|
Each
week we have a special "letter of the week".
During the week, we make crafts that feature the
letter of the week and practice the upper and lower cases of the letter.
WHAT WE DO - ACTIVITIES: During R week, we tried to see how
many Rides we could go on. We went for a ride in the van, a
ride in the wagon, a ride on our bikes, a ride on daddy's shoulders.
We even went for a ride on the merry go round at our local mall. Then
we tried to imagine what else we could ride. An airplane? A
horse? An elephant? A rhino? A zebra? We
brainstormed all the things that one might be able to ride and then provided
magazine pictures and computer clipart for the things they'd come up
with. The girls made a collage of things to ride with all the
pictures. You might find a couple of crafts to help reinforce the
"ride" theme in our transportation and animals
sections (though be forewarned, you'll never be able to predict all the
things they'll decide are eligible for riding *laugh*)
WHAT WE DO - SHAPES: This is a good week to point out
that a circle is round. You can also work on showing the kids what
a rectangle is. I'm hoping to get shapes buddies templates done in
the not too distant future!
WHAT WE DO - BODY: LETTER R GAME
REACH, RUB, RUN, ROLL
This is a fun and active game for young children. You'll need a
fair amount of space for the running and rolling part. It's sort of a
cross between Simon Says and Head & Shoulders, Knees & Toes.
For very young children, have the leader simply shout out the commands Reach
Rub Run and Roll in order.
- When the leader says REACH, the kids stand on their tip toes and
reach as high as they can.
- When the leader says RUB, the kids rub their tummies like they
just ate something yummy.
- When the leader says RUN, the kids run around the room.
- When the leader says ROLL, the kids drop to the ground and roll
around on the floor.
- then start again at REACH
As an alternative (and for older kids), you can add a random element
(don't say the words in order) or you can add a competitive element
(instead of Simon Says, do "Rory says" or "Rachel
says") - if the children change their activity when Rachel didn't
say, they're out.
Relay races are another good letter R activity.
WHAT WE DO - CRAFTS: Using Rice to fill in a picture is fun
and adds texture. You can color 3/4 cups of rice using food color and
1 tsp of rubbing alcohol. Use rice to fill in or make a frame for the letter
R-r template to help reinforce the letter shapes.
WHAT WE DO - FOOD: During "Rr
week" try out this simple Rainbow
cookie recipe. The kids have so much fun rolling the snakes of
colored dough out (it's just like playing with playdough).
|