Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (5 Senses Theme)

( click the photo for an enlarged view, but don't forget to come back!)

A New Spin on an Old Book during our Five Senses Study

The children really enjoy the book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" It has a predictable pattern, simple pictures, and a rhythmic pace which makes it easy for children to "read" on their own. Two children have recently asked to "read" this story to the class during group circle. The pride in their eyes is indescribable as the group gives the reading child their full attention. As we transitioned into our 5 Senses Study this week, I knew Brown Bear had to be incorporated into our exploration of sight!

Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Bill Martin Jr/ Eric Carle

Presentation: If this book is not already familiar to the children of your class, begin reading it. My new version of the book and the I Spy Tubes are put out at the puzzle table. I tell the children that there are "burried treasures" inside the tubes and they can use the new book to help them find it! I read the first page, "Green Frog, Green Frog, what do you see?" They instantly recognize the story and embark on their journey to find the burried treasures. Shake the tube to reveal its contents.

Supplies:

- 5-10 small items (I used small plastic animals, though this can be suited to any theme. For example, during a lesson on tools, I could add nails, screws, bolts, etc. This project works especially well for items which would typically be too small or hazardous to bring into a classroom.)

- A tube (Teacher supply stores such as Lakeshore sell these at a premium. I simply recycled a water bottle. "Voss" brand has a larger drinking opening than most others which will allow you to put larger items inside.)

-Cornflakes

-Plastic mirror

-Digital Camera

How to Assemble:

The Tube:

1. FIRST- photograph each item you intend to put in your tube. Then photograph them all together (you'll see why)

2. Put all of your items into the tube.

3. Crush up your cornflakes and fill the bottle about 2/3 full.

4. Glue the top on the bottle. Curious fingers will inevitably try to retrieve the burried treasures.

The Book:

1. If you know the original "Brown Bear" then this part should be fairly self explanatory. Depending on your level of computer skills, this can be done high or low tech. I inserted each picture into a Microsoft publisher Document and typed the words right onto the page. So, Page 1: Insert picture of frog and type "Green Frog, Green Frog what do you see?" on the top left. On the bottom right, type "I see a white horse looking at me." Then the next page, "White horse...." But as I said, this could be done low-tech. Just print out your pictures, glue them onto the page and hand write the words.

2. On the next to last page, I wrote "Children, Children, what did you see?" and glued a small plastic mirror to the page.

3. The last page of your book will have the picture of all the items together. "We saw a ...." and list each item.

4. Bind the book together in whichever manner you are accustomed to. Binder rings work well, yarn can be tied through punched holes, a small photo album makes a nice book if you plan your page sizes appropriately.

Desired Results (CA):

Measure 29: Interest in literacy- Preschoolers show interest in books, songs, rhymes, stories, writing and other literacy activities.

Measure 30: Letter and Word Knowledge- Child shows increasing awareness of letters, symbols and words in the environment.

Measure 31: Concepts of Print- Child shows an increasing understanding of the conventions and physical organizations of print material and that print carries meaning.

Measure 17: Engagement and Persistance-Child persists in understanding and mastering a self-selected activity, even if challenging or difficult.

Creative Curriculum Goals and Objectives:

Language Development:

45. Demonstrates understanding of print concepts

47. Uses emerging reading skills to make meaning from print

Cognitive Development:

22. Observes objects and events with curiosity

24. Shows persistance in approaching tasks

Curriculum Areas: Language/ Literacy

Domains of Development: Cognitive

Repurpose Entertainment Center into Play Kitchen!

Okay, I can't take credit for this idea, but its so fantastic it had to be shared! This is perfect for parents, grandparents, home daycare providers, etc who:

1) have children who like to pretend
2) hate junky plastic toys that fall apart
3) hate the way kids toys never match anyone's decor
4) are on a budget
5) appreciate repurposing old items

So here are the basic instructions:

1. Take off cabinet doors. Remove hardware. Cover with silver contact paper ($10 Home Depot). Put one handle back in original place (refrigerator) and the other across the top of the door horizontally (oven). Reattach to unit. You now have two stainless steel appliances!

2. Where the TV would sit, on the far left, cut a hole slightly smaller than a silver mixing bowl ( $2 Walmart). A jigsaw works well for this. Behind the large hole, screw in a cheap faucet ($15 Walmart / Home Depot/ Habitat for Humanity). Put your bowl in place and you now have a sink!

3. Stove: Cover the stovetop area with more silver contact paper. You can simply paint on the burners (black) or screw in something round. This person used painted plastic lids from sour cream and cottage cheese containers. Home improvement stores sell stove replacement knobs for around $15. Screw these in with a few added washers and they will be “functional/turnable.” Or just glue on for looks.

4. Remove the backing to the entertainment center. Cover with patterned contact paper/wallpaper ($3 Walmart). If the backing is ruined or missing, simply buy a thin sheet of plywood and cover that. Home Depot will cut this wood to your measurements. Then reattach to the back of the unit. Not shown in pictures- it might also be fun to paint this with chalkboard paint!

5. Add your children’s kitchen toys and accessories: food, cups, plates, pans, silverware, dishtowels, oven mitts, teapot, telephone, etc. Add a few baskets for storage of these items.

If you already had the entertainment center sitting in your basement or garage, this project cost less than $50 and will be way more durable and nicer looking than the yucky plastic primary color things they sell at the toy stores!

Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberly

Not your everyday flannel board...

I was struggling to tell this story with the typical flannel board because the monster's face changes colors. This project was the result of finding a way to flip the monster's face between black and green.

Book: Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberly

Synopsis: A scary green monster begins to disappear, piece by piece and page by page, in a die-cut picture book that lets youngsters take control of the monsters in their lives.

Presentation: Unveil your jazzy new flannel board at the start of morning circle. The children will flock to your carpet! Begin with the black face and add each flannel piece as the story goes. Flip to the green side at the appropriate point in the story, and then back again. As you tell each piece to “Go Away,” rip it off the board and throw it to the ground. Dramatic effect is never lost on preschoolers!

Supplies:

- 1 Foam Core posterboard (or old cardboard) about 20x30
- 1 Paint Stick or Ruler
- 1 Cardboard tube (paper towel roll)
- 2 Clothespins
- 1 yd black flannel
- 1 Flannel Sheet each: yellow, blue, red, white, green
- Purple Yarn or Purple ribbons or…something for scraggly purple hair’
- 3 inches Velcro (scratchy side)
- Hot Glue Gun
- Xacto knife
- Scissors

How to Assemble:
1. Draw a monster shape on your posterboard. (I traced my own hands, but you can get as creative as you wish) Draw the head separately. Cut each out using an Xacto knife.
2. Trace the monster body and head onto the black flannel. Cut it out and hot glue (or spray adhesive) onto the posterboard pieces.
3. Glue the cardboard tube to the back of the monster’s body. The top of the tube should be flush with the top of the monster, in the neck area.
3. Glue the paint stick to the back of the monster head. Then cover with green flannel.
4. Cut out 4 yellow eyes, 2 long bluish greenish noses, 2 big red mouths, 2 sets of sharp white teeth and 4 squiggly ears.
5. Using hot glue, attach 2 of the squiggly ears to each side of a clothespin. Repeat.
6. Attach your scraggly purple hair to a piece of Velcro.

You’re done! Enjoy telling the story. Leave the materials and book out in an accessible area for children to retell on their own. Its a wonderful addition to the Library Area.

Desired Results (CA):

-Measure 2: Recognition of own skills and accomplishments: Children will take pride in their ability to read this story independently.
-Measure 18: Memory and knowledge: Children are challenged to remember the sequence of the story while retelling it on their own.-Measure 29: Interest in literacy- Children will enjoy retelling this story on their own if the flannel board and pieces are left out along with the book.
-Measure 35: Fine Motor Skills- Squeezing clothespins exercises the small muscles of the index finger and thumb; muscles necessary for holding a pencil to write.

Creative Curriculum Goals and Objectives:

5. Demonstrates self-direction and independence: If left out, children can read this story independently while using the flannel board. (Social/Emotional)
19. Controls small muscles in hands: Squeezing clothespins exercises the small muscles of the index finger and thumb; muscles necessary for holding a pencil to write. (Physical)
44. Enjoys and values reading: This activity makes reading a book loads of fun. Even reluctant readers may take a swing. (Language)

Curriculum Areas: Language/Literacy
Domains of Development: Social Emotional, Cognitive

Baghead by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Hello and Happy Earth Day!

I've had this blog for awhile, but was unsure of what to do with it. As this semester has progressed, I've amassed quite a collection of preschool teaching supplies and ideas. I don't want to forget them, but seem to be running out of room to store them. So I decided that I will post them here for myself to refer back to, and for anyone else who wants to burrow these ideas!

In honor of Earth Day, my first project reuses paper grocery bags.

Book: Baghead by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Synopsis: A story about a boy who wears a brown paper bag on his head. Throughout the day his friends, teacher, parents, coach and busdriver all tell him he can't do certain activities while wearing the bag such as eat breakfast, play soccer, give a book report, etc. Although everyone is quick to tell him what he can't do, no one asks him why he is wearing the bag. Finally his sister asks, and if you want to know the answer, you'll have to read it!

Presentation: Read this book during morning group. (If you're having trouble getting the class to come to circle, put a bag on your head and they'll undoubtedly be interested!) As you read, ask the children if they think the boy will be able to complete his activities while wearing the bag. When you finish reading, ask the children what activities they might like to try while wearing a bag. You could also set up an obstacle course or other game. Then explain that if they'd like to decorate their own bag, you will have supplies set up in the Art Area.

Supplies:
-One brown paper bag per child (save your own or ask the local grocery store to donate them). It helps to have the eye holes precut as this is a very tricky task for preschool age children.
- Variety of art materials/scraps, for example: tissue paper, pipecleaners, ribbons, fabric scraps, magazines, yarn, construction paper scraps, paint- use your imagination!
- Art tools- paintbrushes, glue, scissors, tape, markers
- Optional: books about Masks from other cultures

Desired Results (CA):
-Measure 10: Taking turns- There are only so many seats at the Art Tabe
-Measure 11: Shared Use of Space &Materials- There are only so many scissors, materials, etc
-Measure 16: Curiosity and Initiative- Children can try out their own activities while wearing their bag creations
-Measure 29: Interest in literacy- Children connect the story's events to their own lives
-Measure 35: Fine Motor Skills- Using scissors, paintbrushes, markers, glue, tape all help children refine muscle coordination in their hands

Creative Curriculum Goals and Objectives:
Social Emotional Development:
7. Respects and cares for classroom environment and materials: Children are given the responsibility of cleaning up their work area and caring for the art tools.
19. Controls small muscles in hands & 21. Uses tools for writing and drawing: The art project may require the use of cutting, gluing, taping, painting or writing skills.
Cognitive Development:
35. Takes on pretend roles and situations & 37. Makes and interprets representations: Children may create whatever they wish with the provided bag. They may choose to represent themselves merely as a child who wears a bag (as the character in the story) or they may elaborate and create a mask/costume.

Curriculum Areas: Creative Art, Language/Literacy, Dramatic Play

Domains of Development: Social Emotional, Cognitive, Creative