Tag: Physical Activity

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

My Name – 2.7 – Add A Little

Posted on by S. J. Little

 

Add A Little – 2 Year Old Curriculum – Unit 7

My Name

Developmental Focus: Letter 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…

Muscle Moving

Letter Hop

Supplies:

  • 1 sheet of paper for each letter in your child’s name
  • A marker
  • Optional: Tape

Prep:

  • In large letters, write one letter of your child’s name on each sheet of paper.
  • Alternatively, for a large class:
    • Consider doing only the first letter of each child’s name.
    • Or choose 5 letters, such as “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “E”. Write “A” on 4 sheets of paper so that when you call “A” every child has room to be touching one of the sheets that says “A”.
  • Place the papers on the floor spaced wide enough to jump from one to the next like stepping stones. 
  • Optional: Test how slippery the paper is on your floor. If needed, consider tapping each paper to the floor.

Time to Play:

  • Show your child how to jump from one paper to the next stating the name of the letter as you jump to it.
  • Encourage your child to try.
  • After jumping on the letters in order for a while, change it up by asking simple questions. “Can you find the ‘S’?” “Now where is the ‘J’?”
  • For advanced children, add another layer to the challenge by adding an action or other instruction.
  • For example, “Can you stomp to the ‘L’?” “Now put your thumb on the ‘T’.”

Brain Boosting

Masking Tape Name Craft

Supplies:

  • Thicker paper (ideally cardstock or cardboard)
  • Paints (watercolor or washable paint works, alternatively, this activity can be done with markers or crayons)
  • Masking tape
  • Note: Some types of paper and/or tape work better for this activity than others. If doing the activity with several children, consider doing a test picture of your own to see how well your supplies work.

Prep:

  • Using the tape, write your child’s name on the paper. Consider using all caps because capital letters will be easier to create with tape. (See example below.)

Time to Play:

  • Show your child the paper with their name in tape. Point out each letter, naming it as you go.
    Give them the paints and encourage them to paint on the whole paper, including on top of the tape.
  • Tip: The more your child paints where the tape meets the paper, the better the end result will be. If needed, you can paint some yourself to help.
  • Allow the painting to dry.
  • Once the painting is dry, carefully pull the tape off the paper. Your child’s name should show clearly.
  •  

The example below is made using crayon instead of paint. Note how much contrast to white is needed along the edges of the letters.

     

Let’s Sing

ABC Song(s)

This video begins with the classic ABC Song. If you don’t already sing this song, it is a good place to start. If you’ve got that version mastered, continue listening to learn four other ways to sing the ABCs.

Link mentioned in the video: http://melissa.depperfamily.net/blog/early-literacy-storytime-singing-abcs/ 

Let’s Read

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Authors: Bill Martin, Jr. & John Archambault
Illustrator: Lois Ehlert

Let’s Sing

Christian Song

The B-I-B-L-E

Find the words and actions here.

Let’s Read

Bible Story

Do Not Worry
Matthew 6:25-34

Beginner’s Bible Chapter:
Jesus Teaches on a Mountain
Page 318

Bonus Suggestion: Interested in a fun new ABC song to listen to? Check out Noah’s ABCs by Amy Essen.

What’s That Shape? – 2.6 – Add A Little

Posted on by S. J. Little

 

Add A Little – 2 Year Old Curriculum – Unit 6

What’s That Shape?

Developmental Focus: Shape / Size 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…

Muscle Moving

Puzzle Run

Supplies:

  • A shape sorter set or a puzzle your child can confidently put together
  • A sensory bin – could be a cardboard box filled with shredded paper or tissue paper, a plastic container with a couple of inches of water (if your shape sorter can handle getting wet), or a container of pompoms

Prep:

  • Place all the shapes or puzzle pieces in the sensory bin.
  • Place the sensory bin at child-accessible height on one side of the room, place the shape sorter or puzzle backing on the other side.

Time to Play:

  • Show your child how to find one piece in the sensory bin, then run across the room to insert it in the shape sorter or puzzle.
  • Encourage your child to try.
  • Cheer your child on and join your child in running back and forth.

Brain Boosting

Build Your Own Shapes

Supplies:

  • Playdough

Time to Play:

  • Sit at the table with your child. Give some playdough to your child and keep some for yourself to use.
  • Engage with your child and talk about what each of you is doing.
  • Mention that you would like to make some shapes, then talk aloud as you work. For example, “I am going to make a shape with four sides. I want all the sides to be the same length. There! What shape did I make?”
  • Depending on what your child already knows, adjust what you are making so they can confidently answer some of your questions, but also include new shapes or concepts.
    • Basic shapes:
      • Circle
      • Square
      • Triangle
      • Rectangle
      • Heart
      • Star
      • Oval
    • Advanced shapes:
      • Pentagon
      • Trapezoid
      • Hexagon
      • Octagon
      • Cone
      • Cube
      • Pyramid
    • Basic Concepts
      • Same / Different
      • Bigger / Smaller
      • Colours
    • Advanced Concepts
      • Counting 1-10
      • Big / Medium / Small
      • On / Under / Beside

Let’s Sing

The Shapes Song

Let’s Read

Shapes Book
Alexandra Claire

Let’s Sing

Christian Song

Zacchaeus

Find the words and actions here.

 

Let’s Read

Bible Story

Zacchaeus
Luke 19:1-10

Beginner’s Bible Chapter:
A Short Man
Page 413

Christmas – 2.C – Add A Little

Posted on by S. J. Little

 

Add A Little – 2 Year Old Curriculum – Unit C

Christmas

Developmental Focus: Imaginative Fun

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

Snowman Bowling

Supplies:

  • 3-6 empty plastic pop bottles or water bottles
  • White paper
  • Tape
  • Markers – black and orange
  • Scissors
  • A medium or large ball

Prep:

  • Rinse the bottles and allow to dry.
  • Cut the paper into strips about 3 inches wide (1 strip per bottle).
  • On each strip of paper, draw a snowman face and tape it onto a bottle. This transforms the bottles into snowman.
  • If desired, place a line of tape on the floor for the children to stand behind when bowling, and place a piece of tape where each bottle should stand.

Time to Play:

  • Set up the bottles at one end of the room or hallway. Help your child stand a few steps back from the bottles.
  • Give your child the ball and encourage them to roll it at the bottles. The goal is to knock the bottles over.
  • Continue rolling the ball at the bottles until they all fall over.
  • Set the bottles back up to play again.

Additional Tips:

  • If the bottles tip over too easily, consider adding a small amount of water into each bottle. Securely close the lid and try playing again.
  • To make the game even more Christmas-y, consider decorating the bottles as Christmas trees rather than snowmen.
  • If you have more than one child playing, consider using two balls and/or setting up two separate groups of bottles to roll the balls at.

Brain Boosting

Package For You

Supplies:

  • One small bag, box, or blanket (to hide a toy in)
  • Various small toys

Time to Play:

  • Select one small toy. Hide it in the bag.
  • Approach your child and declare, “Package for you!”
  • Hand the bag to your child.
  • Encourage your child to guess what might be inside the package as they open it.
  • Be excited about what it is.
  • Put another toy in the bag to deliver, or encourage your child to wrap a toy to deliver to someone.

Extend the Play:

Get creative and have fun while you play together, consider:

  • Pretending to read the shipping address. For example: “This package is for Peter.”
  • If you have a playhouse, go to the door and ring the doorbell to deliver the package.

Let’s Sing

Shine Shine Christmas Lights

Find the words and actions here.

 

Let’s Read

Biscuit Gives a Gift
Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Pat Schories

A Christmas book that does not discuss Santa or the Nativity.

Let’s Sing

Christian Song

Jesus Came At Christmas Time

Find the words and actions here.

Let’s Read

Bible Story

Jesus’ Birth
Luke 2:1-21, Matthew 2:1-12

Beginner’s Bible Chapters:
An Angel Visits Mary
Baby Jesus Is Born
Shepherds Visit
The Bright Star and Three Visitors
Page 266-281, 286-290