Preschool Is Fun Planning Activities

Costume Parade

2011-03-08T10:14:00.001-08:00

Provide a variety of costumes. Let the children dress up in different costumes and go on a parade to display them.

Painting with Props

2011-03-08T10:13:00.001-08:00

Let the children paint on the easel of paper with either spools, clothespins or socks.

Sewing Machines

2011-03-08T10:12:00.001-08:00

Show the children a sewing machine and how it works.

Tailor/Seamstress Shop

2011-03-08T10:11:00.001-08:00

Set up a tailor/seamstress shop for children to pretend play fitting, sewing and mending clothing. Use any of the following props: sewing equipment, measuring tape, fabric, clothes, play iron, mirrors, phone.

Clothing Race

2011-03-08T10:09:00.002-08:00

Set out different types of clothing. Have the children race to dress up in clothes as fast as they can.

Seasonal Clothing

2011-03-08T10:09:00.001-08:00

Bring examples of clothing worn in the different seasons and talk about which season they are worn in and why.

Material Collage

2011-03-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

Collect some scraps of material. Let the kids cut and glue the material to paper for collage.

Clothing Field Trip Ideas

2011-03-08T10:06:00.001-08:00

Visit a laundromat, tailor/seamstress shop, or clothing store on a field trip to learn more about different types of clothes, how to make them, or how to care for them.

Laundromat

Tailor Shop

Line Them Up

2011-03-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

Write numerals on clothespins, let the children pin them up on a clothesline sequencing them in numerical order.

Laundromat

2011-03-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

Set up a laundromat for the children to pretend play washing, drying, folding and ironing clothing. Use any of the following props: clothes, laundry baskets, detergent bottles or boxes, washers/dryers (boxes).

Markers on Cloth

2011-03-08T10:03:00.001-08:00

Find some old cloth, cut up to paper size. Let the children draw with markers on the cloth. Talk about the difference in texture from drawing on paper.

Pigs In A Blanket

2011-03-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
4 hot dogs
shredded cheese
ketchup
mustard

Directions Preheat oven to 375 F.

Separate crescent roll dough into 8 triangles. Take hot dogs and cut each on in half crosswise. Place each hot-dog half on the wide end of the crescent roll and sprinkle with cheese, then roll it up.

Space the hot-dog rolls evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake approximately 13-15 minutes until the rolls are brown and flaky. Let cool for a few minutes before serving with ketchup and/or mustard (These even go great with ranch!).

Recipe found here:

http://www.thebellalifeblog.com/2009/09/08/kid-friendly-recipe-pig-in-a-blanket/

Clothing Store

2011-03-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Set up a clothing store for the children to pretend play buying and selling clothing. Use any of the following props: racks, clothes, cash register, money, carts.

Sock Match

2011-03-08T09:56:00.000-08:00

Provide different types of socks in a basket, kids can match and fold them into pairs. Talk about how a pair means a group of two.

Clothing-Costumes Journal Page

2011-03-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

Read a book about clothes then hand out a journal sheet with this question on it: "What kind(s) of clothes do you like to wear?" Record the children's responses and let them draw a picture to go along with their response.

Click on the image to view and/or print.

Hat, Shirt, Pants and Shoes

2011-03-08T09:53:00.002-08:00

(Sing to the tune of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes)

Hat, shirt, pants and shoes;
Pants and shoes;
Pants and shoes;
Hat, shirt, pants and shoes;
Cover all my body.

Washing Clothes

2011-03-08T09:53:00.001-08:00

Proved clothes and water in a the sensory table for the kids to wash the clothes. When they are done washing them, they can ring them out & hang the clothes out to dry on a clothesline.

Sink & Float Fabric

2011-03-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Provide many different types of fabric and some water and let the children experiment with them to see which types sinks and which types float.

Who Wears This?

2011-03-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Bring different types of clothes (baby, sports, occupational, ladies, mens ...) and talk about who would wear them.

Sewing Buttons

2011-03-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

Help the children to sew buttons on material, talk about the different equipment and tools you need and explore different types of buttons.

Clothing-Costumes Lesson Plan

2011-03-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

Click on the image to view and/or print.

My Place Mat

2011-02-07T13:55:00.004-08:00

Let the children put their hand prints on some paper and decorate it how they like. Put their picture and name on it laminate it. You could also include their height, weight, age, the date and let them write their own name. Use them as place mats during snacks.
Here are some examples of the place mats we made:

My Puppet

2011-02-07T13:55:00.003-08:00

Let your children make a puppet of themselves. They can create the facial features on the bag and yarn for hair. Additionally, they can use fabrics to make clothes for their puppet.

My Home

2011-02-07T13:55:00.001-08:00

Set up a pretend home with the following props: play kitchen, table, play food & dishes, babies, baby clothes accessories.

My Height

2011-02-07T13:54:00.002-08:00

Measure how tall each child is with a string and cut it. Later the children can compare their strings and show them to their families.

My Name

2011-02-07T13:54:00.001-08:00

Find out where each child's name came from. Go over the origins in class and share the meanings of each child's name.

All About Me Songs

2011-02-07T13:49:00.002-08:00

"Two Little Eyes"
(Children's Songbook #268)
Two little eyes that blink, blink, blink,
Two little eyes that see;
Head and shoulders; knees and toes;
And many more things make me.
Tra la la la la la,
Two little eyes that see,
Two little eyes that blink, blink, blink,
And many more things make me.
Click on the image to view and/or print.

"We Are Different"
(Children's Songbook #263)

1. I know you, and you know me.
We are as diff’rent as the sun and the sea.
I know you, and you know me,
And that’s the way it is supposed to be.

2. I help you, and you help me.
We learn from problems, and we’re starting to see.
I help you, and you help me,
And that’s the way it is supposed to be.

3. I love you, and you love me.
We reach together for the best we can be.
I love you, and you love me,
And that’s the way it is supposed to be.

Click on the image to view and/or print.

"Every Star is Different"
(Children's Songbook #142)

1. Ev’ry star is diff’rent,
And so is ev’ry child.
Some are bright and happy,
And some are meek and mild.
Ev’ry one is needed
For just what he can do.
You’re the only person
Who ever can be you.

A shining star, shining brightly,
Not so very far, shining brightly;
Be a shining star. Shine so brightly;
Shine right where you are, brightly!

2. I can shine for others
And let them feel my love,
Follow the commandments
That come from God above.
I can help another
To learn to choose the right.
Having faith and courage
Will let my star shine bright.

Click on any of the above images to view and/or print.

My Body

2011-02-07T13:49:00.001-08:00

Have each child lay down on butcher paper. Trace their bodies. They can cut it out. Have each child draw a self-portrait. Include date, height & weight on the back.

My Favorite Snack

2011-02-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

Find out ahead of time what each child's favorite snack is. Make a chart listing everyone's favorite. Then cook or prepare one or some of favorite snacks.

My Expressions

2011-02-07T13:47:00.002-08:00

Place pictures of children showing different expressions (laughing, surprised, mad, crying, smiling, etc.) Put a mirror next to the pictures and let them try copying the expressions.

My Favorite Play

2011-02-07T13:47:00.001-08:00

Go to a park and let the children play on their favorite equipment, or with their favorite balls or sand toys. Later discuss what their favorites were at the park.

My Attributes

2011-02-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

Have your entire class stand up. Choose one child and name an attribute of that child (brown hair). All children with brown hair remain standing, the others sit down. Choose another attribute and continue the game until all of the children’s attributes have been chosen.

All About Me Journal Page

2011-02-07T13:45:00.002-08:00

Read a book about being unique then hand out a journal sheet with this question on it: "What do you like about yourself? What are some of your favorites?" Record the children's responses and let them draw a picture to go along with their response.

Click on the image to view and/or print.

My Growth

2011-02-07T13:45:00.001-08:00

Measure children and mark their heights on a growth chart and weigh each child on a scale. Make a chart showing each child’s height and weight.

My Color of Playdough

2011-02-07T13:44:00.001-08:00

Make the children's favorite color of play dough. They can help.
Play dough-
2 c. flour
2 c. water
1 c. salt
4 tsp cream of tartar
2 Tbs. oil
food coloring
Combine in a pot & mix, cook over medium heat, stirring, when stiff, scrape out of pan and knead.

My Fingerprints

2011-02-07T13:43:00.002-08:00

Fingerprint all of your children. Write the name of the corresponding child on their fingerprint. Place all of the fingerprints in one area with magnifying glasses. Tell the children to look closely and they will see that everyone has a unique print.

My Family Tree

2011-02-07T13:43:00.001-08:00

Have each child bring a family tree with birth dates and places of themselves, their parents and grandparents on it. Share them & display them.

My Puzzle

2011-02-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

Get an 8x10 picture of each child, cut them into puzzles & laminate. Let the children work together to put their puzzles together.

All About Me Lesson Plan

2011-02-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

Click on the image to view and/or print.

Picking Berries

2010-11-23T14:10:00.002-08:00

Find a u-pick farm or some wild berry bushes to pick berries from. Talk about the type of berries you pick, where and how they grow.

Blueberry Muffins

2010-11-23T14:10:00.001-08:00

2 Tbs sugar
1 3/4 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
Mix all of the above ingredients together. Add 2 Tbs of sugar to 1 cup of frozen blueberries. Mix slightly and gently add to the muffin batter. Bake at 400°F in muffin tins for approximately 25 minutes.

Berry Animal Movement

2010-11-23T14:07:00.003-08:00

Talk about the different types of animals that like to eat berries and make a list of them (birds, mice, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, fox, deer, bears, etc.). Read “Blackberry Banquet” by Terry Pierce. Then move like the different animals you have listed or read about.

Sorting Berries

2010-11-23T14:07:00.001-08:00

Cut out pictures of berries form magazines or print of pictures from online. Have the children sort them by color, shape, kind and size. After they sort them, they can make a collage my gluing them to paper.

Berry Stand

2010-11-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

Set up a berry stand for the children to pretend play selling and buying berries and berry products. Use any of the following props: aprons, play food (berries, pies, etc.), baby food jars with colored paper labeled like different types of berry jam, baskets, cash register, aprons, berry sign, etc.

Berry Painting

2010-11-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

Give your children blueberries to look at, touch, smell, and taste. After observation, add a little water to them and cook them in the microwave for one minute. Have the children help you mush them up. Use the blueberry juice to paint with.

Mulberry Bush

2010-11-23T14:04:00.000-08:00

(You can substitute any other type of berry for mulberry)-

(Dance around in a circle)
Here we go 'round the mulberry bush, the mulberry bush, the mulberry bush.
Here we go 'round the mulberry bush, so early in the morning.
(Act out)
This is the way we pick the berries, pick the berries, pick the berries.
This is the way we pick the berries, so early in the morning.
(Act out)
This is the way we smash the berries, smash the berries, smash the berries.
This is the way we smash the berries, so early in the morning.
(Act out)
This is the way we make a pie,make a pie, make a pie.
This is the way we make a pie, so early in the morning.

Washing Berries

2010-11-23T14:03:00.001-08:00

After picking berries, let the children help you wash the berries. They will need to be handled very gently. Fill the sink or a large bowl with water. Place the berries in the water and gently swish them in the water. The dirt & debris will float to the top. Then carefully drain the debris and then the berries.

Berries Journal Page

2010-11-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

Read a book about berries then hand out a journal sheet with this question on it: "What type(s) of berries do you like? How do you like to eat them?" Record the children's responses and let them draw a picture to go along with their response.

Click on the image to view and/or print.

Types of Berries

2010-11-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Find a children's book about berries ("The Berry Book" by Gail Gibbons). Talk about the different types of berries and how some are edible and not, wild and cultivated, what you make with edible berries. Explore the different types of berries & seeds.

Berries in Your Area

2010-11-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

Talk about the different types of berries that grow in your area (wild and cultivated). Go on a walk to find wild berries or visit a farm that cultivates berries in your community.

Berry Yogurt Popsicles

2010-11-23T13:58:00.002-08:00

Blend natural yogurt, berries (fresh or frozen) and some sugar or honey; pour into popsicle containers or small dixie cups with popsicle sticks; freeze for a few hours and enjoy!

Berries Lesson Plan

2010-11-23T13:58:00.001-08:00

Click on the image to view and/or print.

Taking a Leave

2010-05-04T09:09:00.001-07:00

Just and FYI: We are expecting our fourth baby in two weeks and summer will be upon us shortly afterward, so I will be taking a leave from posting new preschool ideas. I am planning on posting more new ideas again in the Fall. In the meantime, feel free to look at any of the preschool ideas I have already posted. You can view ideas by theme or subject by clicking on the link under the labels on the left menu bar. Thanks for visiting!

Beach Play

2010-04-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Set up a pretend beach for the children to play in. Ideas for props: beach blankets, lawn chairs, towels, buckets, sunglasses, beach balls, sand toys, hats, snorkel & mask, magazines, books, an umbrella, shells, etc.

Foot Painting

2010-04-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Help each child take a turn food painting. They dip their feet in thick tempera paint and make prints by stepping on large pieces of paper, butcher or easel paper. Help them clean up with sponges and buckets of soapy water.

Kulfi (Indian Ice Cream)

2010-04-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

1 quart (4 cups) milk
1/2 pint (1 cup) heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped pistachio nuts
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1 Tbs vanilla
2 drops red food coloring

Combine milk and heavy cream in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat about 20 minutes, until thick. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Pour into paper cups, half full. Freeze for 1 hour. It should have the same consistency as soft sherbet.

Bubble Solution

2010-04-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Make your own bubble solution by combining the following ingredients:
3/4 cup liquid soap
1/4 cup glycerin (you can find it at a drugstore)
2 quarts of water.

Place the solution in a shallow pan with bubble makers for the children to experiment with. Ideas for bubble makers: straws, funnels, plastic six pack holder, bent wire (check for no sharp edges), etc.

Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime?

2010-04-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

(Children’s Songbook, 245)
1. Oh, what do you do in the summertime
when all the world is green?
Do you fish i a stream,
or lazily dream
on the banks as the clouds go by?
Is that what you do?
So do I.

2. Oh, what do you do in the summertime
when all the world is green?
Do you swim in a pool,
to keep yourself cool,
or swing in a tree up high?
Is that what you do?
So do I.

3.Oh, what do you do in the summertime
when all the world is green?
Do you march in parades,
or drink lemonades,
or count all the stars in the sky?
Is that what you do?
So do I.

Listen or download the song here: http://www.lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=2&searchseqstart=245&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=245&searchsubseqend=ZZZ

Click on the image to view and/or print.

Sand Shapes and Numbers

2010-04-27T09:42:00.002-07:00

Using sand indoors or out, draw shapes and numbers in the sand and have children identify them. They can also try drawing the numerals, using your drawing as a guide.

Going On A Picnic

2010-04-27T09:42:00.001-07:00

Go to a local park for a picnic. You can have the children help make the lunches to bring along. Play on the play equipment, if available, and/or bring balls, bubble, kites, bikes, scooters, helmets, etc.

Making Floats

2010-04-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

Read a book or talk about summer holidays, parades and examples of some floats that are in them. Have children decorate trikes, scooters and wagons with crepe paper, streamers and balloons for Independence Day or any other summer holiday. Have them parade their floats around the school or neighborhood to celebrate.

Summer Sensory Ideas

2010-04-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

Place any of the following in the sensory table: sand with toys or shells, colored sand and funnels, water with toy boats, small rocks and pebble, etc.

Summer Journal Pages

2010-04-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Read a book about summer then hand out a journal sheet with this question on it: "What do you like to do in the summer?" or “What are some things you want to do this summer?” Record the children's responses and let them draw a picture to go along with their response.

Click on either of the images above to view and/or print.

Juice Popsicles

2010-04-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

Ingredients and Supplies needed:
pineapples juice
grape juice
cranapple juice
popsicle sticks,
small paper cups
Mix any combination of the juices, or just use the flavors individually. Fill paper cups 3/4 full of juice. Place in the freezer. Insert popsicle sticks when the juice begins to freeze a little. When the popsicles are frozen, peel away the cups and enjoy.

Sidewalk Chalk

2010-04-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Place sidewalk chalk outside in containers. Let the children use their imagination to draw things on the sidewalks and other approved surfaces (fences, etc.).

Balloon Racket Ball

2010-04-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Provide rackets or hangers (bent like a diamond with a handle and taped with nylons over the diamond shape), balloons for the children to play balloon racket ball. The purpose is to try to keep the balloon from hitting the ground. Talk about standing away from other people so they don't accidentally hit somebody else with the racket.

Pretend Picnic

2010-04-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Set up a pretend picnic for the children to play with in the dramatic play area. Ideas for props: blanket, basket, pretend food, small cooler, paper plates and cups, napkins, plastic silverware, etc. Talk about how summer is a great time to go on a picnic because of the warm, sunny weather.

Summer Lesson Plan

2010-04-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Click on the image to view and/or print.

Sports We Play

2010-04-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

Talk to the children about the different types of sports that are participated in and played in the area. Ask them what types of sports they have tried and which ones they enjoy. They can also bring in pictures of themselves participating in a certain sport and you can display them.
If there are any school or professional sports teams in the area, you can talk to them about the sport, facility and spectators.

Boating or Rowing

Snowshoeing

Biking

Hiking

Water-skiing or wake-boarding

Soccer

Skiing

Swimming

Ice skating

Sports Obstacle Course

2010-04-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Set up a sports obstacle course using different types of sports, games or physical activities. Ideas could include: riding a bike or trike; bouncing, throwing, hitting or kicking a ball; crawling under, through, or over obstacles; running; jumping over; balancing along; pretending to swim or skate; etc.

Sports Balls

2010-04-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

Explore several different types of balls with the children: football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf, etc. Observe the way the different balls move if you bounce them, throw them, kick them, hit them with a bat, etc. Discuss why each type of ball is used to play different games.

Sport Match

2010-04-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Use the attached document or cut out several pictures of sports balls or equipment as well as athletes from a magazine. Have your children match the balls or equipment with the athlete that plays it.

Click on any of the images above to view and/or print.

Exploring the Inside of Baseball

2010-04-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

Cut off the cover of a baseball and let your children explore the inside of a baseball. You can also do this for soccer and footballs.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2010-04-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Take me out to the ball game.
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some Peanuts and Crackerjack
I don't care if I never get back.
Oh it's root, root, root for the home team.
If they don't win its a shame.
For it's 1, 2, 3 strikes you're out.
At the old ball game.

Sports Visit

2010-04-20T09:41:00.002-07:00

Visit a sports stadium or field, a tennis court, a health or fitness club, a swimming pool, or a sports facility at a local high school or college. Learn more about what types of sports are played there and the equipment and facilities used to play them.

Sports Charades

2010-04-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

Let the children dramatize various sports without using any noise, just actions (football, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, running, golf, lacrosse, biking, hiking, skating, rowing, swimming, dancing, gymnastics, skiing, etc) while the others guess the sport being portrayed. Let each child have at least one turn acting out a sport.

Cheese Ball

2010-04-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Blend 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened),
1 stick of butter (softened),
2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
& 1/2 package of onion soup mix (such as Lypton's)

or use the following instead of the soup mix package, I found the recipe here:

4 tsp. dry minced onion
1/2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. beef bouillon or 4 cubes
1/8 tsp. celery salt.

Let the children add & mix, then give each one a portion to shape into a ball. The balls can be rolled in nuts & served with crackers or pretzels.

Sports Journal Page

2010-04-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Read a book about different types of sports then hand out a journal sheet with this question on it: "What types of sports to you enjoy playing? Why?" Record the children's responses and let them draw a picture to go along with their response.

Click on the image to view and/or print.

Sports Pretend

2010-04-20T09:32:00.002-07:00

Provide different types of sports uniforms and equipment for the children to dress up and explore: baseball (caps, balls, uniforms, mitts, masks, etc.), football (pads, uniforms, helmets, balls), skiing (boots, ski, warm clothing), empty water bottles, score boards, cameras, etc.

Sport Shoe Sole Rubbings

2010-04-20T09:32:00.001-07:00

Collect different types of sports shoes. Let the children put paper over the soles of the shoes and rub on it with crayons. Compare the different patterns made from the different types of shoe sole rubbings.

Sports Lesson Plan

2010-04-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Click on the image to view and/or print.

Our Own Grocery Store

2010-04-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

Set up a pretend play grocery store with any of the following: items displaying the prices, sales receipts, a cash register with play money, boxes bags, shopping baskets and/or carts, signs (see attached signs below), etc. Be sure to display a lot of numbers in the store.

Click on any of the sign images above to view and/or print.

Numbers and Money

2010-04-13T17:57:00.002-07:00

Talk about money & how it is used for trading. Explain that when something is more valued you pay more, less you pay less, etc. Talk about how prices are displayed when you go to a store. Then show different coins & bills, point out the numerals and explain their values.

Our Body Numbers

2010-04-13T17:57:00.001-07:00

Measure and weigh the children and then make a height/weight chart in the classroom. Update your chart every few months. Help the children read the numerals that represent their weight and height.

Numbers and Weight

2010-04-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

Place a scale with a variety of objects for the children to measure with the scale and note the differences in weight. Point out the numerals and explain what they mean (smaller numbers= lighter, larger numbers= heavier).

Visiting Numbers Around Us

2010-04-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

Visit a grocery store, bank, clock shop, etc. Point out the usage of numbers in money, time, etc, and inform the guide that you are learning about numbers so he/she can point them out as well.

We arranged a field trip trough Field Trip Factory (http://www.fieldtripfactory.com/trip-takers/preschool) to our local grocery store. It was super easy to arrange. We had a very imformative and fun trip.

Checking out the meat department

Looking at lobsters

Exploring and learning about the produce

We even got to have a taste of their watermelon

Watching cake decorating in the bakery

Sets of Markers

2010-04-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

Make marker sets by binding two colors of markers together with a rubber band. Then let the children explore drawing with the different sets of markers. Point out that the markers are "pairs" of markers.

Numbers in Cooking, Peanut Butter Treats

2010-04-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

You can make anything that includes numbers by counting and/or measuring.
Here is a fun suggestion:

Peanut Butter Treats
1/4 c butter
40 marshmallows
1/4 peanut butter
5 c rice crispies
1 c raisins
Melt butter over low heat in a saucepan. Add marshmallows and melt, while stirring. Add peanut butter & stir. Add cereal & raisins & stir. Press mixture into greased pan. Let them cool. Cut into bars before serving.

Hickory Dikcory Doc Numbers

2010-04-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Hickory dickory doc,
The mouse ran up the clock,
The clock struck one
The mouse ran down,
Hickory, dickory, doc.

Additional verse ideas: two-mouse said boo, three-mouse went whee, etc.

Use a clock (real or cardboard) to show the different numerals representing the time during the song.

Sorting, Counting & Exploring in Numbers

2010-04-13T17:38:00.001-07:00

Let the children explore, sort, count, etc. several different types of small items or manipulatives (beans, buttons, beads, shells, toothpicks, pennies/coins, marbles, paper clips).
BE ALERT FOR CHOKING HAZARDS, especially if there are children under the age of 3-4 years old!!

Numbers Journal Pages

2010-04-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

Read a book about numbers and counting then hand out a journal sheet with this question on it: "What number can you count to?" or “Where can you spy some numbers? Which numbers do you see?” Record the children's responses and let them draw a picture to go along with their response.

Click on either of the images above to view and/or print.

Following the Number Leader

2010-04-13T17:33:00.002-07:00

Play follow the leader (one person is the leader and chooses an action to do, while the others copy their action). In the directions, tell the leader to choose and name the number of times to do somethings (1 jump, 2 hops, 3 leaps, 4 tip toe steps, etc.) Let the children take turns being the number leader.

Telephone Numbers

2010-04-13T17:33:00.001-07:00

Prepare a classroom telephone book with children's names and phone numbers. Provide play phones for the children to use to practice dialing their phone number and those of friends, family and even emergency numbers (911).

Temperature and Thermometers

2010-04-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Place a thermometer outside and let the children record the temperature, then bring the thermometer inside and check the difference. Point out the numerals & explain what they mean (colder and warmer).

Numbers Lesson Plan

2010-04-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

Click on the image to view and/or print.

Plant & Creature Hunt

2010-04-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

Have the children explore the dirt with rakes, hoes, shovels and their hands to find out how many different plants, insects and other creatures they can discover that live in the dirt. Help them keep a special lookout for worms.

Digging in the dirt and mud

Slugs are so fun!

We love worms!

Worm Farms

2010-04-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Place dirt in a glass jar and add worms. Place lettuce, corn or cereal on top of soil. Tape construction paper around the outside of the jar (we used black). Periodically remove the paper temporarily to show the children the tunnels the worms made. Keep soil moist, but not wet.

Inchworm Measuring

2010-04-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Read "Inch by Inch" by Leo Lionni to the children and talk about inchworms and measuring things in inches. Make several different inchworms (inch long pieces) of felt, pipe cleaners, paper, etc. Let the children explore measuring how tall or big things are by inches with the inchworms.
Link to the book online: http://www.amazon.com/Inch-Leo-Lionni/dp/0688132839

Worm Painting

2010-04-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Have children use yarn or plastic worms as their paint brush. Provide paper on paint trays, paint, and smocks. We thought it was fun to use brown paint on green paper.

Worms in Mud

2010-04-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Make chocolate pudding together (see recipe below) and serve with gummy worms.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chocolate-Cornstarch-Pudding/Detail.aspx

Chocolate Cornstarch Pudding
1/2 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a saucepan, stir together sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt. Place over medium heat, and stir in milk. Bring to a boil, and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Remove from heat, and stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool briefly, and serve warm, or chill in refrigerator until serving.

We hope you have as much fun and enjoy your worms and mud as much as we did! Yummy!