Carrots...

On Friday we had such a FUN day learning about carrots!

 During circle time I asked the kids to brainstorm a list of vegetables.  They watched as I recorded their answers.  I did not help them with this at all.  I was surprised to see eggplant make number 5 on their list, and green beans & peas didn't make the cut.  After making our list, I asked them to tell me the color of each vegetable.

 We sang "If It's a Carrot" to the tune of "Happy and You Know It"

"If it's a carrot and you know it, pull it up.

If it's a carrot and you know it, pull it up.

If it's a carrot and you know it,

then you'll see the color orange.

If it's a carrot and you know it, pull it up."

Each child acted out the song, and we inserted a different vegetable and color with each verse we sang.

 After showing photos of carrots online, the kids were stunned to learn that carrots can also be purple, yellow or even white!

 Mother Goose provided each child with this carrot sewing project.  I prepped each child's craft by tying their string on and placing a piece of tape on the end to prevent the yarn from fraying.

 First the kids sewed their carrot.  I had a big laugh while the kids were doing this.  I taught them to sew by going, "Up, down, up, down, up, down..."  The kids starting chanting this as they were sewing.  This reminded them of the song, "Up Town" ("Up Town Funk It Up" on their Kids Bop 28 CD).  They all broke out into song while sewing!  Lol!

 FYI - Lacing cards are an excellent toy to have around to help fine motor skills!

 Next the kids fringe cut their green paper to make a carrot stem.  A few of the kids called it "French" cut.

 They added a few details, and voila!  They had their very own carrot to play with!

 I love this photo!  She is just so tiny, and so so smart!!!  She is writing her name!

 For our next activity, I asked the kids why they thought eating carrots was important.  I explained that carrots contain a lot of Vitamin A that helps our vision, bones, teeth and skin.  Mother Goose Time provided us with this eye chart...

 I posted it on the door for the kids to read.  Some of the kids remembered taking vision tests at their doctor's office!

 I taped a line on the floor for the kids to stand behind.  I had them cover one eye with an "eye paddle."  (Our eye paddle is really a spoon from our spoon and egg balancing race game!)  The kids had fun with this, and it gave me an opportunity to watch and see which letters and shapes each child is remembering or not.

 Next, to test the kid's vision I gave them our bunny counters Mother Goose Time provided for us this month.  They love these!

 Three of the kids hid the bunnies around the room while the other kids closed their eyes...

 Then we turned off most of the lights and the kids came to search for the carrots in the dark.  It was harder for them to see, but they still had excellent vision!  All of the bunnies were found!  I cannot tell you enough how much these kids LOVED this activity!  We repeated it four times!  There is something about turning the lights out, and playing hide 'n' seek that totally excites them!

 Next, the kids worked on their counting skills in their math workbook...

 The kids also colored and practiced reading a mini-book from their literacy workbook...

 After coloring, we headed outside until nap time!  It was GORGEOUS outside!!!!!!  

I set out this new carrot puzzle, along with our pattern blocks that Mother Goose provided for us this month in our sensory table filled with potting soil.  I encouraged the kids to bury the puzzle pieces and then dig them up like they were gardening for carrots.

 "A flying bug."

 "A sunflower."

 

I also set out three poster sized pieces of paper with paint, and whole carrots to use for painting!!!!

 The kids put on large T-shirts for paint smocks, and took off their shoes and socks.  They were SO EXCITED about this!

 Who doesn't love the feel of grass on bare feet in the summer time!?!?

 The kids could paint using the stem and leaves or the carrot...

 Writing names with a carrot!  That is pretty cool!

 I moved our picnic tables in the shade and we ate hot dogs, watermelon, and fresh veggies for lunch!  We talked about Memorial Day weekend and what the kids are going to do with their family.

 I also treated the kids to a Popsicle! 

 Comparing tongue colors!

 These were our books for the day...

 I LOVE doing story time outside!

I am sure many of you will enjoy a BBQ or bonfire this weekend as you remember our military members on Memorial Day.  Being that I can't have a bonfire with the kids, I decided to make them my all time favorite S'mores bar for snack!

 This is a graham cracker cookie crust with chocolate and marshmallow filling!  YUMMY!

 We sat outside and I gave the kids carrot sticks with their bars.  I also set out our Mother Goose letter flowers.  I encouraged the kids to make letters with their carrots!

 Check out how their carrots match the flower they chose!

 Even my youngest did this all on her own!

 In the afternoon I also set out this Lakeshore "Farmer Rabbit" carrot counting folder game.  The kids could take a break from playing and explore with this if they wanted to.