Own a Daycare Blog » Reading http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:00:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 St Patrick’s Day Reading and Resource List: Free St. Patrick’s Day Activity Printables http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/st-patrick%e2%80%99s-day-reading-and-resource-list-free-st-patrick%e2%80%99s-day-activity-printables http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/st-patrick%e2%80%99s-day-reading-and-resource-list-free-st-patrick%e2%80%99s-day-activity-printables#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:00:34 +0000 csnuggs http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1289 Related posts:]]> St Patrick’s Day is a holiday during which many parts of the world celebrate St Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, with a large feast.  St Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17.

Introduce children to St. Patrick. Discuss the significance St. Patrick’s Day’s popular symbols: the four leaf clover, leprechauns, blarney stone, rainbows, and the pot of gold.

St. Patrick’s Day is a great time for daycare providers to enhance their curriculum with story-time books and activities that celebrate Irish history.

Consider the following reading lists and resources for free St. Patrick’s Day worksheets, coloring pages, and handwriting practice sheets for your child care center:

Reading List

St Patrick’s Day Board and Picture Books

St. Patrick’s Day Countdown by Salina Yoon [Price Stern Sloan, 2006]

Night before St. Patrick’s Day by Natasha Wing and Amy Wummer [Grosset & Dunlop, 2009]

On St. Patrick’s Day by Judy Zocchi and Rebecca Wallis[Dingles & Company,  2005]

St Patrick and the Three by Joyce Stengel and Herb Leonhard  [Pelican Publishing, 2009]

St. Patrick’s Day by Anne Rockwell and Lizzy Rockwell [HarperCollins, 2010]

St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning by Eve Blunting and Jann Bret [Clarion, 1980]

The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever by Teddy Slater and Ethan Long [Cartwheel, 2008]

Jack and the Leprechaun by Ivan Robertson and Katy Bratun [RandomHouse, 2000]

A Fine St. Patrick’s Day by Susan Wojciechowski and Tom Curry [Dragonfly Books, 2008]

It’s St. Patrick’s Day Dear Dragon by Mary Hillert and David Schimmell [Norwood House Press, 2008]

Clever Tom and the Old Leprechaun: An Old Irish Story by Linda Shute [Scholastic, 1990]

The Leprechaun Who Lost His Rainbow by Sean Callahan and Nancy Cote [Albert Whitman & Co., 2009]

St Patrick’s Day Early Readers Ages 4-8

It’s St. Patrick’s Day by Rebecca Gomez and Mary Morgan [Cartwheel, 2004]

St. Patrick’s Day by Carmen Bredeson [Children’s Press, 2003]

Dear Mr. Leprechaun: Letters from My First Friendship by Martin Nelson Burton and Clint Hansen [London Town Press, 2003]

Laura and the Leprechauns by Amber T Kingston and Jill Ronsley [Chrysalis Press, 2007]

Mary McClean and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade by Steven Kroll and Michael Dooling [Scholastic, 1993]

Good Luck: A St. Patrick’s Day Story by Joan Holub and Will Terry [Aladdin, 2007]

Magic Treehouse #43: Leprechuan in Late Winter by Mary Pope Osborne and Sal Murdocca [Random House Books, 2010]

That’s What Leprechauns Do by Eve Bunting and Emily Arnold McCully [Sandpiper, 2009]

Leprechaun Luck: A Wee Book of Irish Wisdom by Erin Gobraugh and Catherine O’Neill [simon and Schuster,  2003]

The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever by Teddy Slater and Ethan Long [Cartwheel, 2008]

The Leprechaun in the Basement by Kathy Tucker and John Sanford [Albert Whitman & Co., 2002]

St. Patrick’s Day Preschool Worksheets and Printables

There are many worksheets for St. Patrick’s Day that you can print out and use for your lesson plans and activities. Worksheets should include coloring pages, handwriting worksheets, and printable craft patterns.

The following websites provide free St. Patrick’s Day printables:

First-Preschool: Coloring pages, card, patterns, crafts and worksheets.

A to Z Teacher Stuff: St. Patrick’s Day printables, coloring pages, activities and word searches

ABCTeach:  Free St. Patrick’s Day worksheets and printables

DLTK’s Crafts for Kids: St. Patrick’s Day recipes, worksheets, coloring pages, crafts, games and puzzles

All Kids Network: Free color St. Patrick’s Day printable worksheets

Related posts:

]]> http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/st-patrick%e2%80%99s-day-reading-and-resource-list-free-st-patrick%e2%80%99s-day-activity-printables/feed 0 Random Acts of Kindness Week: Free Reading and Resource List http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/random-acts-of-kindness-week-free-reading-and-resource-list http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/random-acts-of-kindness-week-free-reading-and-resource-list#comments Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:00:39 +0000 csnuggs http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1246 Related posts:]]> Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 15-21.  Random Acts of Kindness week month is promoted by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in order to incorporate kindness into schools and communities. Recognize Random acts of Kindness week in your daycare center by reading age appropriate stories that focus on kindness, charity, courtesy, friendship, appreciation and gratitude.

Consider the following reading lists and resources for free worksheets, coloring pages, and handwriting practice sheets related to kindness and charity for your child care center:

Reading List

Random Acts of Kindness Board and Picture Books (Baby-Age 3)

How Hatie Hated Kindness by Margot Sunderland and Nicky Armstrong [Speechmark Publishing, 2003]

The Giving Chair by Yoshiko Kouyama, Kozo Kakimoto and Mia Lynn Perry [RIC Publications, 2006]

Be Polite and Kind by Cheri J. Meiners and Meredith Johnson [Free Spirit Publishing, 2003]

Let’s be Kind by Janine Amos and Annabel Spenceley [Alphabet Soup, 2010]

Being Helpful by Cassie Mayer [Heinemann, 2008]

Carrying by Gwenyth Swain [Lerner Classroom, 1999]

Helping at Home by Margaret McDonald [Smart Apple Med/Black Rabbit Books, 2006]

How Can I Help? by Christine Hood and Michael Jarrett [Creative Teaching Press, 1996]

The Berenstain Bears Lend a Helping Hand by Stan and Jan Berenstain [Random House, 1998]

Random Act of Kindness Early Readers (Ages 4-8)

Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler by Margery Cuyler and Sachiko Yoshikawa [Simon & Schuster, 2007]

The Kindness Quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace [Marshall Cavendish, 2006]

Kindness to Share from A to Z by Todd Snow, Peggy Snow, and Kirsten Sevig [Maren Green Publishing, 2008]

Kindness Counts by Debbie Anderson [Crossway Books, 2007]

The Kindness Tree by Sharon Becker and Irene Virag [Booksurge, 2009]

Behold! No Cavities! A Visit to the Dentist by Sarah Willson and Harry Moore [Simon Spotlight Nickelodeon, 2007]

Have you Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud and David Messing [Nelson Publishing, 2007]

What’s Up Lyle? A Story about Kindness by Ron Eddy and Robert Vann [Little Simon, 2006]

The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving by Ellen Sabin [Watering Can, 2004]

The Berenstain Bears Thing of Those in Need by Stan and Jan Berenstain [Random House, 1999]

Random Acts of Kindness Preschool Worksheets and Printables

There are many worksheets about Kindness, charity, manners and giving that you can print out and use for your lesson plans and activities. Worksheets should include coloring pages, handwriting worksheets, and printable craft patterns.

The following websites provide free kindness themed printables:

Acts of Kindness Preschool Activities by The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Happy World: Kindness to animals worksheets

More Coloring Pages: Free friendship coloring pages

Related posts:

]]> http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/random-acts-of-kindness-week-free-reading-and-resource-list/feed 0 Dental Health Month Reading and Resource List: Free Dental Health Worksheets http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/dental-health-monthreading-and-resource-list-free-dental-health-worksheets http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/dental-health-monthreading-and-resource-list-free-dental-health-worksheets#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:00:40 +0000 csnuggs http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1237 Related posts:]]> February is Children’s Dental health month which is sponsored by the American Dental Association in order to promote awareness of dental health. Recognize Children’s Dental Health Month in your daycare center by reading age appropriate stories that focus on dental health and implementing related activities.

Consider the following reading lists and resources for free dental health worksheets, coloring pages, and handwriting practice sheets for your child care center:

Reading List

Dental Health Board and Picture Books (Baby-Age 3)

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain [Random House, 1981]

Brush Your Teeth Please Pop-Up Book by Reader’s Digest [Reader’s Digest, 1993]

Little Bear Brushes his Teeth by Jutta Langreuter [Milbrook Press, 1997]

Dear Tooth Fairy by Kath Melletin and Fran Thatcher [Little Simon, 1997]

Pony Brushes his Teeth by Michael Dahl and Oriol Vadal [Picture Window Books, 2010]

The Tooth Book: a Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums by Edward Miller [Holiday House, 2009]

Teeth are not for Biting by Elizabeth Verdick [Free Spirit Publishing, 2003]

The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss and Joe Mathieu [Random House, 2000]

Maisy, Charley, and the Wobbly Tooth by Lucy Cousins [Candlewick Press,

Dental Health Early Readers (Ages 4-8)

Dental Office: Who Works There by Lola M. Schaeffer [Heinneman Educational Books, 2006]

ABC Dentist: Healthy Teeth from A to Z by Harriet Ziefert [Blue Apple Books, 2008]

Brush Floss and Rinse: Caring for your Teeth and Gums by Amanda Doering Tourville and Ronny Rooney [Picture Window Books, 2008]

Open Wide! A Visit to the Dentist by Cecile Schoberle and Barry Goldberg [Nickelodeon, 2000]

How Many Teeth by Paul Showers and True Kelley [Collins, 1991]

Behold! No Cavities! A Visit to the Dentist by Sarah Willson and Harry Moore [Simon Spotlight Nickelodeon, 2007]

Smile for the Dentist by Celia Minden and Joanne Meier [Child’s World, 2010]

Molly at the Dentist by Angie Sage [Peachtree Publishers, 2001]

Vera Goes to the Dentist by Vera Rosenberry [Henry Holt & Co, 2002]

Albert’s Toothache by Barbara Williams and Kay Chorao [Dutton Juvenille, 1988]

Free Dental Health Preschool Worksheets and Printables

There are many worksheets about dental health that you can print out and use for your lesson plans and activities. Worksheets should include coloring pages, handwriting worksheets, and printable craft patterns.

The following websites provide free dental health printables:

First-Preschool: Coloring pages, card, patterns, crafts and worksheets.

A to Z Teacher Stuff: Dental health printables, coloring pages, activities and word searches

ABCTeach:  Dental health worksheets and printables

DLTK’s Crafts for Kids: Dental Health month worksheets, coloring pages, crafts, and songs

Related posts:

]]> http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/dental-health-monthreading-and-resource-list-free-dental-health-worksheets/feed 0 Valentine’s Day Preschool Reading and Resource List: Free Valentine’s Day Activity Printables http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/valentines-day-preschool-reading-and-resource-list-free-valentines-day-activity-printables http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/valentines-day-preschool-reading-and-resource-list-free-valentines-day-activity-printables#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:00:27 +0000 csnuggs http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1203 Related posts:]]> Valentine’s Day or Saint Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated on February 14, is the traditional day on which people express their love for each other through Valentine’s cards, gifts and other acts of thoughtfulness. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in your daycare center by reading age appropriate stories that focus on the symbols of Valentine’s Day and by implementing Valentine’s Day-themed activities.

Consider the following reading lists and resources for free Valentine’s Day worksheets, coloring pages, and handwriting practice sheets for your child care center:

Reading List

Valentine’s Day Board and Picture Books Baby-Age 3

Elmo’s Valentine (A Chunky Book) by Stephanie St. Pierre and David Prebenna [RandomHouse, 1997]

Be My Valentine by Beatrix Potter [Warne, 2002]

It’s Valentine’s Day!: A Rosie Rabbit Book by Harriet Ziefert and Laura Rader [Sterling, 2005]

Be Mine, Be Mine, Sweet Valentine by Sarah Weeks and Fumi Kosaka [HarperFestival, 2005]

Valentine’s: A Book to Touch and Feel by Sugar Pixie [Little Simon, 2003]

Princess Valentine by Megan E. Bryant and Nancy Gale Carlson [Worthwhile Books, 2010]

The Great Valentine’s Day Surprise (Lift the Flap Book) by Susan Jane Tanner [HarperCollins, 1995]

Very Best Friends by Ann Braybooks [Golden Books, 1999]

My Little Valentine by Carol Roth and Jennifer Beck Harris [HarperFestival, 2002]

Rhyme Time Valentine by Nancy Poydar [HolidayHouse, 2002]

A Valentine Bouquet by Eleanor Hudson and Laura Bryant [Little Simon, 2000]

Be My Valentine (Rugrats) by Molly Wigand, Louis Del Carmen, and James Peters [Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon, 2000]

Valentine’s Day Early Readers Ages 4-8

Happy Valentine’s Day Mouse by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond [Balzer + Bray, 2009]

The Biggest Valentine Ever by Steven Kroll and Jeni Bassett [Cartwheel Books, 2006]

My Fuzzy Valentine by Noami Kleinberg and Louis Womble [Random House, 2005]

The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond [December, 2006]

Valentines are for Saying I Love You by Margaret Sutherland and Amy Wummer [Grosset and Dunlap, 2007]

Roses are Sweet, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane DeGroat [HarperCollins, 1997]

The Best Thing about Valentines by Eleanor Hudson and Mary Melcher [Cartwheel, 2004]

Clifford’s First Valentine’s Day by Norman Bridwell [Cartwheel, 1997]

Little Critter: Happy Valentine’s Day, Little Critter by Mercer Mayer [HarperFestival, 2005]

The Great Valentine’s Day Mix-Up by Saxton Moore [Price Stern Sloan, 2009]

Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser [Moody Publishers, 2004]

Free Valentine’s Day Preschool Worksheets and Printables

There are many worksheets for Valentine’s Day that you can print out and use for your lesson plans and activities. Worksheets should include coloring pages, handwriting worksheets, and printable craft patterns.

The following websites provide free Valentine’s Day printables:

First-Preschool: Coloring pages, card, patterns, crafts and worksheets.

A to Z Teacher Stuff: Valentine’s Day printables, coloring pages, activities and word searches

ABCTeach:  Free Valentine’s Day worksheets and printables

DLTK’s Crafts for Kids: Valentine’s Day recipes, worksheets, coloring pages, crafts, games and puzzles

All Kids Network: Free color Valentine’s Day printable worksheets

Related posts:

]]> http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/valentines-day-preschool-reading-and-resource-list-free-valentines-day-activity-printables/feed 0 Winter Preschool Reading and Resource List: Free Winter Printables http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/winter-preschool-reading-and-resource-list-free-winter-printables http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/winter-preschool-reading-and-resource-list-free-winter-printables#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:00:03 +0000 csnuggs http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1119 Related posts:]]> Winter is the season which begins with the winter solstice, which is around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, and ends with the spring equinox which is around March 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.

Teach young children about winter through winter themed lesson plans and activities. Consider the following reading lists and resources for free winter worksheets, coloring pages, and handwriting practice sheets for your child care center:

Reading List

Winter Board and Picture Books Baby-Age 3

Winter by Gerda Muller [Florris Books, 1994]

One Winter’s Night by Diane Dillon and Leo Dillon [Puffin, 2005]

Pooh Welcomes Winter by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, A. A. Milne, Robbin Hogan, and Robbin Cuddy [Disney, 1999]

Little Fern’s First Winter by Jane Simmons [Little, Brown, 2001]

Winter Wonderland by Alan Benjamin and Samuel J. Butcher [Golden Books, 2000]

Winter:  Seasons Board Books by Chris L. Demarest [Red Wagon Books, 1994]

Chickadee Winter by Dawn L. Watkins and Gabriela Dellosso [Journey Books, 1999]

First Snow of Winter by Graham Ralph and Sue Tong [Penguin Character Books, 1994]

Barney’s Wonderful Winter Day by Stephen White and Bill Langley [Barney Publishing, 1994}

MIffy in the Snow by Dick Bruna [Big Tent Entertainment, 2004]

Winter Early Readers Ages 4-8

It’s Winter (Celebrate the Seasons) by Linda Glaser [Milbrooke Press, 2002]

Winter’s Gift by Jane Monroe Donovan [Sleeping Bear Press, 2004]

Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft and Helen K. Davie [Collins, 1996]

Winter Days in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls wilder and Renee Graaf [Harper Collins, 1995]

Is that You, Winter? By Stephen Gammell [Voyager Books, 2000]

When Winter Comes by Nancy Van Laan and Susan Graber [Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books, 2000]

Winter Lullaby by Barbara Seuling and Greg Newbold [Voyager Books, 2002]

It’s Snowing! It’s Snowing: Winter Poems [HarperCollins, 2006]

Winter (Four Seasons Series) by Nuria Roca [Barron’s Educational Series, 2004

Waiting for Winter by Sebastian Meschenmoser [Kane/Miller Book Publishers, 2009]

Emma’s Magic Winter by Jean Little and Jennifer Plecas [HarperCollins, 2000]

Snow Shapes:  A Read and Do Book by Judith Moffatt [Scholastic, 2000]

Free Winter Preschool Worksheets and Printables

There are many resources for free worksheets for daycare providers to use in conjunction with lesson plans and activities. Worksheets for winter themes should include coloring pages, handwriting worksheets, and printable craft patterns.

The following websites provide free Christmas printables:

KidZone: language arts, math, science and scissor skills worksheets

ABCTeach:  Free winter worksheets, calendars, coloring pages, and other printables

A to Z Teacher Stuff: Winter preschool learning activities, finger plays, nursery rhymes, and craft printables

Everything Preschool: Great winter coloring pages

Kinderplans: Winter emergent reader printable book and winter activity

First-Preschool: Free printable winter themed activities, crafts, lesson plans, and coloring pages

Related posts:

]]> http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/winter-preschool-reading-and-resource-list-free-winter-printables/feed 0 Thanksgiving Preschool Reading and Resource List: Free Thanksgiving Printables http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-preschool-reading-and-resource-list-free-thanksgiving-printables http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-preschool-reading-and-resource-list-free-thanksgiving-printables#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:00:49 +0000 csnuggs http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1040 Related posts:]]> Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November to commemorate a feast in 1621 that the Pilgrims shared with Native Americans. Thanksgiving is also celebrated in Canada on the second Monday in October in order to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.

Celebrate Thanksgiving in your daycare center by reading age appropriate stories that focus on the symbols of Thanksgiving and by implementing Thanksgiving themed activities.

Consider the following reading lists and resources for free Thanksgiving worksheets, coloring pages, and handwriting practice sheets for your child care center:

Reading List

Thanksgiving Board and Picture Books Baby-Age 3

Happy Thanksgiving, Emily by Claire Mauserel and Susan Calitri [Puffin, 2004]

Turkeys Never Gobble by Joan Holub and Jennifer Beck Harris [HarperFestival, 2002]

Happy Thanksgiving (Wee Board Book) by Wendy Cheyette Lewison [Grosset & Dunlap, 1993]

My First Thanksgiving Tomie dePaola [Grosset & Dunlap, 2008]

Turkey Time! by Kelly Asbury [Price Stern Sloan, 2000]

Corduroy’s Thanksgiving by Lisa McCue [Viking Juvenile, 2006]

Spot’s Thanksgiving by Eric Hill [Putnam Juvenile, 2003]

Hello Kitty: A Day of Thanks by Higashi Glaser [Abraham Brooks for Very Young Readers, 2005]

This is the Turkey by Abby Levine and Paige Billin-Frye [Albert Whitman & Company, 2000]

Thanksgiving Parade by Jodi Heulin and Kelly Asbury [Price Stern Sloan, 2000]

Five Silly Turkeys by Salina Yoon [Price Stern Sloan, 2005]

Thanksgiving Early Readers Ages 4-8

Turkey Trouble by Wendy Silvano and Lee Harper [Marshall Cavendish, 2009]

1, 2, 3 Thanksgiving by W. Nikola-Lisa and Robin Kramer [Albert Whitman, 1991]

Albert’s Thanksgiving by Leslie Tryon [Aladdin, 1998]

Gus, the Pilgrim Turkey by Teresa Bateman and Ellen Sasaski [Albert Whitman, 2008]

One is a Feast for a Mouse: a Thanksgiving Tale by Judy Cox and Jeffery Ebbeler [Holiday, 2008]

Run, Turkey, Run! By Diane Mayr and Laura Raider [Walker, 2007]

Thank You, Thanksgiving by David Milgrim [Clarion, 2003]

The Night before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing and Tammie Lyon [Grosset & Dunlap, 2001]

Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland and Sonja Lamut [Grosset & Dunlap, 2000]

10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston and Richard F. Deas [Cartwheel, 2004]

Thanksgiving Parade Surprise by Cecile Schoberle and Kristina Stephenson [Little Simon, 2000]

Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern and Elroy Freem [Scholastic Paperbacks, 2003]

The Perfect Thanksgiving by Eileen Spinelli and JoAnn Adinolfi [Square Fish, 2007]

The Story of the Pilgrims by H.L. Ross [Random House for Young Readers, 1995]

Free Thanksgiving Preschool Worksheets and Printables

There are many worksheets for fall that you can print out and use for your lesson plans and activities. Worksheets should include coloring pages like those on ABCTeach’s website, handwriting worksheets, and printable craft patterns.

The following websites provide free Thanksgiving printables:

ABCTEach: Thanksgiving Coloring Pages

First-Preschool: Free Printables for Thanksgiving

DLTK: Thanksgiving printables for preschoolers and worksheets for school aged children

Christian Preschool Printables: Thanksgiving Bible Crafts for Preschoolers

KidZone: Thanksgiving Math Activity Worksheets

Related posts:

]]> http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-preschool-reading-and-resource-list-free-thanksgiving-printables/feed 0 Autumn Preschool Reading and Resource List http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/autumn-preschool-reading-and-resource-list http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/autumn-preschool-reading-and-resource-list#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:00:33 +0000 csnuggs http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1020 Related posts:]]> Through storytelling and activities, celebrate and teach young children in your daycare center about  the season autumn (or fall).  This resource list will provide you with a fall themed reading list and free autumn themed  printable worksheets and activities for young children in child daycare centers.

Reading List

Autumn Board Books and Picture Books (Baby – Age 3)

Dappled Apples by Jan Carr and Dorothy Donohue [Holiday House, 2001]

Leaf Baby: Baby Seasons Board Books by Mary Bridgid Barrett and Eve Chwast [Red Wagon Books, 1998]

Autumn by Gerda Muller [Floris Books, 1994]

Fall: Seasons Board Books by Chris L. Demarest [Red Wagon Books, 1996]

5 Little Pumpkins by Michael Scott [Hyperion Books, 2003]

One Fall Day by Molly Bang [Greenwillow books, 1994]

Pumpkin Baby by Jane Yollen and Susan Mitchell [Key Porter Books, 2009]

Acorns Everywhere by Kevin Sherry [Dial, 2009]

Early Readers Ages 4-8

Clifford’s First Autumn by Norman Bridwell [Cartwheel, 1997]

Why Do Leaves Change Color? By Betsy Maestro and Loretta Krupinski [Collins, 1994]

In November by Cynthia Rylant and Jill Kastner [Sandpiper, 2008]

Corn is Maize by Aliki [Collins, 1986]

We Gather Together by Wendy Pfeiffer and Linda Beck [Dutton Juvenile, 2006]

Autumn An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur and  Leslie Evans [Clarion Books, 1997]

When Autumn Comes by Robert Mass [Henry Holt & co., 1992]

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Elhert [Harcourt Children’s Books, 1991]

Fall (Four Seasons Series) by Nuria Roca [Barron’s Educational Series, 2004]

Arthur Jumps into Fall by Marc Brown [LB Kids, 2006]

Fall is Here by Elaine W. Good [Good Books, 1969]

Leaves by David Ezra Stein [Putnam Juvenile, 2007]

Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper [Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005]

Every Autumn Comes the Bear by Jim Arnosky [Putnam, 1996]

Free Autumn Preschool Worksheets and Printables
There are many worksheets for fall that you can print out and use for your lesson plans. Worksheets should include coloring pages, handwriting worksheets like those on First-Preschool’s website, and printable craft patterns. For older children, try DLTK’s autumn worksheets which are appropriate for school aged children.

The following websites provide free fall printables:
First- Preschool: Autumn Coloring Pages
DLTK:  Autumn activities for Kids
KidZone: Autumn Themed Resources
PrintActivities.com: Fall Activities
Apples for the Teacher: Autumn Coloring Book Pages

Autumn symbols and themes include leaves, pumpkins, corn, scarecrows, apples, wheat, harvest, cornucopia, sunflowers, trees, acorns, pinecones, and wreaths. Building lesson plans around these symbols help teach young children in daycare centers about autumn, fall, harvesting, and thanksgiving.

Related posts:

]]> http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/autumn-preschool-reading-and-resource-list/feed 0 How to Build a Daycare Library: Classic Books for Children http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/how-to-build-a-daycare-library-classic-books-for-children http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/how-to-build-a-daycare-library-classic-books-for-children#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:00:56 +0000 csnuggs http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1004 Related posts:]]> Inspire children’s love of reading by providing a well rounded library of fascination, age appropriate books in your daycare center. Classic books make a great foundation for lifelong reading.  This article will focus on helping licensed daycare providers set up a daycare library for preschool aged children.

Children’s books are usually categorized by genre and reading level. First books are divided into three categories: Fiction, folklore or poetry, nonfiction. Nonfiction books are books of information.  Folklore and poetry include folktales, mythology, tall tales, nursery rhymes, verse and epic literature.

Fiction books for children are then divided further into categories by reading level: Board books, picture books, easy readers, transitional books, and chapter books.  Infants and toddlers and preschoolers in child care centers are interested in board books, picture books, and easy readers.

Board Books

Board books are soft books for infants and young children with rounded edges. In addition picture books may have pop-up feature or flaps or a variety of textures for young children to explore.

Classic Board Books

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle [Puffin, 1994]

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd [HarperCollins, 2005]

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss and Crockett Johnson [HarperFestival, 1993]

Picture Books

Picture books pair art with story. Some picture book pages may only have a few words while others may have a few paragraphs. Picture books are intended to convey ideas through art and to stir the imagination.  Picture books are usually 32 pages. To select exceptional picture books for your childcare center, choose picture books that integrate outstanding text and excellent illustrations.

Classic Picture Books

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter [Warne, 2002]

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle [Holt and Co., 2008]

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans [Viking, 2000]

Make way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey [Viking, 1965]

Harold and the Paper Crayon [HarperCollins, 1998]

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats [Puffin, 1976]

Polar Bear Express by Chris Van Allsburg [Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Trade, 2009]

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak [HarperCollins, 1998]

Easy Readers: As children develop reading and comprehension skill they move on to easy readers. They help children build the skills of children are just beginning to learn to read. Easy readers marry exceptional pictures with simple sentences.

Classic Easy Reader books

Little Bear by Elsa Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak [HarperTrophy, 1978]

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss [Random House, 1957]

Frog and Toad are Friends Book and CD by Arnold Lobel [HarperCollins, 2005]

Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant [Aladdin, 2006]

Bread and Jam for Francis by Russell and Lillian Hoban [HarperTrophy, 1993]

Related posts:

]]> http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/how-to-build-a-daycare-library-classic-books-for-children/feed 0 Halloween Theme Preschool Lesson Plan http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/halloween-theme-preschool-lesson-plan http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/halloween-theme-preschool-lesson-plan#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:00:26 +0000 csnuggs http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=989 Related posts:]]> When teaching  young, preschool aged children about Halloween, keep lesson plans simple.  It is not necessary to discuss the historical background of Halloween at this time. Instead, young children in daycare centers can celebrate Halloween by having costume parties and playing special games like bobbing for apples.  Halloween can be fun and educational when you incorporate the following activities:

Halloween Art Activity

Hanging Halloween Spiders

You will need: black tempera paint, medium Styrofoam balls, wide black pipe cleaners, plastic wiggly eyes, a needle, fishing line, and tape.

Directions: Paint Styrofoam balls with black paint. Let dry completely. Next cut the pipe cleaners in half and stick four pipe cleaners in each side of the Styrofoam balls. Then, glue two eyes on each spider. Thread needles with fishing line and spring fishing line through each spider. Then Hang spiders by the string by taping them to the ceiling.

Halloween Cognitive Activity

Bat Sorting

Bat sorting teaches young children both classification and counting. For this activity you will need to cut both large and small bats out of black construction paper. You can use a template or draw them freehand. You will also need two containers. Ask the children to sort bats the bats into large and small placing the small bats in one container and large bats in another. Next ask the children to count the total number of small bats and the total number of large bats. Ask them which number is larger.

Halloween Cooking Activity

Pumpkin Milkshakes

As a special holiday treat, try Pumpkin Milkshakes. In a blender, blend ¼ pint of vanilla ice cream, ¼ cup of milk, 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 4 tablespoons of fresh pumpkin pureed. Pour into frosty glasses and top with fresh whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon. Children will have fun pouring ingredients into the blender and scooping whipped cream. You can also make your own fresh pumpkin puree with the children.

Halloween Circle Time Activity

5 Little Pumpkins Finger Play (similar to 5 Little Monkeys)

“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 I don’t care.’

The fourth one said, ‘I’m ready for some fun!’

The fifth one said, ‘Let’s run and run and run.’

‘Wooooooo’ went the wind,

And out went the lights.

And the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.”

Halloween Books for Preschoolers

Consider adding the following books to your child care resource center and reading them during your Halloween unit.

Halloween Treats:  A Touch-and-Feel Book by Tom Arma [Grosset and Dunlap, 2000]

Candy Corn by Kelly Asbury [Price Stern Sloan, 2001]

What is Halloween by Michelle Medlock Adams and Amy Wummer [Candy Cane Press, 2007]

Baby Strawberry’s First Halloween by SI Artists [Grosset and Dunlap, 2007]

It’s Halloween, Dear Dragon by Margaret Hillard [Modern Curriculum Press, 1980]

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]]> http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/halloween-theme-preschool-lesson-plan/feed 0 Develop The Love Of Reading In Children http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/develop-the-love-of-reading-in-children http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/develop-the-love-of-reading-in-children#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:46:14 +0000 Mary http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=577 Related posts:]]> As a parent, you would always want to ensure that your child develops in the right stages. One of these developments include reading and language skills. Most parents would be proud if their children learned to read and speak earlier than most children but there is really no right age that a child must know when to do these.

What most parents do not know is that reading is an acquired skill from birth. This is affected by various language skills that help them develop in reading. This is a fairly complicated process but amazes most people too. The progress of learning how to read involves certain skills which are learned as they progress from one stage to another.

I. Birth to 1 year
At this stage, you might even think that it is impossible to do anything that will affect the reading skills of your child. You may want to start at this early age of development to create a learning atmosphere for your child. Do read to your child constantly at this age. It is important that you show her the pictures in the books that you use. Observe how your child responds because you will know if she is interested in story telling time.

II. 1 to 3 years

At these ages, your children will be in a crucial stage when it comes to the learning process. This is when she will learn how to talk, making room to learn more language skills, especially reading. Statr teaching your child how to read the alphabet. Knowing the alphabet can really go a long way in your child’s development. You need to make sure that you have interaction when you tech your child how to read. When reading, do make gestures and facial expressions that they can associate with certain emotions. It is also recommended to read animal stories, and accompany it with matching animal sounds. Kids really love animal stories at this age.

You should read a lot and even make it a habit to read to your child. This is when you will be able to teach them. There are picture books that show pictures of words that children might associate with. You may start teaching them how to read words or even phrases.

III. 3 to 4 years

During preschool, your child will further her reading skills since they will start going to school now. They will spend most of their time interacting with other people. Most school activities will include their teacher reading to them storybooks, mostly fairy tales. You child may even have a favourite character and imitate them. You may start teaching them how to write and how to read more difficult words as well as sentences. You need to teach your child how to handle the books properly.

There are some signs and labels that your kid must be familiar with like stop signs, female and male signs and others that will be helpful when they are left in school without you. Most importantly, teach them how to ask if they are unsure of the signs that they are reading. Teach them phrases like “I love you” or “Thank you’. These are phrases which they can use in preschool when interacting with the teacher or fellow students.

IV. 5 years
At kindergarten, you may need to ask them if they want to read the lines or words for you. This can be great training for the kid so that they will not be afraid to learn. Allow them to read to you and actually listen to them. Explain to them that reading should be done left to right going down the page. Start playing reading games, giving a prize for every correct word that they read. Also, if they know the meaning or if they can give a word that starts with that letter, she will get a special prize. They may also work with familiarity with starting sounds as well as ending sounds. Kids love to associate things and find that this is an effective method, do allow them to discover their way of learning.

Subtly correct them if they make mistakes, but do not make them feel that they have done a big mistake. This will discourage them from reading in the future. Descriptive language is recommended when asking questions. You may make learning a fun experience by engaging in rhyming games. You can now match written words with spoken ones so that they may be able to comprehend phrases as well as sentences.

V. 6 years old

This is the culminating stage of the reading process. Sure enough, beyond the first-grade, children will still continue the reading process, but more or else, your child will have an idea on how to read properly. Rereading stories are what kids this age do best, they will reread their favourite stories to anyone, including you. You may want to incorporate a game where you predict what will happen, or asking questions about the story and they must find the answers in the book. Ask them to read aloud, and be proud of what they are reading. They will be confident that what they are doing is right and allow them to enjoy that freedom when they read to you. Yes, children love the idea that they are given a change to read a story with print, picture clues and memory. They will be able to associate stories with these elements. Let them learn new words by associating phonetics with similar words and you may even help them if they are having difficulty.

Ask them to identify new words just by looking at them and figuring out how to read them. You may throw in a little vocabulary so that they will know what those words are when they start to read them in a sentence. Besides from this, you need to teach them how to write sentences and how they feel. They need to learn punctuations, capitalizations and the right way of combining words to form meaning.

The developmental stage of your child is very crucial. You need to take each stage seriously as part of their learning process. Build interest in reading because this can really be a big part of your child’s development. There are so much that they can learn from reading so do not take this skill for granted

See: How to start a daycare center

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