Start: Curious Critters

Indicators: Receptive Language (Listening) L1.1(3), L1.1(4), Expressive Language (Speaking) L2.1(3), L2.1(4), L2.2(3), L2.2(4), L2.3(3), L2.3(4), Number Sense, Quantity, and Operations M1.1(3), M1.1(4), Patterns, Sorting/Classifying, Reasoning M4.1(3), M4.1(4), Observation and Inquiry SC1.1(3), SC1.1(4) (More...)

Resources: 2023 Calendar Grid, Calendar Heading and Pieces: October 2023, Celebrating Holidays Questionnaire 2024, Discovery Journal: October 2023, Weather Display 2022-23 Preschool

You Will Need:

Calendar Grid/Pieces (Starter Pack OR see Resources)
Weather Display OR see Resources)
October Discovery Journals (see Resources)
Birthday Calendar Pieces/Certificates (see Link)
Celebrating Holidays Questionnaires (see Resources)
dry erase marker
writing/coloring tools

Greeting/Welcome

Welcome children with unique greetings each day.

Sing "Roll Call" together each day as a welcome song.

Hello, children, here we are,
At preschool, from near and far.
Today we are going to play a game.
Please stand up when I say your name.

Ask children, "What are you curious about today?"
Ask if anyone would like a hug to start to the day.

Calendar Time

Support children's understanding of the passage of time with short activities.

Introduce the Spanish word for October, octubre (ohk-TOO-breh).
Acknowledge October birthdays. Birthday Calendar Pieces/Certificates are available at https://www.funshineexpress.com/classroom-resources.html.
Note today's date, yesterday's date, and tomorrow's date.

Weather Observation

Observe and compare weather changes over time.

Invite one child to be the weather announcer for the day.
Step outside together to feel the current weather conditions. Have children record their observations on p. 4 or a blank page in their journals (see Resources).
Look for weather patterns that formed during the week.

Daily Review

Assess comprehension and recall skills with short theme-related activities.

Have children describe characteristics of the animals and insects they have learned about.
Recite the nursery rhyme "Hickory, Dickory, Dock" together.

Hickory, dickory, dock,
The mouse ran up the clock;
The clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory, dickory, dock.

Practice your fire escape plan and meet at your designated safe place.

Pledge of Allegiance

Introduce the "Pledge of Allegiance." Demonstrate how to place your right hand over your heart as you recite the oath. Encourage children to say it with you once they begin to memorize it.

October Holidays:

Families in your setting may be planning for or preparing to celebrate/observe the following holidays this month:

Indigenous Peoples' Day
Halloween

There may be other holidays or observances that hold meaning to the children's families. Refer to the Celebrating Holidays Questionnaires (see resources) and consult families to help facilitate meaningful conversation and plan activities.

Note:

Order a 2023-2024 Starter Pack for each teacher to use all year. Includes a Getting Started Guide, Weather Display with pieces, Number/Color/Shape Display with pieces, Calendar Grid with monthly headings, Concept Cube, A-Z Alphabet Displays, set of 30 BIG Plus-Plus Shapes, and Early Learning and Development Continuum. $30

https://www.funshineexpress.com/2023-24-fireflies-starter-pack.html