What does Santa do after Christmas? He plays in the Snow!! That’s where we’re going. Snow angels, Fox and Geese, Down the Hill, and home for hot chocolate. No matter where you live the best part of the holidays is time to play outside. All that play is a form of kindergarten readiness: exercising muscles and promoting their growth, developing and practicing coordination, enjoying nature and more. Play is kids’ work and adults need it, too. Maybe you’ll see Santa. What other things does he do outside?
Holiday Activities
Kindergarten Readiness – 1 2 3 Merry Christmas
Knock, knock. Knock, knock.
Who’s there? Who’s there?
Mary. Holly.
Mary who? Holly who?
Merry Christmas. Happy Hollydays.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Barbara Allisen
As a holiday gift to 1 2 3 Kindergarten readers click on the Download tab for a special report of kindergarten readiness and holiday survival ideas called Holidays or Crazy Days.
Kindergarten Readiness – Christmas Books & Stories
‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, the whole family was reading even the mouse….Reading books and sharing stories is the most valuable of all kindergarten readiness activities. A few reasons are language, imagination, visualizing, attention, concentration, sequencing, letter and sound knowledge and more. Words are our vehicle for learning. (Plus, it’s lifelong. Just yesterday my mom talked to me about a new book at the club at the seniors’ center.)
The stores all have selections of special kids’ books for those who celebrate Christmas and for families of other cultures and religions. The gift isn’t the book, it’s the reading and the magic of relationships. Are the kids nestled all snug in their beds? What will you be reading tonight?
Q. What Christmas carol is parents’ favorite? A. Silent Night
Kindergarten Readiness – Santa Action Song
How does Santa get in shape for Christmas Eve? Well, like the reindeer and the elves he does the Hokey Pokey, too, (see previous blogs). His special getting ready action song goes like this: (to the tune of Old Macdonald had a farm) Santa gets ready for Christmas Eve, this is how it goes. With … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – Santa Action Song
Kindergarten Readiness – Cookie Shapes
Yum, yum. My favorite shape is a cookie. I’ve heard that Santa likes them, too. Will you be making cookies for Christmas Eve? What shapes are they? Every day there are dozens of opportunities to help children get ready for kindergarten, no matter their age and how long before they start school. This is another … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – Cookie Shapes
Kindergarten Readiness – Getting In Shape For Holidays
What shape should we get in? The different meanings for the word shape and the play on words is a great reminder that kids (and adults) need to play. For some playtime today, exercise the body in different shapes: make circles with different parts of the body, bend arms and legs like triangles, stand and … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – Getting In Shape For Holidays
Kindergarten Readiness – Elf/Elves Action Songs
How do elves get ready for Christmas? The do the Hokey Pokey, too. Just like the last blog, sing the Hokey Pokey using as many body parts as you have breath to sing (kids can do this far longer). When you’ve rested a bit, guide your little one to think of all the actions that … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – Elf/Elves Action Songs
Kindergarten Readiness – Reindeer Hokey Pokey
How do reindeer get in shape for Christmas Eve? They do the Hokey Pokey: They put their right hoof in, they put their right hoof out. They put their right hoof in and they shake it all about. They do the Hokey Pokey and they fly all around. They’re ready for Christmas Eve. They put … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – Reindeer Hokey Pokey
Kindergarten Readiness – Kids Learn Giving
Noticed that ad on TV lately where the kids have cut out all the things they want for Christmas and the parents take careful note? Their lists seem longer than our pocketbooks. Just today, Dr. Michele Borba posted the findings of a new study about getting kids all the things they want. Materialistic kids are … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – Kids Learn Giving
Kindergarten Readiness – ‘Writing’ Tags & Cards
To date, for December activities we have explored shapes, thought of words that rhyme, matched initial sounds, and used oranges for science and imagining combined with simple Christmas preparations. All these authentic activities have lots of learning and help children develop kindergarten readiness skills. Is it time to wrap presents and label gifts? If your … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – ‘Writing’ Tags & Cards