Weekly Curriculum Overview Teacher Guide BRICK BY BRICK
Teacher Guide: 5-Student Group
Target Age
17-18M
Group Management (5 Toddlers) • NO WATER PLAY
Activities utilize parallel play. Provide 5 separate work-spaces or individual trays to maximize teacher focus.
Daily Flow: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
9:00Arrival
9:30Circle
9:45CORE
10:15ART/AREA
11:00OUTDOOR
11:45LUNCH
12:30QUIET
Day 9:45 Core Lesson 10:15 Art & Choice Area MON Tower Stacking
Balance & Release.
| Art: Tape-Resist Bricks. |
| TUE |
Color Sorting
Match primary colors.
| Art: Brick Shaker Painting. |
| WED |
Hidden Brick Hunt
Dry sensory hunt.
| Art: Sticky Stud Collage. |
| THU |
Stamped Art
Visual Patterning.
| Art: Collaborative Mural. |
| FRI |
Brick Rescue Mission
Pincer grasp strength.
| Art: Bubble Wrap Prints. |
Brick by Brick • No Water Play Page 1 of 2
Environment Setup (5 Student Group)
Managing the Group
Individual Workspace
For 17-18 month olds, personal space is key. Use 5 distinct trays or taped-off squares on the floor. This provides clear boundaries and reduces material competition.
Parallel Play Centers
Instead of one big art project, set up 5 identical small spots. 5 sets of crayons, 5 bricks, 5 pieces of paper.
Area Setup Guide
The Art Table
Focus on process art (Tape-resist, Shaker painting, etc.). Ensure all materials are non-toxic and prep 5 sets in advance.
Sensory Discovery
Use a low wide bin on the floor with dry materials (poms, oats). 5 children can kneel around it comfortably.
Teacher Reflections & Observations (5 Student Group)
Teacher Checklist (5 Kids)
Bricks sanitized (5 full sets)
Individual trays prepped
Dry sensory bin filled
5 Art smocks ready
Brick by Brick • Page 2 of 2
Tower Time Facilitation Card Day 1: Fine Motor
Tower Time Stacking
Focus Skill
Balance & Release
Managing 5 Kids
Sit in a circle on the rug. Give each child their own small pile of 4-5 bricks. This allows everyone to build simultaneously without competing for a central pile.
Materials
• Large building bricks
• Individual trays or rugs
• 5 small baskets
Vocabulary
"Up, up, up!"
"Tall tower"
"Fall down!"
Activity Steps
1
Introduction
Dump the bricks. Say, "Look at the bricks! One for you, one for you..." handing sets to each of the 5 kids.
2
Modeling
Show how to click bricks. "One... two... Up!" Press down firmly. Encourage them to copy you on their own rug.
3
The Big Crash
When towers are tall, lead a countdown: "3... 2... 1... Crash!" Celebrate the sound and the scattered blocks.
Daily Routine Handout 9-1 Handout LEGO WEEK LESSONS
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Full Week Plan
5 Students • No Water
Daily Routine
9:00Arrival & B-fast
9:30Story/Music
9:45Core Lesson
10:15Art & Areas
11:00Outdoor Play
11:45Lunch
12:30Quiet Time
Day 9:45 Core Lesson 10:15 Art / Focus MON Tower Stacking Tape-Resist Bricks TUE Rainbow Sort Brick Shaker Art WED Brick Hunt Sticky Stud Collage THU Stamped Art Mural Stamping FRI Rescue Mission Bubble Prints
Story & Music (9:30)
STORY TIME
Read board books about colors and building (e.g., Bear Sees Colors ). Keep it under 5 mins.
MOVEMENT
Songs with actions: "The Stacking Song" or "If You're Happy and You Know It (Build a tower!)"
Center Setup (10:15)
Set up 5 individual workspaces at the table with trays to minimize competition. Use dry materials only (no water play). Rotate 5 kids between Art, Library Nook, and the Dry Sensory Hunt bin.
NO WATER 5 STATIONS
Weekly Teacher Reflections Weekly Lesson Matrix Breakdown Weekly Lesson Matrix
Lego Week • 17-18 Months • 5 Students
Theme
Build It
Category Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Story Time
| Tap Tap Bang Bang Focus on the "bang" sound bricks make when they hit the floor. | Bear Sees Colors Hold up a matching brick each time Bear sees a color. | Where is Baby? Practice hiding a brick behind your back and saying "peek-a-boo!" | Dreaming Up Look at photos of buildings. Say "Tall!" together. | Llama Llama Red Focus on the feeling of soft pajamas vs. bumpy bricks. |
|
Music & Mov.
| "Build it Up" Use hands to reach higher and higher, then fall to the floor. | "Color March" March around the rug holding a brick. Call out color changes. | "Hide & Seek" Slow movement around the room "looking" for hidden items. | "The Stamping Song" Stomp feet in rhythm. Press hands into the floor. | "Peel and Pull" Practice pincer grasp movements (opening and closing fingers). |
|
Art (Process)
| Tape-Resist Bricks Peel tape to reveal shapes after scribbling. | Brick Shakers Process painting with bricks dancing in containers. | Sticky Studs Collage with foam circles on sticky contact paper. | Mural Stamping Giant collaborative floor paper with paint-dipped bricks. | Bubble Prints Paint bubble wrap and press paper for dot patterns. |
|
Centers
|
Construction Rug area with flat baseplates taped down.
Library Building-themed board books at eye level.
Sensory Dry bin with large soft poms and buried bricks.
Art 5 individual trays prepped for daily projects.
|
Facilitation Tips for 5 Students
Parallel Play: Set up 5 identical stations for Art to avoid conflicts.
Short Bursts: Story and Music should be high-energy but under 10 minutes.
Transition: Use a "Building Train" song to move between segments.
Safety: No water. Check brick edges daily for cracks or damage.
Building Beats and Books Handout Lego Week Essentials
17-18 Months • 5 Students • No Water
Story Time Picks
Tap Tap Bang Bang (E. Garcia)
Focus on the rhythmic sounds bricks make.
Bear Sees Colors (K. Wilson)
Hold up matching bricks during the story.
Blocks (I. Dickson)
Teaching simple concepts of tower stacking.
Music & Movement
Tune: Frère Jacques
"Stacking bricks, stacking bricks, up so high... up so high..."
Tune: London Bridge
"Build a tower up so tall... up so tall... watch it... CRASH!"
Tune: Happy & You Know It
"If you have a red brick, hold it up! If you have a red brick, then your brick will do the trick!"
Process Art Ideas
Tape-Resist Bricks
Scribble over tape outlines; peel to find white shapes.
Brick Shaker Art
1 brick + paint drops in a jar. Shake to see trails.
Sticky Stud Collage
Contact paper on table; press felt circles to stick.
Bubble Wrap Prints
Paint bubble wrap; press paper for a grid of dots.
Center Essentials
Construction: Floor baseplates
Library: Building board books
Sensory: DRY pom-pom bins
Art: 5 individual trays
Toddler Pro Tip
For a group of 5, keep transition times under 2 minutes. Use a "Building Train" song to gather for stories. Have materials for 5 individual stations prepped before arrival to prevent grabbing and waiting.
Weekly Center Invitations Guide Weekly Center Guide
Brick Week • Daily Invitations to Play
Group Size
5 KIDS
Day Construction Zone Sensory (Dry) Library Nook Manipulatives Mon Tape Wall: Place vertical tape on a wall; encourage toddlers to build towers next to it to "measure." Hidden Search: Hide 10 red bricks in a bin of large soft pom-poms. Sound Focus: Board books with tools/noises. Point to the "Bang!" sounds. Clothespins: Clipping pins onto a cardboard "brick" shape. Tue Color Mats: Place 3 colored mats. Encourage toddlers to "park" matching bricks on them. Scoop & Pour: Provide small scoops to move bricks between two dry bins. Color Hunt: Look at "Bear Sees Colors." Find objects in the room that match Bear. Sorters: Drop bricks into a cardboard box with a rectangular hole cut out. Wed Baseplates: Tape 5 small baseplates to the floor to create individual building islands. Sticky Search: Bricks hidden among dry oats with strips of sticky contact paper. Building Photos: Display real photos of skyscrapers at toddler eye level. Big & Small: Mix large foam blocks with standard bricks for size comparison. Thu Bridge Build: Use long cardboard strips as "roads" between brick towers. Texture Rub: Feel "bumpy" brick studs vs. "smooth" sides inside the bin. Board Books: "Dreaming Up." Talk about "Big" and "Little" shapes. Tweezer Task: Use large plastic tweezers to pick up pom-poms (brick studs). Fri Free Build: Provide the entire brick collection on the large classroom rug. Mound Build: Try to build a tower *inside* the dry filler bin. Does it stay up? Self-Select: Toddlers choose their favorite book from the week. Elastic Pull: Wrap thick rubber bands around bricks for toddlers to "snap" and pull.
Daily Setup Guide
Clean all bricks with child-safe sanitizer the evening before.
Check sensory fillers (oats, poms) for debris or mouthing evidence.
Rotate books in the library so new titles are prominently displayed.
Managing 5 Toddlers
Since 17-18 month olds are still in the parallel play stage, they don't yet "work together" on a building.
Ensure there are at least 15 bricks per child.
Define individual boundaries with floor tape.
Rainbow Sorting Facilitation Card Day 2: Cognitive
Rainbow Brick Sorting
Focus Skill
Color Discrimination
Managing 5 Kids
Place 3 colored mats/bowls in the center. Give each child 3 bricks (one of each color). Go around the circle one-by-one to "find the home" for each brick.
Materials
• Red, Blue, Yellow Bricks
• 3 Matching colored mats
• 5 small individual baskets
Activity Steps
1
The Visual Hook
Lay out colored sheets. "This is the Red home. This is the Blue home." Ensure all 5 kids can see clearly.
2
Guided Sorting
Call each child by name: "Sarah, where does the Red brick go?" Guide their hand if they hesitate.
3
Free Sort
Let the toddlers explore. Praise matching and naming the colors correctly.
Hidden Brick Hunt Facilitation Card Day 3: Sensory (Dry)
Hidden Brick Hunt
Focus Skill
Tactile Discovery
Group Management (5 Students)
Use one very large low bin or two medium bins. Distribute children around the perimeter. Avoid water to ensure 5-kid safety and easy transition.
Materials
• Large low bin(s)
• Dry filler: Large soft pom-poms or silk leaves
• 10-15 colorful bricks
• Plastic shovels/scoops
Vocabulary
"Where is it?"
"Found it!"
"Soft / Bumpy"
Activity Steps
1
The Disappearing Act
Show a red brick. Slowly bury it in pom-poms. "Gone! Where did it go?"
2
The Discovery
Encourage children to "dig." When found, celebrate! "Yay! Blue brick!"
3
Sorting Hunt
Place colored baskets nearby. Put found bricks in the "matching" basket.
4
The Burying Game
Let toddlers take turns "hiding" for you to find. Encourages turn-taking.
Safety Note
Monitor all mouthing. Large pom-poms are safer than small ones. Clean bricks daily.
Stamped Masterpieces Facilitation Card Day 4: Art
Stamped Masterpieces
Focus Skill
Visual Art & Pattern
Managing 5 Kids
Set up 5 distinct art spots at the table. Give each child their own small paint tray and 2 "handle" bricks. This minimizes reach-overs and paint spills.
Materials
• Washable non-toxic paint
• 5 Heavy paper sheets
• 10 Bricks (handles)
• 5 Art smocks
Activity Steps
1. Dip: Show how to press the brick into the paint.
2. Stamp: Press hard onto paper. "Look! Dots!"
3. Explore: Try different brick sides or colors.
Toddler Brick Art Guide Toddler Art Guide
Brick Theme • 5-Student Plan
No Water
DRY PLAY
Monday
Tape-Resist Bricks
Tape "brick" outlines on paper. Let toddlers scribble over with chunky crayons. Peel tape to reveal white shapes!
Materials: Tape, Paper, Crayons
Tuesday
Brick Shaker Art
Place paper, 1 brick, and paint drops in a container. Shake! The brick "dances" to create unique process paint trails.
Materials: Containers, Bricks, Paint
Wednesday
Sticky Stud Collage
Tape contact paper (sticky side out) to the table. Press paper squares and felt circles onto the surface to build.
Materials: Contact Paper, Shapes
Thursday
Collaborative Mural
Roll out a giant floor paper. Give each child a brick "stamp" and paint. Work together to fill the space with patterns.
Materials: Floor Paper, Bricks, Paint
Friday
Bubble Wrap Baseplates
Paint bubble wrap. Press paper down to create a grid of dots like a baseplate. Great for tactile texture discovery!
Materials: Bubble Wrap, Paint, Paper
Teacher Setup (5 Kids)
For 17-month-olds, prep 5 individual "Art Kits" (tray + supplies) before they arrive. This eliminates wait time and material conflict. Use process-heavy materials to let them explore freely without a specific "end product" in mind.
No sharing required
High engagement
Brick Rescue Facilitation Card Day 5: Problem Solving
Brick Rescue Mission
Focus Skill
Finger Strength
Managing 5 Kids
Tape bricks onto 5 separate cookie sheets or high-chair trays. This allows each of the 5 toddlers to work at their own pace without competing for a single board.
Materials
• Painter's Tape
• 15-20 Bricks
• 5 Trays / Sheets
Activity Steps
1. Setup: Tape bricks down before the 5 kids arrive.
2. Peel: Model how to find the tape edge and pull. "Peel... pull!"
3. Rescue: Cheer as each brick is "rescued" from the tape.
Lego Week Parent Update Handout Brick by Brick!
Weekly Learning Adventure
This week, our tiny builders explored the world through large building bricks! We focused on fine motor control, visual discovery, and group social play. Here is what we did:
MON
Tower Stacking: Building height and balance.
TUE
Color Sorting: Matching primary colors.
WED
Brick Hunt: Searching through soft, dry pom-poms.
THU
Brick Art: Creating colorful stamped patterns.
FRI
Rescue Mission: Peeling tape to save stuck bricks.
Try it at home!
Laundry Search: Hide plastic bricks in a basket of clean socks for your toddler to find!
Tower Cleanup: Can we build a tower as we put the bricks back into the bin?
Toddler Observation Tracker Log Toddler Observation Log
Focus: Brick by Brick Theme
Student: ___________________
Date: _____________________
Fine Motor Skills
Stacks 2-3 bricks
Pulls bricks apart
Uses pincer grasp (peeling tape)
Stamps with controlled motion
Cognitive & Social
Points to a requested color
Follows simple 1-step directions
Attempts to imitate vocal sounds
Participates in cleanup
Observation Notes
(Record specific interests, reactions to sensory play, or significant milestones observed this week)
Attach Photo Here
Ocean Odyssey Teacher Guide OCEAN ODYSSEY
Complete Weekly Curriculum
Toddlers
17-18M
Optimized for 5 Students • 100% Dry Play (No Water)
Day Core & Story Music & Art Centers (Discovery) MON Deep Sea Discovery
Book: Pout-Pout Fish
|
"Bubble Pop" Song
Art: Blue Foil Waves
| Bubble bin (blue poms) with chunky shark toys. |
| TUE |
Rainbow Reef Sort
Book: Mister Seahorse
|
"Swim Swim" Song
Art: Fish Shakers
| Color-matching coral bowls with felt fish. |
| WED |
Sandy Shore Exp.
Book: Surral's Ocean
|
"The Sand Song"
Art: Sticky Shells
| Cornmeal bin with large natural clam shells. |
| THU |
Jellyfish Jiggles
Book: Ten Little Fish
|
"Jellyfish Jig"
Art: Ribbon Prints
| Shredded blue paper bin with satin ribbons. |
| FRI |
Sea Rescue Mission
Book: Swimmy
|
"Baby Shark"
Art: Starfish Dots
| Tape-rescue trays (5 separate stations). |
Daily Flow (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
9:00 AMArrival / Breakfast
11:00 AMOutdoor / Big Build
9:30 AMStory & Music Circle
11:45 AMFamily Style Lunch
9:45 AMCORE Activity (Teacher-Led)
12:30 PMQuiet Time Transition
10:15 AMProcess Art & Area Choice
1:00 PMDeparture / Nap
Ocean Odyssey Weekly Overview Page 1 of 2
Detailed Integrated Content
Music & Lyrics
Tune: London Bridge
Waves are Rising
"Ocean waves are rising high,
Tune: Frère Jacques
Swimming Fishes
"Swimming fishes, swimming fishes,
Book List & Strategy
The Pout-Pout Fish (Diesen)
Strategy: Practice making "blub-blub" fish faces with the 5 students.
Mister Seahorse (Carle)
Strategy: Focus on the see-through pages. Ask "Where is he?"
Ten Little Fish (Penn)
Strategy: Counting to 3 while wiggling arms like a fish tail.
Toddler Environment Guide (5 Kids)
Parallel Play Stations: For Art, set up 5 separate spots with identical trays.No Water: Substitute water play with blue silks or soft pom-poms for a 'dry sea.'Repetition: 17-month olds learn through repeating. Run the core lesson twice!
Ocean Odyssey Curriculum • No Water Play Page 2 of 2
Ocean Weekly Lesson Matrix Breakdown Ocean Lesson Matrix
17-18 Months • 5 Students • No Water
Theme
The Deep
Category Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Story Time
| Pout-Pout Fish Practice making "blub-blub" fish faces together. | Mister Seahorse Look at the colorful layers. Name each color slowly. | Surral's Ocean Look at photos of "sand" and shells. Rub real shells. | Ten Little Fish Count to 3 each time. Focus on the word "Swim!" | Swimmy Focus on the "Big Red Fish" made of small fish. |
|
Music & Mov.
| "Bubble Pop" Pop pretend bubbles in the air with fingers. | "Swim Swim" Use arms to paddle like a turtle or swim like a fish. | "The Sand Song" Stomp feet like they are "walking on hot sand." | "Jellyfish Jig" Wiggle whole bodies slowly from side to side. | "Baby Shark" Use hands to show "Baby, Mommy, Daddy" jaw movements. |
|
Art
| Foil Waves Blue paint on aluminum foil. Focus on smooth vs. crinkle. | Fish Shakers Put paper + paint + 1 toy fish in a jar. Shake for trails. | Sticky Sea Press blue tissue and shell scraps to contact paper. | Jelly Prints Dip ribbon-ends in paint. Press to paper for "tentacles." | Bubble Wrap Paint bubble wrap sheets and press paper down for dots. |
|
Centers
|
Discovery Dry bin with large pom-poms and hidden chunky fish.
Library Floor cushions with ocean silks and board books.
Sensory Large bin of cornmeal 'sand' with scoops and large shells.
Manipulative Large mesh bags with big sea animals to 'pull out.'
|
Toddler Matrix Guide
Activities are designed for short 5-10 minute rotations. With 5 students, always have a 'waiting animal' (a toy given to a child who finishes early) to keep them engaged until the transition.
Ocean Daily Routine 9-1 Handout OCEAN WEEK LESSONS
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Full Week Plan
5 Students • Dry Play
Daily Flow
9:00Arrival/B-fast
9:30Circle/Songs
9:45Core Lesson
10:15Art & Area
11:00Outdoor Play
11:45Lunch
12:30Quiet Time
Day Core Lesson Art Project MON Sea Discovery Foil Wave Painting TUE Reef Color Sort Fish Shaker Art WED Sand Play (Dry) Sticky Shell Mosaic THU Jellyfish Jiggles Tentacle Ribbon Prints FRI Sea Rescue Mission Bubble Wrap Starfish
Weekly Activity Highlights
MON: Deep Sea Discovery
CORE: Hide chunky fish in a bin of blue pom-poms. Toddlers 'dive' in with hands to find them.
TUE: Rainbow Reef Sort
CORE: Place Red, Blue, and Yellow bowls. Encourage toddlers to place matching felt fish inside.
WED: Sandy Shore
CORE: Large bin of cornmeal or oats. Provide shovels and huge seashells for scooping/pouring.
FRI: Sea Rescue Mission
CORE: Tape sea animals to a cookie sheet with painter's tape 'nets.' Help toddlers peel and save!
Notes & Observations (Group of 5) Ocean Center Invitations Guide Weekly Center Invitations
Ocean Odyssey • Toddler Environments
Group Size
5 KIDS
Day Sensory (Dry) Discovery Table Library Nook Manipulatives Mon Bubble Sea: Blue pom-poms with hidden chunky fish. Soft Waves: Blue silk scarves draped over a tunnel. Fish Sounds: Books with noise buttons or crinkle pages. Pincer Pull: Sea animal felt pieces on a vertical board. Tue Reef Bin: Rainbow felt scraps with matching colored cups. Color Hunt: 3 colored sea animals placed around the room. Board Books: "Mister Seahorse" (Eric Carle). Drop Box: Cardboard box with a slot to drop 'fish' tokens. Wed Sandy Shore: Cornmeal bin with huge seashells and scoops. Texture Rub: Large clam shells and bumpy starfish to touch. Ocean Photos: Tape real photos of dolphins to the wall. Shell Sort: Big shells vs. small shells in two baskets. Thu Jelly Sea: Shredded blue paper with long satin ribbons. Light Show: Flashlight under blue cellophane on table. Rhyme Time: "Ten Little Fish" counting board book. Velcro Fish: Stick felt fish onto a 'sea' wall. Fri Deep Sand: Oats with buried 'lost treasures' (keys, coins). Rescue Tray: Bricks/animals taped to individual trays. Self-Select: Favorite ocean books from the week. Squish Bags: Hair gel + blue glitter in double-sealed bags.
Daily Setup Guide
Clean all shells and plastic animals each evening.
Replace shredded paper or cornmeal if it becomes soiled.
Reset 'Discovery Table' daily to maintain toddler interest.
Group Strategy
Since 17-month-olds prefer parallel play, set up 5 distinct sensory 'spots' using small separate trays instead of one large bin to reduce conflict.
Individual Trays No Sharing Needed
Ocean Essentials Songs and Books Handout Ocean Essentials Guide
17-18 Months • 5 Students • Full Week Detail
The Ocean Songbook
Tune: Frère Jacques
Swimming Fishes
"Swimming fishes, swimming fishes,
Tune: London Bridge
Waves are Rising
"Ocean waves are rising high,
Storytime Picks
The Pout-Pout Fish (D. Diesen)
Focus: "Blub-blub" fish faces and big pouting lips.
Mister Seahorse (E. Carle)
Focus: Peek-a-boo with acetate pages.
Art (Process Focus)
Foil Waves
Smearing blue paint on shiny foil sheets. Focus on the smooth/cool tactile feel.
Fish Shakers
Paper + 1 fish toy + paint in a container. Shake for rhythmic process art trails.
Learning Centers
Sensory Bin
Dry blue pom-poms with hidden chunky fish. Use shovels for "diving."
Manipulatives
Mesh bags pre-loaded with sea animals. Encourage "rescuing" them by pulling them out.
Weekly Teacher Reflections
5 Students No Water Play
Ocean Essentials Reference
Deep Sea Discovery Facilitation Card Day 1: Discovery
Deep Sea Discovery
Focus Skill
Object Permanence
Integrated Plan (5 Students)
Story: Pout-Pout Fish . Music: "Bubble Pop" (Pop pretend bubbles). Art: Blue Foil Waves. Centers: Pom-pom bubble bin.
Materials
• Large low plastic bin
• Blue soft pom-poms
• Chunky shark toys
• Foil & Blue paint
• Book: Pout-Pout Fish
Song Connection
Clap hands on the word "SPLASH" during circle time to prep for the tactile paint smearing later.
Step-by-Step Odyssey
1
Circle & Story: Read Pout-Pout Fish . Practice fish faces. Sing "Bubble Pop" and clap high/low.
2
CORE Discovery: Sit at the bubble bin. "Look! The shark is hiding deep, deep, deep!" Bury the toys in blue pom-poms.
3
Art Station: Smear blue paint on shiny aluminum foil. "Look at the shiny water waves!" Feel the cool surface.
4
Centers: Leave the bin for free discovery. Toddlers can "dive" their hands back in to find animals repeatedly.
Rainbow Reef Sorting Facilitation Card Day 2: Cognitive
Rainbow Reef Sorting
Focus Skill
Color Matching
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Mister Seahorse (Hide & Seek focus). Music: "Swim Swim" Song. Art: Fish Shaker Painting. Centers: Reef felt-match bin.
Materials
• 3 Colored mats (Coral)
• Red, Blue, Yellow fish
• 5 Individual baskets
• Book: Mister Seahorse
Story Link
In the book, find the camouflaged fish. Relate it to matching our colored fish to the 'coral' reef mat.
Step-by-Step Odyssey
1
Story Time: Read Seahorse . When you find a hidden fish, touch its color. "Yellow fish! Match yellow!"
2
CORE Lesson: Give each child 3 fish. Touch the red reef mat. "Sarah, can you swim your red fish to its reef home?"
3
Art Integration: Move to tables. Place a paper fish in a jar with matching paint dots. Shake to 'color' the fish!
4
Centers: Leave mats out for free exploration. Encourage the group of 5 to 'park' toys on matching colors.
Sandy Shore Exploration Facilitation Card Day 3: Sensory
Sandy Shore Exploration
Focus Skill
Tactile Logic
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Surral's Ocean (Sand focus). Music: "The Sand Song" (Stomp!). Art: Sticky Shell Mosaics. Centers: Cornmeal sand bin.
Materials
• Cornmeal or dry oats ('Sand')
• Large natural clam shells
• Contact paper & tissue
• 5 Individual scoops
Movement Link
Stomp feet hard like you're walking on sand before going to the bin. It wakes up the legs and feet!
Step-by-Step Odyssey
1
Story: Look at photos of real sand and shells. Pass around a large clam shell. "Rub the shell. It's hard!"
2
CORE Sensory: Hand out scoops to the 5 children. "Scoop the soft sand! Pour it into your bucket!"
3
Art Integration: Move to the sticky contact paper on the table. "Press your shell to the sea floor!" Stick blue tissue scraps.
4
Centers: Leave the "shore bin" open for the 5 toddlers to revisit and practice pouring with different size cups.
Ocean Process Art Guide Ocean Art Guide
Process-Focus • No Water • 5 Kids
Story & Music
Integrated
Mon: Texture
Blue Foil Waves
Smear blue paint on shiny foil.Story Link: Pout-Pout Fish waves.Song: "Waves are Rising."
Materials: Foil, Blue Paint, Tape
Tue: Rhythm
Fish Shaker Art
Shake paper + paint + toy fish.Story Link: Finding colors in Seahorse .Song: "Swimming Fishes."
Materials: Jars, Toy Fish, Paint
Wed: Sticky
Sticky Shell Mosaic
Press tissue & shells to contact paper.Story Link: Surral's Ocean sand.Song: "The Sand Song."
Materials: Contact Paper, Shapes
Thu: Motion
Ribbon Jelly-Prints
Wiggle paint-dipped ribbons on paper.Story Link: Ten Little Fish .Song: "Jellyfish Jig."
Materials: Ribbon, Paint, Paper
Fri: Pattern
Bubble Wrap Starfish
Paint wrap; press paper for dot grids.Story Link: Swimmy's school of fish.Song: "Baby Shark."
Materials: Bubble Wrap, Paint, Starfish Cut-outs
Art Station Strategy (5 Kids)
Prep 5 separate 'Art Trays' before the toddlers arrive. For paint, use a muffin tin with 3 colors to keep the palette contained. Point to book illustrations while they create!
5 Separate Trays
Washable Only
Jellyfish Jiggles Facilitation Card Day 4: Art / Movement
Jellyfish Jiggles
Focus Skill
Body Movement
Group Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Ten Little Fish (Counting focus). Music: "Jellyfish Jig" (Ribbon wiggle). Art: Ribbon-dipped prints (Process motion). Centers: Jelly Sea bin (Shredded blue paper).
Materials
• 10 Long satin ribbons
• Slow 'Ocean' music
• Washable paint in trays
• Book: Ten Little Fish
The Jig (Music)
"Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle! Up high, down low!" Focus on full-arm extension with ribbons.
Step-by-Step Odyssey
1
Story: Read Ten Little Fish . Wiggle fingers each time you name a new fish.
2
Music: Distribute ribbons. Lead the "Jellyfish Jig." Wiggle whole bodies slowly from side to side.
3
Art: Dip ribbons into paint. "Jiggles" the ribbons across the paper to make tentacle trails.
4
Centers: Move to the Jelly bin. Bury animals under 'tentacles' (ribbons) for discovery.
Integrated Learning: Motion + Discovery
Sea Rescue Mission Facilitation Card Day 5: Problem Solving
Sea Rescue Mission
Focus Skill
Pincer Grasp
Integrated Plan (5 Students)
Story: Swimmy (Rescuing friends). Music: "Baby Shark" (Jaw hands). Art: Bubble Starfish (Texture). Centers: Rescue Trays.
Materials
• Painter's Tape (Blue)
• 15 Sea animals
• Bubble wrap & paint
• Book: Swimmy
Music Connection
"Baby Shark" jaw motions use the same muscle groups needed for the pincer-peel art activity!
Daily Rescue Flow
1
Story: Read Swimmy . Talk about the "Red school of fish." Point to each tiny fish.
2
Music: Do the shark hand motions. Focus on the 'SNAP!' of the fingers closing.
3
CORE: Peeling tape 'nets' off toys on 5 individual trays. Find the edge and pull!
4
Art: Paint bubble wrap baseplates. Press starfish onto dots. "Found the bumpy skin!"
Integrated Learning: Logic + Sensory
Ocean Week Parent Update Handout Ocean Odyssey!
Our Weekly Classroom Update
We dived deep this week! Our tiny explorers navigated a 'dry ocean' filled with tactile discoveries and color-matching reefs. Here's a look at our adventure:
MON
Deep Sea Discovery: Finding chunky fish in blue 'bubble' bins.
TUE
Rainbow Reefs: Sorting fish by color to their 'coral' homes.
WED
Sandy Shores: Exploring textures of shells and cornmeal sand.
THU
Jellyfish Jiggles: Slow ribbon movement and colorful prints.
FRI
Sea Rescues: Peeling tape 'nets' to save our sea creatures!
Home Dive!
Ocean Play at Home
Sticky Wall: Tape blue painter's tape to a wall for your toddler to peel—it's great focus work!
Bathtime Bubbles: Practice "Ocean Breath"—blow bubbles together in the tub tonight!
Ocean Toddler Observation Tracker Log Ocean Milestone Log
Group Tracker • Ocean Odyssey
Full Week Observation
Book List
• Pout-Pout Fish (Diesen)
• Mister Seahorse (Carle)
• Ten Little Fish (Penn)
• Swimmy (Lionni)
Song Lyrics
"Swimming fishes,
Student Key
S1: ___________
S2: ___________
S3: ___________
S4: ___________
S5: ___________
Category & Milestone S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Story: Imitates 'blub-blub' faces □ □ □ □ □ Music: Wiggles ribbons to beat □ □ □ □ □ Art: Pincer grasp (Peeling tape) □ □ □ □ □ Center: Deep search in bubbles □ □ □ □ □
Weekly Narrative Reflections
Notes on textures, social play, and animal discovery:
USA Odyssey Teacher Guide USA ODYSSEY
Weekly Curriculum Overview
Toddlers
17-18M
Optimized for 5 Students • No Water Play • 9am-1pm
Day Story & Music Core Lesson Learning Center MON Hello, USA! (McDonald)
"Grand Old Flag"
| Patriotic Colors | Red & Blue scarf play area. |
| TUE |
Stars & Stripes (Board)
"Twinkle Star"
| Star Search | Dry white rice star hunt bin. |
| WED |
Fireworks! (Rhythmic)
"Firework Pop!"
| Firework Jiggles | Red/White/Blue streamer wall. |
| THU |
Lady Liberty (Board)
"Yankee Doodle"
| Liberty Rescue | Tape peeling rescue trays (5). |
| FRI |
Apple Pie ABC (Murray)
"The Apple Song"
| Pie Sensory | Cinnamon oats bake station. |
Daily Flow Highlights
9:30 AMStory & Music Circle
11:00 AMOutdoor Play
9:45 AMCORE (Teacher-Led)
11:45 AMFamily Style Lunch
USA Odyssey • Teacher Overview Page 1 of 2
Integrated Content Details
Story Time Strategy
Interaction Focus
For 17-18M toddlers, reading is physical. Give each of the 5 students a red block to 'hold like an apple' or 'wave like a flag' as the book describes those items.
Repetitive Sounds
Emphasize rhythmic words like "BOOM" or "YUM." Stop reading and wait for the toddlers to attempt the vocalization before turning the page.
Learning Center Setup
Streamer Wall (Wed)
Tape long red, white, and blue crepe paper streamers to a doorway or low wall for toddlers to walk through and "touch the colors."
Rescue Trays (Thu)
Prepare 5 individual cookie sheets. Tape silver stars down with blue painter's tape for individual motor focus.
Small Group (5 Students) Logic
Individual Stations: For Art, set up 5 separate spots with their own paint trays to minimize reaching and conflict.
Dry Only: Substitute all water bins with large pom-poms or shredded paper. Safe, clean, and classroom-ready.
USA Odyssey • Teacher Overview Page 2 of 2
USA Weekly Lesson Matrix Breakdown USA Lesson Matrix
17-18 Months • 5 Students • Full Week
Theme
USA PRIDE
Category Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Story Time
| Hello, USA! Point to the red and blue. Say "America!" together. | Stars & Stripes Look at shapes. Count "1, 2, 3" stars on the page. | Fireworks! Loud rhythmic reading: "Boom! Pop! Snap!" | Lady Liberty Focus on the tall crown. Everyone reach up! | Apple Pie ABC Focus on "Red" and "Yum!" mouth movements. |
|
Music & Mov.
| "Grand Old Flag" March around the rug holding red/blue silks. | "Twinkle Star" Open and close hands rhythmicly for "twinkling." | "Firework Pop" Squat low and jump up on the word "BOOM!" | "Yankee Doodle" Rhythmic knee-bouncing like riding a pony. | "The Apple Song" Reach for "apples" on a pretend tree. |
|
Art
| Red/Blue Scribble Chunky crayons on paper. Focus on big motion. | Star Shakers Plastic jar + stars + paper + paint. Shake! | Fork Fireworks Dip plastic fork in paint; stamp "boom" patterns. | Sticky Flag Tissue squares pressed to blue contact paper. | Apple Dots Dip red sponges in paint for "apple" prints. |
|
Centers
|
Patriotic Rug Blue silks with white stars draped for sitting.
Star Search Dry rice bin with hidden silver plastic stars to find.
Bakery Muffin tins, red balls (apples), and dry cinnamon oats.
|
Highlight Lyrics: "Firework Pop"
"Flicker like sparklers, glow, glow, glow...
Weekly Goal
"I can recognize the colors red, white, and blue in my classroom world."
USA Essentials Songs and Books Handout USA Essentials
17-18 Months • 5 Students • Lyrics & Books
Patriotic Songbook
Tune: London Bridge
Waves the Flag
"Wave the flag so high, high, high,
Tune: Happy & You Know It
Firework Pop
"If you want to be a firework, say POP! (Wait for POP)
Tune: Yankee Doodle
Pony Ride
"Yankee Doodle went to town,
Storytime Details
Hello, World! USA (J. McDonald)
Point to the red and blue colors. Practice eagle "screech" sounds together.
Stars & Stripes (Board Book)
Counting stars up to 3. Touch each star with the toddlers' fingers.
Apple Pie ABC (A. Murray)
Focus on the sensory words: 'Red,' 'Sweet,' and 'Yum!'
Centers Spotlight
Sensory: Cinnamon Pie BinMotor: Star Tape RescueArt: 5 Individual Trays
Group Participation Log (5 Students)
Name:
Name:
Name:
Name:
Name:
Patriotic Colors Facilitation Card Day 1: Discovery
Patriotic Colors
Focus Skill
Color ID
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Hello, USA! . Music: "Grand Old Flag". Art: Red/Blue Scribble. Centers: Patriotic pom-poms.
Materials
• Red & Blue Pom-poms
• Red & Blue Scarves
• Chunky Crayon sets
• Large Paper & 5 Trays
• Book: Hello, USA!
Teacher Talk
"Red! Red like a berry! Blue! Blue like the sky!" Repeat and emphasize the vowel sounds.
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Hello, USA! (McDonald) . Practice the march in place on individual rugs.
2
CORE Music: Sing "Grand Old Flag." Wave 1 red and 1 blue scarf in each hand to the beat.
3
Art Integration: Move to the 5 prepped trays. Use chunky red/blue crayons to scribble wavy lines.
4
Centers: Leave pom-poms in a white bin. Encourage them to find the "red ones" repeatedly.
Music Detail (London Bridge)
"Wave the flag so high, high, high,
Star Spangled Sensory Facilitation Card Day 2: Sensory
Star Spangled Sensory
Focus Skill
Fine Tactile
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Stars & Stripes . Music: "Twinkle Star". Art: Star Shakers. Centers: Dry white rice hunt.
Materials
• White Rice (Dry)
• Silver plastic stars
• 5 Shaker jars & Paper
• Silver star stickers
• Book: Stars & Stripes
Teacher Talk
"One star, two stars, three! I see a silver star!" Model the open-and-close 'twinkle' motion with fingers rhythmically.
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Stars & Stripes . Point to silver stars. Sing "Twinkle Star" while toddlers reach up high to 'grab' air.
2
CORE Sensory: Sit around the white rice bin. "Dig, dig, dig! Find the stars!" Hide 10 silver stars for discovery.
3
Art Integration: Move to tables. Fill small jars with 2 stars and a sprinkle of rice. Glue lids tight. "Shake it!"
4
Centers: Hand out silver star stickers for students to press onto their shakers or blue construction paper.
Music Detail
"Twinkle twinkle silver star,
Firework Jiggles Facilitation Card Day 3: Movement / Art
Firework Jiggles
Focus Skill
Rhythmic Stamping
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Fireworks! . Music: "Firework Pop!". Art: Fork-Print Fireworks. Centers: Scarf play.
Materials
• Plastic forks (5)
• Red & White paint
• Navy blue paper
• Red/White/Blue silks
• Book: Fireworks! (Board)
• Book: Red, White, and Boom! (Ward)
Teacher Talk
"BOOM! Watch the fireworks pop! High in the sky!" Make explosive 'hands open' motions.
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Red, White, and Boom! . Every time a firework 'pops' in the book, have the 5 students clap once loudly.
2
CORE Music: Lead the "Firework Pop" (Tune: Happy & You Know It) song. Jump up on the count of 3! "1... 2... 3... POP!"
3
Art Integration: At 5 individual stations, dip fork-tines in white paint. Stamp circles on navy paper. "Boom! Tiny dots!"
4
Centers: Leave the silks on the rug. Students wiggle them high and low like falling firework lights.
Music Detail (If You're Happy & You Know It)
"If you want to be a firework, say POP!
Liberty Star Rescue Facilitation Card Day 4: Fine Motor
Liberty Star Rescue
Focus Skill
Pincer Strength
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Lady Liberty . Music: "Yankee Doodle" (Pony Bouncing). Art: Sticky Flag Mural. Centers: Tape rescue trays.
Materials
• Blue Painter's Tape
• Plastic stars/mini flags
• 5 Individual cookie trays
• Book: Lady Liberty
Teacher Talk
"Peel... peel... PULL! You rescued the star! Look at her crown!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Lady Liberty . Practice the "Pony Ride" bounce during "Yankee Doodle." Focus on the 'SNAP' sound of fingers.
2
CORE Motor: Hand out pre-taped trays. Model finding the edge. "Pinch the blue tape. Pull it back!"
3
Art Integration: Tape contact paper (sticky out) to a wall. Let 5 kids press red and white paper strips to make a mural.
4
Centers: Leave the rescue trays in the Manipulative area. Hand out star stickers to press onto the cardboard flag.
Music Detail
"Yankee Doodle went to town riding on a pony... MACARONI!" (Tickle tummies)
USA Toddler Observation Tracker Log USA Milestone Log
Group Tracker • Patriotic Week
Full Week Observation
Book List
• Hello, USA! (J. McDonald)
• Stars & Stripes (Board Book)
• Fireworks! (Rhythmic Read)
• Apple Pie ABC (A. Murray)
Key Lyric
"Wave the flag so high, high, high...
Student Key
S1: ___________
S2: ___________
S3: ___________
S4: ___________
S5: ___________
Integrated Category S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Story: Points to Flag/Star □ □ □ □ □ Music: Jump/Clap on "POP!" □ □ □ □ □ Art: Pincer (Tape Peel) □ □ □ □ □ Center: Cinnamon Pie Sniff □ □ □ □ □
Weekly Narrative Reflections
Notes on textures, social play, and patriotic discovery:
Apple Pie Exploration Facilitation Card Day 5: Sensory
Apple Pie Exploration
Focus Skill
Olfactory Logic
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Apple Pie ABC . Music: "The Apple Song". Art: Apple Dot Prints. Centers: Cinnamon oats.
Materials
• Dry Oats (No Water)
• Cinnamon Sticks
• Red balls ('Apples')
• Red paint & Sponges
• 5 Muffin Tins
• Book: Apple Pie ABC
Teacher Talk
"Sniff, sniff! Mmm... smells like pie! Red apples for our pie!" Model the sniffing action clearly.
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Story: Read Apple Pie ABC (Murray) . Every time the pie is 'hot,' blow through lips to 'cool it down.' Lead "The Apple Song" with high reaching.
2
CORE Sensory: Hand out red balls to the 5 students. "Find the apples in the crust!" Bury them in the cinnamon-scented oats.
3
Art Integration: Use red paint on round sponges. "Stamp the apples onto the plate!" Focus on the circular pattern.
4
Centers: Leave 5 muffin tins and spoons in the bin. Students "bake" by scooping oats into the tins.
Music Detail
"Way up high in the apple tree,
USA Week Parent Update Handout USA Odyssey!
Weekly Classroom Update
We celebrated the colors of our community this week! Our explorers navigated red, white, and blue through rhythmic movement and 'dry' sensory adventures.
MON
Colors: Scribbling and sorting with red and blue.
TUE
Stars: Finding silver stars in a dry white rice bin.
WED
Pops: Stamping fork 'fireworks' on navy paper.
THU
Rescue: Peeling tape 'nets' to free silver stars.
FRI
Pie: Scented discovery of cinnamon and red 'apples.'
Story & Music
Books: Hello, USA! ; Apple Pie ABC .
Art & Centers
Art: Fork stamping.
Home Dive!
USA Fun at Home
Apple Snack: Slice a red apple together—point to the color and say "Red!"
Star Stomp: Draw stars with chalk. Have your toddler jump on the "Star!"
Dino Odyssey Teacher Guide DINO DAYS
Weekly Curriculum Overview
Toddlers
17-18M
Optimized for 5 Students • 100% Dry Play • 9am-1pm
Day Story & Music Core Lesson Process Art MON Dinosaur Roar!
"Dino-Pokey"
| Fossil Hunter Dig | Stone Rubbings |
| TUE |
Ten Terrible Dinos
"Dino Stomp" (Tune: Bus)
| Rainbow Egg Sort | Dino Shaker Art |
| WED |
Never Touch a T-Rex
"If You're a Dino"
| The Great Stomp | Sticky Jungle Wall |
| THU |
Dinos Love Tacos
"Five Little Dinos"
| Jungle Vine Rescue | Spotted Dino Eggs |
| FRI |
Tiny T-Rex
"ROAR Song"
| Muddy Tracks | Sponge Track Prints |
Daily Flow (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
9:00 AMArrival / Breakfast
11:00 AMOutdoor / Dino Race
9:30 AMStory & Music Circle
11:45 AMFamily Style Lunch
9:45 AMCORE (Teacher-Led)
12:30 PMQuiet Transition
10:15 AMProcess Art / Centers
1:00 PMDeparture / Nap
Dino Days Weekly Overview Page 1 of 2
Integrated Content Details
Story Time Strategy
Interaction Focus
When reading 'Dinosaur Roar!', have the 5 students practice 'Big Roar' vs 'Little Roar' using their hands as mouths.
Vowel Play
Focus on naming the colors of the eggs. Exaggerate the "O" sound in "Orange" and "E" in "Green."
Center Setup
Sensory: The Dry Jungle
Dry oats mixed with cocoa powder (Safe Dirt). Hide 5 large plastic bones and 5 large dinosaurs. Provide 5 separate scoops.
Discovery: Hatching Spot
Individual mesh bags pre-loaded with 'dino eggs' (large plastic balls). Toddlers practice 'unzipping' or 'pulling' them out.
Song Highlight: "Dino Stomp"
"The dinosaurs go stomp stomp stomp,
Stomp stomp stomp, stomp stomp stomp.
Small Group (5 Students) Logic
No sharing needed: Set up 5 separate art trays before circle time starts.
High-Energy Burn: 11:00 AM outdoor play uses heavy movements to reduce indoor running.
Safety: Check all plastic dinos for sharp tails daily.
Dino Days Curriculum • No Water Play Page 2 of 2
Dino Weekly Lesson Matrix Breakdown Dino Lesson Matrix
17-18 Months • 5 Students • Full Week
Theme
Jurassic
Category Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Story Time
| Dinosaur Roar! Loud vs. Quiet voice play. Point to the teeth! | Ten Terrible Dinos Counting "1, 2, 3" with dinosaur toy props. | Never Touch a T-Rex Texture exploration: bumpy scales and hard teeth. | Dinos Love Tacos Focus on crunchy sounds: "Munch, munch, crunch!" | Tiny T-Rex Focus on reaching high for a "HUG." |
|
Music & Mov.
| "The Dino-Pokey" Put your tail in, put your tail out... shake it! | "Dino Stomp" March to the beat of "Wheels on the Bus." | "If You're a Dino" "Show your claws... give a roar!" (Happy & You Know It). | "Five Little Dinos" Finger play: Dinosaurs jumping on a volcano. | "The ROAR Song" Vocalizing loud/soft ROARS in rhythm. |
|
Art
| Stone Rubbings Chunky crayons on paper over large bumpy rocks. | Dino Shakers Large jar + 1 dino + paint drops + paper. Shake. | Sticky Jungle Green paper scraps and leaves on contact paper. | Spotted Eggs Dip red/blue sponges in paint for 'egg' patterns. | Sponge Tracks Dip dino feet in brown paint; stomp onto paper. |
|
Centers
|
Dirt Bin Safe 'dirt' (dry cocoa oats) with bones and scoops.
Nesting Spot Individual colored bowls with matching plastic dinos.
Stomp Rug Floor tape 'footprints' for toddlers to walk on in a line.
Vine Rescue Tape dinos to individual trays with blue painter's tape.
|
Highlight Lyrics: "If You're a Dino"
"If you're a dino and you know it, give a ROAR!
Weekly Goal
"I can explore new textures like 'dirt' and 'mud' while using my big and small muscles to roar, stomp, and rescue my dino friends."
Dino Essentials Songs and Books Handout Dino Essentials Guide
17-18 Months • 5 Students • No Water
Music & Movement
Five Little Dinos (Tune: Ducks)
"Five little dinosaurs went out one day,
Centers Detail
DIRT BIN: Dry cocoa oats + bones.
NESTS: Colored bowls + sorted dinos.
VINES: 5 separate rescue boards.
Storytime Strategy
Dinosaur Roar!
Use loud and quiet voices for opposites.
Ten Terrible Dinos
Countdown from 3 together loudly.
Teacher Pro Tip
Keep your Story Time short. Pivot into a ROAR jump if focus drifts. Prep 5 individual trays in advance to prevent grabbing!
Dino Essentials Reference Page 1 of 2
Participation Tracker
STUDENT NAME: _____________________________
WEEKLY OBSERVATIONS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
STUDENT NAME: _____________________________
WEEKLY OBSERVATIONS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
STUDENT NAME: _____________________________
WEEKLY OBSERVATIONS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
STUDENT NAME: _____________________________
WEEKLY OBSERVATIONS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
STUDENT NAME: _____________________________
WEEKLY OBSERVATIONS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Dino Weekly Observations • Page 2 of 2
Fossil Hunter Facilitation Card Day 1: Discovery
Fossil Hunter Dig
Focus Skill
Search & Find
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Dinosaur Roar! . Music: "Dino-Pokey". Art: Stone Rubbings. Centers: Dry cocoa 'dirt' bin.
Materials
• Dry Oats + Cocoa Powder
• Large plastic 'bones'
• Large smooth stones
• Chunky Crayons
• Book: Dinosaur Roar!
Teacher Talk
"Dig, dig, dig! Look for the old bones! Can you find a bumpy rock?"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Dinosaur Roar! . Exaggerate the "Loud" and "Quiet" roars. Lead the "Dino-Pokey" with 'tails' (arms).
2
CORE Discovery: Sit at the 'Safe Dirt' bin (oats/cocoa). "The fossil is hiding!" Bury 5 large bones. Let toddlers dig them out.
3
Art Integration: Place a flat stone under paper. Show how to rub the side of a chunky crayon to reveal the "bumpy pattern."
4
Centers: Leave the stone rubbings at the Art table and the cocoa bin open for the 5 toddlers to revisit.
Music Detail (The Dino-Pokey)
"You put your claws in, you put your claws out... you shake them all about!"
Rainbow Dino Facilitation Card Day 2: Cognitive
Rainbow Egg Sorting
Focus Skill
Color Matching
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Ten Terrible Dinos . Music: "Dino Stomp" (Tune: Bus). Art: Dino Shaker Painting. Centers: Colored nesting bowls.
Materials
• Red, Blue, Yellow Dinos
• 3 Matching colored bowls
• 5 Individual baskets
• 5 Shaker jars & paint
• Book: Ten Terrible Dinos
Teacher Talk
"This dino is blue! Match the blue nest! Plop!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Ten Terrible Dinos . Every time a dino falls, have the 5 kids clap and say "Oops!" Sing "Dino Stomp" in a march.
2
CORE Sort: Place Red/Blue/Yellow bowls in the center. Give each child 3 dinos. "Swim the red dino to its nest!"
3
Art Integration: Move to tables. Jar + paper + 1 dino + paint. "Shake the dino eggs!" creates trails on the paper.
4
Centers: Leave the bowls and dinos for free matching. Point and name the colors as toddlers play.
Music Detail (Tune: Bus)
"The dinosaurs go stomp, stomp, stomp... stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp... all through the day!"
Great Dino Stomp Facilitation Card Day 3: Music & Movement
The Great Dino Stomp
Focus Skill
Gross Motor
Integrated Plan (5 Students)
Story: Never Touch a T-Rex . Music: "If You're a Dino" (Roar focus). Art: Sticky Jungle Mural. Centers: Rug Stomp.
Materials
• Floor Tape (Masking)
• Contact Paper (Large)
• Green fabric scraps
• Book: Never Touch a T-Rex
Teacher Talk
"Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Show me your big claws! ROAR!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Never Touch a T-Rex . Touch the bumpy textures. Sing "If You're a Dino" with loud claps.
2
CORE Movement: Use tape to make "footprints" on the rug. Lead the 5 toddlers in a "Dino Train," stomping on each tape mark.
3
Art Integration: Tape contact paper (sticky out) to a wall. Let 5 kids press green "jungle leaves" (scraps) to make a forest.
4
Centers: Leave the footprints on the rug. Play Dinosaur Jungle Sounds and encourage slow 'jungle walking.'
Dino-Modification
Hold hands with any toddler who feels unsteady during the stomping march.
Success Look
Rhythmic foot strikes and vocal imitation of roars.
Jungle Vine Rescue Facilitation Card Day 4: Fine Motor
Jungle Vine Rescue
Focus Skill
Pincer Strength
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Dinos Love Tacos . Music: "Five Little Dinos". Art: Spotted Dino Eggs. Centers: Tape rescue boards.
Materials
• Green Painter's Tape
• 15-20 Plastic dinos
• 5 Cookie sheets
• Round sponges & paint
• Book: Dinos Love Tacos
Teacher Talk
"Oh no! The vines are too tight! Peel the vine... rescue the dino! Good pull!"
Daily Rescue Flow
1
Circle: Read Dinos Love Tacos . Make "Crunchy" eating sounds. Sing "Five Little Dinos" with finger motions.
2
CORE Motor: Hand out pre-taped trays. Model finding the edge. "Pinch the green vine. Pull it back!" Celebrate each rescue.
3
Art Integration: Move to the "Egg Table." Dip sponges in paint to stamp spots onto paper eggs. Focus on rhythmic pressing.
4
Centers: Leave the trays in Manipulatives. Hand out dino stickers to try to press onto the trays.
Dino Toddler Observation Tracker Log Dino Milestone Log
Group Tracker • Jurassic Week
Full Week Observation
Date: ________________
Book List
• Dinosaur Roar! (Stickland)
• Ten Terrible Dinos (Stickland)
• Never Touch a T-Rex (Board)
• Dinos Love Tacos (Rubin)
Key Lyric
"The dinosaurs go stomp-stomp-stomp...
Student Key
S1: ___________________
S2: ___________________
S3: ___________________
S4: ___________________
S5: ___________________
Integrated Category S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Story: Imitates 'Roar' sound □ □ □ □ □ Music: Stomps to the beat □ □ □ □ □ Art: Pincer (Tape Rescue) □ □ □ □ □ Center: Matches Dino to Nest □ □ □ □ □
Weekly Narrative Reflections
Notes on textures, social play, and sensory discovery:
Dino Process Art Guide Dino Art Guide
Process-Focus • No Water • 5 Kids
Theme
Jurassic
Monday
Stone Rubbings
Tape paper over flat, bumpy rocks. Model rubbing the side of a chunky crayon to reveal the stone's texture.Story: Roar!
Materials: Stones, Paper, Crayons
Tuesday
Dino Shakers
Jar + paint + 1 dino + paper. Shake hard! The dino 'stamps' trails as it moves.Song: "Dino Stomp."
Materials: Jars, Dinos, Paint
Wednesday
Sticky Jungle
Contact paper (sticky out). Provide green paper scraps, fabric leaves, and felt. Build a flat jungle floor.Story: Never Touch a T-Rex .
Materials: Contact Paper, Scraps
Thursday
Spotted Eggs
Use round sponges or balls. Dip in paint. Stamp 'spots' onto large paper egg cutouts. Focus on circular motion.
Materials: Sponges, Egg Paper, Paint
Friday
Muddy Track Discovery
Dip dinosaur feet in brown paint ('Mud'). Stomp across paper. Focus on repeating patterns.Song: "The ROAR Song."
Materials: Dinos, Brown Paint, Paper
Art Station Strategy (5 Kids)
Set up 5 separate Art Kits before the session. For 17-month-olds, paint is about the 'Feel'. Let them smear with fingers if they lose interest in the brushes or stamps!
Individual Trays
100% Washable
Muddy Track Discovery Facilitation Card Day 5: Sensory & Art
Muddy Track Discovery
Focus Skill
Pattern Logic
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Tiny T-Rex . Music: "ROAR Song" (Soft/Loud). Art: Muddy Dino Footprints. Centers: Bakery station.
Materials
• Brown paint ('Mud')
• Long butcher paper
• Large dino toys
• Red balls ('Apples')
• Muffin tins & spoons
• Book: Tiny T-Rex (Board)
Teacher Talk
"Look: Big track... little track! Big... little! Can you make a big one?"
Daily Stomp Flow
1
Circle: Read Tiny T-Rex . Focus on giving "Hugs." Practice the "ROAR Song" softly, then VERY LOUDLY.
2
Art Integration: Roll out paper. Dip a Large Dino foot in paint, then a Small Dino foot. "Big, little, big, little!" Guide the 5 toddlers to alternate their stamps.
3
CORE Sensory: Hand out muffin tins and red balls. "Bake some dino treats!" Provide spoons for scooping dry cinnamon oats into the tins.
4
Centers: Leave the "Bakery bin" open. Toddlers can practice pouring from cup to cup in the manipulative area.
Dinosaur Week Parent Update Handout Dino Days!
Weekly Classroom Update
MON
Fossil Dig: Finding 'ancient' bones in our dry bin.
TUE
Rainbow Eggs: Matching dinosaurs to colored nests.
WED
Great Stomp: Marching together in our jungle train.
THU
Vine Rescue: Peeling tape 'vines' to rescue our dino friends.
FRI
Muddy Tracks: Stamping tracks in 'mud' paint.
Story & Music
Books: Dinosaur Roar! . Song: "The Dino Stomp" (Stomp stomp stomp!).
Art & Centers
Art: Mud footprints. Centers: Cocoa 'dirt' bin & Star search.
Dino Home!
Dinosaur Fun at Home
Dino Roar: Practice "Loud Roar" and "Quiet Roar" together.
Tail Wiggle: Tie a scarf around the waist to make a 'tail' and wiggle it!
Camping Odyssey Teacher Guide HAPPY CAMPER WEEK
Weekly Curriculum Overview
Toddlers
17-18M
Optimized for 5 Students • No Water Play • 9am-1pm
Day Story & Music Core Lesson Learning Center MON Llama Llama Goes Camping
"A Camping We Will Go"
| Woodland Search | Green shredded paper bin with hidden bears. |
| TUE |
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
"Star Light, Star Bright"
| Starry Sorting | Flashlight 'firefly' tag in a dim library nook. |
| WED |
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
"The Bear Hunt Song"
| The Big Stomp | Rug obstacle course with cardboard 'logs'. |
| THU |
S'mores for Everyone!
"Sticky Fingers Song"
| S'more Rescue | Tape peeling rescue on 5 separate trays. |
| FRI |
The Very Lonely Firefly
"Campfire Glow"
| Campfire Art | Playdough with twigs and yellow felt scraps. |
Daily Flow (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
9:00 AMArrival / Breakfast
11:00 AMOutdoor / Nature Walk
9:30 AMStory & Music Circle
11:45 AMFamily Style Lunch
9:45 AMCORE Activity (Teacher-Led)
12:30 PMQuiet Transition
10:15 AMProcess Art / Centers
1:00 PMDeparture / Nap
Camping Week Weekly Overview Page 1 of 2
Camping Essentials (17-18M)
Story Time Strategy
Interaction Focus
Use a lantern! Dim the lights slightly when reading about the night sky or fireflies to set the 'camping' mood for the 5 students.
Animal Sounds
Focus on simple animal vocalizations: "Whoo-whoo" for an owl, "Grrr" for a bear. Repetitive sounds build toddler confidence.
Learning Center Setup
Sensory: The Dry Campsite
Substitute water with: Brown pine needles (paper), large smooth pebbles, and pinecones. Provide individual sorting baskets.
Dramatic Play: The Tent
Drape a sheet over 4 chairs to make a low tunnel. Provide 5 small flashlights (supervised) for light-play.
Song Highlight: "A Camping We Will Go"
"A-camping we will go,
A-camping we will go.
Small Group (5 Students) Logic
Independent Kits: For 'S'more Rescue', prep 5 separate trays so each child can focus on their own pincer-peeling.
Dry Play Safety: Nature walk items (twigs/cones) are inspected for sharp edges. No actual fire or water.
Camping Week Curriculum • Page 2 of 2
Camping Weekly Lesson Matrix Breakdown Camping Lesson Matrix
17-18 Months • 5 Students • Full Week
Theme
The Great Outdoors
Category Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Story Time
| Llama Llama Camping Focus on the green forest. Name "Tree" and "Grass." | Twinkle Twinkle Star Point to the night sky. Count "1, 2, 3" stars. | Going on a Bear Hunt Interactive movements: "Over, Under, Through." | S'mores for Everyone Focus on the word "Yum!" and "Sweet!" | Very Lonely Firefly Focus on naming the lights. "Glow! Bright!" |
|
Music & Mov.
| "A-Camping We Go" March around the rug in a high-energy line. | "Star Light, Bright" Reach fingers high and close them like twinkling. | "The Bear Hunt Song" Stomp, clap, and squat in a rhythmic pattern. | "Sticky Fingers" Open and close hands in a 'grabbing' motion. | "Campfire Glow" Wave red and orange scarves slowly low to the floor. |
|
Art
| Green Grass Prints Dip plastic fork-tines in green paint. Stamp "Grass." | Star Shakers Silver glitter + 1 block in a jar. Shake for stars! | Sticky Woods Press real leaves and twigs to contact paper. | Chocolate Crayon Scribble with chunky brown crayons on white paper. | Fire Sponge Art Dip sponges in orange/red paint. Stamp a 'glow.' |
|
Centers
|
The Tent Sheet draped over chairs with cushions and board books.
Woodland Bin Shredded green paper with hidden forest animals to find.
Star Search Dry white oat bin with buried silver plastic stars.
Trail Mix Large wooden beads and laces (Manipulatives).
|
Highlight Lyrics: "A-Camping We Go"
"A-camping we will go,
Weekly Goal
"I can explore the sounds and textures of the campsite through sensory play and rhythmic movement with my group of 5 students."
Camping Essentials Songs and Books Handout Camping Essentials
17-18 Months • 5 Students • Lyrics & Books
The Camper's Songbook
Tune: The Farmer in the Dell
A-Camping We Will Go
"A-camping we will go,
Tune: London Bridge
Stars are Twinkling
"Stars are twinkling way up high,
Tune: Happy & You Know It
If You're a Little Bear
"If you're a little bear, give a GROWL! (GRRR!)
Storytime Guide
Llama Llama Goes Camping (A. Dewdney)
Strategy: Focus on the "Shhh" of the quiet forest and naming the trees in the pictures.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt (M. Rosen)
Strategy: Physical movements. "Swish-swash" your hands for the tall grass scenes.
The Very Lonely Firefly (E. Carle)
Strategy: Visual naming. Point to the glowing lights. Say "Blink! Blink!" together.
Centers Spotlight
Sensory: Green Scraps 'Forest' BinMotor: Marshmallow Tape PeelArt: 5 Individual Fire-Trays
Group Participation Log (5 Students)
S1 Name: ____________________ Participation Notes: ____________________________________________________
S2 Name: ____________________ Participation Notes: ____________________________________________________
S3 Name: ____________________ Participation Notes: ____________________________________________________
S4 Name: ____________________ Participation Notes: ____________________________________________________
S5 Name: ____________________ Participation Notes: ____________________________________________________
Camping Toddler Observation Tracker Log Camping Milestone Log
Group Tracker • Happy Camper Week
Full Week Observation
Date: ________________
Book List
• Llama Llama Camping (Dewdney)
• Going on a Bear Hunt (Rosen)
• Twinkle Star (Board)
• Firefly (Carle)
Key Lyric
"A-camping we will go...
Student Key
S1: ___________________
S2: ___________________
S3: ___________________
S4: ___________________
S5: ___________________
Integrated Category S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Story: Points to Bear/Animal □ □ □ □ □ Music: 'Twinkles' fingers high □ □ □ □ □ Art: Pincer (Marshmallow Rescue) □ □ □ □ □ Center: Enters Tent comfortably □ □ □ □ □
Weekly Narrative Reflections
Notes on textures, social play, and sensory discovery:
Woodland Animal Search Facilitation Card Day 1: Discovery
Woodland Search
Focus Skill
Search & Find
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Llama Llama Goes Camping . Music: "A-Camping We Will Go". Art: Green Grass Prints. Centers: Green paper 'forest' bin.
Materials
• Green shredded paper
• Plastic forest animals
• Plastic forks
• Green washable paint
• Book: Llama Llama Camping
Teacher Talk
"Deep in the grass! Look for the bear! Dig, dig, dig!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Llama Llama Goes Camping . Point to the green trees. Lead the "A-Camping We Go" song with high knees.
2
CORE Discovery: Sit at the 'Green Forest' bin (shredded paper). "The deer is hiding!" Let the 5 toddlers dig through the grass to find hidden animals.
3
Art Integration: Move to tables. Dip plastic fork-tines in green paint. Stamp up and down to create "Tall Grass" patterns on white paper.
4
Centers: Leave the "Forest bin" open. Toddlers can carry found animals to the "Tent" area (library) to show them the pictures in books.
Safety Focus
Ensure shredded paper is long enough to not be a choking risk. Inspect daily.
Starry Night Sorting Facilitation Card Day 2: Cognitive
Starry Night Sorting
Focus Skill
Color Matching
Integrated Plan (5 Students)
Story: Twinkle Star . Music: "Star Light, Bright". Art: Star Shakers. Centers: Dry white star search bin.
Materials
• White Rice (Snow/Night)
• Silver plastic stars
• Gold plastic stars
• 2 Matching colored bowls
• 5 Shaker tubs & paint
• Book: Twinkle Twinkle
Teacher Talk
"Where is the yellow star? Match the yellow bowl! Twinkle, twinkle!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Twinkle Twinkle Little Star . Reach up high to 'grab' air stars. Sing "Star Light, Bright" rhythmically.
2
CORE Match: Place silver/gold bowls in the center. Give each of the 5 students 2 stars. "Find the star's home!" celebrate matching colors.
3
Art Integration: Fill small shaker tubs with silver glitter, paper, and a drop of white paint. Shake to create a "Starry Night" background.
4
Centers: Leave the star bowls out. Let toddlers try to drop stars into a slotted cardboard "mailbox."
Cognitive Challenge: Visual Grouping
The Big Bear Hunt Facilitation Card Day 3: Music & Movement
The Big Bear Hunt
Focus Skill
Gross Motor
Integrated Plan (5 Students)
Story: Going on a Bear Hunt . Music: "The Bear Hunt Song". Art: Sticky Forest Wall. Centers: Log Obstacle Rug.
Materials
• Cardboard tubes ('Logs')
• Blue silks ('Water/River')
• Contact Paper & Leaves
• Book: Going on a Bear Hunt
Teacher Talk
"Swish-swash! Through the grass! Step over the log! Where is the bear? Under the sheet!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read the book slowly. Every time you say "Going on a bear hunt," have all 5 kids slap their knees rhythmically.
2
CORE Movement: Create an indoor "Hike." Drape blue silks for a 'river' (step over) and cardboard tubes for 'logs' (walk around).
3
Art Integration: Tape contact paper (sticky out) to a wall. Let 5 kids press "Woodland Scraps" (green paper, fabric leaves) to build a 'forest'.
4
Centers: Leave the logs on the rug. Encourage students to walk the Forest Trail to reach the 'Tent' (Library nook).
Teacher Cue
Use the word "OVER" loudly when stepping across silks to build directional vocabulary.
S'more Rescue Facilitation Card Day 4: Fine Motor
S'more Rescue Mission
Focus Skill
Pincer Strength
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: S'mores for Everyone! . Music: "Sticky Fingers". Art: Marshmallow Stamping. Centers: Tape rescue boards.
Materials
• Brown Painter's Tape
• White Pom-poms
• White Circle Stickers
• 5 Individual cookie trays
• Round sponges & White paint
• Book: S'mores for Everyone!
Teacher Talk
"The marshmallow is stuck! Peel the net! Pull... pull... rescue!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read the s'more book. Focus on the word "Sticky." Lead the "Sticky Fingers" movement song (open/close hands).
2
CORE Motor: Hand out pre-taped trays. Model finding the edge. "Pinch the brown tape. Pull it back!" Release the "marshmallows" (poms).
3
Art Integration: Move to tables. Use round sponges to stamp white paint "marshmallows" onto large brown paper squares.
4
Centers: Leave the trays and white circle stickers out. Encourage students to "stick" the marshmallows back onto the brown "graham cracker" (tray).
Campfire Art Facilitation Card Day 5: Sensory & Sensation
Campfire Textures Art
Focus Skill
Olfactory Logic
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Very Lonely Firefly . Music: "Campfire Glow". Art: Fire Sponge Prints. Centers: Scented cinnamon bakery.
Materials
• Red & Yellow Paint
• Sponges (Triangle cut)
• Dry Oats & Cinnamon
• Red balls ('Apples')
• 5 Muffin Tins
• Book: Firefly (Board)
Teacher Talk
"Sniff the cinnamon! It smells sweet! Look at the fire glow... red and yellow!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Firefly . Practice blinking fingers. Sing "Campfire Glow" with slow scarf waving.
2
CORE Sensation: Pass around cinnamon sticks. "Sniff it! Sweet!" Let toddlers mix red balls (apples) into the oat bin.
3
Art Integration: Move to tables. Use triangle sponges + paint. "Stamp the fire! Glow!" Focus on overlapping colors.
4
Centers: Leave the "Bakery bin" open. 5 toddlers "bake" by scooping oats into muffin tins.
Extension Strategy
Focus on the word "HOT" during art. Model blowing on the 'fire' to practice controlled breath control.
Camping Week Parent Update Handout Happy Campers!
Our Weekly Classroom Update
We explored the Great Outdoors this week! Our explorers navigated the dry jungle through rhythmic movement, star sorting, and campfire-themed sensory adventures.
MON
Woodland Search: Finding animals in our 'grass' bin.
TUE
Starry Sorting: Matching silver stars into colored sky-bowls.
WED
Bear Hunt: Marching and stomping over cardboard 'logs.'
THU
S'more Rescue: Peeling tape 'nets' to free marshmallows.
FRI
Campfire Art: Scented discovery and sponge 'glow' prints.
Home Camper!
Camping Fun at Home
Star Count: Look out the window at bedtime. Point and count any lights you see: "1, 2, 3 stars!"
Sticky Path: Draw a path on a table with blue tape. Have your toddler peel it up to reach a 'treat' at the end.
Pond Life Teacher Guide POND LIFE WEEK
Weekly Curriculum Overview
Toddlers
17-18M
Optimized for 5 Students • No Water Play • 9am-1pm
Dry Sensory Focus
Day Story & Music Core Lesson Learning Center MON The Wide-Mouthed Frog
"Five Little Speckled Frogs"
| Ribbit Jump | Sensory: Green shredded paper 'pond' with frogs. |
| TUE |
Turtle Splash!
"Slow Poke Turtle"
| Turtle Sorting | Discovery: Match colorful turtles to lily pad mats. |
| WED |
Make Way for Ducklings
"Six Little Ducks"
| Duckling Search | Sensory: Cotton ball 'bubbles' with hidden ducks. |
| THU |
Dragonfly Kites
"Wiggle Waggle Dance"
| Dragonfly Dance | Movement: Ribbon streamers in the 'breeze.' |
| FRI |
In the Small, Small Pond
"Pond Life Review"
| Pond Rescue | Manipulative: Peel tape 'reeds' from 5 trays. |
Daily Flow (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
9:00 AMArrival / Breakfast
11:00 AMOutdoor / Hop Play
9:30 AMStory & Music Circle
11:45 AMFamily Style Lunch
9:45 AMCORE Activity (Teacher-Led)
12:30 PMQuiet Transition
10:15 AMProcess Art / Centers
1:00 PMDeparture / Nap
Pond Life Weekly Overview Page 1 of 2
Integrated Pond Content
Story & Music Circle
Featured Book Strategy
The Wide-Mouthed Frog: Exaggerate the "I'm a big, wide-mouthed frog!" voice. Encourage toddlers to open their mouths as wide as they can.
Featured Lyrics: "Five Speckled Frogs"
"Five little speckled frogs, sat on a speckled log,
Art & Centers Setup
Center: Lily Pad Leap
Cut large green circles from foam or felt. Tape to the rug in a path. 5 kids take turns "hopping" to reach the books.
Art: Dragonfly Bubble-Prints
Paint over bubble wrap with shimmer white. Press blue paper down to create the delicate texture of dragonfly wings.
Managing 5 Toddlers (Dry Play)
Individual Stations: For Pond Rescue, provide 5 separate trays pre-taped to prevent elbow-bumping.
Discovery Transition: Use a "Duck Walk" (waddle and quack) to transition the 5 kids from circle time to lunch.
Pond Life Week Curriculum Page 2 of 2
Pond Life Weekly Lesson Matrix Breakdown Pond Lesson Matrix
17-18 Months • 5 Students • Full Week
Theme
The Pond
Category Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Story Time
| Wide-Mouthed Frog Open mouths wide. Say "BLUB!" like a fish. | Turtle Splash! Count 1... 2... 3... turtles on every page. | Make Way for Ducklings Waddle like a baby duck during the reading. | Dragonfly Kites Focus on the words "Up" and "Down" in the air. | In the Small Pond Name every animal: Turtle, Frog, Duck, Fish. |
|
Music & Mov.
| "Five Speckled Frogs" Gently clap for each frog that "jumps" away. | "Slow Poke Turtle" Move bodies in slow-motion around the rug. | "Six Little Ducks" Lead a "Duck Train" around the classroom. | "Wiggle Waggle" Wiggle arms like delicate dragonfly wings. | "Pond Life Review" Repeat favorite songs from the whole week. |
|
Art
| Frog Stomps Dip toy frog feet in paint; hop across paper. | Turtle Shakers Green paper + block + paint in a container. Shake! | Yellow Duckies Dip round sponges in yellow paint for prints. | Wing Texture Paint bubble wrap; press paper for dot grids. | Sticky Reeds Press green paper strips to brown contact paper. |
|
Centers
|
Lily Pad Rug Green carpet spots for jumping and sitting during Story.
Duck Bin Cotton ball 'foam' bin with hidden yellow rubber ducks.
Pond Wall Real photos of frogs and turtles at child eye level.
|
Highlight Lyrics: "Speckled Frogs"
"Five little speckled frogs, sat on a speckled log,
Weekly Goal
"I can explore the animals and textures of the small small pond with my group of 5 students."
Pond Life Essentials Songs and Books Handout Pond Essentials
17-18 Months • 5 Students • Lyrics & Books
The Pond Songbook
Tune: London Bridge
Froggie Hop High
"Froggie can you hop so high,
Tune: Wheels on the Bus
The Fish in the Pond
"The fish in the pond go blub-blub-blub,
Tune: Happy & You Know It
If You're a Happy Duck
"If you're a happy duck, say QUACK! (QUACK!)
Storytime Strategy
The Wide-Mouthed Frog (K. Faulkner)
Strategy: Use your hands as a big mouth. Encourage 5 kids to copy your mouth movements.
Turtle Splash! (C. Falwell)
Strategy: Countdown from 3 before turning every page to build rhythmic anticipation.
Make Way for Ducklings (R. McCloskey)
Strategy: Point to the 'Mother Duck' and 'Baby Ducks'. Say "Waddle, waddle" together.
Centers Spotlight
Sensory: Cotton Ball 'Bubble' BinMotor: Painter's Tape ReedsArt: 5 Individual Frog-Trays
Group Participation Log (5 Students)
S1 Name: ____________________ Notes: ____________________________________________________
S2 Name: ____________________ Notes: ____________________________________________________
S3 Name: ____________________ Notes: ____________________________________________________
S4 Name: ____________________ Notes: ____________________________________________________
S5 Name: ____________________ Notes: ____________________________________________________
Ribbit Jump Facilitation Card Day 1: Discovery
Ribbit Jump Discovery
Focus Skill
Search & Find
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Wide-Mouthed Frog . Music: "Froggie Hop High". Art: Frog Stomps. Centers: Green paper 'pond' bin.
Materials
• Green shredded paper
• 10 Plastic frogs
• Washable Green paint
• 5 Individual rugs
• Book: Wide-Mouthed Frog
Teacher Talk
"Hop, hop, hop! Like a frog! Can you find a frog hiding in the grass? Search, search!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read The Wide-Mouthed Frog . Open mouths wide with the pop-ups. Sing "Froggie Hop High" and jump on the "HOP!" cue.
2
CORE Discovery: Hand one frog to each child. Model hiding it in the green shredded paper bin. "Where is Ribbit? Find him!"
3
Art Integration: Dip plastic frog feet in green paint. "Hop" them across paper to create a footprint mural. Focus on up-and-down motion.
4
Centers: Leave the "Grass bin" open. Toddlers can practice moving frogs from bin to individual mats.
Rhythmic Cue: High/Low Hops
Pond Daily Routine 9-1 Handout POND WEEK LESSONS
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM • FULL WEEK PLAN
5 Students • Dry Play
Daily Flow
9:00Arrival
9:30Circle Time
9:45Core
10:15Art/Area
11:00Outdoor
11:45Lunch
Day Core Activity (9:45) Process Art (10:15) MON Ribbit Jump Frog Stomps TUE Turtle Sort Turtle Shakers WED Duckling Search Yellow Duck Prints THU Dragonfly Dance Bubble Wrap Wings FRI Pond Rescue Sticky Reed Mural
1. Story Time
• Wide-Mouthed Frog (Face play)
• Turtle Splash! (Counting anticipation)
• Make Way for Ducklings (Waddle walk)
• In the Small Pond (Naming animals)
2. Music & Movement
"Froggie hop high, to the lily pad!"
3. Art Focus
Motion Focus: Hopping feet stamps, container shaking, and rhythmic sponge dotting.
4. Centers
• Sensory : Dry bin (Green paper / Cotton).
• Manipulative : Painter's tape reeds.
• Discovery : Lily pad floor islands.
Weekly Observations (Group of 5)
Student Name:
Student Name:
Student Name:
Student Name:
Student Name:
Pond Daily Routine 9-1 Handout POND WEEK LESSONS
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM • FULL WEEK PLAN
5 Students • Dry Play
Daily Flow
9:00Arrival
9:30Circle Time
9:45Core
10:15Art/Area
11:00Outdoor
11:45Lunch
Day Core Activity (9:45) Process Art (10:15) MON Ribbit Jump Frog Stomps TUE Turtle Sort Turtle Shakers WED Duckling Search Yellow Duck Prints THU Dragonfly Dance Bubble Wrap Wings FRI Pond Rescue Sticky Reed Mural
1. Story Time
• Wide-Mouthed Frog (Face play)
• Turtle Splash! (Counting anticipation)
• Make Way for Ducklings (Waddle walk)
• In the Small Pond (Naming animals)
2. Music & Movement
"Froggie hop high, to the lily pad!"
3. Art Focus
Motion Focus: Hopping feet stamps, container shaking, and rhythmic sponge dotting.
4. Centers
• Sensory : Dry bin (Poms / Cotton).
• Manipulative : Painter's tape reeds.
• Discovery : Lily pad floor islands.
Weekly Observations (Group of 5)
Student Name:
Student Name:
Student Name:
Student Name:
Student Name:
Turtle Shell Sorting Facilitation Card Day 2: Cognitive
Turtle Shell Sorting
Focus Skill
Color Logic
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Turtle Splash! . Music: "Slow Poke Turtle". Art: Turtle Shaker Painting. Centers: Lily pad color mats.
Materials
• 3 Colored mats (Green/Blue/Yellow)
• Matching toy turtles
• 5 Small shaker jars
• Green non-toxic paint
• Book: Turtle Splash!
Teacher Talk
"Slow like a turtle... blub blub! Match the green shell to the green pad! You did it!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Turtle Splash! . Count the turtles "falling" into the water (hand motions). Sing "Slow Poke Turtle" while crawling.
2
CORE Sorting: Place the 3 colored mats. Give each of the 5 students 3 matching turtles. "Sarah, swim the blue turtle home!"
3
Art Integration: Fill small jars with paper and paint. "Shake the turtle eggs!" creates process trails on the paper inserts.
4
Centers: Leave the lily pads on the floor. Encourage students to 'park' their toys on matching colors.
Duckling Hide & Search Facilitation Card Day 3: Sensory
Duckling Hide & Search
Focus Skill
Object Logic
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: Make Way for Ducklings . Music: "Six Little Ducks" (Waddle). Art: Yellow Sponge Prints. Centers: Soft 'Bubble' bin.
Materials
• Large soft pom-poms (White)
• 10 Yellow rubber ducks
• Round sponges & Yellow paint
• 5 Individual baskets
• Book: Make Way for Ducklings
Teacher Talk
"Quack, quack! Where are the babies? Hide them in the bubbles! Found one!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read the duckling book. Focus on the word "Waddle." Lead the "Six Little Ducks" march around the rug.
2
CORE Sensory: Hand one yellow duck to each child. Model burying it in the white 'bubble' bin. "Search for the ducklings!"
3
Art Integration: Move to tables. Dip round sponges in yellow paint. "Stamp the ducklings on the pond!" creates circular patterns.
4
Centers: Leave the bin open. Provide small individual baskets for toddlers to "carry the babies" to the library area.
Dragonfly Dance Facilitation Card Day 4: Art / Movement
Dragonfly Dance
Focus Skill
Rhythmic Motion
Integrated Plan (5 Students)
Story: Dragonfly Kites . Music: "Wiggle Waggle Dance". Art: Bubble Wrap Wings. Centers: Ribbon streamers.
Materials
• 10 Long blue ribbons
• Shimmer white paint
• Bubble wrap sheets
• Large blue paper
• Book: Dragonfly Kites
Teacher Talk
"Fly high! Wiggle your wings! Look at the dots! Sparkle, sparkle!"
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read Dragonfly Kites . Reach up high for the "kites." Sing "Wiggle Waggle" and shake arms like wings.
2
CORE Movement: Hand out 2 blue ribbons to each child. Lead a "Fly-Around" march. Focus on wiggling arms while walking.
3
Art Integration: Paint over bubble wrap. Press paper down to create a grid of shimmery dots (The wings). Tactile discovery.
4
Centers: Leave the ribbons in the Dramatic area. Tape photos of real dragonflies to the wall at child eye level.
Pond Life Toddler Observation Tracker Log Pond Milestone Log
Group Tracker • The Small Small Pond
Full Week Observation
Date: ________________
Book List
• Wide-Mouthed Frog
• Turtle Splash!
• Make Way for Ducklings
• In the Small Pond
Key Lyric
"Froggie can you hop so high...
Student Key
S1: ___________________
S2: ___________________
S3: ___________________
S4: ___________________
S5: ___________________
Integrated Category S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Story: Imitates 'Mouth' play □ □ □ □ □ Music: Jumps on "HOP!" cue □ □ □ □ □ Art: Circular sponge prints □ □ □ □ □ Center: Sorts Turtle/Pad □ □ □ □ □
Weekly Narrative Reflections
Notes on textures, social play, and duckling discovery:
Pond Rescue Facilitation Card Day 5: Fine Motor
Pond Rescue Mission
Focus Skill
Pincer Strength
Integrated Breakdown (5 Students)
Story: In the Small Small Pond . Music: "Pond Review". Art: Sticky Reed Mural. Centers: Tape rescue trays.
Materials
• Blue Painter's Tape
• Plastic Fish & Frogs
• 5 Cookie sheets
• Green Contact paper
• Book: In the Small Small Pond
Teacher Target
Wait for the toddler to find the tape edge. Use the word "PEEL" rhythmically as they work.
Step-by-Step Flow
1
Circle: Read In the Small Small Pond . Point to the animals 'hiding' in the reeds. Sing a review of the week's favorite songs.
2
CORE Motor: Hand out pre-taped trays. "The fish are in a net! Rescue them!" Model finding the edge and peeling the tape back.
3
Art Integration: Move to the "Reed Wall." Press green paper "reeds" onto sticky contact paper. Collaborative mural work.
4
Centers: Leave the trays in Manipulatives. Hand out small pond-life stickers to try to press onto the trays.
Pond Life Week Parent Update Handout Small Small Pond!
Our Weekly Classroom Update
We splashed without water this week! Our explorers navigated the dry pond through rhythmic hopping, duckling searches, and turtle sorting.
MON
Ribbit Jump: Finding frogs in a 'grass' bin of green paper.
TUE
Turtle Sort: Matching colorful turtles to their lily pad mats.
WED
Duckling Search: Finding ducks in soft white 'bubble' bins.
THU
Dragonfly Dance: Silk movement and bubble-wrap prints.
FRI
Pond Rescue: Peeling tape 'reeds' to free our pond friends.
Pond Home!
Pond Fun at Home
Waddle Walk: Practice waddling like a duck to the kitchen for snacks! "Quack, quack!"
Bathtime blubs: Use a cup to pour 'bubbles' in the tub and say "Blub, blub!" like a fish.
