Have each child memorize a specific nursery rhyme. Allow her to draw a picture pertaining to the story of that rhyme. When each child has completed the task, have the kids recite the nursery rhyme to the class while showing the picture they drew. Hold a treasure hunt in the classroom. Have each child pick a card with a picture on it. Once the card is picked, have the child find that item in the classroom. Encourage friendly competition by dividing the class into teams; the team with the most found items wins.
Go for a physical activity like a hula hooping. Use child-size hoops and ask the children the different ways to hula. Some may come up with twirling the hoop around the waist and others may twirl it around the arms or neck. Not only does this idea promote physical activity, it encourages thinking skills as children attempt to figure out the best way to hula.
Check with your school to find out if a class garden is possible. Plant vegetables like green beans and spinach. During break, have the children water and care for the vegetables. Explain what it means to grow and the difference between how veggies and children grow. Once you have enough veggies for the class, have a party with a veggie platter and dip.
Print pictures of each letter of the alphabet. Allow the child to use his imagination to color his letter as he chooses (stripes, polka dots.) When each child has completed the coloring, have the children take the letters and stand at the front of the room in alphabetical order. This idea works with numbers too. After completing the number coloring, have the children stand at the front of the room in numeric order. Only provide assistance if the children are having trouble, otherwise allow the kids to figure it out.
Teach children about animal care by allowing the class to have a pet. Give the children a list of acceptable small pets such as a turtle, fish or gerbil. Allow the children to choose the animal, as well as choose the name of the class pet. Each day, make one child responsible for the feeding and the care of the pet. Be sure to clear this activity with the school before purchasing the pet. Have the kids secretly pick an animal card from a box. Be sure the children keep the card hidden from other students. Each child should imitate his chosen animal at the front of the class. The rest of the class should guess which animal he is portraying.