Show children maps and ask them if they recognize them. Explain how to identify the difference between land and water. Have children draw a map of their immediate surroundings, including the classroom building, the playground, the street nearby and other buildings on or near the preschool campus. They can do this with pencils or crayons on paper, or with sidewalk chalk on the ground outdoors. It's important that they make a map of what they can see, not of places that are out of sight.
Talk to children about calendars and the passage of time and facilitate a discussion about New Year's Eve. Introduce a brief history of Chinese New Year and show preschoolers examples of Chinese dragons and gift packets that are traditionally shared during Chinese New Year celebrations. Children can make gift packets with red construction paper, then insert a small gift, such as a piece of candy or a sticker.
Ask children if they know any other ways of saying "hello," in English. Discuss phrases such as "howdy" and "what's up?" Explain that people in other parts of the world use other words that have the same meaning. Teach preschool students how to say hello in other languages such as "ciao," "bon jour," "buenos dias," "konichiwa" and "shalom." Lead them in a song that celebrates and teaches children basic greetings in other languages.
Present a brief history of the Native Americans who lived and currently live in the area. Show examples of traditional costume, instruments and housing. Students can make masks, models or instruments depicting Native American culture. You might also show the students how to grind grain and make traditional Native American foods such as cornbread.