Packing up...

On Tuesday our Mother Goose lesson was all about packing for a trip...

 We started our circle time going on a letter S hunt!

S is for shape...

 S is for Stella!!!

 I am SO THRILLED to announce that I recently purchased this new set of alphabet tubs for beginning sounds from Lakeshore Learning!!!!  This is something I have wanted for a very long time!  Each tub is filled with six mini figurines and the upper/lowercase letters.

 I recorded what the kids found in the classroom that starts with the letter S, and then we looked through our new letter S tub!

 Mother Goose provided us with this packing list, and set of picture cards...

 I passed out the picture cards and we sang, "Don't Forget to Pack..." to the tune of "London Bridges."

 Next, I asked the kids to explain how hats can help protect our head.  I explained that the weather in the African savanna is very hot.  There are only two season: a dry season and wet season.  We discussed the features of different hats, and why certain hats are better than others when needed to protect us from different types of weather.

Mother Goose provided us with the following supplies to make a safari hat...

 These kids are ready to go a on a safari!

 What color are your favorite socks?  Your favorite shirt?  

I gave the kids our new yellow colored paintbrush.  I encouraged them to search fro things in the room that are yellow colored.  They explored how much they could fit in our yellow suitcase.  If they found a yellow that did not fit, they just set it beside the suitcase.

 S is for SOCKS!  How do socks protect our feet?

I set out 8 pairs of different socks.  I taught the kids how to fold socks together.  Then I encouraged the kids to mix up the socks and find the pairs again!

 I also encouraged the kids to build the letter S with the socks!

 For our next activity I had the kids brainstorm a list of things we might need if we were packing a suitcase.  Then I asked them what they would do if they forgot something.  Lastly, I explained that when we plan to pack a suitcase, writing a list is always very helpful!  A list will help us not to forget anything!

Mother Goose provided the following game...

 I cut out the cards and put them on a yellow tray (imaginary suitcase).  I had the kids study the card, and then I secretly removed one.  Then the kids looked at the remaining cards and determined which one was missing.  They used the packing list for reference.

 Next, the kids worked on the following pages from their math and literacy workbooks...

 This was our book for the day...

 For our closing song I played the song, "Baboons" from our Mother Goose safari CD.  I asked the kids to swing their arms from side to side like a baboon until I called out ways to dance with their safari hats.  For example: "Put your hat on the floor and dance around it.  Jump over your hat.  Reach up high then side to side in the sky with your hat."