#1820. First Day of Kindergarten~The Kissing Hand Lesson

, level: Elementary
Posted Sun Jun 25 21:32:22 PDT 2000 by Denise Fischer (deniseevf@msn.com).
The Kissing Hand Web Page
Franklin Smith Elementary, Blue Springs, MO
Materials Required: paper, paint or stamp pad, heart punch optional, Book: The Kissing Hand
Activity Time: 30 min.
Concepts Taught: Listening, Re-telling a story

~~First Day of School Activity~~

On the first day of school there are mixed emotions everywhere! Some children are thrilled to be at school while others have much difficulty making the home to school transition. I always read the kissing hand with my students that first day. We talk about our fears and hopes about coming to school. We also discuss how moms and dads might feel when their children are away from them. After our story time we decide together to make a gift for the parents on the first day.

On a large piece of construction paper each child makes a red handprint with paint (handprint goes at the top). As the handprints dry I have the children draw a family portrait on a smaller piece of paper. If time allows, I always like to have the kids bring their portraits to the carpet and share at least one thing about their drawing. When the handprints are dry, I staple each child's family portrait to the bottom of their handprint paper. I give each child a small, **pre-cut heart to glue in the middle of their handprint.

Near the end of the day we practice re-telling the story. I tell the kids that their homework for the first day of school is to go home, give their family the gift and tell them the story of The Kissing Hand. They tell their parents not to be sad and to remember that they are thinking of them each day while they are away at school.

**Tip~Use a small or medium heart punch to make the small hearts. These can be found at Wal-mart, Hobby Lobby, and scrapbook stores.