Ring in the New Year Lesson Plan

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Theme: Ring in the New Year

Day: 1

Module Activity
Circle Time What does a New Year mean?
Letters & Numbers Letter S Food Series
Worship Time Shepherds Visit
Art & Science New Year Party Hats

Circle Time

Review – Start your preschool day with Circle Time and sing the “I Can Sit Down” song (Improvise your tune)

                                                I can sit down as quite as can be.
                                                I can sit down just to look at me.
                                                I can sit down as quite as can be.
                                                I can sit down just to look at me.

Then sing the “Hi There” song. (Improvise your tune) 

                                                Hi there, so glad you came.
                                                Hi there, so glad you came.
                                                Hi there, so glad you came.
                                                One two three let’s shout HOORAY.
                                                Hi there, so glad you’re here.
                                                Hi there, so glad you’re here.
                                                Hi there, so glad you’re here.
                                                One two three let’s give a cheer. Yay

Next do your Special Help activity.

Look at the calendar and sing the “Days of the Week” song. (Tune of the “Adams Family”) 

                                                Well there’s Sunday and there’s Monday,
                                                there’s Tuesday and there’s Wednesday,
                                                there’s Thursday and there’s Friday and then there’s Saturday.
                                                Days of the week. (Clap hands 2 times).
                                                Days of the week. (Clap hands 2 times).
                                                Days of the week. Days of the week. Days of the week. (Clap hands 2 times).

This is a great time to review the days of the week, months of the year and the number of the day. Then check the weather and compare it to your weather dial.

Discussion: What does a New Year mean?

Circle: I have a couple of ideas to talk and learn about what the New Year means for children.

1. Show the number 2014 and 2015 just so they can see what it looks like and what a big number it is. Talk with them about what they got to do in 2014 and what would like to do in 2015. Talk about some fun things they got to do or places they went. You can write down what they say. Have each child draw a picture of something special they want to do during the new year.  Have them dictate a story about their picture to you. Assemble the children's pictures and stories into a book and put it in your reading area or a place where you can look at it and talk about it.

2. You could also set up a New Year's party in your dramatic play center or in an area in your house. Introduce the materials to the children and talk about how many people celebrate the new year.  Put the props in your dramatic play center and let the party begin! Add party hats, old fancy dresses, old men's suits, a lot of jewelry, noisemakers, and a clock set at 12:00.

Music & Movement: Hello New Year

Hello New Year (Sung to "Are You Sleeping?")
Hello New Year
Hello New Year
Good bye old
Good bye old
Hello New Year
Hello New Year
We're glad you're here
We're glad you're here