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Sunday, January 25, 2015

SWEET MEMORIES

Some of my “sweetest” memories of being in the classroom are of Valentine’s Day. To see the delight in the children’s eyes when they opened up those little paper envelopes! You can integrate many reading, writing, and math skills as you get ready for the big day.




Conversation Hearts


Conversation hearts are good to sort, count, read, and eat! Estimate how many will be in a bag, then count. Graph the ones that are the same. Make a game by cutting paper hearts out of construction paper. Write like phrases found on candy hearts (such as “Kiss Me, “Cool One,” “WOW!” “Cutie Pie”) on two of the hearts. Children can visually match up the ones that go together, or they can play a concentration game with them.              


Use Valentine stickers or paper conversation hearts to make a memory game.



Love Is… 


Do a language experience chart where each child completes the sentence, “Love is…” You could also make a class book where each child completes the sentence “Love is…” and draws things that she loves.


Predictable Books


Have children make blank books using one of these titles: Love is… I love… Happiness is… A friend is… My favorite things to love… Things I love from A to Z.


Geometric Puzzles


Cut a 4” circle and a 4” square out of red paper for each child. Name the shapes. Encourage the children to describe the shapes. Have the children fold their circles in half and cut down the crease to make two semi-circles. Challenge them to create a valentine out of their shapes.

                 


King Kong (I almost forgot about my favorite finger play for this time of year!)

         (Say “King Kong” in a loud voice & “teeny tiny monkey” in a squeaky voice.)
         KING KONG (Flex arms.)
         Was just a teeny tiny monkey (Hold up pinky.)
         Compared to my love for you. (Cross arms over chest and then extend.)
         KING KONG (Flex arms.)
         Was just a teeny tiny monkey (Hold up pinky.)
         Compared to my love for you. (Cross arms over chest and then extend.)
         I love you day (Make circle with arms.)
         And night. (Lay head on hands.)
         My love is out of sight. (Hands in air.)
         KING KONG (Flex arms.)
         Was just a teeny
         Tiny monkey (Hold up pinky.)
         Compared to my love for you! (Softly say this line as you point to children.)