Children will have center activities four days a week and free play one day a week.  Centers used in the classroom consist of: writing, art, math, letter of the week, games, listening, home living and blocks.  All children will visit each center during a two week period.  Centers with directed learning activities include: writing, math, art, letter of the week and listening.  Visit this post for new activities every two weeks.

Month of September: Orientation to Kindergarten and Johnny Appleseed

Writing-TLW practice the correct way to hold pencil/crayon and write his/her name by rainbow writing and make a “Scribble” picture;  TLW listen to a flannel board story of Johnny Appleseed and color, cut and sequence his story.

Art-TLW practice using glue and learning the glue rule-”Not a lot, just a dot” to make a bracelet and a torn paper collage;  TLW make an apple windsock and make an apple tree using fingerprints for apples.

Math-TLW make a “Welcome to Our Class” book and complete fine motor assessment; TLW listen to the story of the “Star” in the apple and make an Apple Sandwich using apple slices and peanut butter.  Following the sandwich the students will cut, and sequence a story of how they made the apple sandwich to bring home.

Games-TLW usually have free choice of games in this center.  There will be times throughout the year that there will be teacher directed activities in this center. 

Letter of the Week-TLW complete activities for a letter studied in Saxon Phonics.  These letters will follow the phonics papers brought home each week.  Completed activites will come home the day of or the day after your child goes to this center.

Listening-TLW listen to stories related to the different themes of the month.

Month of October Center Activities:  Fire Prevention, Columbus Day, Fall, PALS testing, and Report card assessment

Writing-TLW listen to Pumpkin, Pumpkin and color, cut and sequence the growth of a pumpkin. 

Art-TLW make a pumpkin man by cutting, folding and glueing.

Math-TLW learn finger play Five Little Pumpkins and color, cut and glue pumpkins to fence.   TLW make a pumpkin puppet to use while singing Jack-0-Lantern, Jack-0-Lantern.

Month of November: Native Americans and Thanksgiving

Writing-TLW make a “Thankful” leaf.  TLW write Indian symbols on clothing to complete a Native American child.

Art-TLW make a turkey by glueing wings and feathers to a body.

Math-TLW make an Indian headband and earn feathers by giving information: full name, birthday, age, address, parent’s name, phone number and tying shoes.

Month of December: Christmas Around the World

Writing-TLW write a letter to Santa Clause and draw pictures of toys wanted for Christmas.

Art-TLW make Santa Clause and paing a green pepper wreath

Math-TLW make a Christmas tree using handprints and fingerpaint ornaments on the tree.

Month of January:Report Card Assessment, Winter, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Writing-TLW use descriptive words to describe winter and illustrate their work.

Art-TLW make a snowman using sponge painting techniques.

Math-TLW understand the properties of water.

Month of February: Groundhog’s Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and Dental Health

Writing-TLW use inventive spelling to write their parents a Valentine’s Day card.  TLW use inventive spelling to write an experience story about loosing their first tooth.

Art-TLW make a Valentine man and a Valentine flower pot.  TLW create a symmetrical painting and easel paint.

Math-TLW understand shadows and magnets.

Month of March: St.Patrick’s Day, Spring, Easter, Plants or Insects

Writing-TLW write an experience story about meeting a Leprechaun. TLW write a poem about bunnies.

Art-TLW make Leprechauns, Big Bunnies, and illustrate a seed story.

Math-TLW wirte numbers 0-10, count Easter eggs, and sow seeds.

Month of April and May: Plants or Insects, Earth Day, Spring, Report Card Assessment

Writing-TLW write experience stories about trees, insects and spring.

Art-TLW illustrate sequence of plant growth, make butterflies, and easel paint.

Math-TLW discuss life cycle of plants and insects. TLW explore probability using two sided counters, four-color spinners and tally marks.