Lesson Plan: Scarecrow Fun on the Farm

Materials Needed:

• For Crafts: 1 paper plate, construction paper (yellow, brown, orange), child-safe scissors, glue stick, markers or crayons, 1 large popsicle stick.
• For Sensory Play: A shallow bin or container, 2-3 cups of uncooked corn kernels, small scoops, cups, or spoons.
• For Snack: 1-2 ears of fresh corn (in the husk).
• For Story Time (Optional): A picture book about scarecrows or autumn (e.g., The Little Scarecrow Boy by Margaret Wise Brown).

Lesson Plan and Activities

I. Learning Objectives (What we are learning to do!)

• Fine Motor Skills: To practice picking up small objects (corn kernels), scooping, pouring, and using a glue stick.
• Creativity & Self-Expression: To create a unique piece of art representing a scarecrow.
• Language Development: To learn and use new words like "scarecrow," "corn," "husk," and "kernel."
• Gross Motor Skills: To move our bodies in a fun, coordinated way by imitating a scarecrow.
• Sensory Exploration: To explore the texture and sound of corn kernels.

II. Introduction: Story Time (5 minutes)

Goal: To introduce the theme and capture the child's interest.

1. Sit together in a cozy spot. If you have a scarecrow book, read it aloud with enthusiasm, pointing to the pictures of the scarecrow and the corn.
2. If you don't have a book, simply show pictures of scarecrows and corn on a phone or tablet, or draw a simple one.
3. Ask simple questions like, "What does the scarecrow wear?" or "Look at his funny hat!" This helps build vocabulary and engagement.

III. Activity 1: Corn Sensory Bin (10-15 minutes)

Goal: To provide a rich sensory experience and develop fine motor skills.

1. Place the shallow bin on the floor on top of a towel or blanket for easy cleanup.
2. Pour the corn kernels into the bin. Let your child run their hands through them, noticing the sound and feel.
3. Introduce the scoops and cups. Encourage them to scoop, pour, and transfer the kernels from one container to another.
4. Talk about what you're doing: "You are scooping the corn! Can you fill up the little cup?" This narration builds language skills.

Safety Note: Supervise closely to ensure kernels are not put in the mouth.

IV. Activity 2: Paper Plate Scarecrow Craft (10 minutes)

Goal: To practice gluing and create a fun, thematic craft.

1. Prep: Before starting, cut some yellow strips for "hay" hair, a triangle for a nose, and a simple hat shape from the construction paper.
2. Give your child the paper plate and a glue stick. Show them how to put glue on the paper.
3. Let them stick on the yellow strips for hair at the top of the plate.
4. Help them glue on the hat and the triangle nose.
5. Use crayons or markers to draw a happy, silly mouth and two big eyes.
6. Finally, glue the popsicle stick to the back of the plate to make a scarecrow puppet!

V. Activity 3: Music & Movement (5 minutes)

Goal: To get wiggles out and practice gross motor skills and listening.

1. Teach this simple song to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot":
   
   "I'm a little scarecrow, stuffed with hay," (Stand with arms out)
   "Here I stand in the field all day." (Stand very still)
   "When the crows come 'round, I shout, 'Shoo! Shoo!'" (Wave arms and shout "Shoo!")
   "And away they fly from me and you!" (Flap arms like a bird)
2. Sing it a few times, doing the actions together. Ham it up and make it silly!

VI. Activity 4: Snack Time & Corn Shucking (10 minutes)

Goal: To connect the lesson to a real-world experience and practice practical life skills.

1. Bring out the ears of fresh corn. Let your child feel the outside husk and the silky threads.
2. Show them how to peel back the layers of the husk. This is fantastic for building hand strength. Let them do as much as they can by themselves.
3. Once shucked, an adult can cook the corn (boil or microwave).
4. Let it cool, then enjoy a delicious and healthy corn-on-the-cob snack together! Talk about how the corn kernels from the sensory bin are hard, but this corn is soft and yummy.

VII. Closing and Clean-Up (5 minutes)

Goal: To review what was learned and transition out of the lesson.

1. Talk about all the fun things you did. Say, "We made a friendly scarecrow to watch our corn!"
2. Admire the scarecrow craft together and decide where to display it.
3. Sing the scarecrow song one last time while you clean up the sensory bin and craft supplies together.

VIII. Notes for the Teacher (Differentiation & Tips)

• For Support: If your child struggles with the glue stick, use your hand over theirs to guide them. You can also pre-glue the pieces and just let them place them on the plate.
• For an Extension/Challenge: While playing with the corn kernels, try counting them as your child scoops them. For the craft, let them try to tear the paper for the "hay" instead of using pre-cut strips.
• Make it Messy: As an alternative sensory activity, try painting with a corn cob! Pour some washable paint onto a plate and let your child roll a shucked cob in it and then roll it onto paper to make neat textures.
• Keep it Positive: The goal for a two-year-old is exploration and fun, not a perfect product. Praise their effort and enjoy the process together!