Explore Exciting Preschool Themes Throughout the Year

Materials:

• White paper
• Blue paint
• Paintbrushes
• Scissors

Setup:

1. Cut white paper into square shapes.

2. Pour blue paint onto plates or palettes.

3. Distribute paper squares, paint and paintbrushes to each child.

Activity Instructions:

1. Fold the paper square in half diagonally to create a triangle.

2. Fold the triangle in half again to create a smaller triangle.

3. Unfold the paper and have children paint designs on one side of the crease using blue paint.

4. Refold the paper and gently press to transfer the paint to the other side, creating a symmetrical design.

5. Unfold the paper to reveal the beautiful symmetrical snowflake.

6. Allow the paint to dry before displaying the snowflakes in the classroom.

Ice Cube Excavation

Overview: Children use tools to excavate small toys frozen in ice cubes, developing fine motor skills and learning about the properties of ice.
Materials:

• Small toys or objects
• Ice cube tray
• Water
• Freezer
• Salt
• Pipettes or droppers
• Small hammers or mallets

Setup:

1. Place small toys or objects into each compartment of an ice cube tray.

2. Fill the tray with water and freeze overnight.

3. Remove the ice cubes from the tray and place them in a sensory bin or on a tray.

4. Provide salt, pipettes or droppers and small hammers or mallets for each child.

Activity Instructions:

1. Encourage children to explore the frozen ice cubes and observe the toys inside.

2. Demonstrate how to use the tools to excavate the toys from the ice:

   • Use pipettes or droppers to drip warm water onto the ice, slowly melting it.
   • Sprinkle salt onto the ice to help melt it faster.
   • Use small hammers or mallets to gently tap and break the ice.

3. Allow children to work on excavating their toys, providing assistance as needed.

4. Discuss the properties of ice and how it melts when exposed to heat or salt.

Blubber Experiment 

Overview: Children learn about animal adaptations by exploring how blubber helps keep Arctic animals warm in icy waters.
Materials:

• Large bowl
• Ice water
• Vegetable shortening
• Plastic gloves

Setup:

1. Fill a large bowl with ice water.

2. Set out vegetable shortening and plastic gloves.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss how Arctic animals, such as whales and seals, stay warm in icy waters.

2. Explain that these animals have a thick layer of fat called blubber that helps insulate their bodies.

3. Have children put on plastic gloves and submerge their hands in the ice water, noting how cold it feels.

4. Remove the glove and spread a thick layer of vegetable shortening on their hands.

5. Put the gloves back on over the shortening and submerge their hands in the ice water again.

6. Ask children to compare how their hands feel with and without the "blubber" layer.

7. Discuss how the blubber layer helps keep Arctic animals warm in cold environments.

Arctic Animal Yoga 

Overview: Children learn about Arctic animals while practicing yoga poses that mimic their movements and characteristics.
Materials:

• Yoga mats or soft flooring
• Pictures of Arctic animals (e.g., polar bear, Arctic fox, snowy owl, walrus)

Setup:

1. Clear an open space in the classroom for children to practice yoga poses.

2. Display pictures of Arctic animals for reference.

Activity Instructions:

1. Introduce the concept of yoga and how it can help us connect with nature and animals.

2. Show pictures of Arctic animals and discuss their unique characteristics and movements.

3. Demonstrate yoga poses that mimic each animal, such as:

   • Polar Bear Pose (Child's Pose): Kneel on the floor, sit back on heels and stretch arms forward.
   • Arctic Fox Pose (Downward Dog): Start on hands and knees, then lift hips up and back to form an inverted V shape.
   • Snowy Owl Pose (Tree Pose): Stand on one leg, place the other foot on the inner thigh and stretch arms up like wings.
   • Walrus Pose (Cobra Pose): Lie on stomach, place hands under shoulders and lift chest off the ground.

4. Have children practice each pose, holding for a few breaths and focusing on the animal they are imitating.

5. Encourage children to move through the poses in a sequence, creating their own Arctic animal yoga flow.

Winter Animal Track Stamping

Overview: Children create winter animal track patterns using various stamping materials, learning about animal footprints and developing fine motor skills.

Materials:

• White paper
• Blue or gray paint
• Sponges cut into animal track shapes (e.g., polar bear, Arctic fox, snowshoe hare)
• Plastic forks
• Cotton swabs
• Pencils with erasers

Setup:

1. Cut sponges into various animal track shapes.
2. Pour blue or gray paint onto plates or palettes.
3. Distribute paper, paint and stamping materials to each child.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the different types of animal tracks that can be found in the snow during winter.
2. Show examples of animal track patterns and how they differ from one another.
3. Demonstrate how to use the various stamping materials to create animal tracks:
   • Press the sponge shapes into the paint and then onto the paper to create clear prints.
   • Dip the tines of a plastic fork into the paint and press onto the paper to create bird or small mammal tracks.
   • Use cotton swabs dipped in paint to create tiny dots for mouse or vole tracks.
   • Press the eraser end of a pencil into the paint to create circular prints for rabbit or hare tracks.
4. Encourage children to experiment with the different stamping materials and create their own winter animal track patterns.
5. Display the finished artwork in the classroom and discuss the various animal tracks represented.

February: Love and Friendship

Themes: Valentine's Day, Friendship, Kindness, Dental Health

Activities:

Friendship Fruit Salad

Overview: Children work together to create a delicious fruit salad while learning about cooperation and healthy eating habits.

Materials:

• Various fruits (e.g., strawberries, grapes, bananas, apples)
• Plastic knives (child-safe)
• Large mixing bowl
• Serving spoons
• Paper plates
• Whipped cream (optional)

Setup:

1. Wash and prepare the fruits, cutting them into larger pieces if necessary.
2. Place the fruits in separate bowls or containers.
3. Set out plastic knives, a large mixing bowl, serving spoons and paper plates.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the importance of friendship and working together.
2. Explain that the class will be making a friendship fruit salad, with each child contributing to the dish.
3. Assign each child a specific fruit to cut and add to the mixing bowl.
4. Demonstrate how to safely use the plastic knives to cut the fruits into smaller pieces.
5. Have children take turns adding their cut fruits to the large mixing bowl.
6. Once all the fruits are added, gently mix the salad together using serving spoons.
7. Serve the friendship fruit salad on paper plates, topping with whipped cream if desired.
8. Enjoy the salad together as a class, discussing how each person's contribution made the dish special.

Kindness Poster Collage

Overview: Children create a collage poster featuring kind words and actions, promoting a positive classroom environment.

Materials:

• Large poster board
• Magazines
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Markers

Setup:

1. Gather a variety of magazines with pictures and text.
2. Set out scissors, glue sticks and markers for each child.
3. Display the large poster board in a central location.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the concept of kindness and why it's important in the classroom and beyond.
2. Brainstorm examples of kind words and actions with the children.
3. Encourage children to look through the magazines and find pictures or words that represent kindness.
4. Have children cut out their chosen pictures and words.
5. Assist children in gluing their cut-outs onto the large poster board, creating a collage.
6. Once the collage is complete, have children use markers to add their own kind words or drawings.
7. Display the kindness poster in the classroom as a reminder to practice kindness every day.

Dental Health Sorting Game

Overview: Children sort pictures of food into "tooth-friendly" and "tooth-harmful" categories, learning about proper dental hygiene.

Materials:

• Pictures of various foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, candy, soda)
• Two large paper plates
• Marker
• Glue or tape

Setup:

1. Print pictures of various foods, both healthy and unhealthy for teeth.
2. Label one paper plate "Tooth-Friendly" and the other "Tooth-Harmful."
3. Glue or tape the food pictures to small index cards or cardstock for durability.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the importance of dental health and how different foods can impact our teeth.
2. Show children the two labeled paper plates and explain the sorting categories.
3. Hold up each food picture and have children decide whether it belongs in the "Tooth-Friendly" or "Tooth-Harmful" category.
4. Encourage children to explain their reasoning for each choice.
5. Have children take turns placing the food pictures on the appropriate paper plate.
6. Once all the pictures are sorted, review the categories and discuss ways to maintain good dental health.

March: Spring and Growth

Themes: Spring Weather, Plants, Seeds, St. Patrick's Day

Activities:

Planting Grass Heads

Overview: Children plant grass seeds in decorated cups, learning about plant growth and responsibility.

Materials:

• Grass seeds
• Soil
• Paper cups
• Markers or paint
• Googly eyes
• Glue
• Plastic spoons
• Water

Setup:

1. Gather supplies and set them out for each child.
2. Fill paper cups halfway with soil.

Activity Instructions:

1. Have children decorate their paper cups with markers or paint to create funny faces.
2. Glue googly eyes onto the cups to complete the face.
3. Demonstrate how to sprinkle a small number of grass seeds onto the soil.
4. Have children cover the seeds with a thin layer of additional soil.
5. Help children water their grass heads using plastic spoons, being careful not to overwater.
6. Place the grass heads in a sunny spot and encourage children to water them regularly.
7. Over the next few weeks, observe the grass growing and discuss the changes taking place.
8. Once the grass has grown, children can trim their grass heads' "hair" with child-safe scissors.

Rainbow Scavenger Hunt

Overview: Children search for objects in various colors of the rainbow, a fun learning activity where they explore their environment and learn about colors.

Materials:

• Rainbow color cards (red orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
• Baskets or bags for collecting items

Setup:

1. Create rainbow color cards by cutting out small squares of paper in each color.
2. Provide a basket or bag for each child.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the colors of the rainbow and their order (red orange, yellow, green, blue, purple).
2. Show children the rainbow color cards and explain that they will be going on a scavenger hunt to find objects in each color.
3. Take children on a walk around the classroom, school or outdoor area.
4. Encourage children to find objects that match each color card and place them in their basket or bag.
5. Help children identify colors and objects as needed.
6. Once the scavenger hunt is complete, have children sort their objects by color.
7. Discuss the various objects found and create a rainbow display with the collected items.

Shamrock Stamping

Overview: Children create shamrock patterns using various stamping materials, developing fine motor skills and learning about St. Patrick's Day.

Materials:

• Green paint
• Paper plates
• White paper
• Sponges cut into shamrock shapes
• Plastic forks
• Pencils with erasers
• Baby wipes for cleanup

Setup:

1. Pour green paint onto paper plates.
2. Cut sponges into shamrock shapes.
3. Distribute white paper, paint and stamping materials to each child.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the significance of shamrocks and their association with St. Patrick's Day.
2. Demonstrate how to use the various stamping materials to create shamrock patterns:
   • Dip the sponge shamrocks into the paint and press onto the paper.
   • Use the tines of a plastic fork to create the stem and leaves of the shamrock.
   • Press the eraser end of a pencil into the paint to create small shamrock shapes.
3. Encourage children to experiment with the different stamping materials and create their own shamrock patterns.
4. Display the finished artwork in the classroom and discuss the various stamping techniques used.

April: Earth and Environment

Themes: Earth Day, Recycling, Gardening, Insects

Activities:

Recycling Sorting Station

Overview: Children learn about recycling by sorting various materials into the appropriate bins, promoting environmental awareness.

Materials:

• Three large bins labeled "Paper," "Plastic" and "Metal"
• Various recyclable materials (e.g., paper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans)
• Pictures of recyclable items for each category

Setup:

1. Set up three large bins in a central location, labeling them "Paper," "Plastic" and "Metal."
2. Collect various recyclable materials and place them in a mixed pile near the bins.
3. Attach pictures of recyclable items to each bin for visual reference.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the importance of recycling and how it helps protect the environment.
2. Explain the three categories of recyclable materials: paper, plastic and metal.
3. Show children the sorting station and demonstrate how to sort items into the appropriate bins.
4. Have children take turns sorting the recyclable materials, referring to the picture labels as needed.
5. Encourage children to discuss why each item belongs in its specific bin.
6. Once all materials are sorted, review the contents of each bin and discuss how recycling helps reduce waste.
7. Encourage children to practice recycling in the classroom and at home.

Insect Habitat Exploration

Overview: Children explore various insect habitats and learn about the role of insects in the environment.

Materials:

• Magnifying glasses
• Insect identification books or charts
• Nature journals or paper
• Pencils or crayons
• Camera (optional)

Setup:

1. Choose an outdoor area with various insect habitats (e.g., garden, trees, grass).
2. Provide each child with a magnifying glass and a nature journal or paper.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the importance of insects in the environment and how they contribute to plant growth and ecosystem balance.
2. Take children on a nature walk to explore different insect habitats.
3. Encourage children to use their magnifying glasses to observe insects up close, noting their characteristics and behaviors.
4. Help children identify the insects they find using identification books or charts.
5. Have children draw or write about the insects they observe in their nature journals.
6. Take photos of the insects and their habitats to display in the classroom.
7. Discuss the various insect habitats explored and how they support different types of insects.

Seed Bomb Making

Overview:

Children create seed bombs using clay, soil and wildflower seeds to promote plant growth and beautify outdoor spaces.

Materials:

• Air-dry clay
• Potting soil
• Wildflower seeds
• Bowl
• Water
• Wax paper

Setup:

1. Gather materials and set them out on a table.
2. Cover the work area with wax paper for easy cleanup.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the importance of plants in the environment and how they provide food and shelter for animals.
2. Explain the concept of seed bombs and how they can help spread plants in a fun and eco-friendly way.
3. Have children break off small pieces of air-dry clay and flatten them into discs.
4. Sprinkle a small amount of potting soil and wildflower seeds onto each clay disc.
5. Help children fold the clay discs around the soil and seeds, shaping them into small balls.
6. Place the seed bombs on the wax paper to dry overnight.
7. Once dry, have children gently toss the seed bombs into outdoor areas where they would like to see wildflowers grow.
8. Discuss the importance of patience and observation as the seeds germinate and grow over time.

May: Community and Transportation

Themes: Community Helpers, Transportation, Maps, Directions

Activities:

Community Helper Dress-Up

Overview: Children explore various community helper roles through dress-up play, learning about their responsibilities and importance.

Materials:

• Dress-up clothes and props for community helpers (e.g., police officer, firefighter, doctor, teacher)
• Full-length mirror

Setup:

1. Gather dress-up clothes and props for various community helpers.
2. Set up a dress-up area with a full-length mirror.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the different community helpers and their roles in keeping the community safe and functioning.
2. Introduce the dress-up area and explain how children can use the clothes and props to pretend to be community helpers.
3. Encourage children to take turns dressing up as different community helpers.
4. Have children act out scenarios related to each community helper's job, such as putting out a fire or teaching a lesson.
5. Use the mirror to allow children to see themselves in their community helper roles.
6. Discuss the importance of each community helper and how they work together to support the community.

Transportation Sorting Game

Overview: Children sort various vehicles into categories based on their mode of transportation, learning about different ways to travel through a fun theme.

Materials:

• Pictures or toy models of various vehicles (e.g., car, bus, airplane, train, boat)
• Three large hoops or circles made from string
• Labels for each category: "Land," "Air" and "Water"

Setup:

1. Place the three large hoops or string circles on the floor, spacing them apart.
2. Label each hoop or circle with a transportation category: "Land," "Air" and "Water."
3. Gather pictures or toy models of various vehicles.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the different modes of transportation and how they help people travel from one place to another.
2. Show children the sorting hoops or circles and explain the three categories: land, air and water.
3. Hold up each vehicle picture or toy model and have children identify its mode of transportation.
4. Encourage children to place each vehicle in the appropriate hoop or circle based on its category.
5. Discuss the characteristics of each vehicle and how it is suited for its specific mode of transportation.
6. Once all vehicles are sorted, review the categories and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of transportation.

Map Making

Overview: Children create simple maps of their classroom or school, learning about spatial awareness and directionality.

Materials:

• Large sheets of paper
• Crayons or markers
• Stickers or cut-outs of classroom objects
• Scissors
• Glue

Setup:

1. Provide each child with a large sheet of paper and drawing materials.
2. Gather stickers or cutouts of various classroom objects.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the concept of maps and how they help people navigate spaces and find objects.
2. Take children on a walk around the classroom or school, pointing out important landmarks and features.
3. Return to the classroom and have children create a simple map of the space, starting with the outline of the room.
4. Encourage children to add details to their maps, such as windows, doors and furniture.
5. Provide stickers or cut-outs of classroom objects for children to place on their maps.
6. Help children label their maps and discuss the relative positions of objects using directional language (e.g., near, far, above, below).
7. Display the finished maps in the classroom and use them for navigation and spatial awareness activities.

For more ideas for your school, check out our blog on preschool May newsletters!

June: Summer and Ocean Life

Themes: Beach, Ocean Animals, Summer Safety, Father's Day

Activities:

Ocean Sensory Bin

Overview: Children explore a sensory bin filled with materials representing the ocean, developing sensory awareness and learning about ocean life.

Materials:

• Large plastic bin
• Blue water beads
• Sand
• Seashells
• Plastic ocean animals
• Scoops or cups
• Tweezers or tongs

Setup:

1. Fill the plastic bin with blue water beads and a layer of sand.
2. Place seashells and plastic ocean animals throughout the bin.
3. Provide scoops, cups, tweezers and tongs for children to use.

Activity Instructions:

1. Introduce the ocean sensory bin and discuss the various materials inside.
2. Encourage children to explore the bin using their hands and the provided tools.
3. Have children identify the different ocean animals and seashells they find.
4. Discuss the texture of the water beads and sand, comparing them to the feel of ocean water and beach sand.
5. Encourage children to use the tools to scoop, pour and grasp the materials, developing fine motor skills.
6. Discuss the importance of ocean conservation and how children can help protect marine life.

Summer Safety Sorting Game

Overview: Children sort pictures of summer activities into "safe" and "unsafe" categories, learning about summer safety rules.

Materials:

• Pictures of summer activities (e.g., swimming with a lifeguard, applying sunscreen, running on a pool deck, sitting in a hot car)
• Two large paper plates
• Marker
• Glue or tape

Setup:

1. Label one paper plate "Safe" and the other "Unsafe."
2. Glue or tape the summer activity pictures to small index cards or cardstock for durability.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the importance of staying safe during summer activities.
2. Show children the two labeled paper plates and explain the sorting categories.
3. Hold up each summer activity picture and have children decide whether it belongs in the "Safe" or "Unsafe" category.
4. Encourage children to explain their reasoning for each choice.
5. Have children take turns placing the activity pictures on the appropriate paper plate.
6. Once all pictures are sorted, review the categories and discuss summer safety rules.

Father's Day Card Making

Overview: Children create personalized Father's Day cards using various art materials, expressing appreciation for their fathers or father figures.

Materials:

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers or crayons
• Stickers or decorative elements
• Family photos (optional)

Setup:

1. Gather art materials and set them out for each child.
2. Provide a variety of construction paper colors and decorative elements.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the importance of showing appreciation for fathers and father figures.
2. Explain that children will be creating personalized Father's Day cards.
3. Demonstrate how to fold the construction paper in half to create a card.
4. Encourage children to use the art materials to decorate their cards, expressing their love and appreciation.
5. Help children write a simple message inside the card, such as "Happy Father's Day" or "I love you, Dad."
6. Assist children in signing their names on the cards.
7. If desired, have children glue a family photo or draw a picture of themselves with their father or father figure.
8. Encourage children to present their cards to their fathers or father figures on Father's Day.

July: Patriotism and Independence

Themes: Fourth of July, American Symbols, Patriotic Colors, Summer Festivals

Activities:

Patriotic Color Mixing

Overview: Children explore color mixing by combining red, white and blue paint to create patriotic artwork.

Materials:

• White paper
• Red, white and blue paint
• Paintbrushes
• Paper plates
• Smocks or old shirts for paint protection

Setup:

1. Pour small amounts of red, white and blue paint onto paper plates.
2. Provide each child with a sheet of white paper and a paintbrush.
3. Have children wear smocks or old shirts to protect their clothing.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the significance of the colors red, white and blue in relation to the American flag and Fourth of July.
2. Demonstrate how to mix two colors together to create a new color (e.g., red + white = pink, blue + red = purple).
3. Encourage children to experiment with color mixing on their paper, creating many different shades and hues.
4. Have children use the mixed colors to create patriotic artwork, such as fireworks, flags or stars.
5. Discuss the process of color mixing and the new colors created.
6. Display the finished artwork in the classroom or send it home for families to enjoy.

American Symbol Matching Game

Overview: Children play a matching game with cards featuring American symbols, learning about their significance and history.

Materials:

• American symbol matching cards (e.g., American flag, bald eagle, Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell)
• Laminating pouches and laminator (optional)

Setup:

1. Create matching cards by printing out two copies of each American symbol image.
2. Laminate the cards for durability, if desired.
3. Shuffle the cards and arrange them face-down in a grid on a table or floor.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the various American symbols and their significance in American history and culture.
2. Explain the rules of the matching game:
   • Children take turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to find a matching pair.
   • If a match is found, the child keeps the pair and takes another turn.
   • If the cards do not match, the child flips them back over and the turn passes to the next player.
3. Have children take turns playing the matching game, encouraging them to identify the symbols as they are revealed.
4. Once all pairs have been found, discuss the symbols and their importance in representing American values and ideals.

Summer Festival Pretend Play

Overview: Children engage in pretend play centered around a summer festival, developing social skills and imagination.

Materials:

• Festival props (e.g., tickets, pretend food, games, prizes)
• Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, signs)
• Dress-up clothes (optional)

Setup:

1. Create a festival area in the classroom using decorations and props.
2. Set up various festival stations, such as a ticket booth, food stand and game area.

Activity Instructions:

1. Discuss the concept of summer festivals and the activities and experiences they typically include.
2. Introduce the festival pretend play area and explain the different stations.
3. Assign roles to children, such as ticket taker, food vendor or game operator.
4. Encourage children to engage in pretend play, using the props and dress-up clothes to enhance their experience.
5. Have children take turns participating in different festival activities, such as buying tickets, playing games and enjoying pretend food.
6. Facilitate social interactions and problem-solving as children navigate the festival play scenario.
7. Discuss the importance of community events and how they bring people together to celebrate and have fun.