M&M's Counting Book

One of my favorite things to do is to use a book and food to introduce or practice concepts. During our circle time we concentrate on counting.  What better way to practice counting then with M&M's?

The m&m's Counting Book

By Barbara Barbieri McGrath

This book gives the students the chance to count to 12.   It give the students an opportunity to practice shapes and colors as well.  It even brings in some simple math problems for the students to try.  What better way to end a story then a sweet snack of m&m's?

Dr. Seuss Day

Today is Dr. Seuss Day.  Oh the fun we will have!  There are so many ideas it was hard to narrow it down.  I will start out with my choice of book:  One fish two fish red fish blue fish by Dr. Seuss.  Really any Dr. Seuss book you could use, but this is one of my favorites.

In our circle time today we will try out a new song...

The Cat in the Hat Song Sung to “Addam’s Family”

The cat in the hat (snap, snap)

The cat in the hat (snap, snap)

The cat in the hat, the cat in the hat

The cat in the hat (snap, snap)

He causes so much fun

But when the fun is done

You will be the one

To send that cat away

During our circle time lets add in a game.  Making a cat in the hat hat out of an old oatmeal container.  Let the students take turns tossing bean bags into the hat.

A great activity from icanteachmychild.com making a fish bowl with corn syrup to give it that glass appearance.  Add in colored fish made from construction paper. Follow this link for step by step instructions.

http://www.icanteachmychild.com/fishbowl-craft-one-fish-two-fish-red-fish-blue-fish/

And last but not least, it's not a Dr. Seuss Day, without making Oobleck. I also found this activity from http://www.icanteachmychild.com/oobleck-liquid-or-solid/.  This is a fun activity to have the students help measure out to make Oobleck.  Adding in some science, talking about liquids and solids.  This could very well take up most of your class time!  If you wish, you could also use the book Batholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss  with this activity.  

The more that you read,

the more things you will know.

The more that you learn,

the more places you'll go.

-Dr. Seuss

St. Patrick's Day

This week we will be celebrating in class, St. Patrick's Day.  One book I like is St. Patrick's Day by Gail Gibbons.

 http://www.amazon.com/St-Patricks-Day-Gail-Gibbons/dp/0823411737/ref=pd_sim_b_10?ie=UTF8&refRID=17RY40ZNY9KW46ACHYRZ

This is a great book that explains the holiday in a simple and enjoyable way for the students.  

We always start our day off with our circle time.  In our circle time, I like to do weather and calendar.  I also like to add in finger plays or poems to introduce the unit.  Here are a few poems/songs, I like to do with my St. Patrick's Day unit...

I'm a Little Leprechaun
Sung to: "I'm a little teapot"
I'm a little leprechaun
Dressed in green,
The tiniest man
That you ever seen.
If you ever catch me, it is told,
I'll give you my pot of gold!

I'm a Little Shamrock
Sung to: "I'm a little teapot"
I'm a little shamrock see my leaves.
Count my three petals if you please.
If you give me water and lots of sun,
I'll bring you good luck and lots of fun.

St. Patrick's Day Song

Sung to: "If You're Happy and You Know It"

If you're wearing green today, dance a jig,

If you're wearing green today, dance a jig,

If you're wearing green today,

Dance a jig, then smile and say,

"Have a very Happy St. Patrick's Day"

Additional verses:

"If you're wearing green today, clap your hands"

"If you're wearing green today, spin around"

"If you're wearing green today, shout "Hurray!""

"If you're wearing green today, stamp your feet"

During our craft time I enjoying letting the students paint shamrocks. I precut large shamrocks on card stock.  I add a large drop of yellow paint on one leaf and a large drop of blue paint on the opposite leave.  I then let the students paint the shamrocks and mixed the colors.  They are completely amazed to end up with a green shamrock.

Introduction

My name is Julie, and I am a Preschool teacher in Pennsylvania.  I work with the youngest group of preschoolers.  I am always looking for an opportunity to incorporate my love for books with my classroom.  I'm hoping to share some of my ideas with you in hopes you can use them as well.