Things we hope to cover this month (and ideas on how to do so):

- China Review:  We made a China lapbook when we had our first intro to China.  So, we’ll be going back over that.

- Counting to 20:  We’ve made little number cards using index cards, consisting of 2 decks – one for written numbers and the other with an illustration (made by drawing with markers and cutting out magazine pictures, which we did together).  We use the cards as both flashcards and as a matching game.  We also sing the “20″ song – which is basically counting to 20 in a song.  And, we count our snacks (and anything else).

- Major body parts:  We sing the “Head, shoulder’s, knees, and toes!” song and practice pointing out body parts using baby dolls and self.

- Weather:  We learned about different types of weather and talked about the weather as it changes.  Plus, we made these:

- Distinguishing between letters A-G:  She’s been introduced to letters but sometimes still has trouble distinguishing between letters like C and G or B and D or E and F.  So, we have a game that we play:  Using a sheet of white printer paper, I will write out the letters A-G in no particular order (and sometimes different sizes), usually each letter will be repeated 3 times on the paper.  Then, she or I will decide on a letter to call out and she uses markers or stickers to identify those letters.  For example, right now, stickers are a big hit at our house.  So, when we call “A,” she finds all A stickers and may put a bunny sticker on all of the A’s (because we’re going through easter stickers) and B’s may have paw print stickers or blue stickers, etc.  It’s fun and she gets to practice motor skills all at once!

-Like vs. unlike:  Also, same vs. different.  We pulled out some homemade “memory” game cards (made with squares of pretty scrapbook paper) and Lorelei went through pairs as I laid them out, deciding if they were same or different (and then, like or unlike).  We’ve also been known to use the girl’s basket of shoes for this game!  And, occasionally, we’ll use the pre-designed worksheets for this activity, you know – just for conventionality’s sake.

-Stars and Planets

- Seasons:  We’ve read and keep re-reading Four Seasons for Little People and have a never-ending discussion about seasons as they change and their differences.  (By the way, I found this book on the free table at a local book sale.  It’s pretty old and last time I checked Amazon, you can get it for under $5!)

- Shapes

- Japan 1

- Beginner Math:  We use a lot of crackers and snack foods for this one!  We give Lorelei 1-5 crackers and then ask her how many she’d have left if we took __ crackers…or, we’ll ask how many she’d have if we gave her __crackers.

- more/less than and same:  We generally use 2 sheets of colored paper (or other divided spaces) and place objects in those spaces and ask her which has more/less or if they’re the same.  We also use worksheets that we’ve made or found so she’ll be able to do it on paper.

- Simple measurements: Currently, we’re introducing the idea of measuring things using other objects.  For example, right now, we are using hands or paper to measure how LONG rugs and furniture and lines are just to get her used to the concept.  Soon, we will begin using yardsticks and rulers to measure yards and feet, and then move onto weight and volume.  Remember, it’s preschool.  Keep it simple and fun!

Welcome back!