Free Preschool Curriculum - Things That are Round

It's hard to believe that we are about to start a new year! It is time to look ahead and plan so I'm offering these free preschool curriculum ideas on teaching shapes.

Circles are the topic today and even your youngest will be able to help with these activities. The most basic toy for any child is a ball. Start with that to introduce the idea of round--the ultimate circle and something they all have experience with.

Try these ideas and they will understand the concept in no time!

Activities:
1- Things that are Round- Fill a box with a variety of round objects. These could be a small paper plate, ball, ring, coin (be sure if your children are young that none of the objects are small), buttons, orange, etc. Ask your children to think of something that is round to see if they understand what the shape looks like. Next show them how many different things are in the box that are round. Let them feel them and see that there are no edges. Next go on a tour of the classroom or even outside and look for things that are round.

2- Circle Stamps- use regular household items as circle-shaped stamps. This can include paper towel rolls, plastic cups, corks, empty flower pots, empty water bottles, coasters, etc. Dip one end of the stamp in paint, and press down lightly on a piece of white paper to make a circle-shaped stamp. It is best to have different colors of paint for this project. Even your youngest can do the stamping.


If you have ideas to share or requests for preschool themes send them along. I'll post them here for all of us to use and enjoy.

Thanks,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Free Preschool Lesson Plans - Letter Recognition Activity

Hi there,

If you're like me you're always on the watch for free preschool lesson plans. Here is an idea for a Letter Recognition Activity which is fun, engaging and successful! What more could we ask for as preschool teachers!

Try this idea that Jamie, one of my subscribers sent to me, and let me know how it works for you. My preschool class loved it!


From Jamie...
Letter Recognition Activity

The obstacle course was a way cute idea! Today we had the same problem in our class room and we played a game of musical alphabet.

We placed several letter cards face up on the floor and we walked around on each card. (They are laminated and strong enough to step on). The children took turns holding the music (which was a toy that plays music that they could stop when they wanted) then the children would stop and pick up the card they ended on and say the name of the letter and a word that starts with the same sound. We kept going until we were out of cards. They enjoyed taking turns. It got them moving any way.

We also played a game of head and shoulders knees and toes and we upped the tempo until it was really fast, all the kids loved that one.

Thank you for all the amazing information I have obtained off of your sight it has been very helpful and a fantastic preschool resource!!



If you have ideas to share, send them along and I'll post them here for all of us to use and enjoy.

Thanks,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Ideas - Puppet Just Like Me

I receive so many creative preschool ideas from all of my readers.
Here is an idea that was sent to me recently by one of my subscribers.

I think these could be great holiday gifts for parents as well. Thanks to Tonya for sharing this.

Puppet Just Like Me

Create a puppet just like me.Children are supplied with socks, different
coloured wool for hair, different coloured felt pieces for eyes and nose &
mouths, etc. Have the children look at themselves in the mirror and then
put what colour hair they have on the sock and so on.

Have a show & tell with each child's puppet to get them to tell the class
how they think they look. This works really well with a class discussion
normally happening--like your hair isn't that colour etc.

This activity can also be used in a multicultural program!


If you have ideas to share, send them along and I'll post them here for all of us to use and enjoy.

Thanks,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Thanksgiving Craft - Pumpkin Pie Play Dough

Hello,

I don't want to slight our friend the turkey at this time of year but I am always looking for fresh ideas for a preschool Thanksgiving craft.


One of my subscribers, Celia, sent in this wonderful recipe for PUMPKIN PIE PLAY DOUGH. Once you make this, the children come up with some very creative ideas. It's fun to listen to the conversations as well when they describe their creations!


Pumpkin Pie Play Dough

What You Need:

5 ½ cups of flour
1 container (1 ½ oz) pumpkin pie spice
2 cups of salt
Orange food coloring(one part red, two parts yellow)
8 Teaspoons cream of tartar
¾ cup oil
4 Cups water

What You Do:

* Mix all ingredients together
* Cook and stir over medium heat until lumps disappear
* Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth
* Store in an airtight container


Let the imaginations and conversations lead your day with this activity.

Enjoy,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com



PS: If you would like to receive my free newsletter for more ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Circle Time

Are you looking for ideas for preschool circle time? I want to pass along some ideas that have been sent to me recently. They are simple, effective and fun! What could be better than that?


From Linda…
Magic Carpet Squares
For circle time to get the children to stay in one spot we use carpet samples. They each choose one when circle time starts and they are to keep their bottom on the carpet square until circle time is over. We then put all carpet samples in a box until next time. Stores that are discontinuing carpet samples will gladly give them away.

From Theresa...
Song for Circle Time:

TO LEARN EACH OTHERS NAME. WE SING THERE WAS A MAN WHO HAD A DOG AND BINGO WAS HIS NAME-O. WE SAY THERE WAS A GIRL HER NAME WAS TAMMY AND TAMMY WAS HER NAME-O(BUT TAMMY IS NOT HER NAME IT’S REALLY THERESA.) SO THE CHILDREN WILL SCREAM NO ITS THERESA. AND WE CONTINUE THE SONG. THEY LOVE IT. ITS OUR SONG AFTER GOOD MORNING. THIS IS HOW WE LEARN EACH OTHER NAME.

THERE WAS A GIRL HER NAME IS THERESA AND THERESA WAS HER NAMEO. THERESA, THERESA, THERESA,THERESA, THERESA, THERESA AND THERESA WAS HER NAME-O. ALWAYS USE ANOTHER NAME FOR CHILD THAT. (LIKE TAMMY WITH A T- FOR THERESA WITH A T)


I hope you enjoy getting these ideas to use with your preschoolers. If you have ideas to share, send them along and I'll post them here for all of us to use and enjoy.

Thanks,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Fall Art Activities for Preschool

November is here and the scenery here in the states can be drab. Try using
these fall art activities for preschool to brighten up your classroom with your preschoolers help.

They love being part of the process and seeing their efforts so proudly displayed in the classroom.

One of my subscribers sent in her idea on how to decorate the room. I have included one of the activities from my lesson plans for the Chain of Gratitude.


From Lucy…Harvest Decorations
We celebrate the harvest in our school and decorate our room to look like a market place. I really enjoy doing paper Mache with the children. We use balloons in various sizes and paint them different colors to represent fruit and vegetables.


Group: Chain of Gratitude
Have students cut one-inch strips of fall-colored construction paper. On each strip, have them tell you what to write for something they are grateful for. Everyone’s strips should be looped into circles and combined, forming a chain of gratitude. It can be hung at the front of the room as a reminder that we always have something to be grateful for.


Try these preschool art activities and remember if you have ideas to share, send them along and I'll post them here for all of us to use and enjoy.

Thanks,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your
preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Halloween Crafts for Preschool

Happy Halloween to you all!

Are you looking for Halloween crafts for preschool? Here is an idea for a preschool craft that I have used over the years that are easy to do even for your younger ones and all ages enjoy making them!

I've included a preschool sorting activity as well which readily engages their interest. You can have them look for Halloween related pictures in magazines, coupon advertisements, etc. They can cut or tear them out depending on ability and use these for the sorting material.


Individual: Gobbly Ghosts
Give students a small square of white fabric and a small baggie with beans in it. Students should collect all the beans in one small corner of the baggie and cover the baggie with the white fabric. The beans will become the ghost’s head and the rest of the fabric should hang down like its body. Use ribbon to tie around the ghost’s head. Then, decorate its face with either markers or glue on googly eyes from the craft store.


Sorting Skills
Have the class gather around and lay out different pictures or items associated with Halloween, such as ghosts, mummies, pumpkins, black cats, and witches. Ask students to arrange the items in different piles, putting all the similar items together. Your items can look slightly different so students have to decide which things are most similar.

Send me any special ideas you may have and I'll share them here with my readers.

Until next time,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Manners Activities for Preschool - Magic Words

Preschool is an excellent place to teach and reinforce basic social skills. Here are ideas for manner activities for preschool that are easy to do and maintain throughout the year. You will be helping them form a solid foundation that will stay with your students for life.

All preschoolers love to feel powerful. Teaching them these "magic words" and letting them know that using these words will have a special magical effect on the people around them and even give them the ability to influence grown-ups is essential at this age!


Magic Words

Here are the "magic words" to teach your preschoolers:

1. Please - Makes grown-ups more willing to help or to give them what they want.
2. Thank You - This pleases grown-ups by letting them know that your preschooler likes what they have given her or done for her. It could even make them even more willing to do more favors in the future.
3. Excuse Me - These words allow the preschooler to the attention of an adult who might not be paying attention to them. Second it has the power to get someone to move out of the way if a path is blocked.
4. I'm Sorry - The most magical words there are since they have the power to fix hurt feelings or misunderstandings whether they happened intentionally or by accident.

Now--you can ask your students for times when they have used these words already--at home, with friends, relatives or even strangers. Ask them if they remember how the other person responded to these Magic words. Talking about these times and even have them act them out pretend situations with each other will encourage them to use these words more and more. These words will give them the power they are striving for.

Let the imaginations and conversations lead your day with this activity.

If you have ideas to share, send them along and I'll post them here for all of us to use and enjoy.

Enjoy,

Thanks,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com


P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Math Lesson Plans - Animal Sound Number Game

Are you looking for some fun ways to teach your 3 & 4 year olds how to count?
Two of my subscribers sent me these preschool math lesson plans. Give these a try with your kids and let me know how it goes for you.


Animal Sound Number Game

From Geraldine…
Invite the children to sit in a circ le. Explain to the children that they
are going to count in order but, instead of saying the number out loud, each
child should choose an animal sound and make the appropriate number of noises to represent that number name. For example, the first child barks once the second child miaows twice, the third child grunts three times and so on, up to five The sixth child chooses a new animal sound to re-start the counting process, beginning at one again. Suggest they use their fingers to count out the sounds.


Swing Set Math

From Michele…
I have two groups at the day care where I teach. For the pre-K kids when I push them on the swings, I can push two kids when I stand in the middle, we do our ABC's with each push, Mary shouts out 'a' John, 'b'. etc.With the younger group of 4 year olds, I do the same thing only counting to 10 with each push. The kids love it. I all so have them count down from 10 - it really enforces the numbers for them.


If you have ideas to share, send them along and I'll post them here for all of us to use and enjoy.

Thanks,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com


P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for
your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Curriculum Activities - Fine Motor Skills Activity

Special thanks to Deanna, one of my readers, who sent me one of her favorite preschool curriculum activities.

I find that this age group loves any lesson or activity that involves using
their hands or bodies and mastering their abilities to do things themselves.
Deanna has tapped into this and come up with a delightful and effective way
to help them with fine motor skills and counting. How great is that!

Fine Motor Skills Activity

From Deanna…I like to do a lot of fine motor style activities with my three and four year olds....of course, you can incorporate many skills along the way as you do
so. When doing a unit on Farm Animals, I give the kids various large prints of farms animals (depending upon which animal we are working on that day),
and then they "cover" their animal with objects, by first counting out 10
objects to use, and then making that same amount of 'dots' of glue in
different spots on the animals body. They then proceed to place the object
upon the glue.

For example, for the Sheep....we use "cotton balls" to cover the
body....therefore counting to ten several different times. (for four year
olds, 20 is more challenging); for the Horse...we use brown construction
paper, and make the activity into a "tearing" project; for the Pig...we use
our thumbs dipped in pink paint to push and press to make thumb prints to
cover the body, again counting along the way; for the Cow...the three year
olds work on cutting out pre-drawn circles, and then gluing then onto the
cows body, but for the four year olds, they are cutting out their own version
of circle to glue to the cows body; and for the Chicken...we use "feathers"
and get to count and glue again.

The children always love to use their hands in projects, so they have
always appeared to love this!


If you have ideas to share, send them along and I'll post them here for all
of us to use and enjoy.

Thanks,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com


P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for
your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Lesson Plans for Health - Food and Nutrition

Good Morning,

Here are some ideas for you to use in preparing preschool lesson plans for health. Teaching about food and nutrition with your preschoolers is so important. These are lifelong lessons that they can use and we need to start early in discussing ways to eat healthy and to stay healthy.


I love when my students bring in a new or exotic food that my other students may not know about. The other children have the typical reactions such as "what is that" , "yuck" because it is different and unfamiliar, wide-eyed, etc. I make it a point to try and bring in or make new snacks with them at least a couple of times a month.

Here are a couple of lesson ideas for you to try.


How Do I Eat This?
Show a type of food and talk to your class about how you eat that food. Do you have to cut it? Can you eat the entire food or are there parts that don’t get eaten? If everyone in the class wanted a piece, how many pieces would we need? What type of food is this? Is it good for you? Can you think of other types of food like this that are eaten the same way?


Food Safety
Let your students know that some foods can be dangerous if you do not use them properly. There are certain sicknesses they can get if they do not clean up properly when they are finished cooking. Ask students what are some good ways to clean up when they are finished cooking. Brainstorm about washing dishes, wiping off the countertop, keeping cold foods in the refrigerator, using different cutting boards, making the oven or stove hot enough, etc.


Give these a try and expand their food awareness!

If you have ideas you would like to share, just send them to me here and I will post them for all to use.

Thanks so much,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com


P.S. P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Free Preschool Lesson Plans for September - Letter Memory Game

Hi There,

It's the beginning of the school year and there are so many lessons,
activities, and ideas to prepare. If you're looking for free preschool lesson plans for September try this one that was sent to me just this week.

Melinda realizes that when working with preschoolers it is essential to make learning fun and has come up with this way to teach letters and numbers to her kids at home.


Letter/Number Memory

To help with learning letters or numbers my little ones play letter or number memory. I am not sure if they sell it at any store but I just made my own with construction paper. After cutting out 52 3x3 squares I wrote a letter on each square. So you have 2 of every letter. Now your ready for letter memory. It was easier to not use more then 6 letters at a time. (12 cards total) so the little ones don't get confused. Have fun!


How easy is this to make and your children will enjoy playing their game!


If you have ideas you would like to share, just send them to me here and I will post them for all to use.


Thanks so much,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com


P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for
your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Math- Number Games

Hello,

I hope your school year is off to a great start and that the children are beginning to settle in. One of your goals is to begin teaching preschool math. This essentially means learning numbers and very simple counting.

Here are a couple of preschool number games for finding out just how much your preschoolers already know and then provide you with the information you need to form your lessons.


Finger Numbers
Put up your 1-9 Number chart on the board. Shout out a number and look for the student that can create it using only their hands the fastest. The first student who holds up the correct number of fingers gets to call the next number being created. To keep this fair, if you find that one student is always the first,vary the process by selecting a new person each time.

How Many __ Do You See?
Send students on a hunt throughout the room to find different quantities of items. Tell them they must find 1 of something, 2 of something, etc. until they have items in quantities of 1-9. You can have them do this with partners, individually or in groups.

If you have ideas to share, send them along and I'll post them here for all of us to use and enjoy.

Thanks,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com


P.S. If you like these ideas be sure to check out my Preschool Lesson Plans:

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html

Easy Preschool Crafts - Sand Play Dough

Good Morning,

Summer here in the US is coming to its unofficial close this weekend-- Labor Day Weekend. Schools will all be in full swing next week. I checked my files for easy preschool crafts and found this craft that one of my readers sent in to share. Give it a try with your kids!

This idea is a great one to help your kids create a souvenir of sorts from those summer beach days. It is also a fun idea to use in the winter when you want a diversion from cold and snow!

Let the kids help to measure and to stir and knead the dough, then let their imaginations create!

Sand Play Dough


Here is one that we like to cook with the kids and use to make great sand castles and sculptures.

Need: 2 Cups fine sand, 1 cup cornstarch, 1 ½ cups cold water.

Mix in an old pan. Stir 5-10 minutes over medium heat until thick. Let cool and knead for a bit. Store in a plastic bag or container until ready to use. This should yield enough for 6 children. Give children a paper plate and an assortment of small shells, stones, beads, straws, anything to decorate their creations. These will dry hard if left to set for a few days.

We call it a piece of Island when the children add shells and small tree branches.


If you have ideas to share, send them along and I'll post them here for all of us to use and enjoy.

Thanks,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

P.S. If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Back to School Preschool Ideas

Hello Again,

The summer is flying by at record speed it seems and it is time to think about back to school preschool ideas.

I'm not sure about you but I am a little behind getting ready because I've had so much fun watching the Summer Olympics from Beijing!

I do have some ideas to start the school year off.

Parents--Use puppets!

For parents with children just starting preschool I suggest using puppets and puppet role playing with your little one. Children love to voice their concerns through a puppet which is always a little safer. You can pretend to be the teacher or the child and act out the first day expectations. Always add that you come back after a short time and that there will be so many fun new things to do and children to meet.

Teachers--Pre-Open House

If possible, send a letter home to your new students introducing yourself. This can be done by email or snail mail. Even better is to hold a mini-open house before school starts so that the children and parents can visit, put a face with a name and know a few basic expectations.

Have a Poster Board up with each child's name on it. Ask the parents if there is anything special --likes, strong dislikes, allergies, etc. which you can put on this poster. This will stay up for the school year and if you are out and another person is helping, all these important facts are right there for all to see.

There are so many more ideas I want to share but running out of time and space for now.

You can also send me any special ideas or tricks you use and I will post them here.

Send them to me at marys.plans@gmail.com.

Until later,

Mary

P.S. PS: If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Games Free - Indoor Volleyball

Good Morning,

I hope that you are all enjoying the Olympic Games! This is such a special event with all countries and athletes coming together to play their favorite sports with one another. I will be sharing preschool games free here on my blog the next couple of weeks for all to enjoy.

We all know that sports and being active are good for everyone. Here is an idea that Karen, one of subscribers, sent to me for an INDOOR VOLLEYBALL game. I like it because it is foolproof and everyone gets the chance to play and show their abilities.

Indoor Volleyball

Indoor volleyball is a great game for fun and exercise.
You will need yarn, balloons and groups of four children. The yarn serves as the volleyball net.
Cut a six to eight foot length of yarn.
Two children are needed to stretch out the yarn across the room; each child holding end taut, chest high.
Tie inflated balloon with yarn cut 2-3 foot length. Tie end of yarn near the middle of volleyball net yarn.
Balloon is now hanging from net yarn for two other children to bat or volley back and forth using a three minute timer. When time is done switch end holders and players. Doesn't matter if balloon is hit over or under the net yarn...balloons stay in the playing area!

Have fun!

Thanks again Karen for sending this in to share. Send me your ideas and I'll pass them along here in my blog.

You can reach me at marys.plans@gmail.com

Until next time,

Mary

P.S. If you like these ideas be sure to check out my Preschool Lesson Plans:

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html

Preschool Olympic Ideas - Opening Ceremony

Hi there,

Today is quite an exciting day - 08/08/08 - Opening Day of the Olympics in Beijing China!

This is a perfect time to talk about the Olympics and how important they are to everyone worldwide.

Children love ceremonies and parades and I suggest you try the following ideas to introduce these games and the tradition of the TORCH.

Introduce the concept of the Olympic torch, the importance of the torch run, how it always starts in Greece, etc. Show videos from previous Olympic opening ceremonies including the lighting of the torch.

Craft- Making Torches

Materials- paper towel rolls, tissue paper (red, yellow and orange), paint, glue, markers, foil, wrapping paper

Give each child one paper towel roll and a few pieces of tissue paper. Have them rip or cut the tissue paper into long strips and glue the strips inside one edge of the paper towel roll. Decorate the tube by either painting it or covering it with foil or wrapping paper.

Opening Ceremonies - using the torches from the craft to perform a torch relay run throughout the school or schoolyard. Put all the torches together in the same place to mark the opening of the Games.


Let me know how you like the ideas and also send me yours to share on the blog.

You can reach me at marys.plans@gmail.com

Until next time,

Mary

P.S. If you like these ideas be sure to check out my Preschool Lesson Plans:

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html

Preschool Ideas - Ice Adventure

Hi there,

We are always looking for new preschool ideas.

This is one that can be done outside on a hot summer day or inside when the weather keeps you indoors. It encourages socialization skills, sharing, and fun--what could be better?!

Thanks to Debs for sending this in to share with everyone.


What's in the Ice? An Ice Adventure

Here is an activity the children really enjoyed and can be used in or outdoors.

During the morning session the children were encouraged to put plastic insects and bugs into tupperware containers. They filled them with water and put them into the freezer .

When they were frozen we put them in the water tray with childrens' tools (plastic hammers, screwdrivers) water cans, etc. There was a good level of interest, conversation and turn taking. The children enjoyed this activity and had lots of fun finding the bugs.

NOTE: If you have half days you can freeze the bugs one day, and do the activity the next.


If you have ideas to share, send them along and I'll post them here for all of us to use and enjoy.

Thanks,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

P.S. If you like these ideas be sure to check out my Preschool Lesson Plans:

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html

Preschool Creative Activities - Jungle Animals

Hello,

I want to thank all of you who have been sending me your favorite ideas! There are so many to share with so I'll start here.

Amanda sent me this one and I'm sure it will become one of your favorites to use as well. It can be adapted in so many ways and used for years!

Theme = Jungle Animals. Knowledge and understanding of the world.

Turn your library/ book corner into a jungle animal habitat pick one animal per week. Draw or print out a set of foot/paw prints and place them on the floor. Each set of prints should lead to a visual clue. Works best with 3 - 4 clues. The last set of prints should lead to the habitat and before the big unveil you should discuss with the children which animal they think it is based on the clues they have found.

Examples are 1. Animal = Lion. Paw prints discuss is this a large animal or small animal?

Clue 1 = Relates to the country where the animal lives. So could be a map with a paw print on the country and a foot print or magnifying glass on Britain.

Clue 2 = Relates to what the lion eats could be an antelope hidden in some green shredded paper tombola style.

Clue 3 = relates to the animal appearance so this could be a lions mane or tail for the children to wear for the remainder of their search. Then on to the Lion's den.

Discuss with the children the clues they have found and get ideas from the children as to which animal it could be. End the session with a story about a Lion as this will reinforce their knowledge. Afterwards the children should be able to tell you what a lion looks like where they come from and what they eat.
This is a fabulous activity which the children never seem to tire of. Takes a fair bit of prep but can be used as part of your curriculum plans for years to come. Great cross curricular activity encourages the children to use their fine manipulative skill, gross motor skills, develop concentration, develop recall, increase knowledge and understanding of the world, co-operate with friends and you can even incorporate it into your global citizenship planning with endangered species and climate change etc.

Hope you enjoy this and can store this in your file to use over and over!

Until next time,

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com


P.S.: If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and email address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Science Activities - Earth Science

Hello,

Now that the children are home from school in the US for summer break, parents and caregivers are scrambling for ideas.

Here are a few preschool science activities about plants and gardening that my classes have enjoyed. They involve walks outside, observing, thinking-- stirring the imagination to understand the plants that they see everyday. Best of all--they can create their own snack when they're done!

Flower Hunt
Take students outside and ask them to bring in any flowers they can find. Talk about why flowers are different colors, shapes, and sizes, and why they smell different. Ask students if they like flowers or not and why.

How Plants Work
Walk your students through the life cycle of plants. Ask them if they have ever seen the roots of plants. Show them what the point of roots are and how plants use light to create energy. If you can, pull up a plant and show the roots to students.

Edible Plants
Do your students know that fruits and vegetables are actually plants? Describe how different foods come from the ground, and why that makes them healthy. Show different kinds of fruits and vegetables and ask students to name them. Help them understand that all kinds of edible plants grow just the same as traditional plants like trees and flowers.

Snack Time: Flower Sandwiches
Give students flower cookie cutters and two pieces of white bread. Let them choose their filling. They can pick between jelly, peanut butter, honey, or whatever else you can think of. They can stick a Twizzler in between for a stem if they like.

Give these earth science ideas a try when you hear the famous line--"I'm bored!" Have fun and enjoy!

If you have some ideas to share, send them to me and I'll post them here for all to see and use.

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

P.S. If you like these ideas check out my Preschool Lesson Plans:

http://www.preschoolplanner.com/thefullstory.html

Preschool Listening Game - Bears Like Honey

Hi there,

With the end of the school year here in the US I was finding the noise levels in the classroom rising and rising. My efforts to gain control required coming up with some fun preschool listening games.

Thanks to one of my subscribers, Tracy, who sent me the game of "Bears Like Honey"

The kids enjoyed it so much and I want to pass it on to all of you.


Bears Like Honey

A bear listening game I play with my 3 & 4 year olds is called 'Bears Like Honey' and it goes like this...

We all sit in a circle. One child is chosen to be a bear and sits in the center with a musical instrument e.g. sleigh bells (imaginary honey pot).

All the children chant "Isn't it funny how bears like honey, buzz, buzz, buzz. I wonder why he does. Go to sleep Mr. bear, don't peep Mr. Bear." (At this point the child in the center pretends to sleep and a child from the circle pinches the honey pot/bells - and shakes them loudly and hides them behind their back, everyone hides their hands).

We all shout "Wake up Mr. Bear, someone has stolen your honey!" The
child in the center then has to try and remember where they heard the sound
coming from when the bells were shook. They say the name of a child they
think has got it, that child either shows their empty hands or the
instrument. When the culprit is found then it is their turn to be the bear
in the circle.

A really good test of listening skills!

Try this for a special time, circle time or anytime you want to gain attention and teach listening skills to your kids.

Have a great day!

Mary
marys.plans@gmail.com

PS: If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Father's Day Craft for Preschool

Hello there,

I know it has been a long time, but I am back and just in time for Father's Day!

It will be celebrated here in the US on Sunday, June 15th.

Here is a simple but fun idea for a gift for dad that is a little different from the usual. Easy to make and all ages can do this with a little help. Make a windchime for dad with some of his favorite things.


Windchime

Need: screws, nuts, bolts, keys

You can use a hanger or a piece of wood for your base, and then hang a variety of screws, washers, nuts, bolts, etc with string or fishing wire! Be sure to tie them tightly (teachers give an extra tug on the knots just to be sure). Suspend these fairly evenly and close enough together so that a slight breeze will make music!

Just a little different and the chime will remind dad of that special little person in his life.

Hope you enjoy this. Look forward to more ideas.

Let me know how you like the ideas and also send me yours to share on the blog.

You can reach me at:

marys.plans@gmail.com

Until next time,

Mary

P.S.: If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:


http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Craft Ideas - Valentine Flowers

Hello,

Hope you are having a good weekend so far.

I am busy going through my archives of preschool craft ideas for Valentine's to share with you.

It is never too early to get started with projects for gifts or ideas for parties!

I do have a favorite idea that was actually something my children made for me and I was able to use them year after year.

Valentine Flowers

Need: juice can
red foil, paper, lace or ribbon
Green Pipe cleaners
Many paper hearts, cut the same size in red, pink and white

First let your child cover his can with the paper or foil he chooses. Glue a band of ribbon or lace to the top edge. This is the Vase!

Next, give each child at least 10 hearts and 5 pipe cleaners. Glue a pipe cleaner on one of the hearts at the point of the V then glue the other heart on top so that the pipe cleaner is in between the hearts. This will be your flower and stem. Do this with the remaining hearts. 5 flowers is plenty but if you can, more is even better.

Scrunch up some paper, foil, packing peanuts (whatever you may have on hand to act as filler) and put it into the vase to hold the flowers in place. Arrange the valentine flowers in it and they have a Valentine Centerpiece or bouquet to give to a special person.

This is something that I was able to use a centerpiece at home and then put away in the cabinet until the next year. They were always amazed to see their special gift year after year.

Let me know how you like the ideas and also send me yours to share on the blog.

You can reach me at: marys.plans@gmail.com

Until next time,

Mary

P.S.: If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:


http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Valentine Craft

Hi there,

It's hard to believe but Valentine's Day is only a few weeks away. It is never too early to start planning. Try the following ideas for your party this year.

I like to provide time for my kids to prepare their own valentine specials for their friends and family.

Here are a few simple ideas that are great for all the age ranges you may have from the youngest on up.


NO-BAKE CINNAMON SHAPES
(Start these a few days or weeks before your holiday celebration so that they have time to dry well.)

1 cup ground cinnamon, 3/4 cup applesauce

Blend cinnamon and applesauce in mixing bowl. Stir until a stiff dough forms.

Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.

Air-dry several days on a wire rack, turning occasionally.


Tips: To make sweet-smelling holiday ornaments, poke a hole at the top of the

shape, lace string through the hole and tie a loop for hanging.


Heart Paintings & Jazzy Glue!

Need: oak tag or construction paper.
Heart Cookie cutters, all sizes,
Paint brushes
Kool-aid mix

A creative way to jazz up plain old white glue and make a new way to paint is to add kool-aid packets of various flavors( colors) into approximately 1/4 cup of glue. Mix thoroughly with paint brushes and amazing colors come through.

Show your children how to trace the cookie cutter onto construction paper.

Have them decorate their shapes with glue, glitter, crayons, or paint.

This smells great and when it is dry it is glossy. A wonderful sensory activity!

I hope you enjoy these ideas and can plan for a fun Valentine's Day celebration with your kids.

I welcome your suggestions at any time and will share them with all of my readers. Just send them to me at marys.plans@gmail.com.

Until next time,

Mary


P.S.: If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:


http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Creative Activities - Trip to the Moon

Hello,

Most people think of art class when they hear of preschool creative activities. Teaching preschool science ideas will change your mind and show you just how creative science lessons can be.

You can use these lessons to teach the letter "M", continue with a Moon theme to teach the sound of the letter, and to follow it through with the solar system theme discussed in the previous blog post.

Here are ideas that have been sent to me by my readers as well as some ideas from my preschool lesson plans.

From Carol - Moon Walk
Here's an idea I used when I taught a unit about "Astronauts" and the Moon. I filled the sand and water table with flour, had the children take their shoes off and walk through the flour, simulating how it felt when the astronauts were walking on the moon.

From Theresa - Rocketships
We are doing the letter M and taking a trip to the moon. I have made a large Rocket out of cardboard and corrugated cardboard so it is large enough for the children to sit in I have read them the story Man on the Moon by Anastasia Suen. For snack we ate English Muffins and talked about the holes look like the craters on the moon. We ran our weeks together and started the letter R for rocket and moon rocks we made rockets out of paper towel and collected rocks pretending to be discovering the moon.

Moon Landscape
Talk to your students about what the surface of the moon looks like. Most students will not know that the moon has craters, mountains, and valleys, just like the earth. It is a different size and composition, but the basics are the same.

Snack Suggestion
The idea for toasted English Muffins and the comparison to the craters on the moon is wonerful. Preschoolers really like the visual comparisons and the snack is great!

Try these out and let me know if you have more to add!

Have a great day!

Mary

PS: If you would like to receive my free newsletters for ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:


http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html

Preschool Science - The Seasons

Hi There,

Well, this is our first full week into the New Year. I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season and are looking forward to new adventures.

I want to share some ideas on how to explore the seasons with your preschoolers. These ideas cover all the seasons and help them to understand why we have seasons. Not only do they peak interest in the Solar System, they also provide lots of ideas for activities and crafts to enhance learning and create lots of fun!


Why is it so Hot?
Bring out a poster or a 3-D model of the solar system. Ask students to show you where Earth is and where the sun is. Ask students if they know why it is hot in summer and cold in winter. Use the poster or the model to show students that in certain times of the year, Earth is closer to the sun than at other times. When we are closer, the weather is warmer. When we are farther away, the weather is colder.


Changing Seasons Worksheet
Give students a piece of paper with four equal squares on it. Tell students they must draw a scene for each of the seasons. They can include whatever nature things they want as well as animals. Give everyone a chance to describe their drawings and why they think it represents the seasons.

Weather Reporters
Take your class on a “field trip” throughout the room as they serve as weather reporters for the local news station. In one corner of the room, it is summer. Give students a chance to report what the temperature is and what it looks like outside. As they move to different corners, make sure students understand that the weather patterns change, so their reporting must change.

Hope you have some fun with these ideas. If you have any special ways of teaching the seasons, send them my way and I'll be happy to share them.

Bye for now,

Mary

PS: If you would like to receive my free newsletters for more ideas for your preschool class, enter your name and address at the site below:

http://preschoolplanner.com/preschool-activities.html