TWINKLE,
TWINKLE, LITTLE STAR
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
When the blazing sun is gone,
When there's nothing he shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, through the night.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
In the dark blue sky so deep
Through my curtains often peep
For you never close your eyes
Till the morning sun does rise
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
When the blazing sun is gone,
When there's nothing he shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, through the night.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
In the dark blue sky so deep
Through my curtains often peep
For you never close your eyes
Till the morning sun does rise
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are
ROW, ROW,
ROW YOUR BOAT
Row, row,
row your boat
Gently
down the stream.
Merrily,
merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is
but a dream.
Games
Game: Duck,
Duck, Goose!
Number of kids: Any.
How the game is played: Everyone sits in a circle on
the floor. One person is the "goose" and the rest are the "ducks."
The goose walks around the outside of the circle, patting each duck on the head
and saying "Duck." The player touches someone's head and says,
"Goose!" The tagged duck gets up and chases the goose around the
circle. The goose tries to get back around to the empty seat and sit down
before being tagged. If successful, the goose rejoins the seated ducks and the
new goose now starts the game again. If the first goose is tagged, he or she
sits in the center of the circle as the game goes on. As more people get
tagged, the circle gets tighter and the chase gets tighter! The last person
standing is the goose.
Tips for adults: This game can be played
indoors or out, but if you're inside, make sure the room is safe for running
kids. Although this can be a competitive game, keep the mood light by asking
everyone to quack like a duck (or honk like a goose) and waddle like a duck.
Try different animals and practice their sounds and walks while playing.
What the game teaches: Taking turns, listening, and
large motor skills.
___________________________________________________________
Game:
Obstacle Course
Number of kids: Any.
How the game is played: Transform your yard or living
room into a free-for-all obstacle course. First, remove unsafe objects from the
room (tables with sharp edges, for example) and clear out clutter that someone
could trip on. Then place piles of cushions, sturdy chairs, laundry baskets, or
other items around the room for the kids to romp over, under, or through. A
large cardboard box, if you have one, can become an excellent tunnel.
Tips for adults: Put on some music to
encourage moving around.
What the game teaches: Motor skills and problem
solving.
__________________________________________________________
Game: What
Time Is It, Mister Fox?
Number of kids: Any.
How the game is played: The kids gather on one side
of the space and the adult (Mister Fox) stands on the other side. The adult
gives a signal and the kids say, "What time is it, Mister Fox?"
Mister Fox says, "It's time to hop!" The kids hop toward Mister Fox
until he gives the signal to stop. Repeat this, substituting different movements
(skipping, crawling, walking backwards) until kids draw near to Mister Fox. As
the kids near Mister Fox and ask the question, the last answer he gives is
"It's midnight!" At this point, he pretends to chase them all back to
the other side of the room. The game can then start again.
Tips for adults: You don't have to be Mister
Fox! You could be Sleepy Bear, Grouchy Grandma, Big Baby, or another character
that kids might like. Also, get creative with the movements. Kids love to be
silly with their bodies. Say, "It's time to walk with one finger on your
nose and one on your belly button!"
What the game teaches: Listening, following
directions, and large motor skills.
Phew!
If you're planning an afternoon of fun, choose a
mix of activities — some active and some quiet. Also be on the lookout for kids
who take too many turns and those shy kids who don't get their rightful turns.
After you've been playing a while, be aware of
the group's mood. Are they getting tired or cranky? You'll have a more
successful party or play date if you catch the kids before they get too worn
out. When weariness sets in, respond with a quiet activity, like you reading a
book aloud. And no matter what the mood, a snack is always a welcome break for
preschoolers!










