Inside the "Growing Gardens" Box

This past month the kids enjoyed learning about the ocean through Mother Goose Time's "Ocean Commotion" unit. We started our "work box" method of learning this month and it went really well. The kids enjoyed choosing their work and I was able to guide them through each activity. I think we will continue with this for a little while.

Mother Goose Time's May curriculum is called "Growing Gardens". I think the kids will really enjoy this unit. I think I may really enjoy this unit. I love to garden and love to have little helpers any time I can.

One of my favorite parts of Mother Goose Time's curriculum is the new book you receive with the curriculum every month. This month's book is titled Lettuce Turnip the Beet.

Library-Style Story Time Book, Every Month

We are introduced to this exciting book on day four when we are learning about the roots. Before reading the book you will discuss what each child's favorite fruit or vegetable is. Children will then have a chance to explore fruits and vegetables.

 On day two students are introduced to seeds. They will use the Participation Story: Jack and the Beanstalk to let their imagination run wild about seeds.

On day 15 students will act out the Little Theater Script: Toad Visits the Garden.

 33 Skills Built. Every Month

Children will practice their number, pattern, and shape identification skills this month with Mother Goose Time's "Growing Gardens". On day six children will measure items in nature with a provided ruler. They will then record their finding on their investigation sheet.

13+ Art Projects, Every Month

 There are so many exciting art projects this month. Children will start the month by making flower headband when learning about flowers. They will also have an opportunity to make their own pet toad. When learning about vegetables that come out of a garden they will sew together their own carrot.

125 Active Discovery Tools, Every Month

On day one children will be able to write in a pan of soil. They then will have a chance to write their name on their own name tag. They will also have the chance to plant their own grass seed to observe over the next month. 

20 Brand New Sing-Along Songs, Every Month

Hear a sample of this month's CD here!

If your child enjoys Mother Goose Time's music CDs provided every month check out Mother Goose Time's Dance n' Beats curriculum. A new series is available every month that goes along with the monthly theme.

Parents Want the Best, Every Month

 Caregivers are provided with a monthly Family Newsletter they can give to parents each month. This month's newsletter introduces parents to this month's book Lettuce Turnip the Beet and gives a suggested book list. Lastly, it suggests at home activities parents can do with their children outside of preschool. More Family Connect Tools can be found here.

Child-led Exploration, Every Month

 At the bottom of many of the activities there are suggestions on how to simplify or make an activity more challenging. I feel I mostly need to simplify the activities for my 2 year old. I find that Mother Goose Time's Little Goose curriculum is very helpful for finding things I can do with just her while my three year old does the other activities in the curriculum. If you are finding your child needs more of a challenge please check out Mother Goose Time's More Math and Literacy.

Discover Games, Every Month

Children will practice their matching skills with Under the Dirt Matching. They will also create their own math game with Feed the Crow make and take math.

New My Little Journal, Every Month

 Children will learn and practice writing the letters f, y, and r this month in their My Little Journal. For more writing practice please check out Mother Goose Time's More Literacy resource.

New I Can Read, Every Month

 This month children will practice the sight words little, like, and said. They will see these words often in their I Can Read! book. I keep our letter and sight word flowers close during circle time and we look at them each time we do circle time. Many of the resources I use for our circle time are from Mother Goose Time's Welcome Kit. The kids especially love our Circle Time CD. When it starts to play they know it is time to start the day!

New Letters, Numbers, and Shapes, Every Month! 

This month students will explore the letters F, R, and X , numbers 9 and 10, the color pink, and the shape diamond. Students will visit the letter sets over and over again throughout the month. They are a great long time addition to your learning space also. 

New Friendship Feathers, Every Month

 This month children will focus on being honest. Children will add the honest friendship feather to the others on their bird house. They will also have their very own I am honest bracelet.

Monthly Skills Chart, Every Month

 A helpful skills chart and gathering list are included every month. The skills chart is a great piece to hang where parents can see. I refer to the gathering list each week before I go to the grocery store. 

Teacher Guide with Built-in Assessment, Extensions, Every Month

 You can find other resources under Member Resources on Mother Goose Time's website. The member code is included in your Teacher Guide each month.There are many other Teacher Tools included each month that makes the learning more interesting and the planning much easier!!

There is still time to order your very own "Growing Gardens" or you can join in the fun in June with Mother Goose Time's The Alphabet House curriculum! Not sure if you want to dive all the way in yet? Check out one of Mother Goose Time's samples!!

I received curriculum from Mother Goose Time for honest and authentic stories resulting from my daily experiences in using the curriculum. I applied to be an official Mother Goose Time blogger and will continue to share my experiences throughout the 2014/15 school year.