Set out some manipulatives in the Math Center. Encourage the children to sort them by one attribute – color, size, or shape. Discuss what they are doing as they work and provide assistance as needed.
Completing this sorting activity will help build the children’s mathematical thinking skills. They will begin solving problems in a variety of ways as they work with their peers and teachers. Talking about what they are working on will build their vocabulary and oral language skills.
When a child hurts another child’s feelings, talk with her about what she has done. Explain that her friend is sad and that she can make her feel better. Ask her to apologize and to find out what she can do to make her friend feel better.
Helping other children feel better will help the children explore their social learning. They will begin to understand that other people have feelings too, and they can help those people stay happy. Prompting them with words will give them the proper vocabulary to use for years to come.
Go outside for a nature hunt. Bring magnifying glasses and a bug box with you. Point out different things in nature – trees, leaves, blooming flowers, and let the children examine them with the magnifying glasses. Collect some ants to bring inside to the Science Center.
Exploring the world around them will help the children build their science exploration skills as they learn to observe nature with their senses. Using science tools helps build their fine motor skills. As you talk about what you see, you are building their oral language skills, including science vocabulary words.