Free Valentine's Day Bag Topper

I have added a Valentine's Day Bag Topper to the free downloads at 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum. Click on link to access file.

Valentine's Day Bag Topper 

Thanks!

Jean

1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum

Valentine Magnet Sheets Added

I have added Valentine themed magnet sheets to the 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum web site - under Valentine's link. More to be added.

Thank you!

Jean

1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum

Dental Health Magnet Sheets

I have added Dental Health Magnet sheets to the 1 - 2 - 3 learn Curriculum web site. Under the Dental Health link. More to be added. Thank you!

Jean

Free Valentine's Alphabet File Folder Game. :)

I have added a free Valentine's Alphabet file folder game to the 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum web site. You can click on the link below to access this file:

Valentine's Alphabet File Folder Game

To access all free downloads, please visit:

1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum

Membership is only $25.00 for a year.

Thank you!

Jean

1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum

Dental Health Dry Eraser Sheets Added.

I have added a few Dental Health Dry Eraser sheets to the 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum web site. Under the Dental Health link. :)

More to be added.

Thank you!

Jean

Alphabet Cards

I have added so far Alphabet Cards a - g to the 1 - 2 - 3 learn Curriculum web site. As I add more alphabet cards, I will replace the file.
Includes is also the upper and lower case of each letter. This picture doesn't show that. :)
More to be added! Thank you...... Jean

Dental Health Lesson Plan

I have added a Dental Health Lesson plan to 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum - under the Dental Health link.

More to be added.

Thank you!

Jean

Mitten Play Time

A fun and easy activity for your winter theme... Cut out mitten shapes from scrapbook paper and card stock. Make 1 set of mittens per each color or pattern. Laminate the mittens if you would like to use them over and over again. Mitten pattern shown was cut out using an Ellison mitten die cut.

Activity # 1

Mitten Match

Take your laminated mittens (I used 14 sets of mittens) and lay them out - face up on the table. Let each of the children take turns matching the mittens.

Activity # 2

Mitten Memory Game

Using your laminated mittens, use only the mittens that have patterns. Not card stock mittens. You will turn over the mittens so children don't see the patterns. Each child will take a turn. Have them flip over one mitten and then try to find the matching mitten. If they don't find a match, remind them to remember what pattern they saw, so when it's their turn again, maybe they will find a match.

Have children keep playing until all mittens are matched up.

Additional ideas:

  

• Laminate several mitten patterns, using a paper punch, punch holes around the mitten, attach a piece of lacing string, and use mittens as lacing cards. 
• Cut out different sizes of mittens. Use 4  or more sizes. Have children place in order from smallest to biggest, biggest to smallest, matching colors, or patterns.
• Cut out mitten patterns in colored card stock. Number the mittens 1 - 10. Have children put the mittens in numeral order. Place a correct number of items on each mitten using cotton balls, buttons, or other objects. Just keep in mind the age of the children.  

Alphabet Dry Eraser Sheets

I have added letters A - F dry eraser sheets to 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum web site - under the Alphabet link. I will be adding more letters and finishing up this file within the next several days.

Thank you!

Jean

To purchase dry eraser sheets from Amazon, please click on link below. Thank you.

Dry Eraser Sheets 

Arctic Animals Alphabet Sorting Strips

I have added Arctic Animals Alphabet Sorting Strips to 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum. Under Arctic Animals - Literacy Ideas.... :)

More to be added.

Thank you!

Jean

Arctic Animals Magnet Sheets

I have added Arctic Animal Magnet sheets to the 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum web site. More to be added. Thank you. :)

Jean

Children's Portfolios / Testing Sheets

On 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum, I have included some different forms for your child care. These include Progress Reports and more. I am making these forms available as free downloads for you to use in your own preschool program.

This is a quick explanation of the forms and links to downloads them. I hope you find these forms useful.

The first file explains how to use the information included on this file. They include:

• Easing the Transition from Preschool to Kindergarten
• Ready for Kindergarten
• Observation Cover Sheets
• Conference Form
• Progress Report Forms
• Testing Sheets (Colors, Letters, Numbers and Shapes)

and the following sheets - not used for portfolios but included in this file. 

• Parent Survey Sheets
• Accident Log

Below is a picture of one of the testing forms for colors and shapes. 

(To download file - click on picture. File will open up in a new window).

In the box in the upper right hand corner, are 3 different dates to use during testing. (I personally do testing every 6 months). Each time I test a child, I use a different color marker. I write the date of the testing, and the color of the marker (or pen) I am using. As I go through each section, I mark a line with the marker if the child knows the letter, color, number or shape. 

Next time I test, I will have a visual of what they knew the last testing time, and what progress they have made since their last test. 

All testing forms, some pictures of the children and samples of their cutting, writing and coloring are stored in a 3 - ring binder. (Pictured below).

Children's items are placed in top loading page protectors. (Name is covered).

This particular child was tested in July - 2011 at the age of 2. I used a red pen during his testing. When he is tested in January - 2012, I will use a blue pen.

Included in the download is a Words That Start With the Letter: When I feel the children are ready, when asked if they know a letter, they will also be asked if they can give me a word that starts with that letter. The word they give me will be written on this page. 

(During circle time, we have letter of the week and we listen to the beginning sound and come up with words that begin with that letter).

On the next page, this is where I keep track of what I have in their portfolio. This includes scissor skills, name writing, coloring samples, and more.

(To download file - click on picture. File will open up in a new window).

Below is a sample of some of the items included. This is shown to parents at the child's conference. This lets the parents know how the children are doing.

In my next entry I will explain how I save observations for children and add to their file above. 

Jean

1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum

Arctic Animals - Week 2 Added

I have added Arctic Animals - Week 2 Pre-Planned lesson plan for infants - Toddlers and Preschoolers to the 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum web site. This will give members 2 full weeks of planned activities.

More to be added.

Thank you!

Jean

1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum

Winter Magnet Sheets

I have added winter magnet sheets to the 1 - 2 - 3 learn Curriculum web site under the winter theme.

A fun magnet activity to use during your winter theme.

To use a magnet page:

• Purchase cookie sheets and OfficeShip Power magnets
• Print up sheets on white card stock.
• Laminate.
• Have children place a sheet on a cookie sheet.
• Have children complete the picture by putting a magnet in each circle. (You can also use pompoms)
• You can make this a different learning activity by having children use one color for each picture, or count the number of magnets they used on each picture.

This activity is designed to promote one to one correspondence, small motor skills, math and color.

More to be added
Thank you!
Jean
1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum

Arctic Animals - Lesson Plan Week 1 added

I have added week 1 for Penguins and Arctic Animals... Please be patience as the file loads because it's over 150 pages... I always test files before I post that it has been added, and it works great, just a big file.

Also if you click on thumbnail images to the left, you will get a visual list of what is all on the file, and you can skip on click on the file you want. :)

I'm going to start some Arctic Animal Magnet Sheets now, and if I get them done today, I'll post that. I figure I'm good for a couple more hours, so here's hoping. :)

Thank you

Jean

Christmas and Fun Objects Clothes Pin Word Cards

I have added Christmas and Fun Objects Clothes Pin Word Cards to the 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum web site.

• Christmas cards located on the Christmas - All Month Long link. - 20 cards
• Fun Object Cards located on the Assorted Sheets link - 48 cards

More to be added.

Thank you!

Jean

1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum

Christmas Dice Game

I have added a Christmas Dice game on the 1 - 2 - 3 learn Curriculum web site. Under the link - Christmas - All Month Long. For 2 - 6 players.

More to be added.

Thank you.

Jean

1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum

Christmas Bulletin Board Idea

Turning the children into Santa's Little Helpers was a quick and cute idea. Each picture was printed on 4" x 6" photo paper. Trimmed and attached to the antler template located at 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum. You can also cut out antlers and attach to the back of each child's head.

Add a red pom pom for a nose, a brown collar with bells and you have a cute Rudolph that the parents will cherish. Do I see a clown in the future???? With that red nose, I'm thinking... YES!

Sensory Table Ideas

Sensory table activities can be so messy but they provide such wonderful learning opportunities for children that a little mess is well worth the mess.

Preschools and In-Home child cares will typically offer some type of a sensory table, and activities. Sensory table activities can help children develop fine motor skills, increase math and science skills, and children will be learning while they are playing with the items you have included in your sensory table.

A sensory table can consist of a plastic container that sits on your table or floor to a sensory table purchased through a school supply store. If you are limited on space, a plastic container purchased from Target or Wal-Mart will work perfect.

Below are a few pictures of storage containers used as a sensory table. You don't need to purchase a sensory table. Children get the same benefit.

Following picture is of a under the bed storage container that is used as a sensory table. It is placed on top of a table.

 

Creepy Crawler Sensory Table Idea

Contains: Green crinkled paper, tweezers, plastic insects, magnify glasses.

Have children use the tweezers and dig through the "grass" and find insects. Use the magnify glass to look at the insects closely. Additional idea: Put insects in 2 piles. Those with wings that can fly and those insects that crawl.

When using a sensory table - the items to place in there are only limited by your imagination. Select items that will provide a good mix of sensory stimulation. Keep the interests of the children in mind when placing items in the sensory table.

Dry Goods:

When using dry goods, place measuring cups, spoons, plastic cups, funnels and other items that will have the children pouring, measuring, sorting, weighing, stirring and scooping. You can use any dry ingredient that is safe for children to play with. Such items can include:

• oatmeal
•   colored rice or noodles, (different shapes
• popcorn (popped or kernels) 
•   sand
• corn meal
• bird seed
•  flour
•  sugar
• coffee
• dried beans
• potting soil
• aquarium rocks
• pom poms
• cotton balls
• packing peanuts
• etc.

Textured Items:

Using items with texture give children the opportunity to compare the way items feel. Place different types of sand paper, and have them compare textures. Which ones feel soft - which ones feel rough. Other items can be:

•  carpet pieces
• carpet padding
•  wallpaper
• tissue paper
•  bows
• ribbon
• bubble wrap
• feathers
• cotton balls
• rocks
• buttons - different sizes and colors
• wrapping paper
• crinkled paper
• sponge pieces
• etc.

Wet and Wild

Turn your sensory table into something wet and wild. Add water, and some toys for a quick fun learning opportunity. Include items for children to use to pour, fill, and explore. Adding food coloring can change their learning opportunities. Take 2 different colors of food coloring and mix red and blue and see what color you get. Other items you can use for a wet and wild time are:

   

• paint brushes 
• animals
•  jello
• shaving cream
• cooked spaghetti with oil
• ice cubes (add food colors)
• eye droppers
• rotary egg beater with soapy water 
• rubber works
• fishing bobbers
• small empty squeezable bottles
• whip cream
• mud 
• clay
• goop
• measuring cups
• corks
• basters
• bowls
• funnels
• small empty squeezable bottles
• tongs 
• snow
• tweezers

    Talk to the children about different activities they are doing. Learning opportunities are just a splash away.

Talk to the children about different activities they are doing. Learning opportunities are just a splash away.

Keep in mind when planning your sensory table activities, the time of the year. You can do so many fun activities using the seasons as your template. For fall include leaves from outside, sticks, acorns, and other fall items. Winter - include snow if it snows where you live. Include small shovels, ice cubes, cars, and other items. If it doesn't snow where you live, use cotton balls, boxed potato flakes. Let the children wear mittens as they explore this sensory table. Spring might include Easter grass from Easter baskets, plastic eggs, small plastic Easter animals and summer include sand, shovels, sand toys and sand molds.

Think of holidays. The following 2 pictures show different sensory tables using a Christmas theme.

Here is the beginning of a December sensory tub, This provider plans on adding bells, tinsel, and some small Christmas bulbs. Fake snow was used for the filler.

 (Picture Courtesy of Terri's Countrykids)

This is Christmas Sensory Tub. A small fiber optical Christmas tree and some ornaments for the kids to decorate, when they're done they can redecorate it...as many times as they want from now until Christmas. 

 (Picture Courtesy of Little Learners Home Preschool)

 

A October sensory tub. Can also be used for creepy crawlers. Find the spiders. Using tweezers the children are using their small motor skills.

 (Picture Courtesy of Teddybearlane Home childcare)

 

A cutting sensory tub. paper scraps and scissors give children the opportunity to practice their scissor skills.

 (Picture Courtesy of Teddybearlane Home childcare)

Know as children are playing in the sensory table you have put together, they are learning. 

Cognitive Development

As children learn how much of a substance will fit into a container, they are developing math skills. They are figuring what size container will hold what they want to pour. Counting. How many scoops will fill the container. Matching, classifying and sorting.

As children manipulate the materials, they will learn to understand concepts such as full/empty, more/less, and sink/float.

Science - cause and effects. Problem solving. 

Language Development

Finding fun activities they wish to share and talk about. Pre-writing skills as they pour, grasp, scoop and work on eye-hand coordination as they use the materials placed in the sensory table.

Social and Emotional Development

Sensory experiences provide children with the opportunities to feel good about their decision making. They take pride in their predictions, make observations, and respond to their findings.

Physical Development

Children are using small motor skills as they are whisking, pouring, measuring and manipulating the items located in the sensory table. They are learning how to control their bodies. 

Creative Development

Sensory experiences provides open-ended opportunities to create. Children can use the materials how they want, and that is more important than what they create. 

Who would have thought there would be so much to learn and would be so beneficial to each child as they are pouring, measuring and playing in the sensory table that you have provided to the children in your care.

Just a reminder, as you put your sensory table ideas together, keep the age of the children using the table in mind. Use nothing that will be easily swallowed and keep in mind allergies.

Have fun.... remember whatever you do, the children will enjoy and will become a wonderful learning opportunity.

Thank you
Jean

1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum

Thanksgiving Handprint Sheet

I put the template for this turkey handprint sheet on the 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum web site. Under Thanksgiving.

More to be added.

Thank you

Jean

Christmas Dauber Sheets

I have added Christmas Dauber Sheets to the 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum web site - under Christmas... :)
More to be added!

Thank you.

Jean

Christmas Magnet Counting Sheets

I have added Christmas Magnet Counting Sheets to the 1 - 2 - 3 learn Curriculum web site - under the Christmas link... :)

More to be added.

Thank you.

Jean

Dinosaur Dauber Sheets

I have available on Teachers Pay Teachers free dinosaur paint dauber sheets. What a fun painting activity to add to your dinosaur theme.  

Print up on white card stock to make page more durable, and let children paint with daubers.

Paint daubers are available at Amazon.com. If you are interested in purchasing on line, you can click on the link below.

Paint Daubers at Amazon

Click on the link below to access the page to down load the dinosaur dauber sheets.

Dinosaur Dauber Sheets

Thank you... :)
Jean

Turkey Clothes Pin Game

I have added a Turkey Clothes Pin Game..... Under Thanksgiving link. Includes 12 different turkeys and spinner card. :)
Great for small motor, one on one and colors.

More to be Added. Thanks Jean

Christmas Magnet Sheets

Christmas magnet sheets have been added to the 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum web sites under Christmas - All Month Long. 

The Christmas magnets are free until the day after Thanksgiving as a thank you to all my subscribers and facebook  friends. Please visit the link below....
Free Christmas Magnet Sheets

Magnet sheets are a fun activity that the children in my preschool enjoy. 

To use a magnet page:
• Purchase cookie sheets and OfficeShip Power magnets
• Print up sheets on white card stock.
• Laminate.
• Have children place a sheet on a cookie sheet.
• Have children complete the picture by putting a magnet in each circle. (You can also use pompoms)
• You can make this a different learning activity by having children use one color for each picture, or count the number of magnets they used on each picture.

This activity is designed to promote one to one correspondence.


Enjoy!
Jean
1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum