CIRCLE TIME CELEBRATIONS

WHO'S YOUR CLASS MASCOT?  

Each morning before the children arrive, write a note to them with a little hint about what they will be doing. Read this at circle time to create interest in the activities you have planned for that day.

Hint! It’s especially fun to have a class mascot (puppet or stuffed animal) write the message.

Dear Friends,

Today is date. It’s Terrific Tuesday and I’m so glad to see

you! We have a new book about beavers. We also 

have music with Mr. Peterson in the afternoon. I can’t

wait to get this great day started!

Love,

Pokey the Pony

SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS
Circle time is a special way to celebrate little milestones in children's lives, like losing a tooth or getting a new pair of shoes. Here are some songs that we always used to celebrate these events.

Happy Haircut (Tune: "Happy Birthday to You")
Note! Only sing this song if the children like their haircut. We've all had haircuts where we wanted to hide in a sack!

Happy haircut to you.
Happy haircut to you.
You're sure lookin' good!
Happy haircut to you.

New Shoes (Tune: "This Old Man")
When children wear a new pair of shoes to school, let them stand in front
of the room and dance as you sing this song to them.

Here’s one foot. (Child sticks out one foot.)
Here are two. (Child sticks out other foot.)
Each is wearing a brand, new shoe,
So stand up, turn around, dance around the floor. (Child dances in a circle.)
That’s what these two feet are for. (Point to feet.)

Welcome Back (Tune: "The Bear Went over the Mountain")
If a child has been absent, insert their name in this song when they return to school
to let them know you missed them.

Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
We’re glad you’re here today.


Loose Tooth (Tune: "Turkey in the Straw")
Celebrate when a child loses a tooth by using their name I this tune.

Oh, look in child’s name mouth
And what do you see?
A great, big hole where a tooth used to be.
Well, they wiggled it and jiggled it until it wiggled free.
Now, there’s a window when they smile at me.

CIRCLE TIME CELEBRATIONS

CLASS MASCOT

Each morning before the children arrive, write a note to them with a little hint about what they will be doing. Read this at circle time to create interest in the activities you have planned for that day.

Hint!  It’s especially fun to have a class mascot (puppet or stuffed animal) write the message.  

Dear Friends,

Today is date. It’s Terrific Tuesday and I’m so glad to see

you! We have a new book about beavers. We also 

have music with Mr. Peterson in the afternoon. I can’t

wait to get this great day started!

Love,

Pokey the Pony

SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS
Circle time is a special way to celebrate little milestones in children's lives, like losing a tooth or getting a new pair of shoes. Here are some songs that we always used to celebrate these events.

Happy Haircut (Tune: "Happy Birthday to You")
Note!  Only sing this song if the children like their haircut. We've all had haircuts where we wanted to hide in a sack!

Happy haircut to you.
Happy haircut to you.
You're sure lookin' good!
Happy haircut to you.

New Shoes (Tune: "This Old Man")
When children wear a new pair of shoes to school, let them stand in front
of the room and dance as you sing this song to them.

Here’s one foot. (Child sticks out one foot.)
Here are two. (Child sticks out other foot.)
Each is wearing a brand, new shoe,
So stand up, turn around, dance around the floor. (Child dances in a circle.)
That’s what these two feet are for. (Point to feet.)

Welcome Back (Tune: "The Bear Went over the Mountain")
If a child has been absent, insert their name in this song when they return to school
to let them know you missed them.

Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
We’re glad you’re here today.

Loose Tooth (Tune: "Turkey in the Straw")
Celebrate when a child loses a tooth by using their name I this tune.

Oh, look in child’s name mouth
And what do you see?
A great, big hole where a tooth used to be.
Well, they wiggled it and jiggled it until it wiggled free.
Now, there’s a window when they smile at me.

CIRCLE TIME CELEBRATIONS

Morning meeting (aka circle time) is a special time to celebrate little milestones in children's lives like losing a tooth or getting a new pair of shoes. Here are some songs that we always used to celebrate these events.

Happy Haircut (Tune: "Happy Birthday to You")
Only sing this song if the children like their haircut. We've all had haircuts where we wanted to hide in a sack!

Happy haircut to you.
Happy haircut to you.
You're sure lookin' good!
Happy haircut to you.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S3nmGbgmwXhGxLyYTAwaOrTApJZ2UiYW/view?usp=sharing

New Shoes (Tune: "This Old Man")
When children wear a new pair of shoes to school, let them stand in front
of the room and dance as you sing this song to them.

Here’s one foot. (Child sticks out one foot.)
Here are two. (Child sticks out other foot.)
Each is wearing a brand, new shoe,
So stand up, turn around, dance around the floor. (Child dances in a circle.)
That’s what these two feet are for. (Point to feet.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qNubNefefJcBVowp5p6wU-NdWexH1m0c/view?usp=sharing

Welcome Back (Tune: "The Bear Went over the Mountain")
If a child has been absent, insert their name in this song when they return to school
to let them know you missed them.

Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
We’re glad you’re here today.


Loose Tooth (Tune: "Turkey in the Straw")
Celebrate when a child loses a tooth by using their name I this tune.

Oh, look in child’s name mouth
And what do you see?
A great, big hole where a tooth used to be.
Well, they wiggled it and jiggled it until it wiggled free.
Now, there’s a window when they smile at me.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FJI_XKlxVUBHuE7g3VuEOy3mSFcFAMSC/view?usp=sharing

MORNING MEETING CELEBRATIONS

Morning meeting (aka circle time) is a special time to celebrate little milestones in children's lives like losing a tooth or getting a new pair of shoes. Here are some songs that we always used to celebrate these events.

Happy Haircut (Tune: "Happy Birthday to You")
Only sing this song if the children like their haircut. We've all had haircuts where we wanted to hide in a sack!

Happy haircut to you.
Happy haircut to you.
You're sure lookin' good!
Happy haircut to you.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S3nmGbgmwXhGxLyYTAwaOrTApJZ2UiYW/view?usp=sharing

New Shoes (Tune: "This Old Man")
When children wear a new pair of shoes to school, let them stand in front
of the room and dance as you sing this song to them. 

Here’s one foot. (Child sticks out one foot.)
Here are two. (Child sticks out other foot.)
Each is wearing a brand, new shoe,
So stand up, turn around, dance around the floor. (Child dances in a circle.)
That’s what these two feet are for. (Point to feet.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qNubNefefJcBVowp5p6wU-NdWexH1m0c/view?usp=sharing

Welcome Back (Tune: "The Bear Went over the Mountain")
If a child has been absent, insert their name in this song when they return to school
to let them know you missed them.

Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
We’re glad you’re here today.


Loose Tooth (Tune: "Turkey in the Straw")
Celebrate when a child loses a tooth by using their name I this tune.

Oh, look in child’s name mouth
And what do you see?
A great, big hole where a tooth used to be.
Well, they wiggled it and jiggled it until it wiggled free.
Now, there’s a window when they smile at me.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FJI_XKlxVUBHuE7g3VuEOy3mSFcFAMSC/view?usp=sharing

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Birthdays are a special time, but many schools are discouraging cupcakes. (It's a sad day because as a teacher I loved when kids had birthdays and I got a cupcake.) Well, here's an idea that is gluten free, sugar free, and sure to accommodate all food allergies while giving children a sweet birthday memory. You can watch me explain it on this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O53tvyWSWKA

Make a circle of friends and invite the birthday child to stand in the middle. The birthday child can choose friends to be the candles on their cake. For example, if they are five years old they select five friends; six years old six friends, etc. The candles/friends stand around the birthday child and then the rest of the class holds hands to make the birthday cake as they say:

Today is child’s name birthday.
Let’s make her/him a cake. (Circle arms to make a bowl.)
Stir and mix and mix and stir, (Pretend to stir.)
Then into the oven to bake. (Pretend to put cake in the oven.)
Here’s our cake so nice and round. (Circle arms.)
We’ll frost it with icing white. (Spread frosting with palm.)
We’ll put age candles on it. (Hold up fingers.)
To make her/his birthday bright.

After singing the traditional birthday song, let the birthday child “blow” out the candles. The candles wiggle down to the floor when they are blown out.


What else can you do?
*Make the traditional paper birthday crown for the child to decorate. (This is one of those ideas that is timeless. And, it emphasizes that children are happy with PLAIN VANILLA!)

*Make a “Happy Birthday” book. Each child in the classroom draws a picture of something they would like to give the birthday friend. A simple sentence like “My wish for you is_____.” could be added to the page. The birthday child decorates a large sheet of construction paper in which the pictures from their friends can be stapled to make a book.

*Give the birthday child one special wish. She can choose a game, book, song, friend to sit by, etc.

*Spray paint a chair gold and decorate with fake jewels. The “Fancy Nancy Chair” can be used for birthdays and other classroom celebrations.

*In my granddaughter’s school they “gave” a favorite book to the class on their birthday.

MOVING THE MORNING MEETING

Is your morning meaning (aka circle time) growing and growing and getting longer and longer? There’s limited time children can sit and pay attention, but this idea might help spark interest in your morning routine as you build skills. If you have 4 walls in your classroom, you could designate each wall for “My World,” “Math and Science,” “Word Wall,” and “Alphabet Wall.” No worries if everything is on one or two walls in your classroom. The key to the success is having children stand and move instead of having them sit. As children stand and face each wall or content area, you can engage them in some of the songs, movements, and interactive activities suggested.

My World
What? flag, US map, picture of President/Governor
                  poster of “Cheers and Celebrations”
How? Sing a good morning song, say the pledge, do a
                  handshake, review rules, etc.

Math/Science
What? calendar, weather chart, hundreds chart, daily schedule
How? Sing songs about the days of the week or the months.
                  Review your daily schedule.
                  Sing the weather song and have a “meteorologist” report.
                  Count, add boys and girls present, think of equations that equal
                  the date, etc.

Word Wall
What? word wall, flashlight, pointer, fly swatter
How? Sing, dance, clap, and cheer words. Make
                  sentences with words, play games, spotlight words,
                  spell words with sign language, etc.

Alphabet Wall
What? class alphabet, pointers
How? Sing alphabet songs and play letter recognition games.
                  Clap on consonants and jump on vowels.
                  Do Karate writing where children punch up high for tall letters,
                  punch in front of them for middle letters, and give a little kick
                  for letters with a tail.

Hint! Even if you don’t want to do all of the above activities, try breaking your morning meeting up this week with one or two active songs and you’ll be amazed at how it wakes up the brain.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

Birthdays are a special time, but many schools are discouraging cupcakes. (It's a sad day because as a teacher I loved when kids had birthdays and I got a cupcake.) Well, here's an idea that is gluten free, sugar free, and sure to accommodate all food allergies while giving children a sweet birthday memory. You can watch me explain it on this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O53tvyWSWKA

Make a circle of friends and invite the birthday child to stand in the middle. The birthday child can choose friends to be the candles on their cake. For example, if they are five years old they select five friends; six years old six friends, etc. The candles/friends stand around the birthday child and then the rest of the class holds hands to make the birthday cake as they say:

Today is child’s name birthday.
Let’s make her/him a cake. (Circle arms to make a bowl.)
Stir and mix and mix and stir, (Pretend to stir.)
Then into the oven to bake. (Pretend to put cake in the oven.)
Here’s our cake so nice and round. (Circle arms.)
We’ll frost it with icing white. (Spread frosting with palm.)
We’ll put age candles on it. (Hold up fingers.)
To make her/his birthday bright.

After singing the traditional birthday song, let the birthday child “blow” out the candles. The candles wiggle down to the floor when they are blown out.


What else can you do?
*Make the traditional paper birthday crown for the child to decorate. (This is one of those ideas that is timeless. And, it emphasizes that children are happy with PLAIN VANILLA!)

*Make a “Happy Birthday” book. Each child in the classroom draws a picture of something they would like to give the birthday friend. A simple sentence like “My wish for you is_____.” could be added to the page. The birthday child decorates a large sheet of construction paper in which the pictures from their friends can be stapled to make a book.



*Give the birthday child one special wish. She can choose a game, book, song, friend to sit by, etc.

*Spray paint a chair gold and decorate with fake jewels. The “Fancy Nancy Chair” can be used for birthdays and other classroom celebrations.

*In my granddaughter’s school they “gave” a favorite book to the class on their birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Birthdays are a special time, but many schools are discouraging cupcakes. (It's a sad day because as a teacher I loved when kids had birthdays and I got a cupcake.) Well, here's
an idea that is gluten free, sugar free, and sure to accommodate all food allergies while giving children a sweet birthday memory. You can watch me explain it on this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O53tvyWSWKA

Make a circle of friends and invite the birthday child to stand in the middle. The birthday child can choose friends to be the candles on their cake. For example, if they are five years old they select five friends; six years old six friends, etc. The candles/friends stand around the birthday child and then the rest of the class holds hands to make the birthday cake as they say:

Today is child’s name birthday.
Let’s make her/him a cake. (Circle arms to make a bowl.)
Stir and mix and mix and stir, (Pretend to stir.)
Then into the oven to bake. (Pretend to put cake in the oven.)
Here’s our cake so nice and round. (Circle arms.)
We’ll frost it with icing white. (Spread frosting with palm.)
We’ll put age candles on it. (Hold up fingers.)
To make her/his birthday bright.

After singing the traditional birthday song, let the birthday child “blow” out the candles. The candles wiggle down to the floor when they are blown out.

What else can you do?
*Make the traditional paper birthday crown for the child to decorate. (This is one of those ideas that is timeless. And, it emphasizes that children are happy with PLAIN VANILLA!)

*Make a “Happy Birthday” book. Each child in the classroom draws a picture of something they would like to give the birthday friend. A simple sentence like “My wish for you is_____.” could be added to the page. The birthday child decorates a large sheet of construction paper in which the pictures from their friends can be stapled to make a book.

*Give the birthday child one special wish. She can choose a game, book, song, friend to sit by, etc.

*Spray paint a chair gold and decorate with fake jewels. The “Fancy Nancy Chair” can be used for birthdays and other classroom celebrations.

*In my granddaughter’s school they “give” a favorite book to the class on their birthday.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

Birthdays are a special time, but many schools are discouraging cupcakes. (It's a sad day because as a teacher I loved when kids had birthdays and I got a cupcake.) Well, here's an idea that is gluten free, sugar free, and sure to accommodate all food allergies while giving children a sweet birthday memory. You can watch me explain it on this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O53tvyWSWKA

Make a circle of friends and invite the birthday child to stand in the middle. The birthday child can choose friends to be the candles on their cake. For example, if they are five years old they select five friends; six years old six friends, etc. The candles/friends stand around the birthday child and then the rest of the class holds hands to make the birthday cake as they say:

Today is child’s name birthday.
Let’s make her/him a cake. (Circle arms to make a bowl.)
Stir and mix and mix and stir, (Pretend to stir.)
Then into the oven to bake. (Pretend to put cake in the oven.)
Here’s our cake so nice and round. (Circle arms.)
We’ll frost it with icing white. (Spread frosting with palm.)
We’ll put age candles on it. (Hold up fingers.)
To make her/his birthday bright.

After singing the traditional birthday song, let the birthday child “blow” out the candles. The candles wiggle down to the floor when they are blown out.


What else can you do?
*Make the traditional paper birthday crown for the child to decorate. (This is one of those ideas that is timeless. And, it emphasizes that children are happy with PLAIN VANILLA!)

*Make a “Happy Birthday” book. Each child in the classroom draws a picture of something they would like to give the birthday friend. A simple sentence like “My wish for you is_____.” could be added to the page. The birthday child decorates a large sheet of construction paper in which the pictures from their friends can be stapled to make a book.

*Give the birthday child one special wish. She can choose a game, book, song, friend to sit by, etc.

*Spray paint a chair gold and decorate with fake jewels. The “Fancy Nancy Chair” can be used for birthdays and other classroom celebrations.

*In my granddaughter’s school the children “gave” a favorite book to the class on their birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Birthdays are a special time, but many schools are discouraging cupcakes.  (It's a sad day because as a teacher I loved when kids had birthdays and I got a cupcake.)  Well, here's 

an idea that is gluten free, sugar free, and sure to accommodate all food allergies while giving children a sweet birthday memory. You can watch me explain it on this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O53tvyWSWKA

 a

Make a circle of friends and invite the birthday child to stand in the middle. The birthday child can choose friends to be the candles on their cake. For example, if they are five years old they select five friends; six years old six friends, etc. The candles/friends stand around the birthday child and then the rest of the class holds hands to make the birthday cake as they say:

       Today is child’s name birthday.
       Let’s make her/him a cake. (Circle arms to make a bowl.)
       Stir and mix and mix and stir, (Pretend to stir.)
       Then into the oven to bake. (Pretend to put cake in the oven.)
       Here’s our cake so nice and round. (Circle arms.)
       We’ll frost it with icing white. (Spread frosting with palm.)
       We’ll put age candles on it. (Hold up fingers.)
       To make her/his birthday bright.

After singing the traditional birthday song, let the birthday child “blow” out the candles. The candles wiggle down to the floor when they are blown out. 

What else can you do?
*Make the traditional paper birthday crown for the child to decorate.  (This is one of those ideas that is timeless.  And, it emphasizes that children are happy with PLAIN VANILLA!)

*Make a “Happy Birthday” book. Each child in the classroom draws a picture of something they would like to give the birthday friend. A simple sentence like “My wish for you is_____.” could be added to the page. The birthday child decorates a large sheet of construction paper in which the pictures from their friends can be stapled to make a book.

*Give the birthday child one special wish. She can choose a game, book, song, friend to sit by, etc.

*Spray paint a chair gold and decorate with fake jewels. The “Fancy Nancy Chair” can be used for birthdays and other classroom celebrations.

*In my granddaughter’s school they “give” a favorite book to the class on their birthday.

                

P.S. I found the hat at Oriental Trading.

FANTASTIC FRIDAY CELEBRATIONS 2022

I don’t know about you, but when I was in the classroom January was always a LONG month. I started doing a little celebration every Friday for me as much as for the children. It gave us something positive to focus on and look forward to during the cold, dark days.

Here are some ideas that will build memories, create a classroom community, and nurture social-emotional development because they are positive and playful. Take a look and I hope you’ll find one or two that are just right to chase those winter blahs away!


Hot Chocolate Friday
I LOVE this idea! Ask each parent to send in a box of instant hot chocolate and an old coffee mug. End your week by letting each child stir up some hot chocolate. Read poems, say rhymes, read books, and fall in love with language as you sip your hot chocolate together!

 

Sock Hop
Children get to wear silly socks to school and have a dance at the end of the day.

*Teach the children the “Twist,” “Swim,” “Pony,” or other dances from your past.

Talent Show
One of my favorite memories is of a Talent Show we had one Friday. I just invited all the children to think of a “talent” (song, dance, story, joke, gymnastic stunt) they could do. We sat in a circle and they all got up and performed! We clapped and laughed and cheered!


Board Game Day
Let children bring board games from home. Set aside the last hour in the day to share games and play games with friends.
Note! It might be good to have parent volunteers or older students in your school help.

                         

Pajama Party
Have children wear pajamas and bring pillows and stuffed animals to class. Read books, watch a movie, and eat popcorn.

                                               

Career Day
Children come dressed for the career they’d like when they grow up. After sharing with friends, have each child draw a picture (or take a photograph) and make a class book.


Beach Party
Bring beach towels and wear sunglasses, shorts, and T-shirts. Play beach ball games, beach music, and have a “cool” snack like popsicles.
                         

Toy Day
Children bring a favorite toy from home and share with their friends the last 30 minutes of the day.


Book Day
Invite children to bring their favorite book from home and share with classmates.

FANTASTIC FUN FRIDAY
Tell your children that they can EARN “fun” time on Friday. First, discuss what “fun” time might mean to them. Basically, it’s a time when they get to do whatever they want. When you catch the class on good behavior during the week they can earn a letter in the words “FANTASTIC FUN FRIDAY.” Write the letters as they earn them on the board. If they earn all the letters by Friday then their reward is to have fun the last 30 minutes. (You’ll be surprised that some of your students won’t know what to do at first. They’ll just walk around and walk around. Funny! Sooner or later they will figure it out!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

My brother turned 70 recently and I’ll tell you a funny story about him.  On his big day he could go any place or have anything he wanted to eat.  Jack chose to go to his local convenience store and have a Coke and a hotdog.  I think it’s in our genes because my siblings and I all love junk food.  We’re all very health conscious and try to eat things that are good for our bodies, but when it’s a special day we’ll choose potato chips, Coke, and a hotdog every time!  Jack’s birthday was September 5^th and he told me that from now on every month on the 5^th day he was gong to splurge and have or do something special.  I like the idea of celebrating each month, don’t you?

I think it’s important to celebrate children’s birthdays in your classroom as well.  If you go to my website you’ll find a YouTube or Teacher Tube video you can watch with an idea that won’t cost you a thing and there’s not one ounce of sugar in it.  But it sure is a sweet idea!

When a child has a birthday you let them choose friends to be the candles on their cake.  If they are five years old they select five friends; six years old six friends, etc.  The candles/friends stand around the birthday child and then the rest of the class makes a human birthday cake by holding hands and standing around them.  Say this chant:

         Today is child’s name birthday.

         Let’s make her/him a cake.         (Circle arms to make a bowl.)

         Stir and mix and mix and stir,         (Pretend to stir.)

         Then into the oven to bake.         (Pretend to put cake in the oven.)

         Here’s our cake so nice and round.  (Circle arms.)

         We’ll frost it with icing white.         (Spread frosting with palm.)

         We’ll put age candles on it.         (Hold up fingers.)

         To make her/his birthday bright.

After singing the traditional birthday song, let the birthday child “blow” out the candles.  The candles slump to the floor when they are blown out. 

What else can you do?

*Make the traditional paper birthday crown for the child to decorate.

*Make a “Happy Birthday” book.  Each child in the classroom draws a picture of something they would like to give the birthday friend.  A simple sentence like “My wish for you is_____.” could be added to the page.  The birthday child decorates a large sheet of construction paper in which the pictures from their friends can be stapled to make a book.

*Give the birthday child one special wish.  She can choose a game, book, song, friend to sit by, etc.

*Spray paint a chair gold and decorate with fake jewels.  The “Fancy Nancy Chair” can be used for birthdays and other classroom celebrations.

Hint!  Be sure and celebrate summer birthdays in May.

THE GRINCH AND COMMON CORE

Common Core is not going to be the Grinch to steal away your fun this month.  Take a look at some of these ideas I’ve got for you!

RF.3c Paper Chain - Each day let children write a high frequency word on a strip of paper and glue the ends to make a link in a chain.  They can practice reading over previous words each day as they add a new word and link.

*Adapt these for Hanukkah or Kwanzaa colors.

0A.A1Snowman Math - Give children the outline of a snowman similar to the one shown.  They can take buttons or other manipulatives and place sets in the top two sections.  Join them together in the bottom circle to make the sum.  Ask students to write the equation.

*Give children a certain number of buttons.  How many different combinations can the make on the snowman to come up with the same sum?

LS.4 Candy Cane Vocabulary – Take a square sheet of paper and color red around the edges on all four sides. Roll up diagonally, bend one end, and you’ll have a candy cane.  Use a web to brainstorm descriptive words for candy canes. 

SL.5  Family Celebrations – Make houses from construction paper similar to the one shown.  (Fold in half.  Open.  Fold in the top corners.  Fold up the bottom edge.)

Children can draw pictures and write stories of how their family celebrates.  Let them share their projects with classmates.

W.3 Timeline – Give children long pieces of paper so they can make a time line of the “Gingerbread Man.”  (I cut my strips from grocery sacks.) 

*Read several versions of the “Gingerbread Man” and compare and contrast.

W.2 Descriptive Writing – Fold 2 sheets of paper in half and staple to make a book for each child.  Children think of a title for their books and add their name as author and illustrator.  Have them write and complete the following statements on each page:

            My (holiday) smells like…

            My (holiday) looks like…

            My (holiday) sounds like…

            My (holiday) feels like…

            My (holiday) tastes like…

*For younger children run off the sentences and let them dictate sentences.

G.A.1  Preposition Elf – Hide an elf (Elf on the Shelf or one of his friends) or similar seasonal toy in a different place in the room every day.  Encourage children to use complete sentences as they describe where the elf is. 

*Let children take turns hiding the toy and calling on friends to explain its location.

MORNING MEETING CELEBRATIONS

Morning meeting is a special time to celebrate little milestones in children's lives like losing a tooth or getting a new pair of shoes. Here are some songs that we always used to celebrate these events. 

Happy Haircut (Tune: "Happy Birthday to You")
Only sing this song if the children like their haircut. We've all had haircuts where we wanted to hide in a sack!
Happy haircut to you.
Happy haircut to you.
You're sure lookin' good!
Happy haircut to you.

                              

New Shoes (Tune: "This Old Man")
When children wear a new pair of shoes to school, let them stand in front
of the room and dance as you sing this song to them. 
Here’s one foot. (Child sticks out one foot.)
Here are two. (Child sticks out other foot.)
Each is wearing a brand, new shoe,
So stand up, turn around, dance around the floor. (Child dances in a circle.)
That’s what these two feet are for. (Point to feet.)


Welcome Back (Tune: "The Bear Went over the Mountain")
If a child has been absent, insert their name in this song when they return to school
to let them know you missed them. 
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
We’re glad you’re here today.

Loose Tooth (Tune: "Turkey in the Straw")
Celebrate when a child loses a tooth by using their name I this tune. 
Oh, look in child’s name mouth
And what do you see?
A great, big hole where a tooth used to be.
Well, they wiggled it and jiggled it until it wiggled free.
Now, there’s a window when they smile at me.

                                
This document has some posters of the songs. Someone sent me these several years ago, but I can't remember your name. Thank you whoever you are!
 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljTHRzQS1PV1pPeTg/view?usp=sharing

MORNING MEETING CELEBRATIONS

Morning meeting is a special time to celebrate little milestones in children's lives like losing a tooth or getting a new pair of shoes. Here are some songs that we always used to celebrate these events. 

Happy Haircut (Tune: "Happy Birthday to You")
Only sing this song if the children like their haircut. We've all had haircuts where we wanted to hide in a sack!
Happy haircut to you.
Happy haircut to you.
You're sure lookin' good!
Happy haircut to you.

New Shoes (Tune: "This Old Man")
When children wear a new pair of shoes to school, let them stand in front
of the room and dance as you sing this song to them.
Here’s one foot. (Child sticks out one foot.)
Here are two. (Child sticks out other foot.)
Each is wearing a brand, new shoe,
So stand up, turn around, dance around the floor. (Child dances in a circle.)
That’s what these two feet are for. (Point to feet.)

Welcome Back (Tune: "The Bear Went over the Mountain")
If a child has been absent, insert their name in this song when they return to school
to let them know you missed them.
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
Welcome back child’s name.
We’re glad you’re here today.


Loose Tooth (Tune: "Turkey in the Straw")
Celebrate when a child loses a tooth by using their name I this tune.
Oh, look in child’s name mouth
And what do you see?
A great, big hole where a tooth used to be.
Well, they wiggled it and jiggled it until it wiggled free.
Now, there’s a window when they smile at me.