Toddlertime 4-18-18: On the Farm

Our loose theme for today was the farm.

After our introduction, our first story was Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker. I like this book because it's the usual "one, two, buckle my shoe" nursery rhyme, with colorful pictures toddlers respond to.

For our first movement song, I used "I Know a Chicken" by Laurie Berkner and passed out egg shakers. Whenever I do this song I make sure to emphasize that it is a call and response song. I usually take the role of the lead singer, and encourage the kids and parents to repeat after me. Many of our Toddlertime kids aren't quite that verbal yet, but it still helps their development to hear the songs and see those around them singing. 

The collection of egg shakers is always a little disorganized, and usually ends up with a group of mobile babies running toward me at full speed, and slam dunking their instruments into the bucket. We definitely needed a little calm-down chant after all that excitement. I used the "Everybody Do This Just Like Me" chant. This one is interesting because you need to change up the movements often to keep the kids interested. The point is for them to watch your movements and try to follow what you do, instead of wiggling around. You might have to repeat the first verse 2 or more times. I wouldn't move on to "Everybody sit down" until the group is calm, listening, and ready to sit.

Everybody do this just like me (movement 1)
Everybody do this just like me (movement 2)
Everybody do this just like me (movement 3)
Everybody do this just... (movement 1)
Like... (movement 2)
Me. (movement 3)

(motion for kids to sit down)
Everybody sit down quietly
Everybody sit down quietly
Everybody sit down quietly
Everybody sit down just... like... me.

Our felt story today was "Old Macdonald Had a Farm." I used the farm animals from a large set of felt animals I found in our workroom, and had everyone sing the song with me as each one was revealed. Just like the call and response in "I Know a Chicken," it's important for pre-verbal kiddos to hear these songs before they're able to sing them themselves. And of course, making animal sounds is something pre-verbal toddlers can do very well.

Finally, we sang "One, Two Hands" and "Peek-a-Boo" before saying goodbye for the day.

Click here to listen to the version of "Peek-a-Boo" I use. 

Books to Display:

• Goose on the Farm—Wall 
• Old MacDonald Had a Farm—Berry (ill.) 
• Over on the Farm—Berkes 
• Cock-a-Doodle-Doo, Creak, Pop-Pop, Moo—Aylesworth