Activities

Read The Feelings Book by Todd Parr. Have the children practice making the same expressions that are shown in the book.

Have the children raise their hands as you call out the classroom jobs, to show which ones are their favorites. Talk about why certain jobs are more desirable than others. Help children recognize that every job is important in the classroom.

Introduce two questions to encourage children's interpretation and justification skills.

On a sheet of paper, have each child draw a picture of what he/she wants to be when he/she grows up. Take the picture of the child, cut out just the face and glue the picture in the face area.

Place a cause-and-effect toy, such as a pop-up toy, before one of the children. Encourage the child to interact with the toy to see what will happen. Say, “What happens if you push the button? Look! You made it pop up!” Have children take turns.

At the close of the day, talk with the children about what they will do when they get home and who they will see. Recalling familiar routines helps them feel comfortable and secure.

Read What's Alive? Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1 by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld. One day, walk outdoors to point out and take pictures of living things. Another day, point out and take pictures of nonliving things.

Cut pictures of a variety of doors from magazines or print them from the internet. Include a wide range of colors and types of doors. Show one

of the pictures and ask children to describe something they might find behind that particular door.

As you plan special events, talk with the children about what to expect. If the firefighters are coming to visit, let the children know that instead of outside time we will visit the fire truck.

Read Flotsam by David Wiesner. This book is about a boy who goes to the beach to collect and examine flotsam, which is anything floating that has washed ashore. Use the rich illustrations to encourage the children to ask questions.

Put an object in a bag and ask the children, "I wonder what is in the bag? Ask me questions to find out.

Put an object in a bag and ask the children, “I wonder what is in the bag? Ask me questions to find out.

Secretly place an everyday item like a key, pen, or spoon in a paper bag and give different clues to the children, who will then try to guess the item. You might say, “It is made out of wood. We keep it in the dramatic play area.

Secretly place an everyday item like a key, pen or spoon in a paper bag and give different clues to the children, who will then try to guess the item. You might say, “It is made out of wood. We keep it in the dramatic play area.

Place an object, such as a ball, inside a box before the children come to small group. When they arrive, tell them that there is something special inside the box. Provide hints to the children to help them focus.

Place small objects inside colorful plastic eggs and give one to each child.  Make a list so you know what object is in each egg.

Place an object, such as a ball, inside your hand. Show your closed hand to the infant and say, “What's inside my hand?” Open your hand to reveal the item and describe it. “There's a ball in my hand!” Repeat with other objects.

Place an object, such as a ball, inside your hand. Show your closed hand to the infant and say, "What's inside my hand?" Open your hand to reveal the item and describe it. "There's a ball in my hand!" Repeat with other objects.

Provide a small colorful bag that children can take home and bring back to school with a special item inside. Alternatively, let them place an object from the classroom inside.

What's in the polka dot box?

Nobody knows but Jane.

What's in the polka dot box?

Nobody knows but Jane.

We don't know it, we will have to guess

Jane will give us three clues, and we will do the rest.