Tag: Add A Little Curriculum

Parent / Teacher Guide – Add A Little Curriculum – 3 Year Old

Posted on by S. J. Little

 

Add A Little – 3 Year Old Curriculum – Intro

Parent / Teacher Guide

 

Intro

Why name a curriculum “Add A Little”? Because that’s exactly what this curriculum is designed to do – add a little enhancement to your child’s development by providing ideas and activities for you to do with them. This light curriculum was developed with the busy parent or caretaker in mind.

 

Activities for 3 Year Olds

3 year olds are entering a brand new stage of development. They are curious and ready to learn, but still have a lot of wiggles to get out. Imaginative play is taking off, and they want a sense of confident control. With this in mind, the Add A Little curriculum for 3 year olds is designed with three main components to help meet your preschooler right where they’re at. Keep reading to learn more about each component.

  • Movement Moment
  • Art Activity
  • Five-Minute Focus

Don’t forget to read the Tips for Success below.

 

Table of Contents

Each Unit Includes:

  • Movement Moment
  • Art Activity
    • Supplies
  • Five-Minute Focus
    • Let’s Learn the ABCs
      • Letters of the unit
      • Letter Activity
    • Let’s Sing
    • Let’s Read
    • Let’s Sing a Christian Song
    • Let’s Read the Bible

Units

Tips for Success When Using Add A Little Curriculum

Disclaimer

Helpful Links

Each Unit Includes:

Fun Theme

Every unit has an engaging theme selected specifically with a 3 year old’s development in mind.

 

Movement Moment

This is the get up and move activity. Studies have shown that physical exercise boosts overall brain development and good health. That’s why every unit includes a Movement Moment.

 

Art Activity

One of the big focuses of the preschool years is the development of pre-writing skills. This includes strengthening fine motor muscles and so much more. Each Art Activity is designed to enhance fine motor development and provide a creative outlet, all while being a relatively simple, low-prep activity.

– Supplies

While additional supplies may be required, here are some general art supplies that may be used in the lessons:

  • Basic white paper (printer paper)
  • Coloured paper
  • Thick paper (cardstock)
  • Washable paint
  • Crayons or washable markers
  • Tape that can be used on walls and removed (consider masking tape or painter’s tape)
  • Scissors
  • Recyclables such as cardboard boxes and various washed plastic yogurt or margarine containers, etc.

 

 

Five-Minute Focus

In preschool teacher lingo, this is circle time. It is a time when the child(ren) and parent/teacher sit down for an intentional time of learning. It doesn’t have to be long.

For greatest success, build a routine around your Five-Minute Focus.

  • Make it regular – choose a consistent time in your daily schedule. In a classroom, it could be just before going to outside time. At home, it could be just after putting the baby down for their morning nap, or immediately following supper.
  • Make it different – sit on “Five-Minute Focus cushions” or have a “Five-Minute Focus box”. Something to visually signal to your children that this is a sit down and focus time.
  • Make it custom – your Five-Minute Focus should be adapted to the needs of your children. Do you have advanced 3 year olds, or have your children only just barely turned 3? Your focus time will need to be tweaked to suit your children.

– Let’s Learn the ABCs
3 year olds still have two years until kindergarten. This part of the unit is intended to help them gain familiarity with the letters, but they are not expected to memorize all the letters until they are older. Keep it fun, engaging, and short (think 1-2 minutes).

If you don’t already have one, consider printing, purchasing, or creating an alphabet poster that shows all the letters of the alphabet. If possible, put it on the wall near where you will be doing your Five-Minute Focus.

  • Letters of the Unit
    Every unit is assigned 3 letters. These have intentionally not been closely linked with the unit itself to provide you with flexibility. The goal is to introduce your children to every letter of the alphabet. Many preschools do this by having a “letter of the week”. If your children already have a letter of the week, feel free to use the AAL Letter Activity to reinforce the letter they are already learning rather than the ones listed with the unit.
  • Letter Activity
    A fun, low-pressure activity to help familiarize your child with the letters.

 

Let’s Sing
3 year olds love songs they can sing and engage with. These songs often teach useful concepts. Each unit includes a song suggestion. Many of these songs are demonstrated using a video sourced from Youtube. The video is intended to teach the parent or teacher the song so that they can then sing it with their children.

Want more songs or don’t like a suggested song? Check out this list of Simple Preschool Songs: https://sjlittle.ca/preschool/big-list-of-simple-preschool-songs/

 

Let’s Read
The value of reading good books to your 3 year old is tremendous. Not only is it widening their vocabulary and feeding their imagination, they absorb pre-reading skills and a greater appreciation for the world around them. Every unit includes a book recommendation. The book can be read during the Five-Minute Focus, or can be included in the schedule at another point in the day. Regardless of when, be sure to include book reading in your regular routine. Your children will benefit from it.

Also, check out my board, “Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers”: https://www.pinterest.ca/sjlittleauthor/books-for-preschoolers-and-toddlers/

 

Let’s Sing a Christian Song
For those using AAL who are Christian, a Christian song suggestion has been included in every unit. It’s a great way to begin Bible memorization or simply to remind ourselves of who God is.

Want more Christian songs? Visit: https://sjlittle.ca/preschool/7-simple-christian-songs-for-preschoolers/

 

Let’s Read the Bible
3 year olds are ready for regular children’s Bible reading. There will not be specific Bible stories suggested with each unit. Instead, pick up “The Beginner’s Bible” and make a habit of reading one story per day, or one story per week, and read your way through the whole Bible.

For more information visit: https://www.thebeginnersbible.com/products/

Units

Every month, one new unit is released. Here is a list of units that have already been released:

3.1 – Transportation

3.2 – Farm

 

Tips for Success When Using Add A Little Curriculum

  • Join In
    3 year olds engage better in new activities if someone else is doing it with them, so join in and have fun.
  • Be Flexible
    Every child is different. You know your circumstances and your children’s abilities and interests. Take a moment to consider the suggested activity, then adapt it to your own situation.
  • Remove Distractions
    Did you know that young children play better with less toys at a time? Try putting away most of their toys before attempting to engage them in a new activity. Putting most of their toys away also allows you to do toy rotation. If you haven’t tried toy rotation, read this article https://sjlittle.ca/preschool/toy-rotation/. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes to your child’s play.

Want More?

Do you want to receive notification of each new unit of the Add A Little 3 Year Old Curriculum when it is released? Join S. J. Little’s preschool email list today.

 

 

Disclaimer

All activities require adult supervision and discretion.

Every aspect of the Add A Little Curriculum is suggested with the expectation that it will be done under adult supervision. Some activities include potential hazards. You and your child(ren) participate at your own discretion.

Every child, family, setting, and circumstance is different. Recommended tips and/or activities in this curriculum may work well for some children but not for others. Adult discretion is required. In some cases, you will need to adapt the curriculum to fit you and your child(ren)’s specific needs.

 

Helpful Links

Smoother Transitions: https://sjlittle.ca/preschool/smoother-transitions/

Choosing Excellent Books: https://sjlittle.ca/preschool/choosing-excellent-books-for-preschoolers/

Big List of Simple Preschool Songs: https://sjlittle.ca/preschool/big-list-of-simple-preschool-songs/

Toy Rotation: https://sjlittle.ca/preschool/toy-rotation/

Jump – 2.10 – Add A Little

Posted on by S. J. Little

 

Add A Little – 2 Year Old Curriculum – Unit 10

Jump

Developmental Focus: Gross motor muscle development and hand-eye coordination

Want to learn more? Check out the Add A Little 2Y Parent / Teacher Guide

Disclaimer: All activities require adult supervision and discretion. Read more…

Muscle Moving

Obstacle Jump

Supplies:

  • Paper – coloured is more fun
  • Tape

Prep:

  • Fold the paper at the 1/3 line and at the 2/3 creating a triangle. Tape it together forming an obstacle.
  • Make three obstacles (or more if you have a large group of children).
  • Place the obstacles in the floor in a line about 1 yard or 1 meter apart.

Time to Play:

  • Show your children how to run to the first obstacle and jump over it, then run to the next one and jump over it, all the way down the line.
  • Encourage your children to try jumping over the obstacles. Cheer for them and have fun!
  • For more advanced children, get creative by making other obstacles. Consider using rolled-up blankets or pillows.

Brain Boosting

Jumping Containers

Supplies:

  • A matching set of 2-10 small sturdy cups. Plastic recyclable applesauce cups work well, or paper or plastic drinking cups.
  • Rubber bands
  • Optional: tape and scissors

Jumping Containers Preschool Activity - S J Little

Prep:

  • Wrap two rubber bands around one cup making an “x” over the top opening.
  • Turn that cup upside down. Turn another cup upside down as well.
  • Press the cup with rubber bands on top of the cup without. Let go. It should jump away.

Time to Play:

  • Show your child how to make the cup jump.
  • Invite your children to try making the cups jump by themselves.
  • Have fun and be excited.

Let’s Sing

Walking Walking


Let’s Read

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
By: Eileen Christelow

Let’s Sing

Christian Song

Peter, James, and John in a Sailboat

This song retells the story in Luke 5:1–11
(A similar event but a different time from John 21)

Let’s Read

Bible Story

Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish
John 21:1-14

Beginner’s Bible Chapter:
A Net Full of Fish
Page 462

One to Ten – 2.9 – Add A Little

Posted on by S. J. Little

 

Add A Little – 2 Year Old Curriculum – Unit 9

One to Ten

Developmental Focus: Counting and Number Recognition

Want to learn more? Check out the Add A Little 2Y Parent / Teacher Guide

Disclaimer: All activities require adult supervision and discretion. Read more…

*Note to Parents/Teachers: Keep in mind that number recognition is advanced for 2 year olds. This unit is designed to introduce your 2 year old to counting and numbers, but they are not expected to master these skills yet.

Muscle Moving

Number Match

Supplies:

  • Sticky notes (alternatively use small pieces of paper and tape)
  • Marker

Prep:

  • Write numbers 1-10 on the sticky notes, one number per sticky note. Repeat this process so that you end up with 2 sticky notes per number. 1,1,2,2 and so on.
  • Stick one of each number on a wall in order to create a number line.
  • Stick the other of each number around the room in easy to find locations.

Time to Play:

  • Show your child the number line on the wall. Explain that the matching numbers are hiding somewhere in the room.
  • Encourage your child to go find a number and bring it back to the number line.
  • Help them match the number to its pair on the wall.
  • Be enthusiastic.

Brain Boosting

Have a Snack

Supplies:

  • A snack with several pieces – consider using small crackers, breakfast cereal, or raisins, etc.

Time to Play:

  • Invite your child to join you for snack.
  • Tell them you are going to give them 10 pieces of food.
  • Count aloud as you place 10 pieces of the snack in a line in front of your child.
  • Encourage them to try counting the pieces.
  • Invite them to eat one, then count together to find out how many pieces are left.
  • Continue counting and discussing numbers and concepts such as “more” and “less” as your child eats the rest of the pieces.
  • For children who already have a strong concept of counting, consider saying, “How about I give you 4 pieces?” When the child agrees, give them 5 pieces or 3 pieces (not 4). Then say, “Wait a minute. Is that 4 pieces?” Encourage your child to count the pieces and tell you if they need more or less.

Let’s Sing

Ten Little Butterflies

Let’s Read

10 Little Excavators
Author: Annie Bailey
Illustrator: Jeff Harter

Let’s Sing

Christian Song

Ten Lepers Healed by Christ

Let’s Read

Bible Story

Ten Lepers Healed
Luke 17:11-19

Beginner’s Bible Chapter:
Ten Lepers
Page 405

Bonus!

Since this unit recommends an excavator book, here’s a free excavator colouring sheet to download and print.

Download Free Excavator Colouring Sheet – S J Little

 

Also, if you enjoy Christian kids’ music, check out Amy Essen’s catchy counting song: 123 Fishin’ in the Sea

Reach – 2.8 – Add A Little

Posted on by S. J. Little

 

Add A Little – 2 Year Old Curriculum – Unit 8

Reach

Developmental Focus: Strengthening shoulder and arm stabilizer muscles

Want to learn more? Check out the Add A Little 2Y Parent / Teacher Guide

Disclaimer: All activities require adult supervision and discretion. Read more…

*Note to Parents/Teachers: While there is much talk about fine motor development and how critical these hand muscles are for writing, let’s not forget that strong shoulder and arm stabilizer muscles are also required for proper penmanship. This unit focuses particularly on strengthening the muscles needed for writing. (Read more here: https://www.theplaygroundcompany.co.uk/post/how-upper-body-strength-improves-children-s-handwriting-skills)

Muscle Moving

Reach to Draw

Supplies:

  • Paper – a roll of paper or large white sheet of paper is preferred, but standard paper can work fine.
  • Washable markers
  • Easily removeable tape

Prep:

  • Choose a window within reach of your child. (Alternatively use an easy-to-wipe-clean surface such as a mirror.)
  • Tape a large piece of paper to the window so that the top of it is just above the reach of your child.

Time to Play:

  •  Show your child the paper and explain that they can draw on the paper, but not on the window (though it will likely be drawn on a little).
  • Hand your child the washable markers and have fun drawing together on the paper.

Brain Boosting

Clothespin Pinch

Supplies:

  • Clothespins (can be basic wooden clothespins or plastic ones so long as they are not too stiff for your child to pinch)
  • Things to attach the clothespins to. Consider:
    • Large mega blocks
    • Small cardboard boxes
    • Plastic baskets with minimal lip
    • Yogurt containers with minimal lip
  • Optional: Wide ribbon (see Extend the Play)
  • Op

Prep:

  • Test ahead of time to ensure the clothespins can easily attach to the items you are using.
  • Optional: Set up a clothesline (see Extend the Play).

Time to Play:

  • Show your child how to pinch a clothespin to open it and then attach it to an item.
  • Have fun attaching and removing the clothespins.

Extend the Play:

  • Pause to count how many clothespins you can attach to one item.
  • If you have various colours of clothespins, consider making a pattern with them.
  • For children who have mastered how to use clothespins, increase the muscle strengthening by using two feet of wide ribbon to create a clothesline to attach the clothespins to. Position this clothesline just above shoulder height. Consider adding clean socks or small clothes to increase the fun.

Let’s Sing

Flamingo Song


For lyrics and actions, visit:
https://sjlittle.ca/preschool/flamingo-song/

Let’s Read

From Head to Toe
Eric Carle

Let’s Sing

Christian Song

My God Is So Big

For lyrics and actions, visit: https://sjlittle.ca/preschool/7-simple-christian-songs-for-preschoolers/

Let’s Read

Bible Story

 Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman
Mark 5:21-43

Beginner’s Bible Chapter:
Two Miracles
Page 340

Easter – 2.E – Add A Little

Posted on by S. J. Little

 

Add A Little – 2 Year Old Curriculum – Unit E

Easter

Developmental Focus: Hand-Eye Coordination

Want to learn more? Check out the Add A Little 2Y Parent / Teacher Guide

Disclaimer: All activities require adult supervision and discretion. Read more…

Muscle Moving

Easter Egg Ramp Slide

Supplies:

  • Large cardboard box or other way to make a ramp
  • Plastic Easter Eggs (or other things that roll)
  • Optional: Basket or other open-top container

Prep:

  • Find a stable way to make a ramp using the box.

Time to Play:

  • Invite your child(ren) to join you rolling the eggs down the ramp.
  • Try mixing it up to see what happens. Does the egg roll faster if it has something heavy inside it? Does it roll as fast as a toy car?
  • For a bigger challenge, try catching the rolling eggs in the basket before they reach the floor. This works best if your ramp has a drop at the end high enough to hold the basket under.

Brain Boosting

Easter Egg Painting

Supplies:

  • Plastic Easter Eggs that spilt into two halves. (Alternatively use empty paper tower rolls or toilet paper rolls.)
  • 2-3 Colours of washable paint – think Easter colours: yellow, pink, light blue, light green. (Alternatively use washable ink pads.)
  • 1 Wide shallow container per colour. (Wide enough to easily dip the egg in – paper plates could work.)
  • Paper
  • Optional: Paint shirt

Prep:

  • Prepare a table to paint on. If needed, cover it with a tablecloth, garbage bag, or newspaper.
  • Pour a thin layer of paint into each container.
  • Place one egg half or roll in each container of paint.

Time to Play:

  • Set a piece of paper in front of each child. Show them how dip the Easter egg half into the paint and then touch it on your paper creating a circle of paint.
  • Encourage them to make many circles on their paper.

Let’s Sing

Here Is A Bunny

This fun bunny song does not mention Easter making it flexible for use in various settings as a spring or Easter song.

Let’s Read

Find Spot At Easter
By: Eric Hill

A fun lift-the-flap book with plenty of spring animals, a few Easter eggs, and no Easter Bunny or religious content.

Let’s Sing

Christian Song

He Rose Again and Lives Today
Words by S. J. Little

Read the lyrics here.

Let’s Read

Bible Story

Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
John 18-20

Beginner’s Bible Chapters:
Jesus Is Arrested and Crucified
Jesus Is Risen!
Page 446