Wind and Water Week 1 2021

We hope you and your family enjoy our winter break.

We can't wait to say:

 Happy New Year!  

and to Welcome 2021

We will begin our next unit on January 4, 2021.  Wind and Water is a great unit for young children.  However, given our virtual nature, we will demonstrate the water activities and allow the children the opportunity to replicate the experiments with grownups at home as to not get water on the devices.

WIND AND WATER THEME

This theme allows children explore wind and water using observations, experiments,

 and books to learn more about topics such as evaporation, weather, temperature, insulation, rain, and snow

Concepts for this unit include:

• Finding water in different forms - as rain (liquid), snow and ice (solid) and as steam (gas).  Temperature affects the form of water.
• Water soaks into, or is absorbed by , some things but is repelled by others.
• Wind - moving air - affects things.  Lighter things are moved a lot by wind. Heavier things are moved less by wind.  The amount of wind changes with the weather.  In storms, wind can blow very hard.
• Plants and animals need water to live.
• Water and wind provide opportunities for recreation.

Books for this unit include:

  -Gilberto and the Wind by Marie Hall
  -One Dark Night by Hazel Hutchins

  -Rabbits and Raindrops by Jim Arnosky

  -Snowy Day - Ezra Jack Keats

  -The Wind Blew - Pat Hutchins

  - A Hat for Minerva Louise
                                                             

Unit 2 - Friends -- November

                                                        Tuesday, November 3rd  PD (no students)                                                                                                         - Happy Voting

November 11^th

 Veteran’s Day Observed - no school

Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27

Thanksgiving Recess - no school

Unit 2 -Friends

  

In Unit 2, children will be talking about friendship, how to be a good friend, and ways to resolve conflicts with friends. Through the story time books, children hear about the importance of being who you are, helping friends, enjoying special times together, and getting along. In addition to listening to stories, children will learn to identify rhyming works and beginning letters and sounds in words, as they build vocabulary and comprehension skills. They will also participate in a variety of music, poetry, math, science, and art activities.

Theme Concepts:
-A friend is someone we like and want to spend time with. Friends like to do things together. They enjoy each other's company.
-We can have more than one good friend, and we might like to do some things with one friend and other things with other friends.
-Friends usually share with and help one another.
-Friends may have arguments and get mad at one another. Usually, friends work out their problems and continue to be friends.
-We can make new friends and also keep old friends.

Books For This Unit:

The Little Red Hen, Retold By Philemon Sturges
            A Letter to Amy, by Ezra Jack Keats
            Dandelion - Don Freeman
            Matthew and Tilly - R. Jones
            Hooray a Pinata - E. Kleven

Bug Crafts

Toilet Paper Roll Bugs – Easy Kids Craft

What you need:

Paper Rolls
Coloured Paper or Paint
Black Yarn, String or Black Paper
Scissors
Glue Stick
Download the TP Roll Bug Templates:

Download the Bug Elements Template:

The ‘Bug Elements’ template is available to members of the 

Arty Crafty Kids club. The template can be accessed via the link below: https://www.artycraftykids.com/product/tp-roll-bug-elements/

Camping Scavenger Hunt

From https://lifeasmama.com/6-fun-camping-crafts-activities-kids/

Alphabet Sensory Bags.

https://funlearningforkids.com/alphabet-sensory-bag/

• Alphabet beads (I LOVE these!)
• Cheap, clear hair gel
• Gallon size freezer bag

1. I squirted about 8 oz of clear hair gel in the freezer bag.
2. Then I added a bunch of alphabet beads to the bag. I made sure to add the letters for the kids’ names  
3. I sealed the bag and used clear packing tape to reinforce the top and make sure the kids weren’t able to open the bag. I haven’t had any problems with leaking, but many people like to tape all of the edges as well.

Alphabet Sensory Bag

At first, I showed this to my child and let her play with it. She enjoyed squishing it and moving the letters around. This part was excellent fine motor practice for her. As she was playing with it, I talked about the letter names and sounds of the letters she was looking at or moving. She would often repeat the letters or sound after me.

https://keeptoddlersbusy.com/zoo-animal-crafts-preschoolers

This activity includes many animals that can be created using paper plates.  Let your child pick his or her favorite animal to create.

Jack Be Nimble Gross Motor Activity -from pre-kpages.com

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JACK BE NIMBLE GROSS MOTOR ACTIVITY

posted by Editor | filed under Lesson Plans, Nursery Rhymes | affiliate disclosure

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, let’s get preschoolers jumping over their own candlestick!

 A simple craft to make a candle turns this nursery rhyme into a gross motor movement 

game for kids.

  Jack Be Nimble Gross Motor Activity

You will need:

• Paper plate
• Construction paper
• Tape

First create the candlestick using construction paper, tape, and a paper plate for the base. Roll one piece of construction paper into a tube. Tape to secure. Cut four slits in the bottom of one end of the tube about two inches long. Fold these out to tape the candlestick to the paper plate. Make a flame with orange construction paper and tape to the top to light the candle. These are so much fun that you might want to help each preschooler make one!

Now that you have a candlestick, it’s time to reenact Jack Be Nimble as a movement game!

Jack Be Nimble Movement Game

Recite the nursery rhyme for the children:

Jack be nimble,
Jack be quick,
Jack jump over
The candlestick!

Replace Jack’s name with the name of each preschooler, allowing them to try to jump over the candlestick as you say the rhyme. For additional literacy, write the poem on sentence strips in a pocket chart. You can work on name recognition as you replace the names each time.

I’ll never forget my own son looking at me as a preschooler and asking quite seriously, “Why didn’t Jack just walk around the candlestick?” What a good question! How else could preschoolers move around the candlestick? Try crawling, hopping, tiptoeing, stomping, and twirling!

Practice prepositions or positional words with preschoolers by asking them to move their bodies in other ways in relation to the candlestick. Can they hold it over their heads? Then they are under it! Can two friends put the candlestick between themselves?

The possibilities with this fun nursery rhyme are endless once you’ve made your paper candlesticks!

Spring Wreath

Make a beautiful spring wreath.   This activity is from Easy Peasy and Fun

Printable Flower Wreaths – Simple Spring Craft Idea

by Andreja

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/printable-flower-wreaths/Google+

 SHARES

We love flowers! And we think they are beautiful all year round. If flowers are not yet blooming around you or if you just prefer them to be in the nature these printable flower wreaths are here to brighten up your day.

Just print, cut, color and enjoy!

printable wreath link can be found here

I recommend the Lucky Ducks try and cut the outside circle with help/guidance as needed.

Following Directions

A great way to help children work on following directions is playing the game Simon Says.
When playing this game with preschoolers, the intention is not to get anyone 'out'.  If you have older children who know the rules that are playing with you that might change the game a bit.


Imitation Simon Says

Say, "Simon says Do This" - then demonstrate an action

         ................................... (Clap Hands)
         ................................... (Stomp Your Feet)
         ................................... (Touch Your Head)
         ................................... (Stand Up)


One Step Directions

Say, "Simon says...." - then give the direction.  If your child does not demonstrate the direction, model the action for them.

         ................................... (Clap Hands)
         ................................... (Stomp Your Feet)
         ................................... (Touch Your Head)
         ................................... (Stand Up)


Two-Step Directions

Say, "Simon says...." - then give the direction.  If your child does not demonstrate the direction, model the action for them.

         ...........(Clap Hands then Stomp Your Feet)
         ...........(Touch Your Head then Touch Your Feet)
         ...........(Stand Up then Jump)
         ...........(Sit Down then Give me the Marker)

Duck Puppet

Paper Bag Puppets

https://iheartcraftythings.com/cute-paper-bag-duck-kids-craft.html

There are many websites that link to a variety of paper bag puppets. 
Depending on the materials you have at home this will determine the detail of your puppet. 
It’s important to remember the process is more important than the final product when children
create art.  A puppet that has a drawn on face can be just as fun as having a puppet with a printed
out face.

• paper lunch bag
• yellow paint- yellow crayon would work
• paint brush
• orange cardstock paper (orange construction paper or
• color white paper orange)
• 
  
• yellow cupcake liner - can be recreated by coloring a paper circle.
• large googly eyes - these can be drawn on
• black marker
• glue
• HOW TO MAKE A PAPER BAG DUCK

Directions:

1. Start by painting (or color) your paper bag yellow.
Let it dry completely.

2. While your paper bag dries, cut a beak out of your orange
cardstock paper and cut your yellow cupcake liner in half. Draw
two little marks on your beak with your black marker.

3. Once your bag is dry, glue your beak onto your paper bag and glue the cupcake liner halves on the sides of the bag on the front flap.

4. Finish your duck by gluing on your googly eyes or draw them.

Chalk Shapes Jumping Game

https://craftulate.com/chalk-shapes-jumping-game

This jumping game is made by drawing chalk shapes outside.
Join us for some gross motor fun!

Materials: Chalk and Flat surface.  Draw shapes in a grid formation –
a different shape for each child playing is a good starting point. You could also use
different color chalk for each shape type.  As you add rows, vary the order, making sure
each row has at least one of each shape. Invite the kids to choose a shape. Then
they have to jump from one end of the grid to the other, but only staying on their shape.
Given the age/size of our lucky ducks you may want to start with three shapes in a row.

.

Virtual Parade

Hi Lucky Ducks.

Enjoy our virtual parade.  We miss you!

I do not own the rights to the music in this video.     

Happy Pajama Day!

Hi Lucky Ducks!

Today seems like a great day for Pajamas!  I hope you are nice and cozy. Just like every day, but especially on a rainy day, it can be nice to snuggle up and read with someone in your family or you can tell the story to your favorite stuffed animal.

Miss Kate shared our feeling song so you can sing it at home.  Kate also shared a video that I will post in google classroom.

“I Have Feelings”

(Sung to “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”)

I have feelings (point to self)

So do you, (point to others)

Let’s all sing about a few. (open hands out in front)

I am happy, (point to a big smile on your face)

I am sad. (point to a sad frown on your face)

I get scared (hug yourself and shiver)

I get mad. (make a mad face, make fists and stomp your feet)

I am proud of being me, (hands on hips, stand up tall and smile)

That’s a feeling too you see. (open hands out in front)

I have feelings so do you,  (point to yourself)

We just sang about a few. (open hands out in front)

Baking

Baking

Baking is one of my favorite activities to do with children.  Aside from the educational piece
as it incorporates math, science, and especially language, it can be a fun bonding time. 
And of course, if you did it right you end up with a yummy treat!

Ways to incorporate language while baking:

-Show the recipe (children are not expected to read the recipe but it shows the
connection between print and meaning)

-Talk about the ingredients as you gather your materials.  Include sensory language to
describe how they feel such as the flour is soft.  When possible give them the opportunity
to explore the ingredients. Putting flour in a small bowl or on a tray can become its own activity.
(Maybe this flour doesn’t make it into what you are baking).  

Ways to incorporate Math

-Counting the number of cups needed.  It is okay to use a ¼ cup 4 times to make one cup.
-Talk about how you fill the cup to the top.  Then when you pour it into the bowl the cup is empty.

Ways to incorporate science
- Talk about how mixing these different ingredients will make something new.
- Talk about how the dry and wet mixes.  Notice the difference as you start to stir the mix.

Then enjoy your special treat with your family.

Something in the Mail

Hi Lucky Duck Families
I hope everyone is well.  I just mailed a letter to your child today, so I am hopeful he or she will receive the letter in the next few days.  If for some reason your child does not receive the letter please email me and I will send along another one.

Additional Resources

Hi Friends

Here are some virtual field trips.

San Diego Zoo: https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/

Live Webcams at the Houston Zoo: https://www.houstonzoo.org/explore/webcams/

Georgia Aquarium: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/beluga-whale-webcam/

New England Aquarium: https://www.neaq.org/visit/at-home-events-and-activities/

Tour the Boston Children's Museum: https://www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/museum-virtual-tour


If you're looking for movement activities that can be done at home, GoNoodle is a great resource! We use GoNoodle for shake breaks during the school day. 
https://www.gonoodle.com/good-energy-at-home-kids-games-and-videos/

Free access to ABCMouse.com!

The district has a code for free access to ABCMouse.com while school is not in session.  ABCMouse has a variety of activities for children ages 2- 8. Again, this and the other online learning resources are optional.

1. Go to www.ABCmouse.com/redeem

2. Type in the code: SCHOOL4374

3. Complete the registration pages for your child to create an account based on the student's age

Emotions and Matman

Hi Lucky Ducks
Here is a video about emotions and matman.  This is my first attempt at creating a video with a drawing - so I apologize for the quality, but if it makes you laugh then that's okay too.  To be honest, this has taken me many many attempts, but this is the first one I am posting.  Enjoy!

Routines

Many experts recommend creating routines at home during this extended home time.  The following information is simply my opinion.  Creating routines provides a sense of familiarity and calm for many individuals, both children, and adults.  As a parent of 3, I know it was not easy to create and maintain a routine without a plan.  I believe when creating a routine, particularly in this unsettled time, it's important to remember that the routine you had (when kids attended school) does not need to be the routine you need for this time.  A visual schedule can provide structure and support.  It can be written with words, drawings or even printed pictures.   The routine/schedule can have times attached or just be a list of the activities planned that can help provide a sense of structure.  It is okay if not everything happens that you have listed.  If possible try to enjoy the moment you are in with your child rather than what is next on your list. 


A simple routine may look like:

Wake up - Dressed - Breakfast

Playtime

Worktime - Games/coloring/cutting/ see activities listed on BECC Remote Learning website

Snack

Story

Outside

Lunch

A regular routine that occurred after preschool day. 

If I can provide any support to you and your family please feel free to reach out roofe@bpsk12.org

Week 3 Community Helpers

Week 3
3/9/2020

We are continuing our unit about Community Helpers.

Stories

Nurse by Joann Early Macken

Librarian by Jacqueline Laks Gorman

When I Grow Up by Marilee Jay Mayfield

Small Groups

Color Community Helpers (2-day coloring project)

Building a Fire Truck - Students will use various shapes to make a fire truck.

Choice Time

Art -

Dramatic Play - Pilot - Going on Vacation

Table - unifix blocks

Table - Playdough

Magnifying Glasses

Easel - Painting Dalmations

Block area - Community Helpers Felt Dress Up

Sand Table - Sand with construction trucks