Schedule TourNovember . . . no green grass . . . no blue sky . . . no bare feet going by . . . no birds . . . no bees . . . no leaves on trees . . . November!
The picture perfect days of autumn are quickly passing us by. Yet, we have managed to immerse ourselves in some of the treats fall lavishes upon us.
Apples . . . Way up high in the apple tree two little apples smiled down at me. I shook that tree just as hard as I could. Down came the apples. Mmmmmm . . . they were good.
Children in the Bluebirds and Robins classes earned certificates for reciting the above poem all by themselves. The children also brought home books with the apple poem which they could “read.” It is vital to give children their own books to “read” even if they are only reciting the verse. Doing so, gives children a confidence in their reading abilities. That confidence, along with instilling a strong desire to read will create a firm foundation upon which reading skills can easily be taught.
Families learned together through a story, at the Bluebirds and Robins’ family nights, that when an apple is sliced horizontally it gives you a gift of a star.
Leaves . . . Like a leaf or a feather in windy, windy weather. We’ll whirl around and twirl around and all fall down together!
Lois Ehlert’s book, Leaf Man, has been the inspiration for many leaf projects. This book is a worthwhile investment for any home library. The simple text, creative art and beautiful photographs make this an enjoyable book to read for the young and the old.
Leaves (and other fall treasures) make excellent manipulatives for math and science activities.
- Children learn sorting skills by sorting leaves by shape, color and size
- Children develop fine motor skills by doing leaf rubbings and/or tracing leaves
- Children learn about comparisons by looking for similarities and differences in leaves
- Children use patterning skills by using different varieties of leaves to make patterns
- Children learn addition and subtraction skiils by telling math stories about leaves
Owls . . . The wide-eyed owl has a pointy nose, pointy ears and claws for his toes. And when that owl looks at you he flaps his wings and says, “WHOO! WHOO!”
The children created their own owls with feathers, beaks and great big eyes. For the three year old Chickadees, painting with colored glue and magically sticking a delicate feather to the owl shaped paper was an immensely popular activity.
The book, Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen is an enchanting book to share together as a family. I found my favorite reading of the story on You Tube. Sit down and enjoy this with your child. You will be glad you did. It is an exquisite journey for the eyes and the ears. And, you will no doubt want to go owling. The link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2AND9w2M6k
Turkeys . . . of course! We’re singing about turkeys, drawing turkeys, counting turkeys, and reading about turkeys,
“Five fat turkeys are we. We spent the night in the tree. When the cook came around, we couldn’t be found. So that’s why we’re here you see.”
The Bluebirds and Robins are learning a song which emphasizes color words to the tune of, “Turkey in the Straw.” Be watching for your children to bring home the book. They no doubt will be excited to read it to you!
Thankfulness . . . We are thankful when we work and play. We are thankful on Thanksgiving Day.
This is the time of year to reflect upon all the many gifts we have been blessed with. Tell your child how thankful you are to have them. They are a perfect gift. A gift you will treasure forever and always.