Here are the 5
programs I use as take-homes. The kids love them!1. Art Box-- I put different kinds of paper, crayons, glue,
glitter, stencils, stickers, scissors, playdoh and coolage
material in a tote box. One child each day brings home the box.
At home, they create as many "masterpieces" as they want with
their parent. one pieceof artwork is brought back to school.
The student tells the rest of the class how they created the
artwork and the "masterpiece" is hung on our "museum wall".2. Listen and Read--The Listen and Read Box consists of a
journal, crayons and markers, a portable tape player with
AC adapter, and a book and tape. Some books and tapes are
commercially made, other tapes are made by parent volunteers.
One child each day brings home the Listen and Read box. The
children are asked to write/ draw their favorite part of the
story and the parents write their dictation next to the
pictures. The childpcks the book and tape that most appeals to
them.3. Book Buddy-- The Book Buddy consists of a journal, a book
selected by the child, markers, crayons, and a cuddly stuffed
animal. ( the animal sometimes changes with the story-- a frog
for Jump Frog Jump, a dog for clifford). The parents are asked
to read the story to the child and help them draw their favorite
part of the story. The animal is too cuddle with during
storytime or "read" to on their own. This too goes home
everyday.4. The Many Adventures of______. The name changes each year
with each new animal. This is another journaling activity for
the children and parents. The stuffed animal is taken whevere
the child goes between leaving school and returning the next
day then the children draw their adventures and parents tell the
story. It's a great way to learn aboyt each child's day.5. Mystery Box---I bought several plastic suitcases from ABC
school supply. I call them Mystery Boxes because I change the
contents according to the needs of the children and the
season.
a. Fill the box with extra lego/builders. Have the
parents build a structure and leave it in the box til the
next day. The students must tell who they worked with,
what they made, how many blocks, etc.b. Fingerplay/ Songs-- I put fingerpuppets and copies
of a favorite song or finger play in the box.c. fill with Pattern Blocks.
d. fill with sorting bears with directions for the
parents to help with games for the children.You can basically send home almost any manipulative for the
parents to work with the child.
Next year, I am adding another program that will be sent to
other pre-k classes in my parish. He will be a travelling
dinosaur who visits each class. When he visits the students and
teacher must write a descriptive letter about their class, their
schedule and their favorite activity. A disposable camera and
photoalbum will be included. Each teacher will be able to take
and develop a roll of film and add the pictures to the
photo album before "Dudley" will be shipped to his next place.
Photo costs will be covered by my grant.I teach 4's so there has to be a lot of parental help but so far
everyone is happy.Also, I want to share a great new resource I bought yesterday.
"Hoke and back with Book- 60 Take Home Activities for Family
Fun" CTP3333. It's great.Thanksagain for your input, sorry it's so long.
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