"Almost all children respond to music. Music is an open-sesame, and if you can use it carefully and appropriately, you can reach into that child's potential for development." Dr. Clive Robbins

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Christmas Around the World

This week we are preparing for our Program on Wednesday and Thursday during music time
Letter M  Number 14

We will be do our mid-year assessments during free time and revisit each student's Academic and Social Goal.  I will be e-mailing you sometime during the break to let you know your child's results.

Craft on Monday and Tuesday will be Christmas Chains to Count Down to Christmas
Craft on Wednesday and Thursday will be decorating cookies for program

Announcements: Don't forget the program on Wed or Thur at 10:30 am.
We still are going outside for about 5-10 minutes.  Because it is cold I am reducing the free play outside and increasing the free play at the beginning of the day so the children will have time to socialize and play with each other.  I feel this is very important.  I am having many of the children complain because they are cold outside.  Even though they only go out for a small time please have them bring a coat everyday and pack them some mittens/gloves and a hat in their backpack that they can wear if needed.  I want them to be comfortable while they play.

Home Challenge:  This week Christmas is getting closer and often time it means more stress in the home.  Do your best to keep stress at home to a minimum.  If you keep your child well rested by going to bed on time and taking naps during the day, and consistent meals.  This can take the stress off quite a bit and keep them healthy.  Also it's important to take time to do a fun Christmas Project with your child like make gingerbread cookies, a gingerbread house, Go Christmas Caroling with your family.  These memories will be treasured in your children’s mind forever.


Sunday, December 8, 2013

Kitchen Time

December 9-12—Kitchen Time  Letter: L  Number 13
Monday and Tuesday-Field Trip day!
Don't forget your carseat and Music Train Shirts!

Wednesday and Thursday
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—All Around the Kitchen
Social—Song Writing“Kitchen Fun” Sung to Clementine
Counting-10 little Indians
Music Appreciation/Readiness—ABC Sing to Me
Small and Large Movement Skills
ABC/Reading—I like to Eat…Apples and Bananas
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime  Popcorn (story read by teacher while eating snacks)
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Edible Bead Necklaces
10:45  Math/Science Skills—Sorting Silverware and Celery Magic
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song

Upcoming Calendar:  Next week on Dec 18th or 19th we will be doing a Christmas program for our families for the last half hour of preschool.  We will highlight the kids and some of the songs they have been learning.  It will be a treat to see them show off a bit.  You are welcome to come and enjoy that.  We will also have refreshments afterward.

Homework Challenge:  This week we will be talking about the kitchen.  There are so many math, science, and reading skills that are built by doing cooking activities.  Please find time to include your child in some of your cooking/baking this holiday season.  These memories of cooking with mom and dad are priceless!  It takes some patience so do it when you both are well rested and have more time to dedicate to the project.  Don’t be offended if they get tired after helping for a few minutes.  Make sure they feel special for helping even for just a little bit.  This will encourage them to help more and build up their self confidence especially if you tell others they helped you make it while they are listening!


Sunday, December 1, 2013

Numbers

Theme:  All about Numbers
Number: K   Letter:  12
Show and Tell this week!  On Wednesday or Thursday have your child bring 10 similar items to show and count for the class.  (cars, marbles, candy, buttons)
Music:  This week I'm going to try something new with music time.  I'm going to focus on the same songs throughout the week to reinforce them more and hopefully this will help the children learn the songs and be more comfortable with the songs with more repetition.  This week we will be working on these songs:
Hello Song
Instruments—All Night All Day
Social—Ant’s Go Marching 1 by 1 (have each child choose the next person to go marching with the group.)
Counting-Hickory Dickory Dock
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Rhythm Practice w/ cards
Small and Large Movement Skills—All the Sleepy Bunnies
ABC/Reading— Bingo (count how many times we will clap)
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Thank you Song
Snacktime:  Count-a-Snack/Fruit w/Jello
Arts and Craft time:  Cutting Practice/Number Books
Math Games:  Zimbos/Number Bingo

Announcements:  We were going to go on a field trip this week to Lee's Marketplace.  This has been postponed.  I will e-mail you details on the field trip soon.
It's already December!  Tuition is due this week.  I will send home a calendar with your child this week as well.   Mark on your calendar December 18th or 19th at 10:30 we will have a Christmas program where the class will share some of their favorite songs with you.  We also will have them serve you a christmas treat.

Home Challenge:  For those of you who have children who will be entering kindergarten in the Fall of 2015 I highly recommend you register your child for the Upstart preschool?  This would be for those that are 3 or 4 years old now.  I had my two youngest children participate in the program and they loved it.  I would recommend you do this in addition and not in replacement of preschool.  You just can't replace the social aspects of preschool.  Learning to sit up and listen to a teacher, playing and cooperating with other children their age, taking turns to talk and participate in a class room setting are only some of the social skills your children learn to prepare them for school.  The upstart preschool is free and done completely all from your home computer.  The children learn at their own pace and their is lots of music involved in the learning.  Here is the information and I would sign up soon because spots are very limited!
UPSTART is now accepting applications for 2014. UPSTART has a 99.8% approval rating from parents and was recently awarded by Parents for Choice in Education. UPSTART uses Waterford’s early reading, math, and science curriculum, adapting the learning pace to the child’s ability for a personalized, effective, and rewarding experience. The native-language support team ensures that you and your child achieve success. UPSTART is easy to use and free, but spots are limited. Apply now! Learn more and sign up at www.utahupstart.org.




Saturday, November 23, 2013

I am Thankful!

Thanksgiving:  Letter:  J  Number 11
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Harvest Instruments
Social—Over the River and Through the Woods—Let each share something they are grateful for and what they like about Thanksgiving (pass bean bag and when music stops they share something—play “Thankful” by Josh Groban
Counting-10 little Indians
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Blue Jellos
Small and Large Movement Skills—Five Fat Turkeys- Five Fat turkeys were sitting on a fence.  The fist one said, I’m so immense The second one said, I can gobble at you The third one said I can gobble too the fourth one said I can spread my tail the fifth one said, Don’t catch it on a nail A farmer came along and stopped to say Turkeys look best on Thanksgiving Day (use hand to point to all the turkeys)
ABC/Reading-A Hunting We will Go (Rhyming with different animals)
A hunting we will go, A hunting we will go, Heigh-ho the dairy-o A hunting we will go.
Singing—Child Chooses Songs

10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks)-Graham Cracker and Milk
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts) Handprint Turkey’s  Cut out hands and write what they are grateful on each feather.

10:45  Math/Science Skills—Thanksgiving Bingo
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song

Announcements:  We have preschool only on Monday and Tuesday this week.  This Monday will be the last day our music therapy students will do music with the kids.  They have done such a great job with our 3-4 year old students.  I will give out December Calendars after Thanksgiving.  We have a field trip coming up so check your calendar for details.
Home Project/Assignment: I hope you have a great Thanksgiving.  Get your children involved with your thanksgiving dinner by letting them help in the kitchen, help set the table, or make a simple table decoration.  There are some fun ideas at: http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/thanksgiving_crafts.htm

Saturday, November 16, 2013

I love Music!

Letter of the Week: I
Number of the Week:  Review 1-10
Monday and Tuesday:
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Teach 3/4 time with My Bonnie
Social—I’m in the mood
Counting-Count the Beats in music. Ravel-3/4 and Vivaldi 4/4
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Sing Sing Sing w/ round
Small and Large Movement Skills-Ding Dong I’ve got the rhythm
ABC/Reading-ABC Sing to me
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks)-Pudding and Pretzels
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts) Make Kazoos
10:45  Math/Science Skills-Counting Magic Puff Balls
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song

Wednesday and Thursday
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Doodling with instruments
Social-Little Johnny Brown
Counting-5 monkeys with hand
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Make Music with our notes
Small and Large Movement Skills—Horsey Horsey
ABC/Reading-Bingo w/ letters
Singing—Child Chooses Songs

10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks)-Oranges
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Make Mine Music
10:45  Math/Science Skills-5 Little Monkey’s Jumping on the Bed
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song-

Homework challenge:  With the Tuesday and Thursday we have been working in the Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Engelmann.  I love this method of teaching children to read.  I highly recommend that all my parents buy this book and use it at home to reinforce the reading at home.  We will begin using the book in the Monday and Wednesday Classes starting in January.  I didn’t feel like they were quite ready to begin it yet but by Jan. I think they will be.  Most of the kids are doing really well with the reading and are catching on fast.  You can get the book at The Book Table or online.  I know they have the book at most libraries so if you want to check it out first before you buy it that may be a good option.
I will be sending an e-mail with a survey to see if you have any suggestions or things you would like done at preschool.  We have been going for a few months and I would like some feedback to know if I can make this a better experience for you and your student.  You can return this via e-mail or print it out and return in person.  Thank you!

Sunday, November 10, 2013

My Amazing Body

Monday and Tuesday
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Hello Song
Instruments-Instrument Pass and Play
Social—My Body (Tune of where is Thumbkin)  This is my body…It’s the only one I’ve got…I’m going to take good care of it…Yes I am….  Pass Bean Bag and who every gets the bag at the end of the song tells us one thing we can do to take care of our bodies.
Counting-10 little fingers
Music Appreciation/Readiness-Musical Snake
Small and Large Movement Skills-Head Shoulders
ABC/Reading—Alphabet Rumba
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime  Fruit Leather (story read by teacher while eating snacks)
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Body Tracings
10:45  Math/Science Skills
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song

Wednesday and Thursday--Spotlight Jessica Today!
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time Hello Song
Instruments—choose favorite instrument to play Trish Trash Polka
Social—Body Floor mat and brush teeth
Counting—Hickory Dickory Dock
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Introduce Treble Clef
Small and Large Movement Skills—Do your ears hang low
ABC/Reading—Alphabet Rumba
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime Muffins (story read by teacher while eating snacks)
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Sillouettes and Playdough
10:45  Math/Science Skills
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song
Announcements:  Flu and Cold Season is hitting.  If your child is running a fever, has been throwing up within 24 hours of preschool, or has a green runny nose please keep them home so we don’t spread the sickness.  My kids may get sick and if this happens I will provide a separate place for them to be during preschool and still have preschool.  If I get the flu I will contact you and cancel preschool.  (this won’t likely happen, but just in case)
Homework Challenge:  I have been working with our students on correct pencil grip.  This is a challenge for many of the students.  If they are reinforced at home to hold their pencil, crayon, marker or whatever correctly then I know the habit will be made much faster.  The middle finger and thumb form a vise for holding the pencil.  The index, or pointing, finger rests between the middle finger and the thumb.  Fingers need to be close to the point of the pencil.  All knuckles, including the thumb, should be bent and the fingers and thumb rounded to the same degree.  Here is a picture of a good pencil grip.  Try to keep fingers relaxed so there is no strain on the hand or fingers.  pencil_grip3

Did you know we are on Facebook?  Share with your friends how much you like Music Train Preschool by “liking” us and sharing it on your homepage!  Thanks in advance for spreading the word. Follow this link for our facebook page.   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Music-Train-Preschool/370826534799 


Saturday, November 2, 2013

When I grow Up!

Monday and Tuesday
Basic Outline:
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time Hello Song
Instruments—Musical Jazz Improv. Solo and group play.
Social—“Who are the People in your neighborhood”  -Let each student identify one person that helps our community run each day.    Key C—C, G, am G, G, Am, A, D
Counting-10 little monkeys jumping on the bed
Music Appreciation/Readiness:  Grand Staff- introduce lines and spaces
Small and Large Movement Skills- Leaves are Falling
Mailing Letters - sung to "The Mulberry Bush"
This is the way we mail a letter,
Mail a letter, mail a letter.
This is the way we mail a letter,
So early in the morning.
ABC/Reading—BINGO w/ Rhythm Sticks
Singing—Child Chooses Songs

10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks)
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)  Coloring  and cutting out Occupations
10:45  Math/Science Skills
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song
Wednesday and Thursday
Basic Outline:
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
 Hello Song
Instruments-I’ve been Working on the Railroad-Instrument Exploration
Social—The Farmer in the Dell
Counting—I have 10 little fingers
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Musical Up and Down w/ Scarves
Small and Large Movement Skills I'm a Firefighter - sung to "I'm a little teapot"
I'm a firefighter
Dressed in red,
With my fire hat
On my head.
I can drive the fire truck,
Fight fires, too,
And help to make things
Safe for you.
ABC/Reading—Alphabet Rumba
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks)
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)  Write, Stamp and Mail letters
10:45  Math/Science Skills
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song
Announcements:  It is getting pretty cold so be sure to send jackets/coats with your kids for outside play.  I am a firm believer that outside play is crucial at this age.  I don’t have them play outside for long but it gives them time to get their wiggles out and have unstructured time play and create within their own space.  Gloves and hats may also be appropriate to send in their backpacks if they want to bring them.  It is a good idea to label the clothing so I can get it home to the right child.  I’m sorry the weather didn’t cooperate for our field trip this week.  I did hear from the children that many of you were able to go with your family so that is great.  It’s a fun tradition in Cache Valley. I put some fun pictures of Halloween on facebook you might want to check out.   
Home Challenge:  We have learned quite a lot of letters. The 3-4 year olds are just being introduced to the letters and might not be able to identify them all but I would like them to be able to identify at least the first letter of their name by now.  If this is still a challenge you may want to encourage this at home.  For the 4-5 year olds, I don’t think it is too much to say they should be able to identify all the letters that we have worked on so far.  Some can also identify the sound(s) they make.  Here are the letters that we have learned so far you may want to see what letters they can identify at this point and work on the ones that they can’t do.  (A,C,D,F,G,O,S,Q,B)  Magnetic Letters, alphabet puzzles, alphabet computer games, stamping, stickers, reading books and identifying letters on the page are all ways that you can encourage and support their learning.  Another fun way you can have a letter for a week is write the letter on a small paper and have your child carry it around with them everywhere they go.  They have to babysit their letter.  Throughout the day ask how their “A” is and where it is? Do this until that letter is solid.    

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Halloween

Monday and Tuesday
Field Trip days—Wear warm clothes and music train t-shirt.  If you can put the t-shirt on the outside of a long sleeve shirt.  Bring a car seat or booster as well.  I will park my van in the driveway and I would like you to put your child’s car seat/booster seat in my car and make sure it is buckled in if necessary.  I do have a parent coming with both groups but any parent is welcomed to come with us to help.

Wednesday and Thursday-- Come in Halloween Costume—It’s a Halloween Party! Bring 8 treats to share in our costume parade.

Basic Outline:
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—The Addams Family with bells
Social—“What are you going to be on Halloween Night?”
Counting—Spider has 8 legs
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Major and Minor sounds
Small and Large Movement Skills—Monster Mash
ABC/Reading—Musical Chairs w/ ABC’s & This is Halloween
Singing—Child Chooses Songs—Teach Have you seen the Ghost of John/ I’m a mean old witch
10:00  Outside Play-Bean Bag Toss
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks)
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts) decorate your own Halloween sugar cookie
10:45  Halloween Parade
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song
Announcements:  Don’t forget on Monday and Tuesday we are going on a field trip so where music train t-shirts under a long sleeve shirt to stay warm.  Wednesday and Thursday come in costumes for our Halloween Costume Party.  Also bring 8 treats to share with classmates.
Home Challenge:  Routine is very important in a preschooler’s day.  A routine will help your child feel safe and secure in his environment.  But in setting a routine remember that it serves you and your child and it can change daily depending on your and your children's needs.  I have a great book that helps prepare children emotionally, physically, and mentally for kindergarten.  The book is called On Becoming Preschoolwise,  By Gary Ezzo. In making a schedule for your day he suggests, “Taking a sheet of paper and dividing it into half-hour our hour increments.  Start planning each day keeping in mind that the weekends are less structured than weekdays.  (They give sample schedules in the back) Know that once you get your children’s schedules under control, you will easily find time to manage the rest of your day.”  Some of the activities that are suggested for preschooler is room time and playtime activities including painting, drawing, coloring, puzzles, and more.  There is also school time, sit alone time, rest time, reading time with mom, and even electronic play.    When you have multiple children it can be hard to give each one individual time with mom and dad.  He gives great suggestions on how to manage the time.  Once children have a little more structure and individual time with mom and dad behavior improves because they know what is expected of them during the day.   You can also have time to do what you need to get done as well.  If you want to borrow this book let me know.  You may also find it at the local library.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Fall Fun

October 21-24 2013 Fall Fun; Letter sound: qu, Number: 7
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments-Harvest Drumming –“Law of Harvest”
Social-It’s Autumtime—talk about the changes of the season
Counting-Hickory Dickory Dock
Music Appreciation/Readiness- Dynamics!
Small and Large Movement Skills- Harvest Dance:  Follow the Dance Leader
ABC/Reading-ABC hide and seek
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime preztle sticks (story read by teacher while eating snacks)
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Leaf Rubbings
10:45  Math/Science Skills-Uno Attack
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song
Wed and Thursday
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Instruments-Echo Drumming
Gross Motor-Leaves are Falling w/ scarves
Music Appreication/Reading-ABC Snake-Fat Snake
Counting-Hickory Dickory Dock
Singing-Music Choosing
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime Scones (story read by teacher while eating snacks)
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Paint Pumpkins
10:45  Math/Science Skills-Monkey Math
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song

Announcements:  On the calendar I have that we are doing pumpkins on Monday and Tuesday but we are going to switch these to Wed and Thursday. This week we will have child help design a part of the jack-o-lantern.  We will only use markers and then I will do the cutting at a later time.  The pumpkin walk has been a Cache Valley tradition since 1983.  I’m excited to participate by designing and carving pumpkins that will be used along the walk ways.  I am going to make a sign to put by our pumpkins that acknowledges each of our preschool children.  I was planning on just using first names but if anyone is uncomfortable about that please let me know and I will leave your child’s name off the sign.

Homework Challenge: This week we are identifying the changes of the fall season.  I challenge you to go on a walk or drive and ask your child to notice anything that shows what season we are in.  Such as the leaves that are changing colors, leaves on the ground, frost, plants that are dying, apples on trees, even Halloween decorations can be a sign of Fall or Autumn.     

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Flavorful Food

9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—All Around the Kitchen
Social- Muffin Man
Counting-Blue Jello’s
Music Appreciation/Readiness—ABC sing with me
Small and Large Movement Skills- Dance Director
ABC/Reading-- I like to Eat…Apples and Bananas
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime a snack from all food groups!—Read Hungry Caterpillar
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)  Good Group cut out project
10:45  Math/Science Skills-Uno Attack
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song
Announcements:  Next week is a short week because of Fall Break (UEA).  No class Wed. or Thurs.
Homework Assignment:  We did playdough last week and all the kids really enjoyed this.  I have a great recipe for homemade playdough that I encourage you to make.  It keeps great in a air tight container.  I had a batch that lasted one year!  Here is a link to the recipe.  
One other challenge is to work on rhyming with your child at home.  Taking one sound such as "s" as the starting sound and practice rhyming with ee, at, een, o.  You can do the same with "m" to make different words.  Other ways to practice rhyming is reading Dr. Seuss and nursery rhymes and other literature that rhymes.  

Friday, October 4, 2013

Color my World

October 7-10. 2013  Color My World-- Letter: O Number: 7
Monday and Tuesday
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up—Blocks and Lacing
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)-
Instruments-In my little hand…
Social/Verbal-Shape Movements w/ partners
Counting--1 2 buckle my shoe-use rhythm sticks
Music readiness/rhythm-Teach humpty Dumpty find the rhythm with egg shakers
Small and Large Movement Skills-De Colores w/ Scarves
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime – Fruit
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Octopus Water Coloring
10:45  Math/Science Skills-dice game with colored blocks
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song

Wednesday and Thursday
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up—Blocks and Lacing
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Lukey’s Boat w/ instruments and stop and go sign
Social-Bluebird
Counting-2 little black birds
Music readiness/rhythm-ABC which one is missing?
Small and Large Movement Skills-Rainbow Song
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)-Baa Baa Black Sheep
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime—Colored Fishes
 10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Playdough Fun
10:45  Math/Science Skills—Monkey Math
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song
Announcements:  Check our facebook page because I posted some pictures this week and will try to get some of our 3-4 year old class this week.  They have been keeping me super busy so I can't think about the camera during class.  =)  I'm done with assessments and will be spending time typing out individual e-mail about goals for each child so look for that within the next week.
Homework Challenge:Homework Challenge:  Now that we are starting to put on jackets, and shoes and socks I have found it is a lot harder to get my own kids out the door because of the time it takes to put everything on.  Does your child know how to put their own coat on?  Can they put their own shoes on?  Your challenge this week is to take a little more time when it's time to go somewhere and have them put their own jacket and shoes on.  If they can already do this it's time to start learning how to tie shoes.  This can be frustrating so try to make it fun and do it when your not rushed.  Here is a video I really liked about how to teach your kids  http://youtu.be/eN9LcG_4B74 This is the wrap around way you can also teach them the bunny hole way but I personally have a hard time teaching this way because the ears get tangled for the kids.


Saturday, September 28, 2013

Exploring Space

Monday and Tuesday
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time (Small and Large Movement, Instruments, Counting, Music Appreciation/Readiness, ABC/Reading, Singing) Hello Song
Instruments- Blue Jell-O Sticks w/ instruments
Social—“Star Wars” Draw pictures as you listen
Counting—Count off Blast off-& Stars shinning
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Piano High and Low Sounds
Small and Large Movement Skills--
ABC/Reading—Planet Names w/ Letters  The Sun , Mercury, Venus, Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks) Saturn Rings-roll dice and see how many to get at a time
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Constellation Creation
10:45  Math/Science Skills Demonstrate Planets orbiting the sun by acting out with planets
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song

Wednesday and Thursday
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time (Small and Large Movement, Instruments, Counting, Music Appreciation/Readiness, ABC/Reading, Singing) Instruments—Twinkle Twinkle Little Star w/ Bells
Counting/Math—It’s a Small World (compare planets in size)
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Blue Jell-O Sticks w/ instruments
Social & Small and Large Movement Skills-He’s Got the Whole World in his hands-ball passing
ABC/Reading—Alphabet Rumba
Singing—Child Chooses Songs

10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks) Space Drinks  have the group help make these
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Sun Paint Project
10:45  Math/Science Skills
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song
Announcements:  Because of the rain the Thursday Class did not go on the field trip so we will attempt to go this Tuesday.  The weather forecast looks good.  I will be handing out October calendars on Tuesday and Wednesday so look in backpacks for these.
Homework Challenge:  Now that it’s getting darker earlier it’s a great time to take the kids outside before bed and do some star gazing.  Teach them how to find the big dipper and the north star.  You can do some star counting as well.  See how high they can count.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Things that Go!

Sept. 23-26, 2013—Things that Go!  Field Trip Day
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up—Cars and Trucks
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time Hello Song
Instruments—Train Song w/ Shakers
Social—Wheels on the Bus—show book and then get imput for song and actions
Counting—Blue Jello w/ instruments
Music Appreciation/Readiness—PP—FF dynamics
Small and Large Movement Skills-Row Row Row your Boat
ABC/Reading—What letter is Missing?
Singing—Child Chooses Songs

10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)—
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks) --Banana Boats
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Car Art (Painting)
10:45  Math/Science Skills—Sorting Vehicles by Land, Air or Sea
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song

Field Trip Day
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up—Cars and Trucks
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
Leave for Field Trip—Playing Active Games at the Park
Return at 10:55 to get backpacks ready to go
Announcements--This week is our first field trip.  We are going to a close park to do some fun active games. You are more then welcome to come and join the group to help out.  We are going to have 3-4 year old group go on Monday.  We have music therapy students that come on Wednesday for Music Time and so I’m going to switch the day we go to our field trip.  I only use washable paints, if your child comes home with paint on their clothes I’m really sorry, if you put spray and wash on it should come out in the laundry.  I will try to remember to warn you if we are painting on the calendar and on the weekly notes.  3-4 year olds will be painting on Wed. and 4-5 year olds will be painting on Tues.
Home Challenge-- The weather has been so beautiful,  I challenge you to take your preschooler to the park and have each of you take a turn to make up an obstacle course on the playground you can take turns doing it and if they enjoy the competitive side, take a stop watch and time them to see if they can beat them self.
I am just wrapping up the student assessments and will be e-mailing each of you about it and what I would like to work on with them this semester.  Please let me know if you have any concerns about your child or any questions.  I feel like all the kids are doing really well and I'm enjoying each of them!


Saturday, September 14, 2013

I'm a VIP (Very Important Person)

September 16-19th-I’m a VIP (Very Important Person)-Letter D; Number 2
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up—Letter Peg board, puzzles
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Small and Large Movement Skills—Head Shoulder’s Knees and Toes
Open and Shut Them
Instruments—All Night All Day w/drums
Social—Our Favorite Things
Counting—Five Little Speckled Frogs
Music Appreciation/Readiness-Teach Two Black Keys on the piano
ABC/Reading—Slap D
Singing—Pick a song
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks)-crackers and cheese/”Sometimes” by Baker
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Handprints & Footprints
10:45  Math/Science Skills—measure how tall each child is, use rulers to measure other objects in the room
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Spotlight Chace Today
Small and Large Movement Skills—If your Happy and you know it (add different emotions sad,
angry, excited, lonely, scared)
Instruments:  In my little hand
Social—I’m in the mood for?
Counting—All Night, All Day w/ number letters on drums
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Fat Snake
ABC/Reading—Alphabet Rumba with A, C, and D
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks)-Chace -Snack for Wednesday, pretzel and marshmallow people/”I was so Mad” by Mayer
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)-My Name Plate-Foam craft
10:45  Math/Science Skills—Count who many fingers and toes you have subtract various body parts
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song
Announcements:  Next week is our first field trip.  We will be doing active games at a grassy area close to our preschool.  Please have your children wear good shoes to run and play in.
Homework Challenge:  This week we are talking about how each person is important.  One of our crafts this week is creating something with our name.  Can your child identify their name yet?  They may only be able to find the first letter of their name but you can practice by finding all of the "C"s on a cereal box or in a book you are reading if your child's name started with that letter.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Colors and Shapes

Colors and Shapes-- Letter: C Number: 1
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up—Shape Puzzles and Connecting Blocks
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:30  Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)-Shape Song (tune of Farmer in the Dell)
Instruments-In my little hand…
Social/Verbal-Shape Movements w/ partners
Counting--1 2 buckle my shoe-use rhythm sticks
Music readiness/rhythm-ABC letter game, Humpty Dumpty w/ instruments
Small and Large Movement Skills-De Colores w/ Scarves
Singing—Child Chooses Songs

10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime – Make homemade pretzels into fun shapes
10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)-water color paintings
10:45  Math/Science Skills-dice game with colored blocks—
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song

Colors and Shapes-- Letter: C Number: 1
9:00  Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up-- Shape Puzzles and Connecting Blocks
9:10  Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)
9:20  Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25  Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
Spotlight Keone today!
9:30  Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Can you play the _______? Find the right instrument shape
Social-Bluebird
Counting-2 little black birds
Music readiness/rhythm-ABC hide it
Small and Large Movement Skills-Rainbow Song
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)-Baa Baa Black Sheep
Singing—Child Chooses Songs

10:00  Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)
10:10  Snacktime/Storytime-- Fresh Purple Plums  Keone is treat in 4-5 year old class
 10:20  Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Make a Train with Shapes
10:45  Math/Science Skills—Monkey Math
10:55  Clean up and Goodbye Song
Announcements:  Thank you for all those that brought your stickers.  We are going to be using these all year round in our crafts and our reading chart.  
Homework Challenge:  This week we are working on our colors and shapes.  I have been working on an assessment which gives me a baseline to what our preschoolers know right now.  Most know there shapes and colors well.  So this week is fun because they are already familiar with it.  One shape that is difficult for preschoolers is the difference between squares and rectangles.  So I challenge you to help your student find some squares and rectangles in your house.  So they can see and feel the difference with you.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Getting to Know You!


Letter A
Number 0
September 4&5 Getting to Know You! Letter A and Number 0
9:00 Self-Directed Play Time and Clean up
9:10 Seat Work (writing name, worksheet)—Go over Rules at Preschool
9:20 Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Day
9:25 Reading Time/Phonograms (letter sounds)
9:35 Practice Writing
9:40 Music Circle Time (Small and Large Movement, Instruments, Counting, Music Appreciation/Readiness, ABC/Reading, Singing)—Show and Tell
Instruments: Lauren’s Waltz –musical improv. with rhythm instruments-Miss Heather on Piano
Social Make New Friends: Make new friends,but keep the old,One is silver,the other is gold. A circle is round, it has no end. That's how long, I will be your friend. You help me, and I'll help you, and together, we will see it through.
My Favorite Things-song writing
The More we get together
Counting Ode to Joy counting song
Music Appreciation/Readiness -Introduce Alphabet Cards
Small and Large Movement Skills- If your happy and you know it-Let each child choose an action
ABC/Reading: Sing w/ letter A- Follow pitches of Pete the dog!
Singing—Student of the Day- Chooses a Song
10:10 Outside Play (Dress appropriately for weather)-Safety Rules
10:20 Snacktime/Storytime (story read by teacher while eating snacks) Carrots and Celery sticks w/ dressing read--This is the Way by Anne Dalton
10:30 Creating Project (arts and crafts) My Favorite Collage
10:50 Math/Science Skills-Introduce number blocks and practice stacking blocks after rolling the die

Dates to Remember: Show and Tell is the first day of school! Tuition is due this week.

Homework Challenge: Each week I give parents a challenge to do at home with their child. This is so important to be involved with their schooling. If you do this your child will get more out of their preschool experience. I am teaching your child some sign language to use in the classroom. This is an effective way to communicate with me and it helps them not to speak out and disrupt the class. Ask your child if they remember how to say "yes", "no" Thank you, Time, Bathroom, Tissue Please, and Play. These are signs we will use often at school. If they can't remember you can ask me and I will teach you so you can use these at home as well. Signs can be used with children that are not speaking yet. So try teaching them to your infants and toddlers. I loved using these with my babies that are sitting in their high chair to eat.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Fall Classes Begin Sept 4th

I'm sorry but the classes for 2013-2014 are full.  You may be put on a waiting list if you are interested.  August 28th is our Open House.  Bring your back pack, 100 stickers and your smiling face.  I'm super excited for this year.  We are going to have a lot of fun!


Thursday, June 13, 2013

Summer Classes Full--Fall Registration Still Open!

All of the classes for summer are full.  We have done two weeks and it has been a blast!

I have only 1 opening left for the 4-5 year old class which is taught on Tuesday and Thursdays.

I have 1 opening in the 3-4 year old class.  This class is taught on Monday and Wednesday.  Both classes are taught from 9:00-11:00 am.  If you need registration information or would like to visit our school please e-mail:
heather@overlymusical.com

Have a fantastic summer!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Graduation


Graduation Week-Heather will be assessing students progress during free play and outside play until finished.
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Spotlights on Avery!
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments Old McDonald–joins Miss Heather
Social-Down By the Bay
Counting—Hickory Dickory Dock
Music readiness/rhythm-Three Blind Mice
Small and Large Movement Skills-I’m in the Mood
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)-Bingo
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time—Wheat Thins
Free Time & Group Motor Activity—Duck Duck Goose
Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Make Graduation Camps
Math/Science Skills
Goodbye Song

Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments Old McDonald–joins Miss Heather
Social-Down by the Bay
Counting-Bubblegum
Music readiness/rhythm-Three Blind Mice
Small and Large Movement Skills-I’m in the Mood
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)-Bingo
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Go through Letter Sounds for Families
Go through some Sight words
Snack & Story Time—Animal Crackers
Free Time & Group Motor Activity-Jumping Jacks
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Help Miss Heather Prepare Snack for Families
Graduation Time:  Parents and other special guests join us Wednesday at 10:30 or 1:00 and Thursday at 11:00.
Program
Give out awards, and year end folders watch slide show downstairs
Refreshments for Families.

This is our final week for the School Year!  The kids have a fun program planned where they will showcase their favorite songs sung in Music Time.  We will also show you some of our reading skills.  I've made a slideshow of pictures I've taken throughout the year I will show as well.  Hope you can make it.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

I encourage you to keep your child active and learning during the summer.  I will send home their name templates and it would be a great idea for you to practice writing their name everyday and read to them 20 minutes a day.  One thing I like to do in the summer is pick up a workbook from the dollar store and have my preschooler do a page a day.

For those of you interested in Summer classes it's not too late to register.  I have between 4 and 2 openings in each class.  Let me know if you want me to send home a registration form.
For Next year's 2013-2014 class I have 6 open spots for 3-4 year old and 3 open spots for the Pre-Kindergarten Class.  If you have friends or families with preschoolers I would appreciate your recommendation.  It has been a great year and I just adore your children.  Thanks for the opportunity to teach them!  Miss Heather

Monday, May 13, 2013

Animals


Animals
Seat Work
Practice writing names
Weather/Calendar
Introduce Theme and Letter and Number of the Day Animals, Z, X & all numbers
Counting
Music Circle Time
Musical Exploration
Hello Song
Instruments—Old MacDonald
Social-Down by the Bay—Add their own rhyming verses
Counting-Fifteen Animals
Music Appreciation/Readiness—A B C—sing with me
Small and Large Movement Skills-The Hokey Pokey
ABC/Reading-BINGO
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Turtle Mosaic
Free Time-choose activity inside or outside before snacks (Miss Heather -assessments)
Snacktime—Applesauce
Reading Time: Tingalayo & The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Writing assignment (numbers and/or letters)
Group Motor Activity—Duck Duck Goose
Math/Science Skills—Telephone Number Practice
Storytime
Goodbye Song
Announcements:  Thanks so much for all those that were able to come out to the parade.  We had a lot of fun.  I posted a picture on our facebook page if you want to check it out.   Can you believe we only have two weeks left of preschool.  The month is flying by and we are about ready for graduation.  I will be doing final testing this week and next.  I will just take one child at a time during free time to get them done.  This final testing will help us see how much your child has retained throughout the year.  This Wednesday and Thursday if our last field trip for the year.  I will send a separate e-mail with our itinerary so watch for that.  I do still need one parent to help drive.  We only need a car that can hold two preschool children.  If you would like to come but can't drive I can take one adult in my van.  I can fit six children in my van.  If you know you can’t come to preschool on Thursday please let me know so we know how many to plan for.

Home Challenge:  Start thinking of summer now.  Kindergarten will begin before you know it.  To help prepare you child, schedule your day so you can fit in some Reading Time, and some type of project, whether it's, coloring, playing an alphabet or counting game, or making something together in the kitchen.  Have them practice writing their name for you everyday.  There are lots of story times and summer reading programs that can help motivate your child to read with you this summer.  Another thing to think about is to keep them active by going to the park and playing outside.  We like to take swimming lessons so they learn how to be safe in the water.   I have summer registration forms if you would like to sign up for our summer preschool.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Insects


Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week:  Letters:  Y, J, Q
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Make Kazoo’s
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—3 blind mice
Social—I’m in the Mood
Counting—A spider has 8 legs
Music readiness/rhythm—Find the Alphabet and put it in order!
Small and Large Movement Skills—Insy Winsy Spider w/ actions and Kazoos!
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)—I like to eat…Apples and Bananas
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time—Ants on a Log
Free Time & Group Motor Activity  Mother May I
Math/Science Skills—Phone Number Practice
Goodbye Song


Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Show and Tell- Last show and tell this year—bring anything you would like to show!
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Three blind mice
Social—There was an old lady who swallowed a fly
Counting—A spider has 8 legs
Music readiness/rhythm—Echo Rhythms w/ “Echo” puppet
Small and Large Movement Skills—Hokey Pokey
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters) Bubblegum
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time  muffins
Free Time & Group Motor Activity:  Duck Duck Goose
Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Bouncy Caterpillar
Math/Science Skills—More and Less with Insects
Goodbye Song

Announcements:  We are in need of more toliet paper rolls if you could send some for Monday and Tuesday that would be great.
This week is show and tell on Wednesday and Thursday.  Because it is our last show and tell of the year, students can bring anything they would like to show.  Calendars will be sent home Monday and Tuesday so look for that.  We will be having a field trip at the Willow Park Zoo next week.  If you can send $1 for their admission that would be great.
See your e-mail for announcements on the Smithfield Parade.

Home Challenge:  This week we are talking about bugs, and insects.  Encourage your little budding scientist to find bugs outside while he is playing.  Ask him questions about the bug.  Does it have wings, what color is it, and how many legs does it have? Etc.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Water Time


Self Directed Play & Clean Up—Letter: V,B,P  Numbers: Counting by 10’s
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Drip Drop w/ tone bells
Social—Who Stole the Cookie?
Counting—Blow Bubbles and count them
Music readiness/rhythm—Rhythm Cards
Small and Large Movement Skills
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)—Alphabet Rumba
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts) Chalk Art/Magic Water Bottles
Give children large pieces of white paper and a box full of chalk. Do this project outside, if possible, to cut down on mess. Ask children to first make chalk drawings on their papers, then pass out cups of water and paintbrushes. Children can paint over their chalk lines with water and watch how the picture changes. Put the pictures out in the sun and watch how the pictures change again. Ask children to observe and explain the changes they're seeing.
Math/Science Skills—Pattern Cards
Goodbye Song

Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Movement-- Ordinary Miracle Dance and Discussion
Instruments—Down by the Bay
Counting—Count rain drops and match flashcard
ABC/Reading—Spell Water as we listen to The Water is Wide
music appreciation/readiness—Musical Alphabet hiding and sorting
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Water Color Fishes/Drippy Rain Cloud
Math/Science Skills—Uno Attack
Goodbye Song
Announcements:  We are making something with water bottles.  If you have any empty water bottles with lids could you send them that would be great.
May 11th is coming up which is the Smithfield Health Day’s Parade.  We will be riding in our little red truck and singing and throwing candy to parade goers.  We did the parade last year and the kids had a great time.  Have your children wear their yellow preschool t-shirt.  We will meet at Sky View High at 9:45 and the parade will begin at 10:00am.  Parents are welcome to walk on the side of the truck if you would like. Let me know if you have any questions.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes


4/22/13-4/25/13  Letter G,H, K  Number:  90-100
Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales
Self Directed Play & Clean Up:  Puppet Shows, Blocks
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments-Three Different Instruments choices (egg shakers, bells, wood blocks)  “Can I hear the _______”
Social-The Farmer in the Dell
Counting- Hickory Dickory Dock
Music Appreciation/Readiness-Rhythm Matching Cards
Small and Large Movement Skills—Little Miss Muffet (take turns being the spider and Miss Muffet)
ABC/Reading-Three Blind Mice w/ Bells
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Snack & Story Time—Strawberries -- Nursery Rhyme Book
Creating Project (arts and crafts) Kites, Sock Puppets
Math/Science Skills: Die Game with Abacus
Goodbye Song

Self Directed Play & Clean Up: Puppet Shows, Blocks
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Rhythm/Instruments—Hey Diddle Diddle-tapping and visuals
Social—I’m in the Mood
Counting- Bubble Gum Bubble Gum
Music Appreciation/Readiness-Pick a card
Small and Large Movement Skills—Jack and Jill w/ actions and xylophone
ABC/Reading-Three Blind Mice w/ bells
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Snack & Story Time—Pretzels--Fairytale
Creating Project (arts and crafts) Play dough--make stories and characters with the dough
Math/Science Skills: Math Cards
Goodbye Song
Home Challenge:  This week we are learning about Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales.  The language and rhythm in Nursery Rhymes especially help children develop language skills which will in turn help with learning the patterns of reading.  I encourage you to teach your child some new nursery rhymes and say them often.  You can also add clapping or tapping your feet to them to emphasis the rhythm in the verses.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Western Roundup


Theme:  Western Roundup
Self Directed Play & Clean Up:  Lincoln Logs
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week  Letters: U, L, W  Numbers 80-90
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Spotlights on preschool children-Simon
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments-Jimmy Crack Corn-use sticks on every “crack” in the song
Social—Horsey Horsey—teach partners the horsey trot dance
Counting—Bubble gum-with money
Music readiness/rhythm—Snake-mixed up and fix up
Small and Large Movement Skills—Match your feet to the beat—galloping like a horse
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)—Home on the Range w/ Microphone
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time—Flapjacks--Fastest Drawer in the West
Free Time & Group Motor Activity—Barrel Racing
Creating Project (arts and crafts) Footprint horse, Cowboy Hat
Math/Science Skills—Number puzzle game
Goodbye Song
Self Directed Play & Clean Up:  Dress ups, and lacing
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
This week is the Utah Earthquake Shakeout.  We will be doing an earthquake awareness day today.  We will do a drill as well.
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
10:15:  Earthquake ShakeOut!
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Coyote Pow Wow/drums, shakers, recorder
Social-Tell some Navajo legends to music
Counting-10 little Indians (Count forward and backwards)
Music readiness/rhythm-Echo Dog-(repeat my pattern)
Small and Large Movement Skills—Circle to the left-old brass wagon
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)—Rainbow Song
Singing—Child Chooses Songs--
Snack & Story Time—Indian Fry Bread
Free Time & Group Motor Activity—Cowboy beanbag toss
Creating Project (arts and crafts) Making bead necklaces, Paper weaving, (Tell the Navajo Weaver Poem)
Math/Science Skills—Counting by 10’s with the abacus
Goodbye Song
Announcements and Home Challenge: Wednesday and Thursday we will be doing an earthquake drill.  I will prepare the students before but you may also want to talk to your child about earthquakes as well.  For more information about the Utah Shake out check out this webpage:  http://www.shakeout.org/utah/   This statewide earthquake awareness is something you can also do with your family at home or at work.  We all must get better prepared for major earthquakes, and practice how to protect ourselves when they happen. The purpose of the ShakeOut is to help people and organizations do both. The following video has been created to show what may happen in a Wasatch fault earthquake, and what Utahns can do to reduce losses.

Monday, April 1, 2013

It's A Circus!


Monday and Tuesday
Self Directed Play & Clean Up:  Letters O, N, F  Numbers: 70-80
 Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Spotlights on preschool children—Tai on Monday, Grant on Tuesday
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments-Play Play Play—Let each child choose favorite instrument
Social—No one likes a Frowny Face—Talk about having a good attitude and smiling.
Counting: This little clown is fat and gray (hold up thumb)
This little clown does tricks all day (hold up next finger)
This little clown is tall and strong (hold up next finger)
This little clown is wee and small (hold up next finger)
And this little clown can do anything at all (hold up little finger)
Music readiness/rhythm—Music Copy Cat w/ xylophone
Small and Large Movement Skills
(Sung to Mary had a little Lamb)
Lets all go to the circus
The circus today, the circus today
Let's all go to the circus, today
And watch a big parade
See the clowns all tumbling around, tumbling around
See the clowns all tumbling around
In the circus ring.
Lions and tigers jumping through hoops
Jumping through hoops, jumping through hoops
Lions and tigers jumping through hoops
In their circus cage
The prancing horses step so high, Step so high, step so high.
The prancing horses step so high
In the circus ring
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)--Bubblegum
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time--Popcorn
Free Time & Group Motor Activity—Balance Beam and the Tight Rope
Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Elephant counter/Decorate Popcorn Bags
Math/Science Skills—Bead Counter Games
Goodbye Song

Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Spotlights on preschool children-Ben on Thursday
Show and Tell- Bring a favorite Stuffed animal (we will use this in music time as well)
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Marching Circus Band
Social—Talk about what we have learned about the circus and have them share something they would like to see at the circus or what they have seen if they have been before.  Pass a beanbag and when the music stops that child who as the bean bag gets to share.
Counting—5 little Elephants
Music readiness/rhythm—Letter Bean Bag toss on the big staff
Small and Large Movement Skills—Animal March w/ stuffed animals The Big Top
Everybody circle round and lift the canvas off the ground
Push and pull and watch it rise, the big top grows right before our eyes
Everybody circle round and lift the canvas off the ground
Sit and watch the circus acts singing
Everybody circle round form a great big ring upon the ground
Now we're set to watch the show
Circus acts both high and low
Everybody circle round and form a ring upon the ground.
 Walking Through The Circus
(Sung To: "I've Been Working On the Railroad")
I am walking through the circus (walk in place)
Happy as can be (smile real big)
I am walking through the circus (walk in place)
Just to see, what I can see (make binoculars with hands)
I can see the clown laughing (ha, ha, ha)
I can see the elephant, too (make trunk motion)
I can see the lion sleeping (yawn)
Look out (make binoculars with hands)... because he sees you too
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time—Circus Peanuts
Free Time & Group Motor Activity--Juggling
Creating Project (arts and crafts) Clowns made with Shapes/Happy and Sad Clown Faces
Math/Science Skills—Science w/ Circus Peanuts
Goodbye Song

Announcements:  Have a great spring break.  I will give out calendars on Monday for the month of April. We will have show and tell on Wed and Thursday.  Have them choose stuffed animal to bring.  We will use these in music time as well.  
We do not have a field trip this month but in May we will do the Health Day's Parade and the Willow Park Zoo.  It is getting close to the end of the school year.

Home Challenge:  This week while we are off of school I challenge you to do something with your child everyday that will help with their preschool skills.  Do a puzzle together, Make a collage by cutting and gluing out papers, Read together, etc.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

I bought me some Bubblegum

This is my first attempt to post a song I've recorded for your benefit to use at home with your children.  I have been introducing money in our math segments in preschool.  In music therapy we are using this song to reinforce the concepts of money and familiarizing them with what each coin looks and feels like.  





Saturday, March 23, 2013

Spring and Easter is Here!


Easter/Spring  Letters:  D,C,I  Numbers 60-70
Monday and Tuesday
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments- Making a Rain Storm
Social --What is Spring? Read Book and then song writing (Spring is Here-tune of are you sleeping)   I see_______ I see________, __________ too, _________ too,  Everything is ___________, The _______ is _________   __________  Spring is here.
Counting-Bubblegum song w/ money jars
Music readiness/rhythm --Tonal Study’s w/ tone bars
Small and Large Movement Skills --White Choral Bells
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)- Dance the Alphabet (The four seasons-baby Einstein)
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time—Pears
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Playdough/Weather Paper Dolls
Math/Science Skills-Telling Time Games
Goodbye Song

Wednesday and Thursday
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments The Rain Song-w/xylophone
Social—Give Said the Little Stream—Talk about things you can help with or give to your family.
Counting- Hop like a Rabbit to the number song
Music readiness/rhythm Slap C
Small and Large Movement Skills- I’m an Easter Bunny
Watch me hop.  Here are my two ears, See how they flop.  I’m a happy fellow, Here’s my nose.  I’m all furry From my head to my toes
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)- BUNNY  mix up letters and see if the group can get them all in the right order after I sing the song.
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time-Deviled Eggs
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Toilet Roll Bunnies/Die Easter Eggs
Math/Science Skills-Easter Bingo
Goodbye Song

Upcoming Calendar Items:  Next week is Spring Break so we will not have preschool.  I will be in Arizona doing some early childhood and music education classes for the week so I'm hoping to come back renewed with lots of great ideas and energy to make my classroom even more inspiring for your children!
Tuition will be due April 9th.  


Home Challenge:  This yea there is a movement that is encouraging parents to give non-candy gifts for Easter.  You may want to consider giving your child something that will help them academically like a new puzzle, coloring book, reading book, flashcards a family board game that involves numbers or words.


Saturday, March 16, 2013

Little Helpers/Manners


Little Helpers/Manners- Letters: E,T,R  Numbers: 50-60
Monday and Tuesday
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Field Trip-see E-mail for details
Goodbye Song


Wednesday and Thursday
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments-Three Different Instruments choices (egg shakers, bells, wood blocks)  “Can I hear the _______”
Social-The Farmer in the Dell
Counting- Hickory Dickory Dock
Music Appreciation/Readiness-Rhythm Matching Cards
Small and Large Movement Skills—Little Miss Muffet (take turns being the spider and Miss Muffet)
ABC/Reading-Three Blind Mice w/ Bells
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Creating Project (arts and crafts)/Snack & Story Time—Homemade Waffle/Homemade cookies
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Math/Science Skills—Phone Number Practice
Goodbye Song

Home Challenge:  Look for opportunities for you preschooler to be a little helper at home.  With help and encouragement they can accomplish a lot.  They can help you in the kitchen, they can help feed pets, dust, set the table, and help with younger siblings.   Be sure to give lots of praise for their small efforts.  The more they feel valued the more they will want to continue helping you.  This will be very rewarding for you as well!

Saturday, March 9, 2013

It's all Green


It’s All Green  Letter M, S, A; Numbers-40-50
Monday and Tues
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Spotlights on preschool children-About one a month
Show and Tell- once a month
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Did you ever see a leprechaun?—watch and follow the leprechaun to see how he plays
Social- Everything Grows- teach song and have pairs work together to identify something that grows in a magazine and then share it with the group
Counting-- Two little black birds
Music readiness/rhythm- ABC cards mix-up
Small and Large Movement Skills-That’s an Irish Lullabye—choose a stuffed animal to rock and dance the lullabye to
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters) Rainbow song-name the letter each color starts with
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time—Green Beans
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts)—water color rainbow/Planting a seed
Math/Science Skills—Introduction of Money
Goodbye Song

Wed and Thurs
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Spotlights on preschool children-About one a month
Show and Tell- once a month
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments-I’m looking over a Four Leaf Clover
Social—If your Irish and your happy--
Counting—Ten Little Leprechauns
Music readiness/rhythm—Rig a Jig-Jig-choose different rhythms and modes to match the animals they might meet.  Start with the Leprechaun
Small and Large Movement Skills—London Bridges
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)—I like to eat…w/ vowels
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time—Carrots w/ green dip
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-green pepper stamping/Leprechaun paper plate craft
Math/Science Skills—Math and Counting Game
Goodbye Song

Announcements:  I gave out calendars last week if you didn’t get one ask me and all make sure you do.
We are for sure going to Home Depot March 18th or 19th.  They will be giving a store tour and doing a craft with us.  All parents are welcomed to come.  The more helpers to help with the craft would be helpful.  This trip will take up most of the time we have for preschool with travel time.
Mark Your Calendars for May 11th—Music Train Preschool is going to be in the Health Days Parade at 10:00 am.  We will have all of the kids in the back of our pick-up truck and we will be singing, waving, smiling, and throwing candy.  I would love for two or three parents who would be willing to walk along side of us and hand out flyers.  It’s a fun parade and not too long.  Please let me know if you can attend the parade so I know how many children and parents to count on.

Home Challenge:  Count everything this week.  How many plates are on the table?  How many forks are in our drawer?  How many carrots do you want for lunch?  How many red cars can we count on the way to the store?  We have learned all the numbers from 1-40 and this week we are working on numbers 40-50.  Identifying a number is much different then counting how many you have of something.  One of my favorite toys to play with my kids is the abacus.  It’s basically a bead counter or a manual calculator.  We use it all the time to help with math and to help us count how many time they practice a spot in music lessons.  It may be a great investment to buy one.  Here is an example of one you can get

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Home and Families


Home and Families Letter X, Z; Number 30-40
Self Directed Play & Clean Up; Little People and Lincoln Logs
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Show and Tell- Bring something that symbolizes what you like to do as a family
Music Circle Time--
Hello Song
Instruments-Hey Ho Nobody Home
Social—I love my family-share there show and tell and write a class song w/items
Counting—This old man
Music readiness/rhythm-Humpty Dumpty
Small and Large Movement Skills—I’m so glad when daddy comes home
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)—Scat the Cat
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time-Animal Crackers; The Three Little Picks
Free Time & Group Motor Activity:  Duck Duck Goose
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-log home w/ popcycle sticks; Folded Home
Math/Science Skills:  Memory
Goodbye Song

Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments-Three Blind Mice
Social-Who Stole the Cookie?
Counting-Beehive
Music readiness/rhythm—ABC musical snake
Small and Large Movement Skills-Bluebird
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)-Home on the Range (reading and listening)
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time-Homemade Scones
Free Time & Group Motor Activity-
Creating Project (arts and crafts) Draw “My Family”
Math/Science Skills:  Telephone Manners and dialing your number
Goodbye Song

Announcements:  Show and Tell this week.  I would like to do it Monday and Tuesday this time.  Would you have your child find something that symbolizes something they like to do with there family.  We will be writing a class song with all of there things.  When I made the calendar at the beginning of the year I did it off of my children’s school calendar.  I had taken off March 14th because that day they had off for parent teacher conferences but I was incorrect and it is March 7th.  I will need to switch those days so I can attend my children’s conferences.  I apologize for the inconvenience of this.  Also thank you so much for my Monday classes being so understanding about this week.  It really made a big difference in me getting better quicker to take that day off.  Thank you!  This month we are suppose to go on a field trip and I am working on getting a hold of the facility and hope to have everything in place when I give out calendars.  If not I will put down tentative plans and then better details when I get the information.

Home Challenge:  We are talking about home and family this week.  Does your child know what city they live in?  Do they know what your house number is?  If they know I will have them write their house number on their homes they create for arts and crafts.  If they don’t that is fine you can talk to them about what your house number is and show them on your house where it is and then they can write it on their creation at home.  

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Shapes and Colors


Colors and Shapes Letter Q Numbers 20-30 count by 5’s
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Spotlights on preschool children-About one a month
Show and Tell- once a month
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)-Shape Song (tune of Farmer in the Dell)
Instruments-Can you play the square the square
Social/Verbal-Shape Movements w/ partners
Counting-1 2 buckle my shoe
Music readiness/rhythm-Humpty Dumpty w/ instruments
Small and Large Movement Skills-De Colores w/ Scarves
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time-Oranges
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Playdough; Pearler Bead Creation
Math/Science Skills-Uno Attack
Goodbye Song

Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Spotlights on preschool children-About one a month
Show and Tell- once a month
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments
Social-Bluebird
Counting-2 little black birds
Music readiness/rhythm-3 blind Mice
Small and Large Movement Skills-Rainbow Song
Cognitive (colors, shapes, letters)-Baa Baa Black Sheep
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time-Popcorn
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Noodle Necklaces; Water Color Scene
Math/Science Skills-Bubble Gum
Goodbye Song
Announcements:  Next month is right around the corner!  I'm hoping for some warm weather.  Continue to send your children with coats and warm clothes so they are comfortable outside during playtime.
Home Challenge:  This week we are working on Colors and Shapes.  Most of the children do really well with naming them.  I challenge you to talk about not just the name of the shape but how many sides does it have, which side is shorter or are they all the same size.  Find different shapes in your environment to make more connections with them.  Colors may seem really easy lets take it to the next level.  What letter starts with the color Red.  What happens when you mix red and yellow?  We will be talking about these at preschool but it's great to reinforce them at home.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

I love America


No Class on Monday-Happy President’s Day
Theme for the Week:  I love America  Letter- J; Number-Review 1-20
Tuesday:
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments:  Yankee Doddle Dandy with Kazoo’s and a drummer on the beat
Social:  I love my Family—Lyric writing with children’s responses to what they enjoy doing with their family?
Counting-Stars Shining
Music Appreciation/Readiness:  Slow and Quick song—Teach some of the Italian words we use in music such as Largo, Allegro for slow and fast
Small and Large Movement Skills:  Yankee Doodle Dandy and stop and sit down on cue to the music
Cognitive: Right Hand, Left Hand song—This is my right hand, I’ll raise it up high.  This is my left hand, I’ll touch the sky.  Right hand, Left hand Roll them around.  Left hand Right hand, Pound, Pound pound.
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time:  Muffins
Free Time & Group Motor Activity:  Jumping Jacks
Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Creating our flag
Math/Science Skills:  Monkey Math
Goodbye Song

Wednesday and Thursday:
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Spotlights on preschool children-Olivia
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments:  Deep in the heart of Texas-first clap, then stomp and then with rhythm sticks
Social-Pop goes the Weasel—Have each child after their turn choose another child by name to be the monkey—Take turns with the Pop on the instrument
Small and Large Movement Skills/Impulse Control:  You’re a Grand Old Flag w/ scarves
Counting:  By n By
Music Appreciation/Readiness:  Red White Blue—w/ xylophone and beat
ABC/Reading:  USA instrument find Put a Letter on Three different instruments and have the student find the letter and play the instrument—Can you play the ____ the  ______ the _____ Can you play the _____ great play it with me me.  Play this way and that way and this way and that way.  You found the letter _____ You are so great!
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time:  Pretzels
Free Time & Group Motor Activity—Duck Duck Goose
Creating Project (arts and crafts)  Straw Drawing; Flag Streamer
Math/Science Skills:  Simple Addition Game
Goodbye Song
Announcements:  No School on Monday.  Sadly we will be losing a student this month because they are moving in our 4-5 year old class on Tuesday and Thursday.  I know some of you were interested in this class because it is a little longer class it’s from 9:00-11:30.  Please let me know if you would like to switch or if you know of anyone who is looking for a preschool.
Homework Challenge:  Rediscover things your child can do on their own.  Let them know you notice how well they can put their own clothes on, or make their bed, or help set the table.  Be specific in your praise.  Whatever it is try this week to tell them how much you appreciate the things they can do.  This helps them know they are important and loved.  It will also remind you how much they have grown.  It’s a good practice to emphasis the things they can do and not the things they are working on.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Be Mine


Be Mine Valentine:  Letter Y Number 20
Monday and Tuesday
It’s Field Trip Day for Monday Group!—see e-mail for times and details
Seat Work
Practice writing names
Weather/Calendar
Introduce Theme and Letter and Number of the Day
Counting
Reading Time
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—L.O.V.E.-
Social—Who will be my Valentine?
Counting—Hide and count Hearts song
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Where’s all the C’s?
Small and Large Movement Skills—Skidamarink-show book then teach the actions
ABC/Reading—Mom and Dad sittin' in a tree
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Straw Paintings
Free Time-choose activity inside or outside before snacks
Snacktime—Applesauce
Reading Time
Writing assignment (numbers and/or letters)—On Writing Slates
Group Motor Activity—Playing Pretend:  Let’s be Galloping Horses, Waddling Ducks, Robots, etc.
Math/Science Skills—Inch by Inch
Storytime—Valentine Story
Goodbye Song

Seat Work
Practice writing names
Weather/Calendar
Introduce Theme and Letter and Number of the Day
Counting
Reading Time
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Deep in the heart of Texas
Social—I’m in the mood
Counting—This Old Man
Music Appreciation/Readiness—Do Re Me
Small and Large Movement Skills—Mirror Dancing w/ Partners and scarves (Fuggi Fuggi)
ABC/Reading—Egg Pass with ABC’s hidden inside
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Creating Project (arts and crafts)—Decorate Valentine Sacks
Free Time-choose activity inside or outside before snacks
Snacktime—Cut Carrots
Pass out Valentines
Group Motor Activity:  Walk, Skip, Jog, Hop around the house
Math/Science Skills—Who Sank the Boat
Storytime
Goodbye Song
Announcements:  We will be exchanging Valentines Wednesday and Thursday.  See calendar for the number of valentines you will need.  We will make fun sacks to keep all the valentines in that day.  We had many parents who were and are going to be able to help with the field trips this month.  Thank you so much  It was a great experience for the children to interact with the older adults and the adults just enjoyed the children so much.  I’m sure it will be the same this week!
Home Challenge:  Start a Valentine Tradition this year or keep an old one to help Valentines be special at your house.  You can heart attack your child’s room by putting hearts all over there door or help your child do it for an older sibling, grandparent, or dad.  Have a special meal for valentines where the whole family is together, or simply get together to play a family game.  Sometimes the simple traditions that you can easily keep are the best!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Friends of all Kinds


Friends of all Kinds:  Letter B; Number 19
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Show and Tell- once a month—Tuesday is Show and Tell because of field trip-Bring a favorite book
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments-We are different-teach lyrics and choose instruments to play with
Social-Show Differing ability posters while listening to “Not that Different”
Counting-“Every Star is Different”  Put a number of stars on the board while singing then have a volunteer count and tell how many stars are on the board.
Music Appreciation/Readiness-Fix the Order and What is Missing
Small and Large Movement Skills-I’m a little teapot
ABC/Reading-My Bonnie-Stand up and down on B Sounds
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time-Ants on a Log
Free Time & Group Motor Activity-Inside Obstacle Course
Creating Project (arts and crafts) –Make Valentine
Math/Science Skills-Number Counting Puzzle as a group
Goodbye Song

Wednesday and Thursday
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Show and Tell- once a month-Show and Tell for Wednesday-Bring a favorite book
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments-Play Play Play
Social-Button you must wander—identify who has the button by saying classmates name.
Counting-Two little Black birds
Music Appreciation/Readiness-Find that note—music listening aural skills
Small and Large Movement Skills- Row Row Row your boat
ABC/Reading-Alphabet Song-hide the letter and sing louder as they get close to the letter
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time-Fruit Snacks for field trip/Animal Crackers
Free Time & Group Motor Activity-Snowball throwing targets
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Foam Penguin Project
Math/Science Skills-Guessing Number Game.  I’m thinking of a number
Goodbye Song

Announcements:  February Tuition is Due Monday or Tuesday.  If you pay with cash I would like you to still put it in an envelope but I would also like you to initial that you gave it to me and I will also initial so we have a record.  Thank you.  Field Trips will be this week for Thursday and then next Monday.  Don’t forget to have your child wear their preschool t-shirt and leave a car seat.
Homework:  We are talking about people of different abilities and challenges this week.  It would be great if your family could have a discussion about people you know or have seen in the community that have a disability.  Emphasize that people with differing abilities can do many of the things everyone else can do, and we should not focus on their disability.  They may already know someone in their neighborhood or family who has a challenge; encourage them to be friendly and kind to them.  Hopefully by talking about this our children will not be afraid to be friends and play with other children who have a disability.   We will be visiting some local nursing homes and they will be seeing many residents varying in ability.  This can be scary for children so if you can prep them by discussing that many of them will be in wheelchairs.  We will be calling them our grandfriends.  This may help in knowing what to call them.  I love the wisdom and experience these friends can give us all.



Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Sun and My Shadow


The Sun and Shadows  Letter P and Number 18
Monday and Tuesday
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Spotlights on preschool children-Russton and Blake
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments-
Social- Here Comes the Sun w/ questions-musical chairs
Counting-5 little Speckled Frogs
Music Appreciation/Readiness--Pick a Card ABC’s
Small and Large Movement Skills-- Shadow Dancing or Hokey Pokey
ABC/Reading-Three Blind Mice w/ Bells
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time-Pretzles
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Sun Catchers-Please bring Old CD’s and DVD’s
Math/Science Skills-Telephone numbers
Goodbye Song
Wednesday and Thursday
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—You are my sunshine--Instrument Jam
Counting—Hickory Dickory Dock
Music Appreciation/Readiness-Musical Bingo-learning musical Symbols and signs
Small and Large Movement Skills—I’m a little Groundhog (I'm a little groundhog, furry and round. you may see me pop out of the ground. When I see my shadow, down I stay. Six more weeks of winter is on its way)
ABC/Reading:  Alphabet Rumba
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time-Popcorn
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Shadow Art /Shadow Puppets-(made with cookie cutters/Popsicle sticks)
Math/Science Skills-Numbers Bingo
Goodbye Song


Calendar:  I will work to get out February Calendars by the end of this week.  Look for them in your child’s backpack.  We will be having show and tell the first week in February- Wednesday and Thursday. I would like every child to bring their favorite book from home.  We will have them summarize the book and why they like the book and I will have them available for the students to look at them during free play.

Home Challenge:  Have you tried having your child read to you some simple books yet?  Let them sound the words out and I think you will be surprised how well they can read.  I recommend the “Red Books” at the Library.  The series of books is called “Reading for All Learners”  It starts with “I see Sam” and they approach reading in a simple step by step method.  http://www.iseesam.com/  I just bought the first series and have started reading them with our 4-5 year old groups.  If you child isn’t sounding out words yet I would recommend you just continue reading to them and having them point out letters to you or you asking them to find a word that begins with the letter… P for example.


Thursday, January 17, 2013

My Hands


My Hands- Letter V; Number 17
No Class Monday
Tuesday
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—He’s got the Whole World in his Hands
Counting-I have 5 little fingers
Social—Listening, Sharing and Passing Song (tap the tambourine)
Music Appreciation/Readiness/ --Finger Number game
Small and Large Movement Skills—Do as I’m Doing
ABC/Reading—Alphabet Rumba
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time-Pretzels
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Bead Necklace
Math/Science Skills
Goodbye Song
Wed and Thursday
Self Directed Play & Clean Up
Weather, Calendar, Counting, Letter and Number of the Week
Seat Work
Reading and Writing
Spotlights on preschool children-Blake
Music Circle Time
Hello Song
Instruments—Oh When the Saints-Marching Band
Counting—Ode to Joy-Counting
Music Appreciation/Readiness/Social—“My Own Two hands” Music Listening and drawing
Small and Large Movement Skills—Open and Shut Them
ABC/Reading:  BINGO
Singing—Child Chooses Songs
Snack & Story Time-Fruit
Free Time & Group Motor Activity
Creating Project (arts and crafts)-Hand Artwork/Playdough
Math/Science Skills
Goodbye Song

Announcements:  No School on Monday!  We need some Old CD’s or Videos.  They can be scratched, broken.  We need two for every student so if you could ask around and see what you can find that would be great! The craft for this is next week.
I will be starting preschool registration for next year in February.  I wanted to give my preschool families first picks.  So here is the scoop.  I will only be teaching two classes next year.  I will be giving any returning students a discount of $5 a month so it would be $50 a month.  Let me know if you are interested in classes next year and I will hold a spot open for you.  Returning students registration fee is $25.  I will also continue to teach the music classes at the Smithfield Recreation Center for children ages 0-5 and their parents.  This class is at 10:00 am.

2013-2014 Class Schedule
Monday and Wednesday Classes
Fantasia Group 3-4 year olds
9:00 am - 11:00 am -- $55 a month

Tuesday and Thursday Classes
Allegro Group B 4-5 year olds
9:00 am - 11:00 am --$55 a month

Homework Challenge:  Did you know that The Museum of Anthropology has Saturday’s at the Museum.  It’s Always FREE!  It’s open from 10-4pm.  Then your child could show you the things he saw and played with this week.  Visit anthromuseum.usu.edu to get a schedule of their Saturday Events.  The next few Saturdays will be 1/19—Mermaids, Sea Serpents and Enchanted Islands.  On 1/26 Will be Ancient Egyptian Civilization.  2/2 The Culture of Chocolate.