Monday, February 14, 2022

ONE OF THOSE DAYS!

It's a LOVELY day today, and your children might all be on a sugar high.  However, here are a few of my "quickies" to try when things get a little crazy today or any day.

Shake Down
Children stand and shake their right hand 5 times as they count. Then shake the left hand 5 times. Shake the right foot 5 times. Shake the left foot 5 times. Next, shake body parts 4 times, then 3 times, then 2 times, then 1 time. Oh, yeah!
*Do this several times using a softer voice each time until you are doing the silent version.



Use Your Imagination 
Ask the children to close their eyes as you read a story. Challenge them to make “pictures in their brains.” Give them a sheet of paper to illustrate the story.

Whisper Day
Make a “whisper only” sign for your door. Explain that you will only use a whisper voice all day long. Talk, read, sing, and do all activities with a soft voice.


Scribble Designs 
Have children take a black crayon, close their eyes, and scribble on a sheet of paper. Open their eyes. Can they fill in the whole page with different colors and designs in each space?


Silent Show and Tell
Have children close their eyes as friends take turns telling a joke or talking about things they love.


Make Rain
Hold up your palm as you say, “Let’s make rain. Do what I do.”
Tap pointer finger on palm for several seconds.
Tap pointer finger and middle finger.
Tap pointer, middle, and ring finger.
Tap pointer, middle, ring, and pinky on palm.
Clap hands together loudly.
Clap hands and stomp feet and then reverse the movements.
Clap hands.
Tap pointer, middle, ring, and pinky on palm.
Tap pointer, middle, and ring finger.
Tap pointer and middle finger.
Tap pointer finger on palm.
Slowly bring palms together and put in your lap.

*This will really sound like a rainstorm is coming and going. Children will want to do it again and again. Woe be unto the child who does not cooperate with the group!


My Teacher Says 
Play the game of “Simon Says” using the teacher’s name.  During the game there is no talking.  If you don’t follow directions or if you make a sound you are out.