey%2FKaleidoscope.http://search.aol.com/aol/redir?src=image&requestId=5c956b264157306&clickedItemRank=16&userQuery=kaleidoscope&clickedItemDest=4198077697905657940540326588713495821&clickedItemMark=1217178898309&clickedItemURN=imageDetails%3FinvocationType%3DimageDetails%
-
2009
/ 20
10 T
oddl
er M
atrix
Sept
embe
rO
ctob
erN
ovem
ber
Dec
embe
rJa
nuar
yFe
brua
ryM
arch
Apr
ilM
ayJu
neJu
lyA
ugus
tM
onth
ly
Them
eTh
ere'
s O
nly
One
M
eC
ity L
ife,
Cou
ntry
Life
Ani
mal
Pla
net
Pola
r Exp
ress
Bla
st o
ff th
e N
ew
Year
Hea
lthy
Bod
ies
In M
otio
nC
rash
, Rat
tle,
Bin
g, B
ang
It's
Onl
y M
ake
Bel
ieve
Rum
ble
in th
e Ju
ngle
It's
a Sm
all W
orld
Afte
r All
Focu
s Th
emes
M
y Fr
iend
s &
Me
Me
& M
y Fa
mily
Com
mun
ity H
elpe
rs
Fu
n on
the
Farm
We
Live
in th
e Fo
rest
D
inos
aur D
isco
very
Blu
ster
y W
inte
r
S
easo
n of
Lig
hts
Adv
entu
res
in S
pace
S
uper
Sci
entis
t
Hea
d to
Toe
s
Hea
lthy
Food
s fo
r H
ealth
y B
odie
s
Tran
spor
tatio
n H
ighw
ay
Con
stru
ctio
n Zo
ne
Bre
ak L
oose
with
M
othe
r Goo
se
I Bel
ieve
in F
airy
Tal
es
Ani
mal
s &
Inse
cts
Eve
ryth
ing
is C
omin
g U
p G
reen
Mex
ico,
Car
ibbe
an
Isla
nds,
Can
ada,
Chi
naU
SA
, Aus
tralia
, Jap
an,
Ger
man
yA
frica
, Eng
land
, Ire
land
, Ind
ia
Focu
s
Col
ors
Yel
low
R
edO
rang
e
B
lack
Bro
wn
G
reen
Whi
te
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e
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low
O
rang
e
Pin
k
Red
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e
Bla
ckP
urpl
e
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kG
reen
B
row
nY
ello
w
Pur
ple
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te a
nd B
lue
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nge
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k
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s
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tang
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iang
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iam
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lS
quar
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r
Rec
tang
le
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ircle
Hea
rt
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ngle
Dia
mon
d
S
quar
e
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l
Circ
le
Rec
tang
le
H
eart
Rev
iew
al
l sha
pes
Rev
iew
all s
hape
sR
evie
w
all s
hape
s
Crit
ical
Th
inki
ngB
ig &
Litt
le
S
hort
& T
all
Up
& D
own
O
ver &
Und
erIn
& O
ut
B
ack
& F
ront
Day
& N
ight
L
ong
& S
hort
Loud
& Q
uiet
Full
& E
mpt
y
Sof
t & H
ard
Rou
gh &
Sm
ooth
Lang
uage
C
onne
ctio
nsc
hool
, mom
, dad
, dog
, ca
t, bu
s, te
ache
r, ap
ple
polic
e, fi
rem
an, d
octo
r, gr
ocer
, pig
, cow
, hor
se,
roos
ter
dino
saur
, roc
k, b
ear,
turk
ey, t
ree,
leaf
, dee
r, ow
l,
hat,
boot
s, c
oat,
mitt
ens,
lig
ht, s
now
, pr
esen
t, pi
ne tr
ee
moo
n, s
un, s
tar,
rock
et, s
ky, b
aby,
ba
lloon
, ear
th
Dr S
euss
, ten
nis
shoe
, ca
rrot
, ban
ana,
pea
s,
stra
wbe
rry,
pea
r
car,
hot a
ir ba
lloon
, ai
rpla
ne, s
top
sign
, du
mp
truck
, hel
icop
ter,
train
, bul
ldoz
er
goos
e, d
uck,
turtl
e,
rabb
it, e
gg, c
hick
, hai
r, sp
oon
elep
hant
, tig
er, l
izar
d,
snak
e, li
on m
onke
y,
butte
rfly,
gra
ss
boat
, fis
h, fl
ower
, vo
lcan
o, p
anda
, hou
se,
wat
er, s
and
flag,
kan
garo
o,
firew
orks
, fee
t, ha
nds,
ric
e, b
owl,
koal
a
Pot
ato,
cup
, hi
ppop
otam
us, p
late
, fo
rk, c
loud
s, ra
in, z
ebra
Bab
y Si
gns
Eat
, Drin
k, M
ore,
Th
ank
you,
Ple
ase,
All
Don
e
Dog
, Cat
, Hor
se,
She
ep, C
ow, P
igB
ear,
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ep, B
ubbl
es,
Hur
t, M
ilk, C
erea
lS
tar,
Sho
es, L
ight
, S
win
g, C
oat,
Hat
Moo
n, S
ong,
Soc
k,
Col
d, B
ook,
Sho
es
Toot
hbru
sh, L
ove,
H
appy
, Sad
, B
ath,
G
entle
Car
, Sto
p, B
allo
on,
Wat
er, A
irpla
ne, A
ngry
Bun
ny, D
uck,
Fro
g,
Turtl
e, B
ird, B
all
But
terfl
y, B
ug, M
onke
y,
Lion
, Flo
wer
, Rai
nH
elp,
Fis
h, T
ree,
D
iape
r, C
omb,
Afra
idK
anga
roo,
Hot
, Son
g,
Out
side
, Pla
y, D
irty,
Ele
phan
t, G
iraffe
, S
lide,
Mou
se, C
ake,
Ic
e C
ream
Lite
ratu
re
Con
nect
ion
Gue
ss H
ow M
uch
I Lo
ve Y
ou
Is
You
r Mam
a a
Llam
a?
The
Big
Red
Bar
n
D
own
on th
e Fa
rmB
row
n B
ear
I W
ent W
alki
ng
Sno
w D
ay
M
erry
Chr
istm
as B
ig
Hun
gry
Bea
r
Goo
dnig
ht M
oon
Eve
ryw
here
Bab
ies
Dr.
Seu
ss B
ook
From
Hea
d to
Toe
Mam
a Zo
oms!
A
lpha
Bee
p
P
at th
e B
unny
Th
e Th
ree
Bea
rsFi
ve L
ittle
Mon
keys
Goo
dnig
ht G
orill
a
Me
and
My
Dad
M
ice
Squ
eak,
We
Spe
ak
Doe
s a
Kan
garo
o H
ave
a M
othe
r, To
o?
Jam
berr
y
Bus
y To
es
M
ouse
Pai
nt
Fine
Mot
orP
aper
Tea
ring
Pla
ydou
gh F
unLa
cing
Stri
ngin
g B
eads
Sha
ker B
ottle
sP
egs
& P
eg B
oard
sLe
go B
uild
ing
Nes
ting
Bow
ls, C
ups,
B
oxes
Puz
zles
Stic
ky B
oard
sW
ater
Toy
s &
Tur
key
Bas
ters
Squ
ishy
Bag
s
Fun
With
Fi
tnes
sM
e, M
ysel
f & I
Fitn
ess
2 S
essi
ons
Foot
ball
Folli
es
Gro
ovin
' to
the
Mus
ic
Min
iatu
re G
olf (
wk
1)
Min
iatu
re G
olf (
wk
2)
Ani
mal
Act
ion
B
ean
Bag
Boo
gie
(wk
1)
Bea
n B
ag
Boo
gie
(wk
2)
Fi
tnes
s A
roun
d th
e W
orld
Fun
Fant
astic
Indo
or
Win
ter S
ports
Le
t's R
ock
Zoo
Pho
nics
Fitn
ess
Fi
tnes
s B
oot C
amp
Yog
a M
ania
Gam
es
Rel
ay F
un
D
ance
P
arac
hute
Pla
y (w
k 1)
Par
achu
te
P
lay
(wk
2)
S
occe
r Bon
anza
S
uper
-Bal
l
G
ames
(wk
1)
Sup
er-B
all
Gam
es (w
k 2)
Wat
er S
ports
Sup
er-c
ise
Me
(wk
1)
Sup
er-c
ise
Me
(wk
2)
R
un S
kip
Jum
p
A
erob
ic D
ance
Sum
mer
Oly
mpi
cs
Fo
otba
ll &
Bas
ket B
all
Tour
nam
ent P
lay
Spec
ial D
ays
Labo
r Day
Gra
ndpa
rent
s D
ay
A
utum
n B
egin
s B
ack
to S
choo
l
Fall
Fest
ival
Hal
low
een
Fire
Saf
ety
Than
ksgi
ving
Vet
eran
's D
ay
Gam
es
Hol
iday
Cel
ebra
tions
W
inte
r Beg
ins
New
Yea
r's
M
artin
Lut
her K
ing
Jr.
Day
Val
entin
e's
Day
Pre
side
nt's
Day
Gro
und
Hog
's D
ayS
t Pat
rick'
s D
ay
Spr
ing
Beg
ins
E
aste
r
W
eek
of th
e Y
oung
C
hild
Mot
her's
Day
C
inco
de
May
o
Fath
er's
Day
Fl
ag D
ay
S
umm
er B
egin
sIn
depe
nden
ce D
ayE
nd o
f Sum
mer
-
2009
/ 20
10 T
wo'
s C
urric
ulum
Mat
rixSe
ptem
ber
Oct
ober
Nov
embe
rD
ecem
ber
Janu
ary
Febr
uary
Mar
chA
pril
May
June
July
Aug
ust
Mon
thly
Th
eme
Ther
e's
Onl
y O
ne
Me
City
Life
, C
ount
ry L
ifeA
nim
al P
lane
tPo
lar E
xpre
ssB
last
off
the
New
Ye
arH
ealth
y B
odie
s In
Mot
ion
Cra
sh, R
attle
, B
ing,
Ban
gIt'
s O
nly
Mak
e B
elie
veR
umbl
e in
the
Jung
leIt'
s a
Smal
l Wor
ld A
fter A
ll
Focu
s Th
emes
Wel
com
e B
ack
Me
& M
y Fa
mily
Com
mun
ity H
elpe
rs
Fu
n on
the
Farm
We
Live
in th
e Fo
rest
D
inos
aur D
isco
very
Blu
ster
y W
inte
r
S
easo
n of
Lig
hts
Adv
entu
res
in S
pace
S
uper
Sci
entis
t
Hea
d to
Toe
s
Hea
lthy
Food
s fo
r H
ealth
y B
odie
s
Tran
spor
tatio
n H
ighw
ay
Con
stru
ctio
n Zo
ne
Bre
ak L
oose
with
M
othe
r Goo
se
I Bel
ieve
in F
airy
Tal
es
Ani
mal
s &
Inse
cts
Eve
ryth
ing
is C
omin
g U
p G
reen
Mex
ico,
Car
ibbe
an
Isla
nds,
Can
ada,
Chi
naU
SA
, Aus
tralia
, Jap
an,
Ger
man
yA
frica
, Eng
land
, Ire
land
, Ind
ia
Focu
s Ph
onic
s a,
b, c
d, e
, fg,
h, i
j, k,
lm
, n, o
p, q
, rs,
t, u
v, w
, xy,
zR
evie
w a
-iR
evie
w j-
rR
evie
w s
-z
Focu
s C
olor
s
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low
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edO
rang
e
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lack
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wn
G
reen
Whi
te
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e
Yel
low
O
rang
e
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k
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Blu
e
Bla
ckP
urpl
e
Pin
kG
reen
B
row
nY
ello
w
Pur
ple
Red
, Whi
te a
nd B
lue
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nge
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k
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s Sh
apes
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are
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ecta
ngle
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le
Tria
ngle
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mon
d
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val
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are
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tar
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ecta
ngle
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leH
eart
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iang
leD
iam
ond
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are
O
val
C
ircle
R
ecta
ngle
Hea
rtR
evie
w a
ll
S
hape
s R
evie
w a
ll
Sha
pes
Rev
iew
all
Sha
pes
Crit
ical
Th
inki
ngB
ig &
Litt
le
S
hort
& T
all
Up
& D
own
O
ver &
Und
erIn
& O
ut
B
ack
& F
ront
Day
& N
ight
L
ong
& S
hort
Loud
& Q
uiet
Full
& E
mpt
y
Sof
t & H
ard
Rou
gh &
Sm
ooth
Lang
uage
C
onne
ctio
nsc
hool
, mom
, dad
, dog
, ca
t, bu
s, te
ache
r, ap
ple
polic
e, fi
rem
an, d
octo
r, gr
ocer
, pig
, cow
, hor
se,
roos
ter
dino
saur
, roc
k, b
ear,
turk
ey, t
ree,
leaf
, dee
r, ow
l,
hat,
boot
s, c
oat,
mitt
ens,
ligh
t, sn
ow,
pres
ent,
pine
tree
moo
n, s
un, s
tar,
rock
et, s
ky, b
aby,
ba
lloon
, ear
th
Dr S
euss
, ten
nis
shoe
, ca
rrot
, ban
ana,
pea
s,
stra
wbe
rry,
pea
r
car,
hot a
ir ba
lloon
, ai
rpla
ne, s
top
sign
, dum
p tru
ck, h
elic
opte
r, tra
in,
bulld
ozer
goos
e, d
uck,
turtl
e,
rabb
it, e
gg, c
hick
, hai
r, sp
oon
elep
hant
, tig
er, l
izar
d,
snak
e, li
on m
onke
y,
butte
rfly,
gra
ss
boat
, fis
h, fl
ower
, vo
lcan
o, p
anda
, hou
se,
wat
er, s
and
flag,
kan
garo
o,
firew
orks
, fee
t, ha
nds,
ric
e, b
owl,
koal
a
pota
to, c
up,
hipp
opot
amus
, pla
te,
fork
, clo
uds,
rain
, zeb
ra
Bab
y Si
gns
Eat
, Drin
k, M
ore,
Th
ank
you,
Ple
ase,
All
Don
e
Dog
, Cat
, Hor
se,
She
ep, C
ow, P
igB
ear,
Sle
ep, B
ubbl
es,
Hur
t, M
ilk, C
erea
lS
tar,
Sho
es, L
ight
, S
win
g, C
oat,
Hat
Moo
n, S
ong,
Soc
k,
Col
d, B
ook,
Sho
es
Toot
hbru
sh, L
ove,
H
appy
, Sad
, B
ath,
G
entle
Car
, Sto
p, B
allo
on,
Wat
er, A
irpla
ne, A
ngry
Bun
ny, D
uck,
Fro
g,
Turtl
e, B
ird, B
all
But
terfl
y, B
ug, M
onke
y,
Lion
, Flo
wer
, Rai
nH
elp,
Fis
h, T
ree,
D
iape
r, C
omb,
Afra
idK
anga
roo,
Hot
, Son
g,
Out
side
, Pla
y, D
irty,
Ele
phan
t, G
iraffe
, S
lide,
Mou
se, C
ake,
Ic
e C
ream
Lite
ratu
re
Gue
ss H
ow M
uch
I Lo
ve Y
ou
Is
You
r Mam
a a
Llam
a?
The
Big
Red
Bar
n
D
own
on th
e Fa
rmB
row
n B
ear
I W
ent W
alki
ng
Sno
w D
ay
M
erry
Chr
istm
as B
ig
Hun
gry
Bea
r
Goo
dnig
ht M
oon
Eve
ryw
here
Bab
ies
Dr.
Seu
ss B
ook
From
Hea
d to
Toe
Mam
a Zo
oms!
A
lpha
Bee
p
Pat
the
Bun
ny
The
Thre
e B
ears
Five
Litt
le M
onke
ys
G
oodn
ight
Gor
illa
Me
and
My
Dad
M
ice
Squ
eak,
We
Spe
ak
Doe
s a
Kan
garo
o H
ave
a M
othe
r, To
o?
Jam
berr
y
Bus
y To
es
M
ouse
Pai
nt
Span
ish
Intro
to S
pani
shC
iuda
d y
Pai
sA
nim
ales
Dia
de
Nie
veN
uevo
Ano
Sal
udTr
ansp
orta
cion
Mam
a G
anso
Viv
e en
la S
elva
Rev
iew
Rev
iew
Rev
iew
Fine
Mot
orP
aper
Tea
ring
Pla
ydou
gh F
unLa
cing
Stri
ngin
g B
eads
Sha
ker B
ottle
sP
egs
& P
eg B
oard
sLe
go B
uild
ing
Nes
ting
Bow
ls, C
ups,
B
oxes
Puz
zles
Stic
ky B
oard
sW
ater
Toy
s &
Tur
key
Bas
ters
Squ
ishy
Bag
s
Fun
With
Fi
tnes
sM
e, M
ysel
f & I
Fitn
ess
2 S
essi
ons
Foot
ball
Folli
es
Gro
ovin
' to
the
Mus
ic
Min
iatu
re G
olf (
wk
1)
Min
iatu
re G
olf (
wk
2)
Ani
mal
Act
ion
B
ean
Bag
Boo
gie
(wk
1)
Bea
n B
ag
Boo
gie
(wk
2)
Fi
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s A
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Fun
Fant
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Indo
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Win
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Le
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Zoo
Pho
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Fitn
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Fi
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s B
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Gam
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Rel
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D
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P
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k 1)
Par
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(wk
2)
Soc
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S
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Gam
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k 1)
Sup
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all
Gam
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k 2)
Wat
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ports
Sup
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(wk
1)
Sup
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(wk
2)
R
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kip,
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A
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Sum
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Oly
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Fo
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Bas
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Tour
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Spec
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Labo
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Gra
ndpa
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ay
A
utum
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egin
s B
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to S
choo
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Fall
Fest
ival
Hal
low
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Fire
S
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Than
ksgi
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Vet
eran
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ay
Gam
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Hol
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Cel
ebra
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W
inte
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New
Yea
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M
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Lut
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K
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Jr. D
ay
Val
entin
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Day
Pre
side
nt's
Day
Gro
und
Hog
Day
St P
atric
k's
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S
prin
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egin
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aste
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CM
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Cin
co d
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ayo
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Creative Kaleidoscope of Learning Curriculum Overview
New Curriculum Components
Toddlers and Twos Baby Signs
Each month six new baby signs will be sent to you on cardstock. We encourage you to color them in different flesh tones, laminate and display them on a board where parents can see what signs you are focusing on for the month. Colors and Shapes
One set of flashcards will be sent to you for the year. They will be on heavy card stock and we encourage you to laminate them so that they will last. Colors and Shapes should be incorporated into every day activities beginning with older infants. This can happen simply by identifying the shape or color of an object as its being handed to a baby (Look! Heres your blue bear!) or when offering baby a choice between two objects (Do you want the red ball or the green ball?) There are specific shapes and colors that are the focus of the month and the matrix should be followed with simple activities working to reinforce these shapes and colors. There will be a variety of activities noted in the curriculum resource guide for each month. Teachers should continue to reinforce all shapes and colors as opportunities arise throughout the day. (Look! Your toast looks just like a triangle! or I see a yellow block on the floor.) Display the focus shapes each month around the room at the childrens eye level. This can be on the walls, tables, floor, backs of shelves, etc. **Being introduced to colors and shapes at this age is important because it will help lay the foundation for success as a child advances into learning higher level math concepts.** Opposites-(Critical Thinking)
Each month a set of opposite cards will be sent along with the monthly curriculum guide. They will be on cardstock and we encourage you to laminate them for long term use. They will reflect the focus concept of the month. Opposites can be taught throughout the day as opportunities arise (Im going to put the doll in the crib. Now Im going to take the doll out of the crib.) as well as during planned activities designed to teach specific concepts. Teachers should follow the matrix each month as know which specific concept they will focus on. There will be a variety of activities noted in the curriculum resource guide for each month. Teachers should continue to reinforce the previous concepts as opportunities arise throughout the day. Everyday objects that the baby is familiar with should be used to help teach the concepts. Example: big box / small box, in the box/out of the box, hard block / soft block, etc. **Being introduced to opposites that this young age is important because it will help lay the foundation for success as a child advances into learning higher level math concepts.**
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Preschool Rhyming Cards
Each month you will receive a set of rhyming cards to be used with your preschoolers. They will be on cardstock and we encourage you to laminate them for long term use. This is an excellent way to build pre-reading skills. You can use them in many ways. Here are some suggestions: -memory game -find other words that rhyme with the words -find things in the classroom that rhyme with the words Sequencing Cards Each month you will receive a set of sequencing cards. They will be on card stock and we encourage to laminate them. The purpose of these cards is to help develop critical thinking skills. Can children look at the cards and evaluate which would come first? You can use these cards in a file folder game or in circle time asking the children to work together to figure out the order of events. Children should be allowed to use these on their own as well as in a group setting. All Age Levels Labeling cards One set of labeling cards will be included for each classroom, for the year. They will be on heavy cardstock and we encourage you to laminate them before displaying throughout the classroom. The toddlers, twos and threes classrooms should use the cards with the word and picture. The fours and fives should use the cards with just the words. Literature Books
One copy of each literature book will be sent to each school monthly for all age groups. The books, for the most part, reflect the theme of the month, season, holiday or special event. Each curriculum guide will contain activities that reflect each book. If you have more than one classroom per age group, the classrooms will have to share the books. ECERS/ITERS Excellence
Each curriculum guide will include a section that will give some guidelines as to how to improve the classroom to achieve a maximum rating. It will also include the following for the appropriate age group:
A Teacher Task - a goal for the classroom to complete by the end of each month A listening activity that will help children to develop listening skills File Folder game ideas Multicultural curriculum focus to enhance your classrooms Suggestions to add to the art, science and dramatic play areas to increase ITERS/ECERS
rating Partnering With Parents Each month we will include a letter to go home to parents describing what their child will be learning for the month. We will also provide a newsletter type format which will list all components of the curriculum that each age group will be learning that month. It is important that you either e-mail (saves paper) or give each parent a copy of each. If you choose to provide a copy for them rather than e-mail we encourage you to use both sides of the paper and copy one on each side. We will email items per your request on any of the items listed above.
The Curriculum Resource Guides are property of Mini-Skool Early Learning Centers and are not to leave the school.
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Bulletin Boards At minimum, all classrooms should include: Parent Board: Should include but not be limited to:
the lesson plan for the month for the specific classroom a snack and lunch menu any documents required by your state licensing standards and a daily schedule.
This Board should be displayed in a location that is easily seen by parents, be interesting and informative and should always be kept up to date. (All classrooms) Circle Time Board: This board should be placed at the childs eye level! It is best to limit the amount of items on this board so as not to overwhelm students. (Twos and Preschool) It should include:
Monthly calendar which should be updated daily (3 year olds an older); A Z Phonics(either letters or characters) Colors, shapes, and opposites being studied that month Numbers 0-20 at the most
Any additional items used during circle time do NOT need to be displayed. Theme Board: This board can contain displays made by both teacher and children. Additional theme related projects may also be displayed on windows, exterior doors, cabinet doors and the backs of material shelves. (All classrooms) Phonics Focus Board: This board should display children art projects reflecting the letters that are focus of the month. It is best to incorporate some sort of scene when possible to display the projects. The board should clearly state which letters of the month are being celebrated. Any project that is not easily identifiable should include a sign that states what it is: We painted hearts for Honey Horse (Preschool only; although may be included in Twos) Math Connection Board: This board should include activities reflecting the math focus for the month. Teachers should also post a sign stating specifically what the children are working on: This month we are working on Sorting and Classifying. Where possible, teachers are strongly encouraged to include pictures of the children as they are working with specific math tools. (Preschool only) Art Gallery:
This can either be a board, wall, window, door, etc. This area should include projects that children have created on their own in the art center. This board should display a variety of mediums of different art projects that the children create. Literature Board: This board should display a sign or picture of the book focus for the month as well as any activities that were completed by the children as an extension of the book. (All classrooms)
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Birthday Board: This board should contain the birthdays of all children enrolled in the classroom. Teachers must ensure that they immediately add the name and birth date of a newly enrolled child. (All classrooms) Writing Practice Board: This board should display handwriting projects of all children and should be updated as children spend time in the handwriting center each week. Pictures of children doing the activities are appropriate also. (Preschool only) Colors, Shapes and Opposites: This board should reflect the monthly focus for all of these content areas as well as examples of the activities that the children have completed. (Infants, Toddler and Twos classrooms only) Baby Signs: This board should contain the picture cards of the signs that are being featured for the month. Where possible, photos of the babies actually doing the signs should be included. (Infants and Toddlers only)
All bulletin boards must be changed on a monthly basis or more often if appropriate. Displays should be neat and contain no spelling or
grammatical errors.
Backing items with a contrasting color of paper can make posted items stand out.
Childrens names should be on all projects and ALL children should have
art or activities displayed.
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TH
EM
E A
CT
IVIT
IES
, LA
NG
UA
GE
,
SO
NG
S, G
AM
ES
, FIN
GE
RP
LAY
SA
RT
EX
PLO
RA
TIO
NFI
NE
MO
TO
R
FUN
WIT
H F
ITN
ES
S
GR
OS
S M
OT
OR
BA
BY
SIG
NS
, CO
LOR
S,
SH
AP
ES
,
CR
ITIC
AL
TH
INK
ING
,
SP
EC
IAL
CE
LEB
RA
TIO
NS
SE
NS
OR
Y /
SC
IEN
CE
M o n d a y T u e s d a y W e d n e s d a y T h u r s d a y F r i d a y
Healt
hy B
odie
s i
n M
oti
on
Head t
o T
oes
Febru
ary
Toddle
r Lesson P
lan
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FOC
US
TH
EM
E, L
AN
GU
AG
E,
SO
NG
S, G
AM
ES
, FIN
GE
RP
LAY
SA
RT
EX
PLO
RA
TIO
NFI
NE
MO
TO
R
FUN
WIT
H F
ITN
ES
S
GR
OS
S M
OT
OR
BA
BY
SIG
NS
, CO
LOR
S, S
HA
PE
S,
CR
ITIC
AL
TH
INK
ING
, S
PE
CIA
L
CE
LEB
RA
TIO
NS
SE
NS
OR
Y /
SC
IEN
CE
M o n d a y T u e s d a y W e d n e s d a y T h u r s d a y F r i d a y
Healt
hy B
odie
s i
n M
otio
n
Healt
hy F
oods f
or
Healt
hy B
odie
s
Febru
ary
Lesson
Pla
n
-
Cir
cle
Tim
e
Th
em
e F
ocu
sed
Acti
vit
ies
Art
Exp
lora
tio
n
Ph
on
ics
Fo
cu
s
Lan
gu
ag
e C
ard
s-S
pan
ish
-
Sig
n L
an
gu
ag
e
Sen
so
ry a
nd
Scie
nce
Exp
lora
tio
n
Fin
e M
oto
r
Sh
ap
es-C
olo
rs-O
pp
osit
es
Lit
era
ture
Sp
ecia
l E
ven
ts
Fu
n W
ith
Fit
ness
(Gro
ss M
oto
r)
M o n d a y T u e s d a y W e d n e s d a y T h u r s d a y F r i d a y
Healt
hy B
odie
s i
n M
oti
on
Head t
o T
oes
Febru
ary
Tw
os L
esson P
lan
-
Cir
cle
Tim
e
Th
em
e F
ocu
sed
Acti
vit
ies
Art
Exp
lora
tio
n
Ph
on
ics
Fo
cu
s
Lan
gu
ag
e C
ard
s-S
pan
ish
-
Sig
n L
an
gu
ag
e
Sen
so
ry a
nd
Scie
nce
Exp
lora
tio
n
Fin
e M
oto
r
Sh
ap
es-C
olo
rs-O
pp
osit
es
Lit
era
ture
Sp
ecia
l E
ven
ts
Fu
n W
ith
Fit
ness
(Gro
ss M
oto
r)
M o n d a y T u e s d a y W e d n e s d a y T h u r s d a y F r i d a y
Healt
hy B
odie
s i
n M
oti
on
Healt
hy F
oods f
or
Healt
hy B
odie
s
Febru
ary
Tw
os L
esson P
lans
-
Cir
cle
Tim
e
Th
em
e F
ocu
sed
Acti
vit
ies
Art
Exp
lora
tio
n
Ph
on
ics
Fo
cu
s
Lan
gu
ag
e C
ard
s-S
pan
ish
-
Sig
n L
an
gu
ag
e
Sen
so
ry a
nd
Scie
nce
Exp
lora
tio
n
Fin
e M
oto
r
Sh
ap
es-C
olo
rs-O
pp
osit
es
Lit
era
ture
Sp
ecia
l E
ven
ts
Fu
n W
ith
Fit
ness
(Gro
ss M
oto
r)
M o n d a y T u e s d a y W e d n e s d a y T h u r s d a y F r i d a y
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February
With our Healthy Bodies in Motion theme this month it is a great time to refocus your attention on healthy eating habits and our Fun with Fitness (FWF) program. This month your goals should be the following:
1. Role model healthy eating habits by eating only healthy food and drink in front of the children.
2. Commit to following the daily exercise program with the children described in the Fun with
Fitness section of the curriculum guide.
3. Commit to educating the children about proper nutrition and exercise.
4. Enhance your classroom with pictures that promote healthy eating and exercise.
5. Involve your families by completing the activities in the FWF section of the curriculum guide and sending the projects home.
6. Challenge your families to complete the activities in the guide and provide an opportunity for
the families to share what they did together as a family.
7. Expose the children to new healthy food recipes that are including in the FWF section of the curriculum guide.
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Focus Theme
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Healthy Bodies in Motion Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes Song
Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes, Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes, And eyes and ears and mouth and nose, Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes. Brush Your Teeth Song by Raffi If you get up in the morning at a quarter to one and you want to have a little fun, You brush your teeth ch ch ch ch, ch ch ch ch....
If you get up in the morning at a quarter to two and you want to find something to do, You brush your teeth ch ch ch ch, ch ch ch ch....
If you get up in the morning at a quarter to three and you want to hum a tweedle dee dee,
You brush your teeth ch ch ch ch, ch ch ch ch....
If you get up in the morning at a quarter to four and you think you hear a knock at the door, You brush your teeth ch ch ch ch, ch ch ch ch....
If you get up in the morning at a quarter to five and you just can't wait to come alive, You brush your teeth ch ch ch ch, ch ch ch ch....
One Little, Two Little Fingers
One little, two little, three little fingers Four little, five little, six little fingers Sever little, eight little, nine little fingers Ten little fingers on my hands. One little, two little, three little toes Four little, five little, six little toes Seven little, eight little, nine little toes Ten little toes on my feet.
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose Eyes and ears and mouth and nose Eyes and ears and mouth and nose I can find on my head Arms and legs and hips and knees Arms and legs and hips and knees Arms and legs and hips and knees Help me move around.
My Bones song
(tune of Dem Bones) My bones, my bones, their my bones My bones, my bones, their my bones My bones, my bones, their my bones I use them to move all day The toe bone connected to the foot bone The foot bone connected to the leg bone The leg bone connected to the knee bone I use them to move all day
The knee bone connected to the thigh bone The thigh bone connected to hip bone The hip bone connected to the waist bone I use them to move all day The waist bone connected to the back bone The back bone connected to the neck bone The neck bone connected to the head bone I use them to move all day
I Will Grow Up Big and Strong
(tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) I will grow up big and strong Using my muscles all day long In the morning I stretch to the sky I use my legs to jump so high I will grow up big and strong Help me as I sing my song
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I am Special
I am special, look at me I am growing so tall you see I have bones that stand me up I have muscles to help me lift up I have a brain inside my head I rest my body in my cozy bed
I am special, look at me Learning about my body is important you see? I need healthy foods to eat Lots of exercise with my feet I am learning everyday How to take care of my body in every way.
Shake My Sillies Out by Raffi I've gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out, Shake, shake, shake my sillies out, Shake, shake, shake my sillies out, And wiggle my waggles away! I've gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out, Clap, clap, clap my crazies out, Clap, clap, clap my crazies out, And wiggle my waggles away! I've gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out, Jump, jump, jump my jiggles out, Jump, jump, jump my jiggles out,
And wiggle my waggles away! I've gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out, Yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out, Yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out, And wiggle my waggles away! I've gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out, Shake, shake, shake my sillies out, Shake, shake, shake my sillies out, And wiggle my waggles away, And wiggle my waggles away!
The Bones Boogie
Shake rattle and roll my bones go Around and round and fast and slow They can shutter and they can shimmy I am doing the bones boogie!
Come on down and join with me This is easy cant you see? Give em a clap, clap, clap Give em a stamp, stamp, stamp Come and do the bones boogie with me!
The Mango Tree
(tune of Kookaburra) All the mangos sit in the mango tree Waiting for hungry friends like me Please mango drop for me Please mango drop for me Im hungry as I can be. Hot Potato
Invite the children to play a game of hot potato with you using a real potato that has been slightly warmed. Bubbles Toddlers are amazed by bubbles. Bubbles can catch a toddlers attention for at least 15 minutes. Encourage the children to chase the bubbles and get some exercise. Jump Song (child's name), (child's name), Jump up and down, Jump up and down, Jump up and down, (child's name), (child's name), Jump up and down, now sit back down Variations: replace "act like a clown" or "spin all around" for "jump up and down" replace "child's name" with "everybody" or the name of your class, eg "Tot 2"
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Play Basketball Supply the children with a large ball and a laundry basket. Show the children how to put the ball in the basket. Try the same with bean bags or small pillows. Bean Bag Fun Play with bean bags, toss them in a basket, up in the air, balance them on your head or the back of your hand, toss them to a friend. Roll the Ball Roll a ball back and forth. Encourage children to roll the ball back and forth to each other. Dance Play some music and dance with your class. Go for a Nature Walk Point out trees, grass, bugs, rocks... etc. Play in a mirror Make silly faces into a mirror. Toddlers love to look at themselves. Encourage them to make different expressions. Roll around Roll around on the floor or down a gentle hill outside. Shakers Make shakers by stapling two paper plates together with beans inside, (the children may decorate these) or placing beans, beads, or other objects in a sealed bottle. Musical Shapes Make different shapes on the floor with masking tape. Play lively music and encourage them to walk from shape to shape. Ask them to stop on a shape when the music stops. Where is your___? Ask your children "where is your nose?" eyes, head... etc. Encourage them to point to the body part. Tower Power Help toddlers build a tower with blocks as high as they can. Encourage them to knock it down. Streamer in the Breeze Attach streamers to a paper plate and play with streamers in the wind. Encourage the children to run so that the streamers trail behind them. Dance with a scarf Provide each child with a scarf and turn on lively music. Encourage the children to mimic your motions. Lets put our scarves above our heads. Now touch your feet with your scarf, etc. Who Am I? Pretend to be a dog, cat, dinosaur, baby, etc. Encourage as much physical motion as possible as you and your children pretend to be different things. Push and Pull Play
Encourage children to learn how to push and pull during circle time. You can provide objects that the children can pair up and practice pushing and pulling: cars, wagons, boxes, pull toys, etc.
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Stair climbing
Bring a stair to circle time or a very study piece of wood. Show the children how to climb up and down the step. Encourage them to do it on their own. Crawling
Encourage motion by encouraging children to crawl. They can pretend to be animals, slither like snakes or crawl over, under and through objects. March, March, March Show your children how to march. Practice marching for awhile, encourage them to practice marching in different ways: march in circles, march on a line, march around the tables,etc. A Galloping We Will Go
Show the children how to gallop and then encourage them to gallop around the room pretending to be horses. Jumping Jack
Practice all different types of jumping: jumping on one foot, jumping with two feet, jump off step, jump into pretend water, etc. Pretend to be a jumping jack. Squat down, jump up and sing this song:
Out Pops Jack Pop Goes The Weasel
Down, down, down he goes.
Down to the bottom.
When someone opens the box Out pops Jack!
Healthy Foods for Healthy Bodies Activity Suggestions:
Hang up pictures around the room of healthy meals, children eating healthy foods and drinking things such as water and milk.
Make healthy meal posters by using poster board and magazine pictures; one for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and sometimes foods.
Have a healthy foods day and ask parents to bring in some of their favorite healthy foods to share in a class potluck.
Make healthy kids t-shirts by having parents send in an old solid color shirt for their child and supply the children with sponges of healthy food shapes such as fruits and vegetables to print on their shirt with fabric paint. They can wear these shirts throughout the month.
I Like to Eat Apples and Bananas song
I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas A
I like to ate, ate, ate ay-ples and ba-nay-nays I like to ate, ate, ate ay-ples and ba-nay-nays E I like to eat, eat, eat ee-ples and bee-nee-nees I like to eat, eat, eat ee-ples and bee-nee-nees
I
I like to ite, ite, ite i-ples and by-ny-nys I like to ite, ite, ite i-ples and by-ny-nys O
I like to ote, ote, ote oh-ples and bo-no-nos I like to ote, ote, ote oh-ples and bo-no-nos U
I like to oot, oot, oot oo-ples and boo-noo-noos I like to oot, oot, oot oo-ples and boo-noo-noos
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PB&J Sandwich
First you get some bread And you slice it, you slice (make cutting motions with hands) Then you get some peanut butter And you scoop it, you scoop it (make scooping motions with hands) Then you get some jelly And you spread it, you spread it (make spreading motion with one hand to the other) Put it all together and what to have? A PB&J sandwich in your hand! Five Little Tomatoes
Five little tomatoes on the vine Farmer said took one and said This ones fine. Four little tomatoes in the shade of the tree, Farmers wife took one and said This ones for me. Three little tomatoes shiny and red The dog took one and woof he said. Two little tomatoes hanging under the sun, The farmers daughter took one and said This weighs a ton! One little tomato left on the vine So I took it and said This one is mine! Sometimes Food
(tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star) Candy is a sometimes food, I only eat it when I should. It is tasty for a treat, But a little bit is all Ill eat Candy is a sometimes food Eating too much is no good. (Lines that you can replace with are: Chips are a sometimes food Soda is a sometimes food Cookies are a sometimes food Cupcakes are a sometimes food Encourage children to insert their own sometimes foods) Make the Bread (tune of This is the Way We..)
This is the way we mix the dough Mix the dough Mix the dough This is the way we mix the dough To make bread for you!
This is the way we knead the dough Knead the dough Knead the dough This is the way we knead the dough To make bread for you!
This is the way we shape the dough Shape the dough Shape the dough This is the way we shape the dough To make bread for you!
This is the way we bake the dough Bake the dough Bake the dough This is the way we bake the dough To make bread for you!
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The Produce Stand
(For this activity, you will need to make a variety of felt fruit and veggie cut outs for children to choose from) Here I go to the produce stand I have money in my hand Fruits and veggies in every shade I paid for a ____(whatever item child chose) and skipped away Ch ch ch, ch ch ch, ch ch, ch ch ch. (Repeat until all children have had a turn) If Youre Healthy and You Know It
If youre healthy and you know it, clap your hands (clap, clap) If youre healthy and you know it, clap your hands (clap, clap) If youre healthy and you know it, and you really want to show it If youre healthy and you know it, clap your hands (clap, clap) If youre healthy and you know it, jump up high (jump, jump) If youre healthy and you know it, jump up high (jump, jump) If youre healthy and you know it, and you really want to show it If youre healthy and you know it, jump up high (jump, jump) If youre healthy and you know it, shout hooray! If youre healthy and you know it, shout hooray! If youre healthy and you know it, and you really want to show it If youre healthy and you know it, shout hooray! If youre healthy and you know it, do all three If youre healthy and you know it, do all three If youre healthy and you know it, and you really want to show it If youre healthy and you know it, do all three Read the book The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear
Read this book with the children and then invite them to make their own strawberries out of red construction and green construction paper. Fruit Salad Provide cut up pieces of fruit, yogurt and cups. Encourage the children to place the fruit and yogurt in layers. Refrigerate for at least 10 min. Enjoy for snack. Friendship Fruit Salad
Ask each child to bring in a piece of fruit for making a fruit salad for snack time. Strawberries for Snack
Eat strawberries for snack. Talk about how they feel and smell. Make sure that none of the children in your class is allergic to strawberries. If Youre ______ and You Know It "If your Happy and You Know it Clap Your Hands" Then continue with "If your sad and you know it say Boo Hoo" and rub at your eyes as a hand motion. Instead of "you surely aught to show it" substitute "...you might want to show it" And then "when your mad and you know it say I'm mad" have them make a mad face. For added effect cut out some circles with facial expressions drawn onto them, glue to Popsicle sticks for handles and hold them up as you sing the corresponding feeling. With time add more feelings to the song such as surprised or sick. me:
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Dramatic Play Grocery Store Materials:
Various empty food boxes and containers such as cereal, oatmeal, cake mix, butter tubs, oil bottles, milk bottles, etc.
Various plastic fruits and veggies Paper grocery bags (you can get these donated by your local supermarket) Various coupons from the paper or Sunday adds Laminator or contact paper Baskets
What to do: Set up a grocery store in you dramatic play area by place the empty food boxes and containers on the shelves, putting fruits and veggies in the baskets and having the paper bags available. Cut and laminate/contact paper the coupons you have cut out so children can use them to match up the foods they are shopping for. Invite children to create a name and a sign for their grocery store. How Many Teeth Do You Have? Have the children count the teeth in their mouth. Compare results with the class. Brush Your Teeth Featured on Raffi's Singable Songs for the Very Young: Great with a Peanut-Butter Sandwich Crocodile's Toothache A great poem featured in Shel Silverstien's Where the Sidewalk Ends : Poems and Drawings Book Recommendations Show Me Your Smile! Going to the Dentist Teeth Are Not for Biting Brush Your Teeth Please Pop-Up The Tooth Book Happy Faces
Invite children to color a large round happy face with large toddler-size crayons. Let the children put happy face stickers on the face.
Feel the Music
Create a audio tape with a variety of types of music, use fast beats, then slow melodies. Try to find Asian sounds and/or Latin salsas, etc. Then pop in the tape and dance with the children. Show them how they can feel the music and dance in many ways. Toddlers love to wave their arms or stomp real hard. They like to sway slowly or just bob their heads.
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Art Explortation
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Many other Art Activities can be found in both the Special Celebrations and Fine Motor, Shapes, Colors & Opposites tab of this Resource Guide. Stretch the classroom budget by using recyclable materials for art.
Use small boxes, toilet paper rolls, etc for 3-D sculptures. Put all scraps of construction paper in a box to be used for collage art. Ask your parents if their office can donate letter head that they are updating instead of
throwing it away. Children can practice handwriting and drawing.
Suggested Additions to the Art area in February pink and read paint in various shades Triangles and hearts of various sizes, cut from various types of paper (construction, tag board,
wall paper, newsprint, peel and stick paper, etc.) star stickers crayons, markers and paper in a variety of shades of red and pink Valentine stamps Valentine or Presidential stickers sandpaper shapes kitchen tools that can be used for painting: pastry brushes, potato masher sponges in heart or triangle shapes
Painting on an Easel 1. Set up a low easel with some paper, one or two colors of thick paint and short-handled, thick bristle
brushes. 2. Set up a convenient place to dry the paintings: a spare table, a clothesline with clothespins, etc. 3. Demonstrate to the child how to wipe her brush on the side of the cup each time she dips her brush. 4. Talk about the colors she is using: Jamir is using red. What other color of paint do you have? 5. When dry, hang the paintings on a low wall where children can see them. Pink And Red Bold Materials
soap flakes green finger paint heavy sheet of black paper plastic squeeze bottles
What to Do 1. Put soap flake and paint in squeeze bottle. 2. Invite the child to squeeze out interesting green lines on brown paper. 3. Allow to dry thoroughly before hanging up for display. Coloring on Hearts and Triangles 1. Add variety to scribbling by cutting out paper diamond and oval shapes for the children to color on. 2. Let the child choose the crayons he chooses to use and color on the paper shape in his own way. 3. For variation, invite the children to use markers, paint or chalk on these shapes too. Chalk Drawing 1. Cover a low table with newspaper. 2. Wet pieces of dark-colored construction paper and place one in front of the child. 3. Provide her with some brightly colored, large, non-toxic pieces of chalk and encourage her to draw
on the wet paper. 4. Advise the child to press hard to see the lines shes making. 5. In another place of the room, place chalk out to be used on a chalkboard. 6. Talk about the differences between drawing with chalk on paper and on the chalkboard.
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Large Teeth Materials:
Plastic Bottles White Temper Paint Tooth Brushes Tooth paste
What to Do:
Cut the bottom off of 20oz. or two litter bottles. Cut in the shape of teeth. Paint them white temper paint. This will look like a mouth and you can give each child a tooth brush with toothpaste so they can practice brushing teeth. Great Big Pictures 1. Cover a whole table with a very large sheet of butcher paper. Tape the paper so it will not pull off. 2. Place red and pink crayons or markers in several containers where the children can reach them. 3. Let the children work near one another, but be sure to have plenty of work space and enough
materials for each child. 4. Leave the paper out so children can come back to their work. Memory Handprint Materials:
1 Cup Flour 1 Cup Salt Water Food Coloring (optional)
What to Do: Mix flour and salt, add enough water to get a firm clay-like mixture. Remove 1/2 cup of dough and press it into a circular shape on a lightly greased cookie sheet. It should be large enough for a child's hand or foot to fit onto with the fingers or toes spread out. Push child's hand or foot firmly into dough. Let dough dry for several weeks or put in oven at 225 degrees for 2 to 4 hours, depending on the thickness of the dough. Flower Power Materials:
Paper Cotton Balls Glue Fragrance
What to Do:
Provide each child with a circle and numerous flower petals. Encourage the children to glue flower petals to their circle. Add any fragrance that you to the cotton balls and encourage the children to glue the cotton balls with the fragrance to the middle of their flower. Invite them to smell their flower. Feely Painting Materials:
Paper Paint Sand or Salt
What to Do:
Encourage the children to paint with their hands using a mixture of paint and sand or salt. This creates a neat texture for the children to feel.
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Scratch and Sniff Watercolor Paintings Materials:
Paper Kool-Aid
What to Do: Mix Kool-Aid with water (about two tablespoons). Then let the children paint with the mixture. After the painting dry you have great scratch and sniff pictures. Warning: Kool-Aid can stain clothes, tables, and floors Five Senses Gingerbread Art Materials:
Sandpaper Crayons Cinnamon Sticks
What to Do: Cut out gingerbread men sandpaper and give them to your children. Allow them to decorate their Gingerbread man with crayons, and cinnamon sticks. The children will be able to smell and taste the cinnamon, feel the sandpaper, hear the scratching (of cinnamon and sandpaper), and finally see their gingerbread people Texture Book
Make a texture book with lots of different items for your children to touch and feel. You can include aluminum, denim, springs, feathers, carpet, grass, and much more. Have them describe the items. Make Your Own Toothbrushes Materials:
Paper Markers/Crayons Any Other Art Supplies You Choose
What to Do:
Make a giant toothbrush from white paper for each of your children. Then let your children design their own toothbrush with toothbrushes in a variety of colors and extras. Clean Your Teeth Materials:
Yellow Paper Paint Toothbrushes
What to Do:
Draw a tooth shape onto a yellow piece of paper or manila folder. Let your children paint with toothbrushes and white paint on the paper to clean the teeth. Dental Floss Painting Materials:
Paint Dental Floss Paper
What to Do:
Cut out large teeth out of poster board or construction paper. Let your children string paint with the dental floss
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Chicken Pox Materials:
Large Paper Paint Markers/Crayons Various Art Supplies of Your Choice
What to Do: Trace your children on large pieces of paper. Cut out the shape and decorate how they want. Finally provide red markers and let your children draw chicken pox anywhere they want. Texture Painting
Invite your children paint with items related to health (bath sponges, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, etc) Foot Printing Painting
Encourage the children to step in a tub with a little bit of paint on the bottom. They can then walk across a large piece of butcher paper leaving their footprints. You can also just do one set of foot prints on a piece of paper. This makes a nice keepsake for the parents. Handprint Wall Provide children with a large piece of butcher paper and several different colors of paint. Invite them to dip their hands in the paint and place on the paper. Write each childs name next to their handprint. When the paper is dry, hang on the wall. The children love to look at their colorful handprints. Body Parts Book
Take several days to put together a body parts book for each child. You can include a handprint, a foot print, a tracing of their hand and foot, eyes (paper cut outs colored), nose (paper cut out colored), fingerprints, etc. On the last page you can put a picture of each child and their whole body. Paper Plate Face Materials:
Pre cut facial features Yarn Paper plates Glue Crayons
What to Do:
Provide each child with a paper plate and facial features. Talk to the children about their eyes, nose and mouth. Encourage them to point to them. Invite them to glue on the facial features and yarn for hair where ever they would like. The children can then color the face if they would like. The teacher can sing the song below while they are working on their face. Smile Song No one likes a frowny face, change it for a smile. Make the world a better place, by smiling all the while. If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay. Quickly turn it upside down and smile that frown away. Mirror Me Painting Materials:
Sheets of foil Corn Syrup Food Coloring
Plastic Spoons Paint Shirts Bowls
What to Do: Mix food coloring and corn syrup. Put on shirts. Encourage children to look in the foil and see their face. Invite them to paint on the foil using the spoons. Lay flat to dry.
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Kids in Motion: Encourage children to wear their favorite outfit one day. Invite them to lie on butcher paper so that you can trace their body. Position each child in a variety of motions: running, jumping, kicking, etc. Cut out their body tracing and decorate it in the way they were dressed: tennis shoes, pony tail, cap, etc. Hang on your wall to celebrate the month.
Me Picture Frames - Use wall paper samples to cut out picture frames. Add a sheet of paper to the back of the frame. Encourage the children to make a face with precut facial features, yarn and googly eyes.
Floss Painting - Provide children with tooth shapes. They use floss to dip in paint and paint their teeth with a variety of colors.
Carrot Tops - Cut out large shapes of carrots and invite the children to tear up orange paper and glue to the carrot shape. They can then add green Easter grass at the top for the green part of the carrot.
Feet Painting Materials:
Paint Paper paper bags
towels music trays
What to Do: Ask children to remove shoes and socks. Put newspaper or plastic under the art area. Have trays of paints near children. Let them dip their feet in the paint and use them to paint with. They can use their whole foot or just their toes. Play relaxing music while they are painting. Provide a bucket of warm soapy water for cleaning their feet.
Handprint Placemats - Provide children with a large piece of white construction paper. Encourage them to place their hands in paint and make handprints all over the paper. Laminate and use for snack and lunch. Send home at the end of the month. You can also put their picture on it for easy identification.
Stuffed Carrots
Provide each child with two shapes of carrot. Staple them together leaving a hole at the top. Encourage the children to stuff them with newspaper. Staple shut and then the children to paint them orange. When dry the children can glue on green paper or felt scraps for the carrot top.
Clean Teeth - Cut large teeth from white Styrofoam meat trays donated by parents or a grocery story. Before the children arrive, paint the teeth with yellow paint. When the paint is dry, show the children how to make homemade toothpaste out of baking soda and water. Place the teeth in a large baking pan and encourage the children to use toothbrushes to "clean" the plaque off of the teeth.
Giant Tooth brushes - Cut out giant toothbrushes from white paper. The children can then paint their toothbrushes with toothbrushes in their favorite color.
Toothbrush Painting - Trace a tooth shape (one for each student) onto a manila file folder. Have the students use an old toothbrush to brush the tooth white dipping the tooth brush in white paint.
Texture Collage - Provide pieces of fabric and paper in different textures: squares of sandpaper, sm. cubes of sponge, corrugated paper, fake fur and smooth paper, foil, etc. Encourage children to talk about what each of them feels like as they glue them on the shape of a hand.
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Sticky Collage - Tape Contact paper to a table top with the sticky side facing up, cover the entire table. Supply children with assorted collage materials and allow the creativity to flow. When they are finished remove and hang!
Potato Head - Provide children with the shape of a Mr. / Mrs. Potato Head. Provide a variety of textures for the children to make their own textured potato head. Ideas: pompom, sand paper, leather, foam, burlap, etc.
Sack Lunch Materials:
brown paper bags healthy foods cut from magazines and grocery store ads glue
What to Do: Encourage the children to choose the pictures of foods that they want to glue to their bag for lunch. Scent"-sational Strawberries Cut out strawberry shapes from red construction paper. Mix green Tempra paint and strawberry shampoo (Suave) together then give children q-tips to paint green spots on their strawberries for seeds. Encourage them to describe what they smell. Extend the activity by eating strawberries for snack. Beware of allergies!! Produce Painting
Cut off the parts of produce that you do not eat: leafy top of a carrot or celery, stalk of broccoli or cauliflower. Show the children the produce and what parts you are using. Use the inedible parts for painting with and eat the rest of the vegetables for snack. Peas Pods Cut out large pods out of green construction paper. Provide children with green tissue or crepe paper. Encourage them to scrunch them into small balls out of the paper and glue on their pea pod. Show them real pea pods and what they look like. Eat peas for snack or lunch. Feelings Collage
Cut out pictures of people of a variety of ages and abilities from magazines. Talk to the children about the expression on the faces. Invite them to choose the pictures they like and glue them on paper.
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Phonics Focus
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p Phonics Pizza Shop
Down around the corner in the pizza shop There were lots of pieces of pizza with pepperoni on top Along came (child's name) all alone He (or She) bought one that had (# of pepperonis) pepperoni And took it home Note: Do this with a pizza drawing (or felt board) removing a piece of pizza with the specified number of pepperonis with each verse. Have You Ever Seen A Penguin? Have you ever seen a penguin? A penguin. . .a penguin! Have you ever seen a penguin swim this way and that way? Swim this way and that way . . . and this way and that way? Have you ever seen a penguin swim this way and that? (point) Have you ever seen a penguin? A penguin. . .a penguin! Have you ever seen a penguin slide this way and that way? Slide this way and that way . . . and this way and that way? Have you ever seen a penguin swim this way and that? (point) Have you ever seen a penguin? A penguin. . .a penguin! Have you ever seen a penguin waddle this way and that way? Waddle this way and that way . . . and this way and that way? Have you ever seen a penguin waddle this way and that? (point) Have you ever seen a penguin? A penguin. . .a penguin! Penguin Family
One royal penguin . .feeling very blue (hold up one finger) Called for his brother then there were two (hold up two fingers) Two royal penguins. . .swimming in the sea (swimming motion) Called for their sister then there were three (hold up three fingers) Three royal penguins waddle on the shore (waddle) Call for their mother, then there were four (hold up four fingers) Four royal penguins learning how to dive (Make diving motion) Call for their father, then there were five (hold up five fingers) Puppy Love Materials:
Pictures of puppies Paper
Glue Scissors
What to do: Make copies of the various puppy pictures and invite children to cut and glue their favorites onto the paper. While children are working, ask them questions about the puppies they have picked such as color, size and any other features they can talk about.
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Pepperoni Pizza Materials:
English muffins Pepperoni
Cheese Pizza sauce
What to do: Invite children to create their own pepperoni pizzas for lunch one day. Bake the pizzas for approximately 7-9 minutes in a 400 degree oven. The microwave can also be used if no oven is available, just heat until cheese is melted. Pink and Purple Painting with Pipe Cleaners Materials:
Pink paint Purple paint
Paper Pipe cleaners
What to do: Invite children to use pipe cleaners to paint with pink and purple paint. Piggy Bank Materials:
Empty oatmeal container Pink construction paper Contact paper
Permanent marker Scissors
What to do: Cover the oatmeal container with the pink construction paper to create a pig and cut a mouth hole in one side of the container. Cover it with contact paper and draw eyes and a pig nose above the mouth hole. Place the piggy bank on the table and tell children the pig is hungry. Provide them with poker chips to place into the pigs mouth. Pajama Day Have one day during the month that you invite your class to have a pajama day where they can wear their pajamas to school and do various activities that begin with letter p. Pots and Pans Percussion Materials:
Various pots and pans Wooden spoons
Spatulas Brushes
What to do: Talk to children about what a percussion instrument is and set up a percussion area in which they can explore different sounds with the various pots, pans, spoons, spatulas and brushes. Ask them why the sounds are different and if they hear louder and softer sounds with the various items. P is for Party
Invite children to have a letter p party. Put out a sign-up sheet for parents to bring in various items that begin with letter p such as:
Pizza Plates Pineapple Pears
Pie Pancakes Pretzels
Piggy Bank Materials:
Milk Cartons Construction Paper
Paint
What to Do: Give your children a milk carton. Let them draw eyes and glue construction paper ears and tail onto it make it into a piggy bank.
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Make Peppermint Play Dough Materials:
1 cup flour 1 cup warm water 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 1 teaspoon oil
1/4 cup salt Food coloring Peppermint extract (very small amount)
What to do: 1. Mix all ingredients, adding food coloring last. 2. Stir over medium heat until smooth. 3. Remove from pan and knead until blended smooth. 4. Place in plastic bag or airtight container when cooled. Footprint Penguin Materials:
White Paper Construction Paper
Paint Googly Eyes
What to Do: 1. Dip the child's foot in black paint or an ink pad and put on white paper. 2. Add eyes an orange beak and a small white circle for a belly and you have a footprint penguin Stain Glass Pet Materials:
Contact Paper or Waxed Paper Tissue Paper or Construction Paper Googly Eyes Yarn
What to Do: Provide the children the contact paper (or glue and wax paper) cut out as a pet shape. They can glue on tissue paper squares to make their own stain glass creature. After they have dried hang them in the window to make a beautiful stained glass look. Make a Postcard Materials:
Magazines Index Cards
Paint Glue
What to Do: Show your children several postcards with different pictures on them. Then give them paint, glue, and magazines. Invite them to cutout pictures and make their own postcards. Pizza Pie Materials:
Large Piece of Paper Paint
Yarn Other Art Supplies of your choosing
What to Do: Cut out a large paper circle. Then have your children make a pizza. They can paint it red for sauce, add yarn for cheese, ham (pink triangles), add pepperoni buttons, etc. There is no limit to the creativity of toppings you can create. If you run out of ideas ask your children they may be able to come up with some. At the end of the day you can slice the pizza and let each child take a piece home. What Color Am I?
Copy penguin designs. Make each penguin five different colors, two of each. Encourage the children to match the penguins to the same color.
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Salt Penguin Materials:
Construction paper Markers or Paint
What to Do: Cut out the shape of a penguin. Let the children cover the center (belly) of the penguin in glue and sprinkle salt on it. Add orange construction paper beak and wiggle eyes. Pasta Kitchen
In your dramatic play area provide pasta. *Put several different sizes, shapes and colors of pasta in the area. *Provide pans, spoons, and bowls for your children to pretend their cooking in. *You can also use yarn colored like spaghetti and pom-poms for meatballs. *Empty pasta boxes *Strainer and spoon to serve the pasta Pizza Parlor
Create a pizza parlor using a large appliance box. Provide Pizza Pans Provide Toppings (Yarn for Cheese, Circle cutouts for Pepperoni, green felt peppers, etc) Save old pizza boxing for pretend deliveries Go to your local pizza store and ask for donations of anything they are willing to give.
Individual Pizzas Make individual pizzas with your class. The possibilities are endless, you can use English muffins, Ritz crackers, Pitas for dough. For all add a little sauce, cheese, and cook until the cheese is melted. Pirate Dramatic Play Area
Provide bandanas, eye patches, stripes t-shirts, old blue jeans cut and frayed just below the knees, Jolly Roger flag, cardboard telescopes, cardboard treasure chest, costume jewelry, felt pirate hats, made up treasure maps, etc Picnic Look through magazines or grocery store ads to find pictures of foods. Cut out the food pictures. Have your child glue the pictures to a shape of a picnic basket to make a picnic "lunch." I Placemat Cut red construction paper into small squares. Encourage your children to glue the red squares onto a sheet of white paper to make a red and white checkered placemat. Laminate or cover with Contact paper for durability. Pumpkin Pie Play dough Ingredients:
5 1/2 Cups Flour 2 Cups Salt 8 teaspoon cream of tartar 3/4 Cups Oil
1 (1 1/2 ounces) container pumpkin pie spice
Orange Food Coloring (2 parts yellow, 1 part red)
4 Cups Water What to Do: 1. Mix all ingredients together 2. Cook and stir over medium heat until all lumps disappear. 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth. 4. Store in airtight container.
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Cookie Cutter Puzzles Cut a square out of corrugated cardboard. Place two or three simple cookie cutters on the cardboard and trace around them. Using a craft knife, cut out the outlined shapes and discard. Give your child the piece of cardboard and the cookie cutters. Let your child place each cookie cutter in its matching space in the cardboard.
Me Puzzle
Enlarge and copy a photograph of each child. Glue the copy of the photograph to a sheet of poster board. Cover with Contact paper. Cut the photo into a few simple puzzle pieces. Invite your children to play with their special puzzles.
Pots and Pans Fun
Provide a few pots and pans with lids. Encourage the children to play with them. Here are some ideas: Take the lids on and off figuring out which lid goes with which pan Stock the pots inside each other. Put items in and out of the pot. Bang the lids of the pots together.
Paint the Puppy
Provide children with a large cutout of a dog shape. Set out a variety of colors to choose from and encourage the children to color their special puppy.
Five Little Puppies
This little puppy said, Lets go out to play. This little puppy said, Lets run away. This little puppy said, Lets stay out till dark. This little puppy said, Lets bark, bark, bark. This little puppy said, I think it would be fun to go straight home. Lets run, run, run! Purple and Pink P
Cut out the shape of a P. Provide purple and pink collage items: lace, paper, tissue paper, ribbon etc. Encourage children to decorate their P
I Wear My Pajamas
I wear my blue pajamas in the summer when it's hot I wear my blue pajamas in the winter when it's not And sometimes in the springtime, And sometimes in the fall, I hop right into my bed with none on at all
I wear my red pajamas in the summer when it's hot I wear my red pajamas in the winter when it's not And sometimes in the springtime, And sometimes in the fall, I hop right into my bed with none on at all Continue with other colors
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q Focus Our Quilt
Without hands we made this quilt, We each made a special part, To show you the friendship that we share, Warms each little heart Five Little Ducks & Five Little Quail Five little ducks went out to play (Wiggle five fingers on one hand) And met five quail that came their way. (Wiggle five fingers on other hand.) The five little quail went to get a snack (put quail hand behind back.) And the five little ducks went quack, quack, quack (use hand to form duck bill) Five Queens
There were five queens on a quest (Hold up five fingers) To see who was the very best (Wiggle fingers) The first queen went to take a test (Touch thumb) The second queen said, I'll go out west (Touch index finger) The third queen climbed Mount Everest (Touch middle finger) The fourth queen made a beautiful vest (Touch ring finger) The fifth queen said, I'll just take a rest. (Touch little finger) Felt Quilt Materials:
Felt Glue
What to Do: Give each of your children a few felt squares in different colors. Encourage them to decorate their square with bits of fabric, lace, ribbon, etc. and then glue them into quilt. Queen Crown Materials:
Poster Board Glue Paint/Crayons/Markers Aluminum foil Various other Art Supplies (ribbon, beads, other shiny things)
What to Do: Cut out a crown shape out of the poster board. Next let your children decorate the crowns with the supplies that you provide. Our Class Quilt Materials:
Paper Various Art Supplies (Yarn, Jewels, etc) Paste
What to Do: Give each of your children the supplies and let them make a quilt piece of their choosing. When all of them have dried you can put them together to make a great friendship quilt. You can sew or glue this together. This makes a great wall display.
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Wild Wallpaper Quilt Materials:
Wallpaper Samples (Ask a local store) Paper Paste
What to Do: Give your children wallpaper samples and paper. Encourage the children to cut the samples into squares and glue the wallpaper samples onto the paper to form a quilt. Queen's Treasure Hide fake jewels in the sandbox. Encourage your children try to find them. Quiet Quilt Area If you have a lot of old quilts take them and put them in an area and let your children use them during nap time or during a quiet time of the day. Quilt Poem Have your children make a quilt and put this poem on it: With our hands we made this quilt, And we each made a special part, To show you the friendship we share, Warms each little heart Quilt Snack
Give each of your children a piece of bread and a piece of cheese. Have them make a quilt pattern with the cheese. Then toast it and have snack. Queen of Heart Tarts
Make you own tarts from biscuits and strawberry jam. First have your children flatten biscuits and then make and indentation with a heart shaped cookie cutter. Bake biscuits according to the directions. Let cool until you are able to touch them. Encourage children to add a spoon full of strawberry jam in the middle. Eat for snack. Queens Magic Wand Materials:
Construction Paper Glue Paint/Crayons/Markers Sequins
What to Do: Roll up the paper; tape it so it stays in the shape of a wand. Next let your children decorate their very own wand. Queen Dress Up
Ask your parents to donate old clothes, Halloween costumes, etc. Then let your kids dress up as their favorite fairy tails Queen Castle Put different pictures of real castles in the block area of your classroom. Encourage your children to build their own castles. Pin the Feather on Queeny Quail Play like pin the tail on the donkey. Cut out a quail shape out of construction paper. Then make a feather shape and let your children play pin the feather on the quail.
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r Focus Colors up in the Rainbow
Red and orange, green and blue, shiny yellow, purple too. All the colors that we know, live up in the rainbow. Red and orange, green and blue, shiny yellow, purple too. Recycling For Our Earth
(Sung to: "Mary Had a Little Lamb") Hear the cans go crunch, crunch, crunch, Crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch, Hear the cans go crunch, crunch, crunch, Recycle for our earth. Hear the bottle go ding, ding, ding Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, Hear the bottle go ding, ding, ding Recycle for our earth. Hear the paper go crinkle, crinkle, crinkle crinkle, crinkle, crinkle, crinkle, crinkle, crinkle Hear the paper go crinkle, crinkle, crinkle Recycle for our earth Red is the Color of Food
Red is the color for an apple to eat. Red is the color for cherries, too. Red is the color for strawberries, I like red food don't you? I'm A Little Robot
(Sung to: "I'm A Little Teapot") I'm a little robot, short and strong. Here are my handles, just turn me on. When I get all warmed up, watch me go, Sometimes fast and sometimes slow. Beautiful Rainbow Came
One day the sun was shining bright (hold up right hand like blocking sunlight) But some clouds came along and it became black as night (Hold up left hand for the clouds) Then the rain began to sprinkle onto the ground (wiggle fingers for the rain coming down) And soon it was raining all over the town. But