Distinguishing Between Number, Letter, and Word

This is a literacy activity we did to see if the students could distinguish a number from a letter and a letter from a word. Surprisingly, both classes did really well with it. I mostly had the older children participate. This is super easy to prepare and great for practice with beginning reading skills. 

Bear Story Time

The librarian came to our school for story time and focused on bears. 

She used the bear and the bee puppet for this rhyme:

Here is a Bear

Here is a bear, the bear is fuzzy; Here is a bee, the bee is buzzy.

The bee makes honey in a hollow tree.

The bear likes to eat honey you see.

Here comes the bear, Oops! There he goes.

The little bee stung the bear right on his nose.

She's reading Where's My Teddy? by Jez Alborough

This book was really cute and wonderful for predicting.

She also used laminated bear stick puppets for each child to sing the song, The Bear Went over the Mountain:

Oh, the bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain.

The bear went over the mountain, to see what he could see.

And what do you think he saw? And what do you think he saw?

The other side of the mountain, the other side of the mountain.

The other side of the mountain, was all that he could see.

So, he went back over the mountain, he went back over the mountain,

He went back over the mountain, so very happily.

She also used some props to go on a bear hunt:

Going on a bear hunt, leaving right away,

Gonna find a bear if it takes all day.

1. Did we bring the map? Yes, we brought the map.

2. Did we bring the flashlight? Yes, we brought the flashlight.

3. Did we bring our lunch? Yes, we brought our lunch.

4. Did we bring the honey? Yes, we brought the honey.

5. Did we bring the camera? Yes, we brought the camera.

Ready for a bear hunt! Now, let's go!

And, we also sang the song, If you're happy and you know it doing these actions:

Clap your claws...

Stomp your paws...

Give a growl...

Do all three!

And one last rhyme:

Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around. Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground.

Teddy bear, teddy bear, show your shoe. Teddy bear, teddy bear, that will do.

Teddy bear, teddy bear, climb the stairs. Teddy bear, teddy bear, say your prayers.

Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn out the light. Teddy bear, teddy bear, say goodnight.

Below are some of the books that she read and/or recommended about bears. 

Farm Study

These photos are from my co-workers classroom. They have been working on a farm study the last couple of weeks and she has a TON of great ideas. I will probably be using some of these ideas soon myself. Thank you to Crystal for allowing me to use your photos!

Making Owl Pillows

Here are some owl pillows that I am also selling. They are very easy if you follow the tutorial below. 

Here are the 2 pillows I have made so far. I am also going to attempt making my own pattern for other animals. I have one in the works for a frog next. I am selling these for $18 plus shipping (about $7).

Jewelry Making

I know I have been slacking on my blog recently, but I am trying to catch up a little bit. This is part of the reason. I have been busy trying to make jewelry to sell. Here are some of my creations. You can get all the materials and tools you need from Walmart or most craft stores such as JoAnn's and Michael's. I mostly used glass beads and wire. Enjoy! Leave a comment if you have any questions.

Valentine's Heart Animals

Here is what we did for our friendship day activity when the parents were invited volunteer in the classroom. They made all different animals out if hears and some other various shapes.

Other stations that we had set up for the kids to do included decorating a paper bag for their cards, and lacing beads on string to make a friendship bracelet. It was really fun and the children always enjoy when their parents come in to volunteer.