Activity Idea: Yellow Star, Yellow Star, What Do You See?

Preschool Activity QuickSource® reminds us that mathematics is the "study of numbers, quantities, measurements, shapes, and their relationship to one another." The development of children's mathematical skills is developed by creating hands-on experiences and presenting problems to children that are meaningful and relevant to their developmental level. In other words, present math in a fun and creative way, and the opportunity is provided for children to develop abstract reasoning skills, learn complex math concepts and create solutions to real-life problems.

Here's an activity called Yellow Star, Yellow Star, What Do You See? that will help toddlers and preschoolers develop their color and shape recognition skills. For this activity, you will need tape, a manila file folder, and crayons or markers.

Materials Needed:
Manila file folder
Best Value Tape (BVTA) and Tape Dispenser (DISP)
Colorations® Markers (256CHB)
Super Shapes Classroom Stencils (SHAPEUP)

Let's Get Started:
1. Cut out the shape of a star on the front of a manila file folder (recycle an old one by turning it inside out).

2. Decorate the folder by stamping or coloring stars around the area you cut out.
3. Tape the sides of the folder together leaving the top with the tab open.

4. Place many different colors of paper in the pocket you have created.

Furthermore....
During circle time or small groups sing or chant "Yellow star, Yellow Star what do you see? I see a... (lift the first sheet of colored paper out of the pocket to reveal the next color) red star looking at me. Red Star, Red Star what do you see? I See a Blue star looking at me" etc.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds with the devlopmental guidelines shown in MA3 Classify and Sort by Attributes.

NEW Resource Added! Sample Family Letter

Hi Teachers!

We've added a letter we've developed to help you explain the POCET assessment to your parents. We hope this helps! Find it under Resources (on the right navigation panel)

Best,
POCET

Activity Idea: Puzzle Me, Puzzle You!

Preschool Activity QuickSource® reminds us that social/emotional activities focus "on helping children become caring, competent, and confident individuals." Give children a strong sense of self, foster their independence, encourage them to make friends, and teach them to share by nurting their social/emotional devlopment.

Here's an activity called Puzzle Me, Puzzle You! that will build awareness about the different people and cultures that make up a community. It will also help to develop fine motor and cooperative play skills. For this activity, you will need blank puzzles.

Materials Needed:
Make a Puzzle Set (PSMCOM)

Let's Get Started:
1. Display the puzzle boxes where the children can see and use as a guide.

2. Give each person one piece of the puzzle.

3. After the first person puts her piece down, encourage others to figure out how their piece fits.

4. Encourage them to talk about the pieces and to help one another decide which piece belongs where.

Furthermore....
Extend this activity by allowing children to first paint their puzzles. Start with puzzles with larger pieces and then begin to solve puzzles with smaller pieces as children develop their fine motor skills.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds with the devlopmental guidelines shown in SE6 Interacts Appropriately with Others by Helping, Sharing, Discussing and Developing Friendships.