{"title":"Kindergarten Science Lesson Plans","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"tools-for-your-morning-routine-in-the-early-childhood-classroom-a2193","title":"Tools for Your Morning Routine in the Early Childhood Classroom","description":"\u003cp\u003eKids thrive with routine and, in truth, most teachers enjoy the sense of normalcy and order that schedules provide. If you're wondering how to set up a great morning routine for your preschoolers and early childhood students, here are some great tips from various early education teachers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-21708-calendar-pocket-chart.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eCalendar\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's great to review the day, date, and year at the beginning of the day. Provide a large, interactive classroom calendar where:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents can strengthen letter recognition and spelling as they review the relevant month of the year.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents will sharpen numeracy and counting skills as they review the date (e.g. if it's the 10th of the month students count to ten).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents can learn the days of the week and the month of the year through fun songs repeated each day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Morning Board\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot only will a morning board help your students settle into the flow of a new day, it will strengthen valuable skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay review.\u003c\/strong\u003e While the calendar provides a great help, extend the activity by having student volunteers choose from pre-crafted labels (or write with dry erase markers on laminated sheets) to fill in the following items: \"Today is...\", \"Yesterday was...\", and \"Tomorrow will be...\" so that your students begin to make connections and understand the relationships between days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays in school review.\u003c\/strong\u003e Have a chart to keep track of the number of days your class has been in school, then use the status to practice place value (e.g. at 93 days a student volunteer would place a 9 in the tens place and a 3 in the ones place). Carissa of 1+1+1=1 blog has a great printout for this section of the morning board!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeather review.\u003c\/strong\u003e Have your students check a \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-24122-classroom-thermometer-15h-x-3w-fahrenheitcelsius.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eclassroom thermometer\u003c\/a\u003e to record the temperature and look outside to describe the day's forecast (e.g. cloudy, sunny, rainy, stormy, snowy, etc.). Find a fun weather song to go along with it. It could also be fun to have a \"weather bear\" that student's \"dress\" for the conditions outside (e.g. rain boots, umbrella, parka for rain, winter coat, gloves, and hat for snow, etc.).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck out some of these great posts for more ideas, printables, and more!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/1plus1plus1equals1.com\/Calendar.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e1+1+1=1...Calendar\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com\/2010\/03\/homeschool-calendar-morning-board.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eHomeschool Calendar \u0026amp; Morning Board\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/delightfullearning.blogspot.com\/2010\/08\/calender-and-morning-board-routine.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eCalender and Morning Board {Routine!}\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734087082009,"sku":"A2193","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"the-science-of-pumpkins-a2884","title":"The Science of Pumpkins","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-67 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Pumpkins-Tambako-the-Jaguar.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.flickr.com\/photos\/tambako\/500089629\/\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith fall in full swing, pumpkins make a great subject for science exploration and discovery! So roll up your sleeves and prepare to get a little messy with these excellent pumpkin activities!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit v. Vegetable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview the characteristics that classify produce as fruits or vegetables. The main point to stress is that, scientifically, if it has seeds, it should be classified as a fruit. Divide students into small groups and provide them with a pumpkin (top pre-cut) and metal spoons. Invite them to determine whether a pumpkin is a fruit or vegetable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMake Predictions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss with your students what it means to make a prediction. Complete the following exercises:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBefore class, cut a piece of yarn or string. Have students discuss and vote on whether they think the string will be long enough to fit around the entire outside of the pumpkin (it's circumference) or not.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFill a large bin with water. Have students vote on whether they think the pumpkin will float or sink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter students have discovered that a pumpkin \u003cem\u003edoes\u003c\/em\u003e have seeds and is indeed a fruit, invite them to estimate how many seeds the pumpkin contains.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasuring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs an extension of the above prediction exercise, have students measure the pumpkin's circumference using a piece of string and ruler.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a scale to weigh the pumpkin before and after the seeds have been removed to find the weight of the seeds\/goop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnother extension to the above prediction exercises is to have your students count the seeds. Since there are usually a lot of seeds, have them group seeds into piles of fives or tens to help with increment or interval counting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor great vocabulary ideas, crafts, books, and sequencing ideas, be sure to read the \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.teachpreschoolscience.com\/ExploringPumpkins.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003efull post\u003c\/a\u003e at Science Discovery!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn about pumpkins in a Science Curriculum for Preschool and Kindergarten with 75 free complete lesson plans online\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734089703449,"sku":"A2884","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Pumpkins-Tambako-the-Jaguar.jpg?v=1522781607"},{"product_id":"halloween-science-for-kinders-a2885","title":"Halloween Science For Kinders!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-74\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Science-Experiment-Andrey-Kiselev.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Andrey Kiselev\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile your classroom Halloween party provides a chance for your students to unwind and have fun, why not throw a little science into the mix. Between the sweet treats and festive crafts, they won't even know you've sprung an actual lesson on them! Here are a few fun activities to try from Dawn at Not Just A Mommy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBubbling Reactions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDawn suggests having your students explore the traditional vinegar-baking soda chemical reaction with a twist - add red food coloring to the vinegar and pretend that you're mixing vampire \"blood\" with garlic powder.\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eGoblin Goo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet students experiment with \"goblin slime\". The borax-glue mixture reveals solid properties when played with, but exhibits the flowing property of a liquid when left to settle. The great thing is, goblin goo can be kept near indefinitely so seal it in plastic bags and send it home for further exploration and fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePoison Testing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelp students learn about pH by testing various \"poisons\" (e.g. lemon juice, vinegar, orange juice, milk, distilled water, egg whites, milk of magnesia, etc.) using pH paper test strips. While they may not understand exactly what pH means, Dawn suggests reviewing color matching instead. When testing a substance, the pH paper will turn a certain color. Invite students to identify the color and match it to the color guide. Help them identify and record the pH level (number).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor great decorating tips, more fun science ideas, and sweet treats, be sure to read Dawn's \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/dawnypoo.blogspot.com\/2008\/11\/real-party-mad-scientist-lab-halloween.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003efull post\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734089834521,"sku":"A2885","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Science-Experiment-Andrey-Kiselev.jpg?v=1522781608"},{"product_id":"halloween-literature-unit-pumpkin-patch-unit-project-a2895","title":"Halloween Literature Unit: Pumpkin Patch Unit Project","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-large wp-image-164 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Pumpkin-Patch.jpg\" alt=\"pumpkin patch\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Rikki Degraz\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e{Kimberly L. Short, lesson plan contributor to \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.eduref.org\/Virtual\/Lessons\/Language_Arts\/Reading\/RDG0018.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eEducator’s Reference  Desk\u003c\/a\u003e, has designed an exciting Halloween themed reading unit that your  kindergartners are sure to enjoy. Designed to explore several literature  selections over sixteen days, here are a few highlights!}\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Short details various daily activities to complete based on one literature selection or another, she also ties the unit together with two projects that span its entirety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePumpkin Patch Project Objectives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn about making predictions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn about cause and effect.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview the basic parts of a story - beginning, middle, and end.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview the concept of sequencing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is an overview of the project:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"wp-table-reloaded-id-1-no-1\" class=\"wp-table-reloaded wp-table-reloaded-id-1\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-1\"\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"column-1\"\u003eDay\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"column-2\"\u003eProject Directions\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-2\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eBefore students get to class, create a \"pumpkin patch\" by covering a classroom table with brown bulletin board paper or recycled paper bags. Use watercolor paints - mainly brown, white, black, and gray - for detailing (e.g. plow marks, etc.). Create small slits in the \"dirt\".\nAt the end of the first lesson, have students make pumpkin seeds from sturdy craft paper and invite them to \"plant\" it in the pumpkin patch. Have students create an opening entry in their nature journal, making predictions on what will happen in the life cycle of their pumpkin.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-3\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCharge students with observing the pumpkin patch daily for changes. Have them record the changes in a nature journal using both words and pictures. If there is no visible change, have students write \"no change\", but invite them predict what might be happening under the \"soil\".\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-4\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDon't forget to make observations and journal about what's happening with the pumpkin seed under the \"soil\"!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-5\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eDiscuss what pumpkin seedlings need in order to grow (e.g. \"food\" and water). Have students brainstorm where their pumpkin seeds will get these essentials.\n\u003cp\u003eProvide students with blue sheets of construction paper and have them create \"raindrops\" with which to water their pumpkin seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDon't forget to create a nature journal entry and, again, predict what the water will do for the seeds.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-6\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCharge students with observing the pumpkin patch daily for changes. Have them record the changes in a nature journal using both words and pictures. If there is no visible change, have students write \"no change\", but invite them predict what might be happening under the \"soil\".\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-7\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eBefore students get to class, create small green vines from bulletin board paper or construction paper and place them in the patch where the seeds have been planted. Have students compare their pumpkin's progress with their journal entry predictions on the first day. Did they expect that vines were part of the pumpkin \"life cycle\"? What are their revised predictions (if any)?\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-8\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eBefore students get to class, create several crows and place them in the pumpkin patch. Discuss the \"hardships\" pumpkins face while attempting to grow. Help students \"shoo\" the crows from their patch, then have them brainstorm (overnight) how to keep dangerous pests out of the patch.\n\u003cem\u003eDon't forget to journal!\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-9\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eCompile a list of student suggestions for keeping crows out and vote on the best solution. One of them will likely have suggested scarecrows. Provide materials and templates for your students to create their own scarecrow and help them place their creations in the patch.\n\u003cem\u003eDon't forget to journal!\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-10\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e9\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDon't forget to make observations and journal about what's happening with the pumpkin seed and vine!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the rest of the project directions, be sure to read Short's full lesson plan at Educator's Reference Desk!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734092881945,"sku":"A2895","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Pumpkin-Patch.jpg?v=1522781627"},{"product_id":"how-do-airplanes-fly-a2900","title":"How Do Airplanes Fly?","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-221\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Airplane-2-Peter-Kirillov.jpg\" alt=\"airplane landing\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Peter Kirillov\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fact that large (heavy!) airplanes can fly is a hard concept for even \u003cem\u003eadults\u003c\/em\u003e to wrap their head around! In the spirit of national aviation month, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencekidsathome.com\/science_topics\/flight.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eScience Kids at Home\u003c\/a\u003e has designed an engaging lesson that will help your kindergartners learn about the phenomenon known as flight - in terms they can understand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLesson Objectives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudy the design of airplane wings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduce and learn about the concepts of air pressure, air speed, and gravity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscuss how the same concepts that allow an airplane to fly, keep a helicopter in the air.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Basics of Flight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"wp-table-reloaded-id-3-no-1\" class=\"wp-table-reloaded wp-table-reloaded-id-3\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-1\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Kindergarten-Lesson-Plans-Table-Number-1.jpg\" alt=\"1\" title=\"Kindergarten Lesson Plans Table Number 1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-177\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eAs a plane taxis forward, the wind created from the craft's movement comes into contact with its uniquely designed wings.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-2\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Kindergarten-Lesson-Plans-Table-Number-2.jpg\" alt=\"2\" title=\"Kindergarten Lesson Plans Table Number 2\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-178\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eWith a curved top and a flat bottom, the wings separate the air flowing around it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-3\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Kindergarten-Lesson-Plans-Table-Number-3.jpg\" alt=\"3\" title=\"Kindergarten Lesson Plans Table Number 3\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-179\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eThese different air paths created by the uniquely designed wing, in turn, cause the air to travel at different speeds. Air flowing above the wing travels faster than the air flowing below the wing.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-4\"\u003e\n\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"attachment_218\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 310px\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencekidsathome.com\/science_topics\/flight.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/How-An-Airplane-Flies-Air-Speed.jpg\" alt=\"diagram showing the speed of air flowing over top an airplane wing and underneath\" title=\"How An Airplane Flies - Air Speed\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-218\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-caption-text\"\u003ePhoto Source: Science Kids At Home\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-5\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Kindergarten-Lesson-Plans-Table-Number-4.jpg\" alt=\"4\" title=\"Kindergarten Lesson Plans Table Number 4\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-180\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eDifferent air speeds, in turn, create different air pressures above and below the airplane wings.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-6\"\u003e\n\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"attachment_217\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 253px\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencekidsathome.com\/science_topics\/flight.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/How-An-Airplane-Flies-Air-Pressure.jpg\" alt=\"image showing how air pressure differs above and below an airplane's wing\" title=\"How An Airplane Flies - Air Pressure\" class=\"size-full wp-image-217\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-caption-text\"\u003ePhoto Source: Science Kids At Home\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-7\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Kindergarten-Lesson-Plans-Table-Number-5.jpg\" alt=\"5\" title=\"Kindergarten Lesson Plans Table Number 5\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-181\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eAs is its nature, the higher air pressure causes the air, and thus the plane, to rise.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"row-8\"\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Kindergarten-Lesson-Plans-Table-Number-6.jpg\" alt=\"6\" title=\"Kindergarten Lesson Plans Table Number 6\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-182\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"column-2\"\u003eWhen the rising air pressure causes enough lift to overcome gravity, the plane lifts off and propels into the air!\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHands-On Application\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsider providing student with modeling clay or dough and having them experiment creating the unique shape of airplane wings. Not only will this reinforce the concepts learned in the lesson, it will give them some fun fine motor practice!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734093963289,"sku":"A2900","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Airplane-2-Peter-Kirillov.jpg?v=1522781633"},{"product_id":"the-first-flight-a2901","title":"The First Flight","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/The-First-Flight-Wright-Brothers.jpg\" alt=\"The Wright Brothers\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: The Wright House\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn continuation of national aviation month and your kindergartner's recent discovery of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/ideas\/2900\/how-do-airplanes-fly\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ehow airplanes fly\u003c\/a\u003e, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum recommends introducing your students to Orville and Wilbur Wright, the inventors of this spectacular flying machine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrville and Wilbur Wright\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wright brothers first became interested in flight at the ages of seven and eleven when their father gifted them with a toy helicopter. They first dabbled in making model airplanes - starting small then graduating to larger crafts. Having experienced only minimal success in this venture, the brothers pursued several other endeavors until 1896 when other pioneers in aviation ignited their interest once again in designing a craft for manned fight. Going as far as to relocate for better flying conditions, Orville and Wilbur finally piloted the first successful airplane flight in 1908.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo better understand the duo's lives and achievements, read Andrew Woods' book, \u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline\"\u003eYoung Orville and Wilbur Wright: First to Fly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e as a class, the use the Smithsonian's interactive airplane anatomy lesson to show students the Wright's first plane (design, parts, etc.) and how, after 100+ years, airplanes \u003cem\u003estill\u003c\/em\u003e make use of Orville and Wilbur's flight theory!\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eAirplane Science (and FUN!)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that your students have learned about the first planes, their various parts, and how these large crafts are able to stay in the air, have a little fun. Choose a simple paper airplane design, provide students with paper, and invite them to copy the craft. As recommended by Steve McCombs, a ProTeacher lesson plan contributor, create worksheets for recording flight distances, then head to the hallway for some flying fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrial 1 - Fly paper airplanes without any extraneous variables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrial 2 - Fly paper airplanes with an extraneous variable (e.g. a paper clip on the front, etc.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrial 3 - Collect several paper airplane designs from the internet or print resources, presenting them to your students. Have them vote on which will fly the farthest, straightest, etc. then make several planes and head out to the hallway again!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack in the classroom, analyze and graph the data from each trial to find the shortest, median, and longest flights, etc. in the class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour kindergartners are sure to have a blast with these interactive aviation lessons! ...Usually creating and flying paper airplanes in class is a 'punishable offense' - this lesson presents a perfect time to have fun with 'contraband' - something your students will enjoy in and of itself!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734094225433,"sku":"A2901","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/The-First-Flight-Wright-Brothers.jpg?v=1522781635"},{"product_id":"the-science-of-magnets-a2905","title":"The Science of Magnets","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/197915236.jpg\" alt=\"Magnet Toys - 1.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ephoto © 2006 \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for Windell Oskay\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/17425845@N00\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWindell Oskay\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo children, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyme.com\/collections\/topic-magnetism\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003emagnets\u003c\/a\u003e can seem like magic! Capitalize on some of that wonder with an engaging \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyme.com\/collections\/subject-science\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003escience\u003c\/a\u003e lesson about magnetism and magnets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust like other key science concepts - gravity, electricity, motion, etc. - there are still many things that scientists don't know about magnets and magnetism. What they \u003cem\u003ehave\u003c\/em\u003e uncovered is a product of much experimentation and exploration; in essence, the properties of magnetism have been discovered by hands-on investigation. What better way to start the unit than to provide students with the opportunity to do the same?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide each student (or group of students) with two magnets and ask them to describe how the two interact. Make a list of observations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduce and discuss important vocabulary including poles, attract, and repel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDefine what a magnet is and why certain things are attracted\/repelled. \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kidskonnect.com\/subject-index\/15-science\/90-magnets.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKidsKonnect.com's\u003c\/a\u003e background information on magnets is a great resource for this part of the lesson.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide a complete list of known properties of magnets (in terms your students will understand and with demonstrations when possible). \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.coolmagnetman.com\/maghow.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eCool Magnet Man\u003c\/a\u003e provides a list of magnet basics that can be adapted for use. Keep your students' list of observations handy in order to show them how, with simple experimentation, they discovered some of the same principles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn Extension: Fun with Animals \u0026amp; Magnets\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an extension of the lesson, make a fun homemade play set with magnets! Inspired by an article in \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/familyfun.go.com\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eDisney's FamilyFun\u003c\/a\u003e magazine, here's an adapted supply list:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplies You'll Need\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCardboard gift box (at the very least you'll need a sweater box) - you'll only need the top or bottom portion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyme.com\/products\/ceramic-disc-magnets-large-15928\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003edisc magnets\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarker cap (the cap from an old \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyme.com\/products\/crayola-markers-12-count-assorted-colors-conical-tip-25663\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCrayola® marker\u003c\/a\u003e will work perfectly)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyme.com\/products\/art-yarn-bright-colors-assortment-10-strands-50-1704\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eArt yarn\u003c\/a\u003e or string\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmpty thread spools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlastic toy animals (like this \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyme.com\/pages\/search-results-page?q=plastic+animals\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ejumbo animals themed set\u003c\/a\u003e) and other box decorations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake half of the cardboard gift box and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyme.com\/collections\/art-glue-and-adhesives\/products\/elmers-school-glue-1-1-4-oz-bottle-4841\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eglue\u003c\/a\u003e an empty spool to each corner - creating a \"platform\" of sorts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs the platform dries, take the marker cap (filling the small tube with glue) and attach a strong disc magnet to the end. Hold firmly for several seconds then set aside to dry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose several plastic toy animals - you could go with a zoo, jungle, safari, desert, etc. theme - gluing a disc magnet to the bottom of each. [NOTE: Make \u003cem\u003esure\u003c\/em\u003e to coordinate the poles of the animals with the exposed magnet pole on the marker cap. If the marker cap magnet's \u003cem\u003esouth pole\u003c\/em\u003e is exposed, make sure the \u003cem\u003enorth pole\u003c\/em\u003e on the animals is facing out and vice versa. The goal is for the magnets to \u003cem\u003eattract\u003c\/em\u003e - meaning that \u003cem\u003eopposite poles\u003c\/em\u003e must be showing.]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs the glue dries, create an animal habitat within the box. FamilyFun designed a desert theme, including sand and rocks, and offered several desert animals to play with. You can design whatever them you like - as simple or as complicated as you'd like. If you're up to the challenge, you might even create a zoo with separate habitats\/homes for each animal!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCut a long piece of yarn or string, tying one end to a spool on the habitat box and the other to the magnetic marker cap.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace the animals inside the box lid. To use, have students maneuver the marker cap magnet under the box lid (hence the need for the spool \"platform\"). The magnetic field will penetrate the thin gift box, attracting the nearest animal magnet. Students will the be able to move the marker cap underneath the box and watch the animals move around their habitat - almost like magic!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis project is great for continued play and for incorporating lesson concepts into the classroom!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734097633305,"sku":"A2905","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/197915236.jpg?v=1522781655"},{"product_id":"we-re-going-on-an-archeological-dig-a2909","title":"We’re Going On An Archeological Dig","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/4109922972.jpg\" alt=\"Treasure Chest\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2009 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for Tom Praison\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/40201205@N06\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTom Praison\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Treasure Chest'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/40201205@N06\/4109922972\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking for a fun, hands on science lesson for your kindergartners? Try going on an archeological dig! Here are two fun adventures your students are sure to love!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIce Treasure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're trying to cool off during the warm summer months or just attempting to bring a little of \"winter\" indoors, digging for ice treasure is a blast! Amy Anderson of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/lets-explore.net\/blog\/2008\/05\/ice-treasures\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLet's Explore\u003c\/a\u003e offers a great tutorial on creating individual ice stations for excavation - including freezing tips, container suggestions, and much more! Consider choosing a theme or topic for your dig and, armed with treasure-excavating tools (i.e. salt, spray bottles \u0026amp; droppers with warm water, toothbrushes, etc.), let your students loose to uncover and discover!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTreasure in the Dirt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDirt and treasure are two of every child's favorite things! Whether indoors or outdoors, summer or winter, your students are sure to have a blast digging for buried treasure - just make sure you have the proper cleaning supplies on hand for post-excavation clean-up! Abbie, creator of the blog \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/greeningsamandavery.typepad.com\/greening-sam-and-avery\/2010\/09\/day-91-digging-fun.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eGreening Sam and Avery\u003c\/a\u003e, shares her experiences in using flower pots and potting soil for this wonderful sensory (scientific!) activity. Again, choose a theme for your archeological dig, provide the proper tools (i.e. scoops, shovels, spoons, rakes, etc.), and let the fun begin!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudent Roles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile these exercises can be used for undirected exploration, it can also be fun to take advantage of the opportunity for directed learning - using \"official\" terminology and teamwork. Once the \"dig sites\" have been prepared (whether ice or dirt), divide students into teams of three and assign each team a formal excavation location as well as individual roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecorder. Provide this student with a picture checklist of all the items rumored to be hidden at their excavation site. As the team uncovers each object, have the team recorder check it off their list.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTool Specialist. Provide this student with a picture checklist of the various tools their team will be given to use in the excavation of their dig site. Have the tool specialist take inventory of the tools when they reach their assigned site and again after the dig to make sure every tool is accounted for and in its proper place.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTreasure Preserver. Provide this student with sample bags and picture labels that match the items on the recorder's picture checklist. As the team unearths each piece of treasure, have the treasure preserver place the item in a bag and tape on the proper picture label for further examination after the dig.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlong with these \"official\" roles, \u003cem\u003eall\u003c\/em\u003e team members will help to unearth the treasure! After the dig, have each team bring their \"samples\" back to the classroom for discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscussion points you might consider...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave students describe the digging conditions (i.e. was the soil easy to sift through or was it hard and compacted, did it get easier to unearth the ice treasure as time went along or stay about the same, etc.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave students discuss the tools used (i.e. were some more effective than others, is there a tool that was not made available that would have done the job better, etc.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave students discuss the treasure found (i.e. did the transparent quality of the ice make it easier to find the objects, did the size of the object make it easier\/harder to find, etc.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether excavating ice or dirt, your students are sure to have a blast with this exercise! Not only that, they'll strengthen counting skills, learn how to make observations and keep accurate records, practice labeling, learn to work with others, build problem solving skills, and much more!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734100353049,"sku":"A2909","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/4109922972.jpg?v=1522781672"},{"product_id":"the-science-of-snow-a2910","title":"The Science of Snow","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/2322517542.jpg\" alt=\"STOP Snowing!\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2008 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for John Talbot\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/20683202@N00\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eJohn Talbot\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'STOP Snowing!'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/20683202@N00\/2322517542\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the seasons change, use the cold weather to your advantage by introducing your kindergartners to the science of snow! Here are several lesson ideas to use this winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasuring Snowfall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you live in a state that gets a lot of snow (and snowstorms!), keep tabs on the weather so that you can take advantage of this great science and math activity when the next storm hits (that is, if it doesn't cause a snow day!). Here's the idea:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisit Weather.com or your local news station's website for the snow forecast to find out how much snowfall is expected.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave students make predictions on whether the actual amount of snow will be the same, more, or less than the amount forecasted.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep a classroom tally of student predictions. Discuss how simple, columned charts make it easy to organize data for further use. Invite students to compare the tallies in each column using terms like most, least, more than, less than, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide students with a container to place in a secure location outside for collecting and measuring the amount of snowfall. [NOTE: Make sure the container has a flat bottom.]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter the storm, bring the container inside and measure the results, comparing it to both the forecast and predictions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an extension (and more science fun), let the collected snow melt and measure the amount of liquid left. Is it more or less than the snow in its solid form? Discuss with your students the basics of the water cycle and how snow is created.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFun with Snow Crystals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmaze your kindergartners with an up close look at snow crystals!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePreparation for the activity\u003c\/em\u003e. Begin by explaining that snow is actually made up of billions (and actually many many more!) of tiny crystals. Search online for pictures of magnified snowflakes, creating a slideshow of the different shapes and structures to show your students what to expect during the activity. Then, arming your students with magnifying glasses, practice proper viewing technique on small classroom objects. While they may have used one before, don't take for granted that your students will actually know how to hold it and manipulate the size of the object being viewed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSnow crystal activity. Place a stack of black construction paper into the freezer, keeping the paper there until it begins to snow and you're ready to go outside. The cold paper will \"preserve\" the snow crystals long enough for students to investigate (i.e. the flakes won't melt as fast on the chilly surface). Once outside, invite students to catch snowflakes on the black paper and use their magnifying glasses to view the crystals noting any patterns, symmetry, and structural components (as much as they can!). Your kindergartners will be amazed at this wonder of nature!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile winter can seem to drag on and on, take advantage of the many math and science learning opportunities the cold weather brings!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734100647961,"sku":"A2910","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/2322517542.jpg?v=1522781674"},{"product_id":"how-animals-prepare-for-the-winter-a2911","title":"How Animals Prepare for the Winter","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/4405088770.jpg\" alt=\"Deperessed and posing bear\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2010 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for Tambako The Jaguar\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/8070463@N03\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTambako The Jaguar\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Deperessed and posing bear'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/8070463@N03\/4405088770\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilla, a \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.brighthub.com\/education\/k-12\/articles\/9203.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eBright Hub\u003c\/a\u003e lesson plan contributor, has written a wonderful lesson for teaching your kindergartners about animals and their special abilities for preparing for the winter and taking care of themselves. You'll discuss various concepts like hibernation, food storage, growing thicker fur, etc., building vocabulary and problem solving skills in the process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLesson Introduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilla suggests reading Carls R. Sams II and Jean Stoick's \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStranger in the Woods\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e as an introduction to the lesson. The book contains pictures of real animals in their winter habitat. You might also consider searching online for pictures of animals, then creating a slide show for your students to view and discuss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduce the concept of hibernation and brainstorm other ways in which animals prepare for the cold winter months (i.e. birds migrate to warmer climates, bears and other mammals adapt by growing thicker fur, etc.). Keep a list of each child's contribution to the discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHibernation Station\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNext, Willa suggests reading Denise Fleming's \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTime to Sleep\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e and gathering materials for your students to make their own hibernation diorama. Consider also an exercise in pretend play. Ask your students to brainstorm items that \u003cem\u003ethey\u003c\/em\u003e would need to build a cozy den if they were to hibernate. Collect blankets, pillows, cushions, and all the fixings for a kid-friendly \"hibernation station\", turn the lights down low, and have a fun snack while Fleming's or another recommended story:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWake Me in Spring\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by James Preller.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnimals Prepare for Winter\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Elaine Pascoe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSleepy Bear\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Lydia Dadcovich\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSleepy Bears\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Mem Fox\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Animals' Winter Sleep\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Lynda Graham-Barber and Nancy Carol Willis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHibernation Math \u0026amp; Science\n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake a bar graph of days in hibernation to find out which animal hibernates the longest? Shortest?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare an animal's heart rate while hibernating to its normal heart rate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice counting with teddy grahams and \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/lilteacher.com\/hibernation.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ecave counting mats\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplete the \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/lilteacher.com\/hibernation.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ebear hibernation experiment\u003c\/a\u003e (a folded newspaper bear cutout will unfold when placed in warm water just like bears \"wake up\" when warmer weather comes).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more lesson ideas, be sure to visit Willa's full post at BrightHub!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734101041177,"sku":"A2911","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/4405088770.jpg?v=1522781676"},{"product_id":"winter-with-the-k-crew-a2912","title":"Winter with the K-Crew","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/2177980496.jpg\" alt=\"Winter dreams\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2008 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for James Jordan\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/69826987@N00\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eJames Jordan\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Winter dreams'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/69826987@N00\/2177980496\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerusing for winter ideas, we came across \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thekcrew.net\/winter.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThe K-Crew's website\u003c\/a\u003e - a fantastic resource for kindergarten teachers created by (in their own words) two \u003cem\u003ereal\u003c\/em\u003e teachers who teach \u003cem\u003ereal\u003c\/em\u003e students in \u003cem\u003ereal\u003c\/em\u003e classrooms! We decided to check out their winter thematic unit and there were so many great ideas we just had to share!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMath \u0026amp; Science\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperiment with Static Electricity. Ever notice the boom in static electricity during the winter? The K-Crew set up a \"Static Magic\" station where students explored this very concept using felt, balloons, confetti, and other interesting materials.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGraphing. Ask your students a simple yes\/no question (i.e. \"Have you ever thrown a snowball?\", \"Have you ever caught a snowflake on your tongue?\", etc.) or provide them with a multiple choice question (i.e. \"My favorite winter activity is...A.) Sledding, B.) Ice skating, or C.) Building a snowman.\") and graph the results. Discuss concepts like \"more than\", \"less than\", \"most\", \"least\", etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEstimation. At the beginning of each winter month, place a jar of winter-themed counters at the front of the room (i.e. marshmallows, candy canes, etc.) and accept student estimation submissions. As a class, count the number of objects in the jar and compare it to the predictions. Create a chart or graph showing the number of student guesses within +\/-20, +\/-10, etc. of the actual number.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther ideas including growing snowflakes, discovering states of matter and density with ice cubes and oil, and learning the importance of warm clothing in the winter. Check out the full post for more information and instructions to these cool projects!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage \u0026amp; Literature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWinter Journaling. Invite students to prepare and decorate a winter journal - from scratch or using small store-bought notebooks - then take a look at the great writing prompts and journal activities at The K-Crew's website! You're sure to boost their writing confidence and journal entries make great opening, transition, or ending activities!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead, Read, Read! The K-Crew duo provides an excellent list of children's literature as well as appropriate lessons and discussions for each selection at their site including \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFootprints in the Snow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e by Cynthia Benjamin, \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere Comes Winter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e by Janet Craig, and \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy Favorite Time of Year\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eby Susan Pearson among many others!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearning Stations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe K-Crew offers many learning stations throughout the winter unit targeting different skill sets like fine motor, art, writing, etc. Here are a few highlights:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSewing mittens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePuffy snow painting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScribble art (they have two incredible resource books for this type of activity!)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStamping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the list goes on and on! The K-Crew really knows how to put a thematic unit together so be sure to check out their site and all their wonderful early childhood resources!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734101172249,"sku":"A2912","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/2177980496.jpg?v=1522781677"},{"product_id":"valentines-day-unit-sensory-activities-a2916","title":"Valentine's Day Unit: Sensory Activities","description":"\u003cp\u003eAccording to Amanda Morgan - mother, educational consultant, and creator of the blog, Not Just Cute - \"\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003esensory play is really part of the scientific process\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\". Through sensory experiences, children interact with and begin to order the world - learning how to ask questions, observe reactions, investigate, collect data, and reach conclusions - all using their five senses! With Valentine's Day coming up, here are some great sensory play ideas that are sure to be a hit!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-393  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Valentines-Sensory-Tub.jpg\" alt=\"valentine's day sensory tub\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.notimeforflashcards.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensory Bin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis festive sensory bin was created by Allie of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.notimeforflashcards.com\/2010\/01\/valentines-sensory-tub.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eNo Time For Flash Cards\u003c\/a\u003e. With a base of dried beans - Allie suggests red lentils and navy beans - along with glittery heart confetti and foam heart cutouts, this simple tub is inexpensive, requires little work, and will keep your kiddos occupied for hours! Add a few spoons, measuring cups, miniature tongs, plastic heart shaped containers, and other 'exploration tools' and you're set!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-394 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Valentines-Shaving-Cream.jpg\" alt=\"valentine's day shaving cream sensory activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.thetraintocrazy.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShaving Cream Doodles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's one from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thetraintocrazy.com\/preschool\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThe Train to Crazy\u003c\/a\u003e. Gather cans of unscented shaving cream or containers of cool whip, add a few drops of red food coloring to tint the cream, then provide each student with a few dollops of Valentine's Day cream and let the the fun begin!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCall out letters and invite students to use the cream for some handwriting practice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvite students to create their own special designs, then press a piece of paper to the cream to create fun prints and artwork.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave students practice drawing shapes in the cream.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-395 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Chocolate-Playdough.jpg\" alt=\"valentine's day chocolate play dough sensory activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: countingcoconuts.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChocolate Scented Play Dough\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRound out your sensory play activities with play dough! Mari-Ann of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/countingcoconuts.blogspot.com\/2010\/02\/sensory-fun-valentines-style.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eCounting Coconuts\u003c\/a\u003e suggests creating special Valentine's Day play dough that smells like chocolate (using chocolate extract) and providing students with heart cookie cutters and other fun tools! [BONUS: While you're there, be sure to check out Mari-Ann's Valentine's Day sensory bin too!]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith these sensory play activities, your Valentine's Day unit is sure to keep your students engaged, exploring, and learning!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734101991449,"sku":"A2916","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Valentines-Sensory-Tub_eedce739-0561-4cba-9fae-056e2dee249c.jpg?v=1522781682"},{"product_id":"presidents-day-lesson-a2918","title":"President's Day Lesson","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Presidents-Day-Lesson.jpg\" alt=\"President's Day kindergarten lesson ideas\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.littlegiraffes.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Monday we celebrate President's Day and, if you're in need of activities to compliment your lesson plans, here are some great ideas from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.littlegiraffes.com\/presidents.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLittle Giraffes Teaching Ideas\u003c\/a\u003e that your kindergartners are sure to love!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresidential Science\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePenny Cleaning.\u003c\/em\u003e Have your students explore the best ways to shine a dirty penny. Mrs. Flanagan had her students test ketchup, vinegar, salt, flour, and water. You might consider adding other substances like taco sauce, lemon juice, and Coke for some messy fun! It might also be fun to create a chart of results for each substance - labeling the top with the product used and gluing the resulting penny underneath.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePenny + Water Drops\u003c\/em\u003e. Provide each student with a shallow dish of water, an eyedropper, a sheet of paper towel, and a penny, inviting them to see how many drops of water will fit on the face of the coin. Be sure to have your students make predictions before beginning the experiment and compare the results at the end. They'll be amazed!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eMagnifying Coins\u003c\/em\u003e. Provide students with a selection of coins and a magnifying glass. Invite them to observe each coin and discuss their similarities and differences.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresidential Math\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eCoin Probability\u003c\/em\u003e. Have students toss a coin and keep track of how many resulted in \"heads\" and how many in \"tails\". Making Learning Fun has a great printable \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.makinglearningfun.com\/themepages\/PresidentsDay.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eheads or tails graphing\u003c\/a\u003e worksheet to use with this activity that will allow students to keep track of their tosses and findings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eCoins \u0026amp; Dice.\u003c\/em\u003e Divide students into groups of four, providing each group with a die and a coin worksheet for each child. Have students take turns rolling the die and coloring the appropriate number of coins on their worksheet. The first student to color all their coins wins!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresidential Social Studies \u0026amp; Writing\n\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss with your students the duties and roles of the president, as well as character traits needed for leadership. After each student has had a chance to contribute, invite your students to think about what they would do if they were president. Have them write their answer onto a sheet of paper and illustrate it using graphic art tools, magazine clippings, etc. When finished compile the individual pages into a book - \"What Our Class Would Do To Make Our Country Great!\" These books make great keepsakes from year to year and students will love seeing their work take a place of honor on the classroom bookshelf!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGames\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe couldn't forget to add some games to the post - especially since we found some really fun ones at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/stepbystepcc.com\/holidays\/president.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eStep By Step Childcare\u003c\/a\u003e! In \"President's Day Coin Toss\", students will get active, calling out fun movements when their coin lands on \"heads\".  \"Chop Down the Cherry Tree\" will bring out the giggles as the student volunteer blindfolded in the middle of the circle tries to guess which of his or her classmates tried to \"chop\" them down (i.e. tapped them on the shoulder). Finally, with \"Musical Coin Matching\" students strengthen coin recognition as they race to match their coin when the music stops. Be sure to visit the full post at Step By Step Childcare for full directions!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHere's another fun \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/ideas\/3741\/presidents-day-fun\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ePresident's Day lesson plans!\u003c\/a\u003e your students will enjoy!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734103466009,"sku":"A2918","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Presidents-Day-Lesson.jpg?v=1522781691"},{"product_id":"a-week-of-dr-seuss-printable-mini-unit-a2919","title":"A Week of Dr. Seuss - Printable Mini-Unit","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-447  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Cat-In-The-Hat.jpg\" alt=\"image of Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarch 2nd is Dr. Seuss's birthday and, if you haven't already, it might be nice to include some of the famous author's works in your lesson plans - they're quirky, colorful, and inspire some pretty great activities! April Larremore, kindergarten teacher and creator of the blog \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\/2011\/02\/dr-seuss.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eChalk Talk\u003c\/a\u003e, has put together a spectacular mini-unit that will take some of the guess work out of your planning. Here are a few of our favorite activities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBig A, Little a, What Begins With A?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing Larremore's page template, create an alphabet book as a class. Assign each student a letter, invite them to script the letter in the blanks on the page (paying attention to the proper case), then, armed with graphic art tools, brainstorm and draw as many objects as they can that start with that particular letter. To finish - print the cover of Dr. Seuss's own 'Amazing Alphabet Book' to use as the book's cover, mount each page onto colored construction paper, laminate, and bind each piece together to create a fantastic classroom keepsake book!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Foot Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduce your students to a new form of measuring using foam feet instead of rulers and measuring tape. Larremore suggests using \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-11663-feet-by-the-foot.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eFeet by the Foot™\u003c\/a\u003e, a set of 12 colorful feet \"rulers\", to measure how tall each student is. Have students take turns lying on the floor while another student volunteer lays the feet 'heel to toe' in order to determine height. Keep track of each student's height for graphing - either draw a bar graph on the board or have you students participate to make a \"human bar graph\" (i.e. write height values on the board and have your students line up in front of the correct measurement). Compare and contrast the bars using terms such as \"less than\", \"more than\", \"most\", \"least\", \"average\", etc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI Wish I Had Duck Feet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss the special qualities a duck has that makes them well suited for pond living (i.e. webbed feet for swimming, waterproof feathers for staying warm and dry, etc.). Invite students to think of other animals that have unique qualities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFish have gills that allow them to breathe underwater.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChameleons change color in order to hide from predators.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheetahs have long lean bodies and long tails to help them stay balanced and run fast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe list could go on and on. After the discussion, have students choose an animal part they'd love to have for a day and describe (with drawings and words) their reasons why. Provide students with construction paper and other craft supplies and help them fashion the particular part to use during pretend play. Oftentimes, it will take quite a bit of creativity and problem solving to create the qualities and you're sure to have many giggles along the way!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOh the Places You'll Go!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarremore suggests having your students create hot air balloons, adding a picture of themselves in the basket. On the back or as a journal prompt, invite them to describe where they would go in their hot air balloon. [NOTE: It could be fun to have your students write an adventure book about their day in the air - what they saw, who they met, where they stopped, what they did, etc.] To add in a bit of geography and reintroduce the concept of sequencing, invite your students to \u003cem\u003emap\u003c\/em\u003e their adventures, drawing an item of intrigue to represent each stop on their balloon ride!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more great lesson ideas to go along with Dr. Seuss's famous works, be sure to visit Larremore's full post at Chalk Talk!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734103629849,"sku":"A2919","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Cat-In-The-Hat.jpg?v=1522781692"},{"product_id":"lessons-for-childrens-dental-health-month-a2920","title":"Lessons for Children's Dental Health Month","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\" wp-image-1816 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/1670172211_7b65e307f3_b.jpg\" alt=\"Dental Health Month Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto © 2007 Kelcey Kinjo, Flickr\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFebruary is recognized as children's dental health month. To make sure your kindergarteners understand the importance of taking care of their “pearly whites”, here are a few fun activities from Sarah at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.childcarelounge.com\/general-themes\/dental-tooth.php\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eChild Care Lounge\u003c\/a\u003eto work into your lesson plans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDental Science\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplain to your students that food and drink, if not brushed away, can stick to teeth, causing discoloration and even cavities. To reinforce the importance of brushing, flossing, visits to the dentis, etc., have your students explore how several popular drinks might affect the teeth of an individual with unhealthy dental habits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSupplies You'll Need for the Experiment\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 hard boiled eggs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 jars (with lids)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 popular drinks – Coke, orange juice, fruit punch, and water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore beginning the experiment, explain how the enamel of our teeth (the hard outer surface of a tooth) is similar to the shell of a hard boiled egg. With the assistance of student volunteers, pour a different liquid into each jar, submerging an egg in each and screwing the lids in place. Leave the eggs in the jars for at least 30 minutes, then remove and observe. Explain to your students that the eggs show what would happen to a person who drank a lot of ___________ {insert beverage here} and didn't take care of their teeth. Compare and contrast the results, discussing the types of drinks that should be 'consumed with care'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDental Hygiene \u0026amp; Sensory Play\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate a “molar” model by cutting off the bottom of a water bottle, painting the inside white, then attaching it (upside down!) to a piece of wood when dry. Make several individual models or attach the water bottle pieces side by side to create a “mouth” of teeth. Add the teeth to the sensory table, along with toothbrushes and toothpaste, inviting your students to practice proper brushing techniques then rinsing the models for the next student.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA “Toothy” Book List\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are a few literature selections to get you started:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eArthur's Tooth\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Marc Brown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat Do Tooth Fairies Do With All Those Teeth?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Michael Luppens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhen I See My Dentist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Susan Kuklin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBerenstain Bears Visit the Dentist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Jan and Stan Berenstain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734103826457,"sku":"A2920","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/1670172211_7b65e307f3_b.jpg?v=1522781693"},{"product_id":"literature-laughs-amp-leprechaun-tricks-a2926","title":"Literature, Laughs, \u0026amp; Leprechaun Tricks","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-501 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Clever-Tom.jpg\" alt=\"Clever Tom and the Leprechaun book cover\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.jacketflap.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTop o' the mornin' to ye!\u003c\/em\u003e If you're looking for fun lesson ideas for St. Patrick's Day, second grade teacher Mrs. Dicken's knows \u003cem\u003ejust\u003c\/em\u003e how to celebrate - lots of good books, a little adventure, and an elusive {trickster!} leprechaun, who goes by the name Lucky! We found this awesome thematic unit at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/teachershare.scholastic.com\/resources\/13295\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTeacherShare\u003c\/a\u003e {a resource from Scholastic} and just had to share!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeprechaun Thematic Unit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucky Leprechaun is on the loose and doing what he does best - playing tricks! Of course, he's a sly fellow {with years of practice!}, so he won't be easy to catch, but Mrs. Dicken has put her best detectives on the job. Armed with recycled shoe boxes, craft embellishments, duct tape, aluminum foil, 'bait', and \u003cem\u003eanything\u003c\/em\u003e else they can think of, students will work all week to create \u003cem\u003ethe perfect leprechaun trap\u003c\/em\u003e! Meanwhile, Lucky is up to no good:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonday students will find that Lucky has turned all of their chairs backwards. Paired with Lorna's Balian's \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLeprechauns Never Lie\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, your kindergartners will begin to understand just how tricky leprechauns can be!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn Tuesday, students will arrive to discover that their pesky little friend has messed with their name plates, putting them {upside down!} on different desks!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWednesday brings 'inside-out desks' - where Lucky takes everything from inside the desk and places it on top. Linda Shute's \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eClever Tom \u0026amp; the Leprechaun\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e gets the literature spotlight and, along with how clever they are, students learn for the first time that leprechauns can be trapped!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn Thursday, Lucky strikes again - scattering desks and turning the classroom posters upside down. After a reading of Jana Dillon's \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLucky 'O Leprechaun\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, where two children and their grand aunts devise a plan to catch a leprechaun {and are successful!}, students will make their own traps to set before leaving school that afternoon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFriday, Lucky brings a magical surprise! Children will walk in to find Lucky's \"pot o' gold\" and a sample of Lucky's Magical Powder in the center of the classroom. After a reading of Pamela Duncan Edwards' \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Leprechaun's Gold\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, where students learn a priceless lesson about generosity and humility, invite students to enjoy the treats their little classroom leprechaun has brought to share.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor fantastic ideas on 'capturing' Lucky, a recipe for Lucky's Magical Powder, several writing exercises to inspire student creativity, and various St. Patty's Day themed activities {that cross multiple subjects!}, be sure to visit Mrs. Dicken's full lesson post at TeacherShare!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734104940569,"sku":"A2926","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Clever-Tom.jpg?v=1522781700"},{"product_id":"last-minute-st-patricks-day-lessons-a2930","title":"Last Minute St. Patrick's Day Lessons","description":"\u003cp\u003eSt. Patrick's Day is nearly upon us, but if you need a few last minute ideas {or even inspiration for next year} we found this great mini-unit designed by Rachelle of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\/2011\/03\/st-patricks-day-activities.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWhat the Teacher Wants\u003c\/a\u003e! She offers not only the write-up of each activity, but the printables to go along with it, so be sure to check it out. Here are a few of our favorite exercises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-531 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Shamrock-Patterns.jpg\" alt=\"shamrock St. Patrick's Day patterning activity and printable \" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShamrock Patterning\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave students practice simple and complex patterning - AB\u003cem\u003eAB\u003c\/em\u003e, ABC\u003cem\u003eABC\u003c\/em\u003e, AAB\u003cem\u003eAAB\u003c\/em\u003e, ABB\u003cem\u003eABB\u003c\/em\u003e, AABB\u003cem\u003eAABB\u003c\/em\u003e, and ABCD\u003cem\u003eABCD\u003c\/em\u003e - with Rachelle's shamrock printable. Your kinders can use graphic art tools to color the patterns or provide them with math manipulatives in various colors (i.e. M\u0026amp;Ms, Skittles, beads, buttons, etc.) for unlimited practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRainbow in a Jar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover how water moves {even when it doesn't \u003cem\u003elook\u003c\/em\u003e like it's moving} with this experiment adapted from the Utah Education Network. You'll need a clear jar and hot water, as well as red, blue, and yellow food coloring. Use Rachelle's introductory discussion points to get your students involved and asking questions. Then, as you complete each step in the experiment, have your students predict what will happen and record their observations on the provided worksheet. Your students will be amazed at the outcome of this experiment!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-532 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Shamrock-PV.jpg\" alt=\"shamrock themed place value St. Patrick's Day math activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\/\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShamrock Place Value\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvite your students to practice identifying place value with this fun shamrock-themed worksheet. On each problem card students are given a place value description of a number (i.e. \"I have 4 tens and 3 ones\") and asked to find the appropriate shamrock number cutout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are plenty more fantastic activities in Rachelle's St. Patrick's Day mini-unit so be sure to visit her site for the download!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734105595929,"sku":"A2930","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Shamrock-Patterns.jpg?v=1522781704"},{"product_id":"making-weather-charts-a2288","title":"Making Weather Charts!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blissfullydomestic.com\/2009\/weather-charts-for-preschoolers\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/weather_chart13.jpg\" alt=\"paper plate weather chart\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Blissfully Domestic\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile you probably have a classroom version {i.e. dress Mr. Bear for the weather, \"Today the weather is...\" interactive chart, etc}, helping your students create a personal weather chart can be educational and quite fun! We found this simple paper plate clip chart at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blissfullydomestic.com\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eBlissfully Domestic\u003c\/a\u003e and thought it would be a great fit, especially if you have younger 'weather watchers'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplies You'll Need\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaper plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-63-construction-paper.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eConstruction paper\u003c\/a\u003e {or \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-21259-array-card-stock-classic-colors-100-count-85-x-11.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ecard stock\u003c\/a\u003e} in assorted colors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCotton balls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-248-glue-adhesives.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eElmer's® school glue\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-166-kids-scissors.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eScissors\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-337-large-spring-clothespins-natural-2-34.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWooden spring clothespin\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-102-markers.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eCrayola® Markers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-388-paper-punches.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ePaper punch\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/p-6543-art-yarn-neon.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eYarn\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmy used die-cut shapes, but if you don't have access to a machine, create card stock templates of a sun, snowflake, umbrella, and arrow for your kiddos to trace onto pieces of construction paper or card stock. You might also consider finding a black and white clip art image to print directly onto the colored paper for students to cut out. Along with these shapes, provide your students with a paper plate, a clothespin, and three cotton balls. Before tackling the plate, have your students glue their arrow cutout to one side of the clothespin and set aside to dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlate in hand, demonstrate how to measure and divide the surface into quarters - using a marker to trace the lines - then invite your students to paste the rest of their colored shapes onto the plate {one per section}. In the last section, have them fluff their cotton balls {pulling them apart ever so slightly} and glue them in a clump to create a cloud. Have them write or use typed sticky labels to label each section. Use the hole punch and yarn to string the crafts up if you desire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEncourage your students to be 'weather watchers', updating their weather chart when they walk into class in the morning to prepare for the group session. Consider gluing a small graph to the back where students can keep a tally of how many days are sunny, rainy, snowy, or cloudy for future comparison and discussion. At the end of the year, you can even attempt to break the weather trends down by month for a visual representation of the weather in your region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blissfullydomestic.com\/2009\/weather-charts-for-preschoolers\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWeather Charts for Preschoolers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734105628697,"sku":"A2288","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/weather_chart13.jpg?v=1522781704"},{"product_id":"creating-calendar-books-in-kinder-a2932","title":"Creating Calendar Books in Kinder","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-543 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/February.jpg\" alt=\"calendar binder or book kindergarten learning tool and lesson\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: growingkinders.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese calendar books from Kathleen at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/growingkinders.blogspot.com\/2011\/03\/calendar-book.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eGrowing Kinders\u003c\/a\u003e are going to blow your socks off! A fantastic morning activity, with the comprehensive activity students are sure to learn new concepts, build upon old ones, and gain new skills that span across several subjects. Here's a sneak peek at a few of our favorite activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate Patterning\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first order of business is to identify the day's month and date {as well as review the day of the week}. On the blank calendar in their notebook, students then pencil the correct numeral in the appropriate column\/box. The twist - Kathleen has her students practice patterning by writing the dates in a specific color order. Consider beginning with simpler patterns {i.e. AB\u003cem\u003eAB\u003c\/em\u003e, AABB\u003cem\u003eAABB\u003c\/em\u003e}, then move onto more challenging patterns that involve more variables\/colors {i.e. ABC\u003cem\u003eABC\u003c\/em\u003e, AAB\u003cem\u003eAAB\u003c\/em\u003e, ABB\u003cem\u003eABB\u003c\/em\u003e, etc.}.\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate Math\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the provided worksheet, students are asked to 'make the date' in coins. For example, on March 2nd, students would draw two pennies in the correct box, on March 15th they would draw one dime and one nickle or three nickles, etc. Not only do students learn the proper value of coins, they also strengthen counting and adding skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature Tally \u0026amp; Weather Graph\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdding a bit of science and math into the calendar book, Kathleen invites her little 'weather watchers' to observe the temperature and weather conditions. To incorporate temperature, Kathleen divided a thermometer into colored regions {i.e. zero to eighteen degrees Fahrenheit corresponds with purple, nineteen to thirty-eight with blue, etc.}. In the morning, a student volunteer reads the digital thermometer display or references The Weather Channel website, the actual temperature is compared to the colored zones and a tally is placed in the correct color box. To keep track of weather conditions, students are given a weather graph to mark off the type of weather being experienced each day during that month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOther Calendar Book Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMusic: Kathleen has her students sing the days of the week and the months of the year as they fill out their calendars.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWriting: Students are asked to write out the numeric date {i.e. 3-17-11} and correctly pen the day of the week.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMath: Students decide if the numeric date is an odd or even number and practice counting by 2s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSkill Practice: Students practice telling time with an analog clock, then write the time in their binder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd SO MUCH MORE!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fantastic way to get your students ready for the day! Be sure to visit Kathleen's site for pictures, additional calendar book activities, and other great early childhood resources!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734105989145,"sku":"A2932","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/February.jpg?v=1522781706"},{"product_id":"the-water-cycle-a2933","title":"The Water Cycle","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-547 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/weather4.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten weather unit water cycle bracelet craft\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.littlegiraffes.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWanting to teach your kinders about the water cycle? We found some great exercises from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.littlegiraffes.com\/weather.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLittle Giraffes Teaching Ideas\u003c\/a\u003e {a site owned and maintained by A to Z Teacher Stuff} that will compliment your weather unit and help your child(ren) or students understand how clouds and rain are formed!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudent Water Cycle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great way to learn about the concept of the water cycle {and a cycle in general} is for your students to \u003cem\u003ebecome\u003c\/em\u003e the water cycle. It affords a great visual and physical movement may just help them remember and retain what they've learned. Invite your students to choose a partner, have them stand side by side, then go around and drop a pile of packing peanuts or cotton balls at the feet of each duo. Explain that the peanuts\/cotton balls represent a body of water. To start the exercise, have one student pick up the peanuts\/cotton balls one at a time and begin to fill the cupped, outstretched hands of their partner. Here, the first student is reenacting the action of \u003cem\u003eevaporation\u003c\/em\u003e, while the second child is simulating the concept of \u003cem\u003econdensation\u003c\/em\u003e and cloud formulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoon, as the first child continues to fill their partner's hand with the peanuts\/cotton balls, it will become apparent that the \"cloud\" is becoming too full {the student won't be able to physically hold all the packing peanuts or cotton balls placed in their hand}. Once the peanuts\/cotton balls begin to overflow, invite the student to open their hands and drop them to the floor. This is a simulation of \u003cem\u003eprecipitation\u003c\/em\u003e. Invite students to change places and start the cycle all over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Cycle Drawing \u0026amp; Crafting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter reenacting the water cycle, provide your students with poster board and some graphic art tools, inviting them to illustrate the concepts - including direction arrows and proper labels. Next, have them design a beaded bracelet to help them remember the steps. Students will string six beads in all {light blue, green, dark blue, yellow, clear, and white} - for their significance be sure to read the full activity post at Little Giraffes!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734106120217,"sku":"A2933","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/weather4.jpg?v=1522781707"},{"product_id":"colorful-dried-bean-mosaics-a2297","title":"Colorful Dried Bean Mosaics","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.marthastewart.com\/article\/magical-beans-mosaic\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Dried-Bean-Mosaic.jpg\" alt=\"colorful dried bean mosaic spring craft\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Martha Stewart\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColorful mosaics are a fantastic way to brighten up your home or classroom for spring. We found the idea for this craft while paging through the winter edition of Scholastic's Instructor Magazine, but we're certain there are hoards of similar projects to be found on the web. Since spring is equated with 'rebirth' and new life, we suggest using natural materials, specifically seeds or dried beans\/peas which can be tied into a science lesson on the plant life cycle, growth, etc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's a non-exhaustive list of natural mosaic materials you might try:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack-eyed peas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen split peas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow split peas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNavy beans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePinto beans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKidney beans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed beans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack beans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnasazi beans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalypso beans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSunflower seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePumpkin seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMelon seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the list could go on and on! Provide students with a sturdy base - Ann Wolff the project contributor at Instructor suggests using foam core - and shallow containers of dried materials, inviting them to give the project a go! Use the craft to supplement a lesson on patterning, shapes, or even 100th day activities like Wolff did by having students count and design with ten groups of ten seeds, beans, peas, etc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResources:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www2.scholastic.com\/browse\/article.jsp?id=3755571\u0026amp;FullBreadCrumb=%3Ca+href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.scholastic.com%2Fbrowse%2Fsearch%2F%3FNtx%3Dmode%2Bmatchallpartial%26_N%3Dfff%26Ntk%3DSCHL30_SI%26query%3D100%2520Days%2520Mosaics%26N%3D0%26Ntt%3D100%2BDays%2BMosaics%22+class%3D%22endecaAll%22%3EAll+Results%3C%2Fa%3E\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWinter Crafts and More | Scholastic.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.marthastewart.com\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMartha Stewart\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734107496473,"sku":"A2297","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Dried-Bean-Mosaic.jpg?v=1522781715"},{"product_id":"april-with-eric-carle-a-thematic-unit-a2939","title":"April with Eric Carle - A Thematic Unit","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-592 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Eric-Carle-2-017.jpg\" alt=\"Eric Carle kindergarten thematic unit\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: hicks-thealphabetgarden.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe works of Eric Carle {and the activities they inspire!} are a fabulous way to herald in the spring season! We found this great thematic unit at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/hicks-thealphabetgarden.blogspot.com\/2011\/03\/april-eric-carle.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThe Alphabet Garden\u003c\/a\u003e, a blog created by kindergarten teacher, Julie Hicks. Her teaching partner, Susan Johnson, brought the lesson to their classroom a few years back and it's become a spring staple! Here's a rundown of literature selections, learning objectives\/goals and\/or activities {you'll have to visit her site for the \u003cem\u003efull\u003c\/em\u003e workup though!}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Very Hungry Caterpillar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a fact page listing information learned about butterflies - their habitat, what they eat, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn the stages of the butterfly life cycle as well as explore the circular nature of a life cycle through drawing, illustration, and manipulative play.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice telling time with a word problem timelines of when the hungry caterpillar ate each item in the book.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn about symmetry using butterfly wings as examples.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice storytelling, sequencing, and identifying the basic parts of a story (beginning, middle, and end) by having students retell the story using a story board.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn to identify colors and color words.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice storytelling, sequencing, and identifying the basic parts of a story (beginning, middle, and end) by having students retell the story as they place character cards in the correct order on a story poster.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Grouchy Ladybug\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a fact page listing information learned about beetles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn the stages of the ladybug life cycle, as well as explore the circular nature of a life cycle, through drawing and illustration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild fine motor skills and simple addition skills by having students use a hole punch to make the correct number of 'bite marks' in leaf cutouts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice storytelling, sequencing, and identifying the basic parts of a story (beginning, middle, and end) by having students retell the story with puppets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice problem solving skills and visual discrimination by putting together puzzles of the book cover.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild measuring skills (with non-standard units) by using ladybug manipulatives measure how big\/long\/tall classroom objects are in ladybug units.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Very Busy Spider\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a fact page listing information learned about spiders.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare\/contrast spiders with insects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice simple addition skills by having students draw the correct number of legs on spider bodies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Tiny Seed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a fact page about the parts of a plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn the stages of the plant life cycle, as well as explore the circular nature of a life cycle, through drawing and illustration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild measuring skills (with non-standard units) by using ladybug manipulatives to measure how many ladybugs tall student flower crafts are.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many, many more project ideas - crafts, geography studies, author studies, etc - at The Alphabet Garden so be sure to head on over there for activity write-ups and pictures!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734107627545,"sku":"A2939","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Eric-Carle-2-017.jpg?v=1522781716"},{"product_id":"growing-plants-in-kindergarten-a2941","title":"Growing Plants in Kindergarten","description":"\u003cp\u003eApril is National Gardening Month and, with it being spring {the time of year for budding blooms and new life}, it's the perfect time of year to introduce a unit on botany and gardening! For a fully hands-on learning experience, consider creating a classroom 'garden' for your students to tend and observe. Worried about the mess? Here are some great indoor garden solutions!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003eNaomi Shulman of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/familyfun.go.com\/crafts\/home-garden-projects\/gardening-nature-crafts\/nature-crafts\/plastic-bottle-herb-planters-994871\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eFamilyFun\u003c\/a\u003e offers a great tutorial for making planters from recycled plastic bottles, that are self-watering and fit perfectly on the classroom windowsill! The clear plastic will allow your students to see below the surface and keep a growth journal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003eGot any old trading-card sleeves floating around? FamilyFun's Naomi Shulman provides spectacular instructions for making this clever hanging {and space-saving} garden using these recycled sleeves. No cups to tip over or worrying about getting your plants the proper sunlight, just good old-fashioned learning and fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/gardening-growing-plants.jpg\" alt=\"spring kindergarten gardening science activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.littlegiraffes.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003eWant your students to plant, cultivate, and observe their \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e 'gardens' rather than make it a classroom affair? \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.littlegiraffes.com\/plants.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLittle Giraffes Teaching Ideas\u003c\/a\u003e, a resource for kindergarten teachers, provides directions for creating individual 'greenhouses' where students simulate proper growing conditions {minus the messy soil!} and observe actual sprouts!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-608 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/gardening-4.jpg\" alt=\"spring gardening science activity for kindergarten\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: http:\/\/www.littlegiraffes.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003eEver consider plastic food handling\/service gloves an essential part of gardening? Little Giraffes Teaching Ideas shows how this simple kitchen item can be turned into a small, individual 'garden' - allowing for several different types of plants, using an alternative {and less messy!} version of 'soil', and offering a 'picture window' for making observations!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to visit these sites for pictures and directions! Using one {or several} of these projects is sure to make the unit unforgettable!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734108282905,"sku":"A2941","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/gardening-growing-plants.jpg?v=1522781719"},{"product_id":"gardening-writing-center-activities-for-spring-a2943","title":"Gardening Writing Center Activities for Spring","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-620 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Seed-book.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten spring gardening writing center activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.kellyskindergarten.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo go along with your spring gardening theme {and \"Encourage a Young Writer Day\"!}, we thought we'd share some great gardening writing center activities we found at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kellyskindergarten.com\/Monthly%20Centers\/April\/april_centers.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKelly's Kindergarten\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy Seed Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet out Kelly's interactive emergent reader printable, inviting your students to cut out the gardening and other vocabulary words {planted, raked, watered, forgot, went, away} and glue them to the correct page. Where there are writing spaces, have your students practice using and scripting the common sight word \"it\". While the pictures will help guide your students through the story, it might also be nice to complete an example book, presenting it at the beginning of the week so that students know what to expect when completing the writing center activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy Gardening Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave your students make special gardening journals using laminated seed packets for the covers {see our previous post on \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/ideas\/2917\/valentine-s-day-unit-writing-amp-literacy-center-activities\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eplaying card and recycled valentine journals\u003c\/a\u003e for directions\/inspiration!}. Each day, have students complete a prompt:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is your favorite fruit?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is your favorite vegetable?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat would you like to grow in your garden?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePretend that you planted a magic seed. Tell what happened!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDescribe what a gardener needs to do to make seeds grow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKelly suggests creating a prompt sheet that students can cut apart and paste into their journal each day. {She offers a free printable with the above prompts on her site!}\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe hope these writing center activities will help your students connect with the unit and be inspired to continue writing at school \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e home!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734108676121,"sku":"A2943","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Seed-book.jpg?v=1522781721"},{"product_id":"thank-you-earth-earth-day-activities-a2944","title":"\"Thank You, Earth\" - Earth Day Activities","description":"\u003cp\u003eApril 22nd is \"Earth Day\" - the day we celebrate our planet, appreciate the beauty of nature, and learn ways to protect our environment. Here are some fantastic exercises {via April Larremore of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\/2011\/04\/earth.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eChalk Talk\u003c\/a\u003e} to work into your lessons as you help your kinders understand the importance of taking care of our earth!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-626 alignright\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/My-Favorite-Outdoor-Activity.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten Earth Day writing activity worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThank you, Earth!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBegin by reading Megan Halsey's \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e3 Planting Pandas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMichael Recycle\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Ellie Bethel, or another Earth Day literature selection. Invite your students to brainstorm a list of their favorite outdoor activities. Discuss with your students that when we pollute our environment {the land, the atmosphere, the water}, there are consequences and remind them of the importance of keeping our planet clean, conserving resources, etc. To wrap up the activity, provide your kiddos with pieces of paper and graphic art tools, inviting them to draw and write about their favorite outdoor activity! [NOTE: You might also consider using the clip art images provided in April's Earth Day unit and word processing software to create a custom worksheet for this activity like we did. It's simple!]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-625  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Earth-promise.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten collaborative hand print Earth Day earth art project\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe Promise Our Earth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother great way to inspire your students to be conscious of their impact on the environment is with a promise board. Discuss with your students what a promise is {and what it means to make a promise}. Invite your kinders to recount a time in which they promised someone something. In honor of Earth Day, brainstorm things you might \"promise\" to do or not do in order to keep the environment clean and healthy. Have your students draw and write about their personal promise(s) to the Earth. End with this collaborative hand print Earth art project to display in the classroom! Students will love the 'hands-on' project and the opportunity to squish paint between their fingers!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734108807193,"sku":"A2944","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/My-Favorite-Outdoor-Activity.jpg?v=1522781722"},{"product_id":"reduce-reuse-recycle-earth-day-activity-a2945","title":"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! - Earth Day Activity","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs part of your Earth Day discussions, invite your students to explore these new vocabulary words and concepts - reduce, reuse, recycle! We found some fantastic worksheets and exercises to help with this lesson from Rachelle at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/Earth%20Day\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWhat the Teacher Wants!\u003c\/a\u003e and April at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\/2011\/04\/earth.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eChalk Talk\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-639  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/reduce-worksheet.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten Earth Day activity reduce printable worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReduce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvite your students to describe what they think happens to our garbage after it's picked up by the truck. Talk about landfills and bring in examples of common 'garbage can items' in order to talk about how long it takes for those particular items to decompose\/break down:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaper = 2.5 months\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlastic bags = 10 to 20 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTin can = 100 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyrofoam = NEVER!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e[Information from the New York Times via \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thatdanny.com\/2008\/06\/06\/how-long-does-it-take-a-plastic-bag-or-a-glass-bottle-to-decompose\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eThat Danny!\u003c\/a\u003e] \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss what reduce means {i.e. what it means to make something small} and use this fantastic worksheet to brainstorm ways to reduce our consumption, conserve our Earth's precious resources, the amount of garbage we throw away, etc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-640 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/reuse-worksheet.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten Earth Day activity printable reuse worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReuse\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscuss the following vocabulary words - waste, resources, conserve, etc. Invite your kinders to recount a time they wasted something they knew could be used again. Use Rachelle's worksheet to brainstorm ways in which our Earth's resources can be conserved by using something over instead of throwing it away and\/or actions we can take to prevent waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-638 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/recycle-worksheet.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten Earth Day activity printable recycle worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecycle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour kiddos are likely to be more familiar with this concept, but revisit the term and its meaning {i.e. taking an old\/used product and making it into a new one}. Without embarrassing anyone, poll students to see if they sort and recycle trash at home. Discuss ways in which recycling can be simplified or how to organize a \"recycling revolution\" at home. Use the printable worksheet to brainstorm and list items that can {and should!} be recycled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-637 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Do-not-throw-away-worksheet.jpg\" alt=\"kindergarten Earth Day reduce reuse recycle printable worksheet activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a way to wrap up the lesson {and see if they've been listening!}, have your students complete April's Earth Day worksheet - drawing and describing a particular item that shouldn't be thrown away and giving two different ways in which it can be used for something else!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, consider setting out sorting mats and provide students with tangible items or pictures and have them sort the objects into the correct category - reduce, reuse, or recycle. With these comprehensive exercises, your students are sure to remember the importance of keeping the earth clean and how they each have a role to play!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734108938265,"sku":"A2945","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/reduce-worksheet.jpg?v=1522781723"},{"product_id":"easter-science-center-ideas-a2951","title":"Easter Science Center Ideas","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-678 \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/science-1.jpg\" alt=\"Spring Easter Kindergarten Science Lesson\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: http:\/\/www.mrsbeggskindergarten.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you prepare for Easter, here are a few science center ideas you might consider using! With a little instruction, your kiddos will be on their way to discovering new concepts and completing some cute projects as they go!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChromatic Creations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mrsbeggskindergarten.com\/April.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMrs. Beggs' kindergarten\u003c\/a\u003e classroom, students explore color, saturation, and absorption with coffee filters and markers. Since your kiddos will be folding the paper to complete the activity, consider throwing in a lesson\/some practical experience with symmetry or even color theory {cool colors, warm colors, etc.}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnimals \u0026amp; Eggs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kinderpond.com\/springunits.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKinderpond\u003c\/a\u003e, Jessica's kindergartners explore animals and eggs through several science center activities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvided with actual pictures of the eggs laid by different animals {i.e. chicken, ostrich, platypus, turtle, robin, etc.} as well as animal cards, Jessica invited her students to match the eggs to their source.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJessica's students practiced problem solving and sorting skills by classifying animals cards by whether they do\/do not lay eggs. [Activity Alternatives: Place a magnet on the back of each animal card and invite your students to complete the activity at the white board, provide construction paper sorting mats on which you kinders can place the animal cards, or provide a columned recording sheet with cut and glue animal 'cards'.]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese ideas are simple, but offer a fantastic scientific connection for spring and Easter!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734109921305,"sku":"A2951","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/science-1.jpg?v=1522781729"},{"product_id":"learning-is-creative-at-casa-maria-a2309","title":"Learning is Creative at Casa Maria!","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe just recently discovered Casa Maria's Creative Learning Zone, a blog created by preschool teacher Maria Wynne and chock full of fantastic craft ideas for your kiddos! Since our late discovery has us feeling the need to \"catch up\", we decided to feature a few of the crafts\/activities that instantly caught our eye {to entice you to check out this amazing blog for yourself!}!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-2661\" title=\"casa-1\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/casa-1.jpg\" alt=\"Rolling Pin Preschool Painting Craft\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: http:\/\/casamarias.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eYou've heard of splatter painting, spin art, and kick box painting, but have you introduced \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/casamarias.blogspot.com\/2011\/04\/rolling-pin-painting.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003erolling pin art\u003c\/a\u003e? Set out some brightly colored paint in squeeze bottles and some of these kitchen tools and you've got a recipe for colorful creative {and messy!} fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-2662\" title=\"casa-2\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/casa-2.jpg\" alt=\"Nature Preschool Paint Craft\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: http:\/\/casamarias.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eWe couldn't \u003cem\u003ewait \u003c\/em\u003eto share THIS little gem! Natural elements...check. Über creative...check. Tons of fun...check! Take your kiddos on a treasure hunt for some sweet gum balls {or purchase some at your local craft supply store}, grab some paint and glitter in vibrant hues, and gear up for some fantastic results ~ your own \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/casamarias.blogspot.com\/2011\/03\/candied-gumballs.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e'candied' gum balls\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-2663\" title=\"casa-3\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/casa-3.jpg\" alt=\"Preschool Science Activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: http:\/\/casamarias.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eWhat preschooler {or kid...or \u003cem\u003eadult\u003c\/em\u003e, for that matter!} doesn't like flubber? And, while you're at it, what preschooler doesn't like racing? What do you get when you put these two 'magic' concepts together? The '\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/casamarias.blogspot.com\/2011\/03\/greatest-flubber-race.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eGreat Flubber Race\u003c\/a\u003e'...and an opportunity for some unique scientific observation and study! Check out the results at Casa Maria then design your own classroom activity!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/casamarias.blogspot.com\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eCasa Maria's Creative Learning Zone\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734110085145,"sku":"A2309","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/casa-1.jpg?v=1522781730"},{"product_id":"contellations-amp-planets-fun-space-day-activities-a2958","title":"Contellations \u0026amp; Planets - Fun Space Day Activities","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/1121058121.jpg\" alt=\"Pleiades Star Cluster\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2007 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for Nick Ares\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/aresauburnphotos\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eNick Ares\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Pleiades Star Cluster'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/9993075@N06\/1121058121\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe found these fantastic space activities at the site, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.angelfire.com\/al\/ToTheStarsAndBack\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eTo The Stars And Back\u003c\/a\u003e, a collaborative project undertaken by four university students attempting to integrate space and language arts. Here are two of our favorite projects that would be perfect for the writing center!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreating New Constellations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter showing your kinders pictures of constellations and regaling them with stories of how they came to be, provide your students with some black construction paper, silver star stickers, and white chalk, inviting them to create and name a new constellation. When finished, have them write a few sentences about the origin of their group of stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePostcards from Pluto\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo go along with your lessons about our solar system and the unique planets that make it up, invite your kinders to imagine what it would be like to live or take a vacation on their favorite planet. Provide them with a 4” x 6” blank index card, having them decorate the front with what they imagine the planet {their home or vacation spot} would look like and, on the other side, write a quick message to friends or family back on Earth, incorporating details they've learned about the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734111133721,"sku":"A2958","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/1121058121.jpg?v=1522781736"},{"product_id":"cross-curricular-space-day-fun-a2959","title":"Cross-Curricular Space Day Fun!","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/2924217723.jpg\" alt=\"Space, Space, Space\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2008 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for oewf\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/oewf\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eoewf\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Space, Space, Space'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/9054823@N08\/2924217723\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKindergarten teacher, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.space.ecsd.net\/po%20Space%202.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMrs. Opyr\u003c\/a\u003e, shares some wonderful learning center activities that would be the perfect addition to your space unit or \"Space Day\" lesson plans. The best part is, the activities aren't limited to science, but have language arts, math, and writing components as well! Here's a sample of our favorite activities!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExploring Parts of a Day {and the Parts of a Story!}\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust as a day has two distinct parts, daytime and nighttime, a story has several basic, but distinct parts; it has a beginning, a middle, and an end. To study this idea, as well as brush up on the concept of sequencing, Mrs. Opyr read Nancy Davidson's \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNight and Day\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e {part of the Ginn First Collections program} and then invited her students to illustrate the main events that happened in each part of the book. Have your kinders fold a piece of paper in thirds or provide them with a worksheet {like the one below}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-850\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Space_BME1.jpg\" alt=\"Kindergarten Space Lesson Worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNext, she invited each of her students to use their \"story boards\" to retell the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor a practice round, and to work out the sequencing \"kinks\", divide students into groups of three and have them take turns telling each other the story.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinally, have the group \"perform\" the story {each taking a section} in front of the class or invite the students to your desk, individually, to demonstrate their listening skills and their grasp of sequencing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a spin-off of the story, discuss as a class the differences between night and day {i.e. at night we see the stars and the moon v. during the day we see the sun (and sometimes the moon!), but not the other stars, etc}. Talk about the activities that usually take place during the daytime versus the activities we normally do at night. Invite your students to journal about their very different day and night routines - drawing activities from each and penning a several descriptive sentences - using prepared journal pages {like the ones below} or blank page in their notebook.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-851\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Space_ND.jpg\" alt=\"Preschool and Kindergarten Space Journal Prompt Worksheet\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Space Learning Centers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese two activities work perfectly for your literacy\/writing centers. Mrs. Opyr suggests the following for your other learning centers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eScience Learning Centers.\u003c\/em\u003e 1) Space Suit Scientific Drawings. Create life-size astronauts by tracing students' bodies and using graphic art tools to decorate. Draw and label the parts of the space suit. 2) Moon Sand Sensory Table. Fill the sensory table with \"moon\" sand, inviting students to sift for moon rocks and other space related objects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eMath Learning Centers.\u003c\/em\u003e 1) Make Mooncake. Students will get hands on experience with making accurate measurements as well as learn to follow directions. 2) Moon Rock Measuring. Measure the life-size astronauts {made at the science center} in moon rock units. Graph the results to find who is \"the most moon rocks tall\", who is \"the least moon rocks tall\", etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eWriting Learning Centers.\u003c\/em\u003e 1) Space Play Dough Mats. Print space vocabulary words onto card stock {be sure to laminate!} and invite students to form and \"trace\" the words with play dough letters. 2) Write a Book. Collaborate as a class to write and illustrate a book. Mrs. Opyr suggests modeling the book after Carle's \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrown Bear, Brown Bear\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e - be sure to visit her space page for the details!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe activities just scratch the surface of the many ideas Mrs. Opyr shares on her space page so be sure to head on over there and check it out!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734111264793,"sku":"A2959","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/2924217723.jpg?v=1522781737"},{"product_id":"tornado-in-a-jar-science-experiment-a2315","title":"Tornado in a Jar Science Experiment","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/2795365370.jpg\" alt=\"Parker Tornado\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2008 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for Ryan-o\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/roper\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eRyan-o\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Parker Tornado'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/11805212@N00\/2795365370\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you explore the topic of weather with your students, don't forget to include fun science extensions to help your visual learners {and, of course, for some hands on fun in the classroom!}. We found this great \"tornado in a jar\" science experiment at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.weatherwizkids.com\/experiments-tornado-jar.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWeather Wiz Kids\u003c\/a\u003e via \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/onehookwonder.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/montessori-monday_09.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eOne Hook Wonder\u003c\/a\u003e and thought your kiddos might appreciate the re-creation of this powerful natural disaster. All it takes are a few simple ingredients from home...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplies You'll Need\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecycled jar {a mayonnaise or canning jar is suggested}\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVinegar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear liquid soap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGlitter and\/or food coloring {optional}\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe process is really quite simple, so invite your students to help with a class tornado jar or even create their own at the science center - measuring and combining the ingredients in the proper order {with supervision, of course!}. Consider creating illustrated \"recipe cards\" to help younger 'scientists' along. When finished, as your kiddos shake up their jars and practice getting the circular motion \"just right\", they'll be amazed at what they see forming in their jar! Who knew funnel clouds could be formed indoors?!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[NOTE: For younger students, consider creating smaller versions of the experiment. Large glass canning jars filled with liquid may be a bit heavy for them to lift and swirl!]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBe sure to check out the project page at Weather Wiz Kids and see how the experiment worked out at One Hook Wonder!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734111526937,"sku":"A2315","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/2795365370.jpg?v=1522781738"},{"product_id":"lovely-lively-ladybugs-crafts-science-more-a2317","title":"Lovely Lively Ladybugs - Crafts, Science, \u0026 More!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-2714 \" title=\"ladybugjar3\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/ladybugjar3.jpg\" alt=\"Spring or Summer Science Insect Exploration Activity\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.craftsbyamanda.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're planning to study ladybugs in your classroom this spring, here are a few ideas, tips, and tricks of the trade we found at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.everything-ladybug.com\/catch-ladybugs.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eEverything Ladybug\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.craftsbyamanda.com\/2010\/04\/recycled-ladybug-jar.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eCrafts by Amanda\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe're Going On a Ladybug Hunt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArmed with magnifying glasses, small petri dishes, and science journals, invite your kiddos to join you for a ladybug adventure in the school yard. Tour the flower beds, tree lines, and other places where there is an abundance of foilage in search for these spotted creatures. Invite your students to carefully corral the insect into their petri dish, use the magnifying glass to observe its design and movements up close, then draw and write about their observations in their science journal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClassroom Exploration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're unsure of your student's ability to safely complete the outdoor exercise, consider collecting a sample to bring into the classroom {and, of course, to let go at the end of the day}. Try using Amanda Formaro's recycled ladybug jar as an indoor habitat for your lovely lively ladybug guests. The only alteration it will need are a few holes around the jar {to allow air flow} and some natural elements like grass, small twigs, and leaves. Divide students into small groups for exploration, providing a ladybug jar to each, and invite them to observe and draw the insects inside the jar. Because you don't want tons of ladybugs loose in the classroom, supplement the lesson with various pictures and diagrams of the insect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[NOTE: For various methods of capturing ladybugs, be sure to visit Everything Ladybug! They offer several suggestions and tips that will make the endeavor a bit easier!]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734111821849,"sku":"A2317","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/ladybugjar3.jpg?v=1522781740"},{"product_id":"squeeze-paint-cross-curricular-crafting-a2318","title":"Squeeze Paint - Cross-Curricular Crafting!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-2719\" title=\"IMG_5614\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/IMG_5614.jpg\" alt=\"Preschool Math and Science Painting Craft\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.playbasedlearning.com.au\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat do you get when you mix flour, salt, water, and food coloring? Squeeze paint - and a fantastic opportunity for cross-curricular learning and fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMath Component\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvite your kiddos to make their own squeeze paint, following a 'recipe card' to measure out the appropriate ingredients {in the appropriate quantities} and mix them together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFine Motor Skill Component\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave your students strengthen hand muscles and hone coordination as they spoon the thick paint mixture into squeeze bottles and later squeeze the mixture out onto their art paper. It may be a bit messy at first, but your students are certain to get the hang of it!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArt Component\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEncourage your students to use an assortment of colors, explore different line types and thicknesses, and let the process inspire their creativity! While they may not be 'display case' material, your kiddos will have fun trying new art mediums and techniques!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScience Component\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave students use their five senses to compare the paint mixture before {thick, lumpy, etc.} and after {hard, slight sheen, etc.} it dries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe found this fantastic activity at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.playbasedlearning.com.au\/2011\/05\/squeeze-paint\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eIrresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning\u003c\/a\u003e. While you're there getting the recipe for squeeze paint, be sure to stay awhile. Sherry and Donna have put together many fantastic learning exercises, activities, and crafts for the early childhood classroom!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734111887385,"sku":"A2318","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/IMG_5614.jpg?v=1522781740"},{"product_id":"eating-the-parts-of-a-plant-a2963","title":"Eating the Parts of a Plant","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a fantastic way to end your spring plant\/botany unit, try this fun activity from Ms. Lopez of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/coloroutsidelines.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/eating-plants.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eColoring Outside The Lines\u003c\/a\u003e that will have your kiddos snacking through the parts of a plant!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg title=\"plant-part-thinking-map\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-873 \" alt=\"Parts of a Plant Spring Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/plant-part-thinking-map.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: coloroutsidelines.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo prepare for your plant tasting party, Ms. Lopez suggests creating a thinking map of the parts of a plant. If they haven't already, invite your students to copy the scientific diagram in their science journals and reflect on the following prompt - What might it be like to eat a plant? Describe what a flower, stem, leaf, and roots might taste like. Have your students decide if they would want to eat a plant or if they'd rather not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Tasting Party\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore school put together a tray of plant parts...roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and even seeds!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoots = Carrots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStem = Celery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeaves = Lettuce or spinach.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlower = Cauliflower or broccoli.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeeds = Corn or peas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFruit = Tomatoes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd in a bit of dip and let the snacking begin! Have students record their reactions in their science journal. Did they expect to be handed a carrot when they agreed to sample a root? Broccoli as a flower? While, of course, some of your students will not be partial to vegetables, most of your kiddos will love this fun exercise!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe noticed the printable worksheet we were linking to from WSU.edu no longer exists so we decided to create our own version. Hope you enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg title=\"Eating the Parts of a Plant Worksheet\" alt=\"Eating the Parts of a Plant Worksheet\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Eating%20the%20Parts%20of%20a%20Plant.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Digital Download","offer_id":1734112313369,"sku":"A2963","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/plant-part-thinking-map.jpg?v=1522781743"},{"product_id":"bug-themed-sorting-and-classifying-activity-a2964","title":"Bug Themed - Sorting and Classifying Activity!","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhile your kinders practice sorting throughout the day {and many times without even recognizing that they're using the skill!}, invite them to use their sorting and classifying know-how in this spring or summer math\/science center activity. They'll have to put their problem solving hats on and get ready to make astute observations in order to put these unique bugs in the proper category. Best of all, students will be introduced to a new way of organizing data - a Venn Diagram! Here's how it works...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-879\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Bug-Math-Cards-1.jpg\" alt=\"Spring Bug Sorting Cards Preschool Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan id=\"more\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFind a black and white clip art image online and use it to create bug sorting cards. Add spots in different shapes {we used circles, stars, triangles, and left others blank} or create different patterns and print the finished cards onto construction paper in various colors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-880\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Bug-Math-Venn-Diagram-1.jpg\" alt=\"Spring Bug Sorting Preschool Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn a scrap piece of bulletin board paper or wrapping paper, draw a large Venn Diagram, labeling each section with a specific variable your students must use when classifying the bug cards. In our activity, we included the headings \"Pink\", \"Circle Spots\", \"Both\" {where the pink and circle spot sections overlap}, and \"None\" {around the outside edges of the diagram}.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-878\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Bug-Math-Activity-1.jpg\" alt=\"Spring Bug Sorting Preschool Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvided with the stack of bug cards and the Venn Diagram, invite your students to sort the cards into their appropriate categories. Because they're looking at both the color of the card and the shape of each bug's spots, this activity is certain to challenge their classifying skills!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734112673817,"sku":"A2964","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Bug-Math-Cards-1.jpg?v=1522781745"},{"product_id":"learning-about-weather-through-pretend-play-a2965","title":"Learning About Weather Through Pretend Play","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/4938639714.jpg\" alt=\"Thermometer\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2010 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for Ged Carroll\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/renaissancechambara\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eGed Carroll\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Thermometer'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/39435232@N00\/4938639714\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllie Magnuson, Scholastic's Classroom Solutions blogger for the preschool and kindergarten classroom, has put together a phenomenal article on incorporating weather into your pretend play corner! The fantastic thing about this combination is that the activities derived from it are cross-curricular, extending into every subject, and Allie's suggestions are all unique and engaging - some require technology, some require homemade tools, and others require a showcase of your kiddos sparkling {and creative!} personalities! Here are a few of our favorite ideas...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeather Word Write-Up.\u003c\/strong\u003e In their own unique style, have students use weather word cards and symbols to make forecasts. Armed with a seven-day forecast chart, a map of the United States, and a hand-held microphone, your kiddos will have a blast reporting that today is warm and sunny with a high of 78 degrees. This is a fabulous way for students to review and use new vocabulary words, practice communication skills, make connections between weather patterns in different parts of the country, and learn how to work with peer collaborators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Thunderstorms.\u003c\/strong\u003e What kindergartner would pass up the chance to make noise in the classroom? Allie suggests inviting you kiddos work together to simulate and track a thunderstorm. This activity is fantastic for team building, learning to take accurate measurements, practicing converting data into comparable units, and all around fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eFind more great ideas, pictures, and suggestions for incorporating weather in the pretend play corner at Allie's blog! She's thought of everything from simple weather measuring gadgets {i.e. rain gauges, thermometers, sun clocks, and the like} to tornadoes and volcanoes!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/blogs.scholastic.com\/classroom_solutions\/2011\/05\/literacy-in-kindergarten-dramatic-play-centers-part-4.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eLiteracy in Kindergarten Dramatic Play Centers, Pt. 4: Weather Station\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734112804889,"sku":"A2965","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/4938639714.jpg?v=1522781746"},{"product_id":"3-simple-science-activities-for-kinders-a2966","title":"3 Simple Science Activities for Kinders","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-893\" title=\"potions3\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/potions3.jpg\" alt=\"Spring Science Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.activekidsclub.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's important to provide hands on activities for your curious little scientists to explore. Here are three simple exercises that we're sure they'll enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaking Potions.\u003c\/strong\u003e Armed with recycled jam jars, spoons, and pitchers of water, invite your kiddos to explore the wild plants in the schoolyard, using them to make special potions. Encourage them to think about smell and appearance as they mastermind unique combinations. Twisting a lid onto their jars, have your kiddos complete a write-up back in the classroom {or out in the grass!}. Invite them to record and draw each of the ingredients, write down the exact \"recipe\" {to the best of their knowledge}, name their special potion, and consider what it could be used for. [\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.activekidsclub.com\/spring\/art-crafts\/make-potions.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eActiveKidsClub.com\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaking Clouds.\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring is a fantastic time for cloud watching. Take your kiddos outside, lay on your backs in the cool grass, and talk about these awesome formations {i.e. the types, how they're formed, etc}. See if your students can identify the type(s) of clouds they see in the sky. Of course, you'll want to throw in a few minutes of imaginative play, asking your kiddos to describe the shapes\/objects they can see in the clouds. Consider having your kinders take their science journals with them in order to draw and label their findings {i.e. cumulus puppy dog}. Back in the classroom, with a few household items, your kiddos will be delighted to find that clouds can be made - indoors! [\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/4crazykings.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/making-clouds.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003e4 Crazy Kings\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaking a Kaleidoscope. \u003c\/strong\u003eWith milk, food coloring, and dish soap, your students can make their own kaleidoscopes! This may be a great supplement to a lesson on attraction and repulsion as the kaleidoscope and \"movement\" result from the detergent repelling the fat in the milk. [\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/melomomma.com\/2011\/05\/milk-and-soap-kaleidoscope-super-duper-cool\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMelomomma\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese great activities are sure to keep you miniature scientists interested and even entertained!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734113624089,"sku":"A2966","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/potions3.jpg?v=1522781751"},{"product_id":"lions-tigers-amp-bearsoh-my-learning-about-animals-a2967","title":"Lions, Tigers, \u0026amp; Bears...OH MY! - Learning About Animals","description":"\u003cfigure\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/4872363641.jpg\" alt=\"Zoo Parc Beauval\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003e\n\t\tphoto © 2010 \n        \u003ca title=\"click to visit the Flickr profile page for JoyTek\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/joytek\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eJoyTek\u003c\/a\u003e | \n        \u003ca title=\"get more information about the photo 'Zoo Parc Beauval'\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/37534412@N06\/4872363641\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003emore info\u003c\/a\u003e\n\t\t(via: \u003ca title=\"free pictures\" href=\"http:\/\/wylio.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eWylio\u003c\/a\u003e)\n\t\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is fascinating to learn about all the different types of animals that populate our Earth. As you head into the last few weeks before summer, consider doing a mini {super fun!} animal unit that is partially 'directed' and partially student-led...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Weird, Kooky, \u0026amp; Just Plain Strange...\u003c\/strong\u003e Have your kinders {with the help of an older sibling or parent} research the strangest animal they can think of. Finding a picture and some basic facts, have students present their findings to the class, then vote on which animal is the weirdest!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChaos at the Zoo.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut and paste the pictures of well-known animals onto cards, creating two of each animal card. Fold them in half, place them in a hat or bucket, and have students take turns drawing a card. Relay to them that, while the zookeeper was away, an ornery monkey escaped from his cage and let all the zoo animals out. To help out the stressed zookeeper, invite students to find the classmate who drew the same animal. The challenge - they have to rely on sound alone. When you say go, invite students to make their animal sound and try to find, amidst the chaos, the person making the same sound as them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow Fast Are They?\u003c\/strong\u003e Divide students into groups, providing each group with a set of animal cards {each card containing a picture of the animal and the animal's name}. Invite your kiddos to consider how fast each of the animals can move, working to order the cards from fastest to slowest. Having already researched each animals speed, reconvene as a class to check their work. Your students are sure to be amazed at the results! As an extension, consider having your own zoo animal races - students choose which animal they want to be then hop, slither, lope, gallop, etc. their way to the finish line. Compare the results of these races to the actual data collected on animal speed. Were the results similar?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734114443289,"sku":"A2967","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/4872363641.jpg?v=1522781756"},{"product_id":"ahoy-matey-we-arghhh-ready-for-pirate-week-a2972","title":"Ahoy, Matey! We ARGHHH Ready for Pirate Week!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-931\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Photo-on-2011-05-23-at-10.07.jpg\" alt=\"Pirate Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: msk1ell.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust found \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/msk1ell.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/argh-some-pirate-fun-for-you.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMs. M's\u003c\/a\u003e fantastic teaching blog and had to share this end-of-the-year pirate party unit! It certainly looks like bunches of cross-curricular fun! You can head on over to check out the full post, but here's a sneak peek at our favorite activities!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePirate Costumes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDress your little swashbucklers in all the traditional pirate gear - pirate hats, eye patches, shiny jewelry, beads, and the like! Ms. M suggests heading over to \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kidscraftweekly.com\/pirates2_issue.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKids Craft Weekly\u003c\/a\u003e for tons of great projects! You might also consider heading over to \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/family.go.com\/disney\/disney-pirates-crafts-recipes-photo-gallery-pg\/view-all\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eDisneyFamily.com\u003c\/a\u003e for some Pirates of the Caribbean inspired gear {pirate buckles, pirate tricorn hats, a captain's compass, bandanas, etc}.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePirate Prompts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpice up the writing center with \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/family.go.com\/disney\/pkg-disney-crafts\/craft-628252-the-code-t\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003epirate journals\u003c\/a\u003e {exchange the skull for a mini pirate map or something more 'benign'} and special prompts!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"If I found buried treasure, I would...\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImagine you are a pirate...\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDraw a picture of your pirate ship.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWrite a code of conduct for your pirate ship.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImagine you are walking along the beach and stumble upon a treasure map...\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePirate Geography\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn recycled paper bags, have your students design their \u003cem\u003eown\u003c\/em\u003e treasure maps. Consider having them use 'landmarks' in the classroom so that their classmates can practice reading a map in order to find the 'hidden treasure'. You might also create a larger treasure hunt outdoors, hiding a prize on the playground and inviting students to work in groups to follow the provided treasure map!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBe sure to visit Ms. M's Blog for more great pirate ideas!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734115917849,"sku":"A2972","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Photo-on-2011-05-23-at-10.07.jpg?v=1522781765"},{"product_id":"ocean-commotion-fun-beach-themed-activities-a2974","title":"Ocean Commotion - Fun Beach-Themed Activities!","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe love the idea of an end-of-the-year ocean unit and found some fantastic activities at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.angelfire.com\/la\/kinderthemes\/ocean.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMrs. Ayers' KinderThemes\u003c\/a\u003e! Here are a few of our favorites, in no particular order...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-946\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Fish-Activity.jpg\" alt=\"Fish Sorting Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFish Sorting \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince it's the end of the year and it's likely your students have had quite a bit of exposure to different methods of classification, provide your kiddos with a sorting exercise that offers a bit of a challenge. Given a stack of construction paper fish manipulatives, invite your kinders to come up with, on their own, three different ways to sort the cards {instead of leading them through the activity}. They might choose to group the fish by size, by color, by type, by visible characteristics {i.e. stripes v. no stripes}, etc. Provide small fish bowls with which students can complete each sorting activity. Be sure to have students record the ways in which they classified the manipulatives, as well as the number of fish in each category, then discuss the different ideas and results as a class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOcean Movement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind a CD of ocean sounds {i.e. waves, gulls, etc.}. As you play the track, invite your kiddos to imagine they're at the beach, pretending to swim, jump over waves, sway like seaweed\/kelp, surf, and even move like some of the sea creatures they encounter - crabs, sea slugs, fish, octopi, etc. This is a fantastic way to foster imaginative pretend play, build gross motor control, and even get some of the \"end-of-school wiggles\" out!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeawater Science\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave your students discover the difference in density between fresh water and salt water by showing what happens to a raw egg when placed in each liquid - the egg immediately sinks when put into the cup of water, but floats when placed in the salt water solution. Invite your students to transfer this concept to the real world, discussing what this might mean for a swimmer, etc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThese are just a few of the fantastic activities Mrs. Ayers has compiled at her site. Be sure to visit and get to planning \u003c\/em\u003eyour\u003cem\u003e end-of-the-year ocean unit - if not this year, for next year!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734116179993,"sku":"A2974","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Fish-Activity.jpg?v=1522781767"},{"product_id":"ugly-bugs-math-fine-motor-amp-more-a2981","title":"Ugly Bugs! - Math, Fine Motor, \u0026 More!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-985\" alt=\"Bug Math and Fine Motor Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/uglybug2.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: raisingsparks.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe \u003cem\u003eloved\u003c\/em\u003e this fantastic math center activity idea from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/raisingsparks.com\/math-activities\/ugly-bug-ball-maths\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eRaising Sparks\u003c\/a\u003e! [We loved it so much that we were inspired to make some of the suggested prompts into worksheets that you can download to go along with the lesson!] Not only will this activity have your kiddos practice counting and simple addition\/subtraction, it'll strengthen hand muscles and fine motor control while also sparking their imagination and giving them a fun science review of bugs! {It's pure kinder teacher gold!}\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplies You'll Need\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlay dough in assorted colors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColorful drinking straws {the 'bendy' kind}\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWiggle eyes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChenille stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUgly bug math worksheets {pictured\/free download below}\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-986\" alt=\"Summer Bug Printable Worksheets and Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/ugly-bug-math-worksheets.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach prompt invites your kiddos to create a new creature in order to solve a problem. For instance, if asked, \"How many shoes does an ant need?\" - students can use the play dough and other materials to create the ant, counting the number shoes as they attach them to their \"ugly bug\" creations. [NOTE: A brief science review of bugs, their shapes, and number of legs might be in order before you embark on this ugly bug math \"journey\"!]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBe sure to head on over to Raising Sparks and download our free worksheets for more great prompt inspiration!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Digital Download","offer_id":1734119096345,"sku":"A2981","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/uglybug2.jpg?v=1522781785"},{"product_id":"simple-experiments-using-baking-soda-amp-vinegar-a2982","title":"Simple Experiments Using Baking Soda \u0026amp; Vinegar","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-991\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/DSC00997_thumb1.jpg\" alt=\"Sensory Science Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: preschoolalphabet.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the traditional mix-together-and-watch-it-bubble routine is sure to be a hit with your kinders, try exploring this chemistry exercise in a more unique way with one of these fun activities!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePop Bottle \"Rockets\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\n{pictured left}\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour kiddos will be amazed that the combination of baking soda and vinegar can blow up a balloon! Simply add vinegar to a recycled 2 liter soda bottle, funnel some baking soda into a deflated balloon, and stretch the end of the balloon over the opening of the bottle, allowing the baking soda to fall into the bottle. The chemical reaction between the two substances will cause the balloon to inflate. Lindsy of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/preschoolalphabet.blogspot.com\/2011\/05\/rockets.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ePreschool Alphabet\u003c\/a\u003e included this project in her \"Rocket Unit\" - and it looks like they had a 'bubblin' good time!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-992\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/volcano3.jpg\" alt=\"Sensory Science Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.sillyeaglebooks.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCupcake Liner Volcanoes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother unique way to capitalize on the bubbly reaction between baking soda and vinegar is to create a mini volcano! Vanessa of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sillyeaglebooks.com\/2011\/06\/cupcake-liner-volcanoes.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eSilly Eagle Books\u003c\/a\u003e used colorful cupcake liners and small caps to help her daughter create volcanoes of various sizes - a great science lesson as well as a review of sizes\/size terminology! Not to mention, the project is just good \u003cdel\u003eclean\u003c\/del\u003e messy fun! [NOTE: Be sure to do this outside or at a well covered workstation as it can get quite messy.]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBe sure to head over to these fantastic blogs for the instructions and other fantastic early childhood activities!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734119227417,"sku":"A2982","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/DSC00997_thumb1.jpg?v=1522781785"},{"product_id":"me-on-the-map-social-studies-unit-a2987","title":"Me on the Map - Social Studies Unit","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-large wp-image-1024  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/IMGP5911.jpg\" alt=\"Geography and Maps Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.jmeacham.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe love this book that early childhood educator, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.jmeacham.com\/science.social.studies.mini.lessons.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eJessica Meacham\u003c\/a\u003e, has her kiddos put together during their geography unit. Comprised of eleven different maps, ranging from a hand drawn picture of each child to a replica of the solar system, students learn where they fit in the world!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot only does this unit\/unit project offer a great way to learn important geography terms {i.e. town\/city, county, state, country, continent, planet, etc.}, students will also learn to distinguish between land and water masses on a map or globe, learn about map keys and symbols, explore direction using a compass, sharpen writing skills, and much more!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to visit Mrs. Meacham's Classroom for the lesson plan download, book list, list of extra unit resources, and fabulous pictures of one of her student's completed projects ~ then get to planning your own \"Me on the Map\" unit!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734120439833,"sku":"A2987","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/IMGP5911.jpg?v=1522781793"},{"product_id":"drippy-crayon-artwork-a2348","title":"Drippy Crayon Artwork","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-3078\" title=\"Melted-Wax-Painting\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Melted-Wax-Painting.jpg\" alt=\"Elementary Melted Crayon Art Project for Kids\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: almostunschoolers.blogspot.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLove, love, LOVE this activity we found at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/almostunschoolers.blogspot.com\/2011\/07\/dripping-crayon-craft.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eAlmost Unschoolers\u003c\/a\u003e! While it certainly shouldn't be done without adult supervision, it looks like it could be a total blast!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplies You'll Need\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOld \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-165-crayons.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003ecrayons\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTea lights\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mpmschoolsupplies.com\/c-845-art-paper.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eArt paper\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour kiddos will love experimenting with dripping, drawing, and swirling the melted wax on their paper. If you can get a large enough puddle of wax, consider providing small items that your students can explore pressing into the almost-dried wax to make prints!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter some free experimentation, you might also try some guided projects...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombine black construction paper with melted yellow\/white wax to create the \"night sky\" - perfect for a space theme!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide students with an Easter egg cutout {or another themed cutout} to decorate with lots of bright colors - works great with \u003cem\u003eany\u003c\/em\u003e theme!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombine brightly colored wax with dark construction paper to create \"fireworks\" - a great patriotic craft for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, etc!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave students explore what the melted wax looks like when dropped from different heights {i.e. splatter size, splatter direction, etc}.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplete a color mixing activity, dropping different colors of wax on top of each other to see what happens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave your kiddos connect their wax dots {when fully dried} to create an object\/picture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurn the artwork into a math exercise...\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExample for younger students - invite your kiddos to count and circle groups of 5 dots then practice skip counting by 5s {or another focus number}.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExample for older students - have your students count the total number of green dots, red dots, etc., creating a frequency chart and bar graph of the results.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThere are lots of fantastic pictures of this project at Almost Unschoolers so be sure to head on over there and check them out!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734121816089,"sku":"A2348","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Melted-Wax-Painting.jpg?v=1522781801"},{"product_id":"welcome-to-the-cake-lab-a2991","title":"Welcome To The Cake Lab!","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-1058\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Cake-Lab.jpg\" alt=\"Science Experiment Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: www.icanteachmychild.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYeah, you read that right - CAKE! It's time to gather your little scientists and head to the \"lab\" for some sweet experimentation with this fun exercise from Jenae at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.icanteachmychild.com\/2011\/07\/invent-your-own-cake\/\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eI Can Teach My Child!\u003c\/a\u003e {Jenae adapted the exercise from the Smithsonian Museum of American History's \"Spark Lab\" - an area for children that encourages creativity, inventions, and critical thinking}! While you won't be able to bake their creations in the classroom, you can certainly get to creating and mixing...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart with the wonderful worksheets created by Jenae. The first is a \"recipe card\" including 4 columns for classifying ingredients - \"Basics\" {that \u003cstrong\u003emust\u003c\/strong\u003e be added}, \"Liquids\", \"Seasonings\", and \"Extras\". Each column sports its own color so that students know what to do with the \u003cem\u003esecond\u003c\/em\u003e printable {a list of various ingredients that are color-coded to denote if they are a basic, liquid, etc.}. Have students cut out the various ingredients, choose the ones they want to include {be sure to visit Jenae's full post to know how many of each\/which ones are critical!}, and paste them into the proper columns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNow you're ready to get your hands on the ingredients and start mixing! We suggest creating a classroom batch of basic batter. This most likely means that some students' recipes won't be followed to the letter {i.e. they'll have different liquids}. Settle liquid choices the \"old fashioned way\" with a math activity, creating a frequency chart that lists each liquid available and having students mark which ingredients they chose. Include in the classroom batter the two liquids that were chosen the most. Based on a lottery system {so it's impartial and fair}, have students take turns helping you measure out ingredients for the batter and stir it together. [NOTE: Jenae suggests looking at other recipes for ingredient estimates.] This done, measure out a hefty scoop of batter into small dishes - one for each student.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWith recipes and dishes of newly mixed batter in hand, invite students to visit the \"cake lab ingredient bar\" and let the fun begin! Be sure to label each child's creation, cover tightly, and place in a refrigerated area. Take these home and scoop the batter into labeled cupcake\/muffin liners to bake. In class the next day, invite your kiddos to try their creations and discuss the results! [NOTE: Send the recipes home with a note inviting students and their families to try them at home. This way, each student will be able to try their creation as intended - with the right liquids. If they've done this, invite your students to make comparisons.]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHead on over to I Can Teach My Child! for some fantastic pictures of the process, experiment printables, and lots of other great early childhood ideas!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734122078233,"sku":"A2991","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Cake-Lab.jpg?v=1522781802"},{"product_id":"science-journal-four-seasons-tree-project-a2997","title":"Science Journal: Four Seasons Tree Project","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg title=\"2775011897\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-1093\" alt=\"Four Seasons Science Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/2775011897.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe saw this fantastic year long project at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/aplacecalledkindergarten.blogspot.com\/2011\/04\/four-seasons-trees.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eA Place Called Kindergarten\u003c\/a\u003e, the blog created by kindergarten teacher, Jonelle Bell, and had to share it {along with a fun, \u003cem\u003efree\u003c\/em\u003e science journal printable}! It's simple really - all you need is a tree for observation, graphic art tools, and your eager little scientists\/observers! Throughout the year, have your kiddos pack up their 'tools' and head out to the {same!} tree to observe and record the changes brought on by each different season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe created reproducible journal pages to help you and your students complete this fun exercise...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg title=\"Four-Seasons-Tree-Science-Journal\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1095 aligncenter\" alt=\"Four Seasons Science Kindergarten Lesson Plan and Kindergarten Printable\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Four-Seasons-Tree-Science-Journal.jpg\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e...providing a place to record the date of observation, a scientific drawing of the tree during each season, and record written observations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Digital Download","offer_id":1734123159577,"sku":"A2997","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Four-Seasons-Tree-Science-Journal.jpg?v=1524673031"},{"product_id":"adventures-in-nature-journaling-a3009","title":"Adventures in Nature Journaling","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-1174\" title=\"047\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/047.jpg\" alt=\"Outdoor Writing Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: greeningsamandavery.typepad.com\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe ran across this great post at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/greeningsamandavery.typepad.com\/greening-sam-and-avery\/2011\/09\/nature-journaling-ideas-and-resources.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eGreening Sam and Avery\u003c\/a\u003e and thought it might come in handy for those of you attempting to incorporate a bit of nature journaling into your curriculum! It's full of great ideas that are sure to get your kiddos involved and learning! Here's our favorite exercise...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFind A Treasure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreschool and kindergarten classrooms are often littered with \"treasure\" students have found while on the playground, walking in from the bus, or wherever else they may have ventured that day. Rocks. Leaves. Pine cones. Flowers. You name it! While it is certainly important to encourage your kiddos to find beauty and worth in the world around them, as well as stimulate creativity and use of their imagination, there's a much neater way of doing it. Armed with their nature journals and a pack of color pencils (or other graphic art material), invite your students to embark on an adventure for treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce spotted, to record its find and circumvent the need to bring the \"treasure\" to the classroom, have your students draw the object in as much detail as they can, writing or dictating describing words to complete the process. Consider providing magnifying glasses so that students can take a closer look and measuring tools. Just in case they want to attempt to find their treasure again, invite your kiddos to record the object's location on a map of the school yard. Back in the classroom, have a treasure hunt \"show and tell\", inviting your students to take turns sharing their drawings and describing what they found!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eFor more fantastic nature journal exercises and some excellent resource links, be sure to read the full post at Greening Sam and Avery!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734126239769,"sku":"A3009","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/047.jpg?v=1522781822"},{"product_id":"pumpkin-week-activities-a3018","title":"Pumpkin Week Activities","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-1233  \" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Pumpkin-Glif1.jpg\" alt=\"Fall and Halloween Math and Science Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: Ms. White\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're sure you have lots of pumpkin lesson ideas for fall, but we thought that \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/teacherweb.com\/AL\/AppalachianElementary\/MsWhitesClass\/apt39.aspx\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMs. White\u003c\/a\u003e did a fantastic job putting together this activity set for her first graders and thought we'd pass it along, just in case you needed a bit of new inspiration. Crafts, literacy, math, science - this is the whole package! Here's a highlight of our two favorite activities...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePumpkin Glyphs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlyphs are a fantastic math tool, offering a unique way to collect and display data. In the spirit of fall, Ms. White invited her kiddos to answer the various questions about pumpkins...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave you ever eaten pumpkin seeds?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWould you carve a funny or scary face on your pumpkin?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEtcetera\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e...in order to \u003cem\u003ebuild\u003c\/em\u003e a pumpkin that would uniquely represent them! Once on the wall, students can tell just by looking at the pumpkins {and the number of buttons, the color of the patches, etc.} how their classmates answered the questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePumpkin Predictions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a popular activity, but we think it's great fun! Introduce or review the concept of making predictions by using pumpkins...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePredict how much the pumpkin will weigh - with and without the inside \"goop\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuess the circumference of the pumpking {using yarn to measure and see who was the closest}\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePredict how many pumpkin seeds will be found inside\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuess whether a pumpkin will sink or float when placed in water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a great, hands-on math activity that never seems to get old with the kiddos!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHead on over to Ms. White's classroom website to see what else she has in store for pumpkin week!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734128500761,"sku":"A3018","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Pumpkin-Glif1.jpg?v=1522781836"},{"product_id":"nutrition-unit-introducing-the-food-pyramid-a3030","title":"Nutrition Unit - Introducing the Food Pyramid","description":"\u003cp\u003eNovember is good nutrition month, making it a great time to introduce your kinders to the food pyramid, healthy portions, and smart selections. We found a great lesson plan created by Kortni Nelson as part of her undergraduate studies. She has lots of great ideas for a nutrition unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1301\" title=\"Edible-Pyramid-Book-Cover\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Edible-Pyramid-Book-Cover.jpg\" alt=\"The Edible Pyramid Book Cover and Nutrition Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Edible Pyramid\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNelson suggests introducing the unit with Loreen Leedy's \u003cem\u003eThe Edible Pyramid: Good Eating Every Day\u003c\/em\u003e. The fabulously illustrated animal characters, while attempting to order dinner at a restaurant, discuss the various food groups, what dishes fall into these groups, what a serving size looks like, and how to eat a balanced meal. This provides a fantastic introduction to the main topics\/concepts of the unit - in a fun way!\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's For Dinner?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith these new concepts in mind, Nelson recommends having your students practice creating a balanced meal using paper plates and magazine clippings. Not only is this a great way to assess how well your kiddos grasped the new information, it will provide your kinders with extra fine motor practice as they cut out the pictures and paste them onto their plates. Set aside time {as a class or as small groups} to allow students to present the meal they created. [NOTE: As an extra assessment, consider providing students with a food group 'frequency chart' to glue onto the back of their plate, inviting them to check off how many foods from each group were included in the meal. See below.]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-medium wp-image-1303\" title=\"Food-Group-Frequency-Chart\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Food-Group-Frequency-Chart.jpg\" alt=\"Nutrition Math Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eExample frequency chart\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eFor more introductory activities, lesson tips, and practice exercises, be sure to visit Kortni's full \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/teacherlink.ed.usu.edu\/tlresources\/units\/MonsonUnits\/KorNel\/Lesson%20Plans\/lesson1.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003elesson plan page\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734130728985,"sku":"A3030","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Edible-Pyramid-Book-Cover.jpg?v=1522781850"},{"product_id":"a-little-snowflake-fun-a3050","title":"A Little Snowflake Fun","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"caption\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-1415\" title=\"Snow-Crystals\" src=\"\/\/supplyme-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/post\/Snow-Crystals.jpg\" alt=\"Winter and Christmas Snowflake Kindergarten Lesson Plan\" data-pin-hover=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePhoto Source: staff.bbhcsd.org\/gagnem\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile perusing our favorite teacher blogs, we ran across some fun snowflake activities that we thought would make the perfect addition to your winter unit! In no particular order, here are a few of our favorites...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMichelle Gagne, kindergarten teacher and creator of the site, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/staff.bbhcsd.org\/gagnem\/brrr2010.htm\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eMrs. Gagne's Kindergarten\u003c\/a\u003e, details a super fun winter science experiment - making borax snow crystals! Students helped to set up and dip their chenille stem snowflakes in the \"snow\" solution, then hurried in to see what happened after letting them sit overnight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuzan over at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/krazyforkindergarten.blogspot.com\/2011\/01\/januarya-little-sciencea-little-matha.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eKrazy for Kindergarten\u003c\/a\u003e invited her students to watch a short clip of how a snowflake forms, then act it out! Her kiddos pretended to be ice crystals, attracting other ice crystal friends in order to form one large snowflake.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/sneakerteacher.blogspot.com\/2011\/12\/alive-and-kicking.html\" data-ad-id=\"post-content-link\"\u003eSneaker Teacher\u003c\/a\u003e had her kiddos practice letter sounds with a fun snowflake \"mixer\" game. She scripted letters onto snowflake cutouts and passed one to each student. To play the game, students were invited to mingle and find a partner, telling them what sound the letter on their snowflake makes, listening as their classmate did the same, and then trading snowflakes. Students were invited to continue this process until the timer went off - so they could make it \"snow\"! [For a full description of the game, be sure to visit Sneaker Teacher!]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDon't miss these great activities - be sure to visit each blog for the full post!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SupplyMe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1734135054361,"sku":"A3050","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/products\/Snow-Crystals.jpg?v=1522781875"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1418\/0968\/collections\/Thanksgiving-Senses-Emergent-Reader-Preview.jpg?v=1530028002","url":"https:\/\/www.supplyme.com\/collections\/kindergarten-science-lesson-plans\/month-june.oembed","provider":"SupplyMe","version":"1.0","type":"link"}