By Zoey on January 18th, 2018
“I’m the Cat in the Hat, and we’re off to have fun. We’ll visit the planets, the stars, and the sun!” These are the captivating first words of the book There’s No Place Like Space!. Written by Tish Rabe and beautifully illustrated by Aristides Ruiz, this wonderful book takes children on an exciting ride through the solar system, and teaches important basic concepts about space.
After being introduced to this book, preschoolers will enjoy making their own “planets”. Have students place cut up or torn pieces of bleeding tissue paper onto white construction paper circles. Instruct them to wet the tissue with a water filled spray bottle (supervision is important here). Once the tissue is sufficiently wet, gently remove and allow the “planets” to dry.
This activity encourages creative expression. The children love to choose their colors, and always get excited when they see the beautiful and varied works of art they have created. In addition, using a spray bottle improves fine motor skills and helps to build strength in small hands and fingers. Finally, cutting skills can be practiced, by encouraging the children (who wish to do so) to cut out their own circles.
Note: This revised edition of the book includes a glossary of space terms and excludes mention of Pluto, which is no longer considered a planet.
MATERIALS USED:
– White construction paper
– Bleeding tissue paper in a variety of colors
– Spray bottles filled with water
– Our free circle template
By Zoey on January 16th, 2018
Once or twice a year I like to have my students work together to create a class collage to display in the classroom. The children really enjoy expressing themselves. Rarely do I have anyone turn down the chance to participate.
This outer space collaboration turned out to be a creative and fun experience for everyone. I provided a large, curved piece of Styrofoam that had been spray painted black and quickly sprinkled with a dusting of glitter. I also provided a tray full of sparkly decorative items. I found glitter foam at Walmart that made perfect stars and moons. Plain foil stars also work well. My students were drawn to the various materials, and loved choosing which ones they wanted to use.
This collage turned out to be 3D, but you can use poster board or cardboard and a variety of collage materials of your choice. Some may choose all the materials you provide, while others will use very few.
This open-ended activity provides the children with an opportunity to use their imaginations, express their creativity, and practice decision making. Additionally, when working collaboratively to create a piece of art, the children develop social skills and learn to work interactively.
MATERIALS USED:
– A large piece of Styrofoam or other material
– Spray paint
– Glitter
– Glue
– Pom poms (glitter and regular)
– Sequins
– Sparkly fuzzy sticks (pipe cleaners)
– Moon and star stickers
– Acrylic jewels
– Our star template
By Gigi on January 12th, 2018
Let’s learn about the people in our neighborhood! This Community Helper Math and Literacy pack contains 21 worksheets and 3 learning card activities that strengthen the following skills:
– Counting
– One-to-one correspondence
– Classification
– Number recognition
– Number formation
– Set recognition and comparison
– Measurement (weight)
– Measurement (height)
– Patterning
– Fine motor
– Letter recognition
– Beginning sound recognition
– Language/Dictation
– Self-expression
– Association
– Visual discrimination
– Phonological and phonemic awareness
– Following directions
COMMUNITY HELPER COUNT & CLIP CARDS (COLOR 12/B&W 12)
Print these cards out on cardstock (laminate for heavy use). Students will count each set of helpers and clip its corresponding number with a clothespin.
COMMUNITY HELPER AND VEHICLE MATCH-UP PUZZLES (COLOR 10/B&W 10)
Print these cards out on cardstock (laminate for heavy use), and cut in half. Students will match each community helper to the vehicle he/she uses to do their job.
COMMUNITY HELPER BINGO (COLOR 4/B&W 4) / DRAW CARDS (COLOR 24/B&W 24)
Print these cards out on cardstock (laminate for heavy use). Provide a small manipulative for children to use as bingo markers. Five in a row (horizontally, vertically, diagonally) equals BINGO! While playing, be sure to facilitate discussion about each community helper shown.
WORKSHEETS 15 + NUMBER BOOK (1-10) (B&W)
A Community Helper Counting Book (1-10) is included in the worksheet section of this pack. Children will cut out the pages of the book. Teachers/adults should staple the pages together. Students can then count and write the number of community helpers on each page and color the pictures. Be sure to discuss the helpers featured and their importance to the community.
Additionally, with these worksheets learners will compare sets, color by numbers, classify helper vehicles, identify rhyming words, segment syllables, and so much more!
Get this Community Helpers Math and Literacy pack here.
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