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All About Kids Curriculum
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Toddler Level

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November 2012- June 2013

Written By- Ms. Heather Giamboi

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 2

ALL About Kids 2012- 2013 Level- Older/ Younger Toddlers

Curriculum by- Ms. H. Giamboi
Instructor- Teacher’s Name
Months: Nov. 2012- June 2013

Introduction: This curriculum/ photo lesson plan book is a collection of fun, exploration
units with corresponding photographs reflecting a typical day’s activities in the early
childhood toddler classroom of All About Kidz. Activities are organized by children’s ages,
Pennsylvania learning standards, and by month.

The day opens with children being warmly welcomed and able to freely play with a variety
of materials and toys in learning centers that include: Creative Expression Art Center,
Theater & Dress Up Area, Writing Center, Science Center, Block Toy Center, Sensory
Water Sand Area. Next children enter circle time and begin a circle rhyme. Each child is
welcomed and greeted in song & asked to share their special experiences. Children based
on their age have fun circle time songs, finger plays, movement, chanting, books or puppet
shows. Every day if the weather is pleasant the children often take walks or fun trips to the
playground which is something they love to do.

Class Photo Of Children Playing At The Park

 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.CHAPTER 1…………….…………………………………………………………..P.1
1.Overview……………………………………………………………………….P.4
2.Language Development………………………………………………………...P.5
3.Social Studies…………………………………………………………………..P.7

II.CHAPTER 2…………………………………………………………………….…P.9
4.Science…………………………………………………………………………P.9
5.Social/ Emotional………………………………………………………………P.11
6.Creative/Expression……………………………………………………………P.12

III.CHAPTER 3-………………………………………………………………….….P.13
7.Cognitive/ Math………………………………………………………….….….P.13
8.Gross Motor/ Dance…………………………………………………………….P.15
9.Circle/Songs/Verses/Plays………………………………………………...……P.19

IV. CHAPTER 4…………………………………………………………...…………P.20

10.Creative Exp./ Music………………………………………………………….P.20
11.Creative Exp./Art……………………………………………………………...P.22
12.Sensory……………………………………………………………………...…P.24
12.School Play/Script……………………………………………………………..P.25

V. CHAPTER 5………………………………………………………………………P.28
14.Summery Page………………………………………………………………..P.28
15.Educational Materials…………………………………………………………P.30
16. Bibliography………………………………………………………………….P.30
 4

Overview
Basic Curriculum Principles- Related to themes some of the best preschool themes I have
experienced were most effective because they focused on what is most important in the child’s
world such as: close family: Mom and Dad, their friends, who they are and a sort of Waldorf
reverence for nature with a harmony for the changing seasons and the rhythms of life. In
response to this the Toddlers of All About Kidz explore the theme:” Thankful on Thanksgiving:
I Love My Family” for November.

Importance of Play- A World Wide Study was done on early childhood education in counties all
over the world that found that many European Counties emphasized the joy of childhood over
academics until the age of seven. Yet several years later these same children that started Math
and Reading skills much later were tested and found to be significantly more advanced in
Reading, Math, and other subjects. Some Teachers may ask: It makes no sense, how can this be?
It has to do with timing and development. In learning we need to address needs for “high
achievers” and yet still create an environment that honors how amazing it is to have a childhood
that involves doing what children do best: be children, play like children, reach their milestones,
and thrive in being more themselves. Children who can be more themselves and are excited to
learn are much happier. Gifted children are often those who have a great driving enthusiasm and
love of learning. An emphasis then in the curriculum is making learning joyful to a higher level.

Book Making- In a Reggio Emilia effort to “make learning visible” and create a vivid
understanding of what children are learning throughout the entire year we will be making
learning more visible to children, parents, and others by recording children’s activities in: Child
made books with the child’s drawings, words, and photos of what the children do, videos of their:
puppet shows, singing, dancing, and other fun activities, and pictures/ books quoting the
children’s thoughts and words. Many children find it so exciting looking at a beautiful book that
they made that includes their own thoughts and pictures of their most exciting activities.
 5

Subject- November
1. Language Development- Title- I Love My Family Books

Objective- Toddlers enjoy exciting puppet shows, storytelling, books, verses, poems, finger-
plays and lively songs repeated throughout November.

Activity- 1. Week 1- 4- Sturdy Toddler Books in Loving Family theme, Thankfulness

and Thanksgiving are available for children to use during free reading time for toddlers
to enjoy exploring books independently or in small groups.

1.Week 1- Using the Toddler Book Sweet Dreams Mimi by Baby Einstein the
Teacher animates a tiny monkey puppet (Mimi) who travels using her vivid
imagination with her Mother’s help to exciting places (real pictures of snowy
mountains, etc.) On the second reading the Teacher asks children pretend to be
Mimi. “What kind of mountains do you see in your imagination?”

Week 2- Counting Kisses- Toddler Made Family Book using collage- Toddlers listen to the
book “Counting Kisses” and can count along with the Teacher to the loving words of
the Mommy and Daddy in the Book. Toddlers then illustrate their own Mommy and
Daddy Books. Using a blank book Toddlers glue pictures of toddlers/ babies with
Mommies and Daddies and make Drawings. (collage magazine images) The Teacher
writes prompts at the top of each page such as: “ This is me and Mommy/ Daddy”: and
then at the bottom of each page quote the child’s descriptions and words to make their
own Family Book. Photographs taken the week prior are used if possible to
personalize their family book. (This family book making can be repeated.)

Week 4- Guess How Much I Love You Cards- Using tiny finger puppets the Teacher does
story telling of the Mommy bunny rabbit speaking to the baby bunny rabbit,
improvising additional things that happen with the bunnies. Children then express
how much they love their family by making Extra Large I Love My Family Cards.
Cards contain hand prints and paint or crayon drawings and the child’s words quoted.
Photographs taken the week prior are used if possible to personalize their card gift.

Week 3- Brown Bear, Brown Bear- The children listen to the Teacher read the predictable
pattern book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear. The Teacher explains it will be read twice.
The second time the book is read the children can guess and then chant the names of the
animals the brown bear sees. Next The Children can participate in the “Bear Watch”
movement activity. (See Social Studies/ Gross Motor Activity: Bear Watch).

Week 4- Fairy Tales- The Teacher reads a variety of classic fairy tales with and with out
puppets and songs with positive focus for the children to enjoy.
 6

Learning Standards- Reading- 1.1.1, 1.1.2., 1.1.3, 1.1.4., 1.1.5., 1.2.1., 1.2.2., 1.2.3., 1.2.5.,
Writing-1.4.1., 1.4.2, 1.5.1. 1.5.2., 1.5.3., 1.5.6, Speaking &Listening- 1.6.1., 1.6.2., 1.6.3.

Materials- Sturdy Toddler Books/ Loving Family Theme, Sweet Dreams Mimi, Counting
Kisses, Brown Bear, Bound/ ABC Book, Crayons, Songs, Poems, & Stories.

Toddlers Enjoying Fun Puppet Shows

 7

Subject- November
1. Social Studies/ Creative Expression- Title- Thanksgiving Puppet Show

Objective- American history is experienced through creative expression of a fun puppet

Show that includes Mouse Indians and Mouse Pilgrims, singing (music),
prop and costume making, and puppet making (visual art).
Learning Standards#- 7.3.1, Historical Comprehension- 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 3.1b.1

Activity- 1. Week 1- Utilizing the puppet show: “The Thankful In Thanksgiving”, the first
one or two weeks the Teacher repeats reading the story using tiny mouse dolls or
puppets to model to toddlers how to animate tiny mouse puppets.
2. Nov. Week 2- After “The Thankful In Thanksgiving” has been read to the children
multiple times until they become familiar with it. After the Teacher uses tiny
dolls or puppets to model to children how to animate tiny mouse puppets, the
children can express which parts they like best before the Teacher assigns fun
acting roles in the playful toddler puppet show.

3. Nov. Week 3- One or two toddlers at a time take turns animating puppets to reduce
confusion and simplify their experience. The Teacher can guide children’s
movements and read the story that children animate Puppets to and sing related
Thanksgiving and thankfulness songs.
 8

4. Nov. Week 4- In addition to making their own Mouse Sock Puppets, the children can
enjoy making and dressing up in fun costumes: Indian head dress, vest, and beads,
Pilgrim Hat, Ocean Prop and Boat Prop. Face Painting Indian Paint Designs. (Non-
Toxic Tempera paint or face paint) Children enjoy a fun rehearsal in costume using
Puppets to express the play, including dances and songs as a complete unit.

Materials- A printed copy of the school play: “The Thankful In Thanksgiving” , Tiny dolls
or puppets for modeling theater basics and for the puppet show: Fun Child Made
props created during Art: Indian Head Dress/ Feathers, Wampum Noodle
Necklaces, Pilgrim Hats, Large Poster Board Boat/ Popsicle Sticks Glued, Large
Poster Board with Blue Glitter Paint Ocean Waves Prop, Thanksgiving Songs.
Learning Standards- 7.3.1, Historical Comprehension- 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 3.1b.1,
Creative Expression- Theater 9.1b.1, 9.1b.2, Art – 9.1c.2, Music- 9.1a.2.

Children Making And Wearing Thanksgiving Hats

Thanksgiving Puppet Show Music/ Songs:

1.The Indian Chief Song
2.Mr. Sun
3.Pea Pod Finger Play
4.10 Little Indians
5.The Barney Song
6. Good Morning Earth
(See Music Section below For Lyrics)
 9

Subject- November
1. Science- Title- Terrific Trees Based on T. Cowling

Objective- Children explore a science experience of the: life, cycles, parts, and fascinating
qualities of trees. In this science unit children will learn to experience(with senses),
appreciate, and care for trees through exciting activities such as: nature walks, look what
I see drawings, trips, and child made books that explore the exciting wonder of trees.
PA Standards- Biological Sciences- 3.1a.1, 3.1a.5, 3.1a.8, 3.1b.2, 3.1b.5, 1.8.3, 1.8.2., 3.1c.4.

Children are Learning About Trees

Activity- 1. Week 1- Utilizing books and Teacher drawn diagrams of Tree parts: Trunk,
branches, crown, roots, flowers/fruits, and leaves. Before Taking children
outdoors to explore trees, discuss the trees parts using a pointer and ask children to
name the parts and what they could be used for. Plan for a local neighborhood trip
and a trip to the orchard, arboretum, or wooded park. (pre-arrange bussing). You can
ask question like: Who can find the thickest trunk, most apples, etc. “Getting To Know
Your Tree” Let each child get to know “their tree” better by exploring the tree with their
senses: hug, smell the bark, touch and collect leaves, look at bark, pine cones, acorns,
apples with magnifying glasses and collect samples in baskets for the Science center.
Ask intriguing questions about plant parts functions: Why do you think that tree has
 10

so many leaves? Such thick bark? Roots that reach into water? Provide paper for several
fun drawings of the beauty and aspects of their tree.

2. Week 2- Leaf Mini Books- The Teacher can discuss types of trees: Pine Tree, Broad
Leaf Tree, Palm Tree. Bring in sample leaves and magazine leaves of different types to
make a: Leaf Mini Book. Roughly 4”x 3”. Books are assembled by stapling 6 or more
sheets of white paper sandwiched in between a construction paper book cover. One Leaf
is Taped on the front cover where the child’s name and “Leaf Mini Book” is written.
After discussing the names and functions of different types of trees: (E.g.- Pine trees
have tiny needles that are more waterproof and less tasty to bugs. Broad Leaves- collect
more sun and live near nutritious soil.) Let children paste colorful leaves air-tight into
book pages, do guided or hand over hand leaf rubbings, and drawings. Encourage
children to talk about what their book and quote children’s words at the bottom of each
page of the Leaf Mini Book. Make a collection of books or drawings, one on each type
of tree.

3.Week 3- Tree Seeds- In the third week we explore Tree Cycles such as the Life
Cycle of Trees & Season Changes Cycles of Trees- Children can be shown the “Oak
Tree Life Cycle Sequencing Cards” showing seed, seedling, tree, old tree and a poster
of Trees in Each Season. For older toddlers bring different types of large tree seeds
(could bring seeds in the form of nuts: walnuts, acorns, large tree seeds) for the children
to look at with magnifying glasses and sort into sorting trays and cups. Younger
Toddlers enjoy the book Apple Pie Tree.

4.Week 4-Nature Walks- For the entire month children will enjoy regular or daily
neighborhood nature walks and walks using the child transport buggy (if available).
During nature walks the Teacher can model appreciation for aspects of trees and their
Characteristics, purpose and beauty. In the fourth week the Tree Unit culminates with
an exciting Trip to the Orchard, Fall Harvest Farm, or Arboretum. (If this is not
possible a local wooded park with trees or discuss with director getting volunteers.)
 11

Subject- November
1. Social/ Emotional/ Writing- Title- I love My Family

Objective- In November children make connections, gifts, appreciations, for the social/
emotional bond they have with loved ones who are not present. They create
representational drawings and symbolic collage in books of different sizes using
pencils, china markers, collage & other materials. Creating a collection of books about
family will help strengthen children’s social emotional development by emphasizing
children’s sense of belonging and strengthening awareness of being loved by family.

Children are drawing people they are grateful for: their family.

1.Week 1- I love My Family Child Made Books- Utilizing

Copies of Photographs or Collage Images cut from Family Magazines filled with pictures of
children and parents ask children to use scissors and glue sticks to glue collage pictures in
response to Prompts written at The top of each page like: “I Love My Family”, Fun Things I
Do With My Family, I Love ___ because…, This is my Mom, This is my Dad, etc. Children
can use collages images combined with the child’s drawings. As children are working the
teacher can encourage each child to talk about the meaning of each page & quote the
child’s words and meanings at the bottom of each page. Children’s Story books can be
kept in the class library for several weeks before being brought home.
 12

2. Week 2- In the second week of November children create I Love My Family Books
composed mostly of drawings using different media: first markers to draw and watercolors to fill
in the drawings with paint colors, on the next occasion: china markers or other fun media,
black markers, and later crayon drawings.

3. Week 3- The first Three days of week 3, before Thursday, Nov. 22nd Thanksgiving, are
wonderful days for making Thanksgiving Gratitude Gifts such as: Cards, a Thanksgiving
Placemat, and an I Love My Family Book For Home. Children can
Choose between collage and drawing to make a card for family that has written inside
A quote of the child’s words before he creates a picture on the cover and right sleeve.

For day two of the 3rd week some children find it exciting to create a
Thanksgiving Place Mat: Children draw people they are grateful for: their family on their
placemat before placing harvest/ Thanksgiving stickers or tiny leaves onto their picture. This
placemat is then laminated with lamination roles so it can become a gift.
PA Learning Standards#- Social Emotional Development- 25.3.1, 25.1.3, Fine Motor
Development- use of tools- 10.5.3

Subject- November
1. Character Development- Title- Imaginary Field Trips-

Imaginary Field Trips- Some children have difficulty to settle down during nap time. It is an
old tradition to read stories to children before bed. And during the opening (5- 10 mins.) of nap
time many children enjoy exploring fun imagination exercises. Related to character development
the teacher can integrate story elements that emphasize: positive thinking, creativity, wisdom,
being loving, sensitive to others, and imaginative. After setting up nap time and dimming the
lights the teacher shares a “guided imagery” and asks children to imagine we are going on a
really fun Imaginary Field Trip. (Integrating some of children’s interests) tell a story and ask
children to see it in their imaginations using all the senses: seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling, etc.
Example- We are going on an exciting Imaginary Field Trip to see the Beach/ Ocean! Splash the
water. It is so nice and cool and crystal blue. Do you see the tiny fish? What else do you see
with your imagination? Be gentle, the fish get hurt easily and are hungry. You can feed them.
Oh look a big wave!
1.Week 1-4 - Imaginary Field Trips at the opening of nap time to transition and ease into
Nap Time with a relaxing, soothing imaginative activity. Materials- ocean sounds, nature
sounds, sounds of birds in the woods. etc.
 13

1. Cognitive/ Math- Title- Play dough Sparkle Numbers November

Painting Sparkle Numbers (See Below)

Objective- In November children explore creating fun tactile play dough numbers or quantities
of shapes in play dough and large numbers painted with vibrant glitter paint colors. Children
also do exciting playful number songs and movement games to run and play like: “Number
Freeze Tag” and bean bag toss (Counting the number of bean bags that go into the bucket.

1.Week 1- Play-Dough Numbers- Using cardboard taped to the table with large
numbers drawn on it: children can freely explore the clay, cutters, and tools while the
Teacher models building a fluffy big clay number out of play dough, making cookie
cutter shapes, and counting them. Children can explore different play dough and dough
materials: salt clay, cookie dough, textured sand dough, etc. Teachers can also model
cutting, counting, and singing fun Number Songs.

Younger Toddler Adaptation- Using non-toxic cookie dough or salt clay young toddlers
freely explore the materials using cookie cutters and sticks to cut clay into multiple shapes.
Teacher’s can model cutting, counting, and singing fun Number Songs. (See songs list)

2. Week 2- Sparkle Numbers- Toddlers enjoy large movement expressive painting on

large paper various numbers drawn large. One way of doing this is cutting out of
construction paper large colorful numbers and pasting them onto construction paper of a
 14

different color. Children can start with one color of glitter paint and then after 10 minutes be
given a second color. Children will sometimes choose one color for the background and one
for the number or create patterns. If glue is used children also enjoy gluing and counting:
buttons, large sequins, and stickers. Young Toddler Adaptation- Toddlers can receive
extra assistance in holding and using a paint brush or they can use finger painting.

.
3. Week 3-Extra Large Sequins Craft Collage- Toddlers can enjoy making a collage of
different craft pieces such as Large buttons, large sequins, and other pieces. The Teacher
can model counting: How many big buttons do you have? Let’s count them.

Younger Toddlers- Using the “Cheerios Play Book” toddlers can use cheerios as number
counters as the book is read. Toddlers can be given turns or multiple copies of the book.
The “Cheerios Play Book” and “The Cheerios Counting book” can be used throughout the
month for older and younger toddlers as a counting Math Activity and a snack.

4. Week 4-Wampom Noodle Necklaces ( Jewelry Making)- Toddlers can use Extra Large Beads
(non-choking size) and long macaroni links (under supervision). The Teacher can
encourage toddlers to count their beads and sing number songs while making them.
PA Standards- Math- 2.1.1, 2.1.6, 2.2.2, Fine motor- 10.5.1

For Math Children Make Jewelry and Count Beads

4. Week 4- Jewelry Making Continued- Children experience jewelry making and

counting their beads. PA Standards- Math- 2.1.1, 2.1.6, 2.2.2, Fine motor- 10.5.1
 15

Subject- November
1. Gross Motor/ Health- Title- Eurhythmy Dance & Fun Active Sports

Objective- Eurthymy Dance- Children engage in gross motor and fun dance activities, moving
to music and moving with dance props such as wind wands, instruments, and bean bags for
posture, strength, balance, and coordination.

1.Activity /Week 1-4- Musical Dance- Happy ballet music, birds with chimes, and/ or piano
music is played for a dance activity with elements of Eurthymy. Normally in Eurthymy children wear a
loose fitting costume. (Optional- Costumes are easy to make by cutting a head sized hole into the middle of a 2 foot by 4
foot piece of cotton or sheer fabric. Costumes once made can last the entire year.) Directions:
1. Guide children
to stand in a large circle and mimic the Teacher (similar to follow the leader) with the teacher
explaining the cues: Beautiful bird and chime music or piano can be played. “We are birds.
Spread and flap your wings and circle the room like birds flying in formation to the music”.
2.Start to move briskly to the music in a circle formation to the count of 16. 3. Spread your
wings like a bird flying and lightly flapping to the music as the line of children follow the
Teacher in a figure eight formation to the count of 32. 4. Turn on the song: Choo Choo
Soul. Guide the children to move like a Choo Choo Train or move like a train singing a
train song. 5. Play piano or ballet and give the children silky scarves: Now pretend to blow
like the wind. The Teacher can model being blown in the wind, across the room, and all
around in circles and straight lines to the piano music. 6. Next everyone hold hands in a large

Circle. Once everyone is holding hand start to raise their holding hands way up high for the
count of 8. 7. Contract and expand the circle several times to the music. 6. Arms up high
individual children spin slowly in an individual circle. 8. Now ask children to slowly walk
 16

like heavy footed dinosaurs in a circle formation with arms forward. This requires some
coordination so the Teacher guides them to move carefully and slowly to the slow count of
16. 7. Children hold hands again and lift their hands up high for count of 8. Hands down and
circle to the right. 8. The Teacher can guide children to crawl in a circle pretending to be
puppies. 9. Bean Bags are distributed and each child places a bean bag on top or their
head. Children are instructed to balance the bag on their head using good posture and
balance while walking slowly in a circle formation again to the count of 32 or more. 8. In
circle formation children turn to face a partner or Teacher and practice throwing and
catching the bean bag to the harmony of the music. 10. Next children turn to face the center
of the room and practice throwing and catching the bean bag across the room/ across the
circle to another child on the opposite side of the circle. 11. Optional- Place the bean bags
in the center of the circle and each child holds a wind wand (A stick with ribbons or silk
scarf) up in the air with one hand freely moving in all directions pantomiming the wind.

Musical Dance- Younger toddlers Adaptation- Younger Toddlers can free dance, clap with
Teachers, clap with blocks, play and move with scarves, shake maracas, move to the
music, and catch bubbles to the sound of ballet music, birds and chimes, and piano
music. The Teacher can integrate some of the movements from the older toddler
movement above such as change the arm raising part by raising arms high, smiling and
saying playfully: “Sooooo High” and laugh with the young toddlers.

Activity- 2. Week- 1-4- Fun Sports- Eurthmy can be alternated with Fun Sports activities
depending on the interests and energy levels of the children. Sports Choices such as:
Balloon Volley Ball- The object being to keep the balloon up in the air, soccer, or catch. A
game for younger toddlers can be: “I’m going to get you”. Chase the toddler around
pretending to “get you”. Some toddlers love playing tag this way.
 17

Activity 3- Week 1-4- Playground - Going to the playground for a half an hour at least twice a
day helps toddlers helps their large muscle development and needs for more active play.
Also for indoors: climbers, obstacles, tunnels, balls, or extra playground time is good when
toddlers seem to have more energy they need to express more actively.

Activity 3- Bean Bag Coordination- Musical Dance can also be alternated with Georgina
Stewart’s Bean Bag Activities and Coordination Skills instruction Cd depending on children’s
interests. Pa Learning Standards- Control, Coordination, Balance, and Strength- 10.4.1, 10.4.3

Children Doing Bean Bag Coordination Activity

 18

Subject- November
1. Circle Time/ Songs- Title- I Love My Family Circle

Objective- I Love My Family Circle- 1. Children are warmly welcomed to circle time and
begin their warm welcoming song. This is followed By the Teacher leading a brief discussion
with each child about their family such as: What do you love to do with your family? What do
you love about your family? Next the children enjoy twelve minutes of choral chanting for
alphabet, phonics, and math (or) Option 2- the use of questions like: “What begins with the letter
H ? Songs, movement, & seasonal or thematic finger plays continue circle with literacy and math
posters for 12 minutes.

2. Week 1-4- The second part of circle time is songs, finger plays, and story time or puppet
shows in the themes of The Thankful In Thanksgiving: I love My Family. “The children listen to
and experience the same story for several weeks. First the teacher tells the story to children for
a few days. Then the teacher creates a puppet show out of the same story with simple marionettes
or puppets. The puppet show will be presented for a few days. Finally, the teacher will involve
the children in a play of the story. Often all the children participate in the play. The teacher tells
the story with a melodious voice without dramatization to help avoid interference with the child’s
use imagination. Puppet Shows can be done on the floor, a small puppet theater, or the Teacher’s
lap. Puppet shows are adapted to children’s needs.”

2. Week 1- 4- Puppet Shows from the thankful for family theme books: Are You My Mother?
, The Story Of The Root Children- About Mother Earth who awakens her children and guides
them through the seasons. Guess How Much I Love You and/ or Goldilocks & The 3 Bears or
Thanksgiving Is For Giving Thanks, by Margaret Sutherland.

Explanation Of Integrating More Creative Expression Into Circle Time- The purpose of the circle time
puppet show is to make circle time more fun for the children. A playful, fun puppet show like free play, gives
children the space to be children, develop a love of learning through a fun delightful activity. A world wide
study was done and found that many European countries emphasized the joy of childhood and did not push
academic skills like reading and math until the late age of six or seven! Yet several years later these same
children that started learning these skills much later were tested and found to be significantly more advanced
in Reading, Math, and other subjects then the children in counties who started learning these skills much
earlier. Some teacher’s might ask: It makes no sense, how can this be? It has to do with timing and
development. For example when a Scientist cut the cocoon of a type of butterfly prematurely releasing it from
its cocoon, it did not use its own wings which pushes fluid into the wings. The prematurely released
butterflies wings unfilled with fluid were wrinkled and dried deformed so they couldn’t fly. However since
many Americans would likely not support a European style of education, a suggestion is to modify circle time
to include both parents needs for “high achievers” while still creating plenty of time and an environment that
honors how amazing it is to have a childhood that involves what children do best: be children, play like
children, reach their milestones, and thrive to be more delightfully themselves.
PA Learning Standards- Speaking & Listening- 1.6.1, 1.6.2., 1.6.3, 1.6.4, 1.8.1, 1.8.2., 8.1.1
 19

Subject- November
1. Circle Time/ Songs- Title- Songs, Verses, and Finger Plays

Objective- I Love My Family Circle- 1. Children are warmly welcomed to circle with lively
seasonal songs that center on themes of gratitude and reverence for family and nature.

2. Week 1- 4- Songs:

Gratitude Morning Song, From ASWANA

Good Morning Dear Earth (hands as if holding earth on abdomen)
Good Morning Dear Sun (stretch arms above head in a circular arc)
Good Morning Dear Trees (stretch arms to side, like tree branches)
And the Flowers Everywhere (hands holding flowers on ground)
Good Morning Dear Beasts (hands as if petting a dogmatic..)
And the Birds in the Trees (hands "fly" away like birds flying away)
Good Morning Dear You and Good Morning Dear Me. (hands reaching to each other, then hands
cross over our chest)

Story Time Song (Verse With Chimes To Open Story Time or Puppet Show)
Traditional Waldorf With Modifications (Masters refers to Master Story Tellers)
Masters of the storytime
Come and share your stories with me
I am listening with my ears
And I’m sitting quietly

Pea Pod FINGERPLAY:

Five little peas in a pea pod pressed.
One grew, two grew, and so did all the rest.
They grew and they grew and they did not stop,
until one day, the pod went POP!

Number Verses
One is the Sun that shines so bright,
One is the moon so high;
One is the day and one is the night,
One is the sheltering sky.
One is a head so still and tame,
Upon one body whole with health;
And I is the one and the special name
That only I can call myself!
 20

Squirrels Where Is Thumbkin

Counting poem Family song
Five little squirrels sitting in a tree. Where is Thumbkin, where is thumbkin
The first one said, "What do I see?" Here I am, (show thumb)
The second one said, "Some nuts on the ground." Here I am, (show other thumb)
The third one said, "Those nuts I found." How are you today sir (thumb talking)
The fourth one said, "I'll race you there." Very well I thank you (thumb talking)
The Fifth one said, "All right, that's fair." Run away (put thumb behind back)
So they shook their tails and ran with glee. Run away (other thumb behind back)
To the nuts that lay at the foot of the tree. (Do all fingers and then sing):
Where is the family. Where is the family
All The Leaves Here we are (whole hand)
(Sung To The Tune of London Bridge Here we are (whole hand)
All The Leaves Are Falling Down, How are you today sir (hand talks)
Falling Down, Falling Down Very Well I thank you.
All The Leaves Are Falling Down, It is Autumn. Run away. Run away (hands behind)
Red and Yellow, Green and Brown
Green and Brown, Green and Brown The Barney Song (For the school play & Songs)
Red and Yellow Green and Brown I love you (point out)
It is Autumn You love me (point to self)
Whirling Twirling To The Ground We’re best friends as friends can be
To The Ground, To The Ground With a great big hug (hug a friend)
Whirling, Twirling To The Ground And a kiss from me to you.
It Is Autumn Won’t you say you love me too.
Yeah!! (Throw a pile of paper leaves In the Air) I love you.
You love me.
Up High Song We’re a happy family
I can skip and I can hop With a great big hug
I can turn and I can stop. And a kiss from me to you
I can dance and I can sing, Won’t you say you love me too.
With my friends we form a ring.
On my head my, hands I place.
On my shoulders, on my face Indian Chief Song (For the school play & Songs)
On my lips and by my side, Jenny is an Indian Chief (Bump, bump- hit legs)
Quickly behind me they will hide Jenny is an Indian Chief (Bump, bump- hit legs)
I can hold them way up high High-ya (right hand up) High-ya (left hand up)
And let my fingers gently fly High-ya (right hand up) High-ya (left hand up)
I can hold my hands in front of me Yeah!!!!(Arms straight up high)
And clap 1-2-3 Repeat with each of the children’s names
While one child plays the drum
Verse For Book Making or Watercolor Painting
The word “crayon” can be substituted for “brush” Ten Little Indians Song
Now I take the brush so gently One little, two little three little Indians
In my hand with loving care Four little five little six little Indians, etc.
Watch the color flow so softly
On the paper clean and clear
 21

Vowel Verse
Traditional Waldorf Modified
Vowels are the eurhythmy gestures (Can be done during Eurhythmy or Circle)
(A)-Guarded from harm (Fingers Triangle in front of face)
(E)-Cared for by light
(I)- Here we stand (Arms straight up)
(O)-Loving and strong (Arms in circle overhead)
(U)-Truthful and good

Pre Snack Song- Sing Until everyone is sitting

Welcome, welcome
to our table
Welcome, welcome
We all join hands together.

Verse For Meal Times Other Meal Time Verse (Waldorf)

Thank you for the world so sweet, Earth who gives to us this food
Thank you for the food we eat; Sun who makes it ripe and good
Thank you for the birds that sing, Sun above and earth below
Thank you sun for everything Our loving thanks to you we show
Blessings on our meal
The Bear Watch
Children dress in Indian costumes and follow a pantomime activity: “Would you like to go on a bear watch?
Ok, let’s go! Watch me and do all the things that I do and repeat after me, the things I say: Here we go!
We’re going on a bear watch. Everybody march. A bear watch. A bear watch. (Make a marching sound by
slapping knees with hands) I see a river! A great big river. We can’t go around it. We can’t go under it.
We can’t go over it. I guess we’ll have to swim it. (pantomime swimming) then resume marching.
I see a tree. A great big tree. We can’t go around it. We can’t go under it. We can’t go over it. I guess we’ll.
Well have to climb it. (pretend to climb) When you reach the top. (look around shading your eyes), then
resume marching.
I see a wheat field. A great big wheat field. We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. I guess we will have to
go through it. (rub hands and walk through.)
I see a cave. A great big cave. We can’t go around it. We can’t go under it. We can’t go over it. I guess
we’ll have to go in it. (Feel in front of you as though in the dark.) It sure is dark in here. I feel something.
(motions) It’s big. It’s fuzzy. I think it’s a bear!!! Let’s get out of here fast! (Pretend to be very quick in fast
forward motion) Quick run out of the cave! Run fast through the wheat field! Climb down the big tree! Swim
fast through the river. And now we’ve been on a bear watch!!
 22

Subject- November
1. Creative Expression/ Visual Arts - Title- I Love My Family/ Thankfulness

Objective- Thank Thankful In Thanksgiving- Puppet Show- Children have fun creating
large play props, Thanksgiving costumes and home-made puppets exploring a variety of
materials. They also explore child made books, thanksgiving crafts and gifts.

1.Week 1- Puppet Show Props-

1. Sock Mouse Puppets- Using light socks white paper eyes and ears (or googly eyes)
and a pink pom pom nose can be glued onto the puppet using firm craft glue. Indian
and pilgrim hats (eg. Tiny ring of paper with tiny paper feathers) can be glued on too.
2. Large Wooden Boat- A precut extra large sheet of white card board is
Taped to a second sheet of white card board. After drawing a large boat shape is pre-cut
the Teacher and taped to a large activity table. Children are given baskets of wooden
popsycle stick and a tray of glue bottles to glue wood onto the boat.
3. Play Props- Blue Ocean- Using an extra large sheet of white cardboard taped to a
second piece, the shapes of ocean waves are drawn with black markers and the ocean is
taped to the activity table. The sky is left unpainted. Children paint the water waves
with sparkely blue glitterpaints. Hand prints can be added for fun.

2. Week 2- Costumes- 1.Indian Head Dresses- cut long strips of paper 2.5 inches thick and 20
inches long. Put plastic animals and Indian symbols magazine clippings or drawings for
children to mimic images to draw on their head dresses. Next children can have help
taping or stapeling long feathers onto the headress before their heads are measured to
staple the head band to the correct size. Names are written inside the head bands.
2. Pilgrim Hats- You need a large paper grocery bag and some construction paper in black
and yellow for each child. Fold the rim of the bag over to make a brim for the hat. Then cut a
large strip of black construction paper and tape or glue it around the hat. Cut a belt buckle
shape out of the yellow construction paper and glue it to the belt in the front of the hat. For
girls use white paper cut into headbands.
4. Wampom Noodle Necklaces- Children paint long tube shaped or bead shaped noodles
With different colors of paints. Step 2- Once dry the noodle beads are strung onto string
Or yarn which is taped onto the table. Step 3- Necklaces are labeled with names and
tied.

3. Week 3- Gifts- 1. I love My Family Cards- Children select from the art center materials of
Choice to creativly make cards. Magazine collage is avalible, markers, color pencils, stencils,
And thanksgiving images are displayed to give children ideas.
 23

2. Thankful For My Family Placemats- Children draw people they are greatful for in
markers. The Teacher encourage children to describe the meaning of their pictures and the
child can be Quoted on the bottom of their page. Chidlren can place various thanksgiving
stickers on their placemat and other harvest shapes. After drawing water colors paints can be
added to their images of family.

Children are drawing people they are greatful for: their family
3. All About My Family Gift Book- Children create a book with drawings of family and come
up with their own creative ideas for expressing it. Teachers quote each child’s words on the
bottom of each page.

1.Week 1- I love My Family Child Made Books- Utilizing Copies of Photographs or Collage
Images cut from Family Magazines filled with pictures of children and parents ask children
to use scissors and glue sticks to glue collage pictures in response to Prompts written at The top
of each page like: “I Love My Family”, Fun Things I Do With My Family, I Love ___
because…, This is my Mom, This is my Dad, etc. Children can use collages images combined
with the child’s drawings.

2. Thankful For My Family Placemats- Children draw people they are greatful for in
markers. The Teacher encourage children to describe the meaning of their pictures and the
child can be Quoted on the bottom of their page. Chidlren can place various thanksgiving
stickers on their placemat and other harvest shapes. After drawing water colors paints can be
added to their images of family

3. Week 3- Gifts- 1. I love My Family Cards- Children select from the art center materials of
Choice to creativly make cards. Magazine collage is avalible, markers, color pencils, stencils,
And thanksgiving images are displayed to give children ideas.
 24

Subject- November
1. Sensory/ Constructing Knowledge Though Play - Title- Exploring The Senses
Objective- Children have fun exploring water play, sand, shaving cream, and finger painting.

1.Week 1-4- Water Table/ Bin- Water Bin is placed for children engage in water play using
Cups, spoons, and water toys.

1.Week 1-4- Sand Table/ Pin- With Autumn Harvest objects added to the sand table ( tiny
Pumpkins, gords, pine cones, etc) children have fun with a sand sensory activity.
2.Week 1-4-Shaving Cream Play- After putting on a smock or shirt toddlers enjoy the
Sensory activity of playing with and making shapes in shaving cream.
3.Week 1-4- Finger Painting- With strong finger paint paper taped onto the table (so the
Paper doesn’t slide around) children have fun finger painting using colorful paint.

Toddlers Having Fun Finger Painting

 25

The Thankful In Thanksgiving_

A Social Studies Play
Characters:
Indians- Little Flower - Yellow Hawk- Great Blue Goat-
Light Horse- Sky Eagle- Mountain Man-
Pilgrims- Daisy May- John Henry- Thatcher-
Sarah- Tomas-
Nature- Father Sun- Sister Rain- Little Corn Boy-
Mother Earth- Brother River Water Baby-
Other- Child Narrator- Adult Narrator- Sister Star-

Scene I- The Indian Celebration.

Adult Narrator- Welcome parents and children to our fun Thanksgiving Play.
As part of our exploration of learning history our Preschoolers learned
A social studies unit about the Pilgrims and the Indians. Peoples that
found friendship and kindness. The stars of our play are the children!
Say hello children! (Children chant hello together and wave.)
Child Narrator- I am the narrator. The Indians are doing a pow wow dance to
celebrate Father Sun, Mother Earth and Sister Rain.

Stage Directions- Dance 1.-Indian Children do a fun Pow Wow Dance. They march,
sing, dancing in a circle. “Hi Ya, Hi Ya, Hi Ya, Waaaa (hands hitting mouth), Repeat
while dancing in a circle. Song 2.- The Indian Chief song hitting a drum and chosen
child dances in middle. Indian Chief Song Lyrics- Johnny is an Indian chief bump
bump (drum to the words: “bump bump”, Sarah is an Indian chief bump, bump…Hi
Ya, Hi Ya, Hi Ya, Hi Ya, Yeahhhh!! (cheer) (Continue, until all the children have their
name sung.) Dance 3.- Play Indian Song: “Return To Innocence” Children dance to
the song. (Teacher choreographing - optional).

Yellow Hawk- I am Yellow Hawk! I am so grateful and happy! I love you Father Sun.
And I’m so grateful corn plants are growing. Thank you corn plants. And thank you
Indian children!

Little Flower- I’m Little Flower. I’m so grateful for lots of rain. Thank you Sister
Rain!

Ms. Rain- Your welcome!

Sky Eagle- I’m Sky Eagle. Thank You Father Sun! And Mother Earth! We are warm
and Happy!
 26

Father Sun / Mother Earth- You are welcome!

Sky Horse, Little Flower, & Great Blue Goat- Hold hands and throw their hands up
high saying: “We love you Father Sun, Mother Earth, and Sister Rain!

Scene II - The Pilgrim’s Boat Ride.

Adult Narrator- Scene Two. The pilgrim Boat ride.
Narrator Child- Child holding a banner: “Pilgrim Boat Ride” Child says: The
Ocean Water is getting rough!
Water Baby- Water Baby Runs past several times.

Pilgrim Children- Pantomime being on a boat rocking on rough waves. Children hold
up a large boat prop in front of them. Woo. Woo. Woo. (in unison) Children
Pantomime pretending the water is scary and rough: rocking side to side and they keep
repeating: Woooo! Wooo! Wooo! For three minutes.

Sarah- We are on a boat.

Pilgrim Children Song- Twinkle Twinkle little star. How I wonder (where) we are.
(hands held up symbolizing confusion.) Sailing across the ocean blue. Not a pleasant
thing to do. Twinkle twinkle little star, Please oh tell us where we are. (Repeat Song)
And end by saying: Where are we Sister Star!

Sister Star- You called? You are almost home Pilgrim children!

John Henry- I’m John Henry. Look I see land! (He points towards land.)

Pilgrim Children- Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! We did it!

Scene III- Indians Meet Pilgrims- Narrator Child.

Adult Narrator- Scene Three. The Pilgrims safely arrive on shore. The Indians
Meet The Pilgrims.
Daisy May- We have no food to eat. What do we do!

Thatcher- Look who’s that!

Great Blue Goat- I am Great Blue Goat. Indian Chief. We Indians welcome you.

Little Flower- I am little flower. We will show you how to grow corn. (She puts seed
on the Ground. We love you seed. Help us Sister Rain!
Stage Directions- Sister Rain dances about. (Play CD sounds of water)
 27

Corn Child- Starts to grow by slowly standing up. I’m growing!

John Henry- Wow. Thank you. We are thankful we can eat with you.

Thomas- You ‘re our friends.

Yellow Hawk- Let’s have a friendship party!

Everyone- Yeah!

Barney Song- Indians and Pilgrims hug and sing it together.

Barney Song- I love you, you love me. We’re best friends as friends
Can be. With a great big hug (all hug). And a kiss from me to you.
(blow kisses to the air.) Won’t you say you love me too. Repeat:
I love you. You love me. We’re a happy family. With a great big
Hug (all hug) and a kiss from me to you. (blow kisses to air) Won’t
You say you love me to.

All Children hold hands in a circle and walk in a circle to CD Song- Enya, On My Way
Home. Walking then hands in the air while walking to the count of seven. Then spin in
a circle. Repeat than and sit down.

Adult Narrator- Asking children- who would like to share what you liked doing
now? Children respond with comments such as: I liked spinning, I liked
being the goat, the song was fun, etc.
Adult Narrator- Thank you children for sharing a wonderful play!! Great job!
And thank you parents for joining us tonight in your child’s
school play! Children bow.

Directions: This play is rehearsed by the Teacher whispering to each child what they
say. (The child can use some impromptu with this “free speech” creatively added also.)
Costumes and props are prepared as Art projects prior to the Preschoolers sharing this
in costume and with props in a performance for the younger children and then a later a
2nd performance for the parents. Indian children wear face paint, feather hats, beads,
etc. Pilgrim children wear Pilgrim hats and have a large craft boat.
 28

Summery Page
November- I love My Family The Thankful In Thanksgiving

1.Language Development – In the month of November toddlers explore creating their own Child made books and
fun painting activities of painting simple capital letters: HIJM in glitter paint. (One letter per week) Literacy
concepts and language is introduced to toddlers through exciting stories, poems, song, verses and finger
plays. Children also enjoy transforming blank books into exciting books about their family. Children will
also listen to rhymes and choose a variety of books & materials. Learning Standards- Reading- 1.1.1, 1.1.2.,
1.1.3, 1.1.4., 1.1.5., 1.2.1., 1.2.2., 1.2.3., 1.2.5.,Writing-1.4.1., 1.4.2, 1.5.1. 1.5.2., 1.5.3., 1.5.6, Speaking &
Listening- 1.6.1., 1.6.2., 1.6.3.

2. Social Studies - November being in the theme of Family and Thanksgiving children will enjoy experiencing a
puppet show. They will build & make their own costumes, props, and play sets and puppets and in the
playful
thanksgiving puppet show titled:“The Thankful In Thanksgiving” to learn about a social studies unit on the
Pilgrims and friendship, and gratitude. PA Learning Standards#- 7.3.1, Historical Comprehension- 8.1.2, 8.1.3, 3.1b.1

3. Science Exploration - November being another month of the harvest season, will bring Children into a science
study block of the life, season cycles, and parts of trees. For Science children will use their senses to
appreciate trees through exciting activities such as: nature walks, observational drawings, trips, and make
pictures that explore the exciting wonder of trees. PA Learning Standards#- Biological Sciences- 3.1a.1, 3.1a.5,
3.1a.8, 3.1b.2, 3.1b.5, 1.8.3, 1.8.2., 3.1c.4.

4. Creative Expression/ Arts- Theater, Visual Art, and Music are explored in the ways
mentioned above. Subjects are taught using arts activities. For the November Puppet Show children sing
songs using instruments about Thanksgiving, Indians and Pilgrims. For Visual Art children illustrate their own
family picture books. For creative movement children explore Indian and other creative dances for the play.
Learning Standards- Music/ Move- 9.1a.1, 9.1a.2, 9.1a.3, Drama- 9.1b.1,9.1b.2, Art- 9.1c.1, 9.1c.2, 9.1c.3, 9.4.1.

5. Social Emotional- Children will enjoy a series of child made book making activities about the bond they have
with loved one’s not present and creating representational drawings of their families with pencils, china
markers, collage, and other materials. Children will also read books about gratitude and discuss what is
meaningful about their family relationships. PA Learning Standards#- 25.3.1

6. Cognitive/ Mathematics – Children use fun counters such as large gemstones, sea shells, fruit to draw and
count. PA Standards#-
7. Gross Motor/ Health - Children begin a fun lesson in Eurhythmy/ Dance Inspired movement to classical ballet
music, birds with chimes, and piano. Normally in Eurhythmy children wear a loose fitting costume silk and
dance is used as a form of communication. Children also enjoy bean bag balance, posture, and movement activities.
Added to the use of bean bags is Georgina Stewart’s Bean Bag Activities and Coordination Skills instruction Cd.

8. Writing/ Fine Motor – Most of the activities included above include extensive fine motor
small muscle development and detailed hand eye coordination practice. Included in fine motor activities are:
Sorting/ Jewelry Making using extra-large beads, Child Made Books with pictures, fine motor toys like
puzzles, connector and linking toys.

9. Circle Time – Circle time opens with the Teacher’s warm welcoming song. Circle time continues with exciting
story-telling, books, or puppet shows. Songs, movement, & seasonal or thematic finger plays continue in themes of
 29

family, giving thanks, and thanksgiving in circle. Learning Standards- Speaking & Listening- 1.6.1, 1.6.2.,
1.6.3, 1.6.4, 1.8.1, 1.8.2., 8.1.1

10. Constructing Knowledge Through Play- Learning Centers such as: Art Center, Science
Center, Dramatic Play, Blocks, Sensory Water/ Sand, Library, and other areas children
can creatively explore through play.

11. Reading- (Readers Theater) Every day children enjoy listening to 3-5 stories read over and
over during the month. Once the Teacher is comfortable the story can be “told” without
the book and then later once the children know the story by heart a puppet show allows
children to creatively experience the story.

12. Character Dev.- During book making and discussion times there is a focus on practicing: positive thinking,
classroom adequate, intuitiveness, loving /compassion, wisdom, and the qualities of giftedness such as:
intense curiosity, high motivation, creative thinking, imagination, and clear communication.

13. November Books- Preschoolers will be reading books on the topics of: Thankfulness for family, Love of
family, Alphabet, and Trees. From month to month there are some activities that are repeated for consistency or a
predictable rhythm that helps children feel secure. For example the main lesson books and book making is a
consistent activity repeated throughout the school year. It is exciting for children to make their own books and
parents enjoy them too. So are puppet shows, school plays, reading books, water color painting, and bean bag
posture, coordination, and dance. Other activities change with the rhythms of nature or natural cycles such as
seasons with corresponding educational and fun experiences.

Toddlers Enjoy Seasonal Puppet Shows, Songs, Verses, and Finger Plays
 30

November Ed. Materials- 1. Child Made Books- using blank books of different sizes both
readymade and homemade (e.g.- Teacher staples paper into Booklets- (mini books half page
sized and full page sized) with an illustration panel drawn and title/ name drawn or pasted on
each Book Cover. 3. A Variety of Art Media- Non toxic paint, glitter paint, thick toddler
sized crayons, Non-stain Markers, Water Color Paints, Many Magazines with pictures of families
and children that children can cut and paste for collage, Scissors, Glue Sticks for pasting.

4. Toddler Books: Sweet Dreams Mimi by Baby Einstein, Brown Bear Brown Bear, Counting
Kisses, Guess How much I love You.

5. For The Toddler Puppet Show- Materials for mouse puppets, One Large Sheet of Poster Board
For Boat, One Large Sheet For Ocean, Feathers for Indian Hats, tube shaped Macaroni
noodles, tempera paint- prop. And face painting, multi- colored construction paper for pilgrim
hats. Materials for mouse puppets. Three More Large Poster Sheets for- Mr. Sun and Ms.
Earth, and the Rain, A printed copy of the play.

6. Georgina Stewart’s Bean Bag Activities and Coordination Skills Instruction Cd with Bean
Bags, Wind Chimes and Forest Ambience CD, and Ballet Music For Children & Kids CD.

7. Side Walk Chalk for outdoor drawing.

Bibliography

Ann Shorb, New Glasses For Bradley, Counseling & Educational Services
239 York Street , Hanover , PA 17331, 2012.

Arbor Day Foundation, Arbor Day Tree Diagram, 100 Arbor Avenue,
Nebraska City, NE 68410.

AWSNA, Association of Waldorf Schools, Eurytmy and Subject Books,

Minneapolis, MN 55404. 2012.
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