Materials
What to do
1. Choose a favorite stuffed animal for this activity.
2. Tell the children that the animal is asleep on the shelf, so they have to tiptoe very quietly or they will wake him up. Encourage the children to tiptoe around the room, trying to be as quiet as possible.
3. This helps the children be quiet and orderly when moving from place to place to change activities.
More to do
Games:When waiting in line to enter a room or place that is not quite ready to enter yet, children often get rowdy. Play this game with them. Ask them to guess answers about your likes and dislikes. Tell them they must raise their hand to be called on. For example:
- What is my favorite color?
- What kind of pet do I have?
- What are my children's names?
- What is my favorite food?
- What animal am I? (pantomime an animal)
General Tips:When offering an activity for preschoolers to do, never ask if they want to do an activity or if they want to clean up. Their favorite answer at this age will be "No!" Instead, offer them a choice so they can't answer "yes" or "no." For example, ask, "Would you like to go to the blocks or the Art Station?" or "Would you like to clean up the blocks first or the books first?" Whatever activity you'd really like them to do, say that activity last. Children this age will pay attention to the last item you say and frequently choose that item.
-Teri Phillips, Franklin, TN
Instructions
Say these limericks when you have a moment with the children. (All limericks
are written by Penni L. Smith.)
A cocky cucumber named Billy
Bragged to a cute radish named Millie,
"I'll soon be the star
Of a big pickle jar.
"Cause Farmer thinks I'm just dilly!"
There was a Princess named Dee
Who was no bigger than a flea.
Her prince on the other hand
Was enormous and grand,
And sat on her "cause she was too tiny to see!
There once was a ghost named Boo
He haunted his house for a shoe.
He would bellow and cry,
But didn't know why
"Cause he never walked, he flew!
There was a girl named Heather,
Who hated the windy weather.
Where e'er it did blow,
Away she would go!
"Cause she was as light as a feather!
There was a robot named Hymie,
Who was British and nicknamed "Lymie."
He was caught in a flood
Got covered with mud,
And now Hymie is all grimy!
There once was a candle named Max
Who believed in facing the facts.
As his time came near,
He cried tear after tear,
Until he was reduced to a pool of wax!
A nincompoop called Nurp
Sat at the table to slurp.
He was served a bird.
No burping was heard,
Now all he can do is chirp!
There once was a bee named Bo
On vacation he decided to go.
He went to Barcelona
Where he met Ramona
A cute little bug with a glow.
