Activity Idea: Creepy Crawly Snakes

Teacher QuickSource® reminds us that "children learn best when they have healthy minds and bodies." Often, when we think of "physical health" we immediately think of outdoor physical activities such as running, riding tikes, or other activities typically carried out on the playground during recess. These activities definitely contribute to a child's physical health. But it is important to remember that physical health is fostered by activities that enhance children's gross and fine motor skills.

Here is a great idea from Head Start QuickSource® called Creepy Crawly Snakes that helps children develop fine motor skills - an important element of physical health - through growing strength, dexterity and control needed to use tools such as scissors. (It's also a great activity to use when learning about garden animals that are coming out of their winter sleep.)

For this activity, you will need: green construction paper (one sheet for each child), crayons, and scissors (a pair for each child).

Before you start...
Draw an oval (the snake's head) and a spiral on a piece of green construction paper, one for each child. Make a large, thick spiral for children still learning to use scissors. Draw a longer, thinner spiral shape for those with good cutting skills

Let's get started!

1. Give each child a pair of scissors. Show the children how to cut along the line of the spiral, which will uncoil to create the snake's body. (You may want to have a few extra pieces of paper just in case a child needs additional practice.)

2. Let the children add eyes, scales, and a tongue with crayons.

3. Attach the snake body to the snake's head. Hang the snakes from the ceiling so that they spiral down to create a fun creepy, crawly look. (Optional)


If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: PH2 Begin to show fine motor dexterity and control.

For more developmentally-appropriate activities, visit Teacher QuickSsource® and browse through all age areas, including Preschool, Kindergarten, Infant, Toddler, and Head Start. Don't forget to explore activities promoting environmental awareness at Environmental QuickSource®, too!

Activity Idea: Local Business in the Classroom

Creative play is an important learning experience that supports all areas of child development and fosters imagination and creativity. The playground isn't the only environment for play, the classroom can also offer wonderful opportunities for creative and dramatic play that double as valuable learning experiences. Preschool QuickSource® reminds us that "by assuming different roles, children have the opportunity to work out solutions to problems, practice new skills, and interact with others."

Here's a fun activity called Local Business in the Classroom that teachs children express thoughts, ideas, and feelings in creative ways by encouraging them to independently participate in dramatic play experiences and use various materials and props to enhance their play.

For this activity, you will need: business materials from a local business (see activity), career costumes or hats, a pretend cash register. This activity can be altered for various types of businesses or can take place without the suggested field trip (if need be).

Let's get started!

1. Visit a local business and tell them that you would like to create a dramatic play center about that business. Ask the business for materials that would help create the center. For example, visit a local pizza parlor. Ask the pizza parlor for pizza boxes, cooking hats, signs and anything else that would be helpful in creating the center.

2. Someone from the business may be willing to visit the classroom and talk to the children about the business. If they are willing, have them share their experiences with the class.

3. Set up the center in the classroom and let the children use their imagination in creating life in the business using the materials provided.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: CA 8 Participates in Dramatic Play by Using Materials to Create Different Roles and Situations.

Other business ideas include a diner, a grocery store, a post office, or more! The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

For more developmentally-appropriate activities, visit Teacher QuickSsource® and browse through all age areas, including Preschool, Kindergarten, Infant, Toddler, and Head Start. Don't forget to explore activities promoting environmental awareness at Environmental QuickSource®, too!