The Nurturing Nest Academy ~ Christian Child Care & Preschool ~ February 2023   February's Theme - Nursery Rhymes   Week 1 - Number Rhymes Nursery rhymes are full of patterns, sequencing, numbers and counting. They help children become curious about math at an early age. Children can begin to learn simple math skills while reciting nursery rhymes. Rhymes like "1, 2, Buckle My Shoe" or "Hickory Dickory Dock" incorporate early math skills in a fun and motivating way for young learners. By incorporating rhymes, children can also learn math vocabulary, such as "size" and "weight." Teachers can help children learn nursery rhymes and create hands-on math activities for them to participate in. These activities are motivating for children because the characters in the rhymes become familiar and tell a simple story. Letter: Aa. Phonic Words: apple, airplane, ant. Basic Concepts: purple, heart, brave.   This Little Piggy Sing a Song of Sixpence 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe Hickory Dickory Dock Baa, Baa Black Sheep Week 2 - Character Rhymes Characters in nursery rhymes such as "Humpty Dumpty" or "Little Bo Peep" all tell a simple story. These stories are short and are recited in a rhythmic way that encourage children to move their bodies. Rhymes that involve movement help children build balance and coordination, as well as encourage role-playing. Teachers play an important role when they are active participants in these movements and gestures, rather than being just observers. Teachers can offer suggestions for movements by inviting children to recite nursery rhymes multiple times throughout the day. This type of repeated group activity helps children build strong social skills and a sense of community. Letter: Gg. Phonic Words: grapes, gorilla, goat.   Humpty Dumpty There Was A Crooked Man Itsy, Bitsy, Spider Hey Diddle Diddle Old King Cole Week 3 - Food Rhymes Many nursery rhymes tell about food, such as eating a pie in "Little Jack Horner" or making a cake in "Pat-a-Cake." Focusing on food is a great way to discuss healthy eating habits, recipes, favorite foods and family traditions. Food rhymes encourage children to practice simple gestures that go along with the words. This is important because it helps expand their imaginations as they promote creative dramatization when role-playing. Teachers can plan a cooking project that relates to a nursery rhyme and encourage children to help with each step. When children are engaged in following a recipe, they are strengthening their math, social, communication and fine motor skills. Food rhymes can also help children begin to practice food preparation and safety. Letter: Qq. Phonic Words: queen, quilt, question.   Pat-A-Cake Old Mother Hubbard Little Jack Horner There Was An Old Woman Hot Cross Buns Week 4 - "Little" Rhymes Children can relate to the concept of change because they have experienced it in their own lives. Teachers can help children reflect on how they have changed by getting taller, growing smaller and becoming more agile. These reflections help children become more self-aware and build their confidence by acknowledging what they can do now as compared to when they were babies. Children can also self-reflect about how they feel within their own communities. Begin the conversation by asking such questions as "What places do you like to visit in your community?" and "Who do you see in your neighborhood?" By inquiring about their communities, children can have opportunities to share their experiences and knowledge with others. Letter Review: Aa, Gg, Qq. Phonic Words Review: apple, airplane, ant, grape, gorilla, goat, queen, quilt, question. Basic Concepts Review: purple, heart, brave.   Little Boy Blue Little Bo Peep Little Miss Muffet Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Mary Had A Little Lamb To learn more about what we will do in February, please use the buttons on the left.          Copyright - The Nurturing Nest All Rights Reserved