Creating a classroom book can help children learn the connection between written and spoken words, which enhances literacy. The project also encourages collaboration and individual artwork. To make a classroom book, have the children choose something that happened in class that day to write about. As the children tell the story, write the text on large sheets of paper. Then have the children illustrate the book.
This activity can teach children how to follow simple rules, take turns, as well as learn about different neighborhood service providers. To play musical friends, set chairs up in a circle around the room. To each chair, tape a picture of people the children might see in their community (policeman, firefighter, mailman, barber, etc.) Play music and have the children walk around the chairs. When the music stops, the children must find a chair and tell what community friend they have "met."
The Feeling Game helps children use descriptive words to tell others about an object they can't see but can feel. It also helps develop their sensory skills. To complete this activity, show several familiar objects to the children on a tray. Allow them to touch and feel the objects. Then put the items into a large paper bag. Have a child reach into the bag and feel the object. He must describe to the other children what he is feeling. For example, he could say the object is round and smooth. The other children have to guess what the object is.
By creating an animal parade, children learn about individual animals. It also helps them to pretend and allows them to enhance their artistic abilities. Show the children pictures of a variety of animals. Tell about each animal---what sound it makes, what it eats, etc. Have each child choose their favorite animal. Help the children make a mask of their animal. With the children wearing their animal masks, have them pretend to be that animal in a parade around the school.