Materials
None needed
Instructions
1. After singing a good morning song with the children, address each child individually
by saying good morning to him and asking, "How are you?"
Encourage the child to respond appropriately by answering, "Good morning"
and "fine," "sleepy," and so on. Often, four-year-olds need practice in
answering adults politely in simple conversation.
2. Then ask the child, "What's new with you today?" Four-year-olds are usually
full of stories and information that they really want to share on whatever topic
is relevant to them at the moment! This open-ended question will usually
spark a response, even with the shyest child. Allow each child to finish his
thoughts, if possible, or help the child finish by saying, "Thank you for telling
us about that. Now it is someone else's turn to share."
3. Continue until everyone has had a turn to share what's new with him.
Remember to stress the importance of listening respectfully to others while
they are sharing.
More to do
Art: Encourage the children to draw a picture of "what's new" with them.
Games: Encourage the children to listen to one another while they are talking.
Later in the day, ask, "Who can tell me what's new with Sarah?"
Transitions: Use "What's New?" during down times, such as waiting for lunch to
be served or on a bus ride to a field trip.
