Adventures in Literature 1

Crafts

Glasses
Cut out an eye glass shape and cut out the center where the lens would be. Fill the space area with clear or coloured cellophane paper.

Look Closer Books
Have children choose pictures from a magazine with one item on them - place a plain piece of paper with a small square cut out on top of the magazine picture. Create these into a book so the children see the square picture, make a guess, and then turn the page to see the full magazine picture.

Binoculars
Attach two t.p. rolls together. Cover with a band of construction paper. Decorate as desired. Punch a hole on either side for a ribbon or string so the binoculars can be worn around the neck.

Self Portraits
Have children draw a picture of themselves using markers or crayons while copying from a mirror.

Blotto Pictures
Fold a piece of construction paper. Place small blobs of paint onto one half of the paper. Fold over the unpainted side and smoosh. Open up and children can discuss what they 'see' in the picture. These make a great bulletin board with examples of what the children saw posted with each blotto.

Mystery Box
Have children use paper shapes to decorate a shoe box. When they are finished, cover with a layer of white glue and water to decoupage the box for durability.

Glow in the Dark Pictures
Use Crayola glow in the dark crayons for drawing. When children are finished their pictures, take into a room without windows and activate with the light and then turn off the lights to view the glowing art work. You can provide glow in the dark stickers for the children to use as well.

Activities

Binoculars/Microscope
Provide real binoculars for the children to explore their world with - take them on a nature walk to view birds, squirrels, trees, etc. Set up a microscope and various items for children to view 'up close'!

Looking Box Game
Cut a small hole in the top of a shoe box. Place a different picture each day in the bottom of the box. Have the box available for the day for viewing and let the children tell you what they think the picture inside the box is. Near the end of the day, reveal what the picture really is. Put a new picture in the box each day.

Colour Paddles
I have the plastic colour paddles that you can purchase from most Teacher Stores, but you can create them by cutting out a paddle shape and removing the center and then add different coloured cellophane paper to the paddle. Children can use the paddles to view the world in many colours. They can experiment by placing one paddle on another to create new colours to view such as a yellow paddle on top of a blue paddle will make everything appear green.

Braille Books
Visit the library and see if you can borrow a braille book for the children to explore. Explain how some people 'see' with their hands and how the books are read.

Detective Game
Sit in a circle and have one child move out of sight of the others. The other children need to describe the 'missing' child to you.

Mystery Box Show and Tell
After decorating a box as a group activity, the Mystery Box will be taken home by one child each evening and brought back with an object of their choice hidden inside. We'll sing the Mystery Box song and then the child will describe what is inside the box and we will try to guess what it is.

Explorations

Eyes
We will discuss the parts of the eye and how it works. Also discuss eye safety!

Binoculars, Microscope, Magnifying Glasses, and Camera
We will explore each of these items and how they help us see things better or things we wouldn't be able to see.

Lenses
I have lenses that are from old eye glasses. We will explore how they help people with vision problems to see better.

Reflections
Have children view their reflections in various items such as mirrors, toaster, appliances, spoons, etc. Discuss what they see - how do their reflections change/vary depending on what they are looking at? Take time to explore their reflections and observations about their appearance (what colour of eyes/hair, shapes, etc).

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

My Eyes
Here are my eyes,
One and two.
I give a wink.
So can you.
When they're open,
I can see light.
When they're closed,
It's dark like night.

The Mystery Box
Sung to, "I'm a Little Teapot."
What's in the Mystery box
Who can tell?
Maybe a book, or maybe a shell
What's in the Mystery box
We can't see
It's something special for you and me.

Use Your Eyes
Use your eyes, use your eyes
You can look and see
If you have on (choose item of clothing)
Come and stand by me!

Printables

Related Sites

Community Learning Network Sight Theme Page

Crafts

Design a Pair of Socks
Print out the pair of socks sheet and have children design their socks using markers or crayons.

Dabber Art
Cut out a large sock and have children use Paint Dabbers to decorate with dots.

Copy Art
Have children create a painting and then make a print by placing another paper on top to copy it.

Lace Sock Shape
Punch holes around a sock shape cut from card paper. Children lace wool around the sock. Children can also decorate their sock any way they want before or after lacing.

Activities

Pairing Socks
Have a bin with various coloured/patterned socks in it for the children to pair.

Laundry
Sort laundry and discuss use of washing machine and dryer - assist with a load of laundry.

Sock Match Mat
Print the Sock Match Mats and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Hidden Socks Game
Print the Hidden Socks Game and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Explorations

Colours and Patterns
Explore colours and patterns found around us.

Printables

Related Sites

Hub Pages Sock Activities for Kids
Socks at the Virtual Vine

Crafts

Stuffed Felt Mouse
Cut 2 teardrop shapes from grey felt. Glue 3/4 of the way together leaving an opening at the bottom. Stuff with cotton. Add a grey wool tail and then glue closed. Add a small pink pompom for the nose and googly eyes. Cut 2 small ovals and attach for ears folding slightly when you glue them on to shape. Children can place small pink ovals in the center of the ear shape before gluing onto their mouse if they wish.

Counting Books
Provide cutouts of the counted items in the book for children to create a counting book of their own... 1 grey mouse, 2 black cats, 3 orange snakes, 4 blue fish, 5 pink pigs, 6 yellow bees, 7 green frogs, 8 brown bears, 9 white ducks, 10 red snails. Older children can print their own numbers in their, for younger children, print out the counting book and have the children add the items to the appropriate pages.

Clay Creations
Use modelling clay for children to create their own clay creations. You can also make play clay, let harden, and then the children can paint what they created.

Activities

Number Matching Game
Children match the pictures with the correct number of items from the story to each number 1 to 10.

Number Counting Game
Children count the correct number of items for each number 1 to 10.

Colour Matching Game
Children match the correct pictures of coloured items from the story to colour coded mats.

Colour Sorting
Children sort items by colour into a sorting tray.

Feltboard
Cut out felt animals from the story and children match the animals to the correct felt numerals.

Explorations

Numbers
Explore numbers in your everyday world... house number, phone number, counting, time, etc.

Colours
Explore numbers in your everyday world... favourite colours, mixing colours, shadows and light.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Ten Fingers
A fingerplay
I have ten fingers
And they all belong to me
I can make them do things-
Would you like to see?
I can shut them up tight
I can open them wide
I can put them together
I can make them all hide
I can make them jump high
I can make them jump low
I can fold them up quietly
And hold them just so.

Printables

Related Sites

The Mouse Club

Crafts

Food Collage
Cut and paste food from magazines onto paper or a paper plate.

Sand Clay Castles
Make Sand Clay and create castles just as Mouse did with the brown sugar in the story.

• 1 cup sand
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp. cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup hot water

Mix sand, cornstarch and cream of tartar in an old saucepan. Add hot water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is very thick. This will only take a few minutes. When cooled enough to handle, form clay into castles. Allow several days to dry.

Ketchup Painting
Fingerpaint with ketchup on paper.

Activities

Mouse Mess Sequence Cards
Print the Mouse Mess Sequence Cards and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Food Group Matching Game
Print the Food Group Matching Game and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Food Sorting
Sort various plastic food items into the proper food groups.

Make Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwiches
Make sandwiches and enjoy as a picnic for lunch.

Explorations

Food
Taste the foods that mouse enjoyed in the book. Graph which ones the children liked the best.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Hungry Mouse
Hungry Mouse
Sneaking in the house
What do you want to eat? (Have children choose food items for the mouse to eat.)

Hungry Mouse
Sneaking in the house
Did you enjoy your treat?

Mice
I think mice
are rather nice.

Their tails are long.
Their faces small.
They haven't any
chins at all.

Their ears are pink.
Their teeth are white.
They run about
the house at night.

They nibble things
they shouldn't touch.
And no one seems
to like them much.

But I think mice
are nice.
~Rose Fyleman~

Printables

Food Group Matching Game

Related Sites

Hubbard's Cupboard Mouse Mess

Crafts

Paper Pizza
Print the pizza printout and have children decorate their pizza using crayons or markers.

Paper Plate Pizza
Cover a paper plate with red paint for sauce then have children add construction paper toppings and top with shredded paper for cheese.

Paper Puzzle
Print out the 'whole pizza base' found on the pizza fractions game page onto card paper. Have children colour the page and then cut into puzzle pieces.

Green Pepper Stamping
Cut red and green bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Have children dip into red and green paint and stamp onto paper

Flag of Italy
Print out the flag of italy. Have children colour the flag or use construction paper strips to make the flag. Cut out the flag and attach to a dowel.

Activities

Restaurant
Set up the Dramatic Play area into a pizza restaurant. Add table cloths, napkins, dishes, play pizza, menu's, aprons, chef hats, cash registers, etc.

Make Pizza
Make pizza with the children and serve for lunch. You can create the pizza's on ready made crusts, English Muffins or make your own dough! Provide a variety of toppings and let the children add the toppings they wish to their pizza.

Pizza Game
Print the Pizza Fractions Game and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Yeast Experiment
Demonstrate how yeast works by putting the following into an empty small necked bottle: warm water, a package of yeast and some sugar. Put a balloon over the mouth of the bottle and set aside in a warm place. Observe periodically throughout the day.

Explorations

Wishes
Explore what wishes are. What did Frank and Zelda wish for? What would you wish for? Can wishes come true?

Italy
Explore Italy - special places, the food, and the flag.

Fractions
Use the Pizza Fractions Game as a jump start to discuss fractions. Mealtimes are a great time to explore this further.

Foods Made with Yeast
Discuss how yeast works and the foods that are made with yeast.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Pizza Shop
Down around the corner in the pizza shop
There were pieces of pizza with pepperoni on top
Along came (child's name) all alone
He (or She) bought a pizza slice
And took it home.

Pizza and Pop
Pizza and Pop, Pizza and Pop
When I get started I just can't stop
The smell is delicious, The taste extra yummy,
I love it the most when it gets to my tummy!

Pizza
Sung to: Row, Row, Row, Your Boat
Roll, roll, roll the dough.
Toss it in the air
Pepperoni, cheese, and sauce
There’s enough to share!

The Pizza the Size of the Sun
I'm making a pizza the size of the sun,
a pizza that's sure to weigh more than a ton,
a pizza too massive to pick up and toss,
a pizza resplendent with oceans of sauce.

I'm topping my pizza with mountains of cheese,
with acres of peppers, pimentos, and peas,
with mushrooms, tomatoes, and sausage galore,
with every last olive they had at the store.

My pizza is sure to be one of a kind,
my pizza will leave other pizzas behind,
my pizza will be a delectable treat
that all who love pizza are welcome to eat.

The oven is hot, I believe it will take
a year and a half for my pizza to bake.
I hardly can wait till my pizza is done,
my wonderful pizza the size of the sun.
~Jack Prelutsky~

Printables

Related Sites

The Virtual Vine Momma Mia Pizzeria

Crafts

Paint Pumpkins
Provide orange paint and large paper for children to paint a pumpkin patch.

Stuffed Pumpkins
Cut 2 pumpkin shapes from mural paper. Staple 3/4 way closed leaving the top open. Paint both sides orange. When dry, stuff with scrunched newspaper. Roll a piece of green construction paper into a stem and place in the opening at the top and staple closed.

Jack-O-Lanterns
Provide different shaped circles cut from orange paper and face shapes cut from black to create Jack-O-Lanterns. Older children can cut their own pumpkins/faces.

Trick Or Treat Bags
Paint a paper lunch bag orange - paint a face on the pumpkin if desired. Add a green construction paper handle.

Pumpkin Seed Collage
Wash pumpkin seeds and let dry; use for gluing.

Activities

Pumpkin Sequence Cards
Print the Pumpkin Sequence Cards and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Measuring Pumpkins
Using a measuring tape, measure the circumference of different sized pumpkins. Place in order from smallest to largest / largest to smallest.

Weighing Pumpkins
Record the weights of different sized pumpkins - before weighing, have the children discuss which they think is the heaviest/the lightest and why.

Carving Pumpkins
Carve and scoop pumpkins. Discuss what is inside and textures. Carve jack-o-lanterns from the pumpkins. Save the seeds for roasting and the collage craft.

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds
After cleaning the seeds of any pulp, soak in a bowl of salt water for an hour. Drain and pat dry then place on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with salt and bake in the oven at 350 degrees until browned. Cool and enjoy.

Explorations

How A Pumpkin Grows
Using pumpkins, pictures, and sequence cards, explore how a pumpkin grows.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

The Pumpkin I'm Saving For Me
Oh, out in the garden
Four pumpkins I found;
They were bright orange pumpkins
That lay on the ground.
I gave away three,
But now as you see,
The pumpkin that's left
I am saving for me.

I'll carve out a mouth,
And a nose and two eyes.
And when you come to visit
You'll have a surprise;
Perched high on the wall,
I hope it won't fall!
You'll see that my pumpkin's
The best one of all.

Pumpkins Have Such Happy Grins
Sung to: "Mary Had A Little Lamb"
Pumpkins have such happy grins, happy grins, happy grins
Pumpkins have such happy grins
It's Halloween at last.

Jack o Lantern
Sung to: "I'm a Little Teapot"
I'm a little Jack o lantern
Fat and Fine
They picked me off a pumpkin vine
Halloween is coming don't you know
Just light my candle and watch me glow

Five Little Pumpkins
Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate
The first one said, "Oh, my it's getting late"
The second one said, "There are witches in the air"
The third one said, "But we don't care"
The fourth one said, "Let's run and run and run"
The fifth one said, "I'm ready for some fun"
OOOOOOOWOOOOOOO went the wind
And out went the lights
And the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.

Printables

Life Cycle of a Pumpkin Sequence Cards

Related Sites

My Pumpkin Theme Page
The Educator's Reference Desk Storyboard of The Biggest Pumpkin Ever
4 2 Explore Pumpkins
Education World Pump up the Curriculum with Pumpkins
A to Z Teacher Stuff Pumpkin Themes

Crafts

Nests
Using clay, twigs, hay, wool, etc., children construct a nest.

Bats
Cut a black garbage bag and cover a small plastic bottle (chocolate milk/juice/Gatorade/pop). Secure with packing tape or hot glue. Fold a piece of the bag in half and cut a wing pattern leaving the fold. Place the fold over the twig and tape/hot glue in place. Tape the wings to the bottle Add ears and eyes to the bat. Poke a hole in the bottom of the bottle to insert a pipecleaner and bend into shape for feet. Use a dab of glue to ensure they don't slip out of the hole.

Owl Puppets
Print out the Owl Puppet page. Colour and cut out the face and body. Glue onto a brown paper bag.

Paper Bag Penguins
Stuff a paper lunch bag with newspaper, fold over the top, and staple closed. Paint the entire bag black and let dry. Cut a white body from construction paper and glue onto the front of the penguin. Add eyes and a beak. Cut feet from construction paper and glue to the bottom of the bag.

Pillows
Purchase inexpensive pillow cases and cut in half. Sew the cut end before starting. Have children place a fork in the center of their pillowcase and twirl until a tight circle is formed. Secure with thick elastics. Soak in fabric dye for a couple of hours - have a few choices available. Remove from the dye and ring out. Remove the elastics to reveal a tye-dye swirl pattern. Wash and dry the cases. Have the children stuff with batting and then sew the ends closed using a machine if possible for durability.

Activities

Habitat Match
Print the Habitat Matching Game and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Edible Nests
Make Rice Krispie Squares according to directions on the cereal box. Add chocolate chips to the marshmallow/butter mixture and stir before adding the Rice Krispies. Mould into nest shapes.

Explorations

Animal Homes
Explore and discover information about the habitats and homes of each of the animals from the story.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Way Up In The Sky
Way up in the sky
The little birds fly
While down in their nest
The baby birds rest
With a wing on the left
And a wing on the right
The babies are sleeping
All snug for the night
Shhhhhh - the babies are sleeping (spoken)
The bright sun comes up
The dew falls away
"Good morning, good morning."
The little birds say.

Raccoon Sleeps
Sung to: Kookaburra
Raccoon sleeps in a hollow tree
While the sun shines on you and me.
Sleep, little raccoon,
Sleep, little raccoon,
Warm and cozily.

Big Bear
Sung to: Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Big bear, big bear,
Resting in your den.
Sleeping through the winter
Before you're out again.

Raccoon Sleeps
Sung to: Frere Jacques
Bats are sleeping
Bats are sleeping
Upside down
Upside down
Waiting for the night to come
Waiting for the night to come
Then they fly around
Then they fly around.

Great Big Owl
Sung to: I'm a Little Teapot
I'm a great big owl, as you can see
I live high up in a tree.
All the other birds wake me up when they play,
Because I like to sleep all day!

Penguin's Home
The penguins' habitat
is freezing
You'll like it there
If you don't mind sneezing
I, myself, don't find it pleasing.

Printables

Animal Homes Matching Game

Related Sites

Kidport Animal Homes

Crafts

Animal Puppets
Print the animals of the story characters. Colour or paint the animals and then glue to a tongue depressor. Children use the puppets to recreate/retell the story in their own words.

Fall Colours Collage
Cut and paste (or rip and paste) construction paper to create a collage of Fall colours.

Leaf Prints
Collect leaves from various types of trees. Dip in paint and stamp onto a large piece of paper to create leaf prints.

Activities

Nature Walk
Take a walk around your neighbourhood and point out/discuss all the signs of Fall.

Walk to the Lake
We are lucky enough to have a lake nearby in which to visit ducks/geese preparing to migrate for the winter.

Rake Leaves
Rake the leaves in your yard. Create large piles and enjoy jumping in and running through the leaves.

Plastic Animals, Build Habitats
Use various materials to create winter habitats for the different animlas in the story. Add plastic animals for the children to interact with the various habitats.

Sequence Cards
Print the 'Animals of the Story' sequence cards. Have the children place the animal cards in the order they appear in the story.

Explorations

Animals
Discuss how each of the animals in the story prepare for winter.

Hibernation
Explore how different animals survive the winter.

Fall
Discuss and explore the signs of Fall. Set up a nature table with coloured leaves and pictures of animals getting ready for winter.

Fall Colours
Explore and experiment with Fall colours. Use food colouring to dip folded paper towel sheets in - red and yellow to create orange. Experiment with paints to create the colours of Fall.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Big Bear
Sung to: Row, Row, Row, Your Boat
Big bear, big bear,
Hunting near the trees.
Feasting on the honeycomb
Made by busy bees.

Big bear, big bear,
Wading in the lake.
Fish is your favourite dish
Which one will you take?

Big bear, big bear,
Resting in your den.
Sleeping through the winter
Before you're out again.

Snail
He cannot fly
He cannot hop
He cannot run at all
But you should see
The way he goes
Slowly up the wall.

He cannot skip
Or race about
He has one way to go
And as I watched him
I must say
He's good at going slow.

Skunk's Hole
Well, I stuck my head
In a little skunk's hole
The little skunk said
"Well bless my soul
Take it out, take it out
Take it out, remove it!"

Well, I didn't take it out
And the little skunk said
"You'd better take it out
Or you'll wish you had
Take it out, take it out
Take it out... I removed it!

A Turtle
A turtle's fond of any pond
where it can swim.
turtles hide
away inside
their shells where it is dim
Turtles spy
A bug or fly
and snap it up to eat.
Turtles go
so very slow
on pokey turtle feet.

Jolly Little Woodchuck
Jolly little woodchuck
Happy as can be
Sleeping through the winter
Quiet as can be

Ladybug, Ladybug
Ladybug, ladybug
How are you today?
Ladybug, ladybug
Are you going to stay?
Ladybug, ladybug
Time to go to bed
Ladybug ladybug
Rest your weary head.

Printables

Related Sites

Kiddie House All About Snails
Turtle Puddle How Turtles Hibernate Through the Winter
Environmental Education for Kids Snug in the Snow

Crafts

Cut and Decorate Cookies
Cut out a large circle shape from brown paper. Have children decorate with candy sprinkles.

Bells
Cut an egg carton cup from a cardboard container. Paint as desired. When dry, attach a pipecleaner loop for holding - feed through a hole and secure a metal jingle bell to the inside of the egg cup. Children can ring their bells at the appropriate time in the story.

Activities

Dividing Snacks
At snacktime, have the children help divide the snacks out equally.

Sharing Cookies Mat
Print the Sharing Cookies Mat and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Bake Cookies
Bake your favourite cookie recipe together or make several different types of mini cookies and graph the favourites.

Explorations

Counting
Explore numbers and counting objects. Count objects and divide into equal piles.

Sharing
Explore the concept of sharing and how we can share with our friends.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Down At the Corner
Down at the corner at the bakery shop
There were 5 round cookies with sprinkles on the top
Along came (child's name) with a penny to pay
She bought a cookie and went to play.

Continue until everyone has had a turn.

C Is For Cookie
C is for cookie that's good enough for me
C is for cookie that's good enough for me
C is for cookie that's good enough for me
Oh, cookie, cookie, cookie starts with C.

The Sharing Song
It's mine but you can have some
With you I'd like toshare it
'Cause if I share it with you
You'll have some too.

If I have a cake to eat
If I have a tasty treat
If you come to me and ask
I'll give some to you.

It's mine but you can have some
With you I'd like toshare it
'Cause if I share it with you
You'll have some too.

If I have a book to read
If I have a block you need
If you come to me and ask
I'll share it with you.

It's mine but you can have some
With you I'd like toshare it
'Cause if I share it with you
You'll have some too.
~Raffi~

Printables

Related Sites

A to Z Teacher Stuff Equal Parts

Crafts

Spicy Collage
Have children spread glue onto their paper and sprinkle with ginger and cinnamon.

Gingerbread House
Cut a house shape from brown paper. Let children decorate with paper candies.

Activities

Gingerbread Men
Dough

• 2 ¾ cups flour
• 1 tsp ginger
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup shortening
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ + 1/8 cup molasses

Icing

• 2 cups icing sugar
• ½ tsp. cream of tartar
• 4 tsp. water (approximately)

Combine dry ingredients. Cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs and molasses. Stir dry ingredients into wet. Divide the dough into four balls, wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to a week. On a floured surface, roll out to 1/4" thickness. Cut into shapes for house or cookies. Freeze the dough for 20 minutes before baking. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes. Mix on high, all icing ingredients for 7 to 10 minutes or until smooth. Should be thick enough to almost hold its shape.

Gingerbread Counting Game
Print the Gingerbread Counting Game and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Explorations

Measurements
Explore measurement using teaspoons, tablespoons, and measuring cups. Have children guess how many cups it will take to fill a bowl. Have children explore and discover that 2 half cups will make a whole etc.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Run, Run As Fast As You Can
Run, run as fast as you can
You can't catch me
I'm the Gingerbread Man
You can run in the morning
You can run in the night
But you can't catch me
Un huh, that's right
You can't catch me
Un huh! (clap)
That's right!

Where, Oh Where is My Gingerbread Baby?
Sung to: "Where, oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?
Where, oh where is my Gingerbread Baby?
Oh where, oh where can he be?
He ran from the oven before he was done
Oh where, oh where can he be?

Printables

Related Sites

A to Z Teacher Stuff Gingerbread Baby Unit
Jan Brett's Website
A to Z Teacher Stuff Gingerbread

Crafts

Christmas Gifts
Each year we make a special gift for the parents. Please visit my Christmas Gifts page for ideas.

Christmas Cards
Each year we make a special card for the parents to go with their gift. Some ideas are:

• Tree Handprint Card: Paint child's hand green and stamp onto paper fingers touching. This will create a Christmas tree. When dry, have children add a base to the tree either with markers or by adding a brown square sticker. Add a sticker star and children can decorate the tree if they like or just drizzle glitter glue for a pretty tinsel effect.
• Christmas Card Pictures: Recycle old Christmas cards by cutting out the front pictures and children can choose a special one to place on their card or create a collage from the cut out pictures.
• Rudolph Card: Paint the child's foot brown and stamp onto paper. Use their hands and part of their arms for the antlers. Glue on googly eyes when dry and a red pompom nose.
• Christmas Colours Card: Place a folded sheet of paper in a small box (the cases cans come in works great). Add a dab of red and a dab of green paint onto the front of the card. Place a golf ball into the box and roll it around in the paint by tipping the box. Continue until the card has the desired design. Let dry.

Paper Chains
Provide strips of coloured construction paper to create paper chains for their Christmas tree.

Pinecone Trees
Attach 3 pinecones together using a gluegun for the base of the tree. Glue one pinecone on top of the 3 in the center; paint the tree green and allow to dry; paint the tips of the cones white (for snow) and add silver glitter while paint is still wet. These are REALLY pretty.

Activities

Santa's Journey Game
Print the Santa's Journey Game and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Explorations

Sounds
Explore and identify sounds around us. Experiment and identify with loud and soft sounds.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Jingle Bells
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.

Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh
Over the fields we go, laughing all the way - Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha
Bells on bob-tail ring, making spirits bright
Oh What fun it is to sing a sleighing song tonight.

Oh, Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.

Must Be Santa
Who's got a beard that's long and white
Santa's got a beard that's long and white
Who comes around on a special night
Santa comes around on a special night.

Special Night, beard that's white
Must be Santa Must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus.

Who wears boots and a suit of red
Santa wears boots and a suit of red
Who wears a long cap on his head
Santa wears a long cap on his head.

Cap on head, suit that's red
Special night, beard that's white
Must be Santa Must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus.

Who's got a big red cherry nose
Santa's got a big red cherry nose
Who laughs this way Ho Ho Ho
Santa laughs this way Ho Ho Ho.

Ho Ho Ho, cherry nose
Cap on head, suit that's red
Special night, beard that's white
Must be Santa Must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus.

Who very soon will come our way
Santa very soon will come our way
Eight little reindeer pull his sleigh
Santa's little reindeer pull his sleigh.

Reindeer sleigh, come our way
Ho Ho Ho, cherry nose
Cap on head, suit that's red
Special night, beard that's white
Must be Santa Must be Santa
Must be Santa, Santa Claus.

Up On The Housetop
Up on the housetop the reindeer pause
Out jumps good old Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones Christmas joys

Ho, Ho, Ho
Who wouldn't go
Ho, ho, ho
Who wouldn't go
Up on the housetop
Click, click, click
Down through the chimney with
Good Saint Nick

First comes the stocking
Of little Nell
Oh, dear Santa
Fill it well
Give her a dolly
That laughs and cries
One that will open
And shut her eyes

Ho, Ho, Ho
Who wouldn't go
Ho, ho, ho
Who wouldn't go
Up on the housetop
Click, click, click
Down through the chimney with
Good Saint Nick

Next comes the stocking
Of little Will
Oh, just see what
A glorious fill
Here is a hammer
And lots of tacks
Also a ball
And a whip that cracks.

Ho, Ho, Ho
Who wouldn't go
Ho, ho, ho
Who wouldn't go
Up on the housetop
Click, click, click
Down through the chimney with
Good Saint Nick

We Wish You A Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Rudolph
Rudolf, the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolf
Play in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas eve
Santa came to say:
"Rudolf with your nose so bright,
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Then all the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee:
"Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer,
You'll go down in history!"

Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
Lean your ear this way
Don't you tell a single soul
What I'm going to say
Christmas Eve is coming soon
Now, you dear old man,
Whisper what you'll bring to me
Tell me if you can.

When the clock is striking twelve
And I'm fast asleep,
Down the chimney broad and black
With your sack you'll creep
All the stockings you will find
Hanging in a row
Mine will be the shortest one
You'll be sure to know.

Printables

Related Sites

My Christmas Theme Page
My Christmas Gifts Page
Step by Step Child Care's Christmas Theme

Crafts

No Sew Blanket
Children create a mini no sew blanket.

Cutting
Have children practice cutting skills with paper and/or magazines.

Material Collage
Create a collage from scrap material.

Activities

Sequence Cards
Print the sequence cards and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Explorations

Family/Grandparents
Explore the different roles of family members. Have children share their Grandparent moments with the group.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Grandpa
I like to walk with Grandpa,
His steps are short like mine
He doesn't say "Now hurry up!"
He always takes his time.
Most people have to hurry
They do not stop and see
I'm glad that I have Grandpa
"Unrushed" and young like me.

Printables

Related Sites

Scholastic Big Book Teaching Guide: Something From Nothing
Learning to Give: Sharing and Caring Across Generations, Making Something from Nothing

Crafts

Stuffed T-Rex
Print 't-rex for stuffed dinosaur' image - print as is and also a mirror image. Have children paint and let dry. Glue images onto brown kraft paper (the type that comes in a roll and you use for wrapping parcels). Put the image together on the brown paper. Cut out the 2 t-rex pictures. Staple 1/2 the dinosaur and have children ball up strips of newspaper to use as stuffing. Finish stapling around the dinosaur.

Dinosaur Stencils
Have children place dinosaur rubbing stencils under their paper and rub with crayons to see the dinosaur appear.

Dinosaur Skeletons
Print out a dinosaur shape and have children glue and shape cooked spaghetti onto the outline..

Paper Maché Dinosaur Eggs
Cover a balloon with paper maché. When dry, paint the egg. For a real dinosaur surprise, place a toy dino in the balloon before covering. Carefully pop and remove the balloon when the paper maché is dry and then cover the small hole. Let dry again and then have the children paint. They can open (hatch) their eggs to discover the baby dinosaur surprise.

Fossils
Mix the following ingredients together:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 cup used coffee grounds
• 1/2 cup cold coffee

Roll the dough into a ball and then flatten slightly. Press objects such as shells/bones/leaves into the dough to create a fossil. Let dry for a few days to harden.

Activities

Opposites Game
Put an opposites game/puzzle out on the table for the children to use during child directed play.

Explorations

Herbivores/Carnivores
Sort and discuss the various types and names of Dinosaurs.

Ice Age
Discuss what happened to the Dinosaurs and why they did not survive.

Fossils
Look at pictures and real fossils. Discuss how they were created.

Opposites
Have children discuss and match pictures of opposites. Discuss the opposites in the story.

Dinosaur Matching Game
Print the dinosaur matching game and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Dinosaurs Lived Long Ago
Dinosaurs lived long ago
When the world was new
They were very big and strong
Very scary too.
Some of them had plants to eat
From the ocean floor
Some of them would rather eat
Another Dinosaur!

Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur
Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur lives in a swamp
Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur gets very damp
Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur is really neat
But she always trips on her great, big feet. THUD

Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur has four legs
Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur lays big eggs
Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur always wails
When you step on the tip of her great, long tail.
THUD...YIPES

Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur is lots of fun
Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur loves to run
Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur runs real fast
When Tyrannosaurus Rex is on her path.
THUD...YIPES...RUN

Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur’s a friend of mine
Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur has spikes on her spine
Dicky, Dicky Dinosaur loves to roar
But, really she’s a gentle herbivore.
THUD... YIPES... RUN... ROAR!
~Charlotte Diamond~

I have 3 of Charlotte Diamond's CDs and I highly recommend adding them to your collection!

Printables

Related Sites

My Dinosaur Theme Page
A to Z Teacher Stuff: Dinosaurs

Crafts

Draw a Snowman
Dip white chalk into water and draw a snowman on black or dark blue paper. Dipping the chalk in the water will create a watercolour effect and let the chalk picture 'set'.

Paint a Snowman
Use white paint and brushes to create a snowman on paper. When dry, older children can add details such as face, buttons, and scarf with coloured paints.

Clay Snowman
Use white clay to create a snowman; press eyes and buttons into the clay - let dry. Add a fabric scarf.

Snowman Frame
Cut a circle frame shape out of fun foam for the bottom of the snowman. Add another circle on top of it. Use funfoam to add features. When dry, place a winter picture of each child into the frame space. Add a magnet strip to the back so frame can be placed on the fridge.

Bird Feeders
Spread peanut butter thinly onto a t.p. tube. Roll the tube in birdseed. Add a pipecleaner handle and hang outdoors for the birds.

Activities

Button Snowmen
Print template and create snowmen for the feltboard. Set up during child directed play time.

Build a Snowman
Build a snowman during outdoor play.

Feed the Squirrels
Walk to the forest and feed the squirrels.

Snowman Colour Matching
Print the snowman colour cards and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Snowman Counting Game
Print the snowman counting game and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Snowman Number Book
Print the snowman number book and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Explorations

Snow
Explore snow/snowflakes and how they are unique.

Melting
What happens when snow melts? Create 2 snowballs one small/one large. Have children guess which will melt faster. Place in tinfoil pans and observe throughout the day.

Animals in Winter
Observe animals in the forest. Discuss how many left/hibernate, but some stay. How do they get food? How can we help?

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Build A Little Snowman
Build a little snowman
Starting with it's feet
Pack on lots of snow
And make it nice and neat
Then you make a big round ball
And put it up on top
Then the sun may come out
And make your snowman hot
He drips and he drips
And he drips all day
Looking for my snowman
What do I see?
Nothing but a puddle
Where he use to be!

Frosty the Snowman
Frosty the Snowman
Was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal

Frosty the Snowman
Is a fairytale they say
He was made of snow
But the children know
How he came to life one day

There must have been some magic
In that old silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
He began to dance around

Frosty the Snowman
Was alive as he could be
And the children say
He could laugh and play
Just the same as you and me

Frosty the Snowman
Knew the sun was hot that day
So he said let's run
And we'll have some fun
Now before I melt away

Down to the village
With a broomstick in his hand
Running here and there all around the square
Saying catch me if you can

He led them down the streets of town
Right to the traffic cop
And he only paused a moment when
He heard him holler stop

Frosty the Snowman
Had to hurry on his way
But he waved goodbye
Saying don't you cry
I'll be back again some day

Thumpety thump thump
Thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpety thump thump
Thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow

Suzy Snowflake
Here comes Suzy Snowflake
Dressed in a snow-white gown
Tap, tap, tappin' at your windowpane
To tell you she's in town.

Here comes Suzy Snowflake
Soon you will hear her say
"Come out everyone and play with me
I haven't long to stay.

If you want to make a snowman
I'll help you make one, two, three
If you wanna take a sleigh ride
The ride's on me."

Here comes Suzy Snowflake
Look at her tumblin' down
Bringing joy to every girl and boy
Suzy's come to town.
~by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett~

5 Little Snowmen
Five little snowmen made of snow,
Five little snowmen in a row.
Out came the sun and shone all day.
And one little snowman melted away.

Continue for 4, 3, 2, 1

A Chubby Little Snowmen
A chubby little snowman had a carrot nose.
Along came a bunny, and what do you suppose?
That hungry little bunny, looking for his lunch.
Grabbed that snowman’s carrot nose, nibble, nibble, CRUNCH!

Printables

Sadie and the Snowman Sequence Activity
Snowman Colours
Alphabet Snowmen Clothespin Wheels
Snowman Number Line
What is Missing? Snowman Game

Related Sites

Step by Step Child Care Snow & Snowman Theme
The Virtual Vine - Snowmen
Everything Preschool Snowmen Theme