Christmas Activities ~ Days 1 and 2

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

What a Wonderful time of year! My family and I started off very well and early for a change.  That is very huge for our family.  I remember last year we didn’t even get our tree until the week before Christmas.  So needless-to-say, I was surprised that we actually bought ours early. 

 This year I challenged myself… a project or something seasonal every single day.

 

 Day 1:  Picked out a Tree! 

My husband and I did not have any say as to what tree to buy.  We left it all up to a cute little four-year-old.  Our little one walked around and immediately selected the tree of choice.  It was fun watching him go around into the forest of green in order to touch everything. (And, I mean everything!)  It was wonderful!! 

Can't you tell that he truly LOVES his Daddy!!

Day 2:  Decorate the Tree!

What a Wonderful Tradition!  Something that I personally enjoy time and time again. What makes it even better than ever ~ watching my little one put the ornaments on one by one.  He was incredibly excited which was clearly demonstrated when his pretty blues lit up, took the hooks, and found that special limb on the tree.  Absolutely perfect!!  

If he wasn't 36 pounds he would be my little topper on the tree as my 'Angel'.  
What Love!  

Farm Unit: Part 1

Yee*Haw
Fun Farm Unit

 

Through all of the exploration, field trips, activities, books, games, lessons, planning, and more this entire process was not only lengthy it was educational for both the teacher and  student.  That said, this unit worked out slowly due to the process of acquiring knowledge about farms, farm life, who worked on the farms and some of the machines that help on farms.  With all that- the main focus was the animals and agriculture.  Overall - everything was for the purpose of the realization regarding the process of growth and understanding. 

Common Core:  Kindergarten Science
Life Science:  Structures and Functions of Living Organisms.
K.1.1.1 and K.1.1.2 - Compare Characteristics of animals that make them alike and different from other animals and nonliving things. 

--  Animals, living situations, and food will be compared and contrasted in terms of structure, growth, changes, movement and basic necessities.  That was accomplished through discussions, completed projects, open-ended questions, field trips, and the list goes on.  Enjoy!!!  


Lesson 1:  What is a Farm
Taking a little one regardless of age to a zoo or petting area would make a great impact on them.  The zoo aspect would assist within future lessons and I believe would help with memory recall.  Meaning, if you read a book you can always ask afterwards, "remember when..."  Usually, at least for my son, he becomes very excited and recalls when, what, and where we saw the visuals ~ specifically! the animals.  Personally this was my absolute favorite part because it demonstrated what my little one understood throughout the various academic process, visuals, and overall thematic unit. 

 Read~ Calliou: A Day at the Farm
 By:  Chouette
 
This is a simple cute and age appropriate book for small little readers.  The storyline shows the one opening the book   
about going to a farm, visiting with the animals, and learning about some of the daily functions that help with the day-to-day life.  

After reading the book you will have a great opportunity in order to discuss the following:

• Animals
• What they looked like
• The names
• The sounds they made
• What they ate
• Where they slept
• The Farm
• The animals who live on the farm
• The people who take care of the animals
• What the animals eat
• Be creative - allow the child to answer.  I often respond back to my son by asking, "What do you think?" I found that this allows him to use his prior knowledge and own personal thinking in order to come up with his own answer without having my input.

Craft:  Making a Barn
As with every lesson implementing and using various recycled material is useful and very helpful.  Why buy expensive items when one could use everyday household materials?! In addition -this project will require adult assistance.

Items Needed:

• Two Empty cardboard boxes (pref. recycled - one medium and small sized)
• Red and White washable paint
• Two medium sized paintbrushes
• Child sized painting smock
• Knife (Adult only)

'The Barn' was an absolute fun and surprisingly not very messy project.  The overall time frame took two days from start to finish.  My son had this project in his room for over two months playing with it.  He truly enjoyed the barn!!!!  *One reason to just give little ones cardboard boxes ~ let them become creative through the use of their imagination...that's for another post. 

Directions

1. Set up the painting area and put a smock on the little one.
2. Prepare the box- outline the windows and barn doors.

3.  Paint the white portion.  (If done after the red... the white might turn pink)

4.  Now for the red.

 

5.  *Adult Only* Cut out the barn door and windows.
6.  Do the process all over for the top portion of the barn.
7.  Finally, Enjoy!!

Read~ Barn Dance
By: Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault

This is a creative little book that ponders the young minds through the entire sense of the imagination world.  I absolutely enjoyed the storyline and systematic flow in regards towards the characters.  My son wanted me to read this book over and over again.  Personally, I think it was because the main character was about a little boy.   



Lesson 2:  Who works and lives on a Farm

Lesson two was basically discussion time.  The process would be to ask open-ended questions for the purpose of gathering insight as to what the child already knows, figured out, and concluded.  Afterwards, you would fill in the blanks.  Finally, depending on the age of the little one the discussions would be as brief and/or as long as you see fit. 

Read:  The Farmer in the Dell
Pictures by:  Mari Maki Rai

The old fashioned type pictures do the song justice.  Colorful and fun.
Sing:  The Farmer in the Dell.  If and when possible use visuals!!

Incorporating singing and movements within the various lessons have the ability in order to improve memory, gross motor skills, and process of thought. 

Imaginative Play:  Have Fun and Dress Up!!

"I'm a Farmer!", "I'm a Cowboy!", "I'm a __________."  Have the child fill in the blank... have fun... allow the little one to explore their creativity!!

Imaginative time or what I like to call,  'Dramatic Play' allows little minds to explore, expand, and feel their personal way through various emotions, lessons, and more.  As a teacher, this process is very important.  As it allows one in order to really figure out things or make something up.  I absolutely love watching growth expand within young ones.  Children have such creativity, insight, and more.  Allow all of that to flourish. 

I know that some think that this 'is not' considered to be an educational tactic- I beg to differ.  If one takes way the process regarding the 'explorative' nature of a child they would in essence taking away the very soul of what a child does best ~
play!

Read:  The Farm
By:  Charles Reasoner

This hard bound book has vibrant colors and animal tabs that would guide young readers.  This is an educational short book that gives young readers brief information about a few animals that live on the farm.

Lesson 3:  Learning about Crops 

This part of the unit one will learn about what kinds of food grows and is harvested on various crop farms.  Evaluating and exploring the process of planting, growth, and then, eventually eating the foods is a great learning experience for all. 
(Note:  Previous Unit:  Harvest Apples discusses more on this particular topic) 

Enjoying some fresh Veggies!
This within itself can be future unit regarding
Healthy Eating.

Getting the Corn ready for Dinner.



Lesson 4:  Animals that Live on the Farm
Yay!! We loved this part!

Horses:

Horses in general are such majestic and beautiful animals.  The eyes of such creatures feel as though they are piercing through ones soul ~ at least that is how I felt when my son and I were standing next to Cassie (pictured below).  A truly humbling experience. 

Read:  Foul to Horse
By:  Discovery Kids

This interesting and educational book has vibrant visuals that would appeal to most readers. 

Field Trip:  Learning more about Horses.

Again, this part of the entire unit was the most fun!  We absolutely LOVE Cassie!! She was incredibly gentle and spirited.  She was one beautiful animal that wanted a lot of attention and she certainly got it from us.  My son enjoyed himself throughout... petting her, feeding her, picking up her horse 'pucky', walking her, talking to her, and yes, loving her. 




Meet Cassie the Horse.
She is an absolute beautiful animal that was incredibly friendly!

Giving Cassie a Snack with Betsy the Dog.



Watching Cassie drink some water.

Learning to feed Cassie some hay.  My son enjoyed this.  He was up ~ bright and early every morning in order to feed this very hungry animal.  She loved the attention that we gave her.  What joy!!  



This was such a blessing.  Taking a wonderful animal for a walk.  Personally, I think she enjoyed it more than us! Just for the simple fact she was allowed out of her corral. 

 Craft:  Making a Horse

• Free Hand Draw a Horse on some scrap cardboard
• Paint the Horse and allow to dry
• Cut an 'L' shape piece of cardboard and glue the smaller portion on the back.

Materials:

- Cardboard

- Brown washable paint

- Paint brush

- water

- Scissors

- Tape

 

 

Art:  Water Color Horse

Free Paint, Let Dry, and glue wiggly eyes.

Materials:

-  White construction paper
-  Black marker
-  Watercolors
-  Paint brushes
-  Water
-  Wiggly Eyes
-  Glue

 

 

Cows:

Field Trip:  Museum

Yes, a slight odd choice in order to learn about cows.  Well, in between road trips and observing cows throughout a few states graze pasture lands ... the museum had a bit more educational aspects towards what 'dairy cows' do and actually, offer people.  Knowing that, my son was able to look at a short video clip at the museum, listen to a brief documentary (mainly look at a few pictures...it was geared towards older children), and walk around while asking a lot of questions about the large plastic dairy cow. 

 Craft:  Cow
-  Recycled cardboard
-  White  and beige paint
-  Black marker
-  Tape
-  Glue

Directions:
- Draw a template of the cow.
- Paint the cow and set to dry.
- Color in the black spots of the cow.
- Cut the cow. (adult)
- Tape the 'L' shape cardboard on the back of the cow. This way it will stand up on its own.
 

Read:  Moo, Moo Brown Cow, Have You Any Milk?

By: Phyllis Gershator

 

A fun little colorful book for little ones! (Not one that exactly explores the farm life.  However, one that is a cute read.) 

 

 

Pigs

Field Trip:  Enjoy a Petting Zoo

 

This was a lot of fun.  My husband and I absolutely enjoyed watching our son run around with the animals.  His attitude towards the animals was such a delight in that he loved playing with them, running around, and trying to play with them.  Afterwards we talked about the colors on the pig, the noises he heard, and where pigs live. 

 Craft: Making a Pig


Materials:

- Recycled Cardboard

- Pink or Beige Washable Paint



- Tape

- Black Ink

- Scissors

- Painting Smock






 



Directions:

• Just like the horse and cow - draw a pig on the cardboard.
• Paint it- set to dry
• Cut out (adult only)
• Make an 'L' shape again - tape on the back.

Read:  Old MacDonald had a Farm


This is a cute edition of the popular story.  The felt tabs attract the little ones very easily.  Fun!

 
Why spend a lot of many of expensive toys?!  Personally, I don't understand that concept!! Make your own fun items to play with. The imagination that comes from a child is something special that every adult should cherish.

Read:  My Big Armarillo
By: Satomi Ichikawa

This story is unlike any within this unit ~ it discusses life and passing.  A simple story on paper however, one that truly touches the heart strings of young and old(er) readers.  Of-course, it would probably take a bit more discussion afterwards considering the storyline falls along the topic regarding loss.  That said- the ultimate focus was about the spirit towards maintaining love for an animal. 

Surprisingly, my son enjoyed this story.  He wanted me to read it over and over again.  Oh, the discussion we had.

Glue the barn
Color the Pigs
Color 'Armadillo' yellow
Color the sky
Cut out the white pads- shape them like clouds or
just glue on the cotton balls.
 

Art:  Pigs and Barn

Materials:

- White Construction Paper
- Crayons
- Barn cut-out
- Pig templates or you can make your own
- Glue
- White cotton balls or cotton thin face pads
- Scissors



Craft:  Paper Mache Pig
Materials:
- Balloon
- Pink washable paint
- Pink construction paper ( cut into a triangular  shape )
- Black marker
- Tape
- Glue
- Water
- Lots of Newspaper
- Recycled Yogurt cups (5)
- and a Place that is safe to get messy... or, in this case, wet! Very wet ;)

                   Blow Up the Balloon

                   Tape Four Recycled Yogurt Cups on Bottom

                   Tape one short yogurt cup on the side of the Balloon.

Ready to get MESSY!!!! I hope so!!
Yes, I helped my son with this. 

Mix the water and glue together in the pan.

Dip the newspaper lightly into the pan.

Hold the newspaper up and swipe the excess water off into the pan.

Lay the newspaper over the balloon in different directions on top of each each. 

Put several layers of newspaper all over.

Set the project aside and allow to completely dry.

 

 


Day 2:  Time to Paint.
Paint and set to dry.



Day 3:  Make the ears.
             Cut the pink construction paper
into triangular shapes.
   (More rounded at the top)
    Glue to the top of the pig. Glue wiggly eyes.
Color two ovals on the nose
If you want a mouth ~ go for it.

Have fun and Enjoy!!!

 

 

Under Construction!!!
Something happened to the website's layout ... currently, trying to not only FIX the problem but, upload the NEW UNIT! :))
Finally, I know.  A lot of work, time, and fun went into it!!

Tuesday ~ April 10, 2012 - Book Selections

Today’s selections are rather different… different in terms of storyline, illustrations, and creativity.

Book One:  Sun Up, Sun Down

By:  Gail Gibbons
Scholastic Inc. - 1983

This is an informative style book that discusses various scientific elements regarding the sun, the seasons, shadows, nature, planets, and much more. 

Book Two:  Hi Cat!

By:  Ezra Jack Keats
The Macmillan Company - 1970 

This book was selected due to the unique style of illustrations.  The pictures are a mixed of collage prints and painting strokes.  The story is slightly different far as the point.  With that, one might have to explain the story to a young listener.  Again, it was selected for the difference and creativity behind the art.  Possible lesson ideas would include open-ended questions regarding the process of the story. 

Book Three:  Mousetrap
By:  Diane Snowball * Illustrated By:  Kathi Ember
Scholastic, Inc. – 1994

This is a simple book.  It was selected for the bright illustrations, easy read for the young, and the rhyming aspects behind this short book.  The story is cute and flows well.  Young ones would enjoy the fun pictures. 

Book Four:  Oh, the Thinks you can Think!

By:  Dr. Seuss

Random House – 1975

This is a fun, vibrant, and extremely creative book.  The mixture of interesting words flow strangely well with the illustrations.

Book Five:  One Fine Day
By:  Nonny Hogrogian
Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc. – 1971

This is an older story with a plot geared towards begging and bartering for a purpose.  Personally, I would hold off reading this story to a young one because the main character does get hurt… however, there is a point in the end.

Monday, April 9, 2012 ~ Book Selections

Book One:  Skippy jon Jones: In the Dog House

By: Judy Schachner

Scholastic Inc. – 2005

This is such a funny book!! My son and I absolutely love this story due to the comical aspects and creativity behind the main character, Skippyjon Jones.  It is especially humorous if you, as the reader, add a little accent.  The strong imagination behind the dog flows rapid within this book.  Highly recommended!!

Book Two:  Matthew and Tilly

By:  Rebecca C. Jones * Illustrated By:  Beth Peck

A Trumpet Club Special Edition - 1991 

I chose this book because of the soft illustrations and content of the story.  The pictures blend very well amongst the story regarding friendship, caring, sharing, and most of all, working things out.  With that, possible lesson ideas would include strong and helpful character traits and developing the ability to work problems out amongst one another.

Book Three:  Knuffle Bunny

By:  Mo Willems

Walker Books- 2005 

This is another fun book ~ especially for those who are parents of young ones.  It has definite TRUE factors within the story... those with young children would be able to highly relate towards the theme of the story.  In addition, this book has a fun comical aspect that would intrigue most ~ especially, within the creative illustrations. 

Book Four:  Hats off to Lyle

By: Ronald Kidd * Illustrated By:  Tom Bancroft and Rob Carley

Scholastic – Big Ideas, Inc. – 2006

This is a great book about “forgiveness”.  The concept behind most ‘Veggietales’ stories usually have either a Biblical theme and/or a positive aspect that they want to press on towards the ones reading and/or listening.  This particular book flows well when teaching little ones about forgiving others due to hurtful words and/or actions.   A great story as to what the Lord wants us to about various situations.

Book Five:  Darcy and Gran Don’t Like Babies

By:  Jane Cutler * Illustrated By:  Susannah Ryan

Scholastic, Inc. – 1993

This is a nice book that would be perfect for young ones dealing with a young brother and/or sister.  The storyline follows well regarding how the main character deals with the aspect that “she” is not the only one in the house any more.  It is a cute story of growth regarding the expansion of love and personal acceptance. 

Sunday- April 8, 2012 ~ Book Selections {Some of our Favorites}

Happy Easter * He Is Risen
Sunday –April 8, 2012 ~ Book Selections

Book One: An Easter Carol

By: Cindy Kenney *Illustrated By:  Greg Hardin and Robert Vann

Big Idea Books* Zonderkidz – 2004

This book was selected for the simple reason of the season ~It’s Easter Day!! This is the time that all should be thankful that the Lord above came, died, and ultimately risen!! Thank you, Lord ~ Jesus. With that, I wanted to add a book that focused on just that.

The story line within “An Easter Carol” is similar to ‘The Christmas Carol’ and ‘The Scrooge" in that the main character loses his way with regards to physical gain versus really accepting what is truly beneficial and important for all. Ultimately, the process becomes clear and in the end all is well for all.

Within this book you will find vibrant illustrations that flow along with the story very well ~ especially, the ones with the stain glass windows of Jesus. This is a wonderful book that pinpoints the true reason for Easter and one that should be shared with all.

Possible lesson ideas would include learning more about the Bible, positive character traits, differences between right and wrong, caring and sharing with others, the importance about Easter, prayer, and developing a daily walk with the Lord.

As a Christian mom, I have included this story along with others within the various selections throughout our daily walk with the Lord.

Enjoy!!

Book Two: Thank you, God

By: P.k. Hallinan

Candy Cane Press - 2002

This is a sweet little book that has a loving storyline. It is perfect for little ones in order to learn about sharing, caring, prayer, and thanking the Lord for daily things. Personally, I love the visuals.. the colors blend very well amongst one another. This book is a great little one for babies on up.

Book Three: Jesus Loves Me

By: Anna Warner *Illustrated By: Jodie Mccallum

Cliff Road Books – 2007

This is a wonderful book that follows along the inspirational children’s song of all time, “Jesus Loves Me.” This book has large print letters in order to help guide those learning to read small words to short sentences. The visuals are bright in color and fun to look at. The story within teaches young ones about the importance of Jesus, sharing with others, praying to the Lord, and loving others.

Book Four: Love You Forever

By: Robert Munsch * Illustrated By: Sheila Mcgraw

A Firefly Book – 2006

When I first heard this story I was in one of my college classes listening to my instructor read. While reading, she would stop periodically in order to wipe her face. She had tears running down her cheeks. As I was sitting there in my seat, I did not understand why this particular book would touch someone like that. The words seemed simple. Afterwards, I read the same book to my class of little ones without any symptoms of sadness or otherwise on my part. Of-course at the time, I did not understand.

Ten years later after that incident I read the same book to my newborn and sure enough… I could not get through the book without tearing up. *I’m not a crying type of person, either. Or, I try not to be. Since then, I have only had a few of those moments…not for sadness.. mainly, for the fact my son, is growing up so fast.

This book definitely touches the heart strings for mothers. I highly recommend this book for all…especially for those who have little ones. It is cute and very touching not-to-mention, that the  illustrations bring the story to life.

Book Five: God Knows All About Me

By: Claire Gage *Illustrated By: Kate Toms

Make Believe Ideas, Ltd. – 2008

My son and I enjoy this little book for many reasons ~ visuals are unique and charming, the storyline is simple, and the relationship regarding body parts make a fun little activity.   In addition, the hand-stitched visuals are adorable.    This book makes teaching about the Lord fun.