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.