Berkeley Ward Preschool Group

I. Welcome (10 mins.):
A. Hello Song: (I have words and music to a fun hello song)
B. Fingerplays and Rhythmic action rhymes

One person will lead the hello song and fingerplays, but it is important for all parents to participate along with their child(ren) throughout the hour.


II. Music and Movement time (20 mins.)
A. Singing time (10 mins.): Songs should coordinate with the monthly theme, or be familiar favorites. I have songs that go with each monthly theme, or you can teach your own. Feel free to incorporate musical instruments, pictures, props, actions, etc. with the songs.

B. Movement time (10 mins.): Music should also be part of movement time, but the emphasis for this part is to get the kids moving. This can include dancing, marching around the gym, exercising, ribbon sticks, pretend play (pretend to be animals, bugs, etc.), ice skating on paper plates (gym floor), parachute play (a blanket or sheet can work for a parachute) with balls, etc., chasing bubbles, follow the leader, the hokey pokey, or anything else that gets the kids moving. This portion should be done in whichever room is best suited for the activities.

III. Art/Craft time (20 mins.)
A. A simple craft or art activity: This should either goes along with the monthly theme, or explores an element of art. This should age appropriate and keep the attention of preschool aged kids. Also, it should be simple enough to fit into the 20 min. timeframe.

B. Materials: Materials can come from the general paper/glue/scissors/crayon supply, or brought by the person in charge of the activity. If the project is more complex (i.e. graham cracker gingerbread houses, etc.), the person in charge can either ask for a small donation for the materials, or assign out something for each family to bring. This should be more of an exception than the rule, and something with which parents are comfortable. Parents should be notified in advanced of what to bring. It might be helpful for the person in charge to send out an email for a head count when planning materials beyond the general supply.

IV. Story time (10 mins.)
A. Story: The parent in charge chooses a story to read, preferably that fits into the monthly theme and is age appropriate to keep the attention of the children.
B. Good-bye song: A simple song that goes through each child's name to signal the end of our preschool hour.