Activities

Give the children several objects of varying lengths such as a marker, a wooden block and a plastic lizard. Also, provide Cheerios and show them how to line up the Cheerios and count how many Cheerios long the items are.

Have the children measure objects or themselves using classroom materials such as links, cubes or markers. Compare this kind of measuring to using a ruler or measuring tape.

Add a height chart with pictures or symbols to the math center. Encourage the children to measure each other and mark their heights with a symbol or picture on the height chart.

Encourage the children to measure classmates using large cardboard blocks in the block center. Record their measurements on sticky notes and place the sticky notes on a class chart.

You will need measuring cups, containers, and water. Use measuring cups to fill containers. Ask the children to make comparisons on which containers hold more.

After reading Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni, encourage the children to make inchworms using play dough and measure objects

Plant several crocus or daylily bulbs in clear containers. Provide various writing materials and a journal. The children can measure growth using rulers and record their daily observations in the science center.

Keep a growth chart in the science center for the plants in your room.  Every week, measure each plant with a ruler to observe its growth.  Talk about the past and the present, and how things change over time.

Add measuring cups and measuring spoons along with a small container of rice. Have the children scoop and measure different amounts of rice to cook.

Have the book Big Dog…Little Dog by P. D. Eastman available along with a basket of different size stuffed animals. Have children use a variety of items to measure the stuffed animals such as paper clips, pipe cleaners or LEGO®s.

A few months before the children will transition to the next classroom, invite their new teacher to meet them. Ask the new teacher to read a book with the children such as Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman.

During circle time, discuss the idea of meeting someone new such as an adult or a teacher. Practice steps on how to introduce yourself and engage in conversation. Practice this skill by role playing as a group with all the children.

Give each child a small plate or tray with one or two pieces of ice. Ask the children what they think will happen to the ice. Have the children observe what happens to the ice and discuss why the ice melted.

After reading Tea Cakes for Tosh by Kelly Starling Lyons, encourage the children to create a family scrapbook of important events.

Using memory games in the math center can help improve impulse control. Create a simple memory game for the children to play.

Using memory games in the math center is a great way to engage the children in problem-solving. Create matching cards with shapes or with numerals and sets. Draw a grid on poster board to help organize the cards.

Read Wheels and Axels in Action by Gillian Gosman. Use a wagon to demonstrate the story. Ask the children what they ride in that has wheels? Set out cars and other items in the classroom for the children to explore.

Introduce the life cycle of a frog or butterfly. Create a visual chart to demonstrate the life cycle. Consider reading books and viewing videos related to life cycles. If possible bring in tadpoles or caterpillars for the children to observe.

Introduce the concept of a meteorologist and interview a child about the weather for the day.

Collect large screw-on milk caps. Have the children place the milk caps in a small container or in a larger one with a slit in the top.