Five Green and Speckled Frogs (Preschool)
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In this lesson, students begin by writing and/or drawing in their journals about the topic of frogs. After completing their journal writing, students are given the opportunity to make their own 5 green and speckled frogs using Q-Tips and paint. Once dry, the frogs are added to popsicle sticks and slits cut in the log so that students can retell the story of the five green and speckled frogs to their families.
At the same time, another small group activity is conducted in which students get to create their own froggy snack using Oreos, M&Ms, pretzels, and icing. Students not participating in these small group activities are given several other activities from which to choose. |
Penny Lesson (Kindergarten)
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This lesson introduces the penny to kindergarteners, incorporating aspects of science, social studies, and math. It is part of a week-long unit that covers all types of currency.
Students start off by observing the characteristics of a penny, discussing the images on it, and relating its value to the purchase of a toy. Later they work with a partner to practice "buying" toys using pennies on ten frames. Once the partner activities are completed, students make an etching of the front and back of a penny and practice writing the name. The etching is stored in a student-created piggy bank that will be used throughout the currency unit. |
The Mitten Lesson Plan (Preschool)
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During a snow and winter unit, the class reads The Mitten by Jan Brett. The students are asked to pay close attention to all of the animals that climb into the mitten.
After completing the story, we reenact it as a class. A large white sheet is used to represent the mitten, and students get to select an animal from the story to represent. We revisit the story, with the students explaining what happens at each step. As an animal climbs into the mitten, students representing that animal climb under the sheet. |
Astronauts & Space Gloves (Kindergarten)
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As part of a study of space and astronauts, the class begins by creating a word web (in the shape of a space shuttle). We then read a level-appropriate informational text about astronauts and space, and add any new terminology or facts learned to our web.
Students next pick a partner and return to their seats to complete the space gloves activity. Each group is given a pair of large snow gloves to wear. They are asked to complete a series of tasks - one partner with the gloves and one without. Then they switch roles. Afterwards, we reconvene as a class to discuss which was easier and how it felt to complete the tasks while wearing the gloves. We relate their experience to that of an astronaut in space wearing a spacesuit. |