FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL POEM!

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=profile

HAPPY NATIONAL DANCE DAY!

"NATIONAL DANCE DAY, a grassroots initiative that encourages the nation, young and old, to move! Individuals, families, organizations and communities from across the nation come together through their creative expression in dance. Any style of dance is welcome and imagination is recommended in order to get the most out of this celebratory day.

Why? To continue to generate national awareness for dance, a medium of expression and ...storytelling which, through shows like So You Think You Can Dance, has proven its value in bringing individuals from all walks of life together through a positive platform that has no boundaries and cultivates imagination and passion. Most importantly, the day is intended to promote health and wellness nationwide."

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO AND LEARN A COOL HIP HOP DANCE! DANCE IT TODAY!



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=profile

BUG SONGS AND POEMS PART II

Fireflies in Flight
(Tune of "Camptown Races")

Fireflies come out at night.
Blink, blink. Blink, blink.
Showing off their little lights
In the summer sky!

Can you see them glow?
Flying to and fro,
Fireflies come out at night
In the summer sky!

The Little Caterpillars

Ten little caterpillars crawled up on the vine.
One slipped off, and then there were ______.

Nine little caterpillars sat upon the gate.
One hid behind the latch, and then there were ______.

Eight little caterpillars are on their way to heaven.
One went to find a leaf, and then there were ______.

Seven little caterpillars tried to find some sticks.
One went behind a bush, and then there were______.

Six little caterpillars crawled down the drive.
One skittled far away, and then there were ______.

Five little caterpillars were creeping as before.
One slipped inside a crack, and then there were______.

Four little caterpillars climbed up a tree.
One hid behind some bark, and then there were ______.

Three little caterpillars found leaves that were new.
One crawled far away and then there were______.

Two little caterpillars were snoozing in the sun.
One woke and ran away, and then there was______.

The Bugs on the Go
(Tune: "The Wheels on the Bus")

The small honeybees go buzz-buzz-buzz,
Buzz-buzz-buzz,buzz-buzz-buzz.
The small honeybees go buzz-buzz-buzz,
All day long.

The crickets in the grass go hop-hop-hop,
Hop-hop-hop, hop-hop-hop.
The crickets in the grass go hop-hop-hop,
All day long.

The slow caterpillars go munch-munch-munch,
Munch-munch-munch, munch-munch-munch.
The slow caterpillars go munch-munch-munch,
All day long.

The big black spiders go creep-creep-creep,
Creep-creep-creep, creep-creep-creep,
The big black spiders go creep-creep-creep,
All day long.

Do you like to Buzz?
(Tune: Do Your Ears Hang Low)

Do you like to buzz.
Are you covered all in fuzz?
Do you call a hive a home
In the garden where you roam?
Do you know how to make honey,
Are your stripes a little funny?
Do you like to buzz?

The Fuzzy Caterpillar
(Tune:Itsy Bitsy Spider)

The fuzzy caterpillar
curled up on a leaf,
Spun her little cocoon
and then fell fast asleep.
While she was sleeping,
she dreamed that she could fly
And later when she woke up
She was a butterfly!

BEE SONG
(Sung to: She'll Be comin' Round the Mountain)

They'll be flying 'round the flowers in the yard. Buzz buzz. (flap hands)
They'll be flying 'round the flowers in the yard. Buzz buzz.
They'll be flying 'round the flowers; they'll be flying 'round the flowers;
They'll be flying 'round they flowers in the yard.

More verses:

They'll be slurping up the nectar when they come. Gulp! Gulp! (pretend to swallow)
They'll be scooping up the pollen with their legs. Fun! Fun! (Stomp twice)
They'll be feeding all the babies in the hive. Eat! Eat! (pretend to rock baby)
They'll be cooling down the hive with their wings. Flap! Flap! (flap arms)
They'll be making lots of honey that we'll eat. Yum! Yum! (rub tummy)

KATHY STEMKE:
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=profile

Summer Songs and Poems

INSECTS!!
(Sung to: She'll Be comin' Round the Mountain)

They'll be flying 'round the flowers in the yard. Buzz buzz. (flap hands)
They'll be flying 'round the flowers in the yard. Buzz buzz.
They'll be flying 'round the flowers; they'll be flying 'round the flowers;
They'll be flying 'round they flowers in the yard.

More verses:
They'll be slurping up the nectar when they come. Gulp! Gulp! (pretend to swallow)
They'll be scooping up the pollen with their legs. Fun! Fun! (Stomp twice)
They'll be feeding all the babies in the hive. Eat! Eat! (pretend to rock baby)
They'll be cooling down the hive with their wings. Flap! Flap! (flap arms)
They'll be making lots of honey that we'll eat. Yum! Yum! (rub tummy)

When the Bugs Come Out in Spring
Tune: When the Saints Come Marching In

Oh when the bugs come out in spring
Oh when the bugs come out in spring
I want to be outside marching

When the bugs come out in spring
I'll see some crawl; I'll see some fly
I'll count how many go marching by
I'll watch and see how many I know
Of the bugs that come out in spring


I'm A Little Turtle
(sung to the tune of "I'm A Little Teapot")

I'm a little turtle with a shell,
I have four legs, a head, and a tail,
When I get so scared I want to hide,
I pull my head and legs inside!

A New Itsy-Bitsy Spider

The itsty-bitsy spider
Crawled up on Jordan’s head.
He crawled all around, then used it for a bed.
He crawled down his back
and jumped down to the floor.
Then the itsy-bitsy spider
Crawled underneath the door.


DO SPIDERS STICK TO THEIR OWN WEBS?

The spider weaves a sticky web
To capture bugs to eat.
What keeps the spider's sticky web
From sticking to her feet?
Spider webs are very tricky
Because not all the strands are sticky.
Unlike the passing hapless fly,
The spider knows which strands are dry.
But if she accidentally stands
Upon one of the sticky strands
She still will not get stuck, you see-
Her oily body slides off free.

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=profile

Writers Block: Help Kids Break Down the Wall! by Alexis Montgomery

When you think of writer’s block, you probably picture a professional novelist; say Stephen King or J.K. Rowling, sitting at a typewriter or computer, staring blankly into space as they try to visualize a way to round out their character through the use of creative storytelling. But absolutely anyone can suffer from this common creative roadblock, so it should come as no surprise that kids suffer from writer’s block as well. Although children are often considered more creative than adults, they may lack both the knowledge and tools necessary to harness their ideas and translate them into coherent writing. As a teacher, it’s your job to work with them on ways to get past any anxiety they may feel at being forced to write and find a way to make it fun. Here are a few tips.

1. Give examples. Almost any kid can find a way to relate to a topic if you just get the ball rolling for them. If their assignment is an essay on their summer vacation, for example, they could write about a trip they took, a friend they made at camp, or helping their dad with the barbeque. Sometimes all they need is a nudge in the right direction.

2. Get them talking. Going straight from an assigned topic to writing it out can be a little intimidating. If a child is struggling, start asking them questions. Chances are they can answer almost immediately. Have them write down their answers and then prompt them to organize them into a list. From there they can begin to fill in the blanks.

3. Brainstorm. Have kids shout out (or write down) ideas that they think relate to the topic. Write them on the board in a cluster diagram (main ideas in the middle with branches pointing to related ideas or sub-topics). This should give kids who freeze up a couple of ideas to use as a springboard. No volunteers? Ask some pointed questions to get them started.

4. Start with a drawing. Not every kid is geared for linguistics. Some do better with pictures, so if they’re having trouble getting started, suggest they draw a picture or a comic strip that relates to the topic, and then have them write a description. Having something concrete to focus on may work better than an ambiguous idea.

5. Don’t begin with the beginning. If a child has a definite idea for the body of an essay or the climax of a story, have them write it out and work from there. Just getting started with writing may help them work out the rest.

6. Free write. Have a child who is stumped write any old thing that pops into their head, even if it’s gibberish. Getting into the right mindset for writing may spark an idea.

7. Take a break. Your brain, like your body, can become exhausted. Taking a break to stretch or get a snack might be enough for them to reboot and come back fresh.

8. Don’t push. Trying too hard to critique or help might only serve to give kids a complex, so let them get it out, make mistakes, and then offer suggestions in a passive way, such as by highlighting spelling errors or inconsistencies and then directing them to a dictionary or asking questions to lead them to specific conclusions. If they feel that they can figure it out on their own, they will gain confidence in their abilities.

These techniques should be quite helpful for grade school on up, but the best approach is to avoid these problems altogether by putting your child on the right path as early as possible. And you can start before they even learn to write. Preschoolers can be taught to tell stories through drawings. You can let them tell their own story, or dictate one and have them draw (or scribble) it out for you. Be sure to offer lots of encouragement and allow them to explore their own creativity. This way they can learn to frame a story long before they actually have to represent it with written words. Letters, after all, are merely pictorial representations of sound. You can also help them to write letters, lists, and messages to post around the house. Encouraging your child to express itself through writing from an early age will assist them not only in pre-empting or overcoming writers block, but also in developing their comprehension skills, which will help them in all academic subjects.

Alexis Montgomery is a content writer for Online Degree Programs, where you can browse through various online degree programs to find a college that suits your needs.

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=profile

FUN SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR YOU!

This is a site for the Mojave River lesson plan but you can adapt the lessons to suit your needs
http://www.lewiscenter.org/users/mhuffine/subprojects/Wildlands%20Curriculum/OELessonPlanningHelp.htm

Article with summer activities and links
http://www.brighthub.com/education/early-childhood/articles/36530.aspx

Scroll down to the index and there are tons of activities – all ages
http://wilderdom.com/games/IdeasSummerCampActivities.html

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=profile

MOTHER'S DAY POEMS AND SONGS

Mother's Day
by Sherry

The kindest face I'll ever see,
The kindest voice I'll ever hear.
The one who cares the most for me
Is my own mother dear.

All through the year
I'll try to do
The things that show
My love for you.
And not be happy just to say,
"I love you, Mother," on Mother's Day.

Take an angel from the sky
And send her down this way.
Then send some little boys and girls
To keep her company.

Then fill her heart
With Mother love,
Give her a smile of cheer.
And you'll have a kind of Mother
Just like my Mother, dear.

Mother’s Day Song (Are You Sleeping)

We love mothers, we love mothers
Yes, we do; yes, we do.
Mothers are for hugging
Mothers are for kissing
We love you; yes, we do.
Only One Mother

Poem
by George Cooper

Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky,
Hundreds of shells on the shore together,
Hundreds of birds that go singing by,
Hundreds of lambs in the sunny weather.

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
But only one mother the wide world over.

Song(tune of "Bing-O")

There is a woman that I know,
And Mommy is her name-O.
M-O-M-M-Y!
M-O-M-M-Y!
M-O-M-M-Y!
And Mommy is her name-O!

There is a woman that I know,
And Mommy is her name-O.
(Clap)-O-M-M-Y!
(Clap)-O-M-M-Y!
(Clap)-O-M-M-Y!
And Mommy is her name-O!

There is a woman that I know,
And Mommy is her name-O.
(Clap, Clap)-M-M-Y!
(Clap, Clap)-M-M-Y!
(Clap, Clap)-M-M-Y!
And Mommy is her name-O!

There is a woman that I know,
And Mommy is her name-O.
(Clap, Clap, Clap)-M-Y!
(Clap, Clap, Clap)-M-Y!
(Clap, Clap, Clap)-M-Y!
And Mommy is her name-O!

There is a woman that I know,
And Mommy is her name-O.
(Clap, Clap, Clap, clap)-Y!
(Clap, Clap, Clap, clap)-Y!
(Clap, Clap, Clap, clap)-Y!
And Mommy is her name-O!

There is a woman that I know,
And Mommy is her name-O.
(Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap)
(Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap)
(Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap)
And Mommy is her name-O!

MILITARY MOMS
Del Abe Jones
5-10-2006
MOTHER'S DAY

This year on Mother s Day
We should think of offspring lost
And Mothers of all those Troops
Who paid the ultimate cost.

They ve watched Sons and Daughters
Sent off to a foreign land
To fight wars and give their all
In some conflicts so ill planned.

But no matter what the reasons
They ve always stepped up to the line
To give their lives for Freedoms
Enjoyed by all of yours and mine.

We must Honor all those Mothers
Of all those who have Served
And Sacrifices that they made
With our, Thanks! , so well deserved.

It takes a very Special Lady
To let Her Child go off to War
Or just to join the Military
With the pride and fear and more.

There's too many Gold Star Mothers
And if you might know of one
Please send Her a special wish
To praise Her Daughter or Son.

Military Moms are the Greatest
With a strength beyond compare
Who hope and pray their loved one
Comes Home safe, from over there.

So, let s keep them in our thoughts
And hope their prayers come true
All those Moms and all those Troops
Who stand Strong and Proud, and True.


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
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Earth Day Celebrates its 40th Anniversary on April 22, 2010!

by Margaret Ollove

Forty years ago, on April 22, 1970, more than 20 million people converged in small towns and major cities across the United States to help launch the modern environmental movement. That first Earth Day was part teach-in, part call-to-action and part celebration. At Earth Day Network, our Education program continues a successful history of environmental education initiatives dating back to the first Earth Day in 1970. We are continuing this tradition for the upcoming 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day on Thursday April 22, 2010. We have hundreds of resources to help educate your kids, to go green, and to get involved in Earth Day.
Here’s a list of fun activities you can do with your kids to teach them about the environment.



· Pull out invasive plants and replace them with native species.
· Ride bikes, walk or take public transit.
· Volunteer at a local Earth Day event.
· Write a letter to a local policymaker.
· Start a family garden and grow healthy food. Start a compost pile and use a rain barrel.
· Switch out light bulbs for energy- efficient CFLs.
· Learn about the history of the environmental movement. Use activity ideas from Earth Day Network lesson plans.
· Paint an eco- mural. Use green art supplies.
· Make art from recycled objects.
· Play educational games Environmental Jeopardy.
· Use the interactive online Ecological Footprint quiz.
· View and discuss films on Earth Day TV.
· Clean up your playground, schoolyard, walking paths or watershed.
· Hold a recycling or waste reduction contest.
· Compost your food scraps.

Need Help? Contact education@earthday.org for resources, ideas and support!

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
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COLOR ACTIVITIES!

I have kids in my class sort fruit loops by color and count them. Then we place the froot lopps in a baggie. Each child gets one. And they smash the froot loops up. Then they take a peice of paper and put glue all over and sprinkle the froot loops over the paper. They love the sorting and the smashing even more.


last year, during the first weeks of school, i had my students help make a color book. i offered the children a variety of colored paint/tissue paper/crayons and different mediums to use to color with/on. (for crayons they could color on sandpaper or the table, paint we gave them string to paint with, brushes, cars to drive through and make car tracks, feathers to use to paint...).
each child made one color page. i then typed up something similar to brown bear with the colors, attached it to the pages and laminated/bound it.

the children enjoyed looking at the book! i also found (though google images) various pictures and print/laminated them. the children would be shown the yellow page and then be given a choice of a black tire or yellow banana to match to the page. you could obviously give more choices to pick from.

Another great idea involving colors during Whole Group Time is "Color Investigation". Have the children be detective and give them a small magnifying piece or whatever you would like. Choose the color you are working on and have the children go around the room finding the color. They love this!!! This can be done with shapes, letters, numbers- whatever you want.

Blue - blue is another word for sad, brainstorm things that make you sad.
Orange - use magazines to cut out pictures of foods that are orange.
Yellow - use gardening magazines to cut out pictures of flowers that are yellow and label each one.
Red - brainstorm a list of words that rhyme with red.
Green - brainstorm a list of words that begin with the letter blend gr.

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.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
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BOOK REVIEWS!

DAYS END LULLABY written by Karen Cioffi and Robyn Feltman

This enduring book offers you a soothing lullaby to read or sing to your children. The charming illustrations are sure to be pictures your children can relate to and treasure. Upon reaching the last page, my niece fell fast asleep. The lyrical words and sweet melody will lull any restless spirit into a deep and dreamy sleep. www.booksurge.com www.amazon.com

KEESHA'S BRIGHT IDEA written by Eleanor May and illustrated by Amy Wimmer

This book is full of delightful facts about energy usage and waste. This unusual book brings the relevant issue of energy conservation to life with fun characters and an interesting story. The colorful, hip illustrations with their many details keep young children’s attention. On almost every page you’ll find a box with quick tips of fresh new information, which stimulates class discussion. My students were eager to share their own energy saving stories from home, and couldn’t wait to share the new facts and tips they learned in school with their families. www.amazon.com

I coupled this book with a great activity. We made “I save energy” T-shirts with energy tips displayed. We hung them with clothespins on a rope across our classroom.

TROUBLE ON EARTH DAY by Kathy Stemke (yes, that's me!)

This children's picture book about a squirrel family that saves nuts, recycles, and saves a little yellow songbird is a great way to start a conversation about conservation with your children or your students. Coming soon!!

http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
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EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES

I HAVE A NEW BOOK UNDER CONTRACT: "TROUBLE ON EARTH DAY!" A teacher activity book will follow. It's a great fictional story that teaches kids how to RECYCLE, RETHINK, AND REUSE things around the house!

Ladybug Rocks!

1. Wash an dry some smooth round or oval rocks.

2. Paint the rocks with acrylic paint in colors of your choice.

3. Paint a head using black paint.

4. Use a black sharpie to draw spots and an line down their backs.

5. Glue on two wiggly eyes. You can substitute beans for the eyes if needed.

Nest Building Activity!

For most birds, nest-building supplies consist of whatever nature has lying around — wood, grass, twigs, feathers, and fur. You can provide the birds in your neighborhood with easy-to-obtain nest fodder by stuffng a mesh onion bag with materials such as pet fur, colorful strands of cloth, bits of stuffing, hay, colorful yarn cut into short lengths, hair from your brush, or feathers from an old down pillow. (Avoid anything synthetic or sharp.) Snip a few large holes in the sack so birds can poke around, then hang it in a tree, ideally near a feeder so it will get noticed.

In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for birds visiting the sack, then watch what trees they return to — from the right viewpoint, you might even get to see your building materials being incorporated into the birds' nests.


Tin Can Herb Pots!

1. Completely wash and dry aluminum can. If necessary, sand off any rough edges from opening of can, and poke holes in the bottom with a screwdriver..

2. Paint can desired color, repeat coats if needed. Decorate however you like. Decorate with stickers if desired.

3. Place enough rocks or pebbles in the bottom of the can to form a single layer.
Add enough potting soil to fill the can two-thirds full.

4. Remove potted herb from its container and transplant into the can.

5. Place can on a plate (to catch any water drainage) and add some water to the newly planted herbs.

6. Paint craft stick whatever color you like. Use a black Sharpie marker to write the herb name onto the stick.

7. Insert your plant marker into the soil, being careful not to crush any roots along the way.

8. Place your new garden in a sunny window and remember to water them!

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Kathy Stemke on Education Tipster

Kathy Stemke on Helium
Kathy Stemke on Associated Content
Kathy Stemke’s Website

WEBSITES KIDS LOVE!

Here are some great kids' websites that kids enjoy:

http://www.noggin.com/
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/home/index.ht ml
www.funschool.com
www.funbrain.com
www.pbskids.com
www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/
http://kids.discovery.com/
www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/
http://animal.discovery.com/
www.enchantedlearning.com/Home.html
www.kidzone.ws/tracers/patrick/index.asp
http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/
http://www.sesameworkshop.org/
http://www.kidsgames.org/
http://www.learningplanet.com/
http://www.learn4good.com/games/online.htm
http://www.highlightskids.com/
http://games.disneysblast.com/
http://www.cyberkids.com/fg/
http://www.history.org/kids/
http://www.innerbody.com/htm/body.html (for older kids!)
http://www.smithsonian.org/websites_a_z/

Also children's book publishers such as Scholastic usually have good sites that have activities that coordinate with their books. It would be nice to read and then reinforce with activities.

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BECOME A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG!

If you become a follower, you will be updated on your dashboard when a post is published. I would appreciate comments on what you like or don't like about the blog, as well as what you'd like to see more of on this blog. I hope to hear from you. Thanks Kathy

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Action Harvest Poems and Songs!

PUMPKIN, PUMPKIN

Pumpkin, pumpkin, on the wall, (reach arms up high on tip toes)
Pumpkin, pumpkin, tip and fall. (sit on the floor)
Pumpkin, pumpkin, roll and rock, (rock side to side)
Pumpkin, pumpkin, down the block! (lay flat, log roll)

WATCH ME GROW (tune: Mary had a little lamb)

We are pumpkins, watch us grow, (squat/ slowly rise up, arms out)
watch us grow, (jump) watch us grow. (jump)
We are pumpkins, watch us grow, (squat/ slowly rise up, arms out)
Straight up don’t you know. (squat and jump up high then sit)

PUMPKIN POEM

One day I found a pumpkin seed. (Pick a seed up off the ground)
I planted it, and pulled the weeds. (Dig, plant, pull weeds)
It sprouted roots, and grew a vine.(Move your arms like sprouting roots)
A pumpkin grew; I called it mine. (Cross your heart and sway)
The pumpkin was quite round and fat.(Open your arms and rock on feet)
The vine, it crept just like a cat. (Walk on hands and feet)

PUMPKIN SONG (tune: I'm a little teapot)

I'm a little pumpkin, short and round.
Here is my big stem, next to the ground.
When it’s time to pick me, don’t you doubt!
Just cut me open, and scoop me out!

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ACTION MONTHS OF THE YEAR!

Come say and do twelve months with me,
Learn them in order, that’s the key.
January, February, March,
April, May, June,
July, August, September,
October, November, December!

In January I shiver and shake. (shiver)
In February, Valentines I make. (draw heart in air)

In March my kite blows in the sky. (wave hand)
In April, raindrops fly right by. (wiggle fingers downward)

In May, flowers grow in the pot. (wiggle fingers upward)
In June the days get really hot. (fan yourself)

July the 4th we celebrate. (explode like fireworks)
August swimming is really great. (swim)

September welcomes in the Fall. (fall like a leaf)
October harvest comes to call. (pick apples or corn)

November turkeys are on the go. (flap wings)
December ends with a Ho Ho Ho! (rub belly)

MONEY SKILLS!

Recognizing, counting, spending, giving, and saving money are important life skills that should be taught to young children. Educating, motivating, and empowering children to become regular savers will enable them to keep more of the money they earn and do more with the money they spend.

Here is a song and a rhyme that children love to say that will help them identify the different coins and bills we use as money.

COIN RHYME

Penny, penny,
Easily spent.
Copper brown
and worth one cent.

Nickel, nickel,
Thick and fat.
You're worth five cents,
I know that.

Dime, dime,
Little and thin.
I remember,
you're worth ten.

Quarter, quarter,
big and bold.
You're worth twenty-five
I am told.

THE DOLLAR SONG (to the tune of "Ten Little Indians")

10 little, 20 little, 30 little pennies.
40 little, 50 little, 60 little pennies.
70 little, 80 little, 90 little pennies.
100 pennies make a dollar!

2 small, 4 small, 6 small nickels.
8 small, 10 small, 12 small nickels.
14 small, 16 small, 18 small nickels.
20 nickels make a dollar!

1 tiny, 2 tiny, 3 tiny dimes.
4 tiny, 5 tiny, 6 tiny dimes.
7 tiny, 8 tiny, 9 tiny dimes.
10 dimes make a dollar!

1 big, 2 big, 3 big quarters.
4 big, 4 big, 4 big quarters.
1 big, 2 big, 3 big quarters.
4 quarters make a dollar!

MONEY PUZZLES

To help the children identify money, you can make simple puzzles for them to put together. For instance, just find an image of the front and back of a quarter on line. Glue the front and back together, then laminate for durability. Simply cut the sheet into large puzzle pieces for a fun activity. It’s a good idea to make the dime a small puzzle and the quarter a large puzzle.

QUARTER RUBBINGS

Make a large Qq or quarter on a poster board. The quarter (also called a quarter dollar) is worth 25 cents or 25 pennies. Have one or more children count out 25 pennies. One quarter can be written 25¢ or $0.25. The front of the quarter pictures a left-facing profile of George Washington, the first President of the United States of America.

The front reads, "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the year the coin was minted or made. The small initial by Washington is the mint-mark, showing the location that produced the coin (D means Denver, Colorado, S means San Francisco, California, and P means Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).

The back of the quarter pictures the presidential coat of arms (an eagle with outstretched wings). The back reads, "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "QUARTER DOLLAR." E PLURIBUS UNUM is Latin and means one out of many.

Let the children make crayon rubbings of the quarter using different color crayons. The children then cut out the rubbings and glue them to the giant poster board. This, too, could be used as a puzzle.

COUNT OUT MONEY (activity found on www.makinglearningfun.com)

Once your children have learned the value of each coin, place some money amounts on index cards in a bowl. As show in the picture above a child picks out $.45 for Cracker Jacks with a circle large enough for a quarter, and two circles large enough for two dimes. When they are ready, eliminate the circle clues, and have them count out the money on their own.

MONEY STORE is great fun. Let your child arrange empty food cartons or boxes to create a store. Either you or your child can put a price tag on each one. For young children the items may cost 1cent to 5 cents each, while older children can handle 10 cents to a few dollars. After shopping at the store they pay you with play money. At first, allow them to buy just one object. When they’re ready, increase the number of items.

MASH POTATOES

Parents should emphasize the importance of money by their example. Explain the difference between a “need” and a “want” using this game. You explain to the children that Mashed Potatoes represents something we “need” to survive as it provides nutrients for our bodies, and that Gravy represents something that may make the mashed potatoes taste better, but it isn’t something we “need” to survive. Therefore it is a “want.” You have then shown the difference between a “want” and a “need.”

The next step is to create flash cards or cut out pictures from magazines and have the children yell out MASHED POTATOES for something that represents a “need” or GRAVY for something that represents a “want.”

SET GOALS

Teach the children to set goals by earning and saving money for a particular purpose. Ask them what items they may want to save for. (toy, gift for someone, charity) This helps the children learn the value of money.

SAVING

Talk about the benefits of a piggy bank or savings account. Make a piggy bank. Use a large plastic jar, four empty thread spools, a milk bottle top and some construction paper. Glue the spools on one side of the jar for the pig's legs. The milk bottle top should be glued onto the plastic jar lid as the pig's nose. Use the construction paper to make pig ears and a curly tail. A grown up can cut a slot in the top of the pig for the money to be put in. Explain that the bank pays them for the use of their money by giving interest. Parents should encourage saving, but allow them to use some of their money on special occasions. Point out the increases in their savings account as interest is paid to them.