ON THE WAY TO THE BARN

Do you know what it means when someone says, “We’re on the way to the barn?” That means you’re almost there…almost home…almost finished with the school year. This is also the time of the year when kids get spring fever and a little restless. 

Hint! You will notice that I use hand movements in all of these. I've learned that if I can get children to do something with their hands I have a better chance of engaging them.

Tootsie Roll
Tootsie roll, (Roll hands around each other.)
Lollipop. (Pretend to lick a lollipop.)
We’ve been talking, (Open and shut fingers.)
Now let’s stop! (Make sign language sign for “stop.”)

Hocus Pocus
Teacher says:
“Hocus Pocus!” (Stick out index finger and circle around like a wand.)
Children respond:
“Everybody focus!” (Make circles around eyes like spectacles.)

Student Heroes
5-4-3-2-1-zero (Hold up hand and put down one finger at a time.)
I’m looking for my (Make circles with index fingers and thumbs and place
student heroes. around eyes like glasses.)

Give Me a Clap (Tune: “Addams Family”)
Give me a clap. (Clap twice.) Give me a clap. (Clap twice.)
Give me a clap, give me a clap,
Give me a clap. (Clap twice.)
Give me a snap. (Snap twice.) Give me a snap. (Snap twice.)
Now fold your hands and put them down
Into your lap. (Model putting your hands in your lap.)

Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Lap (Tune: "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes")
Head, shoulders, knees, and lap, (Point to appropriate body part.)
Knees and lap.
Head, shoulders, knees, and lap, (Point to appropriate body part.)
Knees and lap.
Legs are criss-cross applesauce (Cross legs and fold hands.)
And our hands are in our lap, lap, lap

*Cut the label from a can of applesauce and glue it to a stick. Hold it up when you want your students to sit criss-cross applesauce.

How Does My Teacher Feel about Me?
Teacher says: How does my teacher feel about me?”
Children respond: I’m as special as special can be (Sparkle fingers.)
because my teacher believes in me! (Hug self.)

Secret Signals
Explain that your class will have some secret signals that no one else knows. When you say “one”, they should sit criss cross applesauce.
When you say “two,” they need to put their hands in their lap.
On “three,” they put a smile on their face.
*Make up additional secret numbers, such as “four” stand up straight and “five” hands by sides.

Sitting Chant
1, 2, 3, 4 - glue your bottoms to the floor.
5, 6, 7, 8 - hands to yourself and sit up straight.

Hint! Choose one of these attention grabbers and use it consistently for several weeks. That way when the children hear it they will automatically “tune” in.

P.S. Don't forget about those "oldies but goodies" finger plays. After all these years I can still engage a group of children with "Miss Molly," "King Kong," and "Put the Baby to Bed."

SUMMER READS

Reading is like anything else. The more you do it, the better you will become. Here are a few ideas to get children started on a summer reading adventure.

Library Card
What better gift can you give your students at the end of the year than a library card? Take a field trip to your local library or ask the children’s librarian to visit your school and describe all their summer reading activities.


Summer Reading List
It’s easy to do an internet search and find a suggested reading list for your grade level. Parents would probably appreciate this when helping their child choose books to read over the summer.

*I found this summer reading challenge and book list at scholastic.com.


Postcards
Cut card stock the size of a postcard. Let children decorate one side with markers or crayons. On the reverse side draw a line down the middle. Have the children write the teacher’s name on one half. Explain that if they send you the postcard over the summer and write you a note that you will write back to them.



*You could also give the children a pre-stamped envelope addressed to you.
Explain that whenever they write you, you will write them back.


Journals
Make travel brochures for children to write in over the summer.

           

CAMP KINDERGARTEN

This is the coolest idea that Michelle Page shared with me many years ago. This is also a great reminder of WHAT KINDERGARTEN SHOULD BE!  Even if you can teach "KINDERGARTEN" all year, you can end with this special memory.

Note! It could be called Camp Pre-K, Camp First Grade, Camp name of school, Camp teacher's name, whatever!!


Camp Kindergarten (Michelle Page)
We do camp kindergarten the last two weeks in the school year. Every morning we meet at the flagpole for the pledge and camp songs.

*“Baby Fish,” “The Ants Go Marching,” “Banana Dance,” “Peanut Butter,” and "Tooty Ta" are a few songs we sing.

The parents write letters for “mail call” and the children write back.

We take an ABC nature walk and try to find objects for each letter in the alphabet.




We make s’mores and trail mix for snack.

The children bring blankets, towels, and sleeping bags. They get to take off their shoes to read, do work, listen to a story.

We go fishing for words (plastic pool and words with magnets).

We go on a bear hunt and then draw pictures of our adventure.

To tie in science we study about bugs and worms.

What an amazing way to celebrate and end the school year!

Look at our camp t-shirts with the kids’ names on the back.

        

OH, NO! SAY WE'RE NOT NEAR THE END!

Isn't this Winnie the Pooh cartoon perfect for this time of year?  At age 78, I am thinking the same thing about my life!  

How about some songs and chants to celebrate that you MADE IT!!! I know for many of you this was the toughest year ever, but maybe a song can add smiles to your last days.

End of Year Cadence (The children repeat each line.)
School is coming to an end. (Stand, march, and slap thighs.)
School is coming to an end.
Say so long to all our friends.
Say so long to all our friends.

We’ve learned to read and write and spell.
We’ve learned to read and write and spell.
We know our shapes and numbers well.
We know our shapes and numbers well.

We’ve learned to follow classroom rules.
We’ve learned to follow classroom rules.
Getting along is really cool.
Getting along is really cool.

Science, music, art, PE.
Science, music, art, PE.
School’s been great for you and me.
School’s been great for you and me.

Summer’s time for outdoor fun.
Summer’s time for outdoor fun.
Read every day and play in the sun.
Read every day and play in the sun.

And when school begins again.
And when school begins again.
We’ll be happy to see our friends.
We’ll be happy to see our friends.


Days Left in the Year Song
(Tune: “100 Bottles of Pop on the Wall.”)
(Number of days) left in the school year.
(Number of days) left, that’s so.
We’ve had fun, we’re almost done.
(Number of days) to go.

Count Down Chain

Let each child make a paper chain with the number of days left in the school year. Each day they can remove one strip.

*Make a bulletin board with balloons for the number of school days left. Pop one balloon each day. (These could be real balloons or paper balloons.)


School Is Over
(Tune: Frere Jacques)
School is over.
School is over. (Children repeat each line.)
Time to go.
Time to go.
We’ve had fun learning.
We’ve had fun learning.
Love you so.
Love you so.


Ten Things
Have each child make a list of ten things they would like to do over the summer. (Younger children could dictate five things they would like to do.)
*Send these home in your “end of year” letter to parents.

*Fold these up like paper airplanes and send them flying on the playground.

WE SAY THANK YOU TO YOU!

Everybody likes to be appreciated!

Here are some simple ideas you can use to thank parent volunteers and school helpers at the end of the year.

Sing and Sign Thanks
Teach children this song to the tune of “Happy Birthday.” Use a sign language dictionary to learn appropriate signs.

We
Say
Thank you
To
You
(Repeat twice)
We say thank you
For helping.
We say thank you to you!


Elvis Thank You
Get out your microphone. (Hold a fist by your mouth.)
Wiggle your hips.
(Pretend to twirl your microphone around.)
Thank you! Thank you very much!

Pictures and Letters
Integrate writing by having the children make thank you cards with various art media.




"Thumb" Body Thanks You!

Gift Certificates
Kudos Bar – “Kudos to you!”
Snickers – “Nuts about you!”
100 Grand – “A million thanks for all you did!”
M & M’s – “You’re marvelous and magnificent.”
Mint – “You ‘mint’ the world to us.”
Hershey’s Kisses – and Hugs, too!
Lifesavers – “You were a lifesaver this year!”
Apple – You’re the “apple” of our eyes.
Ice Cream Cone Coupon – You’re the best scoop! Thanks!

SWEET MEMORIES

Seal those memories in a positive way with these end of year projects.

Autograph Book
As simple as this project is, the children will be thrilled to have their very own autograph book. (Oh, yeah! And it will keep them busy!) Cut paper in fourths. (I like to use colored paper.) Have children count out 10 pieces. Hole punch and tie with a ribbon. Children walk around the room and get their friends’ autographs.

Friendship Necklace
You will need construction paper, yarn, markers, and hole punches for this project. Cut the construction paper into 2 ½” squares, circles or other simple shapes. Each child will need as many pieces as there are students in your room. Have them write their name and draw pictures on their shapes. Punch holes. Now comes the fun part! Children get to go around the room and give a shape to each of their friends. Encourage them to say something kind they remember about their friend as they pass them out. Finally, children string the shapes on yarn and knot the ends to make a necklace.




Memory Shirt
Have children bring in an old t-shirt from home. (White works best.) Provide them with fabric pens and let them have friends write their names and draw pictures on their shirts.
Hint! Plan several days for this project. It’s “no fun” if you have to do it all at once.

Car Wash
Have students make two lines facing each other. They should stand 2-3 feet apart. Demonstrate how to move your palms in a circular direction like a car wash. Choose one child at a time to walk “through” the car wash. Students should gently pat the friend going through the car wash as they make positive comments about that friend.


Memory Book
Run off copies of a memory book for each child to color and fill in the missing information. Here are some suggestions:
1st page – “My Memory Book” with teacher’s name, school, year.
2nd page – “This is me.” (Child draws self –portrait.)
3rd page – “This is my teacher.” (Child draws teacher’s picture.)
4th page – “Here are my friends.” (Child draws friends.)
5th page – “My favorite thing at school is...” (Draws favorite activities.)
6th page – “Something I’ve learned this year…” (Draws accomplishment.)
7th page – “When I grow up I want to be…” (Draws future self.)
8th page – “This is my handprint.” (Trace around child’s hand.)
You could also have children draw their favorite sport, color, book, song, food, etc.

WE'RE GREAT!

Here's another great tip for an "end of year" celebration. It's a natural way to introduce vocabulary words and positive character traits.

http://bit.ly/drjean_Great

We’re Great!
We’re great, but no one knows it.
No one knows it so far.
Some day they’ll realize how wonderful we are!
They’ll look at us, and point at us,
and then they’ll shout, “Hurray!”
Let’s cheer how we’re wonderful beginning with A.

A- We’re awesome.
B- We’re brave.
C- We’re creative.
D- We’re dynamic
E- We’re enthusiastic
F- We’re fantastic.
G- We’re gifted
H- We’re honest
I- We’re imaginative
J- We’re joyful.
K- We’re kind.
L- We’re lovable
M- We’re magnificent.
N- We’re nice.
O- We’re outgoing
P- We’re polite.
Q- We’re quick.
R- We’re responsible
S- We’re special.
T- We’re terrific.
U- We’re unique.
V- We’re valuable.
W- We’re wonderful.
X- We’re excellent.
Y- We’re youthful
Z- We’re zany!

Hint! One teacher said each child decorated a poster with a letter and word. The children came out on stage with their letter at the appropriate time as they sang the song.


Class Book
On the front of the notebook or pocket folder write “We’re Great!” Write a
different letter of the alphabet on each page. Tell the children that you want them to help you make a special dictionary with WONDERFUL words that describe special people just like them! Use the words from the above chant to start your dictionary. Add words that children suggest.

END OF YEAR PROGRAM

This time of year many of you are stressing out over your “end of the year” program. Listen, no matter what their kids do, the parents will be thrilled and think they are wonderful. So keep it fun this year with these simple ideas.

NOTE!  Check out activities for the end of the school year on my video:
http://bit.ly/2pFoAqU

Who Let the Letters Out? 
Staple ovals to a strip of paper to make doggie headbands. Let children decorate large cardboard letters with glitter and bling bling. Punch a hole in the top and tie on a string to make rapper necklaces. Make a large doghouse to pin on the stage curtains. (Square with an arch cut out. Triangle roof.) As you sing the song children come out of the doghouse dancing and wearing their letters.

Who let the A out?
/a/ /a/ /a/ /a/ /a/
Who let the B out…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1H-LTV4pkU

Happy Birthday Letters 
Have children bring in baseball caps and sunglasses. Make microphones out of toilet paper rolls wrapped with aluminum foil. Turn the caps backwards as you sing:

Yo A, it’s your birthday.
Let’s all read like your birthday.
/a/ /a/ /a/ /a/ /a/ /a/
You B, it’s your birthday…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuyyoj_xvUE


Alphabet Remix 
Sing the regular ABC song. (Fold hands and sing sweetly.)
“Remix!"
I say, A B C D E F G! (clap twice) (Dance from side to side.)
H I J K L M N O P (clap twice)
Q R S, (clap)
T U V, (clap)
W X Y and Z.
Now I know my ABC’s.
Next time, won’t you rap with me? (Make rapper hands and dance.)
A (blow out of the side of your mouth)
B (blow) C (blow)….Z
Now I know my ABC’s (blow).
Now you’re ready to read with me! (blow)

The Very Hungry Class
This is a take off on "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Choose a song, finger play, or poem that you’ve used for every month in the school year. It will bring back fond memories for your students and will be an easy program to put together for the parents. It might go something like this:

When school started we were a very hungry class eager to learn.
In September we learned our rules -THE RULES RAP.
In October we learned the days of the week – DAYS OF THE WEEK.
November was when we said our letters and sounds – ALPHARDY.
In December we learned the months in the year – MACARENA MONTHS.
January was our Hundreds Day Celebration – ZERO THE HERO STOMP.
In February we learned about money – THE MONEY SONG.
March was time to learn to spell – COLOR FARM.
In April we learned to recycle – REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.
May was a time to study (plants, dinosaurs, caterpillars, or another song that reflects your standards).
Now, before we say good-bye,
We’ll sing our favorite song for you.
Please stand up and join along
And you can learn to “Tooty Ta”, too! (The audience stands up and does the “Tooty Ta” with you.)


Author's Tea
After writing and editing original stories, invite parents to a party where each child gets to share her book and read a few pages.


We Like to Move It!
Invite parents to wear sports clothes and join in as the children lead different exercises and movement songs.

ABC COUNTDOWN

Years ago Brad McKinney (Kindergarten Teacher at Severn Elementary) emailed this idea to me. I was searching through old blogs and I found it!!  This ABC COUNTDOWN will definitely  end your year on a positive note, and it's something that you could easily adapt to your calendar or teaching situation.

Note! As someone once told me, "It doesn't matter what you serve your guests for dinner. Just make sure the dessert is good because that's what they'll remember." So think of this last month of school as "dessert"! Make it GOOD and HAPPY!

Parents and Guardians,

Believe it or not, the school year is quickly coming to an end. During the last 26 days of school, our class will be participating in an ABC Countdown. Each school day will have a different activity related to the letter for that day. Your child may need to wear or bring something special on some days – those days are underlined. This sheet will help you and your child remember what day of the countdown we are on.



A
Monday
Animal Day
Bring your favorite stuffed animal to school

B
Tuesday
Bubble Day
We will be making and blowing bubbles

C
Wednesday
Card Game Day
Bring your favorite card game to play at school

D
Thursday
Dinosaur Day
We will be dinosaur detectives

E
Friday
Everybody dress in your favorite team shirt

F
Wednesday
Fruit Day
Bring your favorite fruit for snack today

G
Thursday
Going on a picnic
Bring a packed lunch!

H
Friday
Hat Day
Wear your favorite hat to school

I
Monday
Imagine Day
Imagine you had a magic wand - what would you wish for?

J
Tuesday
Joke Day
Write down your favorite joke to share with class

K
Wednesday
Kick Off Your Shoes Day
You will be able to take your shoes off in class all day

L
Thursday
Leisure Day
We will relax outside with a book (weather permitting)

M
Friday
Memory Day
We will be writing about our favorite memories from kindergarten this year

N
Monday
Nature Day
Make binoculars and go on a nature walk

O
Tuesday
Orange Day
Wear the color orange and bring an orange for snack

P
Wednesday
Picnic Day
Bring a packed lunch from home

Q
Thursday, June 12
Quiz Your Teacher Day
Bring your hardest question to stump your teacher.

R
Friday
Roadrunner Field Day
Field day games and activities outside with entire grade level

S
Monday
Sidewalk Art Day
We will be decorating a section of the sidewalk

T
Tuesday
Talent Show Day
Share your talent with the class

U
Wednesday
Used Book Day
Bring a used book you would like to donate to the class or library

V
Thursday
Veggie Day
Bring your favorite vegetable for snack

W
Friday
Wishy Washy Day
Be prepared to get wet!

X
Monday
X-change Autographs Day
Make an autograph book and collect as many autographs as you can

Y
Tuesday
Year End Clearance
Bring a bag to gather all your items from the year

Z
Wednesday, June 25
Zoom Out of School Day
Last day of kindergarten

WE'RE GREAT!

My webmaster created a video to go with my song "We're Great!" It's a natural way to introduce vocabulary words and positive character traits. I hope your class will enjoy it.
http://bit.ly/drjean_Great



Hint! If you're still looking for an idea for an end of year program this might work for you. One teacher said each child decorated a poster with a letter and word. The children came out on stage with their letter at the appropriate time as they sang the song.

We’re Great!
We’re great, but no one knows it.
No one knows it so far.
Some day they’ll realize how wonderful we are!
They’ll look at us, and point at us,
and then they’ll shout, “Hurray!”
Let’s cheer how we’re wonderful beginning with A.

A- We’re awesome.
B- We’re brave.
C- We’re creative.
D- We’re dynamic
E- We’re enthusiastic
F- We’re fantastic.
G- We’re gifted
H- We’re honest
I- We’re imaginative
J- We’re joyful.
K- We’re kind.
L- We’re lovable
M- We’re magnificent.
N- We’re nice.
O- We’re outgoing
P- We’re polite.
Q- We’re quick.
R- We’re responsible
S- We’re special.
T- We’re terrific.
U- We’re unique.
V- We’re valuable.
W- We’re wonderful.
X- We’re excellent.
Y- We’re youthful
Z- We’re zany!

Class Book
On the front of the notebook or pocket folder write “We’re Great!” Write a
different letter of the alphabet on each page. Tell the children that you want them to help you make a special dictionary with WONDERFUL words that describe special people just like them! Use the words from the above chant to start your dictionary. Add words that children suggest.

Here's another fabulous article by Laura Pearson that you can share with your families.  Children will act "GREAT" when they feel great with these tips!

Revitalize and Refresh: Tips to Reset Your Child's Day

In an era where children face unprecedented challenges, equipping them with self-care tools is more crucial than ever. This comprehensive guide from Dr. Jean and Friends delves into practical, enjoyable strategies designed to foster kids' physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We can pave the way for healthier, happier futures by embedding these practices into their lives.

Elevate Energy and Mood with Physical Play

Harnessing children's natural energy through physical activity isn't just beneficial; it's essential. Transform everyday outings into adventures and living rooms into dance floors. Encouraging movement through play, sports, or dance boosts mood, enhances health, and injects joy into daily routines, setting a foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

Spark Imagination and Preserve Creativity

Creativity provides a window to a child’s soul, offering them a unique means to express feelings and experiences. Encourage your young ones to dive into the arts, from drawing and painting to digital design. To keep these memories alive, transitioning artwork into digital form is key. 

Saving your child's masterpieces as a PDF preserves these moments and simplifies sharing with loved ones. For those unsure where to start, seeking guidance on how to create a PDF file online can reveal a plethora of tools designed for editing, compressing, and managing digital files, ensuring these creations stand the test of time.

Enrich Lives Through Engaging Hobbies

Engaging in hobbies goes beyond mere entertainment; they enhance skills, fuel passions, and foster a feeling of accomplishment. From the melody of a guitar to the excitement of crafting a new dish — or the dedication to tending a garden — hobbies serve as a rewarding avenue for discovery and self-expression. They encourage personal development and unleash creativity. In essence, hobbies are a valuable means of enriching one’s life and expanding horizons.

Foster Digital Well-Being and Real-World Engagement

While technology offers invaluable resources for learning and entertainment, moderation is key. Encourage periods of digital detox, promoting activities that foster imagination and interpersonal connections. Board games, book clubs, and outdoor adventures reduce screen time and strengthen cognitive and social skills.

Strengthen Bonds Through Shared Experiences

Nothing rivals the impact of quality time spent with family. Design outings and at-home activities that encourage teamwork and create lasting memories. These shared experiences reinforce the family unit, providing a nurturing environment that supports emotional and social development.

Cultivate Compassion and Empathy

Teaching children kindness and empathy is crucial for building a compassionate future. By encouraging simple acts of generosity and thoughtfulness, we not only help others but also enhance the well-being of the giver. These actions strengthen the giver's connection to their community, fostering a sense of belonging. Thus, instilling these values in young minds is vital for nurturing a caring society.

Model and Mentor Stress Management

Children look to adults for cues on managing life's stresses. For parents working from home, demonstrating a balanced approach to work and family life, including setting boundaries and adhering to a schedule, offers valuable lessons in stress management and resilience, laying the groundwork for healthy coping mechanisms and emotional well-being.

Design Personal Havens for Reflection and Calm

A tranquil space for a child, dedicated to quiet and relaxation, serves as a sanctuary away from daily hustle, fostering peace and self-reflection. This special nook, filled with comforting elements, invites mindfulness, teaching the importance of inner harmony. It cultivates a sense of calm, encouraging introspection and a balanced well-being.

The Bottom Line

Adopting these self-care practices enrich the lives of our children today and equip them with the resilience, creativity, and empathy needed for their journeys ahead. Integrating physical activity, creativity, hobbies, and digital moderation into their routines — along with fostering family connections, kindness, stress management, and personal sanctuaries — lays a robust foundation for their development. 

Let us commit to guiding our children toward becoming well-rounded individuals, capable of facing the future with confidence and grace. Through our support and example, we can inspire the next generation to embrace life's challenges with open hearts and curious minds.

If you enjoyed this article, you can find much more content on the Dr. Jean and Friends blog!

BACK TO SCHOOL

"Selective nostalgia" is the ability to remember the good things and forget about the negative things. Most children are more adept at this than grownups - thank goodness! Here are a few ideas to involve your class in recalling special memories as well as welcoming your upcoming class.

The Best Thing About…

Invite children to recall some of their favorite memories from the school year. Give them a sheet of paper to illustrate it. Ask them to write (or dictate) a sentence about it. Put their pictures together in a cover that says, “The Best Thing About (Grade)” and bind. Save the book to read to your new class when school starts.

Welcome Brochure
Demonstrate how to fold a sheet of paper into thirds to make a brochure. Let each child create a brochure called “Welcome to Grade.” They could include things they’ll learn, special events, etc. Save these and give them (or send in the mail) to your upcoming students when school starts.


Hint! Have children do a “rough draft.” Edit and then make a revised copy.


Back to School Bulletin Board
Invite your students to create a bulletin board to welcome the new class. Cover with newspaper to protect over the summer, and you’ll be ahead of the game when school starts. How about one of these themes?

Lights, Camera, Action! (Photos of Special Events)

A Great Batch (Gingerbread Cookies)

(Teacher’s Name) Bunch (Bananas)

Round Up for a Great Year (Horses)

Lookin’ Good! (Giant Mirror)

Kick off for (Grade)! (Football & Goal)

Join (Teacher’s Name) Team! (Pennants and Pompoms)

Welcome Super Stars (Stars)

Swim into a New Year (Fish)

Bloom in (Grade - Flower Garden)

Note! I'm smiling to myself because we used many of these same themes years ago. Some things just don't change!

SWEET THANK YOUS

Everybody wants to be appreciated!  Here are some clever ideas for awards you can give volunteers or school helpers at the end of the year.  

Kudos Bar – “Kudos to you!”

Snickers – “Nuts about you!”
                         

100 Grand – “A million thanks for all you did!”
                                      

M & M’s – “You’re marvelous and magnificent.”
                                                  

Mint – “You ‘mint’ the world to us.”

Hershey’s Kisses – and Hugs, too!

Lifesavers – “You were a lifesaver this year!”
                                                  

There are also several free websites where you can customize candy bar wrappers.

You can also search for free printables for candy wrappers.

Here are some certificates that Carolyn Kisloski created for pencils, crayons, coupons, etc.
     

END OF YEAR CAMP

I was looking through old blogs and I found this idea that a teacher in Indiana shared several years ago. What a fun way to end the school year!

Camp Kindergarten (Michelle Page)
We do camp kindergarten the last two weeks in the school year. Every morning we meet at the flagpole for the pledge and camp songs.
*“Baby Shark,” “The Ants Go Marching,” “Banana Dance,” “Chicka Boom,” and “Calamine Lotion” are a few songs we sing.

Note!  This could easily be adapted to any grade level.

The parents write letters for “mail call” and the children write back.

We take an ABC nature walk and try to find objects for each letter in the alphabet.


We make s’mores and trail mix for snack.

The children bring blankets, towels, and sleeping bags. They get to take off their shoes to read, do work, listen to a story.

We go fishing for words (plastic pool and words with magnets).

We go on a bear hunt and then draw pictures of our adventure.

To tie in science we study about bugs and worms.


What an amazing way to celebrate and end the school year!

Look at our camp t-shirts with the kids’ names on the back.