Early Childhood Scribbles

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Art Walk Ideas 11-15

#11 - Tissue Paper Flowers
You'll want to use regular tissue paper. The bleeding tissue paper doesn't work very well. First, I covered the canvas with a light layer of glue. (It needs to be done quickly so the glue doesn't dry) Then, I laid the green tissue paper over it. Then, the kids used paint brushes to spread glue around the top of the tissue paper. Then, they cut out stems from dark green tissue paper and glued them to the canvas. I had my kids draw the flowers on the colored tissue paper, then I cut them out and glued them on.

#12 - Ocean Life
First, the kids drew an ocean animal on the canvas using a black crayon. (Tip - kids draw better when they have a picture of the animal to reference) Then, they painted the bottom third with blue watercolors. I watered the paint down a little for the middle layer and a little bit more for the top layer. After the paint dries, I recommend using a thin paintbrush to paint over the crayon.

#13 - Christmas Handprint Tree
This one is pretty self explanatory. I do recommend having the kids with larger hands go first (bottom of the tree) and work your way up to the kids with the smallest hands (top of the tree).

#14 - Class Portraits
To begin, I measured and made a grid using a pencil. Then, each child painted in their rectangle. After the paint dried, they drew their portrait using a thin paintbrush.

#15 - Class Books
While you may not consider them "art". Placing class books or other class made items in the art walk is a great way to make some extra money and a "fair" way to decide who gets to keep the class book as a keepsake.

Don't miss previous ideas!
Art Walk Ideas 1-5
Art Walk Ideas 6-10

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Elf Dramatic Play Station with Math and Writing Centers

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Elf-Station-Dramatic-Play-with-Math-and-Writing-Centers-2816086

I'm all about dramatic play, and the elf station around the holidays is always one of my students favorite centers to play in! The best part is that it easily engages the students in writing through play, which is the best way to learn!

This packet is great for preschool teachers who want to teach through play BUT it is also great for Kindergarten teachers who want to add a little dramatic play to their academic based centers. Read on for ideas on setting up an Elf Station that fits your classroom set up and student needs.

There are a lot of station ideas in this packet. I usually set up about three stations in the elf dramatic play center and use the other materials in small groups.

Dramatic Play and Sensory Stations

Elf Call Center

Each station idea includes a printable sign to make setting up your dramatic play station easier!

This is always the "main" event in my elf station. Elf hats are a must for getting students in the imaginative mood! Bonus* They're cheap and easy to find! Ask you IT department for old phones or keyboards, you can also ask parents to donate old cell phones (just make sure to remove the batteries). Also, a strand of Christmas lights and a strand of sparkly garland go a long way in getting students engaged and making your station look more realistic.

Students can practice writing their name and taking messages with the call station notes printable. Provide blank paper as well for students to write freely.

Incorporate geography by hanging up a map (a printable one is included if you don't have one) add post-it flags for students to mark where children are calling from.

Wrapping Station

Add cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, bags, gift tags, tape, etc. to this station.

OR put wrapping paper in a sensory table for students to practice cutting or tearing.

Hot Chocolate Station

A great sensory station for a sensory bin or a sensory table. Add hot chocolate (brown pom poms, sand, uncooked brown beans, or brown rice), white pom poms for marshmallows, mugs, ladles, and spoons.

Elf Laundry

Let students hang elf clothes (print and laminate) on a clothes line using clothespins. This is great fine motor practice!

Elf Workshop

Set up a work bench with an assortment of small toys and play tools for students to "fix".

Math and Writing Centers

Elf Math

Use in math centers or small groups.

Adding to 6

Students follow the instructions on the cards and place cookies on the cookie sheet. This is a great visual for students who are learning addition! Picture cards and numeral cards are included so you can differentiate based on your individual student needs. Make it more fun by using a read cookie sheet and adding magnets to the back of the cookies! Laminate the cards and let students use a dry erase marker to write in their answers.

Matching Numerals to Quantity

Cards are for numbers 1-10. Students match the numeral to the corresponding quantity card. Can also be used to play memory or go fish.

Writing Station

Word Wall

Includes lined or unlined stationary option. Choose the one best for your students. A pre-writing activity sheet can be laminated and students can use dry-erase markers to trace the shapes.

Other Fun Activities

Pick up an Elf Station for you classroom here.

Friday, September 30, 2016

I am a Scientist!

I am a Scientist Unit with Freebie!

A successful year learning science begins with a strong foundation. This is one of the key foundation lessons I teach every year. I begin with my Five Senses Unit, which you can find here. It's a great engaging and introductory unit to use while your preschool or kindergarten students are learning how to be in school. The five senses unit naturally leads into I am a Scientist which teaches students that THEY are scientists and covers different attributes of being successful in science. This unit has 7 complete lessons with classroom visuals/posters and activities to support your students learning throughout. Here's an overview of what you'll find in this unit. Click here to pick up a copy for your classroom.

Introductory Lesson: I am a Scientist!

Poster to display in your classroom. Each lesson (except for the summary lesson) has a poster to add.

Print it off as is and use as a word wall. Print off two copies, laminate each square individually, and use as a memory game in a science center.

Each lesson provides a recommended lesson plan. Modify as needed to fit your classroom and students.

Nothing is more engaging to students then something they made themselves! Start off the unit by taking pictures of your students dressed like a scientist (or have them draw themselves as a scientist) and make a class book for your library!