Week 11 is all about introducing our preschoolers to geography.
In summary, we will be covering our traditional subject areas – math, motor skills, language arts, etc. And, some of the activities you can look forward to are learning new songs about landforms, and the 7 continents. Re-creating your state with playdough in science/sensory. And, a bean bag toss game in motor skills.
The letter of the week is N so, be sure to scroll ahead for more activities to build literacy. In math we will be working on the number 9, as well as using our tangrams to create various animals. There are loads more activities to explore, just continue reading below…
The last two freebies are from a math resource you need to bookmark, Math Salamanders. When I need to review a topic with my second grader I always turn to this site first. Hands down one of the BEST math resources I have come across on the web.
Bean Bag Target Toss – grab some painters tape and outline a target (you could have multiple rings worth varying points, like skeeball) on a wall at home. Place another line on the floor, this is where your preschooler will stand. Toss the bean bag, and see how many points your preschooler can accumulate.
Introduce the Letter N (sound), Letter N playdoh mat + Starfall Letter N
Letter N Scavenger Hunt – grab a craft stick, and glue a letter N to one end. You can make one yourself, or use a magnet letter. Whenever you are out and about this week, have your preschooler look for the letter of the week. If he/she is able to find a certain amount of letters, you could give a small prize. Or, keep a star chart for your little one to work up to a bigger reward at the end of the week. Maybe a solo date with mom/dad?
Letter N Phonics – review this list of words that begin with the letter N, and then see if your preschooler can come up with more words. Then practice tracing the letter N with this free worksheet.
Grab your free bubble letter N template for the craft and collage at the Freebie Finding Mom!
Fun Geography Read Alouds: Flower Garden, Eve Bunting Alphabet City, Stephen T. Johnson (Picture Book) Nana in the City, Lauren Castillo Around the World In Eighty Days, Jules Verne (at bedtime)
Teach your preschooler the National Anthem. Here’smy favorite rendition of our National Anthem, and the story behind it.
GEORGRAPHY ARTS + CRAFTS
Earth Day Collage (I Heart Crafty Things) – to be honest, my preschooler was not into this craft (As you can tell from the finished product). But, I wanted to share my fails as well as my successes. Let me know if your preschooler fared better with this craft in the comments!
Become an explorer with your preschooler! Print out a world map, and briefly go over the 7 continents. Then have your little one pick a continent to explore. Head into your backyard, or local park and let your imaginations run wild! Maybe you’re on a mission to find a species on the verge of extinction, but you have to dodge some treacherous landscapes and dangerous lions on the way! Alternatively, National Geographic has a few costumes to enhance your experience. Like this Safari Time Dress Up Trunk, or this backyard explorer kit.