L is for Leaf

We decided to mix things up a bit in preschool, and base our curriculum a bit more on our monthly themes.  We felt that the learning experiences of the children would be more enriching and meaningful if we associated them with the current season or holiday.  This means we will not go in alphabetical order. 

With the fall season upon us, I kicked things off with "L" is for leaves.  This was the basis of most of our activities for the day.  As part of our circle time routine the children learned a poem about the fall season.  It went like this 

Red and yellow, green and brown.
(count off colors on fingers)

Leaves are falling to the ground.
(simulate falling leaves with hands)

We pile them up OH SO HIGH:
('pile' leaves with hands)

Then we JUMP in!
(pretend to jump in) 

My friend and I!

Our friends brought show & tell items that begin with the letter "L".  Max brought a stuffed animal lion, Delainey brought a tarheel foot lollipop, and Joseph shared his Lightning McQueen toy race car.  

Next we got our wiggles out by dancing to music, playing instruments, and singing a few songs about the fall season.  Then after snack I read a book called Four Seasons for Little People, where we read about what happens to leaves in the fall.  This lead us to our "field study" outside, looking for and gathering leaves.  Max was really into this.  He started gathering as soon as we stepped out the front door.

The goal was to find leaves of different colors, shapes, and sizes.  When our bags were full, we took them back home to sort and count.

Then we used our green leaves to make leaf rubbings.  This lead to a discussion about the veins of leaves and how they bring water to them. 

After our art project the kids transitioned right into playtime, where they played with Legos and Lincoln Logs.  Joseph and Max played with the Lego vehicles, and Delainey made a "Goodberries" store.  It was a fun packed day at preschool.