Preschool Pretend and Play: Winter Animals

OpeningWelcome by Miss Carole
Movement ActivityWaddle like a penguin.
Stomp like a polar bear.
Slide like a seal.
Pounce like a snow leopard.
Tiptoe like an arctic fox.
Fly like a snowy owl.
Swim like a narwhal. 
Trot like a reindeer.
Crawl like a walrus. 
Slither like a winter snake.
Bounce like an arctic hare.
Scoot like a baby penguin on its belly.
Leap like a caribou.
Shake off snow like a husky.
Source: The Early Childhood Academy
CalendarWhat is the day of the week, month, season and weather.
ASLWe learned the ASL for penguin.
Concept (puppet)Seal on the Iceberg
I had a large white tray and seal puppet. I had the kids tell me if the seal was:
Above, Behind, Between, Front, Next to, On Under, Near, Far
 Weekly RhymeThis Is Big, Big, Big
This is big, big, big.
This is small, small, small.
This is short, short, short.
This is tall, tall, tall.
This is fast, fast, fast.
This is slow, slow, slow.
This is yes, yes, yes.
This is no, no, no.  
This is up, up, up.
This is down, down, down.
This is square, square, square.
This is round, round, round.
This is left, left, left.
This is right, right, right
This is a great big hug and a kiss goodnight.  

Sing it once without sign language. Add sign language the second time.
Book Clive Penguin by Huw Lewis-Jones
Book Polar Bear’s Underwear by Tupera Tupera
Action Rhyme (Goldfish Crackers)Got A Fishy
Got a fishy! (wave goldfish cracker)
Got a fishy!
Got a fishy!
First I lost it. (put it behind the back)
Then I found it. (bring it to the front)
Got a fishy.
Got a fishy.
Adapted from another rhyme that talked about loosing a feather.
Counting ActivityPolar Bear Feeding
My plan was to hand an image with a polar bear’s mouth open. I would roll the dice, and have the kids feed that number of goldfish crackers to the polar bear.
Dance Song Winter Freeze Dance by The Kiboomers
Cool Down SongAlphabet Song; Count up to and down from 10
Goodbye SongSkidamarink

The January craft is from this year. The other penguin craft is from a storytime that I did not upload.

Tales for Twos: Winter Animals

OpeningHello Everybody, Yes Indeed by Miss Carole
Warm-Up ActivityThe Very Hungry Caterpillar: What Can You Do Game?
CalendarWhat is the weather and season?
ASLWe learned how to sign “penguin.”
Weekly RhymeThis is Big, Big, Big
This is big, big, big.
This is small, small, small.
This is short, short, short.
This is tall, tall, tall.
This is fast, fast, fast.
This is slow, slow, slow.
This is yes, yes, yes.
This is no, no, no.  
This is up, up, up.
This is down, down, down.
This is square, square, square.
This is round, round, round.
This is left, left, left.
This is right, right, right.  
This is a great big hug and a kiss goodnight.

Sing it once without sign langue. Add sign language the second time.
Book Where’s the Polar Bear by Ingela Arrhenius
Book Can I Sleep Here? Baby Penguin by Ella Bailey
Activity (goldfish crackers)Penguin Cheer
I like fishies, yes I do! (raise goldfish above head)
When I want a fishy, here’s what I do!
One, two, three…GULP (make goldfish swim and then eat it)

Adapated from the original poem from King County Library System
Activity (goldfish crackers)Bubble, Bubble, Bubble, Pop
One little red fish
swimming in the water,
swimming in the water,
swimming in the water.
One little red fish
swimming in the water,
bubble, bubble, bubble, pop.

Kids found a red goldfish cracker and made it swim. They would then make the fish do the bubble motion. Instead of pop, they popped the fish into their mouth and then made the pop sound. Repeat with different colors and number of fish.
Dance Song  Winter Freeze Dance by The Kiboomers
Cool DownAlphabet; Count up to and down from 5
Goodbye SongSkidamarink by Old Town School of Folk Music

Craft:

The January craft is for this year. The other penguin craft was from another Winter Animal storytime that I did not upload.

Preschool Pretend and Play: Cold Winter

OpeningWelcome by Miss Carole
Warm-Up ActivitySummer or Winter?
I wore a variety of different clothing items. I also had a red and blue bucket. For each item, the kids would tell me if it went in the winter or summer bucket.
CalendarWhat is the day of the week, month, season and weather.
ASLThe kids learned how to sign COLD. We then used it throughout the storytime.
Snowflake FactI taught the kids that snowflakes do not drop straight down. They actually tumble, swirl, and drift. I then asked kids to show me how they would move as a snowflake.

We then talked about about how when snowflakes bump into each other, they stick together creating a bigger snowflake. They also move faster. We then slow and fast.
 This Is Big, Big, Big
This is big, big, big.
This is small, small, small.
This is short, short, short.
This is tall, tall, tall.
This is fast, fast, fast.
This is slow, slow, slow.
This is yes, yes, yes.
This is no, no, no.  
This is up, up, up.
This is down, down, down.
This is square, square, square.
This is round, round, round.
This is left, left, left.
This is right, right, right
This is a great big hug and a kiss goodnight.  

Sing it once without sign langue. Add sign language the second time.
Winter RhymeThis is big, big, big: Winter Version
This is big, big, big!
This is small, small, small.
This is cold, cold, cold.
This is hot, hot, hot.
This is snow, snow, snow.
This is wind, wind, wind.
This is stomp, stomp, stomp.
This is fall, fall, fall.
Source: Adapted from the original rhyme.
Book Cold Turkey by Corey Rosen Schwartz
Group ActivityParachute with Snowballs and Scarves
I had the kids play do parachute play first. Their objective was to try and make the snowballs and scarves bounce. The second time I had the kids sit under the parachute while the adults shook the parachute.

I played the song Snowball Shenanigans by TirkTirik Kids
Action RhymeI’m an Icicle
I’m a frozen icicle,
Hanging in the sun. (stand straight)
First I start to melt,
Then I start to run. (sag body)
Drip, drip, drip, drip.
Melting can be fun! (slowly sink to the floor)
Source: Fun for Two’s and Threes
Action RhymeI’m a Little Ice Cube
Tune: I’m a Little Teapot
I’m a little ice cube,
Frosty and square. (outline shape with hands)
I make things cold everywhere (shiver)
If it gets too warm, I’d better watch out, (fan face with hand) Cause I will melt without a doubt! (slowly melt to floor) Source: King County Library System: Tell Me a Story:
Dance SongSnowman Slide by the Kiboomers
Dance SongCold Feet Jig by TikTirik Kids
Dance SongBlowing in the Wind by Stephanie Leavell
Cool Down SongAlphabet Song; we count up to and down from 10
Goodbye SongSkidamarink by Old Town School of Folk Music

January Craft: Winter Trees

Tales For Twos: Cold Winter

Opening Hello Everybody, Yes Indeed by Miss Carole
Warm-Up ActivityThe Very Hungry Caterpillar: What Can You Do Game?
I rolled the dice three times.
CalendarWhat is the weather and season?
ASL We learned the sign language COLD. We then incorporated it throughout the storytime.
Weekly RhymeThis is Big, Big, Big
This is big, big, big.
This is small, small, small.
This is short, short, short.
This is tall, tall, tall.
This is fast, fast, fast.
This is slow, slow, slow.
This is yes, yes, yes.
This is no, no, no.  
This is up, up, up.
This is down, down, down.
This is square, square, square.
This is round, round, round.
This is left, left, left.
This is right, right, right.  
This is a great big hug and a kiss goodnight.

Sing it once without sign langue. Add sign language the second time.
Book Hush Little Trucker by Kim Norman
Recognition ActivityWill it Fit?
I had an adult mitten with a variety of items. I had the kids guess what items would fit in the mitten.
Activity (with Scarf)Five Dancing Snowflakes
Five dancing snowflakes swirling all around!
(show five fingers)
The first one said, “I’m upside down!”
(bend over and wave scarf through legs)
The second one said, “I can do a little wiggle!”
(wiggle with scarf)
The third one said, “That makes me giggle!”
(cover mouth with scarf and giggle)
The fourth one said, “Watch me twirl through the sky!”
(Twirl in a circle with scarf)
The fifth one said, “Time to wave bye-bye!”
(wave goodbye with scarf)
And the five little snowflakes floated on down
(slowly wiggle scarf towards the ground)
And landed with their friends all over town.
(lay scarf flat)
Source: Adapted movements from original rhyme in The Mailbox
Dance Song (with scarves)Jiggle Your Scarf by Judi Cranston
Group ActivityParachute with Snowballs and Scarves
I had the kids play do parachute play first. Their objective was to try and make the snowballs and scarves bounce. The second time I had the kids sit under the parachute while the adults shook the parachute.
Cool DownAlphabet; Count up to and down from 5
Goodbye SongSkidamarink by Old Town School of Folk Music

January Craft: Winter Trees

K-Pop Demon Hunter Party

This past October I hosted a K-Pop Demon Hunter Party for my oldest child’s birthday. I tried to pull out elements from the movie that would have kid appeal. Some of these elements could be adapted for larger programs.

FOOD
We did a rice bar for the lunch. Items we offered:

Meat
*Pulled Pork *Taco Meat *Shredded Chicken

Toppings
*Hard-Boiled Eggs *Cilantro *Shredded Lettuce
*Crispy Wontons *Shredded Carrots *Shredded Cheese
*Diced Cucumbers *Cherry Tomatoes *Pickled Onions
*Sliced Radishes *Avocado Slices *Lime Wedges
*Black Beans *Pinto Beans.

Sauces
*Soy Sauce *Sirachi *Mild Salsa
*Ranch Dressing

In addition to our main course, I wanted to offer additional snacks. I took inspiration from the movie and music for these snacks:

“So Hot” – Popcorn
“Broken Glass” – Crushed jolly ranchers in white chocolate.
I originally wanted to just offer the crushed jolly ranchers, but i was afraid of sharp points. Another
alternative I thought of was creating jello and chopping it up to look like broken glass. If you use white chocolate. Make sure it is the meltable white chocoalte.
“Takedown” Chips – Frito Lay’s Sweet & Spicy Honey Chips
“Lullaby Knockout” – Teddy Grahams
“Heart and Soul” – Graham Crackers with Double Chocolate Cheesecake Dip
To make the dip: I used Jell-0’s No Bake Double Chocolate Cheesecake Dip. I mixed it with one
container of cool whip and I package of cream cheese. I stirred together until well mixed.

ACTIVITIES

Our first activity was Hopeless Bracelets. I laid out the different beads and strings and just let the kids create bracelets and necklaces while everyone arrived. I had these beads and these beads.

Blades were our next activity. I wanted to make Zoey’s Shin-Kal blades. However, I wanted to make “safe”. I discovered that motel keychains have a very similar appearance to these blades. I gave each child three keychains. I also provided holographic stickers and washi tape. Once they finished decorating their blades, I gave them their tassel and keychain.

Spin Art

We did not have time to do this activity. I wanted to do spin art with vinyl, but CDs were more cost effective. I purchased a pour paint splash guard with a turnable wheel. To keep things simple, I purchased paint specific for pour painting. I picked an iridescent kit with the option of adding in paint that glowed in the dark.

PHOTO OPS

I set-up a golden backdrop and also had a “couch” available for the kids to take pictures on. The couch ended up being the biggest hit of the party. I originally wanted to have robes available as photo props, along with signs saying” COUCH, COUCH, COUCH!”, but I ran out of time.

PARTY FAVORS

I kept it simple. Each kid got a Baby Bottle Pop and a glowstick sword kit.

Preschool – Trains

Opening SongWelcome by Carole Peterson
CalendarWe reviewed the month, day, date, season and weather.
ASLTrain
Weekly RhymeThis is Big, Big, Big
This is big, big, big.
This is small, small, small.
This is tall, tall, tall.
This is short, short, short.
This is fast, fast, fast.
This is slow, slow, slow.
This is yes, yes, yes.
This is no, no. no.        
Sing two times. Second time add in ASL for yes and no.
Original Creator: Melissa Depper, a children’s librarian in the Denver metro area
Weekly Movement ActivityThe Very Hungry Caterpillar Game
I would roll the dice three times and have the kids do the assigned activity.
BookPeek-A-Choo-Choo! by Marie Torres Cimarusti
I made this an interactive read by having the kids do different movements for each vehicle.
Weekly RhymeClap, Clap, Clap Your Hands
Clap, clap, clap your hands
Clap your hands with me
Clap your hands, let me see
Clap your hands with me

Beep, beep, beep your nose
Touch, touch, touch your shoulders
Tap, tap, tap your knees
Shake, shake, shake your feet
ASL SongThis is a Choo Choo Train
This is a choo-choo train, (bend arms at elbows) Puffing down the track. ( rotate forearms in rhythm)
Now it’s going forward, (push arms forward)
Now it’s going back. (pull arms back)
Now the bell is ringing, (pull bell cord with closed fist)
Now the whistle blows. (hold fist near mouth and blow)
What a lot of noise it makes, (cover ears with hands)
Everywhere it goes! (stretch out arms).
Source: King County Library System
Matching ActivityLand, Air, Water Transportation

Kids would tell me if the vehicle belongs in the water, air, or land.
Movement Activity
I had the kids move their bodies or hands to match the picture.
Dance SongShe’ll be Coming Around the Mountain by Rob Newhouse
Dance SongRed Light, Green Light by DJ Ralphi
Cool DownMelt all the way down to floor until you are laying down. We sing the Alphabet. Then count up to 10 and down from 10.
Goodbye SongSkidamarink By Old Town School of Folk Music

Craft: I provided large construction sheets and a worksheet with train signs and a train. The goal was for the kids to create their own train tracks and move the train on it while learning what the different signs mean.

Sensory Sprouts: Pom-Pom Glove

Description: Sort colored pom-poms into their assigned colored finger.

Supplies:

·         Plastic Glove

·         Cardstock Paper

·         Colored Stickers

·         Colored Pom-Poms

·         Tape (not provided)

Adult Directions:

·         Place all the pom-poms into the glove. Try to get as much air out of the glove as possible. Tape the bottom closed.

·         Position the glove on the cardstock paper with the bottom of the glove slightly off the edge.

·         Fold the bottom of the glove over the edge of the paper then secure and tape the glove to the back of the paper.

·         Flip the paper over and straighten the glove out. Tape the tip of each finger to the paper.

·         Place a different colored sticker at the top of each finger.

·         Have your child sort the different color pom-poms into their colored section!

Makersquare: Zen Board

Description: Relax and let your creativity flow! Create new, temporary art every few minutes!

Supplies:

·         Water Drying Cloth

·         Paintbrush

·         Cup of Water (not provided)

Directions:

·         Lay out your paper on a sturdy surface.

·         Fill up a cup with water.

·         Dip your paintbush into the water and start “painting” on your paper.

·         Watch your art fade away as the water dries!

·         Repeat.

Interactive Movie Script: Disney Wish

Throughout the Movie:

Whenever this happens…Do this!
The Book of Spells is shown.Flip through your mini book.
The goat bleats.Bleat like a goat.
Someone makes a wish.Hold your wish ball up.
The star plays with yarn.Wrap your hands with your yarn.
An animal or object talks.Make a shocked face.
Someone’s wish is broken.Cover your heart.


Follow Along with the Movie:

When this happens…Do this!
Asha leads visitors through Rosas.Wave your flag around.
Asha and her friends are eating their cookies.Eat your cookies.
Asha and King Magnifico look at the wishes.Make a wish on your star and put it in your wish ball.
King Magnifico opens the Wish Ceremony.Cheer.
Asha and Sakina celebrate Sabino’s 100th Birthday.Put the birthday sticker on.
Asha’s nose gets booped by the star.Place a star sticker on your nose.
The chickens are dancing and singing.Cluck.
King Magnifico creates his magic staff.Light up your glow stick.
The bunny scares Simon.Yell “Boo” or “Boom”.
The wishes are released.Release your star and put it on your shirt.
The crowd cheers the queen.Yell “Long Live the Queen”.
Asha makes the chicken big.Make your chicken fly.
 PropQuantity per person
Book (100)1
Plastic Ball (100)1
White Flag (100)1
Animal Crackers (500)5
Gold or Silver Foam Sticker (100)1
Glow Stick (100)1
Flying Chicken (100)1

Interactive Movie Script: Kung Fu Panda 4

Throughout the Movie:

Whenever this happens…Do this!
The Chameleon shapeshifts.Cover one side of your face.
Someone mis-identifies Master Shifu.Yell “HE IS A RED PANDA!”
Po is eating.Squeeze your squishy.
Po shows the peach pit.Show your fruit eraser to someone.
The fish pops out of the pelican’s mouth.Hold up your sea creature.
The Chameleon takes a warrior’s powers.Make that animal’s sound.


Follow Along with the Movie:

When this happens…Do this!
Po autographs Master Shifu’s head.Wipe your forehead.
Each Dragon Warrior candidate shows off their skills.Cheer and loudly clap.
Po tries to meditate.Meditate.
When Li Shan is stacking bowls.Stack your mini cups into a pyramid.
The Bunny Tavern tilts.Tilt to one side.
The baby bunnies attack Po.Show your teeth and growl.
The Chameleon’s guards are sleeping.Lay down on the floor and snore.
The Blood Moon rises.Raise your moon very slowly.
Zhen hugs Po.Hug yourself or a friend.
The Chameleon traps Po with her tongue.Slap your bracelet on your wrist.
The dragon attacks the Chameleon.Yell “SKA-BLAM!”
Zhen begins training with the Furious Five.Sing along with Baby One More Time.

 PropQuantity per person
Squishy (100)1
Fruit Eraser (100)1
Mini Cups (300)3
Sea Creature (100)1
Name Tag (100)1
Blood Moon (100)
We made red moon die-cuts.		1
Slap Bracelet (100)1