Week 1 - Wild West
Children learn from pretending and doing. Pretend play is essential for a child's social and emotional development. During pretend play, children are negotiating roles, experimenting with language and problem-solving. Through imaginary play, children pretend to be other people and try out different roles. This is important because it allows children to discover different perspectives on the world, such as what it would be like to be a cowboy or cowgirl. Teachers can promote pretend play by providing real or play materials, props and space for children to explore. Props, such as a rope or a hat, can help children experiment with the actions and gestures of another person. Through pretend play, children can learn and discover how others live, speak and interact with the world.     

Letter: Nn. Phonic Words: nest, net, nut. Basic Concepts: black, star, honest.

Week 2 - Sahara Desert
The desert is an ecosystem made up of a variety of animals, plants, weather and landscapes. When children learn about the world's ecosystems, they can begin to understand how environments are different from their own. It is important for children to think about and experience their own environment first, then they can build concepts around other places. By exploring their environment, children can compare what is in their own backyard "ecosystem" with others. For example, children can discover what types of plants grow in their area or what weather they experience. Teachers can promote this type of inquiry by encouraging children to use their senses and become more aware of their surroundings. Learning about the diversity of environments fosters an appreciation for the outside world. 

Letter: Ww. Phonic Words: watermelon, water, wolf.

Week 3 - Mojave Desert
Learning about an ecosystem such as the desert can help children better understand Earth Science concepts. While exploring outside, children can practice observing, experimenting and inquiring about their own environment. Simple daily routines, such as discussing the weather, help build Earth Science knowledge for young children. Learning about ecosystems allows children to make connections with how environments can affect living things. For example, children can learn about the interesting plants and animals that live in a hot, dry climate and discover how they are able to survive. These Earth Science concepts are more than just fun facts; they can help inspire children to expand their thinking and promote wonder.  

Letter: Zz. Phonic Words: zebra, zero, zipper.

Week 4 - Desert Night
In the desert, some animals share commonalities such as character traits or physical features. By recognizing commonalities, children learn how to categorize and sort new information. For example, while desert cottontails, rattlesnakes and coyotes are distinctly different animals, they are all nocturnal. Teachers can help organize new information by encouraging children to look for similarities and differences in things. Learning how to categorize is an important skill to develop early on because it helps children effectively store new words and information. This process is important because it allows children to retrieve information and make connections when needed. 

Letters: Nn, Ww, Zz. Phonic Words: nest, net, nut, watermelon, water, wolf, zebra, zero, zipper.

      


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