Materials
book about composting
colored blocks
barrel
Instructions
* Cut different shapes out of the vinyl scraps (square, triangle, rectangle, circle,
oval, and so on).
* Make the shapes large enough for children to jump on.
* Use either black permanent marker or black tape to number the shapes.
* Tape the shapes to the floor with masking tape to prevent accidents.
* Discuss how little birds hop around instead of walk.
What to Do
1. Engage the children in a conversation about birds. Show the children images of
various birds. Explain to the children that birds are an important part of the Earth's
environment, and that a way to care for birds is to respect the environment.
2. Challenge the children to identify some of the birds you have images of, and
describe for the children those birds' various habitats (penguins, flamingos, and
parrots are interesting examples).
3. Tell the children to act like little hopping birds! Encourage them to try the following:
Jump on each shape and identify it.
* Walk on each shape and say the
number.
* Jump from 1 to 10, saying each
number as you go.
* Jump on the even numbers only.
* Jump on the odd numbers only.
* Skip jump by fives. (5, 10, 15, 20,
25...)
* Skip jump by tens. (10, 20, 30...)
* Skip jump by twos or threes.
* Walk backwards on the shapes
and count backwards.
* Jump and recite the numbers
backwards.
* Hop on one foot.
* Jump hands on the shape then
the feet on the shape.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Can the children identify the shapes by name?
* How successful are the children at counting in the various ways?
