Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Guardian Angel Kids FREE Ezine!


The March 2013 issue of Guardian Angel Kids Magazine is now available online at http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/ This month's issue is all about nutrition.

Book Features this month include One Large Peanut Butter Sandwich to Go by Linda Derkez and Rattlesnake Jam by Margot Finke. Poetry, short stories, articles and activities for kids fill this issue. Get parent teacher tips as well.

Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285 Add to Technorati Favorites

Sunday, December 30, 2012

10 New Year Activities for Kids!

By Erin McNeill
New Year’s Eve is an exciting time for everyone; why not take the time to plan an extraordinary event for the kids in your life? Everyone in the family can be involved in the activities to help create a healthy and safe New Year for all of your family members.
  1. Create your own time capsule – Throughout the year gather clippings and other artifacts from important events that happened and put them all in a time capsule. Add in souvenirs and a few pictures from places you visited also. Store it in a safe place and decide together when you’ll open it again. It would be fun to open it each year and go through the contents and then add mementos from the previous year.
  2. Make party hats – Create your own party hats for your celebration! Decorate them before you assemble them; you can use pom-poms, glitter, sequins, glitter glue, ribbon, and anything else you fancy.
  3. Decorate cookies – Bake a bunch of sugar cookies ahead of time and have frosting ready to go for some serious cookie decorating. Make sure you have a lot of fancy decorations on hand like sprinkles and sanding sugars!
  4. Make fancy kid drinks – Have some sparkling juices and ingredients for Shirley Temple’s on hand so that the kids can feel fancy at their New Year’s Eve party. Having some fresh fruit to drop into the glasses before serving will ensure that the kids feel like the grown-ups!
  5. Play traditional party games with a New Year’s theme – Keep kids involved in the celebration (without them getting too wild and out of control!) by planning some party games. Pin the party hat on the person, musical chairs with holiday themed music, and a sequined ball piƱata are just some of the activities to choose from.
  6. Make your own sequined balls – Create your own ball just like the one they drop at midnight! All you need is a two-inch foam ball, some straight pins or craft glue, colorful sequins, and a chenille stem. Older kids can use straight pins to pin the sequins into the balls while younger kids can glue the sequins on (be sure to allow drying time). Push a chenille stem part way through the top and use the other end as a hanger. Hang up all of the balls and admire the festive atmosphere you’ve created.
  7. Learn how to say Happy New Year in many languages – Make cards that show how to say Happy New Year in different languages and practice them on each other. Be sure to include a phonetic pronunciation of each language to help your guests read the cards. If you want to be really tricky you can make your guests guess which language each card is from!
For the rest of this article click HERE:

Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285 Add to Technorati Favorites

Thursday, June 28, 2012

K is for Keys of the Kingdom Movement Exploration



Movement education activities are a perfect way to foster creativity and develop both fine and gross motor skills in young children. It builds self esteem as well because there are no wrong responses. In this activity we feature the letter K. It's a super way to introduce or reinforce phonics in the home or at school. Why not follow up with some kicking games?

Movements are indicated in BOLD. Put on some Regal sounding trumpet music and read the story slowly. Remember to give time between sentences for children to explore their movements.


Kevin the king was a kindergarten kid with nothing to do. He kept a key hidden in his kilt. What would the key unlock?

Use the key to unlock this big box. There’s kelp to eat. There's a kettle of tea to drink.  Kerplunk!  A klutzy kitten falls out of the box and cries.  Kiss the kitten and tell him, “It’s alright.”

Let’s use our key to open the door to the zoo! A kooky kangaroo is kickboxing. Let’s kick high. Now kick to the side. The kind koala bear is playing the kazoo. Keep in line and play with him.  Jump into the kayak and paddle down the river.

The key opens the kitchen door too! Karl, my kin, is making kebob. Yum!  Let’s put some ketchup on our kebob.  Eat it all up. Now turn on the karaoke machine and sing and dance with me!

It’s time to turn our key in the playground gate.  Let’s play kickball. Kick the ball far and run around the bases.  King Kevin sees a king snake in the outfield.” Run and hide. It can kill you,” he says.  “Just kidding. It won’t hurt you.”

Use the key to open the kite kit. Let’s make a kite! Tie the sticks together and glue the paper on.  Add the string. Run and let the wind carry the kite up into the sky. Let’s make believe we are kites. Float on the wind.  Dip down and make a circle.  Duck down. Watch out for that kiwi vine.  Now soar up high!

There’s a kazillion things to do in the king’s kingdom!

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285 Add to Technorati Favorites

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Guardian Angel Kids FREE Magazine features Our Love for America and the Military,


Do you recall a time when someone said they were proud of you? How did it make you feel? Did you stand a wee bit taller? I know for myself the memory of my parents stating they were proud of me made me want to do better each day. Have you ever taken it one step further and thought what it means to be a proud American? As American citizens we live in a democracy where we have freedom of speech and religion, the right to our own opinion, freedom to choose where we want to live and work, and the opportunity for an education. These freedoms do not just come along without sacrifice. The United States military continually serves and protects the American citizens from communist and terrorist beliefs allowing us to live the American dream of freedom for all.

We invite you to visit and explore the Guardian Angel Kids www.guardian-angel-kids.com May 2012 issue of "Proud to be American " through rich history poetry, the sacrifices of military families, embracing American freedom, the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance, the Tuskegee Airmen, and activities to get you moving and grooving.

Letter from the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Lynda S. Burch

Featured Book:
Ebenezer’s Cousin by Kristen K. Zajac and illustrated by Jennifer Houdeshell

SPECIAL VIDEO PRESENTATION:

Alvin and the Chipmunks sing Proud to be an American

Children’S poetry, ACTIVITIES, SHORT STORIES, and articleS:

“History Class” poetry by Margaret Fieland – the rich history of our nation.

“Activities that Celebrate America in Song,” by Kathy Stemke – the use of songs with accompanying movements helps develop gross motor movements and rhythm in our children.

“A Sergeant for Sophie,” by Catherine May Webb and illustrated by Katherine Bullock – the waves of emotions military deployment brings to young children.
“My Country,” by Sue Bangert-Wood and illustrated by Jack Foster – embracing the freedom of America.

“Proud to Say the Pledge,” by Shari L. Klase – when we say the Pledge, we are making a promise to do something.

“History Can Teach Valuable Lessons for Today: The Tuskegee Airmen Story,” by Kristen Zajac – the first African American pilots during World II and their special place in military and social history.

Visit Guardian Angel Kid today and www.guardian-angel-kids.com and enjoy a child safe and ad free Ezine.

We also invite you to stay connected with Guardian Angel Kids through our Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Angel-Kids-Ezine/163785080346247.

Kathy Sremke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285 Add to Technorati Favorites

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Children’s Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: The Human Body – March 2012 Issue

Children’s Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: The Human Body – March 2012 Issue


Welcome to the March 2012 issue of Guardian Angel Kids Ezine (GAK). This month our theme for GAK is The Human Body.  Check it out here.

Did you know that you lose 60 – 100 strands of hair every day? Or that fingernails grow nearly four times faster than toenails? The distance around the earth is 25,000 miles. If you measured the length of all of a child's blood vessels, the total would be 60,000 miles. In an adult, it would be 100,000 miles or nearly four times the distance around the earth.

And that bothersome earwax that seems to build up so frequently? It protects the delicate inner ear. Our bodies are indeed complex and amazing.

Come explore the world of "The Human Body" through featured books, poetry, activities, engaging stories, and articles www.guardian-angel-kids.com.

Letter from the POETRY EDITOR: Donna J. Shepherd

Featured BookS:

Muscles Make Us Move: The Sum of Our Parts Series - Flip Book by Bill Kirk & Artist Eugene Ruble

Human Anatomy Video by Dejan Kober

Children’S poetry, ACTIVITIES, SHORT STORIES, and articleS:

In the Bone Zone by Bill Kirk – learn about the skeleton through this amusing poem.

Games and Activities to Teach the Human Body by Kathy Stemke – games and activities that require whole body participation will attract children’s imaginations.

If I Have to be Normal by Juliana Jones and illustrated by Clara Batton Smith – finding a healthy balance even if you don’t follow the “normal” way.
Listen Up! by Laura Thomas and illustrated by Jack Foster – school girl Jasmine discovers the hard way why we are created with two ears and just one mouth.

Excuse Me, I Burped! by Layne Fleming – you open your mouth to speak and out comes a burp. You’re embarrassed. You wonder why you burped.

Read Aloud Tips and Strategies: How Educators and Parents Can Sustain Interest by Dorit Sasson – both educators and parents play a strong role in ensuring young readers are engaged during read aloud time.

Visit Guardian Angel Kid today and www.guardian-angel-kids.com and enjoy a child safe and ad free Ezine.

We also invite you to stay connected with Guardian Angel Kids through our Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Angel-Kids-Ezine/163785080346247.

Please feel free to drop Editor-in-Chief, Donna McDine an email at submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com and let them know what you think of Guardian Angel Kids and what you'd like to see in the future. They aim to please.

The Guardian Angel Kids Ezine staff and contributors look forward to your visit. Thank you for your time and interest.
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285 Add to Technorati Favorites

Monday, September 26, 2011

There are zillions of books for kids about holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but not nearly as many about Earth Day. Trouble on Earth Day by Kathi Stemke not only fills that void, it's also a delightful picture book that will encourage children to appreciate and care for our environment all year long.
The pictures and plot are cute and young kids will enjoy hearing the book read aloud to them. Older children can read it themselves and participate in the many educational activities suggested. This would be a great book to add to school libraries as well as for families.

Reviewed by
Janet Collins
Children's author




This is a fun story told from a squirrel's point of view on ways to celebrate Earth Day.

It is chock full of recycling crafts to empower children to make a difference in their world.
I liked the nylon sachets and the CD picture frames/ornaments!


Patricia Karwatowicz
Children's author





Kathy Stemke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285 Add to Technorati Favorites

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Trouble on Earth Day has been Released!




  • Paperback: 44 pages

  • Publisher: Wild Plains Press (September 30, 2011)

  • Language: English

  • ISBN-10: 1936021366

  • ISBN-13: 978-1936021369

  • Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches

  • Shipping Weight: 4.5 ounces


  • When Shelby wins a first place ribbon for her Earth Day poster, she gets her parents involved with recycling items in their home and then befriends a bluebird - helping him rebuild his home with recycled items.
     
    This colorful picture book will facilitate dialog between parents, teachers, and children about conserving the Earth's natural resources and the 22 page activity section includes comprehension questions and easy to learn songs, as well as enjoyable worksheets, games, and compound word activities.

    Included discussions about trees, birds, and recycling materials provide everything that home-schooling parents and other educators need in order to pass on knowledge about caring for the environment and teach environmental responsibility.
    Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285 Add to Technorati Favorites

    Wednesday, August 17, 2011

    Fish theme games and songs!


    LET’S GO

    FISHING!


    Preparation

    · Make a couple of fishing poles by attaching 3 feet of string to a dowel and affixing a small magnet to the end of the string.

    · Make fish shapes in different colors and sizes.  Attach a paper clip and put a number on each fish.

    · Use large poster board to make a lake and spread the fish out.

    · Also tape some numbered fish shapes to the floor. (floor fish)

    Activity: Take turns going fishing.

    · Ask them to catch the big fish, small fish, red fish, or blue fish. Count the number in each group.

    · Blind fold them and let them fish. Identify the number on the fish.  Jump to the number on the floor fish.

    · Fish for a certain number of fish. EX: Catch 5 fish. Jump five fish.

    · Catch two fish. Add them together.  Use the fish on the floor to help them add the two fish together by jumping to the first number, then jumping the second number to find the total. 

    · Or subtract them. With subtraction, jump forward for the big number, then jump backwards for the number to be subtracted.



    FISHY POKEY  TUNE: HOKEY POKEY



    Put your left fin in, put your left fin out,

    Action: (Left elbow in, left elbow out)

    put your left fin in and shake it all about

    Actioin: (left elbow in and shake it)

    Do the fishy pokey and turn yourself around

    Action: (Turn in a circle}

    That’s what its all about.

    Action: (jump in place, clap clap)

    Do the fishy pokey, do the fishy pokey,

    Action: (Swim into the circle)

    Do the fishy pokey,

    Action: (Swim backwards out of the circle)

    That’s what its all about.

    Action: (jump in place, clap clap)

    (Right fin)



    Put your left gill in, put your left gill out,

    Action: (left shoulder in, left shoulder out)

    Etc.

    (right gill)



    Put your tail fin in, put your tail fin out,

    Action: (put your bottom in, bottom out)

    Etc.



    Put your fish eye in, put your fish eye out,

    Action: (put your head in, put your head out)

    Etc.



    Put your fish belly in, put your fish belly out,

    Action: (put your belly in, put your belly out)

    Etc.

    FISH FOOD

    Fishy swimming in a brook        

    Daddy catches with a hook       

    Mommy fries it in a pan

    Children ate it then they ran.





    Tune: I’m a Little Teapot



    I’m a little fishy, watch me swim

    Here is my tail, here is my fin

    When I want to have fun with my friends

    I wiggle my tail and jump right in!



    INDIVIDUAL SPELLING GAME

    Make letter squares of either 6, 8, 9, or 12 letters. Make sure there are vowels in each letter grouping. Each child must jump through as many fish words as he can with his set of letters. An observing student should check the spelling and write it down.  Set a time limit, count the words spelled correctly, and announce a winner. Change places with your partner. Fish words: fin, flipper, swim, dive, gill, school, scales, eye, tail, water, seafood, fillet, gut, seaweed, jump, mouth, eat, sand, mud, eggs, bite, catch, fluke, trout.



    FISH SONG


    Tune: Frere Jacques

    Big ones, small ones

    Big ones, small ones

    See them swim

    On a whim.

    Smoothly, smoothly, swimming

    Never, never, drowning.

    Fish, fish, fish,

    Fish, fish, fish. 
    Kathy Stemke's websites:
    Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285 Add to Technorati Favorites

    Friday, October 8, 2010

    SIGN UP FOR MY FREE MONTHLY "MOVEMENT AND RHYTHM NEWSLETTER"

    TAKE A LOOK AT SOME SAMPLE ACTIVITIES THAT YOU WILL FIND IN MY NEWSLETTER !

    Feed My Letter Monsters Sounds!

    They're sooo..... Hungry! 

     

    HOW DOES WIND MOVE? 

    Make a pinwheel & explore!

    How does wind move objects? How can my body move objects? This fitness and science exploration asks open-ended questions to help preschoolers discover answers on their own. Preschoolers will run, jump and twirl to stay active as they use simple science tools to investigate wind and movement.

    To explain one reason wind changes direction, have each child put a piece of paper in front of his mouth.   Blow like the wind and watch the paper move.  Did the wind go through the paper?  No.  It went up over the paper or out to the side around the paper.  

    Imagine the paper is a mountain.  Will the mountain move like the paper did?  No.  The wind can’t go through it so it has to go up and over the mountain.

    FEATHER GAME
    Pair you children off and give them a feather. Tell them to try to keep the feather in the air by blowing it. Explain that the air they are blowing out of their mouth is like the wind outside.

    WINDY BOOKS!
    When the Wind Stops
    by Charlotte Zolotow 
    Feel the Wind
    by Arthur Dorros  

    The Life of a Leaf 

    You are a tiny leaf bud on a tree.  In the spring you grow into a small leaf.  When the rain falls down you grow into a big leaf.  You twist and turn all summer to find the sun.  With all your leaf friends you make an umbrella of shade (kids can clump together) to keep people cool.  Now slide away to your own space.
     
    One day it gets cool and you tremble slowly.  You better hold on to your branch tightly.  Because it’s so cold, you turn into a bright orange leaf.  The wind lifts you up and down.  The wind rocks you side to side.  It gets colder every day so you shake.  You shake faster and faster.   You twist and spin and hold on to the branch with all your strength.  

    Suddenly you can’t hold on, so you fly around the yard.  You love being free so you dance.  Now bounce up as high as you can.   Slide low under a bush.  Now hop as fast as you can.  Stop and reach to the sky.  A gust of wind pushes you into a whirl.  

    You land in the stream, and float slowly down the hill.  You’re getting tired so you hug a giant rock.  The water is pushing against you.  Climb up to the top of the rock.  Balance on one part of you.  You wave to your friends on the tree.  You want to get back so you leap as far as you can.  You fall into the stream and dive deep.  You swim then pop up for some air.  At last you rest on the shore.  You pick up your head when you hear your friend Doug.  You laugh out loud to see all your friends come together again.

    KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES:
    Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html http://kathystemke.weebly.com
    Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke
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    Tuesday, August 3, 2010

    TOP 20 EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES AND BOOKS

    Strictly speaking, every day should be Earth Day because that’s the very least our planet deserves – to be treated with respect and concern for the protective home it provides us. However, one day in the year is set aside to celebrate this special occasion when we honor and acknowledge the earth’s contribution to our wellbeing and prosperity and strive to protect our environment and the only world we know – Earth Day is marked by activities and resolutions, some of which are kept and others that fall by the wayside. If you’re looking for ways to ensure that your contribution counts, here are a few good Earth Day activities and books:

    Show you care:

    1. Plant a tree.
    2. Organize a garbage pickup or cleanliness drive.
    3. Leave your car behind and walk, carpool or take public transport.
    4. Skip the elevator and take the stairs.
    5. Dispose of your trash responsibly.
    6. Recycle and reuse whenever and wherever possible.
    7. Work with land trusts to foster biodiversity/prevent extinction of species.
    8. Campaign for cleaner air and fresh water.
    9. Use recycled water for your garden.
    10. Invest in solar power.
    11. Upgrade your appliances to newer models that save power through efficiency.
    12. Get your car a hybrid retrofit.
    13. Work with a cleanup crew to protect natural habitats and save wildlife.
    14. Grow your own garden of fruits and vegetables.
    15. Go organic.
    16. Buy from sustainable sources when you buy wood.
    17. Dispose of electronic waste responsibly.
    18. Use non toxic paints and recyclable building material in your home.
    19. Don’t leave the water running or appliances on standby when not in use.
    20. Go green whenever and wherever you can.


    Get your kids more involved in Earth Day with these books:


    1. Let’s Celebrate Earth Day by Peter Roop
    2. Kids Can Care by Rhoda Orszag Vestuto
    3. Earth Day by David F. Marx
    4. Reduce, Reuse, Recyle by Rozanne Lanczak Williams
    5. Teaching Kids to Love the Earth by Lachecki Marina
    6. Let’s Get Ready for Earth Day by Lloyd G. Douglas
    7. Every Day is Earth Day by Kathy Ross
    8. The Great Trash Bash by Loreen Leedy
    9. Earth Day Activities by Pamela Friedman T.
    10. Earth Day – Hooray by Stuart J. Murphy
    11. Earth Day (On My Own Holidays) by Linda Lowery
    12. Earth Day by Linda Lowery
    13. All New Crafts for Earth Day by Kathy Ross
    14. Best Kids-Love-The-Earth Activity Book by Cynthia Overbeck
    15. Earth Day by Nancy I. Sanders
    16. Earth Day Birthday by Patty Schnetzler
    17. 50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth
    18. Earth-Friendly Outdoor Fun by George Pfiffner
    19. Ecology Crafts For Kids by Bobbe Needham
    20. More Teaching Kids to Love the Earth by James Kasperson

    By-line:
    This guest post is contributed by Anna Miller, who writes on the topic of online degrees. She welcomes your comments at her email id: anna.miller009@gmail.com

    Kathy's Websites:
    Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profileAdd to Technorati Favorites

    Saturday, July 17, 2010

    BACKWARDS DAY ACTIVITIES!


    Backwards Day Lesson Plan

    If you're looking for a fun idea for April Fool's Day, or to use as a reward for students who have worked hard on a project or state tests why not consider planning a Backwards Day?

    Invite students and teachers to wear their clothes backwards or inside out.

    Backward Jokes:
    · What vehicle is spelled the same backwards and forward? Racecar
    · What has four legs and goes "oom-oom" answer: A cow walking backwards
    · Forwards it is heavy, backwards it is not. What is it? Answer: A ton.

    Poem: "Backward Town"

    The folks who live in backward town
    Are inside out and upside down.
    They wear their hats inside their heads
    And go to sleep beneath their beds.
    They only eat the apple peeling
    And take their walks across the ceiling.

    Simon Says Backwards. Do the opposite of what "It" says when It says "Simon Says."

    Give each student a "Hello, My Name Is…" nametag. Have them write their name backwards on the nametag.

    Take a trip back in time in a time machine. Study dinosaurs.

    If you can arrange it, watch a short cartoon backwards.

    Plan relay races in which students race backwards.

    Read a book backwards. This will be especially funny to students if you read a book with which they are familiar. A Dr. Seuss book, or "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" should work well.

    Have a contest: Who can recite the alphabet backwards fastest?

    Read Shel Silverstein's poem "Backward Bill" and Backwards Day by Joan Holub.

    Backward Watercolor: Have child apply water to paper with paintbrush, covering the entire paper. Then have child draw and color on the wet paper with markers and the colors will run and mix to create a great looking watercolor picture!

    Backward Sandwich: Take a piece of bread and roll meat and cheese around it to make an inside out sandwich.

    Turn a lot of things in the classroom "backward" from the way they usually are. (You might make changes as obvious as turning your desk around to changes as subtle as turning the letter R backwards on a bulletin board headline.) Challenge students, or pairs of students, to a scavenger hunt in which they find as many backward things as they can. Award a prize to the person(s) who finds the most backward things.

    Allow students to sit backwards in their chairs, or teach from the back of the classroom instead of the front.

    Read Silly Sally by Audrey Wood. The text is “Silly (name) came to school. ________ backwards was really cool.” Brainstorm silly things that could be done backwards and make a backwards book. Take a photo of the child’s back and put that on the cover that says “Guess Who?” You turn the page and there is a photo of the child facing forward that says “It’s (name).

    Jump rope backwards.

    Students might eat dessert before they eat their lunches.

    Backwards movement exploration; walk backward, skate backard, row backward, circle arms backward, kick backward, jump backward, hop backward, crawl backward, fly backward, dance backward.

    Do an Opposites Crossword Puzzle or one of these other opposites activities from BogglesWorld.com.

    Tape drawing paper underneath the tables in your classroom or cafeteria. Have students lay on the floor and draw on the paper.

    Challenge older students to find in the dictionary as many palindrome words as they can. A palindrome word is a word that is spelled the same frontward and backward. For example: pop, toot, deed, refer…

    Have students send a Backwards Day e-card to their parents.

    Get a masters in education to better teach children.


    Kathy Stemke's websites:
    Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profileAdd to Technorati Favorites

    Sunday, July 4, 2010

    HAPPY 4TH OFJULY: POEM



    INDEPENDENCE DAY


    In the year of 1776

    That paper was decreed -

    They were tired of oppression

    And wanted to be freed .



    They wrote a Declaration

    So the whole world would see

    This was, "the home of the brave

    And the land of the free".



    They signed that piece of parchment

    The leaders of this land

    Knowing, divided they would fall

    But, together they could stand.



    A new world lay before them

    Untamed from shore to shore -

    They swore they would protect it

    If it meant going to war.



    Battles have been fought

    And many lives have been lost -

    So sad something so basic

    Has such a high, high cost.



    Seems freedom is a luxury

    There's some would bind us all -

    Like then, together, we can stand

    But divided, we will fall.



    Two hundred thirty-four years

    Have past by since that day

    That each of us celebrate

    In our own different way.



    We should be proud and thankful

    Pay our share of the cost -

    Not take freedom for granted

    For it easily could be lost.



    Del "Abe" Jones


    Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profileAdd to Technorati Favorites

    Wednesday, June 16, 2010

    CIRCLE GAMES BY RAE PICA

    The following activities are excerpts from Rae Pica's book, Great Games for Young Children.Over 100 Games to Develop Self-Confidence, Problem-Solving Skills, & Cooperation

    Rae Pica has been a movement education consultant for 25 years. She is nationally known for her lively workshops and keynote speeches and has shared her expertise with such groups as the Sesame Street Research Department, the Head Start Bureau, Gymboree Play & Music Centers, The Centers for Disease Control, and Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues. She lives in New Hampshire.

    Circles bring about a sense of community -- of belonging -- that no other formation offers. Whether the children are holding hands or simply sitting side by side, the circle is a symbol of togetherness. It allows them to see and hear everyone else. To remain part of the circle, children must accept the rules and role assigned. Recognition of others and both verbal and nonverbal communication are among the social skills fostered "in the round."

    Name Ball. This simple game is a great way for children to get to know one another's names at the start of the school year. Later, it can be used to impart other pertinent information about each child.

    Ask the children to stand in a large circle. One child starts by saying his name and then gently passes a small, easy-to-grip ball to the child to either his right or left, who must then say her name as she catches the ball. The process continues around the circle until all of the children have said their names. Then, to help the children more quickly remember each other's name, reverse the process.

    Once the children know each other's names, have them call out the name of the person to whom they're tossing the ball.

    Movement Mimic. This is similar to the old game of Gossip, where one player begins by whispering something into the ear of the next player, who in turn whispers it to the next player, and so on all the way around the circle. But, here, instead of trying to get the same words all the way around, the children try to replicate the same movement.

    Standing, form a circle with the children and begin by choosing an action that each child must take turns imitating until it comes back to you. For instance, you might gently squeeze the hand of the child to your right, and she must do the same to the child on her right, and so on around the circle (i.e., sequential movement).

    The Spokes of the Wheel Go 'Round & 'Round. Ask the children if they've seen the spokes on a bicycle wheel. Talk to them about the concept before starting this game.

    Ask the children to stand in a close circle, each child facing someone else's back. The children then extend their arms toward the inside of the circle so everyone's hands are touching. They then go 'round and 'round, like a bicycle wheel, trying to keep all the spokes attached!

    Do As I Say. This game requires concentration! Start off slowly -- speak slowly and give just a few commands at a time. Even if you notice children aren't getting it quite right, just smile and move right along to the next challenge.

    The children stand in a circle, with you in the center. Explain that you're going to give them a short list of things to do but that they're not to do them until you've completed the list. Then present such challenges as:

    · Jump forward, jump backward.
    · Clap twice, blink your eyes.
    · Turn yourself around, give yourself a hug.
    · Touch your knees, touch your head.
    · Clap twice, blink your eyes, turn around.

    With older, more experienced children, you can extend the list of commands even further. They may not be able to "clap twice, blink eyes, turn around, give yourself a hug," but they'll have fun trying!

    Book Review

    "For those of us who believe that 'play is the right of every child,' this collection of non-competitive, non-embarrassing, non-eliminating, and yet fun and instructional games for young children, is highly welcomed in the early childhood community! I love the way Rae describes why each game is important in terms of cognitive, social/emotional, and physical benefits thus helping teachers articulate to parents and administrators that play is an 'essential part' of any curriculum for young children."

    Marcy Guddemi,
    Early Childhood Curriculum Specialist

    These games, along with their variations, appear in Great Games for Young Children (Gryphon House, 2006) by Rae Pica.

    The games in this book provide benefits for the whole child, meaning each game benefits all three domains of child development: cognitive, social/emotional, and physical. These new and classic games, each with a noncompetitive twist, are sure to get children up and moving. You’ll find everything you need to know to play over 100 great games, including outside games, musical games, circle games, concept games, and cooperative games. Perfect for rainy days, sunny days, and every day, each game in this book offers heart rate raising, team-building, friend-filled fun!

    To find out more or purchasee from Amazon click on the box below.



    Moving & Learning
    Rae Pica, Director/Author
    Email us at raepica@movingandlearning.com


    Kathy Stemke's websites:
    Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profileAdd to Technorati Favorites