Little Learners: Mary Had a Little Lamb
Let's have some fun with a famous nursery rhyme! We'll need our listening ears, singing voices, and crafty hands. Make sure you have your book/printout, craft supplies (lamb cutout, cotton balls, glue), and maybe some finger puppets ready!
1. Sing-Along Time (5 mins)
Let's start by singing 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' together! Use lots of expression. If you have finger puppets, use them now! Sing it a couple of times so we get familiar with the words and tune.
(Sing the rhyme clearly, encouraging the child to join in with sounds, words, or actions.)
2. Story Reading (5 mins)
Now, let's look at the story. Open your book or look at the illustrated printout. Point to Mary. Point to the little lamb. Read the rhyme slowly, pointing to the pictures as you go. Emphasize the part about the lamb following Mary 'everywhere that Mary went'. Ask: 'Who followed Mary? Yes, the lamb!'
3. Fluffy Lamb Craft (10-15 mins)
Mary's lamb had fleece as white as snow! Let's make our own fluffy lamb. Take the paper with the lamb shape. Show your little one how to put dots of glue inside the lamb shape. Then, let them stick cotton balls onto the glue to make the lamb fluffy and white. Talk about the lamb while crafting. 'Is our lamb fluffy? What sound does a lamb make? Baa!'
(Focus on the sensory experience and fine motor practice. It doesn't need to be perfect!)
4. Follow the Lamb Game (5-10 mins)
Just like the lamb followed Mary, let's play 'Follow the Leader'! Choose one person to be Mary and the other to be the lamb. Mary walks around the room (slowly and safely), and the lamb follows exactly where Mary goes. Take turns being Mary and the lamb. You can make 'baa' sounds while being the lamb!
(This helps connect the story's action to a physical activity.)
5. Wrap-up Rhyme (5 mins)
Let's finish by singing 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' one more time! Can you remember what color the lamb was? (White!) Who did the lamb love? (Mary!) Great job listening and playing today!
(Observe participation in singing, answering simple questions, and engagement in activities as informal assessment.)