Be Inspired Thursday

Be Inspired Thursdays will give me a chance to share my favorite things and talk about where I have found some of my items for my themes. Since tomorrow is the first of April, our new theme is He is Alive! So you will not want to miss Thursday's list of Easter Items I Can't Live Without! Just a reminder, click on the right to subscribe and get my posts directly to your email.

Alphabet Match

Supplies: plastic fruit and vegetables, 3x5 index cards, and markers

Process: Before playing the game, gather eight to ten pieces of plastic fruit or vegetables. Use markers to make letters on the 3x5 cards that match the first letter of the food you are using. For example, write a "w" on a card if you have a piece of watermelon. When it is game time, line the food on the floor facing the children. Then line the cards under the food. Have the children sound out each item match the item to the card. Place the food on top of the card. When all the cards are covered, play again!

Teach Well: When you are all done playing this game, keep it out for center time. Let the children try and match it themselves.

Everyday Songs

Pledges:

American Flag

I pledge allegiance to the flag,
Of the United States of America.
And to the Republic for which it stands,
One nation, under God, indivisible,
With liberty and justice for all.

My Country Tis of Thee

My country tis of thee
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrim’s pride,
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring.

America the Beautiful

Oh beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties,
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee.
And crown thy good with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea!

Songs:

The Crayon Song

When I was just a little child
No higher than my knee
My mama bought a box of crayons
Just for me.

Well, I picked them up
And I opened them up
And I looked way down inside
And the colors there reminded me
Of Jesus when He died

Red is the color of the
Blood that He shed
Brown is for the crown of thorns
They placed upon His head
Blue is for royalty
Within Him did it dwell
And yellow’s the Christian
Whose afraid to tell.

Well, I colored and I colored
Till my crayons where all gone.
And even though I’m older now
The memory lingers on.
So, when I see a little child
With crayon box in hand.
I’ll tell em’ what it meant to me
And I’ll hope they’ll understand.

Red is the color of the
Blood that He shed.
Brown is for the crown of thorns
They placed upon His head.
Blue is for royalty
Within Him did it dwell.
And yellow’s for the Christian
Whose afraid to tell.
So, don’t you be a Christian
Whose afraid to tell.


The Farming Song

I’m digging (chh chhh)
Digging (chh chhh)
Digging on the farm (x2)
I’m digging like a pro
And I wanted you to know,
I’m digging (chh chh)
Digging (chh chhh)
Digging on the farm

I’m planting (plop!)
Planting (plop!)
Planting on the farm (x2)
I’m planting like a pro
And I wanted you to know
I’m planting (plop!)
Planting (plop!)
Planting on the farm.

I’m watering (splash!)
Watering (splash!)
Watering on the farm (2x)
I’m watering like a pro
And I wanted you to know
I’m watering (splash!)
Watering (splash!)
Watering on the farm

I’m picking (boink!)
Picking (boink!)
Picking on the farm (x2)
I’m picking like a pro
And I wanted you to know
I’m picking (boink!)
Picking (boink!)
Picking on the farm.

I’m eating (yum yum)
Eating (yum yum)
Eating on the farm (x2)
I’m eating like a pro
And I wanted you to know
I’m eating (yum yum)
Eating (yum yum)
So God helps me
GROW!

Jesus Loves Me

Jesus loves me
This I know
For the Bible
Tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak
But He is strong

Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so

Fishers of Men

I will make you fishers of men
Fishers of men
Fishers of men
I will make you fishers of men
If you follow me
If you follow me
If you follow me
I will make you fishers of men
If you follow me

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world.
Red, brown, yellow,
Black, and white
They are precious
In His sight
Jesus loves the little children
Of the world

Extra verse:

Jesus loves the island children
On all the islands of the world
Climbing up the tallest tree
Picking sea shells by the sea
Jesus loves the island children
Of the world



The Word of God

The Word of God’s like
Itty-bitty seeds
Scattered all around (x2)

Some in the road
Some in the weeds
Everywhere you’ve got itty-bitty seeds

The Word of God’s like
Itty-Bitty seeds
Scattered all around

King of the Jungle

Who’s the king of the jungle
Who’s the king of the sea
Who’s the king of the universe
And who’s the king of me?

His name is J-E-S-U-S
Yes!
J-E-S-U-S!
Yes!

He’s the King of the jungle
He’s the King of the sea
He’s the King of the universe
And He’s the King of me!

His name is J-E-S-U-S!
Jesus!

This is the Day

This is the day
This is the day
That the Lord has made
That the Lord has made

I will rejoice
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And be glad in it

This is the day
That the Lord has made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Oh this is the day
This is the day
That the Lord has made

Transition Song
Unnamed

(start off snapping)
Ompa ompa ompa
Ging gang
Goolly goolly goolly goolly
Wash wash
Ging gang goo
Ging gang goo
Ging gang
Goolly goolly goolly goolly
Wash wash
Ging gang goo
Ging gang goo

Away la
Away la sha la
Away la sha la sha la
Ohhhhhh
Away la
Away la sha la
Away la sha la sha la
(whispering)
Shallow water Shallow water


Joy, Joy, Joy

I’ve got the joy, joy joy, joy
Down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

(sing while clapping)
And I’m so happy
So very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart
And I’m so happy
So very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart

(2nd verse)
I’ve got the peace that passes understanding

(3rd verse)
I’ve got the love of Jesus

And if the devil doesn’t like it
He can sit on a tack
Ouch!
Sit on a tack
Ouch!
Sit on a tack
And if the devil doesn’t like it
He can sit on a tack
Sit on a tack to stay!

(Chorus)


Peace Like a River

I’ve got peace like a river
I’ve got peace like a river
I’ve got peace like a river
In my soul (not my shoe!)
I’ve got peace like a river
I’ve got peace like a river
I’ve got peace like a river
In my soul (not my shoe)

(2nd verse)
I’ve got joy like a fountain

(3rd verse)
I’ve got love like an ocean

(4th verse)
I’ve got peace like a river
I’ve got joy like a fountain
I’ve love like an ocean
In my soul (not my shoe!)
I’ve got peace like a river
I’ve got joy like a fountain
I’ve love like an ocean
In my soul (not my shoe!)


Keep Me Burning

Give me oil for my lamp
Keep me burning
Burning burning
Give me oil for my lamp
I pray
Give me oil for my lamp
Keep me burning
Burning burning
Keep me burning till the break of day

Hosanna Hosanna
Hosanna to the Highest
Hosanna Hosanna
Hosanna to the Highest

Give me wax for my board
Keep me surfin’ surfin’ surfin’
Give me wax for my board
I pray
Give me wax for my board
Keep me surfin’ for the Lord
Keep me surfin’ till the break of day

Chorus

Give me gas for my Ford
Keep me movin’ movin’ movin’
Give me gas for my Ford
I pray
Give me gas for my Ford
Keep me movin’ for the Lord
Keep me movin’ till the break of day

Chorus (2x)


Yum Yum Bumble Bee
Transition Song

Yum Yum bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna
I love bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna
Yum Yum bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna
I love bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna

The best tuna in the land
Is the tuna that’s in my hand
5,6,7,8!

Yum Yum bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna
I love bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna
Yum Yum bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna
I love bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna

The best tuna in the sea
Is the tuna that’s made for you and me
5,6,7,8!

Yum Yum bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna
I love bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna
Yum Yum bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna
I love bumble bee
Bumble bee tuna

Herman the Worm
(start snapping)

Sittin’ on a fence post
Chewin’ my bubble gum
(smack 4x)
Playing with my yoyo
Whoo, Whoo
When along came Herman the Worm
He was this big
And I said
“Herman what happened?”
“Duh! I ate my brother”

(start snapping)
Sittin’ on a fence post
Chewin’ my bubble gum
(smack 4x)
Playing with my yoyo
Whoo, Whoo
When along came Herman the Worm
He was this big
And I said
“Herman what happened?”
“Duh! I ate my mother”

(start snapping)
Sittin’ on a fence post
Chewin’ my bubble gum
(smack 4x)
Playing with my yoyo
Whoo, Whoo
When along came Herman the Worm
He was this big
And I said
“Herman what happened?”
“Duh! I ate my father”

(start snapping)
Sittin’ on a fence post
Chewin’ my bubble gum
(smack 4x)
Playing with my yoyo
Whoo, Whoo
When along came Herman the Worm
(quieter) He was this big
And I said “Herman what happened?”
“Duh! I burped”

Have Patience

When Herbert was much younger
He often got in trouble
Forgetting that he was a snail
He did things on the double
He crashed through every spider web
With crickets he’d collide
And that’s when Herbert’s father
Took his speedy son aside

Have patience
Have patience
Don’t be in such a hurry
When you get impatient
You only start to worry

Remember
Remember
That God has patience too
And don’t forget
The times when others
Have to wait for you

I Love the Lord Messiah

I love the Lord Messiah
Deep down in my heart
I love the Lord Messiah
Deep down in my heart

I say deep deep
Say down down
Say deep down in my heart
I say deep deep
Say down down
Say deep down in my heart

(2nd verse)
I love the Prince of Peace

(3rd verse)
I love Emanuel


Give Me Self-control
by Mary Rice Hopkins

Give me self control
When you know I need to know
When to stop and when to go
Give me self control
When you know I need to know
When to stop and when to go

I know I shouldn’t eat
When my tummy’s full
But then I get a chocolate cake
Mmmmm
I stuff it all in
Then I feel like a fool
And now I’ve got a tummy ache

Give me self control
When you know I need to know
When to stop and when to go
Give me self control
When you know I need to know
When to stop and when to go

I know I shouldn’t talk
When you’re on the phone
I know I shouldn’t interrupt
I’ll give you a break
Even when we’re at home
Cause I know I shouldn’t
Chatter too much!
Chatter Chatter too much!

Give me self control
When you know I need to know
When to stop and when to go
Give me self control
When you know I need to know
When to stop and when to go

I know I need to know
When to wait my turn
I know I need to stop
When I’ve had enough
I know I need to know
When to wait my turn
Cause I want to give you all of my love

Give me self control
When you know I need to know
When to stop and when to go
Give me self control
When you know I need to know
When to stop and when to go
When to stop and when to go
When to stop
Give me self control

Alphabet Song
(with letters in sign language)

ABCDEFG
Jesus died for you and me
HIJKLMN
Jesus died for sinful men
Amen!
OPQRSTU
I believe God's Word is true
VW
God has promised you
XYZ
A home eternally!

Classroom Rules

I will treat my friends with kindness and be forgiving because God is kind and forgiving to me. Ephesians 4:32

I will treat my teachers with kindness and treat them with respect. Hebrews 13:17

I will be in control of my hands, feet, and words. James 1:19

I will keep all my toys from home in my backpack. I will enjoy sharing the toys in the classroom with my friends. Colossians 3:23

I will walk in the classroom and in the halls.
I Corinthians 14:40

I will tell the truth. Proverbs 12:22

I will sit and eat my snack without disturbing others. Colossians 3:23

Preschool Lesson Plans

Note: This lesson plan is written for those that are in the classroom or possibly wanting to write their own lesson plans. To follow the lessons that I am doing this year, go here. 

Feel free to use this as a guide to write your own lesson plans. Using a word document gave me the freedom to create the space I needed to write or draw. It was much easier instead of having to purchase a teacher's lesson plan book at a supply store.



8:25-8:40 Opening/Free Center Time/Bathroom Breaks
8:40-8:45 Clean Up
8:45-8:50 Pledges
8:50-9:05 Pray:


9:05-9:15 Bible:


Verse:
9:15-9:45 PE:


9:45-9:50 Drinks/Bathroom Breaks
9:50-10:10 Snack
10:10-10:30 Activity Time

10:30-10:45 Story Time:



10:45-11:05 Craft Time




11:05-11:15 Songs/Pray/Prizes
11:15-11:30 Goodbye Song/Line up/Dismissal

Allergy Free Snack List

Have children with allergies in your classroom? Here is a list to handout to parents giving them an idea of what food they can bring into the classroom that makes every child feel safe and included. This list is peanut, soy, egg, and chocolate free. Please remember to always look at labels, even if the item is on this list, to make sure all ingredient are safe.

Allergy Free Snack Option List

· Ritz Crackers
· Jelly Beans
· Fresh Fruit
· Canned Fruit
· Vegetables
· Only Home-Made Rice Krispie Treats
· Jell-O
· Animal Crackers
· Club Crackers
· Vanilla Wafers
· Only Regular Fig Newtons (not Fruit)
· Apple Sauce
· Tortillas
· Jam
· Bread
· Raisins
· Dry Cereal
· Pretzels
· Popcorn
· Fruit Leathers
· Fish Crackers
· Fruit Snacks
· Honey
· Yogurt
· Cheese Sticks
· Cottage Cheese
· Cheese and Crackers
· Chips
· Sandwich Meat
· Pop Tarts
· Tootsie Pops
· Jerkey
· Candy Canes
· Sugar Wafers
· Oreos
· Texas Sheet Cake
· Pretzels
· Teddy Grams
· Fruit Dip

Preschool Progress Report

PRESCHOOL PROGRESS REPORT
Three/Four Year Olds/ Teacher: _______________
Adapted from several resources

Child’s name: _________________________________ School Year: ________________

Evaluation Key
G = Good Progress W = Working on Skill NA = Not Applicable

Social and Emotional Skills Oct April

I respect and show concern for people and things around me.




I accept and respond to my teacher’s authority.




I play and share with other children.




I have a good self-image.




I am happy and cheerful at school.




I have appropriate control over my feelings.




Work Habits

I get involved in and attend to activities.




I can follow directions.




I respond well to teacher’s suggestions.




I seek only my fair share of teacher’s attention.




I am a curious child.




I ask questions.




I can make choices.






Fine Motor Skills Oct April


Using crayons.




Using scissors.




Painting.




Pasting.




Puzzles.




Building with blocks.




Manipulating zippers.




Manipulating buttons.




Manipulating snaps.




Gross Motor Skills

Alternates feet on stairs.




Gallops.




Jump in place.



Balance on: Left foot.
Balance on: Right foot.

Hop on: One foot.
Hop on: Two feet.

Throw a ball forward.
Kick a ball forward.



Listening Skills Oct April

I listen quietly to stories.




My attention span is lengthening.




I respond to a story by recalling specific details.




Speaking Skills

I speak clearly.




I communicate in sentences.




I can answer some questions.




I wait for my turn when speaking in a group.



I can use language to communicate my wants and ideas.




I am expanding my vocabulary.




Self-Reliance Skills

I can go to the bathroom by myself.




I am learning to dress myself.




I am learning to brush my teeth.




I make good use of free time.




Music Skills

I participate in group singing.




I enjoy doing musical activities.




I am learning to repeat rhythmic patterns.





Art Skills Oct April

I participate in art activities.




I can use my art materials properly.




I help clean up messes after my art projects.




Academic Skills (Language Development/Math Concepts)


I know my letters (uppercase/lowercase).



I know my colors.



I know my shapes.



I know my body parts.



I know my numbers.

Preschool Scope and Sequence

Note: To follow the lessons that I am doing for the 2010-2011 school year, go here.

Preschool Scope and Sequence

September:


Theme - The Zoo
Literacy - Writing Readiness; A,B
Math - Colors; Recognize 1&2; Writing Readiness
Science - Rainbows; Color Mixing; Observation; Safety
Physical Education - Large Motor Skills; Aerobic Wednesdays
Bible - Noah’s Ark/Samuel Listens To God
Verse - Psalm 37:3


October:

Theme - Harvest
Literacy - C, D, E, F; Writing Readiness
Math - Shapes; Recognize 3-6
Science - Harvest; Observation; Cause/Effect
Physical Education - Ball Skills Coordination; Aerobic Wednesdays
Bible - Jesus Feeds Five Thousand
Verse - Ephesians 4:28


November:

Theme - Thanksgiving
Literacy - G, H, I
Math - Sequences; Patterns; Recognize 7-9
Science - Pumpkins; Observation
Physical Education - Relays; Aerobic Wednesdays
Bible - The First Thanksgiving
Verse - Psalm 118:1


December:

Theme - Christmas
Literacy - J, K, L
Math - Recognize; 10-12; Review
Science - Light; Observation; Cause/Effect
Physical Education - Music/Rhythm; Aerobic Wednesdays
Bible - The First Christmas
Verse - Matthew 1:21


January:

Theme - Winter
Literacy - M, N, O, P
Math - Recognize; 13-16; Review
Science - Ice; Observation; Cause/Effect; Artic Animals
Physical Education - Gymnastics; Aerobic Wednesdays
Bible - Jesus Calms the Storm
Verse - Psalm 107:29


February:

Theme - Community Helpers/God’s Love
Literacy - Q, R, S, T
Math - Recognize; 17-20; Review; Math Concepts
Science - Our Bodies; Safety
Physical Education - Balance; Aerobic Wednesdays
Bible - Jesus Grows Up to Do His Father’s Work/ The Good Samaritan
Verse - I Corinthians 10:31; I John 4:8


March:

Theme - God’s Creation
Literacy - U, V, W, X
Math - Recognize; 20-24; Math Concepts
Science - Creation; Observation; Animals
Physical Education - Games; Aerobic Wednesdays
Bible - Jesus Teaches About the Lost Sheep
Verse - Luke 19:10


April:

Theme - Spring
Literacy - Y & Z
Math - Recognize; 25-26; Math Concepts
Science - Spring; Observation; Cause/Effect
Physical Education - Parachute; Aerobic Wednesdays
Bible - Jesus Is Alive
Verse - Matthew 28:6


May:

Theme - The Ocean
Literacy - Review A-Z
Math - Math Concepts; Review
Science - The Ocean; Observation; Cause/Effect
Physical Education - Large Motor Skills
Bible - Breakfast on the Shore
Verse Memorization

Wooly Lamb Puppet

Supplies: white construction paper, paint brush, cotton balls (or Poly-fil), craft stick, stapler, glue, and black paint.

Process: Use a paint brush and paint the child's hand, palm up. Carefully lay the hand on the white paper and press to make the hand print. The thumb is the head, and the four fingers are the lamb's legs. Have the paint dry. Cut the hand print out. Have the child squeeze glue onto the body of the lamb and place the cotton on top. Let the glue dry. Staple the craft stick onto the bottom of the lamb.


Teach Well: Try and use a stapler for the craft stick. If you need to use glue instead of a stapler use wood glue. Elmer's glue will not last for long on wood and has a long drying time. For easy clean up squeeze some liquid soap into the paint.

Where or Where Has My Little Sheep Gone?

Supplies: yarn, stuffed sheep or clip art, prize

Process: Before the lesson make a trail-like obstacle course with yarn or string. At the end of the trail have your stuffed sheep with a prize for the class sitting with it. Have it winding around the room in and around items. Read a book about sheep, or read about The Lost Sheep in the Bible. Afterwards, sing Where or Where Has My Little Sheep Gone. Then follow the trail to find the sheep.

Where or Where Has My Little Sheep Gone

Where oh where has my little sheep gone?

Oh where oh where can he be?

With his wool so soft,

And his tail so small.

Where oh where can he be?

(sung to Where Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone)

Teach Well: Play this game to reward a class for good behavior. Prizes don't have to be sweet; you can use farm stickers or tattoos instead. To make this game even more fun have a child be the leader with a shepherd's staff. If you are playing this game at home try to set it up during your child's nap time, then have snack at the end of the trail for fun!

Fly Swat!

Games out of the ordinary make it just as fun for the adults as it does the child! One of my favorite teaching tools are these large foam dice! They are large enough for the whole class to see the number rolled and fun enough to play one-on-one. You can find them at your local teacher supply store or online. This online store also carries colored dice. I also found these great flies and fly swatter at our local dollar store several years ago.

Supplies: plastic flies or bugs, dice, fly swatter

Process: Spread out the flies on the floor. Take turns rolling the dice. Have the children swat the number rolled with their swatter. Pick up the fly after swatting it. When all the flies are picked up, play again.

Teach Well: If you can't find flies look for plastic bugs. Still no luck? Use clip art from your computer!

Old MacDonald Had A Farm

Supplies: stuffed farm animals and jump rope

Process: Make a circle with the jump rope and call it your barn or fence. Give each child a stuffed animal. Begin singing Old MacDonald Had a Farm. When the child hears his animal in the song, have them place it in the barn. Play again when all the animals are in the barn.


Teach Well: Use music if you have this song on CD. Place animals onto a parachute and when all the animals are on the parachute move it up and down to the music. No stuffed animals? Use clip art from your computer instead!

Flower Picking

If you haven't had a chance to make the playdough in my previous post, this activity will give you another chance! Find silk Easter lilies at your local dollar or craft store. I use them for many activities and have several on hand. This makes for a fun center and great for those small motor skills.

Supplies: Silk flowers cut into single stems, brown playdough

Process: Place the playdough on the table and have flowers next to it. Have the children explore and plant their flowers how they like.


Teach Well: Have dice on the table along with this center. Have the children roll the dice and place that many flowers in thier soil. Before this activity read The Parable of the Lily.

Here is the Nest

Keep your eyes on the look out where ever you go! You might find something that you can use for teaching. I found these sweet birds at a garage sale. I bought it not knowing how I would use it. But came across this poem that works perfectly. To read more about how to use puppets go to my previous post.

Here is the Nest

by Lucia Kemp Henry

Here is the nest,

All warm inside.

Three little birds

Can safely hide.

Here is the nest,

All hidden away.

Three little birds

can flap and play.

Here is the nest,

All cozy and deep.

Three little birds

Are all fast asleep.

(from The Best of The Mailbox Magazine: Songs, Poems, and Fingerplays for Preschool and Kindergarten)

Teach Well: If you don't have a puppet that would work that's OK! Have the children create a nest with construction paper and draw their three birds in the nest before or after reading the poem. Have the children pretend they are one of the birds while you read.

Number Egg-travaganza

This game can be used as a center or in your dramatic play area. I kept this in our dramatic play chicken coop in the classroom. But, getting it out to have as a one to two person center is just as fun!


Supplies: plastic eggs, egg carton, Sharpie marker

Process: With your Sharpie marker write a number on the plastic egg and also in the egg carton. Place eggs in the lid of the carton and have the children find the correct spot for each egg. Have them say the numbers out loud.

Teach Well: Instead of writing numbers on the inside of the carton, draw dots to correspond with the egg that goes there. Keep extra plastic eggs on hand. If any break you can replace it quickly.

Fruit Hockey

I love games out of the ordinary! Hockey sticks are a great way to work on gross motor skills while still having a blast! Plastic hockey sticks are one of my favorite items. Although they are expensive you may find items at your local dollar store that you can use instead. I have a dollar store set of golf clubs that work the same. Just be ready with the duct tape in case any handles fall off! Cones are useful to create start and finish lines. You can also find a set of three at your local dollar store.

Supplies: plastic fruit, plastic hockey sticks, four cones

Process: Create your field with two cones on each side. Try to keep the field small and if the children are doing well at using the hockey sticks then make your field larger. Give each child a plastic piece of fruit. Have them only use their hockey stick to guide the fruit to the other side of the field.

Teach Well: This is a non-competitive game. Safety first! Remind them to always keep their hockey stick on the floor. If their stick is always touching the floor, no one will get hurt and there will be no fruit flying across the room. If you are at home a great place to play this is in a hallway.

Jumping Over the Bubbling Brook

Supplies: jump rope, music

Process: Have someone (preferably an adult) hold each end of the jump rope to the floor moving it back and forth like a snake. With music playing in the background, have the children jump over the bubbling brook one at a time with feet together. When they are done jumping over once, have them return to the end of the line to go again.

Teach Well: If a child is having a hard time jumping over the rope while it is moving keep the rope still. Jumping is a gross motor skill that needs to be developed. After the children have mastered jumping over the bubbling brook have them begin jumping over the quiet stream on one foot.

Puppets, Puppets, Puppets!

Puppetry can be very useful as visual tools in story telling or dramatic play. They are also very good for helping children with social difficulties express how they are feeling. Maybe you use a devotional Bible or Bible curriculum for your Bible time and are currently just reading the story to your children. Finding puppets that can help you tell the story will help the children experience the story in a new way. Therefore, making the lesson more memorable and help them remember what they have learned!

Be inspired by other puppeteers by learning from them. A great resource is Puppets with a Heart. I had the pleasure of seeing Darcy and her puppets for several years at ACSI. The puppets are created with a heart that you can pull out and "hide" an object in it for the lesson.

Puppets can be expensive...You can have the same rewards with puppets that you find at garage sales or Goodwill.

Some of my favorite finger play puppets are from Ikea. I keep them on a card holder that I found at Target twelve years ago. Think outside the box! Find anything to display your little friends and put it at a level where the children can explore and play on their own. We use these to sing Where is Thumbkin?

Some of my favorite puppets were donated or from garage sales. This raccoon has probably seen better days, but where else can I find a raccoon to use for The Kissing Hand? There are also great puppets at your local dollar store.

When looking for a great puppet for application stories or discussing emotional issues with children (eg. divorced or foster children that might be angry or sad) find a puppet with hands that are soft and move. These are my favorite for Bible and application puppets. If you are uncomfortable speaking through a puppet, you can use a puppet that doesn't even speak but whispers in your ear. I use this lesson when teaching Jesus Calms the Storm but it can be adapted to whatever lesson you are teaching about!

Supplies: small puppet, apron with pockets, Bible

Process: Place your puppet in your apron pocket before the lesson. Tell the children that you are going to have a guest for Bible Time but they are really shy and get really embarrassed around other people. Tell the children that they have to be very quiet to not scare or embarrass their guest. Then say that the puppet has a problem and needs our help. Ask if the children could help their new friend and if they are ready to meet their new friend (don't forget to give the puppet a name).

Begin talking into your pocket. Tell the puppet that it's OK to come out and meet our new friends. Place your hand in the pocket and begin to pet it, calming it, and at the same time get your hand inside the puppet. Poke the head slightly out of the pocket to create interest, then back down again. Still calming the puppet, have the puppet climb out of your pocket and up to your check, hugging you.

Ask the puppet, "You said that you had a problem and needed our help. What is your problem?" Have the puppet cover it's eyes as if it is shy and then whisper in your ear. Then say, "Oh, OK... tell me more." Have the puppet continue in your ear then come back down with shy hands over his face. "Kids, our new friend does have a problem! When it is bed time and his mom turns out the lights, he gets scared! He wants to know what he can do so that he won't have to be scared anymore. Does anyone know how we can help our friend?"

Give opportunities for the children to help solve their friend's problem. Mention that God's Word tells us that we do not have to be afraid because God is always with us (Isaiah 43:5).

"What can we do to talk to God when we are afraid?" Wait to hear answers from children. When someone mentions prayer ask if there was anyone that would like to pray for their new friend so that they would not be afraid. Have the puppet bow their head and pray with praying hands along with the class.

Thank the puppet for coming to visit and have everyone say goodbye. Walk to an area where children can not see you taking off the puppet.

Teach Well: There will be children that might disturb the lesson or dramatic play by calling out "That's just a puppet!" It's OK! Be encouraged! Some children are not able to use their imagination in today's society. Create opportunities in your classroom or home where children can become kids again! Make a time to call on that child to talk to your puppet, answer any questions you have asked, or have them even pray! You will be surprised, they might be hugging that puppet goodbye... maybe even asking when they are coming back for another visit!

Bug Counting

I love this game! It can be used as a center or as a game for the whole class! You can find all of these supplies at your local dollar store. I found these cute plastic bugs years ago, but you can use common household items like cottonballs instead.

Supplies: divided cat food bowl, dice, and plastic bugs

Process: Have all your bugs on one side of cat dish. Roll the dice and have the child count out loud what number they rolled. Have them place that many bugs into the other side of the dish. If the child is playing with a friend have them take turns.

Teach Well: If you are playing as a class or with toddlers roll the dice together (or use an overhead projector with an overhead projector spinner). Then count the pieces together. If you are using household items or items that are small use plastic tweezers to help develop small/fine motor skills.

Water Color Stain

I am so not the macaroni and Popsicle stick teacher. But if a project has anything to do with altering something with paint, I'm there! You can stain any kind of noodle, bean, or rice. These water colors were my dad's, who was an artist. But you can find liquid water color for children here. I just use these because it is what I have on hand. I have actually used the Discount School Supply water colors and they are awesome! We used green because of spring but you have to try this project with bright colors like pink, purple, and blue! You can dye noodles to create necklaces or bracelets. I really like to create mobiles or indoor wind chimes with them

Supplies: paper towels, a piece of paper, objects to stain (such as noodles, beans, or rice), liquid water color, and a disposable jar with a lid

Process: Use your piece of paper to form a cone and place it at the top of the jar to make a funnel. Have the children place the objects to be stained in the jar. Place only two to three drops of liquid coloring in the jar. Place the lid on top and shake! When all of the objects inside are coated, place them on the paper towels to dry.

Teach Well: Liquid water color can stain clothing since it isn't concentrated. I wear gloves when doing this project. I have also heard of putting a drop of rubbing alcohol into the jar to help make the drying process faster. I personally don't use it because of the smell around the children.

Please Keep Off the Grass!

I love things that grow in no time at all! Grass seed does just that! I love to plant grass at home or in the classroom. It is great because once it grows you can take clippings and sprinkle it on art work for that extra green touch. I also found a great plant stake at the Dollar Tree several years ago that says "Keep off the grass!" In this project I used these pots from Ikea and hung them on this. I love the way they look hanging in our kitchen.

Supplies: pot, soil, grass seed, spray bottle with water, disposable cup, and sunlight

Process: Have the children put soil into their pot. Place the grass seed in a disposable cup and have the children shake the seed onto the top of the soil. Make sure that the children know not to touch the seed. Use the spray bottle to water the top of the soil. Have the children wash their hands thoroughly. Every day spritz the grass with water. Within a week you will have tall grass!

Teach Well: Use these Ikea pots for your child's art supplies. Hang the bar low enough so that your child can access them easily. Place them by an art easel for paint brushes or by a desk for school supplies.

Purple Cows

I love to incorporate poetry in my curriculum when I can. The poem The Purple Cow is funny and makes a child "think again."

The Purple Cow

I never saw a Purple Cow,

I never hope to see one;

But I can tell you, anyhow,

I'd rather see than be one.

by Gelett Burgess

Treats in the classroom are fun and rare. When we read this poem I always make sure we make Purple Cows afterwards!

Supplies: small cup, spoon, vanilla ice cream, and grape soda

Process: Put a scoop of ice cream in the cup. Have the soda in a pourable measuring cup. Have the children pour their own soda into their cup. Drink and enjoy!

Teach Well: Give the children small cups and spoons to help scoop out the ice cream from the bottom of their cups. About 30 percent of the children will have the experience and decide that they don't like it. That's OK! It's about having an experience and trying something new!

Spring Green Update!

Look! In just a couple of days our beans sprouts have grown 16 inches! In the meantime we have also started some white marigolds growing along side the beans to compare. To look at the original process check out this post.

Stamp Art

I love to find items for my art at Goodwill or garage sales. These foam stamps were a great find at a garage sale. I also love the handle stamps by Hampton Art Stamps. I had the wooden stamps before I started teaching. These ink pads are a life saver! They are large enough for any size stamp and washable!

Supplies: Foam stamps, washable ink pads, and paper

Process: Have the children stamp their paper any way they like.

Teach Well: Have several pieces of paper there if needed. Let the children create until they are finished!

Spring Into Green!

My favorite bulletin board project was this next activity that we did today. I am not sure where the inspiration came from but it is not original.

Supplies: resealable bag, bean seeds, dirt, water, and tape/or stapler.

Process:

Have the children place dirt into a resealable bag. Add several seeds. You want to make sure you put a few inside just in case some don't grow. Hang your bag in a window or on a bulletin board. Water lightly.

My classroom had so much light that I was able to hang these right on the bulletin board! We also hung a measuring tape to help teach height/length and how to read a measuring tape. I loved coming in the mornings and finding that the beans had grown one to two inches over night! We had sprouts touching the ceiling! Make sure that there are a few at eye level so the children can enjoy the daily growth as well.

Teach Well: Make sure to make a few extra just in case some don't grow. That way everyone gets to take a successful plant home.

Pigs in the Mud

I got so excited yesterday when I went into the attic and pulled out my "spring" and "farm" boxes! It was like Christmas all over again. I haven't looked in the boxes for a year and I had forgot what was inside! One of my favorite centers is "Pigs in the Mud." I found little piggies at the dollar store years ago. I make "mud" from my favorite play dough recipe that I got at a conference about eight years ago. I love to use my liquid watercolors to color my play dough because the colors can be so vibrant and beautiful. But you can use food coloring and it will do the trick just fine!

This recipe was given freely without copy right. Heidi Stalder from Lane Community College compiled Magic Mixtures - Recipes for Fun and Learning. She believed that all should gain from her work... there are so many good recipes! I am sure I will be sharing more as time goes by.

Sauce Pan Play Dough

This play dough is quick and easy to make. It is smooth and requires no kneading. It makes a small quantity and may be doubled or tripled but it can be hard to stir.
1 Tbs. oil (I use baby oil)
1 cup water
1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1 Tbs. vanilla
1 tsp. alum
a few drops of food coloring

Process: Mix dry ingredients in a sauce pan. Add food coloring, water, oil, and vanilla. Mix well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches the consistency of mashed potatoes (really!). As it is cooking the mixture will change from a milky color to a translucent color. Remove from heat. Let it cool for a minute. Roll to form a ball. Cool. Store in a sealed container.