Transition Song: Skidamarink-a-dink-a-dink
Concepts: Who Questions, sequencing, following directions, choral recitation, rhythm
Materials: Laminated letter D, Laminated placemat
Pre-Literacy Skills: To draw the letter D: Start at the top, and d-d-draw d-d-down. Go back to the top and d-d-draw around.
Today we're talking about the letter D and Dinner! Who has a name with the letter D? Who eats dinner? What do we do before we eat dinner? We set the table. (I've worked out a choral recitation for setting the table that is similar to Going On A Bear Hunt. The leader starts and the group repeats each line. We beat out a 4-count rhythm on our knees (this really encourages the kids to sit criss cross applesauce just so they can keep the beat).
Time to eat?
No, not yet.
What do we need?
A napkin/fork/plate/knife/spoon/cup!
Put it on the table!
(Repeat until each item is placed on the table.)
Final verse:
Time to eat?
Look! (point to finished table setting)
YES!!! (throw hands in air)
Change it up. The kids love it when we speed it up (because we are SUPER HUNGRY!) Sometimes I will point to a child to tell me what comes next. Other times I will appoint a child to be the choral leader and they start the recitation. Children with more challenges with verbal skills will find it easier to participate because they know what comes next. This activity is great because choral recitation allows children with all levels of communication skills to participate and have fun.
We're practicing with these great placemat printouts. I laminated three printouts for each classroom. The kids really get into this and are excited to have a turn helping to set the table. Print out the placemat and let them do it at home. You can find it here.
