We are finishing activities related to dental health. We painted pretend teeth white and practiced brushing teeth (made from plastic bottles) with shaving cream. We discussed how we can keep our teeth healthy.
We will be celebrating Dr. Suess’ birthday next week. We plan on making Dr. Suess hats and puppets. If you have any Dr. Suess books at home, you may send them with your child.
Next week we will also read Franklin Has a Sleepover, written by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark. This story provides an avenue for children to understand and cope with what it is like to have a sleepover. The story begins with Franklin, the turtle, inviting his friend Bear to spend the night. After much preparation, they decide to spend the night in a tent made from a tablecloth in the living room. They play, have a campfire outside, sing, roast marshmallows and hot dogs, and then set off to camp in the living room. After they crawl into their sleeping bags, Bear turns on his flashlight and tells his friend that he misses his room. They gather their sleeping bags and go into Franklin’s room. Once again, Bear turns on his flashlight and tells his friend that his mother always tells his bunny good-night. Franklin hugs the bunny, and they both fall asleep. The sleepover is a success, and Bear decides he wants to host the next one.
Franklin Has a Sleepover allows children to explore their fears of sleeping away from home within the safe context of a story. Many children fear the unfamiliar, new people, new situations, and being alone. The activities and ideas provided in this module begin by focusing mainly on the indoor and outdoor camping aspect of the story. The activities are organized in this way to help the children become familiar with the story and give them the boundaries needed in order to fact their own fears and work through them.
Franklin Has a Sleepover has few words and many pictures, providing the children with opportunities to create their own dialogue during dramatic play. The story also encourages cognitive, sensorimotor, and social experiences through play for children of varying abilities.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Chris
P.S. We will be using flashlights for some activities. If you would like to send in a flashlight with your child, please make sure your name is on it.
