Hands & Hearts

Theme:  Letter H
Hibernation was a juicy word this week.  We talked a little bit about what hibernation is and some of the animals that hibernate.  This info doubled as a science lesson. We also discussed animal homes versus what kinds of homes we live in.  A few other interesting words were Hare and Hog.  Some of the kids may still not believe me that those are real animal names :)

Mini Lesson:  I shared with the kids my favorite H word;  heart.  Heart reminds me of love.  I can show my love to Heavenly Father by being Thankful for all the many things He gives to me. Thanksgiving is a special time to really count our blessings and show love.

Choosing Time:  House, Horses, Potato Heads, Head Mix-Up Game, Leaf Rubbings, Letter Writing ...

Show & Tell:  Super fun items!  Everyone is getting so good at finding letter items that work with our theme!  Good Job!

 This was in response to the question, "What sound do Hippopotamus make?"  :)

 Music & Movement:

• Two Little Hands
• Hokey Pokey
• Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes
• Hippo Hammers
• Hurry, Hurry
• Turkey, Turkey
• Hopping & Galloping like Horses
• Green Eggs & Ham
• It's Autumn Time
• I can't Spell Hippopotamus

Writing:  We worked on our letter H/h.  Little h looks like a house with a chimney.  Big H looks similar to A. 

Science & Vocabulary: 

• There are several names for the same animal such as a pig can be a hog, a rabbit can be a hare.  One kind of bird is a hawk.  Hippos are not friendly.  
• We met our new pet, Jasper, the Gecko (which starts with the letter G).
• What happens to trees during the Fall?  What colors of leaves do you see?

Art: 

• Crayon Shaving Leafs
• Fall Leaf  Hand Trees
• Hand Turkeys

Games:

• Which Hive is Hiding the Bee?
• Memory
• Choosing H items out of our "magic" can

Small Motor Skills:  We worked our small motor skills by using a crayon sharpener to get shavings for our art project.  Many of the children struggled with this.  I will continue to provide opportunities for more small motor skill development.  Some ideas for you to use at home include:  sorting buttons, using a small pencil sharpener, playing with melt beads, beading, coloring books, using scissors to cut (yarn, play-doh, straws, paper), lace cards....Doing these activities will help your children write.  :)

Snacks:

• Peanut Butter Cookies & Carrots (Hare food)  
• Ham & Cheese Sandwiches & Applesauce
• Handi-snacks

Books:

Hippo Gives Hugs