Roll Out the Dough

Supplies: Brown or tan towel and rolling pin

Process: Three year olds have a difficult time roll playing at times. Interacting with you during an activity like getting down and pretending that you are a rolling pin didn't go well at our house. So, out came the rolling pin and we pretended to roll out the towel to a baking poem instead.

September 2010
Originally uploaded by Teach Well Teach Often

Teach Well: Use real pastry and create something yummy to eat for snack while reciting a poem would work even better.

C is for Cookie Kitchen Band

Supplies: pots, pans, drum sticks, song "C is for Cookie"

Process: Inspired by Mailbox Magazine, Kitchen Band, we set up the laptop with You Tube and played "C is for Cookie" while rockin' out in the kitchen. 

September 2010
Originally uploaded by Teach Well Teach Often

Teach Well: Make sure you do not use plastic bowls. I was the one that broke a large plastic mixing bowl during this activity. ;)

Spring Time Favorites

For my spring Bible curriculum, I use this book by Mary Rice Hopkins. I love the catchy music and fun lessons. Plus, Mary has some great books to go along with some of the parables as well.

You can find the books here and here.

Happy singing!

Dancing Leaves

Supplies: three silk leaves, one string tied into a loop, hot glue, and streamers

Process: Have the children hold thier items while you hot glue the pieces together. I have used a stapler for this project, but trust me, you will want hot glue instead. Pieces stay together and everyone is happy. ;) Glue silk flowers layered on top of each other like a fan. Cut red, orange, or yellow streamers at about 12 inches long. (You don't want them too long because then the children start stepping on them as they dance). Glue three pieces on the back of the silk leaves. Then tuck the string in between and glue in place. When everyone is ready sing this song:

Leaves are Falling (sing to the tune of London Bridges)

Leaves are falling all around
All around
All around
Leaves are falling all around
It is autumn! (fall down on the ground as you sing this last line)

Red leaves are falling all around
All around
All around
Red leaves are falling all around
It is autumn!

Continue with the colors that the children call out that might be on the leaves in their hand.

Teach Well: Use classical music to dance with their leaves. Is the music fast? Or slow? Dance to the way the music plays.

October Songs

Mary Rice Hopkins' In My Garden

Along with these favorites...

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!

 
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

 
 

Mary Rice Hopkins & Puppets with a Heart

Those that knew me in the classroom knew that Mary Rice Hopkins' music played most of the time. Whether class was in session or not! I can always find a song from her collection to play in any theme or Bible story that I might be telling. (Make sure to check out Mary's free scope and sequence for each album here.) I also went to several ACSI conferences where Mary was there doing worship and teaching classes. I can not tell you how much I learned from her as a teacher, mom, and Christian! I also remember seeing Darcy with her Puppets with a Heart there as well, and since have been inspired to create my own Bible application lessons with my own puppets.

Since then, Mary and Darcy have teamed up. I feel blessed to have known how God has used them in their ministries before and now seeing His hand in using them together now! I am happy to hear that her new DVD, Mary Rice Hopkins & Puppets with a Heart has the Dove Foundation Seal of Approval! You need to take a look at this DVD! There are life lessons in this video that has always been a part of Darcy's ministry and now Mary has put music to to it. This music will plant those important seeds in your child's heart that will never leave.

To add to my excitement is that TBN is now showing Puppets with a Heart twice a week! Click here for the program schedule. On their website you can meet the characters and view a clip. Check it out!

Teach Well: "Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me." Psalm 25:4-5a

The Beat Goes On...

"One of the best and most effective tools to promote this early mathematical thinking is through the use of music and musical activities in the classroom."

Read on to find out ways to explore music and the fundamentals of mathematics...

Be Inspired Thursday: Room Tour

Take a look at magazines, catalogues, or online to create creative spaces for your classroom or at home. Think outside the box and try and find things around your home to use to make your child's space unique!

Who says your classroom has to be white? OK, maybe your school has limitations about painting your classroom. If not, try an eco-friendly product that is safe for children and the environment. This room is painted with Yolo Colorhouse paint.

The rug, white table, and lighting fixture is from Ikea and the table top manipulative toy was found at a garage sale.

Our little child's chair would make any reading center special in a classroom. Ours was found at a garage sale and then we bought a slipcover from Target to cover it. The curtains were handed down from my sister. To make the art, I purchased Ikea's bedding set and used their wood canvas to create pieces that would match the light fixture.

I had the bookcases already and just added baskets to fit. I change out these baskets every other week to go with the theme that I am teaching about. I also add manipulatives and other favorites to encourage play. I used this same system in my classroom. In the classroom, the children knew not to get into the baskets unless I put them out as a center. It makes the classroom look organic, clean, and creative! The puppet holders are wine rack holders from Ikea.

In the classroom, this system worked well in my art area. I kept paint locked up, but left items that we might use for the theme that month (such as feathers, silk palm branches, worm bait, plastic frogs, etc.)

This book holder is actually a holder for pot lids from Ikea. We had originally bought it for our pots and pans and they didn't fit in our cupboards. But for $2.99 you can't beat this great book rack!

I also found this child size coat rack at a garage sale. After a lovely coat of paint, we added our dramatic play items. I also change the items I hang here with our theme.

I also keep a radio at child height to encourage my child to learn to play his music when he wants to. In the classroom, have a listening center for children to listen to stories on CD or tape. This is a great center for those children that need alone time.

April Inspiration

Well, April is here and finally signs of spring are everywhere! In April, my theme is He's Alive! Here is my list of things I can't live without this month!

1. I couldn't help myself and had to include a rubber chicken in this month's lesson plans.



2. Plastic eggs



3. Cleaning sponges for creating handmade stamps



4. The Story of the Resurrection Eggs in Rhyme & Song



5. Resurrection Eggs



6. Jelly Beans



7. Jelly Bean Prayer



8. The Miracle Maker
   
9. 
   
   

9. The Bunny Hop

10. Everyone loves The Chicken Dance!

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!

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!

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!