Pumpkin Games Pumpkin Books

What can you get at the Dollar Tree for Halloween?  Orange loofahs and treat bag sacks for fun learning!  Loofahs (seen in the picture below) make perfect balls for kid's activities at school and home.  I keep several different colors on hand to play all kinds of learning games to teach letters, sounds, phonics, and math skills too.

You can cover the orange loop at the top with green masking tape to make it look like the stem on a pumpkin. Or you can color regular masking tape green with a marker.

PASS THE PUMPKIN - LEARNING GAMES

These games can be played whole group, small group, or individually.  If playing individually, your child can toss, catch, and say instead of passing around the circle.  If you are playing with your child, you can pass it back and forth between you.

For whole group and small group, begin with passing the pumpkin.  When they have learned this procedure, you can teach the children how to gently toss the pumpkin to the next person to help work on gross motor skills while playing the games too.  The bath loofah is easy to catch because the children can grip it more easily.

1.  Pass the Pumpkin Letter Sounds - Pass around during circle time. Children say a word that begins with the letter p.

2.  Pass the Pumpkin Rhyming - Pass around during circle time.  Say a word.  First child says a word that rhymes with it and then passes the pumpkin to the next child.  Game continues until you run out of rhymes or you can choose a new word and keep going.  Words given can be nonsense or pretend words too as long as they rhyme.

3.  Pass the Pumpkin Phonemic Awareness Segmenting - Pass around during circle time.  Say a word.  Children segment the word that was said.  For example, the teacher or adult says cat.  The child would toss and catch the sounds "c" "a" "t".

4.  Pass the Pumpkin Phonemic Awareness Segmenting - Pass around during circle time.  Say a word.  Children will segment the word using the pumpkin as a prop.  Pumpkin on head for first sound, pumpkin on shoulder for middle sound, pumpkin on knee for last sound.  For example, the teacher or adult says cat:  Child puts pumpkin on head and makes the sound of "c." Child puts pumpkin on shoulder and says "a." Child puts pumpkin on knee and says "t."  Child puts the pumpkin in both hands and says the word - cat,  then passes the pumpkin to the next child. Each child can segment the same word all around the circle (practice, practice, repeat) or you can give each child a different word.  I usually give the same word as we are learning to segment.  This helps reinforce the skill.  Children can retain the word in their head if they see the picture of the word.  Use CVC words with picture clues to help children that are struggling with this activity.  CVC words are consonant-vowel-consonant words such as hat, cat, bat, pig, dog, top, mop, etc.

First This: CVC words - cat, bat, sat, hop, top, mop, pig, wig, dig, lip, dip, bug, rug, sun

Then This:  CCVC words (working on letter blends) - stop, clap, frog, flag, crab

And Then This:  CVCC words (HARDER to hear the CVCC) - bump, jump, tent, band, hand, camp, lamp

5.  Pass the Pumpkin Vocabulary - Pass around during circle time. Children say a word that is associated with fall.

6.  Pass the Pumpkin Vocabulary - Pass around during circle time. Children say a word that is associated with Halloween.

7.  Pass the Pumpkin Nonfiction Learning - Children name a fact or something they've learned about pumpkins.

8.  Toss the Pumpkin Counting - Have one pumpkin for every two players.  Have the children toss the pumpkin back and forth and count how many times they can keep it going (toss and catch).  You can set a predetermined amount of times they can start over again, give them a sand timer, or play music.

9.  Toss the Pumpkin Counting On - Students toss back and forth counting as above.  When they drop the pumpkin, they start off where they left off (counting on).  For example, they toss and catch to 9.  The next time they start with 10 and count up.

10. Toss the Pumpkin Skip Counting - Students toss back and forth counting as above except they count by 5's, 10's, or 2's.

11.  Toss the Pumpkin Greater Than, Less Than, Equal  - Students toss back and forth counting as above. Children can record each count on a piece of paper.  When the game is over, have them circle the largest number and underline the smallest number. If they write the numbers in a horizontal line, they can go back and put greater than, less than, and equal signs between the numbers.

12.  Pumpkin, Pumpkin Turn Around Rhyming and Language Fun(AKA - Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around) Here are some rhymes to say using the pumpkin as a prop.  You can add to or take away lines.  The goal of this game is following directions and practicing rhyming words. The teacher/adult can say the first line, then the student says the next rhyming line.  Or they teacher/adult can say the rhymes leaving of the last word.  The children say the rhyming word at the end.

Pumpkin, pumpkin big and round.

Pumpkin, pumpkin touch the ground.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on a sprout.

Pumpkin, pumpkin punch it out.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on the vine.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my spine.

Pumpkin, pumpkin in a patch.

Pumpkin, pumpkin toss and catch.

Pumpkin, pumpkin in a pie.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my eye.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my hair.

Pumpkin, pumpkin in the air.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my nose.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my toes.

Pumpkin, pumpkin on my hand.

Pumpkin, pumpkin I will stand.

Pumpkin, pumpkin you're so bumpy.

Pumpkin, pumpkin you make me jumpy.

Pumpkin, pumpkin turn around.

Pumpkin, pumpkin sit back down.

PASS THE PUMPKIN - PARTY GAMES

1.  Hot Pumpkin (AKA Hot Potato)
Turn on some Halloween or fall music.  Children pass the pumpkin around the circle.  Stop the music randomly.  Whoever is holding the pumpkin goes into the pumpkin patch (middle of the circle).  Game continues until one person wins.

2.  Toss the Pumpkin
Have one pumpkin for every two players.  Turn on music. Have the children toss the pumpkin back and forth and count how many times they can keep it going until the song is over.

3.  Toss and Catch
This game requires more room.  Divide children into pairs.  Have them face each other.  Have them toss and catch.  If they catch it without dropping, they take one step back.  If it drops, they toss again. Make a predetermine ending mark for when the game is over.  For example when you reach this line or you reach the wall.  Remind them of safety procedures as always.

4.  Pumpkin Basketball
Have the children use the pumpkin loofahs as basketballs to throw through small hoops or into baskets on the floor.

PUMPKIN TREAT BAG BOOKS

Purchase seasonal bags from the Dollar Tree.  They are packaged 10 to a bag and make great covers for books.

• Cut the paper sack down the ride side of the bag.
• Cut off the side as seen above.
• Cut off the bottom of the bag.
• Open up paper sack.
• Fold in half.
• Take 2-4 pieces of 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper.
• Fold in half.
• Place inside paper sack cover.
• Staple book on the left side.
• Your book is ready!

IDEAS FOR BOOKS

1.  Make a Pumpkin, Pumpkin What Do You See book modeled after Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle.

Pumpkin, pumpkin
What do you see?
I see a scarecrow looking at me.
Scarecrow, scarecrow
What do you see?
I see an owl looking at me.
Owl, owl
What do you see?
I see a bat looking at me.

Children can write the words and draw the pictures, or they can be wordless books or label books for younger children.  Children can still read their story being guided by the pictures.

2.  Trick-or-Treat Halloween Book
Children write a story about Halloween.

3.  Fall Sticker Book
Children use stickers to illustrate their stories.  Add background scenery to go with stickers.

Disclosure:  Amazon links included.

4.  All About Autumn/Fall.
Children write a story about the things you see during autumn.

5.  Life Cycle of a Pumpkin book
Read a book about the life cycle of a pumpkin.  Children make their own book about the life cycle of a pumpkin.

6.  Children write a story about topic of their choice.



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Five Little Pumpkins Fall Activities

Children build number sense when they have activities that include manipulating and working with objects.  Children learn language by singing, saying rhyming poems, and talking with their peers.  The poem Five Little Pumpkins is a great way to incorporate language and math with our young children.  Here is the traditional version of the rhyme.

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate.

The first one said, “Oh my it’s getting late.

The second one said, “There are witches in the air.”

The third one said, “But we don’t care.”

The fourth one said, “Let’s run and run and run!”

The fifth one said, “I’m ready for some fun.”

Then woooooo (sound effects) went the wind and out went the lights.

Five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.

Of course I have my OWN version to the rhyme.  Keep on reading for my new version, a free printable, and directions along with the hands on activity.  Also included in this post are ideas for counting, ordinal position, adding, subtracting, working within 5, and working within 10.  This activity is a win-win because it incorporates all of these skills while providing our children with fine motor practice too.

Five little pumpkins talking happily. 

• Point to smiling faces.

The first one said, “Look! What do you see? 

• Point finger to one side.

The second one said, “I think it is a cat.” 

• Make whiskers with hands on both sides of face.

The third one said, “I think it is bat.” 

• Make flapping wings.

The fourth one said, “I can't it see from here!” 

• Look through binoculars.

The fifth one said, “It's getting close. Oh dear!” 

• Cross arms across chest and shake as if afraid.

Then flap went the wings as they heard this sound. 

• Flap arms and make sound effects of bat after the word sound. 
• See internet link for bat noises below. 

Five little pumpkins jumped to the ground.

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5! 

• Children take turns jumping in order while counting.

FREE PRINTABLE FOR THIS VERSION IS HERE.

Kathy Griffin Copyright 2014

Here is one of my favorite books for the 5 Little Pumpkins with the traditional version.  The Amazon link is included for your convenience.

BUILDING THE PUMPKIN GATE

Materials Needed

• 2 paint sticks
• 5 jumbo craft sticks
• 10 pumpkin pieces 
• Click HERE for FREE pumpkin cards.
• glue gun or craft glue

Directions

• Lay the 2 paint sticks horizontally lining up the ends while leaving a space between them. 
• Lay the 5 jumbo craft sticks vertically across the paint stick, lining up the craft sticks at the top.  
• I laid my paint sticks on a large piece of paper and used tape as a marker for where I would glue my vertical craft sticks to help keep it even.
• Glue the 5 jumbo crafts sticks to the 2 paint sticks using a glue gun or craft glue.
• Glue the pumpkin pieces onto clothespins.  Refer to the picture in the 10 frames version to see how I glued the pumpkins.  
• Glue 5 to the bottom of the clothespin facing down and 5 to the bottom of the clothespin facing up.
• Ready to play!

I like to use paint sticks because the have a natural handle for young children to hold.  If you have a child who is left handed, you can make one with the handle on the right side. My youngest daughter is left-handed and that always helped her.

I found these pumpkins at Michaels Craft Store and glued the backs to the clothespins.  

After the children have learned the poem and played it whole group, model how to use the fence to act out the poem.  They can touch each pumpkin in ordinal position as they same the rhyme.  For example: The first one said . . . They touch the first pumpkin.  The second one said . . . They touch the second pumpkin and continue through the 5th. 

Math Conversations to Have with the Children.

First This

• How many pumpkins are on the gate?
• How do you know?
• Let's touch and count.
• Point to the 1st pumpkin.
• Point to the 2nd pumpkin.
• Point to the 3rd pumpkin.
• Point to the 4th pumpkin.
• Point to the 5th pumpkin.

Then This

• Can you touch the first pumpkin?
• Can you touch the last pumpkin?
• Can you touch the pumpkin in the middle?
• Which one is the 2nd pumpkin?
• Which one is the 4th pumpkin?

And Then This

• Can you take off one pumpkin?
• How many pumpkins are on the gate?
• How do you know?
• Let's count and see.
• Can you take off another pumpkin?
• How pumpkins are on the gate now?
• How do you know?
• Let's count and see.
• Continue until they are all gone.
• Some children will figure out the pattern that each time the number is one less. Other children will need to recount each time.  This is developmental as they build number sense.
• The best way to build number sense is by providing opportunities to count real objects they can touch and not on a worksheet.

These pumpkins are actually cake toppers with the toothpick gently removed.  They make great game pieces.  Sign up by email, as I will be blogging about other ways to use cake toppers for learning games next.

Let's Play a New Game

First of all, counting the pumpkins in the previous  activity is the first step of developing number sense.  The next step is using a ten frame to help them visualize the number in an arrangement.  Both skills are equally important and should be used to complement each other.  The ultimate goal is that children can recognize smaller numbers without having to count whether they are in a line, circle, or spread apart in a different arrangement.  All of these activities and games will help build this number sense.

Working with 5 Directions

For this game you will need one die or number cards 1-5, the gate, and 5 clothespins.  

• Place clothespins on the top part of the gate.
• Child counts the pumpkins.
• Child rolls the die.
• If a six is rolled, child rolls again.
• Child removes the number of pumpkins to match the number of the die.  
• Always have the child remove the pumpkins from the right side of the gate first.  This keeps it in a 5 frame pattern and will help with visual recognition.
• Place the clothespins back on the gate.
• Roll again.
• Repeat.  

Working with 10 Directions

For this game you will need one die or cards with numbers 0-10, the gate, and 10 clothespins.  

• Place 5 clothespins on the top part of the gate.
• Place 5 clothespins on the lower part of the gate.
• Child rolls the die or draws a number card.
• Child removes the number of pumpkins to match the number of the die or card.  
• Always have the child remove the pumpkins from the bottom right side of the gate first.  This keeps it in a 10 frame pattern and will help with visual recognition and concepts of 10.
• Place the clothespins back on the gate.
• Repeat.  

Here are the links to hear the different sounds that a bat makes so the children can add bat sounds to my version of Five Little Pumpkins.

Bat Sounds

Itsy Bitsy Spider Language Fun

The itsy bitsy spider is one of my favorite nursery rhymes.  It's about a spider who never gives up. No matter how many times the rain washes him down the waterspout, he always climbs back up the spout again and sees the sun.  I am sure everyone has felt like that little spider at some point in life. I know I have. So maybe that's why I smile when I sing this song.

Being a Nana K has given me the chance to enjoy nursery rhymes all over again. After all, I sang them with my own children when they were little (seems like yesterday). When I started teaching, I sang them with my students.  I sing them with teachers at conferences while we talk about how to incorporate emergent literacy skills such as phonemic awareness and rhyming.

Now I get to sing them with my grandchildren.  So this post is dedicated to my little H who squealed, "Do it again Nana K! Do it again!" as we played with our waterspout and spider.  And in the blink of an eye, my other 3 grandchildren will be old enough to play too.  Right now all 4 benefit from hearing nursery rhymes over and over again even from birth.  It's never too early to read and sing to your child.

                                     

MATERIALS NEEDED

• 1 paint stick 
• 1 doll clothespin
• 1 regular clothespin
• 1 milk jug plastic lid
• 4 googly eyes
• small piece of red yarn
• yellow craft foam
• silver craft foam
• blue craft foam
• glue gun

These are the paint sticks that I purchase from Amazon.  I like them because they are smooth and cheaper to buy in bulk.  I've also add a link for the wooden craft clothespin after requests from those who have read this blog post.   You can click on the pictures below to get a better description of both.  Amazon links are included for your convenience.

I created a FREE PRINTABLE at the end of the blog post if you prefer to use clipart on card stock.  It also includes a song sheet of The Itsy Bitsy Spider with rebus pictures to read with your child along with some sight word cards.

DIRECTIONS FOR SPIDER

DIRECTIONS FOR SUN AND RAIN CLOTHESPIN

• Use a larger lid to trace a circle on the yellow and silver craft foam.  
• Cut out the circles and hot glue them onto the regular clothespin.  
• See picture above for placement on clothespin.
• Cut out raindrops and glue to silver circle.
• Your clothespin is ready!

DIRECTIONS FOR PAINT STICK

I used silver glitter spray paint to paint my stick, doll clothespin, and regular clothespin.  You could also use children's washable paint, or gray markers as a substitute or leave them in their natural wood finish.  Another option is to let your child mix washable children's black and white paint to make gray.  Let your paint stick dry.

READY TO PLAY

1. Clip the clothespin with the sun side showing on the top of the paint stick.
2. Slide the spider onto the stick.
3. Sing the song.

The itsy bitsy spider went up the waterspout.

• Child moves the spider up the waterspout.
• Child takes off the clothespin and repositions so the rain shows.

Down came the rain and washed the spider out.

• Child slides the spider down the waterspout.

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.

• Child takes off the clothespin and repositions so the sun shows.

The itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.

• Child moves the spider back to the top just under the sun.

IDEAS FOR LEARNING

This activity can be modified based on the age and needs of the child.  As always, be aware of any choking hazards with very young children.

Children and parent/teacher can sing the song together and adult manipulates the spider as above.

Teacher or parent use props to tell or sing the nursery rhyme.  

Children can use the props to tell or sing the nursery rhyme.

FINE MOTOR  PRACTICE

This FUN kid's activity helps young children build fine motor skills when they open the clothespin to change from the sun to the rain and when they slide the spider up and down the waterspout (paint stick).  Some younger children will need help holding the paint stick while they switch from the sun to the rain and back again.  Be patient as they build their fine motor skills.  It's all about having fun, singing, and playing.  Practice, sing, play, repeat.

BUILDING ORAL FLUENCY

Young children build oral fluency and increase their spoken sentence length when they say or sing nursery rhymes.  This helps with reading fluency as they get older. When the children have learned The Itsy Bitsy Spider, try leaving off the last word, and let them fill in the word.

FIRST THIS

The itsy bitsy spider went up the waterspout.

Down came the rain and washed the spider ______.

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.

The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout ______.

THEN THIS

The itsy bitsy _______ went up the __________.

Down came the ______ and washed the _________ out.

Out came the _______ and dried up ______ the rain.

The __________ spider went up the ______ again.

PHONEMIC AWARENESS

Identify the rhyming words in the nursery rhyme.

• Can they think of other words that rhyme with them?  sun-fun, rain-pain, out-shout, down-town

Count the syllables in the words.  

• Clap 1 time:  went, up, down, rain, sun, out, spout
• Clap 2 times:  itsy, bitsy, spider, again
• Clap 3 times:  waterspout

VOCABULARY

As the children become familiar with the rhyme, use the props as an opportunity to teach new vocabulary.  Here are vocabulary words to teach when playing with props.

• up, down, on, off, out - positional words
• sun, rain, waterspout, spider - nouns or people, places, things
• washed, dried - verbs or action words
• itsy, bitsy - adjectives or describing words 

Use these positional words to have the children show the meaning.  

• Say up and have the child move the spider up the spout.  
• Say down and have the child slide the spider down the spout. 
• Say off and have the child take the spider off the spout.  
• Say off and have the child take the clothespin (sun or rain) off the paint stick (waterspout).

READING SKILLS

DOWNLOAD FREE PRINTABLE HERE

1. Read the FREE PRINTABLE with your child or student. 
2. Point to where you start reading.
3. Model how we read from left to right and return sweep or start back again on the next line. 
4. Children can highlight letters they know or look for letters in their names.
5. Children can highlight words they can read.
6. Children can draw a picture to match the nursery rhyme which helps with comprehension or understanding the text.
7. Use the FREE PRINTABLE to make cards to use as sight words.  

• Show the word up.  Have the child read the card and move the spider up the spout.  
• Show the word down.  Have the child move the spider down the spout. 
• Show the word rain.  Have the child put the clothespin to show the rain.  
• Show the word sun.  Have the child put the clothespin to show the sun.  

Here are 3 versions of The Itsy Bitsy Spider on YouTube.  Remember to sign up by email at the top right corner of my blog, so you don't miss any posts or updates.



 


Questions or comments?  I would love to hear from you in the comment section.

Thanks for stopping by!

Fall Leaves Activities for Teaching

Here is a fun fall activity to do with your kids at home or in the classroom that includes working on language, vocabulary, and math concepts while building those crucial fine motor skills.  Throw in some creativity and your children will have lots of fun too!  And if you are wondering why I chose turkeys to put in the trees, keep on reading for links to explain why turkeys roost in trees.  It's always great when you can add some nonfiction real facts along with a fun math activity.

I love to use paint sticks to make games. In fact, my next few posts will be on making games and activities out of paint sticks and crafts stick.  Be sure to sign up by email at the top right corner, so you don't miss any of the fun.

If you are a teacher, you can make a tree to model in whole group and then make 2 trees for small groups.  I have my students work in pairs.  One builds the math tree and the other provides the "math conversations."  Then they switch roles.  If you are a parent, each child can have their own tree or they can work together.  Are you having a fall party?  This would make a fun craft to make that has a learning object too.

As with any activity, free play is so important.  Children need lots of opportunities to play as they learn. And remember this game builds fine motor skills because the children will use their pincer grasp (squeezing their thumb and pointer finger) to open and close the clothespins.

Materials Needed

• 1 paint stick 
• 10 jumbo craft sticks
• Elmer's glue or equivalent
• Fall color leaves
• Clothespins
• Animals

I bought my leaves at the Dollar Tree.  They came in a small package, and we had a few left over.  You can also use felt or construction paper leaves.  

I purchased the felt owls and turkeys at Michael's craft store (remember Michael's 40% Sunday coupons), but they also had turkey shapes at the Dollar Tree.  I included turkeys and owls in the FREE PRINTABLE.

Holding the tree with one hand while putting the animal on the branches requires fine motor skills.  If your child is younger, you can help hold the tree while he puts the animals on the tree.  Practice, play, practice, play, repeat. 

Directions

For older children,  let them make their own tree from beginning to end by using the Elmer's glue and allowing the sticks to dry.

For younger children build the base of the tree using a glue gun to attach the branches to the tree.  Then they can build the rest.

• Place the paint stick vertically.
• Place jumbo craft sticks in the arrangement desired.
• Use glue or a glue gun to secure branches.  See above for older or younger children suggestions.
• Let tree dry.
• Place drops of glue on the branches.
• Lay leaves on top of the glue.
• Let dry.
• Glue animal shapes on clothespins with a glue gun.
• READY TO PLAY!

LET'S PLAY

CHANGE THE GAME BASED ON YOUR CHILDREN'S NEEDS

Level 1

Goal:  Fine Motor, Counting

• Children play by putting owls or turkeys in the tree.
• Children count as they add animals.
• Children say, touch, and count or use one-to-one correspondence.  
• Children say one number for one animal and count in sequence (1, 2, 3, 4 . . .).

Level 2

Goal:  Fine Motor, Number Recognition, 

• Add number cards or use playing cards. 
• 10 clothespin animals.   
• Number cards are included in the free PRINTABLE.
• Put numbers in a small container or sack.
• Children draw a card.
• Children put the number of _______ on the tree to match.
• Children remove animals.
• Repeat.

Level 3

Goal:  Addition

• Add a die to the game.
• Roll the die.
• Name the number.
• Put that many _______ on the tree.
• Roll the die.
• Put that many _______ on the tree.
• How many ________ are on the tree?

Goal:  Subtraction

• Put 10 animals on the tree.
• Draw a card.
• Take that many ______ off the tree.
• How many _______ are left on the tree.

Glue animals on both sides of clothespins to provide a balanced tree and to give both hands fine motor practice.

Math Conversations to Have with Children

Tell me about your tree.

How many ______ are on your tree?

Do you have more _______ or _________ on your tree?

Do you have fewer ______ or ________ on your tree?

Are they equal?

LINKS ABOUT TURKEYS 

I've included some internet sites that explain more about wild turkeys.
Click HERE for a website that tells more about turkeys and listen to the different sounds that a turkey makes.  There is also some video of turkeys.

Click HERE for an explanation about why turkeys sleep in trees.

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Did you like this post?  I can wait to share the next post with you - more paint stick fun!

I purchased a box of these paint sticks to use with my children. I like them because they are smooth and without any markings.  I'm a paint stick fan and Home Depot and Lowe's can't keep up with me :)

Amazon links are included for your convenience.

Take A Closer Look at September Blog Hop

Hi everyone! 

Remember our blog hop last month before the big BTS sale? 

The one where 10 of us gave a freebie sample of our best sellers?? 

Well, we are at it again! This time, we are offering up a freebie sample of our favorite September product! 

So that means I have to name a favorite product for September.  Hmmm! Since many of you are teaching about fall and apples, I am sharing a sample of my Apples Reading Fluency for Little Learners.  If you are not familiar with my blog, here is the most important thing you should know.  I love using songs to teach reading.  I make up songs all.the.time - for everything.  Procedures - Phonemic Awareness - Phonics - Sight Words - Reading Strategies - Writing Strategies - Math . . .  And then I use those songs to teach literacy skills.

Why?  Because these songs become meaningful print for students to make connections.  Singing helps increase oral fluency, which in turns helps build reading fluency.  Singing the words takes away the "fear factor" when encountering new texts.  If they can sing it, they can be supported in reading it.

My FREEBIE is a copy of the predictable text words to the song to use in a literacy center, during guided reading, or as homework.  The predictable text helps support emerging readers.  Parents enjoy hearing their children sing the song, and it engages them too. Have your students color the apples to match the text.  They can also underline the color words with markers or crayons to match.  Throw in an apple pointer for tracking the print, and they are ready to go!

Here is a sneak peek at "Take a Bite" which is included my Apple Reading Fluency for Little Learners.  I just finished recording a mini-video to go with the song that can be played on a computer and also added an mp4 file to use on an iPad.  And for those who DON'T have tech, the packet contains the printable book in many different sizes, a pocket chart activity, and the mp3 song to play the music too.   

My students receive a fluency folder at the first of the year that contains songs to use as a warm up for guided reading.  These fluency folders stay in their reading boxes to use when reading independently, with a friend, or during small group instruction. When it is time for guided reading, they get their book boxes, and pull out their fluency folder.  They read their songs and poems along with familiar text.  They know to get started right away and not waste time.  They have a mission.  We are readers.  We are building our stamina.  We are building fluency.

My students also use these song sheets to play "What do you notice?"  This activity is differentiated for students.  Some children may notice individual letters.  Some children may notice that many of the words "match." Some children may notice a familiar sight word.  Some children may notice a phonics pattern (silent e in bite).  Have your students highlight what they notice to help them read the text.  Here is a quick glance at what else is this packet.

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Johnny Appleseed and Apples

It's fall and almost time to celebrate Johnny Appleseed's birthday.  I went back into the recording studio and just finished 2 new mini-videos, book sets, and activities to use with your thematic unit on apples.

The first is a video called "Let's Pretend We're Johnny Appleseed."  It contains what plants need to grow, shows the life cycle of an apple tree, and contains fun sequencing motions to keep your students moving.  This set also includes the song, printable books, and activity cards in both color and black and white.

Here is a sneak peek of the video and previews from the packet.  I used the adorable clipart from Whimsy Workshop Teaching.

For more information click HERE.  Your children will love acting out the motions while learning literacy skills too.

The 2nd mini-video is called "Take a Bite." It's a fun way to get children ready for apple tasting time and to choose which one is their favorite apple.  A printable book is also included in this packet along with a pocket chart activity too.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Apples-Reading-Fluency-for-Little-Learners-871488

For more information about this printables click HERE. This clipart is by Krista Wallden from Creative Clips.

Both are on sale through this week.  If you plan on purchasing both, I have bundled them together to save money.  You can find that link HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Fall!

Circle Time Games

GRAB YOUR STUDENTS' ATTENTION! NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT - I FOUND THEM at the Dollar Tree!  Yes, that is an unusual way to start a post.  But if you have attended my sessions on games in the classrooms, then you know that I post updates when I find new grabbers.  I usually find them at Michael's, Toys R Us, and Target during seasonal times of the year (Halloween, Christmas, Easter).  This time . . . THE DOLLAR TREE!

Here are 20 ways to use these grabbers in your classroom.  If you need a visual you can watch the video on this post when I was a guest on a local television news show.

1. Play follow the directions game using 1, 2, 3 or 4 step directions. 
2. Spell your name. K (squeeze left grabber) a (squeeze right grabber) t (squeeze left grabber) h (squeeze right grabber) y (squeeze left grabber) and then pass to the person on the left.  Play continues until everyone has a turn.
3. Count the syllables in your name. Ka (squeeze left grabber) thy (squeeze right grabber)
4. Blend compound words. sun (squeeze left grabber) shine (squeeze right grabber) sunshine (squeeze left and right at the same time)
5. Spell your word wall words. Refer to #2
6. Segment phonemes in words. cat (squeeze both at the same time) "c" (squeeze left grabber) "a" (squeeze right grabber) "t" (squeeze left grabber) Pass to the person on the  left and continue around the circle.
7. Blend phonemes into a word. "d" (squeeze left grabber) "o" (squeeze right grabber) "g"    (squeeze left grabber) dog (squeeze both together)
8. Delete the first phoneme.
9. Substitute the first phoneme.
10. Do math combinations:  5+5=10
11. Skip count by 2's.
12. Count to 5.  
13. Count to 10.
14. Count backwards from 5.
15. Count backwards from 10.
16. Pattern games. Squeeze left out, squeeze right up, squeeze left out, squeeze right up
17. Practice phonics' patterns. ay (squeeze both together) "a" (squeeze )  
18. Say your letters and sounds. b (squeeze left) says "b" (squeeze right)
19. Place value.
20. Practice learning left and right.

Now go find those grabbers at the Dollar Tree and have FUN while teaching!

Thanks for stopping by!