Day One Daily Playbook Lesson Playbook: Day 1
Welcome & Routines
Focus: Establishing Safe Spaces, Greeting Friends, & Self-Regulation
Texas Pre-K Guidelines I.A.1, I.B.1.a, II.A.1
Social Goal
Feel safe, welcomed, and identify classmates' names.
Language Goal
Respond to verbal greetings and state own name clearly.
Key Routine
Arrival cubby routine and gathering on the circle rug.
1
Morning Arrival & Cubby Routine (15 mins)
Setup: Name-tags on floor spots and cubbies. Soft calm music playing.
Action Steps: Guide students to find their matching symbol/name-tag at the door. Help hang backpacks ("Backpack in, jacket on hook"). Directly praise efforts: "You put your bag right on the hook!"
2
Large Group 1: Welcome Circle & Greeting Song (20 mins)
Transition Song: "Hands on My Head"
Sing to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle" : "Hands on my head, hands on my toes, hands on my ears, hands on my nose. Now I sit down soft and slow, sitting on the rug we go."
Interactive Activity: "Who is on the Rug?"
Pass a plush "friendship ball" around. When a child holds it, they say: "My name is [Name]!" The whole class waves and chants: "Hello [Name]! Welcome to Pre-K!"
Guideline Connection: Focuses on I.B.1.a (responding positively to peers) and II.B.1 (speaking clearly during teacher-led conversations).
3
Small Group A: Playdough Name Explorers (15 mins)
Materials: Custom Name Playdough Mats, bright home-made playdough, wooden rolling sticks.
Instruction Steps:
Have students trace their printed names using finger-paints or plain fingers first.
Model rolling playdough "snakes" and shaping them into the first letter of their name.
Prompt: "Look at the first letter of your name. Mine is L! What is yours?"
Pre-K Kickoff Sequence • Texas Pre-K Guidelines Aligned Page 1 of 2
Lesson Playbook: Day 1
Small Groups & Centers
Focus: Cooperative Play, Center Introductions, & Closing Routines
Texas Pre-K Guidelines V.A.1, I.C.1, II.A.2
4
Small Group B: Toy Sorting & Counting (15 mins)
Materials: Multi-color counting bears, sorting cups (red, yellow, blue), plastic tweezers.
Instruction Steps:
Scatter 6-10 bears on the table. Ask: "What colors do you see?"
Demonstrate putting a red bear in the red cup. Have students copy.
Count out loud as bears are sorted: "One, two, three red bears!"
Math Link (V.A.1): Keep the quantities small (1 to 3) to build subitizing and early counting.
5
Classroom Center Introductions (45 mins)
Construction Zone
Introduce standard unit wooden blocks. Rule: "Build only as high as your chest!" Practice stacking safely.
Art Studio
Provide chunky crayons and large blank butcher paper. Focus on the sensory joy of coloring together on one big page.
6
Large Group 2: Reflection & Closing Circle (15 mins)
Calm Down Routine: "Blow Out the Candle"
Teach breathing: Hold up a finger ("the candle"). Inhale deeply through the nose, then blow out gently through the mouth to flicker/extinguish the candle. Repeat 3 times.
Reflection: "What was one thing you played with today?" Share with a neighbor.
Pro Teacher Tip for Day One
Keep labels and words minimal today. Focus 90% of your energy on praising students who follow transitions or listen to attention signals (e.g., rhythmic clapping). Emotional safety is your main academic standard today!
Pre-K Kickoff Sequence • Texas Pre-K Guidelines Aligned Page 2 of 2
Circle Time Routines Kit Circle Time Kit
Our Circle Time Rules
Visual reminders for our group rug time
Listening Ears
We listen when teachers and friends are speaking.
Looking Eyes
We keep our eyes on the speaker or visual boards.
Quiet Voices
We use silent, calm mouths and wait our turn.
Helping Hands
We keep our hands in our laps or soft on our knees.
How to Use This Visual Chart:
Point to each icon at the start of every circle time. Model the actions clearly: pat ears, point gently to eyes, finger to lips, hands on lap. Positive reinforcement: "I see Maria's looking eyes! Thank you, Maria!"
Circle Time Routines • Texas Pre-K Guidelines (I.A.1, II.A.1) Page 1 of 3
Circle Time Kit
How Do I Feel Today?
Pointing chart for daily emotional check-in
😊
Happy
Feliz
Ready to play and make new friends.
🥳
Excited
Emocionado
So much energy to learn and build!
🥺
Nervous
Nervioso
It is okay to miss home. I am safe here.
🥱
Tired
Cansado
My body needs a soft start and slow playing.
Dual-Language Support & Self-Regulation (I.A.2):
Provide students with a clothes pin with their name/icon. Ask them to clip their name on the feeling that matches their heart today. Accept and normalize all emotions, validating English/Spanish-speaking children alike.
Circle Time Routines • Texas Pre-K Guidelines (I.A.2, I.A.4) Page 2 of 3
Circle Time Kit
Songs & Routines
Simple rhythmic chants to anchor transitions
The Greeting Song (Tune: Farmer in the Dell)
"Good morning, [Name] is here!
Good morning, [Name] is here!
We are so happy that [Name] is here today!"
Tip: Sing this while looking directly at the child and passing the greeting ball.
The Clean Up Chant (Rhythmic Chant)
"Clean up, clean up, hands on deck!
Put the toys back on the shelf!
Clean up, clean up, do your part,
Clean-up time is where we start!"
Tip: Clapping a steady beat helps children regulate and match the cleaning rhythm.
Line Up Chant (Tune: If You're Happy and You Know It)
"If you're ready for the hall, stand in line!
If you're ready for the hall, stand in line!
Hands are soft, toes straight, eyes are looking at the gate,
If you're ready for the hall, stand in line!"
Day Two Daily Playbook Lesson Playbook: Day 2
Sharing & Exploring
Focus: Introducing Sharing Routines, Turn-Taking, & Visual Schedules
Texas Pre-K Guidelines I.B.1.b, I.C.2, II.B.3
Social Goal
Practice sharing materials using "I have / You can have next" language.
Self-Reg Goal
Accept timers and turn-taking visual cues without distress.
Key Routine
How to transition between learning centers safely.
1
Visual Schedule Anchor (15 mins)
Setup: Have cards representing "Circle Time, Small Group, Play, Outside" on the board.
Action Steps: Guide students to gather near the visual schedule. Explain: "We did our Hello circle. Now we slide the arrow to Small Group!" Move the arrow physically to show progress. Predictability lowers anxiety!
2
Large Group 1: The Sharing Web Song (20 mins)
The "Roll and Share" Game:
Gather in a circle. Teacher holds a ball of yarn, rolls it to a student, and says: "Good morning, Carlos. I share this string with you." Carlos rolls it to Emma, saying: "Emma, I share with you." Soon, a gorgeous "web" of friendship connects everyone.
Guideline Connection (I.C.2): Promotes child-to-child prosocial interaction and cooperative dialogue with minimal adult interference.
3
Small Group A: Threading Together (15 mins)
Materials: Long pipe cleaners, large wood or plastic threading beads. One tray shared between 2 students.
Instruction Steps:
Instruct: "You and your partner are using one basket of beads. Take turns choosing your favorite colors!"
Prompts: "Can you ask your friend: 'Can I have the blue bead, please?'"
Praise the action immediately: "I heard Emma ask so nicely and Carlos passed the bead!"
Pre-K Kickoff Sequence • Texas Pre-K Guidelines Aligned Page 1 of 2
Lesson Playbook: Day 2
Active Center Play
Focus: Guided Math, Rotation Procedures, & Transitioning
Texas Pre-K Guidelines V.A.2, I.A.3, II.B.2
4
Small Group B: Tower Stack & Count (15 mins)
Materials: Standard colored plastic linkage blocks, 1-5 dice (or dots card).
Instruction Steps:
Roll a dot card (e.g., showing 3 dots). Count together:
Center Exploration Activity Cards Printable Center Signs
Day 2: Learning Center Activity Cards
Cut along the dotted line and laminate for classroom center baskets
Max 3 Friends
Construction Zone
TX Pre-K: I.C.2, V.C.1
Today's Play Challenge:
Build a giant "Friendship Tower" together! Each person takes turns adding 1 block at a time. How tall can your tower get before it falls?
Build only up to chest height
Share blocks with neighbors
Max 2 Friends
Sensory Cove
TX Pre-K: I.A.1, V.A.1
Today's Play Challenge:
Use cups to scoop and pour water (or sensory beans). Try to fill the big bucket together. Count out loud how many scoops it takes!
Keep materials in the tub
Dry wet hands with towel
Center Exploration Activity Cards • Texas Pre-K Guidelines Page 1 of 2
Printable Center Signs
Day 2: Learning Center Activity Cards
Cut along the dotted line and laminate for classroom center baskets
Max 4 Friends
Creative Art Studio
TX Pre-K: I.A.3, VIII.A.1
Today's Play Challenge:
Color on the giant shared butcher paper! Draw big lines, round circles, or trace your hands. Choose 2 colors to share with your friends.
Draw only on paper
Put caps back on markers
Max 3 Friends
Dramatic Play Cafe
TX Pre-K: I.C.1, II.B.1
Today's Play Challenge:
Work at the Pre-K Cafe! One person acts as the chef, one is the server, and one is the hungry guest. Order yummy visual foods and say "Please" and "Thank you"!
Be gentle with toy foods
Wash pretend dishes in sink
Center Exploration Activity Cards • Texas Pre-K Guidelines Page 2 of 2
Day Three Daily Playbook Lesson Playbook: Day 3
Working Together
Focus: Cooperative Play, Clean-Up Chords, & Foundational Counting
Texas Pre-K Guidelines I.B.1.c, V.A.1, II.A.1
Social Goal
Work with a partner to complete a task together (building/rolling).
Math Goal
Count sets of objects from 1 to 5 using one-to-one correspondence.
Key Routine
Cooperative clean-up when the "clean-up chord" sounds.
1
The Clean-Up Chord Routine (15 mins)
Setup: A chime, toy piano, or ukulele to sound a steady, deep note.
Action Steps: Sound the chime. Explain: "When you hear the golden chime, freeze! Hands up high like a tree. Then we sing our clean-up chant together." Practice 2 "dry runs" where children intentionally scatter a block and clean it up instantly.
2
Large Group 1: Pass the Clap Rhythm Game (20 mins)
The Rhythmic Echo Game:
Teacher claps a simple 2-beat rhythm (Clap, Clap). Turn to the student on the right and "pass" it with eye contact. That student echoes, then passes to the next. Build listening skills (II.A.1).
Visual Check-in: Review the feelings board. Celebrate how everyone's comfort levels have grown since Day 1!
3
Small Group A: Playdough Birthday Candles (15 mins)
Materials: Mini paper plates, playdough, standard plastic birthday candles or colorful matchsticks (cut safely).
Instruction Steps:
Ask: "How old are you?" Children hold up fingers to show their age.
Direct them to roll a ball of dough to make a "cake".
Have them count out and press the exact number of candle sticks into the cake: "One, two, three, four!" (V.A.1).
Pre-K Kickoff Sequence • Texas Pre-K Guidelines Aligned Page 1 of 2
Lesson Playbook: Day 3
Cooperative Math Play
Focus: One-to-One Correspondence, Collaborative Building, & Celebrations
Texas Pre-K Guidelines V.A.1, I.B.1.c, II.B.3
4
Small Group B: Count & Build Play-mat (15 mins)
Materials: Hands-On Count & Build Mats, standard 2cm counting blocks.
Instruction Steps:
Guide students to place blocks directly onto the printed square spaces of the "Count & Build Mat".
Encourage pointing:
Small Group Activity Mats Fine Motor Mat
Playdough Name Builder
Laminate this mat so students can roll playdough letters again and again!
Teacher / Student Instructions:
Write the student's name on the blank line using a dry-erase marker. Guide the child to roll playdough "snakes" and press them onto the white letters boxes below to spell their name.
My Name:
••••••••••••••••••
Place your playdough letters here:
1
First Letter
2
3
4
5
🐍 1. Roll a Snake
✍️ 2. Shape Letter
👇 3. Press Down
Fine Motor & Literacy Mat • Texas Pre-K Guidelines (III.C.1, I.A.4) Page 1 of 2
Math Play Mat
Count & Build Blocks
Place real stacking blocks directly on the spaces below!
How to Play (One-to-One Correspondence):
Place one real cube or block on each circle dot inside the numbers card below. Then, stack them up into a tall tower on top of the blank numbers!
Put your blocks here:
1
1
One
2
1 2
Two
3
1 2 3
Three
4
1 2 3 4
Four
5
1 2 3 4 5
Five
Cooperative Play & Math Mat • Texas Pre-K Guidelines (V.A.1, V.A.2, I.C.2) Page 2 of 2
Skills Observation Checklist Teacher Assessment Resource
Early Skills Checklist: Day 1-3
Texas Pre-K Guidelines • Social-Emotional & Language Focus
Teacher: __________________ Date: ____________________
Observation Scoring: Consistently (C) Developing (D) Not Yet Observed (N)
| Student Name | Separates Well
(I.A.1) | Identifies Self
(III.C.1) | Participates Song
(II.A.1) | Follows Routine
(I.C.1) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 2. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 3. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 4. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 5. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 6. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 7. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 8. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 9. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 10. _________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
Focus Areas for Day 1:
Observe separation anxiety at arrival door (I.A.1). During greeting circles, monitor which children struggle to state their name or check their feelings chart (III.C.1, I.A.2). Keep observation clipboard active during centers.
Observation Checklist Day 1-3 • Texas Pre-K Guidelines Page 1 of 2
Teacher Assessment Resource
Early Skills Checklist: Day 1-3
Texas Pre-K Guidelines • Math & Fine Motor Focus
Teacher: __________________ Date: ____________________
| Student Name | 1-to-1 Count 1-3
(V.A.1) | Builds 1-5 Block
(V.A.2) | Handles Clay
(I.A.4) | Shares & Turns
(I.C.2) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 2. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 3. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 4. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 5. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
| 6. __________________ | C D N | C D N | C D N | C D N |
Classroom Trends & Anecdotal Field Notes:
Students needing routine reinforcement:
Students with high math/subitizing competency:
Observation Checklist Day 1-3 • Texas Pre-K Guidelines Page 2 of 2