| The Importance of the ABC's | | | | children's mimed actions. |
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| Integral to any preschool curriculum is the | | | | Next, clear a large area on the floor and |
| learning the letters of the alphabet, not | | | | create a large letter H using pillows or |
| only because it's a crucial step towards | | | | other small objects. Children are to hop |
| reading but it is also among the easiest of | | | | their way around the letter shape. This |
| the preschool themes to plan for and explore. | | | | activity could also work for the preschool |
| The possibilities for activities, games and | | | | themes of Easter or animals. |
| crafts are nearly endless for each letter of | | | | |
| the alphabet, and there's also the potential | | | | A great game for learning about the letter H |
| of incorporating other preschool themes into | | | | is the Hokey Pokey. It gets children up and |
| the letter-based lessons. For example, | | | | moving, and is an excellent way to learn |
| Christmas is a great time to look at the | | | | about the different parts of the body as well |
| letter S, for Santa, sleigh, and snow. | | | | as the left side and the right side. |
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| However, when teaching about letters and | | | | The Letter I: from Ice to Insects |
| basic words, remember that at the end of the | | | | |
| day, the most important thing is if the | | | | Most children love tactical sensations, such |
| children enjoyed themselves and had fun | | | | as the feeling of a cold ice cube in their |
| during the lesson, and any learning | | | | little fingers. Now imagine if that ice cube |
| accumulated on top of that is an excellent | | | | were made with Jello instead of just water so |
| bonus. Raising expectations too high at an | | | | that it could be used as a small, frozen |
| early age can place an unhealthy amount of | | | | paintbrush. |
| pressure on a young, developing mind. | | | | |
| | | | This simple craft can be made by making |
| While the following activities and games are | | | | colored ice cubes using Jello, Kool-Aid or |
| suggested for the letters H and I, they may | | | | powered Tempera paint. Give each child a |
| be modified or adapted into other preschool | | | | piece of white paper and allow them to draw |
| themes. | | | | on it using the colored ice cube. This craft |
| | | | works well in the winter, or when teaching |
| Hats, Hopping and the Hokey Pokey | | | | about opposites, like hot and cold. |
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| Preschool children love playing dress-up and | | | | Finally, this craft gives children an |
| pretend, which can be easily accomplished by | | | | opportunity to really let their imaginations |
| the simple act of putting on a hat. When | | | | run wild! Using pipe cleaners, popsicle |
| learning about the letter H, as in hat, bring | | | | sticks, feathers, google eyes, construction |
| in a selection of hats associated with | | | | paper, glitter, and anything else that suits |
| different occupations, such as a cowboy hat, | | | | their fancy, have each child design their own |
| chef's hat, fire fighter's helmet, and a | | | | insect. Have each child present his or her |
| king's crown. | | | | insect to the class, pointing out its |
| | | | distinguishing features. |
| Have child close their eyes and put the hat | | | | |
| on their head. They open their eyes as the | | | | Using preschool themes to teach children |
| other children act out the occupation of the | | | | important lessons, like the alphabet, is a |
| hat. The child wearing the hat has to guess | | | | great way to organize your curriculum. |
| what type of hat it is based on the other | | | | |