Adventures in Literature

Click on the titles for story extenders for each book.

Look Closer by Peter Ziebel

A Pair of Socks by Stuart J. Murphy

One Gray Mouse by Katherine Burton

Mouse Mess by Linnea Riley

Frank and Zelda by Maryann Kovalski

The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll

When I'm Sleepy by Jane R. Howard

Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming

The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins

Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett

Santa's Noisy Night by Julie Sykes

Something From Nothing by Phoebe Gilman

Dinosaur Roar by by Paul & Henrietta Stickland

Sadie and the Snowman by Allen Morgan

No Matter What by Debi Gliori

Crunch the Crocodile by Josephine Croser

The Selfish Crocodile by Faustin Charles

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

The Grumpy Easter Bunny by Justine Korman

Puddles by Jonathan London

Big Sarah's Little Boots by Paulette Bourgeois

The Dark at the Top of the Stairs by Sam McBratney

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

I Don't Want to Take a Bath by Julie Sykes

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

Katie's Hand Me Down Day by Laurie Wark

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle


Look Closer

by Peter Ziebel

Program Plan

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.

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!

Printouts

sight printout      

Related Sites

Sight Theme Page


A Pair of Socks

by Stuart J. Murphy

Program Plan

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.

Printouts

Find the Sock Game       Sock Matching Game       Decorate Socks Colouring Page      

Related Sites

A Pair of Socks Activities

Sock Activities for Kids

Socks at the Virtual Vine


One Gray Mouse

by Katherine Burton

Program Plan

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.

Printouts

characters from the story      

Related Sites

The Mouse Club


Mouse Mess

by Linnea Riley

Program Plan

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~

Printouts

sequence cards      

Food Group Matching Game

Related Sites

Mouse Mess


Frank and Zelda by Maryann Kovalski

by Linnea Riley

Program Plan

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~

Printouts

pizza fractions game       pizza colouring page       Italian Flag - print in LANDSCAPE      

Related Sites

Momma Mia Pizzeria

Italy for Kids


The Biggest Pumpkin Ever

by Steven Kroll

Program Plan

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.

Printouts

Life Cycle of a Pumpkin Sequence Cards

Related Sites

My Pumpkin Theme Page

Storyboard of The Biggest Ever

Pump up the Curriculum with Pumpkins

Pumpkin Themes


When I'm Sleepy

by Jane R. Howard

Program Plan

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.

Printouts

owl puppet      

Animal Homes Matching Game

Related Sites

Animal Homes

Animal Homes - Online Game


Time to Sleep

by Denise Fleming

Program Plan

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.

Printouts

animals of the story - page 1       animals of the story - page 2       Sequence Cards      

Related Sites

Why do bears hibernate?

All About Snails

Skunks

How Turtles Hibernate Through the Winter

Groundhog/Woodchuck

Ladybug or Ladybird Beetle Information

Snug in the Snow


The Doorbell Rang

by Pat Hutchins

Program Plan

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~

Every child needs to have Raffi to dance to!

Printouts

Cookie Match Game      

Related Sites

The Doorbell Rang

Equal Parts


Gingerbread Baby

by Jan Brett

Program Plan

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 cinnamon
½ cup shortening
½ cup sugar
1 egg
½ + ⅛ 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?

Printouts

Gingerbread Counting Game      

Related Sites

Gingerbread Baby Unit

Jan Brett's Website

Gingerbread

Catch the Gingerbread Man


Santa's Noisy Night

by Julie Sykes

Program Plan

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.

Printouts

Santa's Journey Game      

Related Sites

My Christmas Page

My Christmas Gifts Page

Christmas Theme


Something From Nothing

by Phoebe Gilman

Program Plan

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.

Printouts

sequence cards      

Related Sites

Something From Nothing

Sharing and Caring Across Generations


Dinosaur Roar

by Paul & Henrietta Stickland

Program Plan

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 they are AWESOME... I highly recommend adding them to your collection!

Printouts

t-rex stuffed dino       dinosaur matching game      

Related Sites

My Dinosaur Page

Literacy Matters - Dinosaur Roar

Dinosaur Phonemic Awareness

Dinosaurs 1

Dinosaurs 2


Sadie and the Snowman

by Allen Morgan

Program Plan

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!

Printouts

Sadie and the Snowman Sequence Activity

Snowman Colours

Alphabet Snowmen Clothespin Wheels

Snowman Number Line

What is Missing? Snowman Game

Related Sites

Snow & Snowman Theme

The Virtual Vine - Snowmen

Snowmen Theme


No Matter What

by Debi Gliori

Program Plan

Crafts

Heart Stamping
Stamp different size funfoam heart stampers onto paper.

Valentine Holders
Decorate 2 heart shapes; staple together to form a pocket. Add a handle for carrying.

Heart Necklaces
Alternate lacing paper hearts and red coloured pasta onto string to make a necklace.

Red/Pink Painting
Provide red and white paint and brushes to create a valentine coloured picture.

Activities

Big/Small Sorting
Sort large and small hearts into 2 categories.

Heart Sequencing
Place heart shapes in order from biggest to smallest and smallest to biggest.

Bake Heart Shaped Cookies
Make and bake your favourite cookie recipe and use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookies. Children can decorate their hearts when cooled with icing and sprinkles.

Valentine's Day Party
*Wear Red or Pink today.
*Have a valentine card exchange. Children exchange cards that they bought or made with their friends. Cards can be placed in their holders to take home.
*Play Musical Hearts. Have children dance around the room and when the music stops, sit down on a heart.
*Colour large heart shaped pieces of paper.

Explorations

Valentines
Explore the meaning and origins of Valentine's day.

Big/Small
Explore large and small things in the world around us.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

I Love You
I love you
You love me
We're a happy family
Here's a great big hug
And a kiss from me to you
Won't you say you love me too.

I love you
You love me
We're best friends
As friends should be
Here's a great big hug
And a kiss from me to you
Won't you say you love me too.

Love is Nothing
Love is nothing 'til you give it away, give it away, give it away
Love is nothing 'til you give it away
And you end up having more.

Love is like a magic penny
Hold on tight and you won't have any
Lend it, spend it
You'll have so many
They'll be rolling all over the floor.

Love is nothing 'til you give it away, give it away, give it away
Love is nothing 'til you give it away
And you end up having more.

You are My Sunshine
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are grey
You'll never know dear how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away.

So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Smilers never lose and frowners never win
So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Open up your heart and let the sun shine in!

How Many Valentines

Printouts

heart sequence cards      

Heart Size Sorting

Related Sites

My Valentine's Page

Everything Preschool Valentine's Theme

Valentine's Day


Crunch the Crocodile

by Josephine Croser

Program Plan

Crafts

Crocodile Puppet
Cut 2 crocodile shapes from green felt - one will be a little more than the mouth part and the other will have a body and tapered tale. Make these large enough for a child's hand to fit in. Cut a mouth shape (oval) from red felt. Cut a strip of triangles from white felt for teeth. Fold the mouth piece in half - for the top and bottom of the crocodiles mouth so that children can 'snap' it open and closed. Place one strip of teeth between the mouth and the crocodile top (the part with the tail) and glue. Do the same for the bottom. Add large white pompoms to the top for eyes and glue small black pompoms to the center of the white ones.

Paper Crocodile
Line draw the crocodile shape onto green card paper. The crocodile will stand when cut out.

Activities

Feed The Crocodile Game
Create the game and use plastic bugs to feed the crocodile.

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

Explorations

Crocodiles
Explore the habitats and characteristics of crocodiles with the aid of books, pictures, and the internet.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

5 Hungry Crocodiles
5 hungry crocodiles, each made a wish
5 hungry crocodiles wished for some fish
Along swam a purple fish
Help one get his wish
Snap went the crocodile - yum, yum
That left...

4 hungry crocodiles, each made a wish
4 hungry crocodiles wished for some fish
Along swam a red fish
Help one get his wish
Snap went the crocodile - yum, yum
That left...

3 hungry crocodiles, each made a wish
3 hungry crocodiles wished for some fish
Along swam an orange fish
Help one get his wish
Snap went the crocodile - yum, yum
That left...

2 hungry crocodiles, each made a wish
2 hungry crocodiles wished for some fish
Along swam a blue fish
Help one get his wish
Snap went the crocodile - yum, yum
That left...

1 hungry crocodile made a wish
1 hungry crocodile wished for a fish
Along swam a yellow fish
Help him get his wish
Snap went the crocodile - yum, yum
That left...
None

5 full crocodiles, lunchtime is done
5 full crocodiles, laying in the sun.

Crocodile, Crocodile
Crocodile, crocodile
Long and green,
Crocodile, crocodile
Teeth so mean.
Snapping at a fly,
Snapping at a bee,
Snapping at a frog,
But you can't catch me!
~Adapted from Alligator, Alligator by Jean Warren~

Printouts

5 hungry crocodiles - Feltboard       Crunch colouring page      

Related Sites

Crocodile Theme

Crocodiles

Crocodile Craft Projects


The Selfish Crocodile

by Faustin Charles

Program Plan

Crafts

Toothbrush Painting
Use a toothbrush and paste to paint on a tooth shape.

Floss Painting
Use dental floss to dip into paint and 'string' paint with.

Crocodile
Cut out a crocodile face with an open mouth. Have children glue white cutout teeth to the back of the paper. Flip over to see a mouthful of teeth!

Activities

The Selfish Crocodile Game
Print out The Selfish Crocodile Game and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Explorations

Teeth
Discuss proper care of teeth - brushing and flossing as well as regularly visiting a dentist for checkups.

Apple Smiles
Have children spread peanut butter on an apple quarter and then place mini marshmallow teeth on their smiles.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Brushin' Around the Clock
Sung to: "Rock Around the Clock"
1, 2, 3 o'clock, 4 o'clock BRUSH!
5, 6, 7 o'clock, 8 o'clock BRUSH!
9, 10, 11 o'clock, 12 o'clock BRUSH!
Gotta brush around the clock tonight.
Get your toothpaste out, your toothbrush too
You know what you've gotta do
Gotta brush with all your might
Gotta brush them 'til they're sparklin' white
Gotta brush, gotta brush, gotta brush your teeth tonight!

When You Wake Up in the Morning
When you wake up in the morning it's a quarter to one
And you want to have a little fun
You brush your teeth
Chchchch, chchchchchch
You brush your teeth
Chchchch, chchchchchch.

When you wake up in the morning it's a quarter to two
And you're looking around for something to do
You brush your teeth
Chchchch, chchchchchch
You brush your teeth
Chchchch, chchchchchch.

When you wake up in the morning it's a quarter to three
And your mind is humming twiddledeedee
You brush your teeth
Chchchch, chchchchchch
You brush your teeth
Chchchch, chchchchchch.

When you wake up in the morning it's a quarter to four
And you think you hear a knock at your door
You brush your teeth
Chchchch, chchchchchch
You brush your teeth
Chchchch, chchchchchch.

When you wake up in the morning it's a quarter to five
And you just can't wait to come alive
You brush your teeth
Chchchch, chchchchchch
You brush your teeth
Chchchch, chchchchchch.
(softer)You brush your teeth
Chchchch, chchchchchch
You brush your teeth.

Printouts

Selfish Croc Game      

Related Sites

Literacy Matters - The Selfish Crocodile


Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

by Judith Viorst

Program Plan

Crafts

Cereal Necklaces
Add loop cereal (cheerios/fruit loops/etc) to a string to create a necklace.

Invisible Pictures
Have children draw a picture on white paper using a white crayon. When finished, paint over the picture with a dark coloured paint to reveal the picture.

Ice-cream Cones
Stamp square frames onto a brown piece of paper with dark brown paint. When dry, roll to create a cone shape - trim excess paper. Children choose brown, pink or white tissue paper to scrunch into a ball to place into their cone shape.

Shoe Prints
Trace each child's foot while wearing their shoes. Decorate as they wish using crayons or markers. Cut out their shoe prints.

Toothbrush Painting
Use a toothbrush instead of a paintbrush to paint with.

Kangaroo
Print the Kangaroo onto card paper. Colour or paint. Use a brad to attach the leg to the body of the kangroo.

Activities

Alexander Game
Print and play the Alexander Game.

Counting to 20
Practice counting to 20 - discuss how Alexander left out 16.

Shoe Store
Set up the Dramatic Play area as a shoe store. Add rulers for measuring feet, different shoes, shoe boxes, and cash registers.

Tieing
Practice tieing shoes with the children.

Explorations

Feelings
Print the Emotions Sorting Game and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Australia
Explore the country of Australia - seasons are opposite to ours, animals of Australia, the Outback, and some differences in the language.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

If You're Happy and You Know It
If you're happy and you know it
Clap your hands
If you're happy and you know it
Clap your hands
If you're happy and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you're happy and you know it
Clap your hands.

If you're mad and you know it
Stomp your feet
If you're mad and you know it
Stomp your feet
If you're mad and you know it
And you really want to show it
If you're mad and you know it
Stomp your feet.

Continue with other emotions and actions

Kalamazoo the Kangaroo
Sung to: Old MacDonald had a Farm
Kalamazoo, the kagaroo see what I can do
I can jump as far as a motor car
You can do it too.
Oh sing a jump, jump
Oh sing a bump, bump
Everywhere a jump, bump
Kalamazoo, the kangaroo
See what I can do!

Kalamazoo, the kagaroo see what I can do
In one short week I can jump a creek
You can do it too.
Oh sing a jump, jump
Oh sing a bump, bump
Everywhere a jump, bump
Kalamazoo, the kangaroo
See what I can do!

Printouts

Kangaroo      

Alexander Game

Alexander Game Pieces

Emotions Sorting Game

Related Sites

Printouts for the Alexander Game were found at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts website.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day


The Grumpy Easter Bunny

by Justine Korman

Program Plan

Crafts

Bunny Puppets
Cut a hand puppet bunny shape from felt (white or brown). Children can add features with felt pieces.

Baskets
Provide each child with a weaving mat cut from construction paper. Children weave strips through the mat. When finished, staple the four corners for a basket shape and add a handle.

Egg Shell Gluing
Provide disinfected and dyed egg shells for children to glue onto paper to create a collage.

Palette Painting Egg Shape
Cut a large egg shape from white paper and have children decorate it with palette paints.

Activities

Dye Eggs
Provide pots of dye for children to colour their hard boiled eggs in.

Egg Hunt
Hide foil wrapped chocolate eggs and have an Easter egg hunt.

Easter Party
After hunting for eggs, have an Easter party:
*Children can make bunny headbands from funfoam or construction paper.
*Bunny Hop - do the bunny hop to music.
*Play pin the Tail on the Easter Bunny. Cut out a large bunny shape with only a stencil area of where the tail should be. Cut out a tail for each child with their name on it. Add tape or sticky tack to the back of each tail. Blindfold one at a time and see who can place their tail closest to the correct spot.
*Play Basket Bean Bag Toss. Have children toss bean bags into a large basket. You can cut egg shapes out of felt and sew egg shaped bean bags!

Explorations

Rabbits
Learn about Rabbits using books, pictures, and the internet.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Peter Cottontail
Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hopping down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity
Easter's on it's way

Bringing all the girls and boys
Baskets full of Easter joys
Things to make your Easter
Bright and gay.

There's jelly beans for Tommy
Coloured eggs for sister Sue
There's an orchid for my Mommy
And a tie for Daddy too.

Oh here comes Peter Cottontail
Hopping down the Bunny trail
Hippity Hoppity
Happy Easter day!

Oh See the Baskets
Oh see the baskets of Easter Eggs
Pink and blue, purple too
With chocolate bunnies
And jelly beans
I'll share my basket with you.

Mr Ears
I have a little bunny
I call him Mr. Ears
Because he perks his ears up
At everything he hears.

I have a little bunny
I call him Mr. Ears
His nose begins to wiggle
When Easter time is near.

Lippity Lop
Lippity lop, lippity lop
Here comes a bunny hippity hop
With ears so tall and tail so small
Hippity, hippity hop

He sits up straight and wriggles his nose
At every sound he hears
Then scampers away as fast as he can
And suddenly disappears

Oh Lippety lop, lippety lop
Here comes a bunny hippity hop
With ears so tall and tail so small
Hippity, hippity hop.

Printouts

Put Your Eggs in a Basket Word Family Game

Egg Addition

Easter Egg Hunt Game

Related Sites

The Virtual Vine - Easter


Puddles

by Jonathan London

Program Plan

Crafts

Fingerpaint With Grey
Fingerpaint on paper with grey paint to create rain clouds.

Worms
Use plastercine to make worms.

Splatter Painting
Water down blue tempera paint and splash onto paper by flicking a paintbrush.

Rain Pictures
During a light rain, place paper with dry tempera outdoors and watch the rain create a masterpiece.

Rain Sticks
Cover one end of a paper towel tube - seal completely. Add rice. Seal other end. Children can paint their rainstick however they choose. When dry, add embelishments such as leather string and feathers. When tipped gently, it will sound like rain.

Spray Pictures
Place crepe or tissue paper (must be the 'bleeding' kind) onto a piece of white paper. When children have covered their papers to their satisfaction, give them a spray bottle filled with water so they can spray the picture. Put on mist as you just want to 'wet' the paper, not soak it. When dry, the crepe/tissue paper will fall right off and leave behind their picture/pattern.

Activities

Music and Movement
Use various instruments to re-create the sounds of rain and thunder.

Mud Pudding
Make instant chocolate pudding. Create a worm pudding by adding crushed chocolate cookies and gummy worms to the top.

Measure Rainfall
Measure and record rainfall for each day/the week.

The Rain Cycle
Discuss the rain cycle. Create rain using a mirror and kettle - ensure that the experiment is done out of children's reach!

Explorations

Nature Walk
We are lucky enough to have a lake nearby to walk to and observe/explore wildlife. Walk to your nearest wildlife area - forest, wooded area, or park.

Observe Worms
Observe worms in their natural habitat.

Explore Mud
Start with dirt and add water - explore the properties of mud. Provide buckets and containers to create mudpies! If possible, do this on a 'water day' and children can rinse off in the sprinkler.

Explore Puddles
Walk around your neighbourhood after a rainfall. How are the puddles created? Explore and discuss the differences in sizes and shapes.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

I Hear Thunder
Sung to: Frere Jacques
I hear thunder, I hear thunder
Hark don't you, hark don't you
Pitter, patter raindrops
Pitter, patter raindrops
I'm wet through
So are you!

Puddle Play
Sung to: Go In and Out The Window
What loves to splash in a puddle
What loves to splash in a puddle
What loves to swim in a puddle
A duck loves a puddle, don't you


What loves to splash in a puddle
What loves to splash in a puddle
What loves to hop in a puddle
A frog loves a puddle, don't you


What loves to splash in a puddle
What loves to splash in a puddle
What loves to play in a puddle
Oh, I love a puddle, don't you

Dr. Foster
Dr. Foster went to Gloucester
In a shower of rain
He stepped in a puddle
Right up to his middle
And he never went there again

Willie Ate a Worm
Willie ate a worm today,
a squiggly, wiggly worm.
He picked it up
from the dust and dirt
and wiped it off
on his brand new shirt.
Then slurp, slupp
he ate it up,
yes Willie ate a worm today,
a squiggly, wiggly worm.

Willie ate a worm today,
he didn't bother to chew,
and we all stared
and we all squirmed
when Willie swallowed
down that worm.
Then slupp, slurp
Willie burped
yes Willie ate a worm today,
I think I'll eat one too.
~Jack Prelutsky~

Related Sites

My Worm Page

The Adventures of Herman the Worm

Worms


Big Sarah's Little Boots

by Paulette Bourgeois

Program Plan

Crafts

Footprints
Have children step into paint and then walk on a long sheet of mural paper.

All About Me Book
Create a book with height, weight, shoe size, and favourite things.

Activities

Big/Small Sorting Game
Print the Big/Small Sorting Game and place on a table for children to use during child directed play.

Stretching
Stretch different objects - elastics, our bodies, sticky tack, balloons, etc.

Growth Chart
Print one of the available grow charts by clicking on the links under printables. Place on the wall, measure each child and mark their height with an arrow with their name on it. Remeasure in a few months so they can see how much they've grown.

Shoe Store
Set up a shoe store in the dramatic play area. Add shoes for selling, cash registers, shoe boxes, seats, and rulers for measuring feet.

Explorations

Measurement
Explore and examine different measuring materials and use to measure things around the room.

Rain
Explore what happens when it rains. Measure rainfall for the week with a rain gauge.

Size
Explore Big/Small - how size can be relative.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Printouts

Big/Little Sorting Game      

George Shrinks Growth Chart

Flintstone's Growth Chart

Related Sites

Big Sarah's Little Boots


The Dark at the Top of the Stairs

by Sam McBratney

Program Plan

Crafts

Mice
Cut a 2 teardrop shapes from grey felt. Glue 3/4 closed, stuff with cotton or batting and add a wool tail. Glue closed. Add felt or googly eyes to the mouse and little pink and grey ears made by small teardrop shaped felt pieces folded and glued.

Cat Mask
Provide each child with a paper plate to paint. When dry, have them add triangle ears and cut out the eye holes. Add a little construction paper triangle nose and whiskers from wool.

Silhouettes
Provide silhouette cutout shapes for glueing on white paper. Trace child's silhouette onto black paper - cut out and mount.

Activities

Counting to 12
Number the inside of an egg carton 1 to 12. Have children place the correct number of counters in each numbered cup.

Explorations

Fears
Discuss fears with children.

Shadows
Explore shadows using different light sources (flashlights, lamps, and the sun).

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Pussycat, Pussycat
Pussycat, Pussycat
Where have you been
I've been to London
To visit the Queen
Pussycat, Pussycat
What did you there?
I frightened a little mouse
Under a chair!


Are You My Mother?

by P.D. Eastman

Program Plan

Crafts

Mother's Day Gifts and Cards
Each year we make a special gift for Mom - please visit my Mother's Day gift page for ideas.

Activities

Sequence Cards
Print the 'Are You My Mother' sequence cards. Have the children place the cards in the order they appear in the story.

Explorations

Mother's Day
Explore why we celebrate Mother's Day and ways families choose to enjoy this special day.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

I Love You Mommy
Sung to: You are my sunshine
I love you mommy
My dearest mommy
You make me happy
When I am sad
I want to tell you
I really love you!
When I'm with you I am so glad!

Printouts

Are You My Mother Sequencing Game

Related Sites

My Mother's Day Page

Mother's Day Preschool Lesson Plans

ECE Web Guide - Mother's Day

Step by Step Childcare - Mother's Day

Gifts For Mom


I Don't Want to Take a Bath

by Julie Sykes

Program Plan

Crafts

Little Tiger Puppets
Paint a paper bag orange. When dry, string paint black stripes onto the bag. Let dry completely and then glue on face features, ears, and tail to the back of the puppet.

Jungle Collage
Glue strips of paper to create a jungle scene.

Peacock
Glue colourful feathers onto a semi circle shape. Glue a peacock shaped body to the front.

Activities

Waterplay
Add plastic zoo animals from the story to the water table.

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

Explorations

Jungle
Explore and learn facts about the various animals in the story.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Scrub-A-Dub
Sung to: "This Old Man"
Scrub-a-dub, scrub-a-dub
Washing in my big bathtub
Scrub my fingers, arms, and hands
Scrubbing fastest in the land.

Scrub-a-dub, scrub-a-dub
Washing in my big bathtub
Scrub my toes and legs and feet
Scrubbing bubbles what a treat.

Scrub-a-dub, scrub-a-dub
Washing in my big bathtub
Scrub my ears and face and hair
Water, bubbles, what a pair.

Scrub-a-dub, scrub-a-dub
Washing in my big bathtub
Scrub my back and belly too
So much fun... how about YOU!
From the site: Disease Prevention and Intervention

Printouts

Sequence Cards      

Related Sites

Hop, Skip, and Jump (page 25 in pdf file)


Harry the Dirty Dog

by Gene Zion

Program Plan

Crafts

Brown Fingerpainting
Fingerpaint with brown paint.

Dog Puppets
Create 'Harry' paper bag puppets.

Bubble Pictures
Place a container about 1/3 filled with water, food colouring, and liquid dish soap in the center of a white piece of paper. Add a straw and let the children blow until the bubbles flow out onto the paper. Make sure the children know not to drink the solution!

Scrubbing Brush Painting
Dip small scrubbing brushes (nail brushes will work) into paint and create patterns on paper.

Charcoal Pictures
Let children experiment while drawing with charcoal sticks.

Draw Harry
Provide paper and crayons for children to draw their own version of Harry.

Activities

Waterplay (bubbles)
Set up bubbles in the waterplay table. Add plastic dogs for washing and scrubbing brushes too!

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

Pet Shop
Set up a pet shop in the dramatic play area. Add animal carriers, dishes, stuffed pet animals, blankets, pet beds, pet toys, etc.

Make Mud Pies
Add water to a soil/dirt area and make mud pies... you may want to do this on a 'water day' and children can rinse off in the sprinkler.

Explorations

Dogs
When outdoors, observe dogs going for walks and in their yards. Discuss mannerisms of dogs.

Pet Care
When outdoors, observe dogs going for walks and in their yards. Discuss the care required when you own a dog.

Explore mud
add water to dirt and create mud; explore the texture and properties.

Hygiene
Throughout the day, explore and discuss how we keep our bodies and environment clean.

Opposites
Discuss and discover opposites around you.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

After My Bath
After my bath I try, try, try
To wipe myself ‘til I’m dry, dry, dry
Hands to wipe and fingers and toes
And two wet legs and a shiny nose
Just think how much less time I’d take
If I were a dog and could shake, shake, shake.

Down By the Station
Down by the station
Early in the morning
See the little puffer-bellies
All in a row
See the station master
Turn the little handle
Chug-chug, Choo-choo
Off we go.

Printouts

Sequence Cards       Dirty, Dirtier, Dirtiest word/picture cards       Poster - print in LANDSCAPE      

Related Sites

Harry the Dirty Dog Lapbook

Harry the Dirty Dog


Katie's Hand Me Down Day

by Laurie Wark

Program Plan

Crafts

Father's Day Gifts and Cards
Each year we make a special gift for Dad - please visit my Father's Day gift page for ideas.

Activities

Sundae Party
Katie and her Dad enjoyed a Strawberry Sundae at the end of the story; set up a divided tray with toppings and provide each child with a bowl of vanilla ice-cream to create their own special sundae.

Explorations

Father's Day
Explore why we celebrate Father's Day and ways families choose to enjoy this special day.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

My Special Friend
Sung to: Yankee Doodle
Daddy is my special friend,
The two of us are buddies.
I always like the things we do,
I'm thankful for my daddy.

Related Sites

My Father's Day Page

DLTK's Father's Day Activities

Activity Village - Father's Day

Gifts for Dad


The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Eric Carle

Program Plan

Crafts

Circle Caterpillar
Have children decorate several circles cut from card paper. Attach using brads and draw the caterpillar's face on the first circle. Add pipecleaner antennae.

Clay Caterpillars
Have children create caterpillars from clay. Let dry and paint.

Caterpillar Pull Toy
Have children paint several egg cups. When dry, string together attaching one end to a circle for a handle. Attach pipecleaner antennae. Children can pull their caterpillar around the room.

Stained Glass Butterflies
Cut a butterfly shape from heavy black paper and cut out sections in the wings. Children add coloured tissue paper to cover the holes.

Tissue Paper Butterflies
Cut a piece of tissue paper in quarters. Have children decorate with shape stickers. Paint a clothespin. When dry, place the tissue paper in the clothespin opening to create a butterfly.

Activities

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

Nature Walk
Walk in your neighbourhood or forested area and search for caterpillars. Bring a bug keeper and create a habitat from the caterpillar's natural environment. Visit flowered areas and search for butterflies. Plant butterfly attracting flowers in your garden in the Spring to attract butterflies to your yard.

Explorations

Life Cycle of a Butterfly
Using sequence cards, photo's, and a real caterpillar if possible; discuss and explore the lifecycle of a butterfly.

Songs, Poems, Fingerplays

Fuzzy Wuzzy Caterpillar
Fuzzy wuzzy caterpillar
Into a corner crept
Spun himself a cocoon
And there he slept
Fuzzy wuzzy caterpillar
Wakes up by and by
To find he has beautiful wings
Now he's a butterfly

Little Arabella Miller
Little Arabella Miller
Came upon a caterpillar
First it crawled upon her Mother
Then upon her baby brother
All said, "Arabella Miller
Take AWAY that caterpillar!"

The Life of a Butterfly
Tune: Skip To My Lou
I'm a caterpillar, wiggle with me,
I'm a caterpillar, wiggle with me,
I'm a caterpillar, wiggle with me,
Wiggle with me, my darling.

A chrysalis now, sleep like me
A chrysalis now, sleep like me
A chrysalis now, sleep like me
Sleep like me, my darling.

A butterfly now, fly with me
A butterfly now, fly with me
A butterfly now, fly with me
Fly with me, my darling.

Now all together, let's do all three.
A caterpillar, a chrysalis,
A butterfly - three.
Move your body like this with me.
The life of a butterfly, darlin'.

Butterfly Song
Tune: Up On The Housetop
First comes a butterfly who lays an egg
Out comes a catterpiller with many legs
Oh see the caterpiller spin and spin
A pretty chrysalis to sleep in
Oh oh oh look and see
Oh oh oh look and see
Out from the chrysalis
My, oh my
Out comes a pretty butterfly.

Printouts

colour matching game - print 2       b&w matching game - print 2      

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Story Patterns and Sequence Cards

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Story Patterns - Colour

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Story Patterns - Black & White

Days of the Week Worksheets

Related Sites

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Classroom Ideas


More Literature Activities

Adventures in Literature 2

Adventures in Literature 3


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