Share: Bring something you received as a gift
Literature:
Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This will always be a favorite of mine. I've had this book since High School, and I'll admit that I still have a difficult time getting through this book without crying. The Giving Tree is best friends with a little boy. The boy loves to come and climb and play with the tree and swing on her branches, eat her apples. But as the boy gets older he becomes unhappy. The tree gives the boy her apples, branches, and eventually her trunk, all for the sake of bringing her friend joy. The boy never thanks the tree for her goodness, and it seems that the trees gifts never seem to be enough to make the boy truly happy. The tree, however, is always happy. In the end, the tree fears she has nothing left to give the boy, but he is old and tires and all he asks for is a quiet place to sit. She straightens up her stump and offers it to him, and together they are happy. I love the lessons on unconditional love that can be taught in this book. It is also a great aid during the Christmas season to demonstrate that real happiness comes from gratitude and giving. Five stars.
Literature:
Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This will always be a favorite of mine. I've had this book since High School, and I'll admit that I still have a difficult time getting through this book without crying. The Giving Tree is best friends with a little boy. The boy loves to come and climb and play with the tree and swing on her branches, eat her apples. But as the boy gets older he becomes unhappy. The tree gives the boy her apples, branches, and eventually her trunk, all for the sake of bringing her friend joy. The boy never thanks the tree for her goodness, and it seems that the trees gifts never seem to be enough to make the boy truly happy. The tree, however, is always happy. In the end, the tree fears she has nothing left to give the boy, but he is old and tires and all he asks for is a quiet place to sit. She straightens up her stump and offers it to him, and together they are happy. I love the lessons on unconditional love that can be taught in this book. It is also a great aid during the Christmas season to demonstrate that real happiness comes from gratitude and giving. Five stars.
Book: The Friendly Beasts by Tomie dePaola
This is a great rhyming book based on an old English Christmas Carol. The animals in the stable find gifts for the baby Jesus. The donkey gives Mary a ride to Bethlehem, the cow gives his manger and hay, and the doves coo from the rafters and sing the baby to sleep. I love this book because it teaches the simple lesson that everyone can give, even an animal or...a small child ;)
Book: Did You Fill A Bucket, Today? By Carol McCloud
This book is knocking my socks off lately with it's awesomeness. I love it so much, I think every home should have a copy....even if there aren't any children in the home. This book is for everyone.
Share: Bring something you received as a gift
Each of the children shared their gift and we talked about how it feels to receive a present from someone else.
Dramatic Play: Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer
Book: Did You Fill A Bucket, Today? By Carol McCloud
This book is knocking my socks off lately with it's awesomeness. I love it so much, I think every home should have a copy....even if there aren't any children in the home. This book is for everyone.
Share: Bring something you received as a gift
Each of the children shared their gift and we talked about how it feels to receive a present from someone else.
Dramatic Play: Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer
Rudolf was different than the other reindeer because of his red, shiny nose. He used his unique gift to help others. What makes you special and what do YOU have to offer others?Fine Motor: Christmas finger puppets
Art: work on our Christmas gifts! Shhhh!
Practical Life: I can give to others
Choose Helper
Calendar/Weather
Snack (cocoa, cheese, crackers, cookies)
Peace Center: Christmas books and letter Cc activity file folder games
Math: How Many Days until Christmas?
Language: Cc collage
Music & Movement: Practice our Holiday Songs:Must Be Santa
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Jingle Bells
Question: What are you giving for Christmas?
Question: How can you show Jesus you love him?
Games: Candyland Castle
Sensory: Playdough "cookies" with Christmas cookie cutters
Gross Motor/Outside Play: Kitchen Play-provide cookie cutters, baking sheets and chef hats and encourage the children to be a cookie factory!
Goodbye Friends
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Jingle Bells
Question: What are you giving for Christmas?
Question: How can you show Jesus you love him?
Games: Candyland Castle
Sensory: Playdough "cookies" with Christmas cookie cuttersGross Motor/Outside Play: Kitchen Play-provide cookie cutters, baking sheets and chef hats and encourage the children to be a cookie factory!
Goodbye Friends
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