Discussions Regarding the Preschool Observation Checklist and Evaluation Tool (POCET)

Activity Idea: Word of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:54:00 +0000

Kindergarten QuickSource® reminds us that literacy begins by immersing children in "literacy-rich environments and fostering a love of language and reading." Emerging literacy skills can be supported by planning activities that involve "discriminating sounds, identifying print, recognizing letters, developing a love of books, writing, and appreciation of the rhythm of language."

Here's an activity called Word of the Week that will help children increase their knowledge of words and will boost their vocabulary skills. For this activity, you will need White Sentence Strips (WSE), and a Pocket Chart (POCK).

Materials Needed:
White Sentence Strips (WSE)
Pocket Chart (POCK)

Let's Get Started:
1. A good way to increase vocabulary in young children is to choose a "Word of the Week." A word should be chosen that may be unfamiliar to many of the children.

2. Write the word on a card or sentence strip while the children watch.
3. Have the children say the word.
4. Post the word in a place where it can be noticed often during the week.
5. Throughout the next few days, revisit the word asking the children the meaning.

Furthermore....
Have children practice using the "Word of the Week" in a sentence throught the week.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline LG3: Understands More Complex Vocabulary and Displays Listening Comprehension.

Activity Idea: Shapes and Color Collage

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:44:00 +0000

Preschool Activity QuickSource® reminds us that we can "support the development of children's mathematical skills by creating hands-on experiences and by presenting problems to children that are meaningful and relevant to their developmental level" by presenting mathematics in a fun and creative way. It is important to provide children with an opportunity to develop abstract reasoning skills, learn complex math concepts and create solutions to real-life problems.

Here's an activity called Shapes and Color Collage that will help children develop their shape and color recognition skills. For this activity, you will need Colorations® 12x18" Heavyweight Construction Paper (12CP), Colorations® Super Classroom Paint Brush Set (BRUSHES), Colorations® Washable Clear Glue (NGL), and Teacher's Comfort Grip Scissors (TGRIP).

Materials Needed:
Colorations® 12x18" Heavyweight Construction Paper (12CP)
Colorations® Super Classroom Paint Brush Set (BRUSHES)
Colorations® Washable Clear Glue (NGL)
Teacher's Comfort Grip Scissors (TGRIP)

Let's Get Started:
1. Cut out different shapes from construction paper using the week's color theme (or with a shape theme, cut out multiple pieces of the same shape). Add paint or food coloring to represent the week's color.

2. Allow the child to brush glue onto white construction paper (or color of choice).

3. Next, ask the child to find the shape (square, circle, triangle etc..) and then have him/her press the shape onto the paper. You may need to show the child the first few times, but you will be surprised at how quickly they pick this up.

Furthermore:
This activity can be combined with a weekly lesson plan consisting of either shapes or colors. Consider following this activity with a reading from any color/shapes prechool book.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: MA3 Classify and Sort by Attributes.

Activity Idea: Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:45:00 +0000

Infant and Toddler QuickSource® reminds us that language development is critical for toddlers as they learn to listen, communicate and follow directions. Caregivers can encourage this development by "providing activities that stimulate language expression and initiate communication."

Here's an activity called Restaurant that helps children to initiate conversation with others and make requests without being prompted. For this activity, you'll need a Dinner Set (DIN), an Around the World Food Set (AWFS), a Multicultural Food Set (MULTISET),a set of Life-Sized Fruit and Veggies (FOODSET), and a table and chairs.

Materials Needed:
Dinner Set (DIN)
Around the World Food Set (AWFS)
Multicultural Food Set (MULTISET)
Life-Sized Fruit and Veggies (FOODSET)
A Table and Chairs

Let's Get Started:
1. The teacher can set up a restaurant in the dramatic play centers.

2. Encourage the children to have one child take the “food orders” from the other children.

3. A child placing the orders will initiate the conversation and tell the child behind the counter what he wants to eat. Most children have had experiences with this with their family.

Furthermore....
Children can learn about nutrition using the pretend play food provided. A possible addition would be Discount School Supply's® Food Pyramid Felt Set (NBFBFOOD).

If using POCET™, this Activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: EL18: Initiates Conversations and Makes Requests.

Activity Idea: Tiny Seeds

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:55:00 +0000

Head Start QuickSource® reminds us that the Physical Development & Health domain refers to "physical well-being, use of the body, muscle control, and appropriate nutrition, exercise, hygiene, and safety practices." Physical well-being, health and motor development are foundation to children's learning and early health habits lay the foundation for lifelong healthy living.

Here's an activity called Tiny Seeds that encourages children's creative expression and the development of their fine motor skills. For this activity, you will need paper plates (DIXIE), Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera Yellow Paint (WSTYE), paint brushes (LOTCHB), Colorations® Heavyweight Green Construction Paper (9CPGR), Colorations® Washable School Glue (SCWGSET), and The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle.

Materials Needed:
9" White Paper Plates (DIXIE)
Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera Yellow Paint (WSTYE)
Colorations® Best Value Plastic Handle Paint Brushes (LOTCHB)
9x12" Colorations® Heavyweight Green Construction Paper (9CPGR)
Colorations® Washable School Glue (SCWGSET)

Let's Get Started:
1. Talk to the children about the flight of the seed in the story. Remind them what happened with each season.

2. Discuss how big the sunflower grew and how there were hundreds of seeds in the middle of its pod.

3. Give each child a paper plate and have them paint it yellow.

4. Show them how to glue sunflower seeds into the center of the plate.

5. Attach a strip of green paper to the back of the plate to resemble the stem.

6. Display your field of sunflowers on a classroom bulletin board.

Furthermore....
Bring a variety of seeds or nuts in to the classroom and encourage the children to examine and sort them. Suggestions include acorns, seedpods, pumpkins or acorn squash cut in half. Include whole sunflower seeds as well as ready-to-eat sunflower seeds and peanuts in a shell and out of the shell. How are the seeds alike? How are they different?

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds with the devlopmental guidelines shown in PH2: Begins to show Fine Motor Dexterity and Control.

Activity Idea: My (Almost) Everything!

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:12:00 +0000

Preschool Activity QuickSource® reminds us that social/emotional activities focus on "helping children become caring, competent, and confident individuals" by nururing their sense of self, fostering their independence, encouraging them to make friends, and teaching them to share with others.

Here's an activity called My (Almost) Everything! that will help children become aware of their personal likes and dislikes. Children can also express feelings and learn their basic information, such as name, age, family members, etc. For this activity, you will need Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera Paints and 12x18" White Sulphite Paper.

Materials Needed:
Colorations® Simpy Washable Tempera Paints (SWT16)
12x18" White Sulphite Paper (12SU)

Let's Get Started:
1. Have each child make handprints with paint on a sheet of paper, leaving room for text.

2. Have a list of ten questions, one for each finger.
My name is?
I live at?
My favorite color is?
My favorite game is?
My favorite food is?
My favorite animal is?
When I grow up, I want to be a?
I like to?
My wish is to?
If I could have a super power, it would be?

3. List their answers, one above each finger.

4. Display around the room.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds with the devlopmental guidelines shown in SE1 Shows Awareness of Self and Knows Personal Information.

Activity Idea: Hide the Object

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:26:00 +0000

Infant and Toddler QuickSource® reminds us that sensory awareness becomes part of an infant’s life at a very early age. "Playing Peek-a-Boo, placing items in her mouth and becoming aware of her own body parts will eventually help the child support the scientific wonderment of our world."

Here's an activity called Hide the Object that helps children begin to understand patterns involved in simple games. For this activity, you will need a Snuggle Me Tot Supporter (SNUGME) and a set of Soft Squeak Blocks (SQUEAK).

Materials Needed:
Snuggle Me Tot Supporter (SNUGME)
Soft Squeak Blocks (SQUEAK)

Let's Get Started:
1. When a child has reached the point of enjoying games such as Peek-a-Boo, play “Hide the Object.”

2. Take something small and hide it behind the child and ask, “Where did it go? Where is the block?”

3. Also play the game by hiding objects under the infant’s leg, in the infant’s hand, on the infants head (if safe and appropriate, such as an article of clothing).

4. Continue asking the child, even if the child’s skills are not developed enough to locate the object.

Furthermore....
Continue playing the game, but squeak the block when it's behind your back to increase the infant's curiosity.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: ES3: Plays Peek-a-Boo.

Activity Idea: Wocket Pockets

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:43:00 +0000

Head Start QuickSource® reminds us that the Literacy Knowledge and Skills domain "refers to the knowledge and skills that lay the foundation for reading and writing, such as understanding basic concepts about books or other printed materials, the alphabet, and letter-sound relationships." Early literacy is the foundation for reading and writing and is considered one of the most important areas for a child's development and learning. Early literacy provides children with an opportunity to explore the world and is a mechanism for learning about topics they enjoy.

Here's an activity called Wocket Pockets that will encourage language development in toddlers. For this activity, you will need sandwich bags, tape, Colorations® Heavyweight Construction Paper (9CP), wood craft sticks (CRAF), Colorations® Chubby Crayons (CRCHB), and There's a Wocket in My Pocket by Dr. Seuss (BKSETE).

Materials Needed:
Sandwich Bags
Tape
Colorations® Heavyweight Construction Paper (9CP)
Wood Craft Sticks (CRAF)
Colorations® Chubby Crayons (CRCHB)
There's a Wocket in My Pocket by Dr. Seuss (BKSETE)

Let's Get Started:
1. Read There's A Wocket in My Pocket. Emphasize the silly rhymes and words the children know that rhyme.

2. Encourage the children to create a creature using a rhyme they made up, or the children can use their imagination to draw their own version of a "wocket." The sillier the rhyme and creature, the better.

3. Tape a Popsicle stick to the back of each child's creature to create a simple stick puppet. Then put on a show!

4. You can make a pocket for the "wockets" by taping three edges of the sandwich bag to construction paper. Leave the top zip side open.

Furthermore....
Play with rhymes throughout the day. Sing "Willaby Wallaby Woo" by Raffi.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds with the devlopmental guidelines shown in LT4: Shows Awareness that Words Can Begin with the Same Sound.

Activity Idea: Painting Without a Brush

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:42:00 +0000

Kindergarten QuickSource® reminds us that the fine arts "support all areas of development and allows the child to foster creativity and imagination." Children can express thoughts and feelings by painting a picture, dancing, or singing a song.

Here's an activity called Painting Without a Brush that will help children to explore different artistic mediums. For this activity, you will need a Sponge Painting Kit (SPOKIT), Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera Paint (SWT16) or BioColor® Paints (BIO16), and 12x18" sheets of Extra Sturdy Tagboard (12WT).

Materials Needed:
Sponge Painting Kit (SPOKIT)
Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera Paint (SWT16)
BioColor® Paints (BIO16)
Extra Sturdy Tagboard (12WT)

Let's Get Started:
1. Give each child a large piece of paper that works well with paint.

2. Place the different colors of paint in a covered area with easy access for the children.

3. Place the various painting tools on a tray. Have the children experiment, using different items to spread the paint on the paper.

Furthermore....
Extend this activity further by allowing children to create a 3-dimensional mural with other craft mediums.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: CA5: Explores Drawing, Painting and Modeling with Different Materials and Media.

Activity Idea: Making Marks

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:35:00 +0000

Infant and Toddler QuickSource® reminds us that toddlers begin learning about print when they are in the 18-36 month age range. "Caregivers should provide plenty of experiences that involve rhyming, using books, beginning the process of scribbling. Children in this stage are very curious about the world and items around them."

Here's an activity called Making Marks that will help toddlers begin the process of learning about print. Exposing toddlers to books and stories will provide the foundation to help them gain the necessary literacy skills as they enter preschool. For this activity, you will need Colorations® Chubby Crayons (CRCHB) and White Sulfite Paper (A80SU).

Materials Needed:
Colorations® Chubby Crayons (CRCHB)
White Sulfite Paper (A80SU)

Let's Get Started:
1. By the time the child is two, the child has made attempts to make marks on a piece of paper.

2. During this stage of development the child will want to explore different writing instruments.

3. Large crayons and large markers are usually the best materials for young children to grasp and make marks.

4. KEEP IN MIND: A toddler should be closely supervised whenever using a writing instrument. Also, it is usually difficult for the toddler to make legible marks with large pencils. Crayons and markers usually are a better choice.

Furthermore....
Extend this activity by allowing each child to tell the class about what they drew.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: ER17: Begins to Experiment with Writing Instruments.

Activity Idea: What Other Words Have a Beginning Sound to Match Your Name?

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:01:00 +0000

Preschool Activity QuickSource® reminds us that language is all around us and that by engaging children in conversations, we expose them to new words and support their developing language skills. By "encouraging expressions of thoughts, feelings, and opinions through words, you lay the foundation for a child's later reading success."

Here's a new activity called What Other Words Have a Beginning Sound to Match Your Name? that uses circle time to reinforce the use of familiar sounds when speaking. For this activity, you will need a Phonics Spelling Game, Interactive Letter Vests, and a Beginning Sounds Table Top Pocket Chart.

Materials Needed:
Phonics Spelling Game (PSG)
Interactive Letter Vests (ABCME)
Beginning Sounds Table Top Pocket Chart (PC771)

Let's Get Started:
1. Have children listen for other words that begin with the same sound as their name.

2. Point out names that begin with the same sound along with other common words.

Furthermore....
You can also use this activity to excuse children from circle time by having each child name another word that begins with the same sound as his or her own name in order to leave the circle. Example: Tommy-Train, Amy-Apple, Billy-Block. (Note: It is not necessary for the child to be able to attach the sound to the alphabet letter at the beginning of the name. This activity is to recognize sounds in familiar words.)

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: LT 4 Shows Awareness that Words can Begin with the Same Sound.

Activity Idea: Carrot Top

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:48:00 +0000

Head Start QuickSource® reminds us that a child's approach to learning contributes to their success in school and also influences his development and learning in other domains. A child's ability to "stay focused, interested, and engaged in activities supports a range of positive outcomes, including cognitive, language, and social and emotional development. It allows children to acquire new knowledge, learn new skills, and set and acheive goals for themselves." The Approaches to Learning domain refers to the observable behavior that "indicates ways children become engaged in social interactions and learning experiences."

Here's an activity called Carrot Top that will help children learn to maintain concentration over time on a task. For this activity, you will need carrots, water, food coloring and drinking glasses or jars. Discount School Supply's® Root-Vue Farm® would augment this activity by providing an example for children to see how plants grow.

Materials Needed:
Carrots
Water
Food coloring
Drinking glass or glass jar
Root-Vue Farm® (ROOT)

Let's Get Started:
1. Read the book The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss or The Giant Carrot by Jan Peck.

2. Cut the end tips off several carrots. Place one of the carrots in glass half full of water.

3. In a second glass add 8-10 drops of red food coloring and a carrot tip.

4. Place both glasses in a sunny window for several days.

5. Cut the carrots in half and look inside. The one that was sitting in colored water should show the way water was absorbed. A carrot is really a taproot, like a radish and a parsnip.

Furthermore....
Make a carrot salad by mixing carrot slivers with raisins or chunks of apples. Serve this salad at snack time.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds with the devlopmental guidelines shown in AL3: Maintains Concentration and Interest Despite Distractions.

Activity Idea: My Family and Me

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:31:00 +0000

Kindergarten QuickSource® reminds us that social studies help "children become confident, caring and competent individuals" by developing their understanding of personal relationships. Understanding his or her contribution to relationships with family and friends is an important concept for a child to learn.

Here's an activity called My Family and Me that will help kindergarten children identify important aspects of home and community. For this activity, you will need a family picture of each child's family, if possible. If not, our Multicultural Family Puzzles will work well as a substitute.

Materials Needed:
A family photo of each child's family
Multicultural Family Puzzles (MLTFAMPZ)
Pretend Play People (PPEXSET)

Let's Get Started:
1. Allow the child to show the picture of her family to the other members of the group.

2. Ask the child to identify each person in the picture.

3. Have the child explain what each person in the family does to help the other members of the family.

Note: The teacher should always be sensitive to the make-up of each family, including foster families. The teacher should always help the child celebrate each member of the family and never be judgmental of the child’s home environment.

Furthermore....
Talk about how people can express emotions by using our Moods & Emotions Classroom Set.

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

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:59:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:33:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:29:00 +0000

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.

Activity Idea: Beginning Music

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:42:00 +0000

Infant and Toddler QuickSource® reminds us that infants begin to react to and become fascinated by music during the first 18 months of life. Children also begin to play simple dramatic play and pretend games and caregivers can augment development by providing supporting activities.

Here's an activity called Beginning Music that will provide infants with the opportunity to react to music as they listen to it throughout the days. For this activity, you will need a CD player and some of your children's CDs.

Materials Needed:
Hamilton™ AM/FM CD Player (BOOMBOX)
Putumayo Dreamland CD (LULLABYE)
Classical Music CD (NBCLASS)

Let's Get Started:
1. Between the ages of 6 and 12 months, infants usually begin to attend when music is heard.

2. The caregiver should use music in the infant rooms whenever possible. Such music can include:
       • Humming to the child while trying to get him to sleep.
       • Singing simple songs while playing with the child’s hands.
       • Singing songs with lots of rhyming words and wordplay.
       • Using props, such as a stuffed animal to sing a song (example: a stuffed bear to sing and song about
          a bear, etc.).

Furthermore....
Extend this activity by allowing infants to play musical instruments along with the music played during the day, or have them explore different instruments during music time.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds with the devlopmental guidelines shown in EC1: Reacts to Music.

Activity Idea: Where Did the Ice Go?

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Preschool QuickSource® reminds us that science is the "study of the world and how it works. Children are natural scientists and their curiosity leads them to seek answers to questions and make connections. By experimenting, making predictions, exploring, testing observations, and investigating, children learn about the world they live in. " Children can discover many things about the world they live in simply by asking a few questions and observing their environment.

Here's an activity called Where Did the Ice Go? that will help children learn to collect, describe and record information. For this activity, you will need white sulfite paper, sand and water activity tubs, and Colorations® large crayons.

Materials Needed:
12x18" White Sulfite Paper, 500 sheets (12SU)
Sand and Water Activity Tubs, set of 4 (TUBS)
Colorations® Large Crayons, set of 8 (CRL8)

Let's Get Started:
1. Place ice in the water table or tub.

2. Give the children an opportunity to play and explore in the ice with different tools.
3. Ask the children to observe what is happening to the ice as they are playing.
4. Draw attention to the water when the ice is completely melted.
5. Give each child a small journal book or a large paper folded into fourths.
6. Have the children record what happened to the ice by drawing pictures. The first picture should be of the frozen ice with the final picture being the melted water. Observe what the children do in the pictures between the ice and the water.

Furthermore....
Extend this activity by freezing other liquids, such as Colorations® Liquid Watercolor™ or various kinds of fruit juice. Ask the children to determine which melts faster or slower.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds with the devlopmental guidelines shown in SC 2 Collects, Describes and Records Information.

Activity Idea: Painting Without a Brush

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 18:18:00 +0000

Kindergarten QuickSource® reminds us that Fine Arts "support all areas of development and allows the child to foster creativity and imagination. By painting a picture, singing a song or participating in a dance, a child can express her thoughts and feelings. Children can explore different mediums by using various tools to create pieces of art and participate in musical activities that demonstrate beat, rhythm and music dynamics.

Here's an activity called Painting Without a Brush that will help children discover different ways to apply paint to paper. For this activity, you'll need Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera paint or BioColor® paint, a large piece of paper, and various painting tools.

Materials Needed:
Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera paint or BioColor® paint
12x18" White Sulfite Paper
Supreme Painting Kit

Let's Get Started:
1. Give each child a large piece of paper that works well with paint.

2. Place the different colors of paint in a covered area with easy access for the children.
3. Place the various painting tools on a tray. Have the children experiment, using different items to spread the paint on the paper.

Furthermore...
Extend this activity by encouraging children to find other items within the classroom to use that will create different textures as they paint. Have them look for blocks (TEXBLOCK), cars with rolling wheels (CARS2), sponges (SPOKIT), pretend serving utensils from the dramatic play area (COOKING), etc.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds with the devlopmental guidelines shown in CA5: Explores Drawing, Painting, and Modeling with Different Materials and Media. It also corresponds with the Creative Arts Expression Head Start domain.

For more developmentally-appropriate activities, visit Teacher QuickSource® 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®.

Activity Idea: Trash Can Spelling

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:21:00 +0000

Kindergarten QuickSource® reminds us that literacy begins by immersing children in literacy-rich environments and fostering in them a love of language and reading: You can support young children’s emerging literacy skills by planning activities that involve discriminating sounds, identifying print, recognizing letters, developing a love of books, writing, and appreciation of the rhythm of language. These emergent skills will give the child a solid foundation to begin the reading process during this first year of school.

Here's an activity called Trash Can Spelling that will help children to begin decoding words and understanding print. For this activity, you'll need a soft, fleece ball and a hoop ball goal or large, clean trash can.

Materials Needed:
A clean trash can or large container or hoop ball goal (HOOP5)
A soft sponge-type ball or fleece balls (FLCBALL)

Let’s Get Started:
1. Play a game of Trash Can Spelling with a guided reading group (children on the same developmental level in reading).
2. Divide the group into two teams.
3. Each child will get the opportunity to orally spell an appropriate word.
4. When the child spells the word correctly, she gets to opportunity to try to make a "basket" in the trash can with the sponge ball. If the ball goes in the can, that team receives one point.
5. The teacher should make every attempt to make this game as non-competitive as possible. The goal should be receiving the point. There should not be a prize for the team with the most points.

Futhermore....
Extend the activity by encouraging children to spell different words with a personal-sized magnetic board (MAGBOD) and magnetic letters (LETSET).

If using POCET®, this activity corresponds with the deverlopmental guidelines shown in LT18: Identifies at Least 10 Letters of the Alphabet. It also corresponds with the Literacy Knowledge & Skills head Start domain.

For more developmentally-appropriate activities, visit Teacher QuickSource® 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®.

Activity Idea: Shape Scavenger Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Mon, 16 May 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Head Start QuickSource® reminds us that math is everywhere: Shapes are everywhere! Children can learn to recognize, describe, and sort items according to size and shape simply by exploring their environment.

Here's an activity called Shape Scavenger Hunt that gets children excited about math with a "seek and find" game. Children will learn to recognize, describe, compare and name common shapes they find in familiar settings. For this activity you will need: poster board, contact paper, scissors, and markers.

Before you start: Draw and cut out various shapes – rectangles, circles, ovals, squares, etc. – on poster board using a marker. Use contact paper to make the cards extra durable.

Let's Get Started!
1) Discuss various shapes with the children using the shape cards. For example, a square has four equal sides, and a rectangle has two long sides and two short sides.

2) Can the children find the shapes in the classroom? A bulletin board is an example of a rectangle; a clock is an example of a circle, etc.

3) Go outside with the children to find more shapes.

4) Hold up a card featuring one of the shapes. Then challenge the children to find an example of that shape. A sidewalk is an example of a rectangle, a rock is a circle, etc.

Furthermore...

Extend the activity by playing a game of "Shape I Spy." Say, "I spy a red circle. Can you find it?" Continue giving the children clues until the object is found. Have the children take turns being the spy.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds to developmental guidelines MA8: Recognizes and Manipulates Basic Shapes. This activity also corresponds to the Geometry & Spatial Sense element of the Mathematics Knowledge & Skills Head Start Learning Domain.

For more developmentally-appropriate activities, visit Teacher QuickSource® 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®.

Activity Idea: Obstacle Course

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Mon, 02 May 2011 20:47:00 +0000

Kindergarten QuickSource® reminds us that: Physical Health and Safety supports a child’s overall education and growth. Children learn best when they have healthy minds and bodies.

Here's an activity that presents math in a fun way, called Obstacle Course that gets children active and helps develop motor skill coordination. For this activity you will need: balance beam or pods, playground ball, tumbling mat, tossing game, safety cones, and a large area for safe physical activity. (If it's nice, head outdoors!)

Let's Get Started!
1) Build an obstacle course in a safe play area. This could be on a lawn or in a large playroom where the children can move safely.

2) Make sure the obstacle course contains items that will help the child balance, bounce a ball, tumble (somersault or roll), toss items at a target, etc. Also make sure that the area is clearly marked so the child knows where to go next and keeps a safe distance from others participating.

3) Model how to complete each obstacle course activity.

4) Encourage the children to move through the obstacle course keeping a comfortable flow so that all children can participate continually.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds to developmental guidelines PH1: Demonstrates Eye-Hand Coordination; PH3: Demonstrates Balance and Control During Locomotor Movements; and PH4: Uses Large Muscles to Manipulate Objects.

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

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:49:00 +0000

Preschool QuickSource® reminds us that "You can support the development of children's mathematical skills by creating hands-on experiences and by presenting problems to children that are meaningful and relevant to their developmental level."

Here's an activity that presents math in a fun way, called Yellow Star, Yellow Star What Do You See? that helps preschoolers learn to distinguish shape and color. For this activity you will need: stampers, markers or crayons; tape; and manila folders. This activity can be adapted to any shape, including seasonal shapes.

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.

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 to developmental guideline MA3: Classify and Sort by Attributes. For more developmentally-appropriate activities, visit Teacher QuickSource® 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®.

Activity Idea: Word of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Kindergarten QuickSource® reminds us that "Literacy begins by immersing children in literacy-rich environments and fostering a love of language and reading." Fostering a child's emerging literacy skills requires activities that develop the following skills: discriminating sounds, identifying print, recognizing letters. It's also important to instill in children, at an early age, a love of books, writing and an appreciation of the rhythm of language. ..."These emergent skills will give the child a solid foundation to begin the reading process during this first year of school." Here's an activity, called Word of the Week, that helps build these emergent skills through vocabulary. For this activity you will need sentence strips or cards to write the word of the week, markers, and a classroom pocket chart. Let's Get Started! 1) Choose your "Word of the Week." A good way to increase vocabulary in young children is to choose a "Word of the Week." A word should be chosen that may be unfamiliar to many of the children. (Tip: Choose a word that will correspond to something they will learn that week. For example: if they are learning about animals and life cycles, choose a word like "metamorphosis" or "tadpole.") 2) Write the word on a card or sentence strip while the children watch. 3) Have the children say the word. 4) Post the word in a place where it can be noticed often during the week. 5) Throughout the next few days, revisit the word asking the children the meaning. Making this activity a part of your weekly routine, while help children expand their vocabulary and help build literacy skills. If using POCET™, this activity corresponds to developmental guideline LG3: Understand more complex vocabulary and displays listening comprehension. For more developmentally-appropriate activities, visit Teacher QuickSource® 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®.

Activity Idea: Bug Camouflage

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Teacher QuickSource® reminds us that "a child's knowledge of the world and how it works increases on a daily basis. You can help foster children's interest in science by planning activities that encourage children to interact with the materials, living things, and natural processes in their environment."

Here is a great idea from Head Start QuickSource® called Bug Camouflage. This hide-and-seek activity is a great way for children to explore the natural world while learning about how animals use camouflage to protect themselves against predators. For this activity, you will need brown or green leaves, construction paper, and sissors.

The goals of this activity are: to develop observation skills, and to describe and discuss the natural world, materials, and processes.

Before you start explain to the children that many insects, such as crickets and grasshoppers, are the same color as the grass, the trees, the leaves, or wherever it is they live. They are the same color to blend in and hide from animals that might want to eat them.

Let's get started!

1. Go on a nature walk with the children and gather green or brown leaves from outdoors.

2. After returning to the classroom, have the children draw a simple outline of a bug on to green or brown construction paper. Ask the children to cut their bug out.

3. Play a game of "Can You Find Me?" by asking each child to leave the room for a minute (and no peeking). Hide the paper bug among the leaves.

4. Call the child back into the room and ask if he can find the bug hidden within the leaves, just using his eyes. The other children can give clues if necessary.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: SC1: Displays observation skills.

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: Quack, Quack, Quack

noreply@blogger.com (YG) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:55:00 +0000

Head Start QuickSource® reminds us that "When math is presented in a fun and creative way, teachers provide children with the opportunity to develop abstract reasoning skills, learn complex math concepts, and create solutions to real-life problems." One way to present math in a fun way is through song. Onomatopoeia occurs when a word imitates, or sounds like, the actual word name. Examples include: Quack, oink, swoosh, meow, etc.

Here's an activity called Quack, Quack, Quack that encourages children to match sounds and rhymes in familiar activities. For this activity, you will need: rhyming songs and charts, and visual aids related to the story.

Let's Get Started!

1) Teach children songs and chants with onomatopoeia sound words. Here is an example:

Five Little Ducks Five little ducks went out to play Over the hill and far away. When Mama Duck said, “Quack, quack, quack!” Four little ducks came waddling back. Four little ducks went out to play Over the hill and far away. When Mama Duck said, “Quack, quack, quack!” Three little ducks came waddling back.

2) Have children repeat, reducing the number of ducks each time until you reach “0” (zero) ducks.

But, when Papa Duck yelled, “QUACK, QUACK, QUACK!” Five little ducks came waddling back!

Furthermore, have each child talk about common, everyday sounds they hear around the house or outdoors. Ask for volunteers to lead the group in imitating the sounds. Exploring familiar sounds will reinforce this activity.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guidelines: MA7: Demonstrates understanding and recognition of numerals 0-9.