Tons of Fun!: Fun Lesson Plans For the End of the School Year

 Hip, hip hooray! Our hectic school days filled with special events and hoopla ended this week. Graduation for our fours commenced and they will journey onto kindergarten within their own school districts. I relish the fact they they will be ready to learn more about the sights and sounds of the world around them and be intrigued by the use of education to fulfill their dreams.

Soon we will be beginning our "wild and woolly"  Summer camp animal homes unit. This unit will allow students to explore the abodes of our fine feathered friends and our buck-toothed beaver compadres, but before we head into the wilderness, we have one more week of free choice lesson planning.

I have to say I am super jazzed about this because I live for lesson planning. I am obsessed with devising specific subject related plans that will produce and ignite a wiliness and exploration of  learning in my kiddos.

Fun, hilarity, and downright wacky happenings will be occurring in my circle this week. We'll run the educational gamut from a fish with a canine twist to donkeys and goats who look spec-tacular in strawberry specs.

Check out some of the lesson plans that will be sure to tickle your students funny bones!

 Dogfish Positional Words Activity (I drew the fish bowl and fish to resemble those within the book and used stickers for the fish eyes and a blue stamper to create fish bowl water.)

Subject: Language Arts: Understanding and recognizing positional words.

To Do: Place the fishbowl and "dogfish" (orange goldfish) in middle of circle. Explain to the students that you will ask them to place the "dogfish" all around the fish bowl. Each student will take a turn placing the fish above the fish bowl, below the fish bowl, on top of the fish bowl, next to the fish bowl, inside the fish bowl and so on.

Read before activity: Dogfish by Gillian Shields

Sunglasses Shape Matching Game (Created using leftover Accu-cut and Cricut diecut shapes)

Subject: Math- Recognizing shapes

To Do: Show a child in your group one of the pairs of sunglasses. Them him or her guess what shape is on the sunglasses. Show shape cards to younger preschoolers who are not able to readily recognize shapes during the activity. Continue giving each student a turn to guess the shapes found on each of the sunglasses.

Read before activity: Donkey and Goat in Strawberry Sunglasses by Simon Puttock and Russell Julian

Solider Solidarity: Ways for Young Children to Celebrate Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the greatest sacrifice a soldier can give for his country: his life. While this may be a difficult and sticky topic for preschoolers to comprehend, parents and educators can rectify this issue by developing interesting and appropriate ways to give a concrete meaning to this situation. Focus on military life instead of death and forms of patriotism. Options are included in the following list I have designed to help young children demonstrate knowledge on this extremely patriotic and somber holiday.

• Take out simple non-fiction books relating to the branches of the armed forces and stories about children whose mothers and fathers are members of the military. 
• Teach children popular, classic American songs such as "This Land is Your Land". 
• Have your child color a flag coloring page that you have found on the Internet and laminate it using a laminator or contact paper.  Glue on a Popsicle stick and stick it in the ground in your front yard to honor our fallen heroes.
• Write a thank you letter to a soldier. 
• Call and set up a visit to a local VA hospital in order to bring a little bit of sunshine to an ailing soldier's day.
• Create a care package for a soldier that includes necessities such as toothpaste, tissues, socks etc. Search the Internet for sites who send these care packages to soldiers and find out their main necessities and needs. 
• Wear red, white and blue to commemorate the importance of American pride for our soldiers here and overseas. 

Have a Happy and healthy Memorial Day!

One Smoking Trip!: Fire Station Visit

Two weeks ago we took a flaming trip to our local fire station. On the day of the trip, the room was overflowing with jittery, ecstatic firefighter-crazed gaiety. My students proudly sported their school t-shirts and walked purposely to the fire station.

As always, I found this a perfect teaching moment to direct their conversations and answer questions about the environment around them such as why does the electronic walk sign count down?, what kind of flower is that? and so on.

Their quest for knowledge is truly a formidable force that is not for the faint hearted. Once you answer one question be prepared for an interrogative session of momentous portions!

Our firefighter guides were exceptional in their efforts to describe the essence of being a firefighter and gave a totally developmentally-appropriate tour of the firehouse which included the kitchen, rec room, exercise room and their lockers.

If this was not fiery enough, the children were dazzled by the fire trucks, fire engines and ambulances. They giddily sat in the fire engine and truck like a professional firefighter performing his or her daily duties.

The most thrilling event for our little firefighters in training was a wooden, replica home with a blazing inferno in each of the windows. The firefighters helped the children aim the hose to "put out the fire like a real firefighter".

This four-alarm social studies-based trip helped the children gain knowledge into the daily life and inner workings of a firefighter like no other.

Field trips like this are truly the most impressive to teachers and students due to their carefree abandon, hands-on learning opportunities, and innumerable educational subjects covered such as science (understanding the reasons and main cause of fire and cause and effect: water from hose puts out fire), social studies (life of a firefighter), math (counting the fire trucks) and so on.

Make sure to utilize your "hot" community resources such as the fire station, police station or even the local garbage or recycling center for one stupendous social studies adventure.

Perfectly Preschool Book Publishers: Eye of the Tiger: Tiger Tales Books

Tiger Tales, Tiger Tales, how I love thee. How may I count the ways? You elicit giggles from even the most persnickety preschooler and your stories conjure up the epitome of quality literature in the eyes of educators, librarians and parents.

Your timeless tales are a delight to the ear, a feast for the eyes, and a pleasure to peruse through the touch of sticky, pudgy fingers of the youngest tot to the time worn and weathered hands of a grandmother cracking open a well-loved tale for the millionth time.

The exquisite details brought to life by superbly talented illustrators and exemplary text penned by the most noteworthy storytellers do not go unnoticed by the most discriminating connoisseur of the written word: preschoolers.

Favorites include Billy Monster's Daymare by Alan Durant about a lovable monster whose daymares includes some troublesome encounters of the human kind, Clusmsy Crab by Ruth Galloway about a crab whose cumbersome claws come in handy during a seaworthy catastrophe and Ordinary Oscar by Laura Adkins whose review was featured on the Tiger Tales facebook page when I wrote for the Oak Brook Public Library Blog.

Thank you Tiger Tales for your commitment to child-friendly books for even the youngest little ones!

To view more of these terrific tales visit http://www.tigertalesbooks.com/.

A Bright and Breezy Butterfly Bonanza: Raising Butterflies in a Preschool Classroom

Beauteous bugs were bountiful in our classroom over the past few weeks as we raised brilliant Painted Lady butterflies from caterpillars through the process of metamorphosis. The children were buzzing with innocent interest as they watched the caterpillars transform into richly-toned beauties. Each and every step of this scientific process elicited excitement, logical thinking, and questioning about the life cycle of this much admired bug.

Today, was a sad, yet energetic day as these burgeoning butterflies were set alight during a sunny and steaming hot spring day. The children were fascinated to behold the wonder of seeing butterflies enter their new world (the outside) through the simple act of taking flight upon their whiskey, amber-colored and pitch black wings.

As the sunlight shown during this summer-like day, one of our foundling butterflies sat helplessly on my co-teacher's hand as the children waited with bated breath to see it emerge into its backyard oasis.

Unfortunately, the whisper soft beauty did not alight even after repeated attempts to entice it to fly through food and gentle prodding. Even after several hours, the butterfly lazed in our garden in the late afternoon heat.

As sad as it may seem, this is the cruel reality of nature. I hope to see that tomorrow that gentle insect had the courage and the willpower to fly into its azure sanctuary.

To learn more and view a picture of this bewitching bug visit the BioKids Website: http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Vanessa_cardui/

Hip, Hip Horray! It's Mother's Day!: Magnificent Mom Website Worth Checking Out for Anyone Who Teaches Preschool: Preschoolmom.com

I hit the motherload when I discovered preschoolmom.com (click here or on sidebar preschoolmom.com image) from my own mom this Mother's Day. This site is manically chock full of free printable file folder games, bookmarks, minibooks sequencing, early literacy, ABC activities and themed units which I would give 5 hugs and 5 kisses (a perfect ten) on this motherly holiday and everyday. Be sure to check out this lovingly arranged and sweetly designed site to add a mother's touch and a taste of home to any upcoming unit or preschool lesson plan.

Also check out their sister site:http://www.thecraftyclassroom.com/ too! On this site, homeschooling families will learn nifty ways to create spot-on lessons for their littlest charges.

Lastly and most importantly, Happy Mother's Day to all you massively magnificent moms!

Tea with Mommy: Our Annual Mother's Day Tea

Our room was decked out today for our annual Mother's Day Tea. The tablecloths were draped over a makeshift buffet table and the children's table, flowers dotted the tables and juicy strawberries, savory whipped cream and iced green tea were given to our ladies of honor.

The children dined on tasty graham crackers and yummy apple juice as they proudly browsed their very own me books which they had created throughout the year with their moms.

Another keepsake designed to add to reminiscing down the road, was a hand print plate inscribed with Happy Mother's Day, the date, and their name.

I loved the spirit and energy that surrounded me after I finished serving the children their fare. As I gazed from the back of the room, I noticed the refreshing simplicity that a basic snack with mommy could bring.

 The true essence of the bond between mother and child, or in some cases grandma, could reveal. Those giggles, cuddles, squeals of delight, and smiles were truly intoxicating and effervescent. If I could have bottled the true meaning of childhood and saved it for centuries to come, I would have chosen this very moment in time.

All in all, the event went extremely smoothly. The children were giddy all day before their big gala with mommy. One little girl could not contain her glee with her repeated questioning: When is the Mother's Day Tea going to be?

Let's Lunch: A Beautiful Candlelit Teacher's Appreciation Day Luncheon

On this ravishing spring day in the middle of May, I celebrated my first Teacher's Appreciation Day luncheon with my fellow daycare colleagues.

I was set to enjoy the everyday sandwich and soup affair of a traditional teacher's thank you lunch, but to my udder surprise was met with a scrumptious spread of lemon chicken, grilled vegetables, delectable dinner rolls, sparkling lemonade and light, buttery and creamy cookies for dessert.

After we settled down to dine at our tea candle-lit table, we sipped our bubbly lemonade from crystal cut glassware, sliced our food with silver-plated silverware and ate off of delicate and sophisticated dishware of a quiet elegance.

As if the day could be any more perfect, we were met with heartfelt and moving gifts from members of our PEG group: a lovingly hand-stiched apron monogrammed with our initials and a sprialbound school cookbook which compiled recipes from our students and their families!

My Initial Apron 

T is for Teacher: My First National Teacher Appreciation Week!

My First National Teacher Appreciation Week bouquet from my students 

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week and while to the seasoned educator it seems unextraordinary or even mundane, to me (as a first year teacher) it is truly exceptional.

When I walked in the classroom this morning excepting the everyday morning routine, I was met with the most glorious surprise: a vase with a few random blooms that included lilies, button mums and a striking orange tulip. It was so lovely! As the day progressed, the vase grew to include several other tulips and even a stunning red and cream-colored rose.

One of my students even ran up to me excitedly proclaiming that she had given me a gift: a pretty purple petunia and a touching card describing me as "a great teacher.

I was so overjoyed to see the happiness in her eyes as I read the card to her and felt my heart swell with pride that all the college courses and the CDA exam led me to this very moment: sitting in a classroom full of preschool-age children that truly cared and being called their teacher.

When I arrived home, I sat looking at the freshly arranged flowers in a lovely blue vase and knew that this feeling could not be bottled or store bought, but meant the world to me: I am a preschool teacher.

For anyone out there reading this blog post, please remember to thank all your teachers this week by a hug, card (store bought or homemade) or even just a simple thank you. It means so much to us to be thought of by the students today and always.

To my students, thank you for your kindness, thoughtfulness and infectious smiles. You are the reason I pursued a career in early childhood education. You are the stars and I love being able to open your world daily to the immense and expansive possibilities of learning.

Really Royal: Items from a Recent Royalty and Fairy tale Unit

Three weeks of manners, royalty and fairy tales can drive any teacher royally bonkers, but nevertheless this prince, princess and manner-themed unit was a favorite with the students.

Fearsome dragons, handsome knights, fair princesses, civility and castles abound during centers and activities that were created to educate and entertain in a most medieval way.

Hence, my loyal subjects, below you will find some circle time activities fit for a king (or a queen) for that matter.

Royal Manners File Folder Game (This Game was inspired from a Monster Manners File Folder Game I saw on Filefolderfun.com and included prince and princess cards from http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/

Read: Kitty Princess and the Newspaper Dress by Emma Carlow

Royal Manners File Foler Game 

Red Poison Apple= Bad Manners and the Magic Wand= Good Manners 

Roll a Princess Dice Game (Pattern from Confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com)

Read: Good Night Princess Pruney Toes by Lisa McCourt

Roll a Princess 

Fancy Frogs and Crowns Feel and Touch Sensory Patterns Activity (Idea was inspired by the following book and an idea from a Mailbox Magazine Preschool Edition Yearbook)

Read: Kiss the Frog by Tony Bonning

Fancy Frogs and Crowns Feel and Touch Sensory Patterns Activity

I'm ready for my close up darling!

Start Spreading the News: Tips on Writing Top-Notch Newsletters

I love writing newsletters. I find it relaxing and a wonderful way to communicate with my parents and share my knowledge of early childhood education in an informal written account of my very busy and educational unit.

Just remember you don't need to be a wordsmith in order to provide your parents with insight into their child's weekly activities and centers.

The tips below should be a sufficient and impromptu guide into sparking up any newsletter.

• Use clear concise type such as Arial, Times New Roman, Times or Helvetica. These crisp clear fonts give any newsletter a professional look without frilly swirls or hard to read text. 
• Pepper your newsletter with educationally-based language and verbs such as fine motor, counted, observed, constructive play etc. 
• Make your newsletter personal by thanking parents who read to the children or children's birthdays. Believe me, this step goes a long way in making connections with parents. 
• Ask your director if you can add pictures to your newsletter. Remember a picture is worth more than a thousand words (especially to a parent who is busy working and not able to partake in the many fun activities their child enjoyed during their week). 
• Separate your activities and centers into a bullet point type format for ease of reading. 
• Title your e-mail newsletters with your homeroom name and unit so that parents will not accidentally delete it as spam. 

Blazin' Boards: May Bulletin Board: Hats Off to Mom Bulletin Board

Mama Mia! May's bulletin board was all about that very special lady: mom. This month's board featured watery-hued chapeaus and international tongues to celebrate the worldwide appeal of motherly love. Some of the languages featured included German, French, Spanish, and Polish.

Whether you call your mother, mama, mom, ma or mutter, always remember your love of this gracious and beautiful woman is never unaccounted for.

See my 2014 Mother's Day "Queen-themed bulletin board sample: http://glitterandgluesticksforever.blogspot.com/2014/05/blazin-boards-may-mothers-day-moms.html