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Learning Together Joyfully: JUNE: Coming Up Roses 

Welcome back parents, grandparents and educators. June is such a busy month with school outings, and all of the many tasks to close down the school. This month we celebrate Father’s Day on June 16.  It is also an opportune time to celebrate Grandparents. There are many songs, books and activities to share with children. This month there is also a focus on careers with many songs, books and activities to share. Last month we shared information about class meetings. To further enhance these meetings, we have included information about Circle songs and books. As children prepare for summer, there is also a focus on small skill development with some scissor practice and Puzzle activities included. June, with all its springtime glory is a special time to play, learn, grow, together!

Quick Links

Use these links to quickly navigate to specific sections within this blog!

  1. Read and Sing Together
  2. Create Together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing
  3. Explore, Engage & Interact Together
  4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition
  5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day About Learning

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1.  Read and Sing Together 📚  

Reading is an astoundingly complex cognitive process. While we often think of reading as one singular act, our brains are actually engaging in a number of tasks simultaneously each time we sit down with a book. There are several aspects to the process of reading: phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, reading comprehension and fluency. These aspects work together to create the reading experience. As children learn to read they must develop these skills to become successful readers.

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FATHER’S DAY BOOKS: Sunday, June 16, 2024. Father’s Day is coming soon! There are tons of bonding activities your kids can do with Dad, Grandpa, or their father figure during these times. One of our favorites (of course) is reading. Set aside time for your kids to read books with Dad.  As with mother’s day, we continue to recommend books that represent diverse family structures. It is important to recognize diverse family structures. Families come in different forms and can include single fathers, stay-at-home dads, adoptive fathers, stepfathers, co-parents, same-sex fathers, and more. Acknowledge and understand that fatherhood is not limited to biological relationships. All children should see themselves and their fathers in books, as well as have their experience widened and mind opened up to lives and experiences unlike their own. Check these books out at your local school or public library or consider purchasing them as gifts.

  • Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer. It’s not that she doesn’t have someone who helps her with her homework, or tucks her in at night. Stella has her Papa and Daddy who take care of her, and a whole gaggle of other loved ones who make her feel special and supported every day. She just doesn’t have a mom to invite to the party. Fortunately, Stella finds a unique solution to her party problem in this sweet story about love, acceptance, and the true meaning of family. 

  • A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlager. This book is about a playground conversation between two children. The boy says he heard that the girl has two dads. The girl says that is right–she has Daddy and Poppa. True to a child’s curiosity, practical questions follow: “Which dad helps when your team needs a coach? / Which dad cooks you eggs and toast?” To which she answers: “Daddy is my soccer coach. / Poppa cooks me eggs and toast.”

  • Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie. Thunder Boy Jr. is named after his dad, but he wants a name that’s all his own. Just because people call his dad Big Thunder doesn’t mean he wants to be Little Thunder. He wants a name that celebrates something cool he’s done, like Touch the Clouds, Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth, or Full of Wonder. But just when Thunder Boy Jr. thinks all hope is lost, he and his dad pick the perfect name…a name that is sure to light up the sky.

  • She’s My Dad by Sarah Savage. Told in first person, this is a touchingly told story of a boy whose dad transitioned. He uses the correct pronouns – she/her, but still calls him dad. Though I’m not a fan of the illustrations I think this can be a helpful book to share with children to help them understand this concept. It includes a backmatter with reading guide questions and a glossary of terms.
  • Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting is a moving story about homelessness and love between a father and son. They live in an airport (Yes, before the new security measures put in place in the US, post 9/11) but still live in fear of being discovered and kicked out. The feeling that this book evokes in readers is the sense of desperation and anxiety that the father and son feel. They are safe at the airport and do not want to be caught and end up on the streets. There are multiple teachable moments in this book and I would suggest that this is not a preschool book at all. Save it for middle elementary age kids who can get into great discussions about how different people can and can’t trust security guards, about why people become homeless, and how the young boy feels like he is trapped but also scared of being thrown out of the airport.
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  • Dad and Pop: An Ode to Fathers and Stepfathers by Kelly Bennett is a simple but powerful book about a little girl with two dads. One is her biological father and the other is her stepfather. She compares and contrasts them, but in the end, the fact remains they both love her. This book doesn’t go into custody agreements, how old the little girl was when she met her now-stepfather, or why her parents divorced because that’s not what this book is about. This book is about bonds between a child and the men who love her. If your child isn’t familiar with families that include step-parents, this is a good book to explain them.
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  • Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting is a moving story about homelessness and love between a father and son. They live in an airport (Yes, before the new security measures put in place in the US, post 9/11) but still live in fear of being discovered and kicked out. The feeling that this book evokes in readers is the sense of desperation and anxiety that the father and son feel. They are safe at the airport and do not want to be caught and end up on the streets. There are multiple teachable moments in this book and I would suggest that this is not a preschool book at all. Save it for middle elementary age kids who can get into great discussions about how different people can and can’t trust security guards, about why people become homeless, and how the young boy feels like he is trapped but also scared of being thrown out of the airport.
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  • My Father’s Shop by Satomi Ichikawa is a funny story about Mustafa, who is supposed to be learning new languages with his father so he can learn how to sell rugs to tourists at his father’s shop in Morocco. Only Mustafa is off on his own adventure. Wearing an old rug with a hole in it, he goes through the market and attracts the attention of a rooster and a whole gaggle of tourists. In the end, Mustafa learns some new words but not the ones his dad was planning on teaching him. This is a funny book your kids will love.
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  • Splat the Cat Makes Dad Glad by Rob Scotton. You can’t help but smile reading about Splat trying to cheer up his pop after his team loses a soccer game.
  • You Made Me a Dad read by Laurenne Sala. A touching celebration of fatherhood. The perfect picture book for expectant fathers and already-fathers everywhere.
  • Dear Boy by Paris and Jason Rosenthal. A celebration of boys everywhere. It teaches boys to be themselves, be bold, and to never shy away from their feelings. A great read-aloud for father/son duo.
  • The Night is for Darkness read by Jonathan Stutzman. A gorgeous bedtime book that’s also a tribute to the beauty of the natural world. Perfect for gifts and for family snuggling.
  • Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry. In this celebration of a father’s love, Zuri and her dad work together to style her gorgeous, natural, curly hair when Zuri’s mom is away. Zuri’s dad shows the power of the bond between dads and daughters.
  • My Dad is A Tree by Jon Agee. This imaginative picture book celebrates dads who go the extra mile for their children. When little Madeleine convinces her dad to pretend to be a tree so they can spend the day playing outside, he takes his role very seriously, keeping still as a bird nest on his head, a spider spins a web on his arm, and rain falls from the sky. After all, as Madeleine reminds him, “Trees aren’t bothered by stuff like that.”
  • Daddy Speaks Love by Leah Henderson. This beautiful book highlights the many ways that dads show up for their children. From painting nails to banishing monsters, dads play an essential role in their children’s lives. Beautiful illustrations and heartwarming text make this picture book a fantastic gift for new parents or Father’s Day.
  • The Night Before Father’s Day by Natasha Wing. Who doesn’t love a good surprise? This book shows mom and the kids getting ready to surprise dad with a special gift. When dad goes downstairs, he finds an organized garage and a sparkly clean car. It’s dad’s ultimate dream for Father’s Day!
  • I Love Dad with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Dads will devour this gem featuring Eric Carle’s beloved caterpillar and an adorable cast of furry and feathered friends sharing all of the reasons they love their dads.
  • A Father’s Love by Hannah Holt. From a penguin papa snuggling with his baby in the cold, white snow to a seahorse father hatching his young in the deep blue ocean, this adorable board book shows that a father’s love comes in all forms. Sweet and simple rhymes combine with beautiful artwork to create a memorable bedtime lullaby for dads and kids to enjoy together.
  • Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers. In this beautiful book, Oliver Jeffers outlines his hopes and dreams for his child as they go out into the world. Filled with gentle humor and yet incredibly insightful, it is a wonderful read for anyone who calls Earth home, both on how we should protect our planet, but also how we should treat those who inhabit it.
  • I Love You, Daddy by DK. Adorable pictures of father and baby animals combine with soothing rhymes to give this charming little book a cozy feel. The story will encourage littles to list off the many reasons why they love their own daddies!
  • No Pants! by Jacob Grant. On the day of a family party, Pablo and his dad get ready together. But when Pablo refuses to put on his pants, his dad has to get creative. This hilarious picture book celebrates the unique way fathers relate to their kids.
  • Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko. Unlike his dad, who seems to have no fears at all, Nicholas has a long list of things that scare him — but with his stuffed dinosaur by his side, those fears disappear. When his dino goes missing, Nicholas’s dad teaches him that everyone gets scared sometimes, and you can always ask for help.
  • Dads Can Do It All! by Ted Maass. This  book highlights the importance of dads as role models — working as mail carriers, chefs, astronauts, and stay-at-home dads —while reminding children they do anything they set their minds to.
  • I Love Daddy Every Day by Isabel Otter.  A lovely gift book for new and longtime dads alike, I Love Daddy Every Day captures the year-round joys and celebrations of fatherhood. Colorful vignettes beautifully capture those everyday sweet, loving moments between father and child.
  • Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss. With fun rhymes and simple words, this book is one your early reader will want to read aloud to their own Pop. With silliness only Dr. Seuss could write, Hop on Pop will be a favorite for the whole family to enjoy.
  • My Papi Has a Motorcycle read by Isabel Quintero. Daisy Ramona loves riding through her neighborhood on the back of her Papi’s motorcycle. From there, she has a perfect view of the people and places that make her community so special and memories of her father’s love that will last a lifetime.
  • Our Shed by Robert Broder. This book tells the story of a father-daughter team who work together to build a shed in their backyard. As they work, the father passes down his knowledge on how to build a structure, while the daughter teaches her father how to use your imagination and creativity. Charming and heartwarming, this book will teach readers not only how to build a shed, but also how to build a lasting relationship.
  • I Love You, Daddy by Beatrix Potter. You can never go wrong with a Peter Rabbit book for any occasion (or no occasion at all!). In this elegantly illustrated picture book, Peter expresses his affection for his father, wrapping up on a heartwarming note: “Remember, Daddy, I love you, too.”
  • Our Subway Baby by Peter Mercurio. Danny wasn’t planning on becoming a father anytime soon, but those plans change when he finds an abandoned baby in a subway station. If you love true stories, you’ll adore this heartwarming tale of how a loving couple finds and adopts their son. Keep some tissues close by when you read this one.
  • My Dad Used To Be So Cool by Keith Negley. A total hit for new dads, this one follows a son in awe of his dad’s pre-fatherhood days, full of live shows, tattoos, and motorcycle rides. Striking the perfect balance between humorous and emotional is expanding our ideas of masculinity. This book could be a household favorite.
  • Dad School by Rebecca Van Slyke. A little boy wonders how dads know how to do so many amazing things like fixing a leaky faucet, making mega-sandwiches, or simultaneously paying bills and playing Go Fish. He imagines they must go to school just like he does. Kids and dads alike will love the vivid images that show the myriad skills that dads must master to do their jobs.
  • Ladybug Girl’s Day Out with Grandpa by Gorby Jacky Davis. Lulu (a.k.a. Ladybug Girl) can’t wait to visit the natural history museum with her grandfather. She wants to see EVERYTHING! Lucky for Lulu, Grandpa is a patient and energetic guide who helps her understand that learning is a lifelong adventure.
  • My Dad Is Awesome by Bluey and Bingo by Penguin Young Readers Licenses. Everyone’s favorite Heelers are back to celebrate their dad! Bluey and Bingo love that their dad, Bandit, takes them on exciting adventures and plays fun games with them in the backyard. Your little ones will love finding all the similarities they share with Bluey and Bingo, as well as sharing their own reasons for why their dad is awesome!
  • Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer. Little Critter can’t wait to go camping with his dad. Even though things don’t go quite as planned, they still have a blast. Big and little critters alike will delight in their silly misadventures!
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A Perfect Father’s Day by Eve Bunting. “I’m taking you out for Father’s Day,” Susie tells Dad. “First we’ll go for lunch.” “Good,” Dad says. “May I drive?” “Certainly,” Susie says. She chooses the restaurant, and pretty soon Dad can see that she’s filled this special day with treats–treats for both of them!

  • The Little Book of Father’s Day by Zack Bush & Laurie Friedman. It’s time to honor the special dad in your life. This book reveals how to celebrate Father’s Day. It is the perfect day to show your special dad just how much he is loved. This book is a tribute to a father’s love for his child. It is filled with so many creative, special ways for a child to honor that loving bond. With s engaging illustrations, and creative ideas this book will reinforce to young children just how much they are loved by their father. Each story teaches children that having fun, learning, talking about their feelings, and doing the right thing is always much easier than they think. Kids can enjoy the journey and fun of reading while discovering the world around them, one little book at a time. This is a meaningful Father’s Day read for the whole family. 
  • Father’s Day by Anne Rockwell. In Mrs. Madoff’s class, it’s a book made just for him. First the kids think about their special moments with their fathers. Sam’s dad is so strong, he can carry Sam on his shoulders. Eveline’s dad sings to her when Mama has to work at night. Jessica writes about her father in Texas … and her stepfather at home. And when it’s time to celebrate at school, both of her fathers give Jessica the best surprise of all.

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GRANDPARENT BOOKS: The special relationship between a child and their grandparent is worth celebrating – especially on Father’s Day. These picture books make wonderful gifts that both grandparents and children will love for years to come. Check these books out at your local school or public library or consider purchasing them as gifts.

  • Joy Takes Root by Gwendolyn Wallace.Even though Joy has visited her grandmother’s house in South Carolina many times, this is her first summer helping in Grammy’s garden! Soon, she’s helping out among the rows of okra, spinach, strawberries, and more. Grammy has much to teach her, like how each plant has many uses and how we are all connected to nature.
  • Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi. This tasty picture book celebrates grandparents who live far from their grandchildren and the traditions passed down through families. Through this heartfelt story about a girl learning to cook Paati’s (her grandmother) recipes, bestselling author and TV personality Padma Lakshmi gives readers the chance to reflect on the foods, flavors, and customs in their own families.
  • Nana the Great Comes to Visit by Lisa Tawn Bergren. This adorable picture book shows how the little things grandparents do for the grandkids can make big impressions on them. Of course, everything’s more fun when Nana comes to visit. After all, she has no problem breaking some of Mama’s rules — like making a mess or climbing too high. She may be a little bit naughty, but it’s in the best, most loving way.
  • Grandude’s Green Submarine  by Paul McCartney.If you loved Hey Grandude, the first book in this charming series from music legend Paul McCartney, you don’t want to miss the sequel! Everyone piles into Gradude’s green submarine for a new adventure beneath the ocean waves. Filled with imagination, music, and the right amount of danger, this book will delight kids and grandparents alike.
  • My Nana’s Garden by Dawn Casey. After her grandmother passed away, a young girl discovers that the special connection they shared still exists in her heart. Told through lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, this book is a must-read for any child dealing with the loss of a grandparent.
  • Grandma’s Tiny House by Janay Brown Wood.Help your child count Grandma’s relatives as they squeeze into her house for a potluck dinner. This  counting book is a delicious celebration of food, family, and moments that turn into memories. You’ll want to read it again and again!
  • Grandpa and Jake by Julie Fortenberry. One morning, Jake’s Grandpa says he wants to show Jake his favorite place. As the two walk hand in hand through town, Jake tries guessing where they might be headed. Is it the movies? The baseball park? The beach? Then they finally arrive … at the library!
  • Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. When Grandma Mimi comes to visit,  she always brings her purse. For her granddaughter, the purse is almost magical. She can’t wait to open it up and see what Grandma has inside. With bright, energetic illustrations, readers will be enchanted by this familiar slice-of-life story.
  • Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker. Children and grandchildren of immigrant families will love this empowering story about a young girl taking her grandmother to school. Because Nana Akua looks different from the other grandparents, Zura feels nervous about Grandparent’s Day. But with a bit of help and encouragement from Nana Akua, she sets aside her insecurity and shows the class what makes her family special.
  • Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa by Anna Dewdney. When Llama Llama goes for his first sleepover at Gram and Grandpa’s house, he forgets Fuzzy Llama, his comfort toy. Thankfully, Grandpa knows exactly what to do. The satisfying ending makes this picture book a favorite among young readers.
  • Something About Grandma by Tania de Regil. This tender and playful picture book perfectly showcases what makes grandmas so special! Julia is spending time at her Grandma’s house for the first time without her parents. Here, the air smells like jasmine and hot chocolate has the power to cure any homesickness. There seems to be something magical about this place … and about Grandma!
  • Grandpa’s Tractor by Michael Garland. Kids and grandparents who love tractors or have a connection to them will appreciate this heartfelt story. Filled with nostalgia and charm, it celebrates farms, family, and fond memories. It might even inspire children to ask their grandparents about what life was like when they were young.
  • Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña. After church, CJ and Nana ride the bus through their colorful, busy town. Along the way, Nana shows CJ how to find beauty in everyday life. A modern classic, this charming picture book taps into the wisdom of a grandparent and teaches children a valuable lesson
  • My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin. Growing up in Iran, Mina’s grandmother was the center of her world. Wherever her grandmother went, Mina was always close behind. While this book is a deeply personal homage to her grandmother, the feelings of love and belonging are universal. Each page of this beautiful book celebrates the small moments of love that become lifelong memories. It is hard not to get swept up in this cozy and lovely story.
  • Grandpa’s Top Threes by Wendy Meddour. Grandchildren can be a source of comfort for a grieving grandparent. When Henry notices his grandpa spending all day gardening instead of talking and playing, he wants to help. Henry starts a game that gets Grandpa listening, talking, and smiling again.
  • Grandmas are for Giving Tickles by Harriet Ziefert. Spending time with Grandma is so much fun! She knows all about butterflies, snails, and computers. And she has great ideas for new adventures. Grandma will play dress-up with you, and she’ll show you pictures of your mom when she was a little girl. This adorable lift-the-flap book is perfect for young children to read with Grandma when she comes to visit.
  • Grandpas Are for Finding Worms by Harriet Ziefert. When you need worms for fishing, Grandpa knows just where to look. Grandpas are great at making things, like bookshelves, burgers, and funny faces. Some grandpas like to sing old songs, some like to play baseball, and all grandpas make you feel special. Young children and grandpas alike will love this sweet tribute to the special love between them.

CAREER BOOKS: It is important to show children their options for the future and to encourage them to pursue jobs that reflect both their interests and their skills. Equally important is to share that there are many different paths to success and options for their future careers.

  • Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year by Andrea Beaty. This moving picture book about an anxious girl’s arrival at a new school celebrates kindness, learning to face your fears, and the profound difference one brilliant teacher can make in a child’s life. Lila Greer is full of worries. Even the smallest things—from cabbages to cardboard—fill her with dread and what-ifs. So when her family makes a big change—moving to a new town—the worry and what-ifs only grow. What if things go wrong? What if no one likes her? At first, Lila feels right to be worried. In her new home, everything is strange. The new kids, the new smells. Lila feels alone and invisible. But there’s one person who sees her: Lila’s teacher, Ms. Kern. Through some creativity, blackboard erasers, and—most of all—kindness, Ms. Kern finds a way to make Lila feel welcome and open to new experiences. A lesson that will resonate with Lila long after second grade.
  • Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty. Aaron Slater loves listening to stories and dreams of one day writing them himself. But when it comes to reading, the letters just look like squiggles to him, and it soon becomes clear he struggles more than his peers. When his teacher asks each child in the class to write a story, Aaron can’t get a single word down. He is sure his dream of being a storyteller is out of reach . . . until inspiration strikes, and Aaron finds a way to spin a tale in a way that is uniquely his. Printed with a dyslexia-friendly font, this book tells the empowering story of a boy with dyslexia who discovers that his learning disability may inform who he is, but it does not define who he is, and that there are many ways to be a gifted communicator.
  • Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty. Ada Twist’s head is full of questions. Like her classmates Iggy and Rosie, Ada has always been endlessly curious. Even when her fact-finding missions and elaborate scientific experiments don’t go as planned, Ada learns the value of thinking through problems and continuing to stay curious. Ada is an inquisitive child who was born to be a scientist. She possesses an unusual desire to question everything she encounters: a tick-tocking clock, a pointy-stemmed rose, the hairs in her dad’s nose, and so much more. Ada’s parents and her teacher, Miss Greer, have their hands full as Ada’s science experiments wreak day-to-day havoc. On the first day of spring, Ada notices an unpleasant odor. She sets out to discover what might have caused it. Ada uses the scientific method in developing hypotheses in her smelly pursuit. The little girl demonstrates trial and error, while appreciating her family’s full support. In one experiment, she douses fragrances on her cat and attempts to place the frightened feline in the washing machine.

  • Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty. This inspiring story about the power of teamwork and the importance of celebrating individual gifts and self-expression. Some kids sculpt sand castles. Some make mud pies. Some construct great block towers. But none are better at building than Iggy Peck, who once erected a life-size replica of the Great Sphinx on his front lawn! It’s too bad that few people appreciate Iggy’s talent—certainly not his second-grade teacher, Miss Lila Greer. It looks as if Iggy will have to trade in his T square for a box of crayons . . . until a fateful field trip proves just how useful a mast builder can be.
  • Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty. Rosie may seem quiet during the day, but at night she’s a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer. When her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions her one unfinished goal–to fly–Rosie sets to work building a contraption to make her aunt’s dream come true. But when her contraption doesn’t fl y but rather hovers for a moment and then crashes, Rosie deems the invention a failure. On the contrary, Aunt Rose insists that Rosie’s contraption was a raging success. You can only truly fail, she explains, if you quit.
  • Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty. This is a story about a community leader who stands up for what she believes in! Told in charming rhyme, this lovely story will both entertain and inspire:Raking the leaves, taking pets for a walk, Or just dropping by for a treat and a talk, Sofia Valdez did as much as she could for her family and friends and her whole neighborhood. Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school . . . until one day when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill, and he can no longer do so. Sofia misses Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea: the town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall—only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do. Young readers who join Sofia in her story will learn that they can make a difference, help their community, or one day become president.
  • 100 Things to Be When You Grow Up by Lisa M. Gerry. Who says adults can’t have fun? This book explores 100 of the coolest, wackiest, and most amazing jobs and careers out there, from astronaut to zookeeper, ice cream taster to game maker. Jam-packed with inspiration, hands-on projects, advice from National Geographic explorers, interviews with experts, weird-but-true facts, and more, this new book in the popular “100 Things” series is a great way to get kids thinking creatively about career paths and excited about their futures!

BOOKS TO ENCOURAGE CIRCLE SONGS:

These books are easy to incorporate into your circle time every day, are not theme-specific, teach important language, pattern recognition, get children moving and following directions, and are easy to learn (and to teach!). These books are catchy, easy to teach, easy to use and most importantly, children AND adults enjoy them. Make sure circle times are successful activity and learning times. Circle time is a precious opportunity to engage young learners, foster their development, and ignite their curiosity. This simple activity offers plenty of benefits to children and plays a crucial role in their overall development.  Check these books out at your local school or public library or consider purchasing them as gifts. Circle time is also an essential time for language development. As kids participate in activities such as singing songs and reading stories, they have the opportunity to hear new words and concepts. This helps them to enrich their vocabularies and develop their understanding of language. Check these books out at your local school or public library or consider purchasing them as gifts.

  • Old Mikamba Had a Farm by Rachel Isadora is an African variation of Old McDonald Had a Farm. Children will meet lions, rhinos, and zebras. This fabulous version of the classic nursery song “Old MacDonald” introduces children to a menagerie of African animals and their sounds. It is beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner Rachel Isadora, with her signature collage-style artwork. Old Mikamba had a farm, E-I-E-I-O. And on this farm he had . . . a giraffe, a baboon, and an elephant! Meet Old Mikamba, who watches over a wide variety of animals on his game farm in the plains of Africa. Children will discover a whole new set of fun animal sounds as they are invited to sing along and roar with the lions, bellow with the rhino, whinny with the zebras, honk with the wildebeests, and more! A wonderful introduction to African wildlife that is great fun to read aloud, this truly irresistible rendition of a beloved song includes a list of animal fun facts and gives children a huge variety of animal sounds to imitate as they pore over the detailed animals, landscapes and patterns in the stunning illustrations.
  • Old MacDonald Had a Boat by Steve Goetz has us travel in a rusty fishing boat for an adventure. Old Mac and Mrs. Mac are at it again! This time, these DIY-happy farmers wield a host of noisy tools—from hammers to sanders, and even a blowtorch—to soup up their rusty old fishing boat. With a BANG BANG here and a BUZZ BUZZ there, this silly sequel will have the class singing along.
  • Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Car by Kate Dopirak. A little red car beeps good night to all of his four-wheeled friends in this fresh take on the classic song, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Twinkle, twinkle, little car, how you love to travel far. Now it’s time to go to bed. But you want to drive instead. It’s time for Little Car to go to sleep, but he isn’t tired yet! So he cruises around town saying goodnight to all of his friends, from the tractors in their shed to the buses and taxis in town to the cranes and diggers at the construction site. Finally exhausted, Little Car putt-putts home where at last his beep-beep dreams begin.
  • This Jazz Man by Karen Ehrhardt.In this toe-tapping jazz tribute, the traditional “This Old Man” gets a swinging makeover, and some of the era’s best musicians take center stage. The tuneful text and vibrant illustrations bop, slide, and shimmy across the page as Satchmo plays one, Bojangles plays two . . . right on down the line to Charles Mingus, who plays nine, plucking strings that sound “divine.” Easy on the ear and the eye, this playful introduction to nine jazz giants will teach children to count–and will give them every reason to get up and dance!

  • Go, Go, Pirate Boat by Katrina Charman. Little pirates will have endless fun with this vibrant board book that’s set to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat! Go, go, pirate boat, Across the salty sea, Raise the anchor, hoist the sail, It’s a pirate’s life for me. Join two seafaring pirates and their captain on a nautical adventure to find a treasure chest. Add to that a text that is read aloud to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat and you have a book that will be enjoyed time and time again!
  • Hey-Ho, to Mars We’ll Go!: A Space-Age Version of “The Farmer in the Dell” by Susan Lendroth. Perfect for STEM and space story times, this musical mission to Mars will have young astronauts singing along as they learn the science of space travel. Explore the science behind a trip to Mars, from launch to landing on the Red Planet. Set to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell,” this jaunty journey follows five adorable, bobble-headed astronauts as they learn how to bathe in zero gravity, grow veggies in space, and entertain themselves on the six-month trip. Even the design of the book defies gravity, as text and art float free on the page, encouraging readers to turn the book sideways and upside-down.
  • There Was a Tree by Rachel Isadora. A favorite children’s song becomes a colorful book filled with African wildlife. Also known as “The Green Grass Grew All Around,” this popular song has been recorded by artists from Barney to Captain Kangaroo. Now “the prettiest tree that you ever did see” is a lovely acacia tree, where a baby starling is just about to hatch. Rachel Isadora gives children a fun, easy way to follow along with the cumulative lyrics by using rebus icons for the repeated words, as she did with 12 Days of Christmas. Sheet music is also included, making this irresistible fun!

  • Way Up in the Arctic by Jennifer Ward. Jennifer Ward has created another wonderful, joyful, counting romp. This time they prance and dance readers through the Arctic and introduce kids to the fascinating animal mamas and babies that call the Arctic home. Set to the beloved tune of Over in the Meadow, read again and again this book will have kids singing along from one to ten with polar bears, beluga whales, Arctic foxes and more! Hey, kids! Look for the number hidden on each page!
  • The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir Sehgal. A zany picture book about a wild ride on a tuk tuk taxi in India! This picture book brings an international twist to the beloved nursery rhyme, The Wheels on the Bus, by bringing you aboard a busy three-wheeled taxi in India! Anything can happen as the tuk tuk rolls through town—from an elephant encounter to a tasty treat to a grand fireworks display. And in the midst of all the action, one thing’s for sure: passengers young and old love every minute of their exciting ride as the wheels of the tuk tuk go round and round!
  • Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones by Susan Lendroth. This STEM-friendly musical fossil dig will have dinosaur lovers singing along as they learn the science behind paleontology. Set to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush,” Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones invites budding paleontologists and dinosaur fans on an exciting fossil dig. Readers will hike the trail, scan the ground, and make a find—then discover how to build a T. Rex from its bones. Set to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush,” Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones invites budding paleontologists and dinosaur fans on an exciting fossil dig. Readers will hike the trail, scan the ground, and make a find—then discover how to build a T. Rex from its bones.
  • I Got Two Dogs: (Book and CD) sung by John Lithgow. Fanny and Blue may not be the smartest dogs, and they may not be the best-behaved dogs, but they are definitely the most-loved dogs.John Lithgow’s bouncy song – in the book and on the accompanying CD – is based on his own family’s two dogs. Robert Neubecker’s eye-popping illustrations capture the joy of all things dog. 

SONGS: Music is an inseparable part of our lives. It has the propensity to motivate a person or uplift someone’s mood in a few seconds. When music is taught in schools or at home, it improves the cognitive ability of kids and helps them to become better learners. There are many benefits of teaching music to kids.

FATHER’S DAY SONGS:

GRANDPARENT SONGS:

CAREER SONGS: If you’re a kid curious about what it’s like to have a particular career, you’re in luck! There are tons of great career videos for kids about career exploration on YouTube.They can help introduce kids to different careers and give them an idea of what the job is like. So whether you’re interested in becoming an astronaut or a veterinarian, there’s sure to be something here for you!

CIRCLE TIME SONGS: Some educators use circle time to build children’s problem-solving abilities. They teach the children to solve their own problems through a process called conflict resolution. When children have a problem getting along during free play, the caregiver doesn’t solve the problem for them; instead the children are asked to speak to each other about the problem and try to work out a solution that is agreeable to everyone involved. All children can be encouraged to work out some of their own problems. The learning is extended at circle time by acting out real problems that the children have had on that day. Simple puppets can be used to act out a problem and then either share the solution the children have found or ask the group to share their ideas. Either way, the children are learning from the solutions that other children have found to work.

2. Create Together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing 🧩

Art can help us understand our history, our culture, our lives, and the experience of others in a manner that cannot be achieved through other means. It can also be a source of inspiration, reflection, and joy. Many educators and art-advocates argue the value of art education beyond academic performance. They point to intrinsic benefits like increased confidence and problem-solving skills. Art activities focus on producing things rather than simply remembering or analyzing, a broad approach that fosters creativity, strengthens critical thinking and promotes risk-taking. Importantly, it can also improve school climate and enhance mutual respect, empowering students with a sense of purpose and ownership.

  • What Skills do “fine motor skills include?
    • Academics skills including:
      • Pencil skills (scribbling, colouring, drawing, writing)
      • Scissors skills (cutting)
    • Play:
      • Construction skills using lego, duplo, puzzles, train tracks
      • Doll dressing and manipulation
      • IT use (e.g. mouse and stylus manipulation)
    • Self care including:
      • dressing – tying shoelaces, doling up sandals, zips, buttons, belts
      • eating – using cutlery, opening lunch boxes and food bags
      • hygiene – cleaning teeth, brushing hair, toileting.

TANGRAM PUZZLES: These visual puzzles that can be used for relaxation, or supplement activities, as well as educational exercises. The tangram puzzles here feature an array of animals, buildings, and general objects. The puzzles help learners with logic, problem-solving, and developing general creativity. For younger students, they also assist in developing fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and general perception. You may wish to ask children to colour their tangrams once they have completed a tangram shape and glued it to a separate piece of paper. Doing so will make their shapes look more realistic!

BENEFITS OF CIRCLE TIME:

  • Circle time encourages active participation and gives children opportunities to showcase their abilities and achievements. Whether it’s singing a solo, or sharing a personal item with the class, children gain confidence in their abilities and develop a positive self-image. This confidence extends beyond circle time and positively impacts their overall growth and development.
  • Increases language and communication skills – Circle time offers numerous opportunities for language development. Through songs, stories, and conversations, children are exposed to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and communication strategies. They learn how to listen actively, follow instructions, and engage in meaningful dialogue, all of which are essential for effective communication both during their preschool years and beyond.
  • Stimulates cognitive growth -Circle time activities introduce children to important concepts such as numbers, letters, shapes, colors, and more. Through interactive activities and visual aids, children engage their senses and make connections between new information and their existing knowledge. This cognitive stimulation promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, laying the foundation for future academic success.
  • Creates a sense of community and routine – Circle time provides a consistent routine that promotes a sense of security and belonging. By participating in the same activities daily or weekly, children develop an understanding of expectations and become more comfortable within the classroom environment. This routine also helps children develop self-regulation skills as they learn to transition between different activities smoothly.
  • Find a creative way to invite children to circle time – Develop your own way to invite the children to circle time. One childcare provider plays a drum beat and everyone comes running. Another caregiver begins a simple hand-clapping rhythm and the children are drawn over to join in. Others sing a song. Find what you like and what makes the children excited to join the circle.
  • Children need to move their large and small muscles – Keep circle time active. Do exercises in place, jump or turn around in a circle. One caregiver made a big die from two old milk cartons and wrote exercise words such as jumping and hopping on each side. She asks one child to roll the die each day. If it is the 12th of the month, they do that exercise 12 times. This is one great way to keep both the kids and you healthy and strong. Great circle times are musical. Give your circle time some zing by using simple percussion musical instruments to help keep the children’s attention. Make a simple shaker and use it to make the sound of the rain when you read a story to the children. Drums are wonderful for signaling the end and beginning of a story. Sing, sing, sing. Don’t worry about your voice. More important than singing in key is sharing the song with the children.
  • Circle songs promote social-emotional development and build confidence by providing a structured environment where children can develop crucial social-emotional skills. By participating in group discussions, sharing experiences, and taking turns, children learn how to interact with their peers, express themselves, and build meaningful connections. Circle time also fosters emotional development by creating a safe and inclusive space where children can freely express their thoughts and feelings.
  • Use circle time to present new ideas.

ACTIVITIES FOR CIRCLE TIME:

  • Set Circle time rules – You can introduce circle time to your children with this activity. Explain what circle time is, then ask them for any rules they believe should apply to the activity. They’ll be more likely to remember the rules if they’re able to participate in making them. Here are some circle time rules to consider:
  • To value everyone’s contribution without putting any member down
  • To raise up their hands when they want to speak
  • To not interrupt anyone when they are talking
  • To take turns at all times
  • To be allowed to pass if they don’t feel like speaking
  • Guess the Rule – Ask one child to leave the class. While the child is gone, the rest of the group puts their heads together and comes up with a rule – for instance, hold one hand behind when answering questions or only respond with a certain number of nods. The child is called back when the rule is decided. He has to guess the new rule by asking questions and observing how the group responds. This is an activity that can help build self-confidence, problem-solving skills and communication.
  • The Handwriting Game – A variant of the popular Telephone game and Chinese Whisper, this one always brings on a lot of giggles. The teacher whispers an alphabet to a child in the group. The child draws the alphabet with his finger on the next child’s hand, while the group keeps their eyes closed. Each child will continue passing the shape to their neighbor and see how close the last person gets to guessing the alphabet.
  • Birthday Bag of the Month – Make brown paper bags for each month of the year. Fill it with the names of children who have their birthdays that month or label names on to cut-out shapes glued on to craft-sticks. Get the bags out at the beginning of the month and get them involved in marking the dates on the calendar.
  • Remote Control – Make a pretend remote control and get your group to come up with actions for each button on the remote control. Fast forward, rewind, pause – get them to perform the actions as you sit back and press the buttons.
  • Persona Puppets – If there is a conflict that needs to be addressed in class, there is no better prop than a friendly-looking puppet to get the children to explore their feelings and talk about it. Bringing in puppets at circle time to speak to the children is a great way to build social skills.
  • Review the day’s activities – You can use circle time at the end of the school day to reflect on what children learned. For example, you can have children take turns sharing their favorite part of the day. This can help children retain information from previous lessons, give you insights into what activities were engaging, and help children practice their expressive language skills.
  •  Read Books – Storytime is a very popular circle time activity. While it may seem simple, reading out loud has major benefits for children’s language and cognitive skills. Reading to children exposes them to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and storytelling techniques. Reading aloud also sparks imagination and creativity in preschoolers, transporting them to different worlds and introducing them to diverse characters and experiences. The bonding experience created during read-aloud sessions also fosters strong emotional connections between caregivers, educators, and children, promoting social and emotional development. You can also use this time to prepare children for the next day’s activities. This can help reinforce your classroom routines and expectations, setting children up for successful learning experiences.
  • Encourage dramatic play. Dramatic or pretend play empowers children with creative thinking skills. Ask them to replicate animal noises, role play a visit to a grocery store, or imagine the rug they are sitting on is a boat surrounded by water.  Introducing a dramatic scenario for your circle time can be a welcome change for your children and encourage their imagination and self-expression. 
  • Give the Children Leadership Roles – What is more interesting…listening to one person talk to you for 20 minutes or listening to 3? Kids think the same way! They love teachers, but they also love their friends. Allowing children to teach or lead a discussion is a great way to include children in more advanced learning activities while also keeping the interest of their peers.
  • Encourage Movement and Exercise. Young children have a lot of energy, especially in the mornings! They are so excited to come to school to see their friends and play with toys, that sitting down for a long period of time in the morning isn’t their most favorite activity. Incorporating movement and exercise activities with a circle can keep even the most wiggly child engaged.

CAREER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS: It is never too early to start thinking about career choices, let’s keep it fun when working with younger children! Let students explore career aspirations and career basics to help students know the broad scope of different careers that exist in the world. Check out these fun career exploration lessons, ideas about careers, and career games for elementary students.

  • Why talk about Careers with Young Children?
    • promotes goal setting;
    • provides purpose to learning and high achievements in school;
    • encourages confidence in their abilities;
    • expands their thinking about their future.
  • Career Day
  • Career Day Game – This is a fun game to play that will also aid in career exploration for young learners. This is a great introduction or closing activity for a career education unit. Students pick a card and describe the career without using select words. This challenging game is also great for vocabulary building.
  • Career Snapshot – This is the best cross-curricular activity for career exploration. This activity allows for writing and reading. Students can research the biggest career, best career, or anything they are interested in learning more about. They can find facts and complete each section.
  • My Future’s so Bright – Career interviews and guest speakers may be a great introduction to your career development and exploration unit. This adorable craft would also be a great addition to this unit! Have students state what they want to be, take their photos, and create this poster to hang in your room!
  • Career Exploration – Interest surveys may help with matching character traits to careers. This career exploration unit resource is great to use in an interactive notebook. It is a great way to document in writing about career exploration for students. This is an activity that may help students express ideas and explore a career direction or two.
  • Hosting a poster contest is a creative way to get students thinking about career options. Ask students to create posters that feature a career they are interested in or have learned about. Display the posters throughout the school and hold a contest to select the best posters. This is a fun way to get students excited about career exploration and to showcase their creativity.

3. Explore, Engage & Interact Together 🌍

FATHER’S DAY ACTIVITIES:  June 16, 2024. Father’s Day in Canada is a day to appreciate dads. A hearty breakfast in bed, impromptu softball game, barbecue, a day of fishing at the lake, a few hours on the links, or maybe just a sanctioned day off without the burden of errands or chores, are all perfect ways to celebrate dad. Be sure to share something special you made for your father.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND GRANDPARENTS:

  • Go on a walk – An easy walk down the street can be a lot of fun for grandparents and kids. This low-impact physical activity can be done anywhere and it’s always free. Walk to a park, walk around the block, or walk somewhere fun for a little treat. We’ve also got a dozen suggestions that help turn an everyday walk into an adventure.
  • Take a bike ride  – A bike ride is a fun and easy way to get out and get moving. Even if the grandparents aren’t on bikes, they’ll still enjoy a stroll with their favorite little bikers around the neighborhood or to a local park. Better yet? Have grandparents teach kids to ride a bike! It’s a memory everyone will treasure. View a video on how to teach a child to ride a bike.
  • Plant flowers – Gardening is a fun and low-impact activity for grandchildren and grandparents to do outside. Whether planting flowers in a garden or in pots, this is a great one-off or regular activity they can enjoy together. Make these wildflower seed bombs together, and then plant them!
  • Play hide-and-seek – Hide-and-seek is an awesome game to play both indoors and outdoors. Get the grandparents in on the fun and there’s sure to be a lot of giggles.
  • Go on a picnic – A picnic gets everyone outside to enjoy the little fresh air and do something different. Half the fun is packing a bag or picnic basket together filled with lunch and favorite treats to share.
  • Paint rocks – Painting rocks is a fun way to get creative with nature. Grandparents and kids go on the hunt for the perfect rocks and paint them for the garden or front yard. These are adorable mementos of time spent together.

  • With a few simple pieces of wood, wood glue, and birdseed, grandkids can make an awesome birdhouse to hang in the tree at their house or at grandma and grandpa’s house.
  • Play a round of mini golf – Miniature golf is an easy activity for kids and grandparents to do together. These small courses are slow-paced and made with kids in mind. Plus, it can be fun to get a little cross-generation competition going.
  • Go on a picnic – get everyone outside to enjoy the little fresh air and do something different. Half the fun is packing a bag or picnic basket together filled with lunch and favorite treats to share.

TEACHER APPRECIATION ACTIVITIES:

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4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT: Enjoy looking over all these gross motor skills activities.  This collection of gross motor skills printable provide a huge assortment of creative, fun activities for children.  

YOGA

Kids yoga goes beyond physical exercise, touching upon mental and emotional wellness. It strengthens their bodies, fosters concentration, and teaches them the art of calm. These free yoga pose printables are not just fun; they’re a gateway to a more balanced and joyful childhood. Use them for inspiration to start your yoga journey with healthy movement breaks

BRAIN BREAKS – The importance of brain breaks extends beyond just giving students a break. They address sensory needs, help to maintain high energy levels throughout the day, and contribute to a positive classroom environment. Regular movement breaks also help younger students and older students alike manage the sensory input they encounter throughout the school day. Brain break exercises are quick, engaging activities designed to give students a much-needed break from continuous learning or work tasks. They can be anything from a simple technique like deep breathing to a fun game involving physical movement, like tossing a beach ball around the classroom. These exercises are an essential part of the daily routine in many educational settings, from elementary students to high school students. The aim of the game is to offer a different topic of focus, allowing the student’s brain a chance to rest and rejuvenate before resuming learning.

NUTRITION: Everyone wants children to be healthy and feel good about themselves, both mentally and physically. Considering the importance of nutrition in a  child’s development, especially in the first five years of growth, will have an effect on their health, both now and in the future. The kind of foods that you give to your child when growth and development are rapidly occurring will set them up for a healthy and well-balanced life.

FATHERS DAY and GRANDPARENTS RECIPES: Father’s Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors fathers and their influence in our lives. You don’t solely have to honor your biological father on this holiday though—you can celebrate grandfathers, stepfathers, adoptive fathers and others you consider father figures.

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day About Learning 💭

FATHER’S DAY:

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FITNESS: