X Marks the Spot

Today was a lot of fun with the letter X.

Miss Hiedi had a really simple lesson plan, that the kids loved!

They did so well.

We started out with a couple activities as we waited for our friends to arrive.

The kids reached into a bag to feel different shapes. They were looking for a pig, square, etc. and had to match it with the shadow.

They also got to dress some dolls. 

Jerry really liked the firefighter. 

Then during circle time we practiced raising our hands.

The kids are really doing well holding still and practicing taking turns.

Then each child got a turn picking out a letter out of the alphabet bag.

It was a great review of all the letters.

Then we finally found the purple X!

Lexi felt special because she is the only one with an X in her name.

After talking about X, each child got to make a LOT of X's.

Big X's out of sticks and pipe cleaners, and little x's out of cut pipe cleaners.

We had to learn about where to cross our sticks, in order to make an X.

If we crossed them too high, it looked like a V.

If you cross too low, it could look like a T.

Right in the middle, makes an X!

Then we learned about XOXO, and how it's a fancy way to say "hugs and kisses"

or tell someone that you love them.

 It was fun to see the pattern, XOXOXO...

Then each child got to write their own "love note" and sign XOXO.

Carly was awesome at this!

Then we got to break into two teams, the X team and the O team, to play 

TIC TAC TOE.

We learned about three in a row...some kids had played before.

The diagonals were a little tricky! 

Then each child got a treasure box with a skull X on it...to get ready for our treasure hunt.

Miss Hiedi showed them the map and told them what was going to happen.

She had planned 8 stations for each child, and there was an X at each station. 

At the X, the child could sit and play a game for siX minutes, then rotate to the next game.

It was the perfect blend of independent play/learning.

Caterpillar game

Stacking cups and beads...

Domino patterns...

Shapes and colors...

Letters and alphabet practice...

Monkeys on the tree...

Colors with Blockus...

Each child had their own FAVORITE game...

They rotated through the stations, and each time the buzzer went off they got a gold treasure to add to their box.

Six minutes times eight stations, it took a long time and they loved it. 

Miss Hiedi and Miss Jill would walk around and help them with their patterns, shapes, or letters.

It kept them interested and entertained! 

Then it was snack time!! 

They had cheese and crackers and apples. 

They even got to stick a pirate ship flag into their cheese to make boats!

Carmen with her C apple

Then they got to go outside to play!!

Love this shot of the CAR, CARmen and CARly! ;-) 

Thanks for a great day Miss Hiedi!