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All About Kidz Curriculum
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Prekindergarten Level

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January 2013

Written By- Ms. Heather Giamboi

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 2

Introduction

The following is an All About Kidz Prekindergarten curriculum booklet reflecting planned
activities for the month of January. The January curriculum includes exciting activities children
will do throughout the entire month. These fun experiences are centered in the early childhood
learning standards which help children reach developmental milestones.

In addition to structured activities each day opens with children being warmly welcomed and able
to freely play with a variety of materials and toys in learning centers that include: Creative Art
Center, Theater and Dress Up Area, Writing Center, Science Center, Block Toy Center, Sensory
Water Sand Area. Next children enter circle time and begin fun seasonal activities. Each child is
greeted in song and asked to share their special experiences. Children based on their age have fun
circle time songs, finger plays, movement, chanting, books or puppet shows. Every day if the
weather is pleasant the children often have plenty of opportunities to take walks or fun trips to the
playground to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Children Playing In Snow

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.CHAPTER 1…………….…………………………………………………………..P.1
1.Overview……………………………………………………………………….P.1
2.Language Development………………………………………………………...P.4
3.Social Studies…………………………………………………………………..P.7

II.CHAPTER 2…………………………………………………………………….…P.8
4.Science…………………………………………………………………………P.8
5.Social/ Emotional………………………………………………………………P.10
6.Creative/Expression……………………………………………………………P.11

III.CHAPTER 3-………………………………………………………………….….P.12
7.Cognitive/ Math………………………………………………………….….….P.12
8.Gross Motor/ Dance…………………………………………………………….P.14
9.Circle/Songs/Verses/Plays………………………………………………...……P.16

IV. CHAPTER 4…………………………………………………………...…………P.17

10.Creative Exp./ Music………………………………………………………….P. 17
11.Creative Exp./Art……………………………………………………………...P.20
12.School Play/Script……………………………………………………………..P.22

V. CHAPTER 5………………………………………………………………………P.26
13.Puppet Show Script 2…………………………………………………………P.26
13.Tree Parts Diagram…………………………………………………………...P.28
14.Summery Page………………………………………………………………..P.29
15.Educational Materials…………………………………………………………P.31
16. Bibliography……………………………………………………………….....P.32
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Language Development Title- Wooly Winter Letter Books January Literacy

Objective- Prekindergarten children will experiment with winter crafts and book making that
involve ways of crafting, creating, playing with, and identifying letters and stories playfully. In
addition to projects and letter lyrics, scripts are acted out in story, song, verse, poetry, and
movement to make literacy ideas into exciting, more understandable experiences for children.

Winter Collage Letters- Before beginning the Teacher can share a tale of a rabbit who collected
buttons, string, thimbles, to make a cozy rabbit nest to keep out the cold. The Teacher can use
small figures to model the story before guiding children in a fun craft activity: We will make a
winter raccoon a gift: collage letters. He can use them to line his nest and keep out the winter cold.

1.Week 1- Collage Letter Directions- Using large sheets of cardboard or cardstock the Teacher can
use a pencil to draw and then each child can cut out a letter for the raccoon’s name three of four
inches high or more such as Rodney(R) the rabbit or their own name. Preschool children can
select craft materials from a basket to creatively decorate their letters in: buttons, ribbon, pipe
cleaners, fabric, and other materials. Children can creatively and playfully glue their fabric Letter
or apply various art materials such as paints or collage. In a plastic basket is a large variety of
tactile materials for children to freely experiment with and choose from. Children can later be
asked which name their letter choice represents. Each week different meaningful letters are used.

2. Week 1-Collage Letter Books- On stiff sheets of standard page sized cardboard or cardstock,
these can be hole punched (three holes along the “book spine” ) and later when the series of
cardboard sheets with projects is dry, the hole punched sheets can be tied into a board book with
ribbon. Children can draw a color background that fills the page. In small wicker baskets can be
fabric swatches and art craft materials. Children can creatively and freely use scissors, glue, yarn,
and crayons to explore and cut the ribbon, fabric, and other tactile materials into tiny or medium
pieces and past them into the picture of letters. Each day that collage letters is repeated, different
kinds of ribbon, buttons, cloth scraps, ribbons, cotton, and other items can be added for children to
creatively experiment. The Teacher can create samples to give the children some possible ideas to
creatively make their winter letter books. Learning Standards- Reading- 1.1.1, 1.1.2., 1.1.3, 1.1.4.,
1.1.5., 1.2.1., 1.2.2., 1.2.3., 1.2.5., Writing-1.4.1., 1.4.2, 1.5.1. 1.5.2., 1.5.3., 1.5.6, Speaking &Listening- 1.6.1.,
1.6.2., 1.6.3.
 5

1.Week 1-4-Winter Stories- In addition to tactile collage letters and letter books children can
be their own authors and illustrators of child made Winter Story Books. An opening activity of
this literacy and writing activity would be reading winter story books, fairy tales about winter
adaptations or plays to stir children’s imaginations through the wonder of the winter season.

The children can create their own winter books as a lively project in creative and purposeful
writing where children practice symbols, letter like approximations, letters, and pictures
representing their ideas in creating a winter story. Baskets are filled with a variety of materials and
art tools for children to experiment with like: markers, pencils, crayons, china markers, ink and
stamps, collage, etc. It also helps as a preliminary activity to encourage reading children’s winter
books before starting the book making. Parents and children appreciate these projects.

An easy way of creating blank books for children is by stapling five or more pieces of white paper
in between card board or paper covers. These kinds of books can be an ongoing project that can
last several for many days progressively. The Teacher can write the title on the cover before
children write their names and draw pictures on the cover and on the inner book pages.

Objective- Book making of child-made books is an exciting experience for children in exploring
language, books, and letter recognition. By children experimenting with words or sentences in
story telling by describing to teachers what their winter story is about (Teacher’s can write each
child’s words on every page in their book. This expression can help children in important literacy
skills, letter recognition, and appreciating books.

2. Week 1-4- Reading and puppet plays of interesting winter stories creates interesting experiences
for children in literacy development. Puppet Show Steps- Initially story books are read by the
Teacher before starting a fun puppet show. Soon the story is familiar to the children so that
children become comfortable enough to create a puppet show or retell the story themselves..
 6

Literacy/ Creative Expression- Title- Appreciating Winter Animals

Objective- the Mitten written by Jan Brett centers on the winter animal’s topic for January which
is a subtopic of the Winter Wonderland theme. The Science unit also studies the winter survival
changes of different animals. A third goal is children explore though this story the social,
emotional understandings about sharing in this and other stories.

1.Week 1- The Mitten- The meaning of sharing is experienced through creative use of a puppet
show with the book: The Mitten. The Teacher can assist the children to explore sharing in the play
by letting their character animals impromptu sharing more. In this way the children are rehearsing
important social skills and exploring ideas of animals in winter conditions.

Language Development Title- The Mitten Puppet Show January Literacy

Exploring The Book: The Mitten by Jan Brett

Week 1- Winter Puppet Show- Utilizing the book: The Mitten to open a science and social
emotional unit, children with the Teacher’s assistance can do both a scripted and improvisational
puppet show. On the first day or so the story can be read or modeled by the Teacher with puppets
until the book becomes familiar. Next, the Teacher assigns fun acting roles and can begin a puppet
show whispering script lines and encouraging children to improvise with kind words and sharing
words. The Teacher can discuss the moral of the story and help kids make predictions of what
could happen before the story ends.

Week 1- 4- Winnie The Puppet Show – Children can first hear a reading of the book: Pooh’s
Snowy Day by Lauren Cecil. The book also teaches and exemplifies the spirit of sharing for our
social emotional focus. A blizzard hits the snow covered hundred acre woods and in the drama
Pooh helps out piglet, then Pooh and Piglet help owl. Then they all go to help rabbit and so on.
After reading the Teacher can discuss with children the instances of sharing they heard in the story.
 7

Then after several readings occur, the sharing winter animal story is transformed into an exciting
puppet show using fun bear and animal puppets resembling the story characters.

Subject- Social Studies Martin Luther King Junior Day Activities

Week 3-4- Recommended Reading- The Teacher can select several books about Martin Luther
King. Some selections can include: Martin Luther King First Biographies, Young Martin Luther
King Junior, “I Have A Dream.”, Happy Birthday Martin Luther King, My Brother Martin, by
Christine King Farris ( A sister remembers growing up with Martin Luther King Junior and his
childhood.), National Geographic Readers: Martin Luther King Junior by Kitson Jazyaka, My First
Biography: Martin Luther King Junior by Marion Dane Bauer, and especially the children’s book
that was authored by Martin Luther King himself called: I Have A Dream Book and CD by Martin
Luther King, Jr. and Kadir Nelson which has life like drawings of his great speech and efforts.

Week 3- I Have a Dream Poster- The Teacher can read: I Have A Dream Book by Martin Luther
King, Jr. before giving each child a sheet of card stock or large paper to either draw a picture
representing Martin Luther King’s Dream or the second choice is to draw their own dream (and the
Teacher can relate to individual children how their dream may have be influenced related to or due
to Martin’s dream.)

Week 3- Project 2- Martin Luther King Literacy Poster- The Teacher using a pencil can lightly
draw in on a large sheet of poster board, a rough drawing outline of one of the books about Martin
Luther King. Then using a Marker an outline can be drawn in bold over the pencil. After a second
reading of Martin Luther’s Kings Children’s book children can using crayons and color their book
mural. Usually two to four poster boards (standard larger poster board) drawn up will be enough
for a Preschool class to color in small groups. It works best to tape each literacy mural to the table
to keep it in place for coloring. A fun meaningful addition to this, is to add playing Martin’s
speech in the background as children color their literacy mural.

Week 4- Jan. 21st- Martin Luther King, Jr. Mini Book- After the Teacher does a reading of a
book about Martin Luther King from the list above, children can receive a 4” X 5” blank book to
create their own home-made book about Martin Luther King Junior. Children can come up with
their own creative approach and ideas such as retelling his story or composing a story about a child
whose life was changed in a positive way because of what happened, etc to make a book.
 8

Subject- Phonics/ Literacy Literacy Games January

3. Word Bingo/ Phonics Bingo- For literacy and fun children play Letter Bingo. They can
play letter bingo for fun prizes which will make the game even more exciting for children.
Prizes can include items such as: small tins of play dough, art supplies, healthy treats, stickers,
and especially things the children request. Objective- Children practice letter identification
(naming alphabet letters) and have fun.

4. Winter Wonderland Cards- Preschool children use their creative skills to illustrate and
narrate detailed cards for family members and friends at school. In empty cookie tins are card
decorating materials such as: color pencils, pencils, pens, stencils, collage materials, stickers,
glue, magazine holiday images, and craft or scrapbooking materials. Children can make three
creative cards per sitting. Teacher’s can quote children’s words if they need assistance in
writing their cards message. Children can draw freely and creatively draw holiday pictures,
symbols, letters, and letter like approximations, collage, and doodles. Fun expressive Card
Making can be an ongoing activity though out January.

Objective- Prekindergarten children fine tune their fine motor/ writing skills in using a wide
variety of art materials. Prekindergarten children also compose holiday greeting card messages
(written by the child or Teacher) for those they love. (Art/ Writing/ Reading)

2. Alpha-Catch- Literacy/ Gross Motor

Objective- Through this activity Prekindergarten children learn letter identification (the names of
letters), phonics (the sounds of letters), and letters matching words (S for salamander) in a fun game.
In this fun activity children play and learn letter identification and letter sounds in the fun playful
way of playing a game of catch. Before starting the Teacher can create a batch of 8.5 by 11” card
stock paper with either drawings or magazine pictures of objects with corresponding letters. For
example one card can have an Octopus drawn with its body as the letter “O”. A “P” for Princess
and a magazine picture of a princess. A “S” for Snake with the snakes body resembling the letter
S or an “R” for rabbit with a cute magazine picture of a rabbit. A stack of cards that have both
picture and the corresponding letter are used in this game. To start the Teacher makes up a quick
silly and vivid poem (include all the senses) while repeating the same letter words of the held up
card. For example: The letter S card is held up and the Teacher makes up a quick poem: Sally
snake is silver and she met Susan swan who is swimming swiftly with shiny feathers on cool silky
water before she swallows soup. The Teacher throws the bean bag through the air for a child to
catch. The moment the child catches it, they should call out: the letter, words in the poem that start
with the letter and their favorite character from the poem such as: “S, Sally Snake, swimming,
 9

swallow soup.” Each child who gets at least three words plus the letter gets a bingo chip like
winning a point.

2. Play Catch With Letters- A second choice and simpler version of the activity above is the
children can play catch with word and letter sounds such as one child throw the bag and yells:
“cat”. The second child makes a “kaaa” sound or says the “letter C” upon catching it. To make
this more fun catching mitts can be used and children can practice throwing far, slow, and fast.
Alpha Catch and Play Catch with Letters are fun letter identification and phonics activities that can
be ongoing and repeatedly played by children though out the entire month of January.

Literacy & Math Title- Piper’s First Winter By- H. Giamboi

Week 4- We open with the Puppet Show Script: Piper’s First Winter- Children will enjoy
performing in another fun puppet show called: Piper’s First Winter. Teacher’s can assign
characters to children. This puppet theater show is essentially Theater with a Mathematical Twist:
A children’s puppet show that incorporates number songs, counting, clap counting, verses, and
other fun ways of expressing math theatrically in a fun winter theme play.

Piper’s First Winter Play Script

Characters- Piper, Penelope, Mr. Fluffy. Puppets can be made using pom poms, yarn, craft store
figures on sticks, finger puppets, or puppets.

Narrator- One day Piper, an itsy bitsy fluffy baby bunny rabbit no more than three inches tall
awoke in his soft cotton and straw bed. Piper curled up under the straw and pulled a special scarf
he found over his white furry shoulder.

Piper- . I am sss sso cold it is soo soo chilly, what is going on?

Fuzzy- It’s winter little Piper. There is flooding in the rabbit hole and the water is turning into ice!
In fact my carrots are now frozen carrots.

Piper- What does that mean Daddy, “frozen”?

 10

Fuzzy- It means that when it gets extremely cold, it can be so cold that water changes into hard
Cold ice. And that is why we must go. We don’t want to become rabit-sickels. Oh look Here
comes Mommy bunny hopping over.

Penelope- Hello Piper. Hello Fuzzy. I am afraid our rabbit hole is becoming more like an ice cave.
What should we do my bunnies?

Piper- It is soo chillly. Even the scarf isn’t keeping me warm.

Fuzzy- We must travel on a dangerous path out of our bunny village to another village nearby.

Piper- Why is the wide outdoors dangerous for rabbits?

Fuzzy- Because of predators like Mr. Fox and dog. They think rabbits are tasty. But we have a
special winter trick, our fur has turned white so that we look just like the snow. If we are careful
and quite the fox and dog will only see lots of snow.

Narrator- The little rabbit family brings their frozen carrots and sets off for sunny village.

Piper- Oh what fun I see shapes in the snow.

Fuzzy- Yes. Piper. Those are rabbit foot prints. Let’s count them. Children chant count to twenty.
Carful piper the suit case is open and you dropped carrots in the snow.

Fuzzy- Can you count these too Piper?.

Piper- One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Sorry, I dropped seven into the snow.
(all children clap count to seven).
Penelope- And don’t forget the scarf of many colors. The fox will surely see that if it’s not tucked
away little Piper.

Piper- There are so many colorful stings of every color in my special scarf:1, 2, three, four, five,
six, seven (counting)..to twenty three. Children (All children clap count for each number.)
Penelope- Oh no, look it’s the fox. Put that scarf away little Piper!

Piper- Oh my. Mr. Fox. Maybe he will think that we are snow and not tasty rabbits.

Fuzzy- No one move. He is looking this way. Hopefully he won’t smell us over here.
Narrator- Piper very slowly burrowed into the snow along with Penelope and Fuzzy. After ten
minutes hiding in a tiny bunny igloo, Piper poked her tiny bunny head out of the snow. She looked
left. She looked right. Where is he?
 11

Fox- I’ am here!! The fox growled.

Penelope- Runnn!!! Run Piper! Run Fuzzy!

Winter Bunny’s Verse- The fox as come. The fox has come.
Run, run, run. The fox has come. Children run in place.
Over snow and ice you slide outside. Little rabbit feet fast 20 paces.
Children shake bells and count twenty. Run, run, run.
Over bumpy stones a long path ( hit sticks 13 times)
Hopping and hopping. Bouncing and bouncing.
I need to hide in this snow!! Three bunnies slide beneath
The snow: one, two, three. (children snap three times)
Fuzzy pokes is nose out and smells nothing. Then his head pops out of
the snow: pop. Looking left, looking right. All is clear. The
fox is no longer near.

Fuzzy Bunny- I am fine and I am glad all of you are too. We were lucky and we are even more
lucky to by in sunny town!!

Raison- Well, we have to move this bag of carrots into our new warm underground den!!

Narrator- the bunnies went to work digging their new underground bunny den which was large.
Penelope filled it with hay and cotton she found.

Penelope- Let’s count balls of cotton like counting sheep for you to sleep. (Children can count
by tens to 100).
Narrator- By the time they finished it was so cozy and warm that Piper fell fast asleep.

Penelope begins to sing: (tune of birthday song.) I love bunny boo, I love bunny boo, I love little
bunny. I love bunny boo. Next- One little, two little, three little bunnies song. (Number song)
Fuzzy- We are so lucky to live in sunny village in a warm new den!! We made it finally and
everything was bunnyrific. And they awaken the next morning to warm carrot stew in their cozy
bunny pajamas. The End.

January Winter Animal Book Suggestion List:

The Mitten by Jan Brett- A pattern book about animals that find and share a mitten.
Snow by P.E. Eastman- About experiencing the wonder and beauty of snow.
Mouse’s First Snow by Laurent Thompson- Winter surprises and meeting new friends.
Winter (four seasons) by Ruria Roca- Explores the unique qualities and activities of winter.
People In Winter, by N. Roca- “Snow falls, animals hibernate, people bundle up for winter.”
 12

Science- Title- Snow Animals January

Objective- The January science unit begins by centering on the survival methods of winter
animals in changing weather conditions such as: Hibernation, Adaptation, and Migration of winter
animals. In this science unit children will appreciate and respond to a focus on winter animals by
reading winter animal books, having nature bird watch walks, and taking trips to learn about the
unique winter ways animals find warm, comfort, food, and shelter in the wiles of winter.
Standards- Biological Sciences- 3.1a.1, 3.1a.5, 3.1a.8, 3.1b.2, 3.1b.5, 1.8.3, 1.8.2., 3.1c.4.

1. Week 1- My Life As A Bear- Step 1- Pass in a circle an ice cube in a plastic bag before
explaining the significance of the challenge animals face when exposed to cold like the ice cube
they touched or cold winter changes. To open children will read the book: The Animal’s Winter
Sleep by Lynda Graham Barber, a book which goes into winter survival adaptation of animals.
Step 2- Bear Changes Chart- The Teacher can use chart paper to make a T chart about survival
ways of Winter Bears. On one side of the chart are the words: “bears need” and on the second
side is the word “adaptations”. For example if the Teacher writes into the “bears need” column
that bears need to keep warm. The Teacher could ask children to brainstorm ideas of what
adaptations could the bear do to keep warm and write down children’s ideas into “adaptations”
column such as: more fat, sleep in winter, find a warm cave or den, etc.

Step 3- Bear Hibernation Diorama- A fun science project that elementary school children have
done for decades is creating dioramas which are miniature scale models of a science concept. In
this case children can create a fun bear hibernation diorama. 1. First children can select an
“armature” or container that provides a structure to build their diorama such as: a shoe box, a shoe
box lid, a small tray, or long lid, or a sheet of thick cardboard. 2. Using clay, salt dough clay, or
paper machie they make (one or two kids) the snowy ground using clay, cotton, or other materials.
If a child happens to be using a shoebox, a blue sheet of construction paper can be painted with
fluffy white clouds and snowy hills and taped into the box as a background. If the child is instead
using a tray or cardboard, clay can be used to line the ground as snow. 3. Once the ground or
background is made children can use either plastic hibernating animals, fashion animals out of clay
or using animal shaped clay cutters before creating a warm winter cave or hibernation den for the
winter animals. Once everyone’s special creative Hibernation Diorama is complete the children
can have a fun show and tell.

Using A Tray A Snow Cave A Shoe Box

 13

An extension to this science project is that Prekindergarten children can be brought on a special trip to the zoo.
Some zoos have special programs introducing children to animals in the zoo that make winter adaptations or
discuss animals that live in cold climates. This optional activity is an exciting way for children to experience
how important adapting is in a real animal’s life. After returning from the trip children can do observational
drawings of the most interesting animals they saw and those animals’ adaptations.

Week 1-4- Independent Reading- Children can read a variety of Winter Animal Books for
independent Reading. They can select from book bins while sitting on a couch or cozy reading rug.
______________________________________________________________________________

Math/ Science Kids Winter Recipe Book

Objective- For the January science activity Prekindergarten children explore numbers,
measurement, and estimation in creating their own Kiddy Recipe Books. Before making a kids
recipe book children will draw pictures of the steps, measurement amounts, and add creative
details. Some things children can make are: sharing gifts with winter animal friends such as
Winter Bird Treats or Bird Seed House Sculptures. Then also for people children can make winter
recipes like: hot coco, zesty snow balls, and winter soup.

2.Week 2- Snow Bird Surprises- The Teacher can improvise telling the children a story called:
Snow Chicks of three baby birds who live in a pipe near a little boy’s window. The Teacher can
describe the challenges of winter birds and about how food availability and types changes for birds
in winter months. Ask children: How do many birds survive? The Teacher can discuss Migration
and adaptation and even add a migration and adaptation book for children to hear. It can also be
described how sometimes in winter there are people who give the winter birds gifts or help in the
form of bird feeders, homes, or special treats. Related to the spirit of giving in a social/ emotional
aspect children will create special gifts called: Winter Bird Treats and then afterwards go outdoors
to watch the birds enjoying their gifts.

Step 1- In advance a tray of pinecones can have string tied in a loop on the end for hanging in
trees. Using an empty disposable foil tray (with high edges to reduce spilling) a child uses a
measuring cup to measure one cup and five tablespoons of wild bird seeds into the tray. (If two
Teachers are present two or more trays can circulate.) The entire table can be covered with a sheet
of brown packaging paper taped on to keep things neat. Each child can use a teaspoon to scoop
four tablespoons of peanut butter and coat a pinecone in peanut butter before rolling the pinecone
into the bird seed. (Avoid doing this activity if one or more children have nut allergies.) After one
child completes their pine cone the next child measures two cups of bird seed and repeats the same
process until all the children have made winter bird treats.

Before starting this project children can be given their blank Winter Squirrel Recipe Book to draw
the recipe steps: for example teaspoon stencils, one cup measuring cup stencils can be used for
 14

children to trace and draw in pictures for this very simple recipe for birds. The Teacher can have
two sample books already made for children to look at. Through this project children are writing
numbers and measurements, and drawing amounts used in a step by step process.

3. Week 2- Project 2- Bird House Making- January

Using popsicle sticks and non-toxic glue children can freely use popsicle sticks to creatively
construct a bird house containing a small cup for a seed dish and water dish that can be added later
( a plastic cup or clean empty milk carton can be cut into a dish later.) The Teacher can encourage
Prekindergarten children to use “special tools” such as a scale for weight, a measuring ruler, and a
tape measure to decide how long and wide their bird house should be. Explain to the children we
are making bird houses for birds that are 4 inches high or smaller. The Teacher can ask children to
estimate if the birds are 4 inches high or smaller what size bird house would best? Children can
first be shown sample picture images of popsicle stick and wooden bird houses before starting. If
children like they can make a planning drawing before starting or they can just start. The Teacher
can encourage children to be creative and innovative in their fun bird house creations.

4. Week 2- Project 3- An Adaptation Creation- After reading a book about winter animal
adaptation called: A Warm Winter Tail by Carrie Pearson the Teacher can discuss how animal
cope with winter by building “dens” or homes in the ground, caves, or trees. It can also be
brought up about warm animal coats of: feathers, fur, and fat. The Teacher can remind the children
about the bird homes made the day prior. Next the Teacher can show children pictures of dens and
coats that insulated animals from the cold. In this project children are given a variety of art
materials: clay, wood (popsicle stick and shape wood), glue, string, safe twisty tie wire or pipe
cleaners, cotton, yarn, fabric swatches. Using materials of their choice children can do one of two
things: 1. Build a warm winter animal doll with a winter coat. Or 2. Build a winter animal gift that
helps animals cope with winter (cold, lack or food or water). Some suggestions or samples to
show could include: a bird feeder, a bird house with warm string, a warm clay animal den, a water
dish.

5. Week 2- Project 4- Bird Migration Mini Books- The Teacher can read the migration book:
Going Home, The Mystery of Animal Migration, by Marianne Berks. Children can start to
construct a Bird Migration Mini Book. Roughly 4”x 3”. Books are assembled by stapling 6 or
more sheets of white paper sandwiched in between a construction paper book cover. One
magazine picture of a bird is Taped on the front cover where the child’s name and “Bird Migration
Mini Book” is written. Children can create their own story book about a migrating bird. The first
step is to make up a name for the bird and describe what happens when winter comes. Where does
he go? After discussing possible destinations children can use magazine pictures or make
drawings of their bird’s adventure in migration. Poems and songs can also be shared. Encourage
children to talk about what their book means and quote children’s words at the bottom of each
page of the Bird Migration Book. Later, children can make a collection of books of each type of
 15

animal winter behavior: migration, adaptation, and hibernation. 3.Week 3- In the third week we
explore the meaning and purpose of “hibernation” in animals such as bears by reading a book
about bear hibernation and drawing a hibernation prediction drawings.
Social/ Emotional- Sharing In Other Units Creative Exp. Art

Objective- In January Prekindergarten children will do projects centered on the theme of sharing
and caring which is a basic social/ emotional skill in “pro-social relationships with peers.” In this
way children will produce pictures for peers and participate in story activities where they explore
the sharing and caring theme such as in the unit of winter animals sharing. These projects were
described in the previous unit of making animal gifts: bird treats, winter animal homes, and
interactive games. Caring for animals is one way children learn to share by caring for pets.
Children also do representational drawings of sharing using a variety of materials: paint, china
markers, collage, crayons, and other materials to strengthen awareness of reciprocal sharing.

1.Week 1- Winter Animal Stories- Utilizing sheets of white paper and wicker baskets of art and
writing materials like: color pencils, letter stencils, ink and stamps, markers, china markers,
pencils. Books can be spine hole punched and assembled with ribbons after children write and
illustrate it. Children creatively select materials to create individual pages of a fun “sharing” book
about Winter animals that come together for a common goal or to help each other. As children
create their fun books the teachers can encourage each child to talk about the meaning of each
page and scribe the child’s descriptions, narrations, and ideas at the bottom of each page.
Children write and illustrate their own Story books about Winter Animal stories of sharing.
These home-made, child made books can be kept at school in the library center before
children share them at home with family.

2. Week 2- In the second week of January this social/ emotional theme in sharing for pro-social
relationships is explored through the Science unit activities described in the Science unit such as:
Winter animal sharing books and assembly projects like: Winter bird gifts, Bird house making,
dioramas, and den making to create interesting and useful crafts.

3. Week 3- Winter Math Animals- During the third week

January Preschool children will continue the sharing theme during playful math explorations of
squirrels that collect, count, and share their collections which is a simulation of sharing skills.
(See the Math section below for a complete and detailed description.)
 16

Math/ Literacy Title- Winter Math Squirrels January

Objective- In January Prekindergarten children explore creating winter math squirrel books
similar to November’s Math Squirrels. Children use fun counters like large winter
walnuts, large colorful stones, crystals, or fruit, with a set of fluffy math squirrels (tiny dolls
such as those available at craft stores or made using craft materials like pom poms).
Children can animate the squirrels in a sort of story word problems of their creations such as
with the Teacher first modeling how Winter squirrel is counting how many acorns he has
for the winter to draw sets and write each set’s corresponding number.

Activity- 1. Week 2- Utilizing large walnuts, large stones or acorns along with Math Squirrels
Children creatively come up with stories of a wise or greedy squirrel who stored many
nuts this winter. The Teacher assists the children to count the nuts and draw the
corresponding mathematical picture on paper (in their Winter Math Squirrel Book).
Children can enjoy playing with and counting the tactile, interesting materials and tell
their own squirrel collecting stories (with numbers 1-20) to scribe into their book.

2. Week 2- Utilizing Math Squirrels, increase the number of acorns or gems the squirrels carry
to (numbers 1-30) to scribe into their Math Lesson book. Give the children free time to play
with and count the different materials and sort them by color or type into sorting cups or
trays. Continue to share stories and encourage children to create stories of how the squirrel
has different special places (different cups) he hides his goodies and acorns in his tree or
sharing with other squirrels before drawing these experiences.

3. Week 1 – 4- Number Books, Verses, and Songs - Any day of the week throughout January
Winter Math Squirrels can be alternated with fun number books, verses, and songs that have
Numbers, clap counting, and number games. Several books include: 1. Chicka Chicka 123,
2.My Granny Went To The Market by Stella Blackstone about a “jet set granny” who travels
around the world buying an increasing number of multi-cultural items from locals like “5
Swiss Cowbells or 7 Russian Nesting dolls.) 3.Museum 123- Another book exploring works
from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Number Duck Duck Goose- As children play the popular game: Duck Duck Goose they add a
number twist by the Ducker counting: “1 Duck, 2 Duck, 3 Duck, and so forth until they pick the
person who is the “Goose” who will chase them around the circle. Adding numbers to the games
makes it more fun and challenging as children are encouraged to count to higher numbers.
 17

Songs & Verses- See below the (songs, finger plays, and verses) section for number activities
includes mathematical expressions through music.

3. Week 3- Jewelry Making – Children use jewelry beads, macaroni noodles, or wooden beads
(Adjust this activity depending on the maturity of the children. (Watch children carefully that they
do not put items in their mouths. Also cancel the activity if you feel children will not use the
supplies appropriately or safely.) As counters children experiment with jewelry making to create
(necklaces or arm bands, etc.) Children can practice counting their beads and creating patterns that
they can later: draw, count, and write numbers (1- 15). The Jewelry that children make can be
gifts for school friends (sharing) or gifts for themselves.

For Math Children Make Jewelry, Count, & Draw Beads

3. Week 3- Jewel Beaded Snowflakes- Using pipe cleaners children string wintery beads: clear,
white, pale blue, and shimmery beads creatively into snowflakes. The Teacher can initially show
the children several sample pattern ideas to spark ideas for children to experiment. After a
snowflake is complete the Teacher can encourage children to count how many beads hang on their
jeweled snowflakes.

4. Week 4- Jewelry Making - Children experience jewelry making and counting their beads &
continue their recipe books. In addition to Jewelry Making during Learning Centers a Math Game
area can be periodically opened up with a tag that says: “Fun Math Games”. Children Can play:
“Go Fish” with number cards, candy land, bear counter or other number games at a Math. PA
Standards- Math- 2.1.1, 2.1.6, 2.2.2, Fine motor- 10.5.1
 18

1. Gross Motor/ Health- Title- Kiddy Yoga January

Objective- Kiddy Yoga- Children engage in gross motor and fun Yiddy Yoga and animal
movements for flexibility, large muscle strength, balance, coordination, and physical fitness.

1.Week 1-4- Kiddy Yoga- Delightful soothing music is played such as: ocean sound, soft bells,
Flute, or harp CD music. Children sit in a circle on the floor or on soft mats and mimic kiddy
yoga movements the Teacher models while explaining the moves: “For Reed pose you can put
your legs together and point your toes. Make a “T” shape with your arms. Sit straight and tall.
Now Imagine you are a reed (plant) blowing in the wind. While keeping your arms in a “T”
lean to the right until your hand touches the floor. (Hold in place for a count of five/ count with
the children to five.) Next the same is done with on the left side. Repeat. Children can next
under the Teacher’s direction do a series of stretches for their legs and arms.

A. Hello Sun- Hello Sun is the child’s version of the classic yoga selection called: Sun
Salutation. 1.For this children stand up in their circle and everyone stretches their arms up
high standing on their toes and once their arms are straight and long they wave their hands and
repeat: “Hi sun!” 2. The next movement as children begin to lower their arms the move their
arms in a circular motion which ends with their palms together in “prayer pose”. 3.Next they
place their palms on the ground and put their body into a push up position and from that
position they move by pushing the center of their body or bottom up while their hands and feet
stay on the ground into “dog pose”.
 19

While children are in dog pose they next lower their body to the ground and then stand up
repeating the same circular arm movements and the entire routine can then be repeated two to
five times depending on the interests of the children.

A Little One in Dog Pose

C. Sky Birds- Next background music CD music is played such as flutes. The Teacher
explains “We are birds. Spread your wings and follow me through the sky.” The Teacher
moves in large circles along the outer perimeter of the room as children mimic. The Teacher
changes tempo by saying: “Slow birds” (walk) or “fast birds” (jog).

D. Tree Pose- The Teacher explains that the next fun yoga movement is a challenge in balance.
Will anyone amaze us and be able to hold the pose for more than a count of five? Let’s see?
The Teacher models standing very straight and tall with arms extended straight up into the air.
Next she brings one of her feet up to rest on the side of her knee making her balance on one leg
in a tree pose. The children can mimic and see how long they can balance in tree pose. Tree
pose can be practiced multiple times to practice the skill of balance.

E. The Snake- The snake is the children’s version of “Cobra” in yoga. Children lay with their
stomach on the floor. Next they can place their hands flat on the floor on either side of their
face before pushing up with their arms and lift their head off the floor exercising their stomach
muscles. The Teacher can instruct children to move softly.

F. Butterfly Wings- Next sit in a circle and put the soles of their two feet together and begin to
flap their leg wings like butterflies. After butterflies children can pretend to be crabs and walk
on hands and feet with bottom near the floor.
 20

G. Wind- While playing peaceful music children pretend to blow about the room as though blown
by the wind or that they are the wind. Soft flute music can be played.

H. Next children lay on their backs and listen to the peaceful music as they breathe deeply. The
Teacher can say: “We lay on our backs and relax. We are floating in the clouds. An optional
activity would be the Teacher can lightly spray the air with natural strawberry (not synthetic).
Children can breathe deep as the Teacher counts out loud softly to fifty or one hundred breaths.

Activity- 2. Fun Sports- Kiddy Yoga can be alternated with Fun Sports activities depending on the
interests and energy levels of the children. Sports Choices for the playground might include:
Duck duck goose, soccer, and dodge ball, tag, or volley ball.

Activity 3- Free Dance- Kiddy Yoga can also be alternated with free dance to music.
Pa Learning Standards- Control, Coordination, Balance, and Strength- 10.4.1, 10.4.3
 21

Circle Time/ Music- Title- Songs, Verses, and Finger Plays

Circle of Snow- Children are warmly welcomed to circle with lively seasonal songs, verses,
poems, finger plays, number songs, clap counting, books, and puppetry original and classics that
center on themes of winter wonderland reverence for the beauty of nature and winter animals.
2. Week 1- 4- Songs for children’s chorus & winter circle songs poems, etc.:

Winter Wonderland Snowy Pokey

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song as we go along
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
In the meadow we can build a snowman
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say are you married
We'll so no man,
But you can do the job when you're in town
Later on we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid
The plans that
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
You put your right mitten in,
You take your right mitten out,
You put your right mitten in
and you shake it all about.
You do the Snowy pokey
and you turn yourself around.
That’s what it’s all about! clap clap
(Repeat using lyrics below)
You put your left mitten in
You put your scarf in
You put your right boot in
You put your left boot in
You put your hat in
You put your snow self etc.
(Hokey pokey tune and basis)
Everything Preschool.com, by Clara,

Number Verses
One is the Sun that shines so bright,
One is the moon so high;
One is the day and one is the night,
One is the sheltering sky.
One is a head so still and tame,
Upon one body whole with health;
And I is the one and the special name
That only I can call myself!
Lyrics to Frosty The Snowman :
 22

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul, Frosty the snowman knew
With a corncob pipe and a button nose The sun was hot that day,
And two eyes made out of coal So he said, "Let's run and
Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say, We'll have some fun
He was made of snow but the children Now before I melt away."
Know how he came to life one day. Down to the village,
There must have been some magic in that With a broomstick in his hand,
Old silk hat they found. Running here and there all
For when they placed it on his head Around the square saying,
He began to dance around. Catch me if you can.
O, Frosty the snowman He led them down the streets of town
Was alive as he could be, Right to the traffic cop.
And the children say he could laugh And he only paused a moment when
And play just the same as you and me. He heard him holler "Stop!"
Thumpetty thump thump, For Frosty the snow man
Thumpety thump thump, Had to hurry on his way,
Look at Frosty go. But he waved goodbye saying,
Thumpetty thump thump, "Don't you cry,
Thumpety thump thump, I'll be back again some day."
Over the hills of snow. Thumpetty thump thump,
Look at Frosty go.
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Over the hills of snow
Let It Snow Lyrics
Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
It doesn't show signs of stopping,
And I brought some corn for popping;
The lights are turned way down low,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
When we finally say good night,
How I'll hate going out in the storm;
But if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.
The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bye-ing,
But as long as you love me so.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Let it snow by Sammy Cahn

Deck The Halls
Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la, la la la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.
See the blazing Yule before us,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.
Follow me in merry measure,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
While I tell of Yuletide treasure,
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.
By J.P. McCaskey from the
Franklin Square Song Collection
Winter Time Poem
Icy fingers, icy toes,
Bright red cheeks and bright red nose.
Watch the snowflakes as they fall,
Try so hard to count them all.
One, two, three, four, five
(clap count each number)
Build a snowman way up high,
(reach up high)
See if he can touch the sky.
Snow forts, snowballs, angels, too,
One, two, three (stop dance each
number) to me and you.
In the snow, so white and new.
Slip and slide and skate so fast.
Wintertime is here at last.
Preschoolrainbow.org
By Mary Ryer with numbers and
movements added by H.G.
I'm a Little Snowman II
23
Jingle Bells
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride a
in a one horse open sleigh
(Repeat chorus)
Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O’er fiedls we go,
Laughing all t he way.
bells on bob-tail ring
Making spirits bright.
Oh what fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight.
Oh jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way!
Oh what fun it is to ride
On a one horse open sleigh.
(Repeat chorus)
Dance Like Snowflakes
To the tune of are you sleeping brother John
(Two children at a time come up during
circle time to dance as partners in circles
As the dance like snowflakes song is sung.)
Dance like snowflakes
Dance like snowflakes
In the air….In the air
Whirling twirling snowflakes
Whirling twirling snowflakes
Here and there
Here and there.
The lyrics above is repeated
As children dance in circles.
Lyric portion by preschool education
Snow Rabbits Number Song
One little, two little, three little
snow rabbits. Four little, five little
six little, snow rabbits. Seven little,
eight little, nine little snow rabbits.
 24

(Sung to: "I'm a Little Teapot") Ten little snow rabbits

I'm a little snowperson short and fat. hopping in the snow.
Here are my buttons, here is my hat. (While singing children hold up
When the sun comes out, I cannot play. fingers to represent each
I just slowly melt away! rabbit that is counted.)

Winter Sky
Way up high in the winter sky,
Two little snowflakes caught my eye. (Point 2 fingers to sky)
Down to the ground they fell without a sound. (Twist around)
And before very long, It was snowing all around. (Hold arms out)
Winter Sky is from Everything Preschool. com by Nancy

There is another sky by Emily Dickinson

There is another sky,
Ever serene and fair,
And there is another sunshine,
Though it be darkness there;
Never mind faded forests, Austin,
Never mind silent fields -
Here is a little forest,
Whose leaf is ever green.
Here is a brighter garden,
Where not a frost has been
In its unfading flowers
I hear the bright bee hum. Prithee,
my brother, into my garden come!

Squirrels Where Is Thumbkin

Counting poem
Five little squirrels sitting in a tree.
The first one said, "What do I see?"
The second one said, "Some nuts on the ground."
The third one said, "Those nuts I found."
The fourth one said, "I'll race you there."
The Fifth one said, "All right, that's fair."
So they shook their tails and ran with glee.
To the nuts that lay at the foot of the tree.
All The Snow
(Sung To The Tune of London Bridge)
All The Snow is Falling Down,
Family song
Where is Thumbkin, where is thumbkin
Here I am, (show thumb)
Here I am, (show other thumb)
How are you today sir (thumb talking)
Very well I thank you (thumb talking)
Run away (put thumb behind back)
Run away (other thumb behind back)
(Do all fingers and then sing):
Where is the family. Where is the family
Here we are (whole hand)
Here we are (whole hand)
How are you today sir (hand talks)
 25

Falling Down, Falling Down Very Well I thank you.

All The Snow is Falling Down, It is Winter. Run away. Run away (hands behind)
Shiny sparkly all around all around
All around. The Barney Song (For the school play & Songs)
Shiny sparkly all around I love you (point out)
It is Winter You love me (point to self)
Whirling Twirling To The Ground We’re best friends as friends can be
To The Ground, To The Ground With a great big hug (hug a friend)
Whirling, Twirling To The Ground And a kiss from me to you.
It Is Winter Won’t you say you love me too.
Yeah!! (Throw a pile of paper snow In the Air) I love you.
You love me.
Up High Song We’re a happy family
I can skip and I can hop With a great big hug
I can turn and I can stop. And a kiss from me to you
I can dance and I can sing, Won’t you say you love me too.
With my friends we form a ring.
On my head my, hands I place.
On my shoulders, on my face Winter Adaptations (Sung to happy birthday tune)
On my lips and by my side, It is winter for birds
Quickly behind me they will hide It is winter for rabbits
I can hold them way up high It is winter for bears
And let my fingers gently fly It is winter for you
I can hold my hands in front of me The nest is for you
And clap 1-2-3 Waldorf Author Unknown The den is for you
The cave is for you
Snowy Pokey The house is for you
You put your right mitten in, You take your right mitten out, On Top Of An Iceberg
You put your right mitten in and you shake it all about. Tune is on top of old smoky
You do the Snowy pokey and you turn yourself around. On top of an iceberg, All covered
That's what it's all about. With snow. I saw my 1st penguin
You put your left mitten in and wanted to know.
You put your scarf in Oh is it a bird? Or is it a fish?
You put your right boot in I looked at his feathers
You put your left boot in And knew which was which
You put your hat in You put your snow self etc. I said Mr. Penguin, Which
Everything Preschool.com, by Clara, species are you? He said I’m adelie
and not a gentoo. Childcarelounge
On Top Of An Iceberg Tune: On Top of Old Smoky
On top of an iceberg, All covered with snow,
I saw my first, penguin And I wanted to know.
Oh is it a bird,
Or is it a fish?
I looked at his feathers,
And knew which was which.
I said, "Mr. Penguin,
Which species are you?"
 26

He said, "I'm an emperor,

And not a gentoo."

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Bear In There by Shel Silverstein

There's a Polar Bear
In our Frigidaire--
He likes it 'cause it's cold in there.
With his seat in the meat
And his face in the fish
And his big hairy paws
In the buttery dish,
He's nibbling the noodles,
He's munching the rice,
He's slurping the soda,
He's licking the ice.
And he lets out a roar
If you open the door.
And it gives me a scare
To know he's in there—
That Polary Bear
In our Fridgitydaire.
Famous poets and poems.com

There is another sky by Emily Dickinson

 27

There is another sky,

Ever serene and fair,
And there is another sunshine,
Though it be darkness there;
Never mind faded forests, Austin,
Never mind silent fields -
Here is a little forest,
Whose leaf is ever green;
Here is a brighter garden,
Where not a frost has been;
In its unfading flowers
I hear the bright bee hum:
Prithee, my brother,
Into my garden come!

Class Events/ Trips- TBA

For the month of January any trips the compliment the theme of Winter Wonderland and winter
animals done in an imaginative way that introduces Prekindergarten children to cultural classics of
creative expression is relevant. For example some Teachers can come to a consensus on an agreed
upon trip to the zoo to see: Winter Animals at work with adaptations. Given the expense of some
events a free or an inexpensive event can be chosen and parents are asked to bring class trip money
such as a few dollars for the bus and the cost of admission. Other options include Teacher’s
having consensus on fun outings.

Winter Wonderland Party- Wed, January 30th at 2:00PM (can vary depending on school) an
exciting Winter Wonderland Party will be held. Activities will include: 1.

The school assembly/ show will be the first activity opening the party. In The Assembly each
class will volunteer a different performance (Teachers can decide who would prefer to do what): A
School Play, Puppet Show, Dance, or Children’s Choir.

______________________________________________________________________________

Teachers can re-type or photo copy the Invitation/ Reminder below to invite/ give a reminder to
parents three days before the party:

Jan. 28, 2013

Dear Parent,

We will be having an exciting Winter Wonderland Ball for children and parents on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 at 2:00PM.
The children will enjoy exciting party festivities like a dancing to winter wonderland music, freeze dance, and exciting
winter show with a children’s chorus winter concert.
 28

If you would like to join us, please send a note with your child tomorrow. It will be an exciting event. If you decide to
come, we look forward to seeing you for the fun Winter Wonderland Party!!!

Sincerely,

Happy Holidays!
Your Teacher

_____________________________________________________________________________

Summery Page January

1.Language Development – In the month of January Pre-K children explore creating their own
Winter letter books. Children also enjoy fun phonics and letter identification games with
Prize. Children also enjoy transforming blank books into exciting books about the
Sharing experiences of Winter Animals. Children will also listen to rhymes, songs, and
choose a variety of books & materials. Learning Standards- Reading- 1.1.1, 1.1.2., 1.1.3,
1.1.4., 1.1.5., 1.2.1., 1.2.2., 1.2.3., 1.2.5., Writing-1.4.1., 1.4.2, 1.5.1. 1.5.2., 1.5.3., 1.5.6, Speaking
and Listening- 1.6.1., 1.6.2., 1.6.3.

2. Social Studies - January being in the theme of Winter Wonderland children will explore
Classic Winter Wonderland traditional music, activites, and a thematic party. Also
through historic children’s literature children learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
and do literacy murals, posters, and home-made books exploring his achievements.
Learning Standards#- 7.3.1, Historical Comprehension- 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 3.1b.1

3. Science Exploration - January being a month of the winter season, will bring
Children into a science study block of the hibernation, adaptation, and migration activities
Of winter animals. In this science unit children will learn about how animals survive in
winter as well as the benefits and joys of sharing. Children will learn to appreciate, and
care for animals through exciting activities such as: nature walks, building animal gifts,
trips, puppet shows, and child made books, that appreciate animals in winter. Learning
Standards#- Science- 3.1a.1, 3.1a.5, 3.1a.8, 3.1b.2, 3.1b.5, 1.8.3, 1.8.2., 3.1c.4.

4. Creative Expression/ Arts- Theater, Visual Art, and Music are explored in the ways
mentioned above. Subjects are taught using arts activities. For the January puppet shows
children do fun number songs, clap counting, and singing about the adventures of winter
animals. For Visual Art children illustrate their own letter books and other books. For
movement children explore animal moves and kiddy yoga.
 29

PA Learning Standards#- Music & Movement- 9.1a.1, 9.1a.2, 9.1a.3, Drama- 9.1b.1,9.1b.2, Visual
Art- 9.1c.1, 9.1c.2, 9.1c.3, 9.4.1.

5. Social Emotional- Children will enjoy a series of playful puppetry experiences of sharing
Animals. Children also have child made book making activities about sharing and caring
With representational drawings of winter animals with pencils, china markers, collage,
Yarn, ribbons, buttons, fabric, and other materials to discuss the meaning of sharing.
Learning Standards#- Social/ Emotional- 25.3.1

6. Cognitive/ Mathematics – An enjoyable Math unit in January includes counting, number

identification, using counters, measurements with cooking, and estimation. For Winter Math
Squirrels Pre-K children create number stories of squirrels who share walnuts and other counters.
In addition to Winter Math Squirrels children will also explore Theater with a Mathematical Twist:
of puppetry that incorporates number songs, counting, clap counting, verses, and other fun ways of
expressing math theatrically. Additionally children measure and follow simple steps for recipes.

7. Gross Motor/ Health - Children begin a fun lesson in Children’s Yoga in concert with gentle
symphony music or beautiful soothing flute sounds. Children will explore stretches, calisthenics,
holding strength building yoga positions, and practicing activates that cultivate overall balance and
coordination such as standing on one foot for “tree pose” or moving in patterns.

8. Writing/ Fine Motor – Most of the activities included above include extensive fine motor
small muscle development skill building experiences and detailed hand eye coordination
practice. Included in fine Motor activities are: Craft/ Jewelry Making, Child Made Books
with pictures, Symbols, letter like approximations, and letters, Child Made Books, fine
motor toys, and painting.

9. Circle Time – Circle time opens with the Teacher’s warm welcoming song. This is followed
By the Teacher leading a brief discussion with each child such as: What are you most
Looking forward to today? Next the children enjoy twelve minutes of choral chanting
for alphabet, phonics, and math (or) Option 2- the use of questions like: “What begins
with the letter H? Songs, movement, & seasonal or thematic finger plays continue circle.
Learning Standards- Speaking & Listening- 1.6.1, 1.6.2., 1.6.3, 1.6.4, 1.8.1, 1.8.2., 8.1.1

10. Constructing Knowledge Through Play- Learning Centers such as: Art Center, Science
Center, Dramatic Play, Blocks, Sensory Water/ Sand, Library, and other areas children
can creatively explore through play. During learning centers a Writing Center is also
offered so children can explore writing through play.

11. Reading- (Readers Theater) Every day children enjoy listening to 3-5 stories read over the
course of the week and repeated to give children a deeper experience of the story.
 30

When the Teacher becomes comfortable the story can be “told” without use of a book
And then eventually it is transformed into a puppet show.
children to creatively experience the story.

12. Character Dev.- During book making and discussion times there is a focus on
advancing/ practicing qualities such as: positive thinking, sharing, character,
classroom adequate, forgiveness, virtuous, sensitive to others, loving/ compassion,
wisdom, and the qualities of giftedness such as: intense curiosity, high motivation,
obsessive interests, creative thinking, leadership, imagination, intellectual aptitude.

12. January Books- Pre-Kindergarten children will be reading books on the topics of: winter
Animals and winter. January books include: The Children’s play script: Pipers’ First Winter,
The Mitten by Jan Brett, Snow by P.E. Eastman- Mouse’s First Snow by Laurent Thompson,
Winter (four seasons) by Rurik Roca, People In Winter, by N. Roca. Also included are number
books: Chick Chick 123, My Granny Went To The Market, and Museum 123.

From month to month there are some activities that are repeated for consistency or a predictable
rhythm that helps children feel secure. For example book making is a consistent activity repeated
throughout the school year. It is exciting for children to make their own books and parents enjoy
them too. So are puppet shows, school plays, reading books, painting, and bean bag posture,
coordination, and creative. Other activities change with the rhythms of nature or natural cycles
such as seasons with corresponding educational and fun experiences.

January Supplies For All Areas-

1. Large Blank Books for book making. Small for Child Recipe Books.
2.Classical Music CD- of flute or symphony music for children’s yoga.
3. Winter Animal Books- Different versions and types can be found at the public library.
4. Pine Cones, Bird Seed, String- for bird gift project.
5. Ingredients for winter animal treats. Ingredients and measuring cups for winter cooking recipes.
6. Art Media- Markers, China Markers, Color Pencils, Water Color Paints, yarn, cotton, stencils,
fabric, Scissors, Glue, paints.
7. Popsicle sticks and non-toxic glue for bird house making.
8. Varied beads, Jewelry string, winter math squirrels, pipe cleaners, tape measures (Math).
9. Winter Animal puppets varying for each story.
10. The Children’s Play Script- Piper’s First Winter.
11. Tray or box for hibernation diorama and craft materials.
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Bibliography

Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Llyich. Cinderella. Philharmonic Orchestra. Composer

Michael Tilson Thomas, New York, NY: Sony/ ATV Music Publishing, 1996. Print.

Berks, Marianne, The Mystery of Migration. New York, New York:

Viking Books Publications, 1881. Print.

Brett, Jan, The Mitten. The Penguin Group Incorporated Publishing Group.
New York, NY: Penguin Sons Inc., 2010. Print.

Poulsson, Emilie, Finger plays For Nursery and Kindergarten. New York, NY:
Courier Dover Publications, 1893. Print.

Delamar, Gloria T., Count Out Rhymes, Finger Plays, Jump Rope and Bounce Ball Chants
and Other Rhymes. Jefferson, NC: McFarland Publishing, 1983, 2006. Print.

Author Unknown, Yoga Children, Yoga Camp Boga. Goods Yoga Bag Yoga Iyengar
Yoga body. Yogaireland.com. Ireland. 2012.

Unknown Author, Jan Brett Polar Bears Photo Image, Jan Brett Polar Bears Tale Blog
Igloo Tray. USA. 2012.

Unknown Author, Downward Dog Baby Image, Kids.net children’s yoga.

Child Yoga, Kids.net. USA. 2012.

Bieger, Shannon. Shoe Box Snow Scene Image. Flicker.com photos.

Flicker photos. USA. 2012.

Cecil, Lauren. Pooh’s Snowy Day. Disney Publisher.

Disney. USA. 2010.