Unit: Zoo Animals - Greeting Ritual: “Hello Song” by Ella Jenkins
- Relaxation Technique: “Bend and Stretch, Reach for the Stars” (Romper Room, 1958)
- Catalyst: Goodnight, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann, Word Wall materials
- Challenge/Brainstorm/Word Wall:
Teacher: How did the zookeeper and his wife take care of all those animals? I will write your words and ideas on the Word Wall.
Children: There are cages! They had keys. The gorilla got out. I got out of my bed at night one time. It was dark. It was nighttime in the book. Gorillas have hands. I have two hands. One time I saw the moon at night. I would get a light to carry to feed the animals and I would lock them up. I would hide the keys. I would give them bananas!
Selection:
Teacher: I’m writing your words on the Word Wall. In the Centers are some things about the zoo. In Blocks, there are paper tubes, popsicle sticks, and tape to make cages. In Science, there are flashlights. In Math, there are keys and locks to match up. In Art, there are some animal stencils, play dough, and animal print material. In Role Play, there is some play fruit and pretend animals. All over the room I have hidden some bananas. See if you can find one with your name on it. When I point to you, tell me where you want to work.
- Unit: February Holidays
- Greeting Ritual: Class Cheer – (Good Morning Tigers! Give a Roar!)
- Relaxation Technique: Back Rubs – each in the circle child rubs a friend’s back
- Catalyst: Box of Valentine cards and a calendar
- Challenge/Brainstorm/Word Wall:
Teacher: I just looked at this calendar and noticed that Valentine’s Day is coming next week. Here’s a box of cards I got last year. (Passes cards around for all to see). What should we do to celebrate Valentine’s Day with some people we love?
Children: Let’s make hearts. Let’s get red paper and streamers. I love my grandma. I think we need red and pink paint. A party! I can make my name on my Valentines.
Selection: Teacher: I have your words written down. In the Centers are all the things you need. There’s red jello in the water table, red and pink paint and dough in Art, and you can get whatever you need from the shelves to make decorations and cards. Paper and markers are in Fine Motor for invitations and all the other Centers are open for you to work. If you want to work with Mrs. Washington on making Valentine cookies, sign up on the waiting list.
And a couple more:
Next Blog: Circle Time 7 – Behaviors and Mistakes
Teach 'Em the Way They Learn 