Poems and Games for

Kindergarte n

September
Give Me Five When it's time to begin an activity I sometimes hold up my hand and use Give Me Five to get the attention of my students. Eyes are watching Ears are listening Mouth is quiet Hands are to myself Hearts are caring Hold up 1 finger as you say each rule. You'll soon find your students reciting these with you.

The Clean Up Song This is a great chant to teach at the beginning of the year. I use it when it is time to put away our learning centers or when it is time to stop working on an art project. Clean up, Clean up, Everybody, Everywhere. Clean up, Clean up, Everybody do their share. (Repeat over, and over until the clean up task is complete.) Good Morning Boogie Hello Neighbor, what do you say? (Children bow to each other) It's going to be a happy day. (Children clap hands together) So greet your neighbor, (Children give each other high fives) 3

And boogie on down. (Children wiggle their hips) Give 'em a bump, (Children bump their hips together) and turn around. (Children turn around) ~~Number~~ (I write these poems on large chart paper and use die-cut shapes to illustrate each number.) Number 1 is like a stick A straight line down that's very quick! For number 2 go right around Then make a line across the ground! Go right around What will it be? Go round again to make a 3! Down and over and down some more That's the way to make a 4! Go down and around Then you stop Finish the 5 with a line on top! Make a curve Then a loop There are no tricks to making a 6! Across the sky and down from heaven That's the way 4

to make a 7! Make an "S" And then don't wait Go up again to make an 8! Make a loop And then a line That's the way to make a 9! Make a 1 and then an 0 10 are all your fingers you know! ~~Calendar Song~~ (Sing to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star") When we do the calendar We learn the month the date the year. Every weekday has a name There are lots of numbers that look the same. So let's begin to show you how We do the calendar right now.

~~The Today Song~~ (Great for the Calendar Helper to Lead) (To the tune of "Frere Jacques") Today is _______. Today is _______. All day long, all day long. Yesterday was ______. Tomorrow will be _______. Oh what fun! Oh what fun! 5

The Teddy Bears' Picnic Our thematic unit for the first week in September is Bears. I send a note home the previous Friday explaining our plans for a week long Bear unit, a fun hall display homework activity and asking for treat donations for our culminating activity ~~OUR TEDDY BEAR PICNIC~~. Each student brings a bear from home to visit for the week. Only bears with good manners get to stay for the week. Those with disruptive behavior need to be sent home. Usually the kids (I mean the bears...) handle their visit well and all bears are able to visit the whole week. On Friday we make our own Bear Ears to wear and read The Teddy Bears' Picnic. We sing the song, and then take our bears out to the playground to have our Teddy Bears' Picnic. It is always a favorite activity that the kids remember at the end of the year!

October

Red and Yellow Green and Brown Leaves are Falling To the Ground

I'm Dreaming Of The Great Pumpkin (Sung to: I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas) I'm dreaming of the Great Pumpkin Just like I do this time each year When he brings nice toys to good girls and boys Who wait for him to appear. I'm dreaming of the Great Pumpkin With every pumpkin card I write. May your jack-o-lanterns burn bright When the Great Pumpkin visits you tonight. ~Source unknown~

Pumpkin Puppets~ A great activity to use to teach about feelings and expressions.

Cut out pumpkins from construction paper. Make the mouth and eyes represent moods expressed in the poem. Attach a craft stick to each pumpkin. Hold up one puppet at a time as the rhyme is said. The kids will enjoy imitating the expressions with their voices. Number the back of each puppet in order (or write the name of each expression). Here is a pumpkin who's happy Here is a pumpkin who cries Here is a pumpkin who's sleepy Here is a pumpkin who sighs Here is a pumpkin who's angry Here is a pumpkin who's sad Here is a pumpkin who's noisy Here is a pumpkin who's glad! As an additional activity, the children could make their own pumpkin puppets and draw the facial expressions with crayons or markers.

INTRODUCE SHAPES WITH JACK-0-LANTERNS! I cut two large circles for a BIG pumpkin and glue the sides together so I have pocket inside. Then, I decorate the face with circle eyes, nose, mouth and stem. I do the same with the other shape pumpkins...the square has all square facial features, the triangle has all triangle shaped facial features and the rectangle has all rectangle shaped facial features. Each day we review one of the shapes and sing these songs to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell" Circle: A circle's like a ball, A circle's like a ball, round and round it never stops A circles like a ball. I cut different colored circle shapes and tape them around the room. I choose one child at a time to find a hidden circle. When found the child has to tell us the color of the circle and tell us where the circle was (language skills and positional words) Ex. I have a yellow circle. I found it on the wall under the coat rack, etc.) The child then drops the circle in the pocket of the big circle jack-o-lantern. We do the same for the other shapes on other days. Here are the songs...all sung to "The Farmer in the Dell" 8

Square: A square is like a box A square is like a box It has 4 sides They are the same A square is like a box. Rectangle: A rectangle has four sides A rectangle has four sides 2 sides long and two sides short A rectangle has 4 sides. Triangle: A triangle has 3 sides A triangle has 3 sides Up the mountain Down and back A triangle has 3 sides When all shapes have been reviewed, I lay several of the different shapes on the floor and hide a construction paper pumpkin under one of the shapes. Students take turns throwing a bean bag on a shape they recognize. If they name the shape and color correctly they get to pick up the shape and see if they find the hidden pumpkin. The student that finds the hidden pumpkin gets to hide it for

~~Pumpkin Math~~ I usually ask parents for any pumpkin donations they'd like to provide for our pumpkin unit. We 9

do the following activities with our pumpkins: ~~Sort the pumpkins by size, shape, stem or no stem ~Pattern the pumpkins by size, shape, stem or no stem ~Scoop the seeds out of 5 pumpkins (one pumpkin is placed on each of my 5 tables) and the children sort them into groups of 10. (I have them put the groups of ten in tiny cups.) I set the timer for about 5-7 minutes and then we stop. We put the cups on a tray and then count the cups by tens. ~Estimate and then measure the circumference of our largest and smallest pumpkin with yarn. ~Estimate and then weigh our 3 largest pumpkins on a bathroom scale and record the results with drawings and numbers in our math journals.

INTRODUCE SHAPES WITH JACK-0-LANTERNS! I cut two large circles for a BIG pumpkin and glue the sides together so I have pocket inside. Then, I decorate the face with circle eyes, nose, mouth and stem. I do the same with the other shape pumpkins...the square has all square facial features, the triangle has all triangle shaped facial features and the rectangle has all rectangle shaped facial features. Each day we review one of the shapes and sing these songs to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell" Circle: A circle's like a ball, A circle's like a ball, round and round it never stops A circles like a ball. I cut different colored circle shapes and tape them around the room. I choose one child at a time to find a hidden circle. When found the child has to tell us the color of the circle and tell us where the circle was (language skills and positional words) Ex. I have a yellow circle. I found it on the wall under the coat rack, etc.) The child then drops the circle in the pocket of the big circle jack-o-lantern.

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We do the same for the other shapes on other days. Here are the songs...all sung to "The Farmer in the Dell" Square: A square is like a box A square is like a box It has 4 sides They are the same A square is like a box. Rectangle: A rectangle has four sides A rectangle has four sides 2 sides long and two sides short A rectangle has 4 sides. Triangle: Up the mountain Down and back A triangle has 3 sides When all shapes A triangle has 3 sides A triangle has 3 sides have been reviewed, I lay several of the different shapes on the floor and hide a construction paper pumpkin under one of the shapes. Students take turns throwing a bean bag on a shape they recognize. If they name the shape and color correctly they get to pick up the shape and see if they find the hidden pumpkin. The student that finds the hidden pumpkin gets to hide it for the next game!

~~Pumpkin Math~~ (The size: big, small) I usually ask parents for any pumpkin donations they'd like to provide for our pumpkin unit. We do the following activities with our pumpkins: ~~Sort the pumpkins by size, shape, stem or no stem ~Pattern the pumpkins by size, shape, stem or no stem ~Scoop the seeds out of 5 pumpkins

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(one pumpkin is placed on each of my 5 tables) and the children sort them into groups of 10. (I have them put the groups of ten in tiny cups.) I set the timer for about 5-7 minutes and then we stop. We put the cups on a tray and then count the cups by tens. ~Estimate and then measure the circumference of our largest and smallest pumpkin with yarn. ~Estimate and then weigh our 3 largest pumpkins on a bathroom scale and record the results with drawings and numbers in our math journals.

~~Pumpkin Science~~ (a good idea) Scoop out the seeds from your pumpkin and place a lit candle in the pumpkin. Have the students hypothesize by drawing a picture of what they think will happen. (You could also graph their predictions.) The candle will go out almost immediately when the oxygen inside the mouth is used up. Next, carve out the mouth and have the students predict what will happen, and see if the candle stays lit. Last, carve the eyes and nose and watch your jack-o-lantern glow brightly!

Scarecrow I'm a scary scarecrow made of straw, (stand tall, and stretch out arms) Listening for the crows to caw. (cup hands to ears) I watch the field all day and all night,too. (hand to brow, searching motion) If a crow comes by, I just say "Boo!" (hands on your hips and shout Boo)

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I LIKE HALLOWEEN A pumpkin round and very fat (hands clasped, arms forming a circle) A scary witch with a pointy hat, (hands making hat above head) The shiny eyes of a big black cat, (point to eyes and look around) That Makes Halloween! A ghost that's hiding the the hall, (make swooping "ghost" gestures with arms) A skeleton wobbling on the wall, (make body wobble back and forth) The spooky sound of an owl's call, (hand cupped behind ear, listening)

That Makes Halloween! A walk in the dark in the shivery night, (shiver) Door bells ringing with all their might, (imitate ringing door bell) Candy, cookies, and apples to bite, (rub stomach) I Like Halloween!! (clap hands)

Jack-O-Lantern (Tune: I'm a Little Teapot) I am a pumpkin, big and round. (Use arms to show size of pumpkin.) Once upon a time I grew on the ground. (Point to ground) Now I have mouth, two eyes, a nose. 13

(Point to each facial feature) What are they for, do you suppose? (finger to forehead--thinking) When I have a candle inside shining bright (hold up one finger) I'll be a jack-o-lantern on Halloween night. (Thumbs under arms--bragging gesture)

Halloween Is Coming Halloween is coming, What will you be? I might be a pirate On the deep blue sea. Halloween is coming, What will you do? I might go trick or treating, How about you? Halloween is coming, Who will you meet? I might meet a princess Skipping down the street. Halloween is coming, What will you wear? I might wear a blanket And be a brown bear. Halloween is coming, What will you see? I might see a jack-o-lantern Winking at me. Halloween is coming, What will you be? It's a SECRET, So wait and see!

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November
Color Chant Dr. Jean Feldman

This activity (excerpt) is taken from: Transition Tips and Tricks for Teachers by Jean Feldman, Ph.D. This chant is an effective way to engage children in a group activity, while reinforcing color recognition and listining skills. No materials are needed! How? Tell the children to look at their clothes and think about what colors they are wearing. Explain that they will have to listen very carefully and do what you say in the Color Chant. If you're wearing RED Put your hands on your head. If you're wearing BLACK, Then touch your back. If you're wearing BROWN, Touch the ground. If you're wearing GREEN, Wash your hands real clean. If you're wearing BLUE, Put your hands on your shoe. If you're wearing PINK, Then think and think.

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If you're wearing GRAY, Have a nice day. If ORANGE is what you wear, Then touch your hair. If you're wearing WHITE, Squeeze your hands real tight. If you're wearing PURPLE, Say, "Murple gurple." If you're wearing YELLOW, Wave to your fellow. You're all looking mighty fine, And that's the end of the color rhyme! 1-2-3 Do You Like Me? Kathy Bell 1-2-3 Do you like me? 4-5-6 Please answer quick. 7-8-9 Cause you suit me fine. That leaves 10. Can we be friends? (Repeat verse.) 10-9-8 I think youre great. 7-6-5 Cause youre so alive. 4-3-2 I like you too. That leaves 1. Lets have some fun! (Repeat verse.) (Repeat first verse.)

Good morning song

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Hi~My three and four year old preschool class sing this song every morning. Good morning everybody how are youIm Fine Good morning everybody how are youIm fine Good morning everybody good morning everybody good morning everybody how you are you good Im fine (The you go through the class) Good morning Cody how are you? (The child says) Im fine Good morning Sam how are you?Im fine Good morning Kate how are you?Im fine Good morning everybody good morning everybody good morning everybody how are youIm fine (as you sing the song you clap with every word) I hope this helps. My kids love this song and really get into it. The words are easy so they learn it fast.

Knock Knock Hello song(youtube) Hello! (Hello!) [Wave with your right hand.] Hello! (Hello!) [Wave with your left hand.] Come in. [Motion to come inside.] Lets sing. [Pretend you are singing into a microphone. ] Lets play. [Run in place.] Hello! (Hello!) [Wave with your right hand.] Hello! (Hello!) [Wave with your left hand.] Knock, knock, knock. [Pretend to knock on a door.] Come on in! [Motion for someone to come inside.] Lets sing. [Pretend you are singing into a microphone.] And play. [Run in place.] And learn together. [Tap your finger on your temple.] Knock, knock! [Thrust your fist in the air.]

One Elephant One elephant went out to play, Upon a spider's web one day. He had such enormous fun,

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That he called for another elephant to come! Two elephants went out to play... PUSSY CAT Pussy cat, pussy cat, Where have you been? Ive been to London To visit the Queen. Pussy cat, pussy cat What did you see? I saw a monkey Up in a tree. Pussy cat, pussy cat What did you do? I bought a ticket And went in the zoo! Adapted Traditional

NINE LITTLE FISH Tune: Ten Little Indians One little, two little, three little fish, Four little, five little, six little fish, Seven little, eight little, nine little fish Swimming in the sea. Adapted Traditional

Little Silver Airplane (to the tune of Baa Baa Black Sheep) Little silver airplane Up in the sky, Where are you going

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Flying so high? Over the mountains Over the sea Little silver airplane Please take me.

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Traditional Children's Song Adapted by Jack Hartmann Teddy bear, teddy bear - turn around, Teddy bear, teddy bear - touch the ground Teddy bear, teddy bear - shake your hips, Teddy bear, teddy bear - blow a kiss Teddy bear, teddy bear - jump up high, Teddy bear, teddy bear - see me smile Teddy bear, teddy bear - give a hug, Teddy bear, teddy bear - lots of love Oh la, la, la, la, la love my teddy bear Hey, Diddle Diddle Children's Nursery Rhyme Song Lyrics and Sound Clip Performed by Marla Lewis Hey diddle diddle, The cat and the fiddle, The cow jumped over the moon, The little dog laughed to see such sport, And the dish ran away with the spoon.

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Decembre
Where is Santa? (Sung to the tune: Are you sleeping?) Where is Santa? Where is Santa? (hands behind back) Here I am! Here I am! (arms out in front making a belly shape!) Merry, Merry Christmas! Merry, Merry, Christmas! (keep arms up through the rest of the song!) Ho! Ho! Ho!, Ho! Ho! Ho! Snowflakes (to the tune of "twinkle, twinkle little star") Snowflakes, snowflakes falling down, On the trees and on the ground. I will build a man of snow, Tall black hat and eyes of coal, If the sun comes out today, I will watch you melt away! Five Little Christmas Trees Five little Christmas trees (Hold up five fingers.) Stood all alone. (Stand up straight, arms at sides.) Their hearts were very sad, (Point to heart; make sad face.) For they hadn't found a home. (Shake head no, while looking sad.) Chop! went the ax. (Pretend to swing ax.) Down fell one tree. ("Fall" to the ground.) And off it went with a happy family. (March in place, smiling.) Four little Christmas trees Stood all alone.... One little Christmas tree Stood all alone. Its heart was very sad, For it hadn't found a home. Chop! went the ax. Down fell the tree. 20

And off it went with a happy family. We Wish You a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

~Little Star~ Little Star, shining bright How many days 'til Christmas night? Jesus' birthday will soon be here, Thank you, God, for your S on so dear.

Five Little Bells Five little bells hanging in a row. The first one said, "Ring me slow." The second one said, "Ring me fast." The third one said, "Ring me last." The fourth one said, "I'm a chime." The fifth one said, "Ring me at Christmas time." The sixth one said, "Ring me with the others." The seventh one said, "Ring me for the mothers." The eighth one said, "Ring me with a song."

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The ninth one said, "Ring me all day long."

5 Little Christmas Trees 5 little Christmas Trees Standing all alone Their heart were very sad 'Cause they hadn't found a home. Then chop went the ax And down fell the tree And off they went with a happy family! (continue from 4 to 1 Christmas Trees) No little Christmas Trees Standing all alone Their hearts were very happy 'Cause they all found a home!!!

Santa Claus Sung to: "Are You Sleeping?" Santa Claus, Santa Claus, Ho, ho, ho. Ho, ho, ho. Where is Santa? Where is Santa? I don't know. Do you know?

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Santa's Workshop Here is a great big Christmas tree Trimmed with lights and balls. (Put tips of fingers of both hands together, palms apart) Here are Santa's little elves. They run when Santa calls. (Hold up ten fingers and wiggle them) This is Santa's workshop, Filled with gifts and toys (Use both hands to form a house) The elves and helpers fill the sleigh, For all good girls and boys.

Here Is The Chimney Here is the chimney (Make fist, enclose thumb) Here is the top. (Palm of hand on top of fist) Open the lid. (Remove hand quickly) And out Santa will pop. (Pop up thumb) Here's a Little Candle Sung to: "I'm a Little Teapot" Here's a little candle dressed in white, Wearing a hat of yellow light. When the night is dark, then you will see Just how bright this light can be. Here's a little candle straight and tall, Shining it's light upon us all. When the night is dark, then you will see Just how bright this light can be. Here's a little candle burning bright. Keeping us safe all through the night. When the night is dark, then you will see Just how bright this light can be!

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Ten Bells Sung to: "Ten Little Indians" One bell, two bells, three Christmas bells. Four bells, five bells, six Christmas bells. Seven bells, eight bells, nine Christmas bells. Ten Christmas bells to ring.

Five Little Candles Five little candles twinkling on the tree. The first one said, "What do you see?" The second one said, "I see Santa big and jolly." The third one said, "I see Christmas wreathes or holly." The fourth one said, "What do you hear?" The fifth one said, "Children singing loud and clear," A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

Santa Claus Sung to: "London Bridge" See him walking all around, All around, all around. See him walking all around, Jolly Santa Claus Hear the ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, Hear the ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, Jolly Santa Claus.

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I'm A Little Pine Tree Sung to: "I'm A Little Teapot" I'm a little pine tree- as you can see, All the other pine trees are bigger than me. Maybe when I grow up-then I'll be A great big merry Christmas tree!

Reindeer Pokey Sung to: "The Hokey Pokey" You put your antlers in. You put your antlers out. You put you antlers in and you shake them all about. You do the Reindeer Pokey and you turn yourself around. That's what it's all about! You put your hooves in.... You put your red nose in.... You put your fluffy tail in... You put your reindeer body in...

Where Is Santa Sung to: "Where is Thumbkin" Where is Santa? Where is Santa? Here I am! Here I am! Merry, merry Christmas Merry, merry Christmas Ho Ho Ho! Ho Ho Ho! Christmas Bells Sung to: "The Muffin Man" Oh, do you hear the Christmas bells, The Christmas bells, the Christmas bells? Oh, do you hear the Christmas bells That ring out loud & clear? Oh, can you see our Christmas tree, Our Christmas tree, our Christmas tree? Oh, can you see our Christmas tree?

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It fills the room with cheer. Oh, do you smell the gingerbread, The gingerbread, the gingerbread? Oh, do you smell the gingerbread? I'm glad Christmas is here.

Let's All Sung to: "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" Let's all do a little clapping, Let's all do a little clapping, Let's all do a little clapping, & spread Christmas cheer. You can change the clapping to other activities. 2.Jumping 3.Twirling 4.Stretching 5.Bending Ask the kids for other ideas.

Call Rudolph Eight little reindeer pulling Santa's sled One fell down and bumped his head. The elves called Santa and Santa said, "Can seven little reindeer pull my sled?" Seven little reindeer... Six little reindeer... Five little reindeer... Four little reindeer... Three little reindeer... Two little reindeer... One little reindeer pulling Santa's sled; He fell down and bumped his head. The elves called Santa and Santa said, "Call Rudolph!"

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Christmas Presents See all the presents by the Christmas tree. (Hands in sweeping motion.) Some for you (Point to children.) And some for me. (Point to self.) Long ones, (Hands spread wide apart.) Tall ones, (Measure from the floor.) Short ones, too. (Hands close together.) And here is a round one (Make circle with arms.) Wrapped in blue. Isn't it fun to look and see All the presents by the Christmas tree? (Nod.)

Christmas time is here Sung to: "Farmer in the Dell" Christmas time is near. Christmas time is near. Merry Christmas everyone. Christmas time is near. its time to trim the tree. Its time to trim the tree. Merry Christmas everyone. Its time to trim the tree. Its time to wrap the gifts. Its time to wrap the gifts. Merry Christmas Everyone. Its time to wrap the gifts. Its time to hang the stocking. Its time to hang the stocking. Merry Christmas everyone. Its time to hang the stocking. Santa will soon be here. Santa will soon be here. Merry Christmas everyone. Santa will soon be here. Santa's Coming Sung to: "Frere Jacques" Santas Coming, Santas Coming, Sleigh bells ring, 27

Sleigh bells ring, It is Christmas eve, It is Christmas eve, Ding Ding, Dong, Ding, Ding, Dong.

S-A-N-T-A Sung to: "BINGO" I know a man with a long white bears And Santa is his name-o S-A-N-T-A S-A-N-T-A S-A-N-T-A And Santa is his name-o He slides down the chimney with a pack on his back And Santa is his name-o S-A-N-T-A S-A-N-T-A S-A-N-T-A And Santa is his name-o Eight little reindeer pull his sleigh And Santa is his name-o S-A-N-T-A S-A-N-T-A S-A-N-T-A And Santa is his name-o

Ring the Bells Sung to: "Row, row, row your boat" Ring, ring, ring the bells, Ring them loud and clear To say to people everywhere That Christmas time is here.

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Old St. Nicholas Sung to: "Old McDonald Had a Farm" Old St. Nicholas had a tree (form tree with arms) Ho, ho ho ho ho! And on that tree he had some horns (blow horns) Ho ho ho ho ho With a toot toot here and a toot toot there Here a toot There a toot Every where a toot toot continue.... lights-------flash flash candy canes-------yum-yum drums-------boom-boom bells---------ring ring birds------peep peep stars------twinkle twinkle snowflakes-------flutter flutter We'll Decorate The Tree Sung to: "The Farmer in the Dell" We'll decorate the tree, We'll decorate the tree. Heigh-ho, it's Christmas time, We'll decorate the tree. The presents we will wrap, The presents we will wrap. Heigh-ho, it's Christmas time, The presents we will wrap. Carols we will sing, Carols we will sing. Heigh-ho, it's Christmas time, Carols we will sing.

Christmas Colors Sung to: "Three Blind Mice" Red, green, white; red, green, white, Christmas colors, Christmas colors. 29

Red is the color on holly wreaths, Green is the color of Christmas trees, White is the color from stars so bright. Red, green, white; red, green, white.

There's A Little Elf Sung to: "If You're Happy & You Know It" There's a little elf that's sitting on my nose, There's a little elf that's sitting on my nose. He is sitting on my nose, Then off away he goes. Now there's no little elf on my nose. There's a little elf that's sitting on my knee, There's a little elf that's sitting on my knee. He is sitting on my knee, Just watch and he will flee. Now there's no little elf on my knee. There's a little elf that's sitting on my head, There's a little elf that's sitting on my head. He is sitting on my head, Then away he goes to bed. Now there's no little elf on my head.

Sing a Song of Christmas Sung to: "Sing a Song of Sixpence" Sing a song of winter, Frost is in the air. Sing a song of winter, Snowflakes everywhere. Sing a song of winter, Hear the sleigh bells chime. Can you think of anything, As nice as Christmas time?

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Ring the Bells Sung to: "London Bridges" Ring the bells it's Christmas time, Christmas time, Christmas time. Ring the bells it's Christmas time, Merry Christmas time! Addition Verse *Play the drums it's Christmas time *Tap the sticks it's Christmas time *Clap your hands it's Christmas time Here's Our Little Pine Tree Sung to: "I'm a Little Teapot" Here's our little pine tree, Tall and straight. Let's find the things So we can decorate. First we want to put A star on top! Then we must be careful The balls don't drop. Hang on all the tinsel Shiny and bright Put on the canes And hook them just right. Finally put some presents For you and for me. And we'll be ready With our Christmas tree.

Santa Sung to: "She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain" He'll be driving eight brown reindeer when he comes, He'll be driving eight brown reindeer when he comes. He'll be driving eight brown reindeer, He'll be driving eight brown reindeer, He'll be driving eight brown reindeer when he comes. 31

He'll be piled up with toys when he comes, He'll be piled up with toys when he comes, He'll be piled up with toys, For all the girls and boys. He'll be piled up with toys when he comes. He'll be dressed all in red when he comes, He'll be dressed all in red when he comes. He'll be dressed all in red, From his toes up to his head, He'll be dressed all in red when he comes!

Advent Song Sung to: "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" Advent is a time to wait Not quite time to celebrate Light the candles one by one Till the advent time is done Christmas day will soon be here Time for joy and time for cheer. Santa lives up North Sung to: "Farmer in the Dell" Santa lives up North Santa lives up North Ho, Ho, did you know? Santa lives up North Santa picks his elf Santa picks his elf Ho ho did you... They went on to pick presents a tree and a star at the end , we finished with the star sits on top the star sits on top

Christmas Sung to: "Jingle Bells" C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S is here That's how we spell Christmas It's the best time of the year! C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S is here 32

Oh what fun we'll have today With all our friends so near!

Rudolph Rudolph, the red nosed...... (hands up like antlers) Had a very shiny....(point to nose) And if you ever saw it...(wooo, wooo!) You would even say it....(hands out around face "glowing") All of the other...(hands up like antlers) Used to laugh and call him...(make "raspberries" with mouth) They never let poor Rudolph...(boo, hoo...use hands to wipe tears while saying it) Join in any reindeer games...(slap legs, clap, hands out, clap) Then one foggy Christmas eve, Santa came to say: (we use deep voices now) Rudolph with your nose so bright, Won't you guide my sleigh tonight? Then all the ...(hands up for antlers) loved him As they shouted out with...(rah-rah, ziss-boom-bah!) Rudolph the red nosed (hands up for antlers) You'll go down in history!

Ring Those Bells Sung to: "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain" (Loudly) We will ring those Christmas bells so loud and clear. We will ring those Christmas bells so loud and clear. We will hear the dingle, dingle When they jingle, jingle, jingle. Yes, we'll ring those Christmas bells so loud and clear. (Softly) We will ring those Christmas bells so quietly. We will ring those Christmas bells so quietly. We will hear the dingle, dingle 33

When they jingle, jingle, jingle. Yes, we'll ring those Christmas bells so quietly. (loud and deliberate) We will ring those Christmas bells so fast and loud. We will ring those Christmas bells so fast and loud. We will hear the dingle, dingle When they jingle, jingle, jingle. Yes, we'll ring those Christmas bells so fast and loud.

5 Little Stockings 5 Little stocking hanging by the fire the first one said "I'm getting tired" the second one said "But Santa's in the air" The third one said "Yeah and we care" The Fourth one said "oh FUN FUN FUN" The Fifth one said "Christmas time is fun" Ding went the clock and out went the fire And 5 little stockings were filled by Santa that night

Gingerbread Man Stir a bowl of gingerbread (stir as in bowl) Smooth and spicy brown Roll it with a rolling pin up and up and down (Pretend to roll) With a cookie cutter, ( pretend to cut out) make some little men. Put them in the oven ( place in oven) till half past ten!

The Lights on the Tree Sung to: "The Wheels on the Bus" The lights on the tree go blink, blink, blink, Blink, blink, blink, blink, blink, blink.

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The lights on the tree go blink, blink, blink All Christmas Day. Other Verses: The presents at the house go rattle, rattle, rattle, etc. The mom at the house goes bake, bake, bake, etc. The dad at the house goes snore, snore, snore, etc. The grandma at the house goes hug, hug, hug, etc. The grandpa at the house goes kiss, kiss, kiss, etc.

I'm a Little Santa Sung to: "I'm a Little Teapot" I'm a little Santa short and fat, Here is my beard and here is my sack, On Christmas Eve I hop in my sleigh, With a "Ho ho ho" I'm on my way.

Gingerbread Boy / Girl I'm a little gingerbread boy. (Boys bow.) I'm a little gingerbread girl. (Girls bow.) I can jump, (All jump.) And I can twirl. (All turn around.) I have raisins (Point to eyes.) For my eyes, And bright red buttons (Point to buttons down chest.) Just this size. I have a mouth, It looks like this. (Point to smiling mouth.) I can even Blow a kiss. (Blow a kiss.) I'm warm and tasty, But don't eat me. (Shake head.) Hang me on Your Christmas tree! (Put hands over head.)

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A Shy Santa Isn't it the strangest thing, That Santa is so shy? (hide face with hands) We can never, never catch him, (make fingers run) No matter how we try. It isn't any use to watch, (hold hand to eyes and look) Because my parents said, "Santa Claus will only come When children are in bed!" (shake finger)

Christmas Fingerplay I am a Christmas tree growing up tall, (stretch) But when I first started, I was this small. (crouch) Then I grew bigger and had branches this wide, (stand slowly, arms out) And I made pine cones with seeds hiding inside. (hands for pine cone) The wind shakes my branches, (shake arms) And down those seeds fall, (flutter fingers downward) To make new little pine trees for tinsel and balls. (point hands together for tree, opening slowly to form ball shape)

Two Little Candy Canes Way up high on the Christmas tree Two little candy canes winked at me So I shook that tree as hard as I could And down came the candy canes Hmm, Hmm, Good!!

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Santa's Coming Sung To: "Are You Sleeping" Santa's coming Santa's coming Yes he is yes he is Hear his bells a ringing hear his bells a ringing Ding ding dong ding ding dong Santa's coming Santa's coming Hear him laughing Hear him laughing Ho ho ho ho ho ho

Sung to: "Mary Had a Little Lamb" Guess whose beard is long and white? Long and white? Long and white? Guess whose beard is long and white? It's Dear old Santa. Guess whose suit is red and white? Red and white? Red and white? Guess whose Suit is red and white? it's Dear old San-ta! Guess who comes on Christmas Eve? Christmas Eve? Christmas Eve? Guess who comes on Christmas Eve? It's Dear old San-ta!

Twinkle Christmas Star Sung to: "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star How I wonder what you are. Shining high up in the sky Show the Shepherds where Christ lies. Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star. How I wonder what you are.

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Hear his bells Sung to: "Are You Sleeping?" Are you sleeping? No more peeking, Or I'll tell, or I'll tell. Santa Claus is coming. Santa Claus is cowing. Hear his bells. Hear his bells. Toys on the Christmas Tree Sung to: "This Old Man This little drum--on the tree Santa put it there for me With a boom-boom, rat-a-tat Rummy-tummy-tum Christmas Day is so much fun! This little train--on the tree Santa put it there for me With a chug-chug, choo-choo Rummy-tummy-tum Christmas Day is so much fun! This little doll--on the tree Santa put it there for me With a Ma-ma, Ma-ma Rummy-tummy-tum Christmas Day is so much fun!

January
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

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Ten Little Snowmen 1 Little, 2 Little, 3 Little Snowmen 4 Little, 5 Little 6 Little Snowmen 7 Little, 8 Little 9 Little Snowmen 10 Little Snowmen... BRRRRR They're Cold! Snow Songs to the tune of I'm a Little Teapot (Authors unknown) I'm a little snowflake You can see... No other snowflake Looks like me! Please pick me up After I fall, And roll me with my friends To make a snowball. I'm a little snowman Short and Fat Here is my nose and Here is my hat. When the sun shines I cannot play I just slowly melt away!

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Snowflakes from Filters For each flake do the following: Flatten a coffee filter Fold the filter in half Fold the half into thirds Using scissors, snip the the sides,top and bottom of the folded filter Dip parts of the folded filter into blue food coloring. Squeeze softly to remove excess water Unfold and allow to dry For shimmering flakes, brush with diluted glue and sprinkle on a bit of clear glitter. Hang individually from the ceiling or mount them together on a bulletin board for a beautiful January display! Let It Snow!********

February

Three Valentines (to the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb") Three valentines I have for you, Have for you, have for you, Three valentines I have for you, Pink and red and blue. Ill put them in the mail for you, Mail for you, mail for you, Ill put them in the mail for you,

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Pink and red and blue.

Love is a Circle Love is a circle, Round and round, Love goes up, And love comes down, Love is on the inside, Trying to get out, Love is whirling and twirling about!

I'm A Valentine for You Sung to She'll be Coming 'Round the Mountain I'm a teeny tiny valentine for you, (use a tiny, squeaky voice) I'm a teeny tiny valentine for you, I'm a teeny tiny valentine, I'm always your, will you be mine? I'm a teeny tiny valentine for you. I'm a medium sized valentine for you, (use medium voice) I'm a medium sized valentine for you, I'm a medium sized valentine, I'm not too big and that's just fine. I'm a medium sized valentine for you. I'm a great big valentine for you. (use loud voice) I'm a great big valentine for you. I'm a great big valentine, And I will love you all the time. I'm a great big valentine for you.

My Valentine Sung to Clementine

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Blow a kiss, Blow a kiss, Blow a kiss, my Valentine. Blow a kiss, Blow a kiss, Blow a kiss, My Valentine. (Blow a big kiss) Other verses Send a hug (hug self) Dream of me (Lay head on hand as if sleeping) Be my Friend (hold hand with another)

A Hug From You Sung to Mary had a little lamb It's nice to get to a hug from you, Hug from you, Hug from you. It's nice to get a hug from you, So, let's give one right now. (Hug a friend On Valentines Day Sung to Bingo On Valentines Day, a special day, I give each friend a heart. h-e-a-r-t, h-e-a-r-t, h-e-a-r-t I give each friend a heart Please Be My Valentine Sung to Farmer in the Dell Please be my valentine, please be my valentine. I'll be yours of you'll be mine. please be my valentine "Bee" My Valentine Won't you "bee" my valentine (point to friend) And buzz away with me? (pretend to fly) We'll bumble along together Because you're my Honey Bee. (throw kiss) Bzzzzzzzzzz!

A Red Heart Sung to Mary had a Little Lamb I have a red heart, a red heart, a red heart.

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I have a red heart. That I will give to you

Love your Friends Sung to Row, Row, Row, your boat Love, Love, Love your Friends, Love them all year long. Especially on Valentine's Day, As we sing this song!

Valentine's Day Card Prepare a big red heart with a smaller heart in the middle of it with "I Love You" written on the smaller heart. Have children sit in a chair and hold the heart in front of them. Take an individual close-up picture of each child. Then have the children make the following card. Materials: Red construction paper White construction paper or white doily Glue Poem (from below) Directions: Fold red construction paper in half. Cut out a white heart or use a white doily and glue on the front of the card. Then glue the following poem on the front of the card. Someone loves you Do you know who? Take a look inside and see The one who loves you is me! Inside the card glue the picture of the child that you took with the heart.

Torn Hearts- Game Give each pair of players one sheet of red construction paper and tell them to keep one hand behind their backs throughout the game. At the signal, they must tear a heart shape from the paper. Of course, the catch is that they can only use one hand each, so they have to work together. One must use the right hand and the other the left. Give little prizes for the smallest, largest best-looking most unusual hearts.(or any other type of heart you can think of)

Just a minute- Game

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Give each child a sheet of blank paper and a red crayon. At a signal, everyone must outline hearts on their paper for one minute. When the time is up, the one with the most hearts drawn is the winner.

Math Matching Game Use an old valentine candy box to create a counting/number matching game in the math center. In each compartment of the box glue a number. Then have laminated heart shapes with corresponding number or dots to place in the matching compartment.

Love Bug Game Verse by Dick Wilmes Love bug, love bug Who do you see? I'll give you a big hug If you're pointing at me! Form a circle with one child in the middle. That child covers his eyes and points while slowly twirling around. Others say the rhyme. The child uncovers his eyes and hugs the person he's pointing at.

Little Love Bug Sung to The Muffin Man Do you know the little love bug, the little love bug, the little love bug. Do you know the little love bug who comes on valentines day? He comes to give a hug and kiss, a hug and kiss, a hug and kiss. He comes to give a hug and kiss To ( child's name) on Valentines day.

LOVE Shel Silverstein Ricky was "L" but he's home with the flu, Lizzie, our "O", had something to do, Mitchell, "E" prob'ly got lost on the way, 44

So I'm all of the LOVE that could make it today.

Look Who's Coming Sung to This Old Man Look who's coming Down the walk Mr. Mailman won't you stop With a knock, knock, knock Anyone at home? A valentine for you has come

Be My Valentine Sung to London Bridge Will you be my valentine Valentine, valentine Will you be my valentine Be a friend of mine

Show Your Love Sung to London Bridge If you want to show your love Show your love for your friends If you want to show your love Share a smile Valentines Are Made To Share Sung to Mary Had A Little Lamb Valentines are made to share Made to share, made to share Valentines are made to share With my friends at school I made you a valentine Valentine, valentine I made you a valentine

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That says, "I love you."

Mail myself Do you love me, or do you not You told me once but I forgot I hope, I hope, I hope you do Because of how much I love you

Valentine Song Sung to Oh Christmas Tree Oh valentine, oh valentine I think you'll like my valentine It's big and pink and lacey too Three special words say I love you Oh valentine, oh valentine I think you'll like my valentine

My Valentine Sung to My Darling Clementine Blow a kiss, blow a kiss Blow a kiss my valentine Blow a kiss, blow a kiss Blow a kiss my valentine (blow a big kiss) Send a hug, send a hug Send a hug my valentine Send a hug, send a hug Send a hug, my valentine (hug self) Dream of me, dream of me Dream of me my valentine Dream of me, dream of me Dream of me my valentine (lay head on hand as if sleeping) Be my friend, be my friend Be my friend my valentine Be my friend, be my friend

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Be my friend my valentine (hold hands with one another)

A Hug From You Sung to Mary Had A Little Lamb It's nice to get a hug from you Hug from you, hug from you It's nice to get a hug from you So let's give one right now (hug a friend)

If You Love Me And You Know It Sung to If You're Happy And You Know It If you love me and you know it, clap your hands If you love me and you know it, clap your hands If you love me and you know it Then your face will surely show it If you love me and you know it, clap your hands Other Verses: Say "I Love You" Blow me a kiss Give me a hug

Love Your Friends Sung to Row, Row, Row Your Boat Love, love, love your friends Love them all year long Especially on Valentine's Day As we sing this song

On Valentine's Day Sung to Did You Ever See A Lassie? Everybody be a friend Be a friend, be a friend Everybody be a friend 47

On Valentine's Day

The Postman Brings A Valentine Sung to Mulberry Bush The postman brings a valentine A valentine, a valentine The postman brings a valentine It says that I love you

A Red Heart Sung to Mary Had A Little Lamb I have a red heart A red heart, a red heart I have a red heart That I will give to you

Love, Love, Love Sung to Three Blind Mice Love, love, love Love, love, love See how it grows See how it grows I love my friends and they love me We love others and then, you see There's more than enough for a big family Love, love, love Love, love, love

Be My Valentine Sung to Mary Had A Little Lamb You're a special friend of mine Friend of mine, friend of mine You're a special friend of mine 48

Be my valentine

March

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