2008-2009 Activity Schedule Themes

September 2008 Letters:        A, B, C Numbers:     1 - 3  Shapes:       Introduction Color:          Red
Dinosaurs Go to School: The children will learn about school and what takes place there throughout this theme. They will learn the importance of their names, sharing, and friends. Grandparent’s Day is also included. Feelin’ Good/Stayin’ Safe: We can do many things with our bodies. The children will learn how to stay healthy through proper hygiene. Safety rules will be discussed. Apples Everywhere: Apples, apples, everywhere apples! Learn all about the different types of apples, how they grow, and the different foods that can be made with them!
October 2008 Letters:        D, E, F Number:       4 - 6 Shape:         Triangle Color:           Black, Orange
Fire Safety: Firefighters help keep us safe. Learn how to be safe around fire and practice fire drills, crawling low in smoke, and “Stop, Drop, and Roll.” Four Seasons: Fall, winter, spring, and summer are seasons full of their own fun! Children will learn what to expect as the seasons change. They also talk about their favorite things to do during each one. Spin a Web!: Spin a web of fun with this spidery theme. Children will explore how these eight-legged arachnids build webs, wrap their food, and move. Pumpkins and other fall favorites will be examined as well.
November 2008 Letters:        G, H, I Number:       7 - 8 Shape:         Rectangle Color:           Brown
Sleep Tight!: Everyone needs to sleep. Sleeping helps us to grow, feel good, and stay healthy. Bedtime can be fun! The children will share their bedtime routines and learn about the moon and stars. Manners Matter: Saying “please” and “thank you” are ways of showing respect and appreciation to other people. Manners, as well as character development, will make up this fun, important theme. Let’s Give Thanks: Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks. We celebrate with family and friends. The history and other symbols of this celebration will be explored.
December 2008 Letters:        J, K, L Number:       9 - 10 Shape:        Star Color:          White
Fasten Up!: Brrr! Chilly weather is coming! There are many ways to fasten our cold weather gear, as well as our everyday clothes. We will touch on a variety of fasteners in this “fasten”ating theme. Gingerbread Days: Baking is a holiday tradition! We’ll bring the smell and tastes of gingerbread to your home with lots of yummy fun! ‘Tis The Season: There are many different holiday celebrations this month. The children will learn about Christmas, Hanukkah, Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, and more!
January 2009 Letters:        M, N, O Number:      11 - 12 Shape:        Circle Color:          Blue
Snowflakes And Icicles: Winter is usually cold and icy. There are fun things to do in the snow, as long as we are wearing warm clothes! Animals need to keep warm too. We will learn how people and animals keep warm in winter. Wheeling About: Wheels are important to many things, such as cars, trucks, bikes, airplanes, shopping carts, and toys! The children will learn how wheels help things get from one place to another! Once Upon a Time: Traditional tales will be introduced to the children in this reworked theme. Favorites such as Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Three Bears, Little Red Hen, and Peter Rabbit are just some of the fun stories that the children will be enjoying.
February 2009 Letters:        P, Q, R Number:      13 - 14 Shape:        Heart Color:          Pink
Teeth Tips: Dental Health Month is the perfect time to reinforce healthy dental and hygiene habits. This will be done through fun activities and games. Groundhog Day is also part of the fun. In the Mail: Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show our friends and family that we love them. The children will share their love by doing kind things for each other and making cards and gifts. Teddy Bear Games: Teddy bears will join in the fun of the children’s daily activities. Directional concepts and terms are introduced using our teddy bears. The children will be invited to bring a bear from home.
March 2009 Letters:         S, T, U Number:       15 - 16 Shape:         Square Color:           Green
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!: The whacky world of Dr. Seuss will be explored with reading, art, math, and science fun. Break out of your shell with activities in this theme that will let your imagination run wild! Here Comes the Circus: The traveling show will come to your setting in fun activities and foods featuring clowns, elephants, and other circus animals. The children will enjoy themselves under the big tent! You Are What You Eat: Good nutrition helps our bodies to stay healthy and strong. The Food Guide Pyramid and all of its components will be discussed and explored.
April 2009 Letters:        V, W, X Number:      17 - 18 Shape:        Oval Color:          Yellow
Spring Has Sprung!: There are many changes in nature in the spring. The rain prepares the soil for new life, plants grow from seeds and bulbs, and baby birds are hatched from their shells. The children will enjoy hands-on experiences during this lively theme! Up and Away: People can’t fly, but some animals can! Airplanes, balloons, rockets, and kites all ride on the air or are pushed by an engine in the air. The children will be blown away with the fun activities in store for this theme! The World of Art: Explore color, view the styles of famous artists, visit art museums, and create with the little artists in your care! You will find in this theme that when art is involved, the possibilities are endless!
May 2009 Letters:        Y, Z Number:      19 - 20 Shapes:       Review Color:          Purple
Baby Animals: Animals have babies, just like people do. The children will learn about the different names, homes, foods, and care of baby animals. Cuddle up for some fun with this theme! Lazy Days and Bumble Bees: The bright, buzzing bee is helpful to gardens, flowers, and trees. Activities will include experiencing other bugs in the garden as well. The children will end the month of May getting a taste of a “lazy summer!” Dandy-lions!: Dandelions may be considered a weed to some, but children see them as lovely flowers! Give dandelions the respect they deserve while talking about their color and features.
June 2009 Review Letters:     A - H Review Numbers:  1 - 8 Review Shapes:    Triangle, Heart Review Colors:      Orange, Black,                               Pink, Brown
Rainy Day Fun: June can bring some very rainy weather to some parts of the United States. Don’t despair! We’ve got plenty of games and activities to keep everyone busy even if you are stuck indoors! Western Days: Yee-haw Cowpokes! It’s time for some rip roarin’ fun! The children will “go west” to learn about cowboys, horses, rodeos, and everything western. Giddy up and go! Caterpillar to Butterfly: Experience the life cycle of a caterpillar by going through the four stages of their life. Discover the different sizes and colors of many caterpillars and butterflies throughout the world!
July 2009 Review Letters:      I - Q Review Numbers:  9 - 14 Review Shapes:    Star, Square, Oval Review Colors:      Red, White, Blue
Sports Talk: Introduce your little athletes to a week of all sports! They’ll learn about the many different sports, their rules, and equipment required. Athletes will be discussed too! Pizza Parlor: Mmmm! Cook up some fun with a very popular food, pizza! Experience the different ways to prepare or purchase pizza. Enjoy this tasty treat in a variety of ways with the children!  Going Fishin’: Fishing is a hobby enjoyed by people all over the world. Fish can be caught in lakes, rivers, or even oceans! Children may enjoy adopting a pet fish for your setting during this theme!
August 2009 Review Letters:     R - Z Review Numbers: 15  - 20 Review Shapes:    Rectangle, Circle Review Colors:      Purple, Green, Yellow
Cookout Lookout: Summer is at its peak in August. Take advantage of it with barbecues and picnics. Don’t be discouraged by a few ants! They will be studied as well! Reptile Rally: Our reptilian friends are not very soft on the outside, but quite a few are very gentle and harmless. Explore the world of reptiles, which includes lizards, snakes, crocodiles, alligators, and turtles!  Playground Fun: Who doesn’t love a playground? Enjoy the sizzling days of summer by visiting local parks, discussing playground structures, and playing outside with the activities in this new theme!