Present the activity by explaining the sheet, count to ten (or how high you chose to go to) and then describing the items in the Leprechaun hat one by one. I worked a “Control of Error” into the exercise by placing just enough items in the hat to match the total number (e.g. there is one big pom pom, two green caps, three shamrocks, etc). So the only way to successfully complete the exercise is if all the items are used in the exercise.
This is one activity of a variety that we’ll be doing throughout the next month to weave St. Patrick’s Day into our days and learning. I look forward to sharing the ideas with you!
I am so excited for this weekend. I have many activities planned for my boys. Like you, I jump at the opportunity to teach my children. Special occasions and holidays allow for this sort of learning and work well because the learning is holistic. You can weave in many basic concepts while teaching a far more complex concept or topic.
This coming Monday is President’s Day in the United States. President’s Day is a federal holiday in honor of our first president, George Washington, on his birthday (or close to it as the holiday always comes on the 3rd Monday in February). We have a 2.5 year old so I am introducing the theme (that will undoubtedly last a lifetime) fairly lightly.
Here is what we’re doing to celebrate the day and introduce vital topics in America’s history:
Early Literacy – Besides reading many topical books (see below), I’m bringing in letter learning with No Time for Flashcards wonderful Letter of the Week exercise for the letter ‘P’ using pennies.
I described the project and had him begin by coloring the page.
Then we talked about the letter “P”, the sound and words that begin with the letter “P”.
He did well putting the glue on the penny. Fine motor skill development is all around us. We also painted the “P” with glue and made dots. All work well for getting those pennies to stick on the page.
As he worked on his “P”, we talked about the penny, who is on it (Abe Lincoln) and that one penny equals one cent.
He tried to keep all the pennies within the line of the “P” (I may have guided him here) but really does it matter? Not at all.
Art – Coloring pages are the perfect way to introduce figures to your child’s life. We’ll be using FREE PRINTABLEs from Apples4theteacher. We’re doing the portraits of George Washington, Martha Washington (I like the idea of introducing the women behind the men that founded the United States of America.), Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.
Geography – We’ll be using our Melissa & Doug United States puzzle with a focus on the state of Virgina. I am printing out this coloring page of Virginia.
Craft – Lincoln’s log cabin is relatively easy to put together for your preschooler with varying levels of approach depending on the age of your child.
I sourced the Log Cabin concept from Preschool Playbook. All you need is construction paper, Popsicle sticks and glue.
Our Lincoln Log Cabin was very colorful.
I drew a line matching each color of the stick so he could match the stick to it. He spread glue across the lines.
Then he added a door, window, chimney and smoke (white pom poms). I used sticker paper for the door, window and chimney. You just as easily could use construction paper and glue. During this process we talked a bit about Lincoln. It was helpful to read The Story of Abraham Lincoln before the craft.
For the exercise I am laying out a picture of where each part (and the glue) goes (e.g., I will draw each log signifying that a Popsicle stick goes in that area) to avoid any frustrating melt downs by the 2.5 year old. If your child is older, have him cut his own stripes from construction paper and take the lead. I plan to create an environment that enables my child to successfully complete the activity (I am not looking for a perfect cabin or flag, just that he finishes the project).
Coin Sorting – I printed and laminated images each of a penny, a dime, a quarter and a half dollar coins from the Mint’s website section for teachers. There are fabulous education resources available on this site with loads of great downloads, lesson plans and activities for kids on this site. I highly recommend the site.
I placed these images in front of empty containers. In front on those items I placed a container filled with coins. To make it even more fun and challenging, I cut a slit in each container’s cover simulating a piggy bank but also bringing in an excellent fine motor skill exercise.
Books – The following books are great introductory books for your preschooler. The Presidents Day book tells an adorable story of a class putting on an assembly based on the presidents displayed on Mt. Rushmore. The board books are simple and wonderful at telling the stories of important (and complex) American historical figures. Our 2.5 year old has really enjoyed these books so far.
Thank you for visiting! Happy Presidents Day!
Marnie
Love is Walking Hand and Hand by Charles Shultz – This book is a family favorite. Classic illustrations and warm sentiments. My favorite is “Love is being happy just knowing that she’s happy…”. A sweet book to read on any day but especially on those days when you need a little reminder about how lovely simple things can be.
If You’ll Be My Valentine by Cynthia Rylant – This book is very sweet. It was also helpful in explaining to my 2.5 year old that Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the people (and animals, real and stuffed!) that you love. The text is written in a way that makes reading aloud fun and also full of humor as the young boy makes promises to his family, friends and animals.
Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman – This book made me cry the first time I read it through with my son. Very few days pass by when I don’t wonder if there is any possible way that my sons can comprehend or feel how much we love them. This book does a wonderful job of conveying that message. The illustrations are lively and will grab the attention of your child in true Nancy Tillman style.
The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond – This book does a great job illustrating the idea that love is all around us especially making the point at the end when Cornelia, the main character, sees hearts in the trees. As the rain pours down, Cornelia collects “heart” drops, each unique. She plans carefully which hearts to give to which friends. She is thoughtful in considering the qualities of her friends and why she loves them so dearly. The Day It Rained Hearts, originally published in 1983 with a different title, Four Valentines in a Rainstorm”, makes my family very happy.
Where is Love, Bisquit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli – A touch and feel book, this story is a good one for younger children. Adorable sentiment and, as always, the illustrations are cute as can be. The author takes us through all the places that we can find love. A great reminder and lesson to all of us that love is all around us.
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