Friday, June 27, 2008

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

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Saturday, June 21, 2008

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

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

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

Stumble Upon Toolbar