Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf is a composition written for chamber orchestra and narrator. It is one of Prokofiev's cherished works and will delight children while offering an opportunity to learn important skills through classical music. Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was born in Russia (show the children on a world map where Russia is located in relationship to where they live). … [Read more...] about Introducing Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” to Young Kids!
Literacy
Preschoolers GONE BUGGY! Ladybug & Insect Activities for Spring!
Spring and Summer offer great opportunities to introduce your children to BUGS & INSECTS. Some children are frightened of bugs, while others will readily look for, touch, and play with any they find outside! Introduction: Make a list of all of the insects the children have seen before or know the names of. Sing the song Insects All Around as it includes many common insects the children … [Read more...] about Preschoolers GONE BUGGY! Ladybug & Insect Activities for Spring!
Wet Chalk Kite Crafts and Learning Games for Young Kids!
The wet chalk kite crafts are a fun activity to do indoors or outside! The kites make a great craft to display, but the bow activities will also enhance early math and literacy skills. Wet Chalk Kites Materials needed: One square piece of paper for each child, chalk (drawing chalk works best for this activity, but sidewalk chalk can be used), any color of Wikki Stix or painter's tape, and … [Read more...] about Wet Chalk Kite Crafts and Learning Games for Young Kids!
Wikki Stix and Dr. Seuss: Creative Play for Read Across America Day!
Are you searching for fun and unique activities to celebrate Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Day? Below you’ll find some colorful ideas using Wikki Stix, the original wax covered creatables. Wikki Stix Fish Creations After reading One fish Two fish Red fish Blue fish by Dr. Seuss, give the children one White Wikki Stix, two Green Wikki Stix, one Red Wikki Stix, and one Blue Wikki Stix. To … [Read more...] about Wikki Stix and Dr. Seuss: Creative Play for Read Across America Day!
Intentional Integration of Technology for Literacy in ECE
Many of our readers know that we champion the appropriate and intentional use of technology in early childhood. We are also champions of play. Technology and play can co-exist in balanced early learning environments. In talking with teachers and parents of young children, there are two primary concerns that come to light: Teachers are afraid to use new technology in their classrooms as … [Read more...] about Intentional Integration of Technology for Literacy in ECE
Preschool Scented Sugar Sensory Trays
Our kids are amazed by sugar, sand, and salt play! We decided to use sugar for our Valentine's trays (salt is good, but when kids have dry and cracked winter skin, salt can "burn" tender fingers.) We usually make our sensory trays with sugar in the winter and sand/salt in the warmer months! The tray below adds an extra sensory layer with the use of raspberry gelatin to scent the sugar. … [Read more...] about Preschool Scented Sugar Sensory Trays