Postings about family life and my work (curriculum for preschool and kindergarten). Discussions will include topics for Autism, PDD and special needs ..... pretty much my life in general!
I will share my views on our world, education and some great resources.
This theme is a safety theme as well as introduces a community helper / hero.
This theme is a crucial part of the safety curriculum requirements for any preschool or kindergarten.
The students will make their own safety 911 badge necklace, practice dialing 911 on the phone (worksheet), go over escape plans and routes within the classroom and at home with their families, create a collage, create a 'Please Answer Me Book' all about safety / and not so safe objects, practice Stop – Drop – Roll techniques, use a rebus to create a fire truck snack and receive an award certificate for being a Fire Safety Friend.
Guess what? There is even more in this themed unit!
The unit contains over 30 pages ….. and includes a great Helping our Fire Fighter Friends folder game.
This is an obvious seasonal focused curriculum unit.
It includes making a lunch bag puppet (template printable patterns are always included), discussing weather appropriate attire, counting and number recognition, fall based colors and a tactile / textured art piece that is just as much fun collecting for it as it is making it.
Have the students make a cute little leaf book again focused on colors.
Decorate pumpkins with fun 'emotion' faces.
Collect corn and figure out what a piece of apple pie is selling for – coin recognition.
Next answer 'What belongs together?' and sort the harvest of apples by size.
Make some lacing cards that can be utilized over and over or sent home for great keepsakes or use as practice lacing mats.
The folder game will have the students matching corn and pumpkin upper and lower case alphabet.
This unit covers several topics all under one umbrella of 'Autumn'.
This theme will take your students on Little Pumpkin's Adventure.
They will make cute little pumpkin stick puppets and you will begin a story with a special 'story starter' suggestion. The students will take turns using their puppet to add more details to the 'on going' adventures that the Little Pumpkin is having.
Graphing with apples and pumpkins has been incorporated to reinforce colors and counting.
Little Pumpkin even has it's very own book for each student to make that explores common emotions.
The Happy Apple Face activity will have the children giggling once they have completed making their own Happy Apple jack'o lantern'.
The children love snack time when they read the rebus to make a very special treat …. with your help, of course. :-)
The filefolderfun game is a real treat with Apples for Apples. This is a focused pattern game that contains words that all begin with the letter A.
Anita is a worker ant and this theme will explore where she lives, finding food and taking care of the 'babies'.
A brief description is given about ants for the instructor.
The first activity in this theme has the children cutting and coloring while learning about Anita Ant's body (parts).
Another focused activity explores the life cycle of the ant and provides an interactive worksheet with lots of pasting and coloring.
Next the student will help Anita find her home with tracing or cutting along the broken line.
Graphing has also been included in this fun theme concerning some peoples favorite insect.
The Science suggestion involves going on a 'treasure hunt' of sorts for a variety of ants and this includes lots of measuring.
The fun does not stop there. The student will then create a fun little book that asks lots of questions. This particular book will expand this theme tremendously by discussing things that Anita loves to Eat and would a person eat it too?
The templates are included for a fun game that includes lots of muscle movement while learning the colors of the 'ants'.
There is even more focused ant activities in this themed set – like where does an ant live and what does the inside of their home look like.
Finally, within the 37 pages, is an Anita Ant File Folder style game. The game has the students matching Anita's body parts by matching the number to dots. This game will reinforce the location of the abdomen, thorax, legs, head, antennae and more.
*All folder style games include directions and recommend lamination for long term durability.
This set contains 47 theme based units and can be utilized over a 50+ week period.
This is not your typical 'recommendation' set up. You will not open up anyone of the themed ebooks and find any of the following:
Sing 'this song' during circle time …..
Cover the color Yellow this week.....
Dress everybody up as cowboys and play 'the West' in centers....
Read 'this book' to support this theme this week......
It is not that the 'recommendation' set-up is not a prevailing style presently …. but does that really work when you are a home school parent or daycare provider – when there really is not enough time in the day to lay out a 'lesson plan' and collect all of the pieces needed to accommodate the 'recommendations'.
Do you want it NOW and be able to set it up relatively easily and quickly? If the answer is 'YES' - this is the set for you.
The Themed Curriculum set was inspired and created with that purpose in mind.
Admittedly, this set is excellent for any preschool or kindergarten based classroom. It can be expanded upon to meet any educational recommendations and guidelines.
But even more importantly is the ability for the homeschool parent and home day care based instructor - to have the ability to provide a sound and fun curriculum without the demands of NO 'planning period' or assistants to help create and collect the bits needed for a lot of the resources and curriculum found now days.
There are companies out there that will ship you a nice 'convenient' set-up of 3 or 4 activities a week and suggested supports for their curriculum at a cost that equals a very large chunk of money per student …. And yet, you will still be expected to collect and plan additional pieces and activities for the week or month.
That alone makes this set appear even more practical and definitely a lot less expensive. It even comes with a lot more 'Bells and Whistles' than the prepackaged sets provide.
With the prepackaged sets ….. you have to continue to order month after month after month - and you will need to be sure to order enough sets to accommodate each student, since they are usually sold as a per student price. Adjustments to your classroom or daycare may occur quickly with students coming and going ….. yet you may not have enough 'arts and crafts' pieces to include each student. You, also, do not want to leave anyone out! What can you do? Order more? You do realize that the additional sets will not arrive by the next morning …. of course - you do! :-)
If any of this sounds familiar ….. This small piece (Not Really.... It has over 1725 pages of usable curriculum / activities within the Themed Curriculum Package) of The Ultimate Resource for Preschool and Kindergarten is exactly what you have been waiting for!
When designed, it was with the intention that any person could easily add a quality preschool type program easily and quickly.
Each unit includes (in PDF printable formatting) a minimum of:
5 Themed Based Activities
File Folder Style Game
Spanish and Sign Language Flash Cards
Individual Worksheets for -
letter
shape
color
number
Fine and/or Gross Motor Activity Suggestion(s)
Science Suggestion(s)
Obviously …. you control what is included within your preschool program and can alter the letter, shape, color and number sheets included in the unit. Why? Because YOU can!
With the download membership …... you have so many more support pieces, curriculum, activities, worksheets – the list goes on and on.
You are in control and not at the mercy of 'what is sent' in a prepackaged curriculum.
All you will need to do is …. print off what you want to use.
Are you wondering what can be within the many pages of the themed sets? You will probably be a little, if not a lot, surprised.
This set was designed for a need of minimal gathering of objects (if anything would need to be gathered, you will most likely already have it around the house or classroom) and the simplicity of printing off exactly what you need.
When it comes to education, the basics include the alphabet, colors, numbers and shapes. This is the foundation of The Basics.
The Basics is an excellent introduction to the letters, colors, shapes and numbers. The first 10 lesson units introduce the numbers 1 – 10 as well as the colors and shapes. In addition to the basic concepts, each lesson includes fun activities that will expand the possibilities for success.
The 26 lesson units each include a 5 page book covering various concepts, search & find sheet (search mat), tracing / cutting and a mini file folder style game.
This Educational Set would be appropriate for the very advanced 2 year old with a lot of 1 to 1 teacher support or a special needs student needing basic concepts work support. Absolutely perfect for the pre-k to kindergarten level pupil.
One more thing..... this is not to be confused with a lesson plan that instructs you to do …. but is designed for you to ACT!
Each unit introduces a new letter (that is why there is 26 sets) and provides you with the ability to print off what you will need to accommodate each and every objective. It contains over 270 pages of printable / usable tools and curriculum.
Get started NOW with the very first unit, the letter A.
The Ultimate Resource for Preschool and Kindergarten is an extensive curriculum / resource package that can be incorporated into many different types of teaching environments. This includes daycare, home school, preschool, kindergarten and special needs situations. The resources can be utilized by therapists too. This includes speech, occupational and physical therapy.
Tools for Preschool and Kindergarten has bundled numerous digitally formatted e-books into conveniently zipped down-loadable files that are easily saved onto a hard drive. Once the storage of each file has been completed, the folders can be unpacked and opened to display huge amounts PDF printable books.
This formatting and storage method makes the resources at Tools 4 Preschool and Kindergarten the perfect teacher friendly curriculum.
Shopping for curriculum, lesson plans, reading supports, math concept material and so many additional tools has never been so easy. This Digital Download Resource E-book Membership allows the purchaser to utilize the material for years to come and at a very affordable, if not downright, insanely cheap price.
What is the one event that all teachers dread? After spending an enormous amount of money on one activity ….. a piece is lost, damaged or the game (activity) wears out. Sure, the item has served the purpose and was purchased as a 'disposable'. This definitely redefines the terminology 'disposable income'. :-)
Wouldn't it be wonderful if when something was lost, damaged or wore out the company would send you a new game, book, activity or whatever the tool was? Of course the answer is a resounding 'YES'. We all know that this is not how it works …. until now.
www.Tools4PreschoolandKindergarten.com gives you the ability to replace those lost, damaged and wore out activities by simply printing off and creating the item again …. and …. again …. and … again!
Tired of the black-line master that over time becomes so ridiculously faded that you need to sit down and actually trace over the tiny letters and designs so you can use it just one more time? Seriously – if you enjoy this activity ….. you do not need the download membership …. you do need a new hobby. :-)
The Ultimate Resource for Preschool and Kindergarten is a tool unlike anything else you will find on the internet or any other location. Sure, you will find several options of downloadable material or cd /dvd's loaded with curriculum and resources – but it is a relative certainty that not one of these tools will provide you with the variety, typical and unique, that is available within the Ultimate Resource for Preschool and Kindergarten.
Why so certain …. You ask?
Well ….. let's explore all of the numerous resource sets that are included within the download membership located at www.Tools4PreschoolandKindergarten.com
I am going to begin a series of site reviews dedicated to the Tools 4 (for) Preschool and Kindergarten web site.
This site contains so many diverse pieces of educational material that it is a little overwhelming if you just happen to land on the web site.... especially if you have no idea of what this site actually is.
All I will say in this blog piece about www.Tools4PreschoolandKindergarten.com is that it is comparable to a 5 star Restaurant (like the Broadmoor in Colorado - by the way - I am in no way connected to the Broadmoor - It is an amazingly beautiful piece of history) in the curriculum world of preschool and kindergarten level education - yet is bundled and priced like the family friendly Buffet that you might find on any corner of your city or town.
It is a one stop, one price curriculum / resource that any teacher, parent, daycare provider .... would love to receive as a gift.
It is perfect for the new instructor that has very little for their group of children.
The experienced teacher will find so many new and wonderful pieces that they too will want to print, make and create all of the typical and unique sets within the many (did I say - MANY!) downloadable zipped files that contain huge amounts of ebooks. Each file is loaded with so many beautiful and enriching pieces.
The site contains thousands of pages .....
I will try to give true justice to each piece that is available within the Download membership .... But truly will probably not be able to cover every piece - there is just sooooo much!
Did I mention that everything is included in the one price .... Everything!
This site includes suggestions for nearly everything and is even curriculum friendly for the infant / toddler category.
Some of the resources on this site include:
Nursery Curriculum for Ages 0 - 1 Brightly Beaming Baby (Nursery Age 0) Recommended Reading for Parents Literature Nursery Rhymes Poetry Bible Rhyme Bible Speech/Vocabulary Classical Music Baby Games Lullabies Sign Language Foreign Languages Exercise Baby Massage How to Schedule Brightly Beaming Toddler (Nursery Age 1) Recommended Reading for Parents Literature Bible Poetry Nursery Rhymes Speech/Vocabulary Sign Language Indoor Games Outdoor Games Classical Music Musical Exploration Children's Songs Lullabies Foreign Languages Puppetry Exercise Nature Study Arts & Crafts Art Appreciation How to Schedule Brightly Beaming Steps to Reading Program for Ages 2 - 7 Step One: Preparatory Curriculum (Ages 2 - 4) Curriculum Outline Weekly Themes Learning Poster Vocabulary Words Colors/Shapes Letters Numbers Nursery Rhymes Monday Schedule Tuesday Schedule Wednesday Schedule Thursday Schedule Friday Schedule Preparatory Book List Step Two: Letter of the Week (Ages 2 - 5) Scheduling the Year Alphabet Intro Week Basic Letter Weeks Review Weeks Alphabet Party! Monday Schedule Tuesday Schedule Wednesday Schedule Thursday Schedule Friday Schedule Any Day Schedule Letter of the Week Book List Step Three: Sound of the Week (Ages 3 - 6) Curriculum Outline Basic Sound Weeks Sound Wall Poster Reviewing the Letters Handwriting in the Curriculum Sound of the Week Book List Sound of the Week Printout Celebration Party Week Step Four: Story of the Week (Ages 4 - 7) Curriculum Outline Lesson One Kindergarten Curriculum for Ages 4 - 5** Science of the Week (Kindergarten Ages 4 & 5) My Science Journey Poster My Science Journey Journal From Seed to Pumpkin What's It Like to Be a Fish? Germs Make Me Sick Penguin Chick Sunshine Makes the Seasons What Happens to a Hamburger? What Makes a Magnet? Country of the Week (Kindergarten Ages 4 & 5) Curriculum Outline Angola ArgentinaJuly 28, 2011 Ireland
The countries below will one day be revised for inclusion in Country of the Month a curriculum for ages 6 - 11. China Egypt Russia SpellBright Level One (Kindergarten Age 5) SpellBright Level One Spelling Lists & Activities
Primary Curriculum for Ages 6 - 8
SpellBright Level Two (Primary Age 6) SpellBright Level Two Spelling Lists & Activities Primary Journal Ideas (Primary Ages 6 - 8) January Journal Ideas February Journal Ideas March Journal Ideas April Journal Ideas May Journal Ideas June Journal Ideas July Journal Ideas August Journal Ideas September Journal Ideas October Journal Ideas November Journal Ideas December Journal Ideas Orchestral Beams (Primary Ages 6 - 8)
Elementary Curriculum for Ages 9 - 11**
Blazers of Greatness Curriculum Outline Albert Einstein George Washington Benjamin Franklin Abraham Lincoln Mother Teresa Madeleine de Verchères Early Childhood at Home A Balanced Home Education The Arts of Religion & Character Bible Study Sacred Art Appreciation Sacred Music Appreciation Character Studies The Arts of Communication Early Literacy Phonics Beginning Reading Literature Poetry Nursery Rhymes Penmanship Spelling Speech Recitation Grammar Composition Vocabulary Sign Language Narration Typing & Computers The Arts of Thinking & Educational Skills Memorization Critical Thinking Library Skills Reference Skills Study Skills The Arts of Mathematics Preschool Math Kindergarten Math Primary Math Math Games The Arts of the Social Studies Preschool/Kindergarten Themes World Geography Biographies of Famous People U.S. History & Geography Canadian History & Geography State/Province Studies World History Timelines/Book of Centuries The Arts of the Natural & Scientific World Nature Study Preschool Science Kindergarten Science Primary Science The Arts of Languages Languages Around the World French Spanish Italian Latin Greek The Arts of Physical Education Exercise Games Baby Massage Sports Health Nutrition Drill Safety & First Aid The Arts of Cultural Expression Music Music Appreciation Art Art Appreciation Dance & Movement Puppetry Drama Mime The Arts of Life Handicrafts Children's Chores Manners Scrapbooking/Notebooking Personal & Family History Scheduling Organization Goal Setting Life Skills Lists Levels of Learning Nursery Age 0 Nursery Age 1 Preschool Age 2 Preschool Age 3 Kindergarten Age 4 Kindergarten Age 5 Primary Level Age 6 Primary Level Age 7 Primary Level Age 8 Elementary Level Age 9 Elementary Level Age 10 Elementary Level Age 11 Homeschool Information Getting Started Books to Read Curriculum Providers Helpful Homeschool Sites Methods and Philosophies of Home Education Charlotte Mason Maria Montessori Glenn Doman Shinichi Suzuki Classical Education Thomas Jefferson Education An Environment for Learning Homeschool Forms and Tools Opening Exercises
(The list was so extensive that I just copied and pasted it directly to the blog ..... I wanted to do the site justice .... WOW :)
LetteroftheWeek contains some extraordinary topics and suggestions. This site is definitely worth taking a look at when working with preschool and kindergarten aged (developmentally established) students. Even more when working with older students in upper grades.
Letter of the Week contains numerous ideas that cover many advanced areas of curriculum.
This is a Sugar Cookie Recipe that has received a lot of positive feedback.
This recipe does require that you chill the dough prior to rolling out for cutting with cookie cutters. Dip the cutter in flour prior to cutting - this will decrease the stickiness.
The cookie will spread a bit .... but not too bad.
You will need the following ingredients:
1 cup white sugar
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup butter
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract - my favorite)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Cream together the sugars, shortening and butter.
Mix in the eggs and mix well.
Stir in flour, cream of tartar and baking soda. Mix in vanilla (or almond) and salt. Stir until well blended.
Roll dough into walnut sized balls.
Flatten with glass bottom dipped in sugar (and cinnamon - optional).
Bake for 10 minutes (Time may vary depending on the oven and location).
Let the cookies cool then decorate.
These make a great treat for the preschool / kindergarten group - but also make great gifts for the parents ( guardians) or that someone special.
Just added the new filefolderfun game of funky fish shapes on to the download Sampler membership site.
The directions are included .... no reason to watch a video. These are so easy to make and use. The file folder games (the new ones that were just added) can also be used as fun shaped memory match lotto cards for additional options in education expansion.
Instead of pasting the fish onto the folder - cut them out and laminate (still make two (2) copies of each fish page). Play as you would a normal memory game.
Flip all of the cards over so that the picture sides of the cards are face down. Arrange the cards into a rectangular grid. Keep the grid as uniform as possible, in order to prevent giving unintentional clues to players, which would make it easier to memorize the locations of certain cards.
2
Have the youngest player take the first turn. The player turns over any two cards in the grid, flipping them all the way over and laying them down with the pictures facing up. The player collects the two cards if the pictures on them are the same, otherwise the two cards are turned back over and it is the next player's turn. A player that makes a match takes another turn, and continues to take turns until they fail to make a match.
3
Have the next oldest player take his turn in the same manner. Continue to take turns, youngest to oldest, until all of the matches are made.
4
Have each player count up her matches. The player with the most matches wins.
Tips & Warnings
The object isn't to just randomly flip over cards and hope to make a match, but rather to memorize the locations of the cards as the game goes on.
Play the game solo by setting up the cards in the same grid formation. Then count how many turns you have to take, in order to pair up all of the cards. Try to decrease the number of turns it takes you with each additional play of the game.
Children too young for the Memory version of the game can still play with the cards: play all of the cards picture side up, and have the young child put together the cards in pairs. This will teach him how to group like items together.
Hope these suggested directions are more clear than my explanation could be.
Here is a video of the set ....
Check out the youtube channel ThinkingOfOurFuture for a lot of videos of great (and affordable - if not free) preschool, kindergarten, special education and early 1st grade level resources / curriculum.
