Y-You Are Special

Kids always like to feel special. 

For letter Y, we wanted to make it a "YOU ARE SPECIAL" day.

The kids were so excited!

Before school, we asked parents to make sure each child:

Wore favorite outfit.

Brought favorite book, toy, and picture.

Prepared a talent to share.

During circle time we talked about letter Y again, and how a special word that starts with Y, is

YOU!

When they put their attendance owl up, they stood on our stage and told us about their favorite outfit.

Batman Levi

Ruby in her favorite skirt...

Lexi the kitty cat...

Carmen with the bow on her shirt and flower pants...

Carly with her new skirt and favorite pants...

Jerry with his favorite color green...

Loved to see their personality come out! 

We reviewed some more Y words picking from our yellow basket.

We also practiced making our Y's again.

And had to remember to keep the Y's arms the same length! 

Then we sat in a circle and each wore a different hat.

We talked about differences in people.

Lexi and Nora were wearing the same hat, but were they the same?

Nope!

We're all different no matter what we wear, and that's what makes us special. 

We rotated hats, and sang 

"No one else has a ______like mine, ______like mine, _______like mine, 

No one else has a _____ like mine, 

I am very special!"

(to the tune of London Bridge)

They filled in words like smile like mine, hair like mine, etc. 

Then we took turns looking into the mirror. 

We repeated this poem.

"I look in the mirror, and what do I see (point to head, questioning)

A very wonderful, special me! (point to self)

Beautiful eyes, shiny and bright (point to eyes)

My smile shows my teeth pearly white! (smile and point to teeth)

It's certainly great to be

The very wonderful special ME! (hug self)

Then we sang the "No one else" song again and played London Bridge.

Then we talked a little more about how every person is special. 

No one looks, acts, or feels like anyone else.

We read this book, You Are Special and it's one of my favorites.

It's about a puppet maker, Eli, and how he creates a whole bunch of puppets.

They go around putting stars or dots on people, essentially judging them. 

A poor puppet has all dots and is amazed when he sees someone with no stars or dots!

She visited with Eli, her maker, and she thinks more about what He says than anyone else, so the stickers don't stick!

We talked about how Heavenly Father loves us and created us, just like Eli.

Then we sang the "I'll Walk With You" children's primary song.

If you don't walk as most people do,
Some people walk away from you,
But I won't! I won't!
If you don't talk as most people do,
Some people talk and laugh at you,
But I won't! I won't!
I'll walk with you. I'll talk with you.
That's how I'll show my love for you.
Jesus walked away from none.
He gave his love to ev'ryone.
So I will! I will!
Jesus blessed all he could see,
Then turned and said, "Come, follow me."
And I will! I will!
I will! I will!
I'll walk with you. I'll talk with you.
That's how I'll show my love for you.

Then we introduced each of us..saying "____ is Special" as they popped out of the tunnel! 

They thought that was cool. 

Then we lined up to go see our "favorite things" in the other room.

Each child had a chair with their stuff.

They tried hard to take turns and not be too distracted! 

Favorite books. 

Each child showed us their favorite page/picture and told us about the book. 

Then we talked about our picture, and how we all look different and special. 

Then we showed off our toys, and talked a little more.

At the end, we talked about how there are lots of ways to make people happy.

One way is to give compliments, inside and out!

We wrote down all the compliments our friends said, and the kids were beaming.

Most compliments were "because they play with me"

but some were more sincere and really cute! 

Then it was off to the table!

Each child got a "You are Special" coloring page.

I had made a person with their name at the top, and all our preschool friends at the bottom.

They colored in the faces, and made each friend special and unique!

Some of the kids got very detailed, and even got the correct hair colors, etc. 

They took so long to do this. I was amazed how "into it" they got...especially for a coloring assignment. 

After snack, and a special cookie treat, it was time for our Talent Show!!

The kids were so excited!

We talked about being respectful and taking turns. We cheered for each of our friends, and helped them feel safe! 

Lexi performed some kitty tricks for us!

Carmen sang "Let it Go!" from Frozen...

Ruby had lots of talents! 

Anna song, Elsa song, and an Article of Faith! 

Levi showed off some Batman moves!

Carly sang her very own song...

And Jerry the Ninja showed us some tricks!

The kids loved it! 

Then outside to play!

Fun day with letter Y!